Sunday, January 12, 2014

Kristen: DIA Gallery Draw

If you've read my blog, you probably know that I love Michigan. It is my home state, my alma matter, the place to be. Detroit has made the news lately, and I've participated in Civil War reenactments at Fort Wayne. I've yet to discuss the awesomeness that is the Detroit Institute of Art.

History, art...one of the deepest love affairs of all time! In pursuit of my quiet happiness, I've made a resolution to visit once a month for their "Drawing in the Galleries" on Sundays, alone or with friends (today I went solo). I'll also treat myself to the Kresage Court for a few hours, with enough time to eat a designer sandwich and work on my thesis.

The museum itself is absolutely stunning, with every arch or wall holding some sort of timeless treasure. Today I was drawing in the Main Gallery, complete with those stately arches and walls. They move to different exhibits each month, and the museum provides paper, pencils, and a place to sit. I decided on one of the handsome suits of armor as my model. It couldn't be too hard, could it?


Apparently drawing anything remotely resembling a human being is difficult. At one point I looked up to see a child next to me, with his scribbles resembling the armor better. My anxieties from 8th grade art class came rushing back, complete with an audience behind me. I had to keep reminding myself that the purpose of this visit is not to draw the *best,* but to practice observation and appreciate art. With that in mind, I started to doodle in the margins. One day my children will find this in a box and wonder about my mental state...good luck kids!

 On the way out I stopped at the gift shop. These adorable prints were on sale, so I snatched up a few for my classroom. I refrained from buying any books, since I already have enough to qualify me for an episode of Hoarders...

A lovely Sunday. How can I return to work this week?

~Kristen

1 comment:

  1. Love the post - love the DIA - and your sketch isn't nearly as bad as you think.
    But remember one thing: you can NEVER have too many books.

    ReplyDelete

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