My six-year old self: Present!

I don't why I'm going to such great lengths to study acrylic painting when, I realized today, my two favorite media are black ink and crayon.  Crayola crayons, to be exact.

I'm waiting for my class list of supplies to come via FedEx on Tuesday.  But last night, just before class began, I was at an art store picking up a few must-haves so I could get through the two class sessions before the supply delivery.  I also had a 40% off coupon burning right through my wallet.  And I was still a bit bent out of shape that I had celebrated my birthday in the hospital so I was up for choosing a present for myself.

As I was browsing in the book section I came across this volume, Lee Hammond's, Amazing Crayon Drawing.  It was that sense of instant recognition, that all I really wanted to learn how to do is make real "paintings" with crayons.  And her recommended brand: Crayola.  I have thousands - I'm not exaggerating - of crayons.  I remember posting about it once before.  For a while I was actually using them and was totally delighted by the results.  But then I became self-critical, you know, it's just crayon, it's not real art, it's kids' stuff, etc.  So to have a professional artist give me permission to go back in time and enjoy what pleases me most, well, that was just a great gift, birthday or not.

I was having a bit of a pain relapse this afternoon and crawled back into bed with my new treasure.  I was actually reading everything written.  I learned that crayons have to be kept sharp and a two-holed sharpener is best, using the larger hole after you peel down some of the wrap.  I learned which papers to use and that the speckled finish is desirable in crayon.  I learned the difference between layering and burnishing and which to use when.

When I get that next burst of energy I'll be good to go.  About a year ago I gave Juvenile Hall about 200 crayons, but permission was never given to use them and the crayons are somewhere or were tossed.  How I regret that gift!  I mean, with the thousands I still have it's not that I need them, but now I have the zeal to match the usage, now I'm up for using all that I have and more.  I mean, they are so cheap, even the big box, I can always find room in my shopping cart for a new box of Crayola crayons!

Beware!  You know what I'll be posting next.