The challenge I had as a therapist (not to mention as a human being) was to look beyond surface presentations, what I “thought” I knew and see my client’s situation/feelings/thinking not only from their perspective but within a larger framework.
Being a therapist was a gift. It forever helped me understand that perception always informs and colors my experiences, to look for larger patterns and see beyond what appears “obvious”. Most of the time I can see blessings behind every tragedy, and opportunities created with every mistake & mis-step.
Drawing, too, is about perspective. This session the class was so crowded I had to sit closer to the model stand than usual. It forced me to draw what my eye actually saw rather than what I thought I saw. For example, In the first drawing the foot (or my outline of the foot) is as long as his head – simply because his foot was closer to me.
Bet you can tell what was eye-level to me in this next drawing!
This last sketch was a 2 minute quick warm-up which always begins the drawing sessions to help our hands loosen up and draw what our eyes actually see not what our brains think we see.
CURIOUS to the MAX 
What an insightful comment about your career, Judy. I can tell what motivated you for all those years and I sense the same interest in finding the good in all things. I know not every therapist finds this broad view but very lucky for your clients.
And the drawing are terrific – my favorite is of the man holding his foot. I really like the thin and thick lines and the sensitive use of marks to create shade.
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Thanks Shari! I may try to sit closer on PURPOSE to practice fore-shortening. And I do think I’m blessed in that my career path has helped me in so many ways be more objective. P.S. The model is a yoga instructor and can hold a pose on ONE leg for 20 minutes – incredible!
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I can do that too – it’s called sleeping,
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I like your description of what a warm-up does.
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Peggy,
Too bad I don’t take the time to “warm-up” every morning . . . or maybe that’s what coffee does – gets the wrist limber and gives my brain a tap.
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