Welcome to the Grown-Ups Table (AKA The GUT), a place for DrawTogether-minded grown-ups to explore, learn, grow and connect, all through drawing.
The GUT is a super engaged and committed group of people all around the world. So first things first, let’s do some intros and get to know each other.
If you’re so inclined, please introduce yourself. Include your geographic location and maybe a sentence or two about what you’re looking forward to at the DT Grown-Ups table, sound good?
Feel free to connect with one another in this space as well as in the GUT Chat where we share our artwork. And while there are no rules in art, there is a BIG rule in the GUT’s social spaces: BE KIND, for real.
I’m WendyMac :) I go by she/her, live in the SF Bay Area and I’m so thrilled you’re game to hang out and join me in my curiosity, art adventures and drawing jags. Also a heads up, while I might not be able to respond to every comment, I read them all. So take my little heart-like-click as a wave, high five or a hug hello, whatever suits :)
Thank you, Wendy for creating a warm space to convene on these back-lit screens. I'm a long time fan of your work which I came across while living in SF during those optimistic 00s.
My name is Kyle RW (he/him) 🏳️⚧️ and I also owned a Honda Element. 🚙 19 years! Shocked to say out loud I'm about to toast an entire decade in Brooklyn. My happiest moments are sitting down with my daughter and our sketchbooks. It has been a joy to watch/listen to DrawTogether with her.
Really enjoying the community of folks taking risks and sharing their work in the GUT chat. Let's keep it going...
Hello, my name is Paul Backewich (I'm 66) and I am an architect from Toronto. I am a strong supporter and advocate for hand drawing in architecture and the advantages it brings over computer generated images. I am excited to learn what brings everyone together here and what we can all share with each other.
I'm Katy Dore (she/her). I once turned down an opportunity to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth and went camping with some friends instead. No regrets. (Way better stories and no protocol lessons.) I'm a screenwriter, flyfisher, a bit of a hermit and an appreciator of nature. I love creating in many forms (building, drawing, painting, crafting, etc.) I'm excited to be inspired and inspire.
Hi Wendy, I’m a fan from your posters and newspaper pieces, and the yay you responded to the pandemic by creating DT inspires me with happy tears to no end. You are a force for Good in the world, and yes, the community aspect is the reason I’m here:) I’m here for your company, and the cool kids (ahem Grown Ups) you attract.
I’m Adam Ming from Malaysia and I’ve recently transitioned in to a career as a picture-book illustrator (formerly tech entrepreneur) - I’m off to the best possible start having partnering up with an agent from London. I’ve finished a couple of books (which are not out yet, and five more lined up all by fancy international publishers)
As you’ve pointed out, it’s a dream come true! :)
I’m looking forward to meeting the people at the table, and just have a place to hang after work :)
Howdy! I'm MK, a cartoonist, nurse, and big fan of WendyMac. I work at the intersection of comics and medicine/health, a field called Graphic Medicine. www.comicnurse.com
I'm 71 and have used photography and writing to earn my keep. Health issues have benched me from working even though I still write a little garden column for our local paper. I've always loved drawing and occasionally experimented with watercolors. I even have fun drawing/painting on my phone with a stylus - but love paper and pencil/pen best. DT with Wendy reignited a life long desire to draw daily and keep a visual diary, not just a photo archive. The practice has become very good medicine for me now that I'm physically limited in what I can do! I look forward to being part of this community that Wendy has nurtured and learning new ways to see and capture the "stuff" that matters to me.
Hi! I'm Heather - a creative director, curator, artist, and mom of 2 elementary age girls - really excited about "the intersection of art and science." I'm in Mountain View, CA. I'm looking forward to learning more about how you use art and drawing for social-emotional learning and art therapy. As a multi-generational family we found your sessions to be a highlight during Covid lock-down and learned so much about how to use an art-making practice as a place for joy, light, and coping in hard times. I hope to find more ways to apply those techniques even when we're in "normal times."
I'm Helen. My BA degree was in Art History and French. My day job for 35 years was as an RN in a hospital. The day I retired (10+ years ago) was also the day I began taking art classes again. Much of what I do centers around book arts: the structures, making the paper, letterpress. Drawing is what grounds me. After a dream, I began doing a drawing a day. Occasionally I miss a day. The dream was to do something for 1,000 days, which would take me into 2014. Have drawn a number of things in my home and plants. My neighborhood has some great old houses. Currently am copying images of Henri Riviere from his views of the Eiffel Tower. I really like this group and am glad we're doing intros.
Hi! I'm Mu-Ping and I'm an architect & designer in San Francisco. I am looking to make art and illustration more of a presence in my life but have a hard time with consistency. I am developing my own style/voice and wanting to gain more confidence to keep going. I love the idea of building community with fellow artists, learning from each other, sharing techniques of how to keep showing up for art! I also just like the idea of prompts to give a little structure to my art play. Thanks Wendy for holding this space!
Oh, I'm a blue girl in a red state hiding out in my writing/drawing shed in Idaho's beautiful Treasure Valley. My graphic memoir, "Holy Frigidaire" (the story of a girl growing up gay and Mormon in the 80's), is available at debbrapalmer.com ... aaaaand I publish my literary themed comics in Northwest Review, a kickin' lit mag out of PDX. At my house, we love love love us some WendyMac. And Roz Chast. And Lynda Barry.
One of my passions is cooking, cookbooks. Discovered WendyMac's humanism first from SFAH, then NYT and of course, DrawTogether.
Over the course of each year, my paper calendar becomes a journal/scrapbook. Have been wanting to embellish with drawings. Also regularly send out postcards to family and friends -- also wanting to include drawings on those.
Won't try to figure out what's been holding me back but this seems like the right time to finally draw together. Perhaps WendyMac's encouragement over the past few years has reached "critical mass" for me. Proof: had a bit of wait today and actually sketched and enjoyed it!
Hi. I am Kristin, originally from Portland, OR, but a resident of Novato, CA. I just filled in a questionnaire about what I wanted to be when I grew up, and it was an artist. I have always written, but my doodling fell to the wayside years and years ago. I found out about Wendy through Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and thoroughly love DT. My youngest is an artist, and I really want to encourage that, and DT helps. I love this idea because as a Stay at Home Parent, all my interests kind of drift. I love this idea, and hope it will encourage me to take some me time, reignite my love for drawing, and meet some great, creative people.
Hello! I’m April, currently a software designer … with a studio art and graphic design background. I’m looking to be part of a kind community to inspire me to draw and paint and play and discover more often!
Hi! I’m Trish. I live in Ventura CA with my fam. I’m looking to build my confidence and drawing habit. I don’t have any formal training and tend to shadow artists, but not prioritize my own art making. I would like to make this an outlet for my own fun. When I’m drawing and writing consistently, I feel more grounded in my own life. I also compare less on IG, and am generally more present/calm!
Hi there! My name is Kuki (pronounced Cookie). I am from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I studied art in college and university then I went on to become a kindergarten teacher. I wish I had more time for myself to draw. I’ve used Draw Together in the classroom and it’s fantastic. WendyMac thank you! I hope to rekindle my own practice ❤️
I'm Anne (she/her), and live in San Francisco with my husband and two daughters. My background is in user research and design but I've gotten more into illustration since leaving the corporate world. During the pandemic, I started illustrating cards for caregivers to make the invisible more seen, and I'm dabbling in freelance illustration for empathy-minded organizations. You can see more of my work at www.caringink.com and IG: @caringink.
So excited to be part of this community, connected and creating asyncronously around the world.
Hi I’m Margot (she/her). I’ve been a graphic designer for almost 30 hrs and ironically had a long break from hand skills during that time. Restarted making images in an analog way. It’s a dream of mine to be a (paid) illustrator. I’m excited to put pencil/ink/anything else to paper!
Hello! I’m Alma, I use she/her pronouns and I live in Occupied Duwamish and Coast Salish Territory, also known as Seattle, Washington. I’m a grown up who loves nature journaling, likes to draw, paint and make, and wants to feel
more joy and less fear about creating. That’s why I’m here.
Hi. I'm Melanie on Quadra Island in the Salish Sea. I love making art and providing space and materials for others to make art. Workshops that I have offered in the past centered around the mandala - including breath, movement, poetry and, of course - paint! After 5 years of no studio, we have built one, and I don't know what will evolve now. This looks like fun - and maybe an entry point. Thanks for the offering!
Hi, I'm happy to be here. I appreciate everyone sharing so much about themselves. WendyMac is such a light!! I began following you (can't believe I'm addressing you directly) via Instagram during the pandemic. I love your loving, non-judgmental, playful creative approach to all things art. Your illustrations are so inspiring and I love your style.
I am a former graphic designer (so happy to be a former) who finds pleasure in using my hands to create most anything. Drawing, painting, crafting, sewing and gardening all keep me happy. Staying focused is an issue for me. I purchased your poster about focus and it is hanging in my studio!!
I live in Davis, California and have 3 cats, 2 fish, 1 turtle, a loving husband and a fabulous daughter!
Thank you for making a space for the adults to hang out and create with you!
Ello! I’m Alexander Blue Feather: mindfulness teacher, mentor and artist. Reformed therapist (social worker) and recovering drug addict (7 years). I adore watercolours and just started using a ball point pen to shake it up. As well, I added gouache and liquid acrylic ink washes for background texture. I love cashmere, coffee and Broadway shows. I believe the healing is in the return and it’s essential and wise to begin again, and again.
Howdy, I'm Linebeck! I'm starting to do art full time, but, I want it to stay fun, yknow? I'm hoping to use this as a way to remind myself to take it easy with what I draw, and maybe even draw things that I don't usually do as subjects. Speaking of which, I'm located in Texas, and even though I'm LOATHE to do landscapes, people and animals are my favorites, that's all the more reason to make myself draw them, starting with the area around my home.
Oct 3, 2022·edited Oct 3, 2022Liked by Wendy MacNaughton
Hi I’m Muffy! I started jumping in here when I was forwarded the article “how to have fun” by a friend. I loved responding to that and plan to find some accountability in this group bc I understand how vital it is for me to create and I need it! I teach K-6 art in my own afterschool gig from my studio in New Haven CT. Annually, the month of October is all about working w my community to build giant puppets using tape, recyclables, paper mache and anything else, which culminates in the Giant Puppet and People Making Mayhem Parade on the Sunday before Halloween thru Westville (a neighborhood in New Haven) My hope every year is that more people give it a try and get to some level of joy! On IG, @muffyishername
Hi! I’m Mike and go by he/him. I’m an illustrator living in Vermont. I’m currently finishing a large mural at a local elementary school that I worked with kids to develop the concept for. I’m super excited to be returning to the Ed world (I’ve been away from schools and teaching for the last 14 years) and really psyched to get some tips on teaching art and inspiring a creative worldview. I’m a “self-taught” artist only in the sense I never paid for schooling. However, there has been no shortage of incredibly generous creatives that I’ve gleaned a TON of help from. Thank so much for bringing this community into existence!
Hi! I am Thomas Sage Pedersen from Santa Cruz, California. I have realized I need to step into my role as a visual artist more confidently and have been drawing everyday! Just looking forward to exploring new ideas and just creating! Thank you!
I’m Charlotte (she/her) and I’m a retired elementary SpEd teacher from west central Illinois. I grew up being told my sister was the artist (she really is) and I was the “smart one” (maybe), but I have always enjoyed creating things (needlework, sewing clothes, crocheting, knitting, quilting, etc). I love learning new crafts and art mediums and I suspect I’m addicted to color in all its forms.
When I was 12, I wanted to be an architect, but that didn’t pan out. I still like drawing buildings and live for visits to cities with buildings taller than 3 stories, especially Chicago (the Art Institute and MCA are my happy places).
I’m looking forward to finding inspiration/kick in the pants to develop a regular practice of creating art with watercolor, pen, pencils, crayons, iPad apps, or whatever gets my creative juices flowing again!
I'm LB (36, she/they) I have always loved art, but in the last few years have been taking myself more seriously as an artist. My interests have been taking me towards fiber arts lately, embroidery and garment design, but I also love to draw! I have loved Draw Together since it's inception. Such a great way to get activated creatively, and I recently realized that I could also share it with my twin 7 YO nieces - we have been mailing DT drawings back and forth to each other <3. Excited for the grown-ups table! I definitely was using this for myself first. Thanks, WendyMac for making this wonderful platform!
I am Rebecca from Seattle. I am a retired preschool teacher (give me all the messy preschool art!!) and a grandma of a gaggle of art-loving grandkids. I discovered DT during the pandemic as something fun to do with the grands and often would draw along with them. I loved the social-emotional component of the videos. We hung my granddaughter’s indoor weather chart on the wall and we talk about it when they come over.
My first “art love” is watercolor. Drawing is not my strength and so I am excited about art at the Grown-up table! I loved that you gave us a little drawing assignment. I have been looking for more sketchbook opportunities this past week.
Hello! Sarah from SF here, long time fan, first time commenter.
I'm excited to join this group of adults working on art. I spend most of my days caring for others but have recently been working to develop a strong art practice. Since my technical skills are rather novice I'm trying to just keep showing up to make marks and excited to see where it goes alongside this community!
I'm Christina in the SF Bay Area. I got into drawing in the last 6 months, partly as an alternative to social media and doom-scrolling. I think it might have started after seeing Wendy's NYT challenge to try blind contour drawing, which also led me to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I never thought of myself as someone drawn to the visual arts but I'm at a point in my life where I'm feeling a real pull to express myself creatively - and wanting to slow down and 'notice' the beauty of my 2 small children who are growing too fast.
After working in education policy for years I'm also really interested in the transformative power of quality art education to save a lot of kids who are struggling or anxious right now. I'm excited to keep learning and thankful to have found this supportive community! At the risk of undoing my progress in getting off IG, I just set up a new account to share my progress - @sketchndudle (so corrny, I know!)
Hi, I'm Emily Hunter. I live in the four corners where I spend most of my free time running and hiking. I'm transitioning from work as a pharmacist and diabetes educator to... something. I'm excited to use this time to pursue art like I always ways wanted.
Hi everyone! I live in Bucharest, Romania, I am 49 and this summer I graduated from the University of Art in Bucharest. Old dream that I decided to make it real after exploring many other paths in life, from advertising (as a client service, not a creative) to travel writing and photography. Now that I can officially call myself an artist, I am a bit confused and overwhelmed with plans and ideas for the future. However, I am so happy I finally decided to do what I like and go beyond just being an avid reader of illustrated books for kids :D
Aug 25, 2022·edited Aug 25, 2022Liked by Wendy MacNaughton
Hello! I'm Shub (she/her) and I'm an Illustrator and writer in India, Bangalore. I love visual journalling, illustrating food, and just love how time slows down when we make art! I'm just excited to soak up more of the DT-goodness every week :)
My name is Barbara Lang and I live in upstate NY near Ithaca. I retired a year ago and have always wanted to learn how to draw. I've been a subscriber for several months but something has held me back in participating or even viewing the posts. I keep paying the fee so clearly I want to do this. Though excited by DT Grown-Ups Table , that "something" continues to hold me back; however, writing helps. (I read Elizabeth Gilbert's book on creativity, so I have an inkling of the problem!) thx!
Hello, my name is Yesha. Being a librarian is my 3rd "career" (first two were college admissions and teacher) but my heart has always been in art, so I find ways to incorporate it into my daily life, whether it's through kids create programs at work, or night-time and weekend forays into the sketchbook life. Lately I've been a bit obsessed with watercolors. Anything you want to share about watercolors, I will devour!
Aug 21, 2022·edited Aug 21, 2022Liked by Wendy MacNaughton
Hello! I am Cathy (she/her) from Kansas City. I'm 62. Like many of you, I rediscovered painting during the pandemic. I am retiring this year, and plan to develop my art practice. I became a fan of Wendy Mac through her illustrations on www.themarginalian.org, and in Salt Fat Acid Heat. I'm VERY happy to have a place at the Grown-Up Table! My husband and I are leaving next week for 2 weeks in the U.K. I will take my watercolors & sketchbook.
Hi I'm Viv and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I'm looking forward to drawing more and meeting other people who are also looking to draw more hehe. I'm inspired by my two daughters who draw all the time without judging what they draw! xx
I'm Lea (she/her) and 40yrs. I'm a violinist and a mom to two kiddos. (1 entering 3rd grade and 2 is newborn). I love to paint/draw but don't often find or make time for it.
Hi! I’m Stephanie and I’m an administrative judge. I live in the SF Bay Area. I’m hoping to feel more confident/less intimidated by drawing, and to exercise my creativity muscles. I started playing with watercolor about a year ago, deciding impulsively in the art store that I could buy this palette and no one could stop me! So I want to see what happens if I give my myself permission to draw without having a lot of expectation or self-criticism. I’m also excited to become part of a community that’s going through it together from lots of different perspectives.
Hi! I'm Heather, I go by she/her, and live in the Portland, OR area. I "met" Wendy in the first week of Draw Together that you did and have been here while it has evolved. I started drawing with my daughter during Draw Together and then my mom joined us via Facetime too. I've always loved drawing and water colors, but always felt I wasn't any good at them. Drawing you with you, Wendy, has let me discover the pleasure of the activity rather than worrying about the outcome. By day, I am a homeschooling mama to a wonderful little girl and a Waldorf handwork teacher who works with homeschool kiddos.
Hi, I'm Marissa (she/her) from Oakland, CA. I work as a UX designer, am mom to a 12 yr old son and enjoy all things design (graphic, fashion, interiors, etc...). I started doing DT on day one with my kid, and reaped the benefits of flexing those creative muscles -- but had fallen off the wagon and want to get back on! I recently discovered some doodles I had made in a 7th grade notebook and the joyous feeling I get from seeing them is something I want to experience again.
Hi, I'm Janice (43) and I live in San Francisco, but I'm in Taipei right now, hanging out with my dad. I have a studio space but I've been finding more and more that I drag my feet going in (and of course feel so guilty about wasting something I'm so lucky to have), and I suspect that it's because I feel so much pressure to make "something worth making" every time I go in. Anyone else have that feeling? Anyway, hoping to get back to that old feeling of joy and ease when I draw, before I decided to make drawing my job!
Hi, I'm Debi Knight. I go by she/her, I'm 70 and work part time. I've been a graphic designer for 50+years along with some illustration and art work, mostly in the publishing industry, magazines and newspapers. I also do photography. I live on the western slope of Colorado at 7700 ft on the Uncompaghre Plateau with a view of the San Juan Mountains. I live on Native American land once belonging to the Ute tribe. Been a WendyMac fan for many years; love the looseness of your drawings Wendy and admire your success. Now I'm ready to get back to drawing and painting and putting my art school education to some different use. Looking forward to the community of artists here, for inspiration and subtle accountability. I know if others are creating that I can create with, I'm more likely to sit down with my pens and paper and have at it. Also excited to support art classes in schools. Without my high school art teacher, who knows what dark alley I would have ended up in. Her faith in me spurred me on to make a good life for myself in art and design.
I’m Kimberly Mitchell and go by she/her. I live in Long Beach, California. I’m a school counselor, a PhD student, and a single mother of two. I am looking to use GUT for my own self-care to process everything from day to day stuff to trauma to joy and all the in-between. My tween daughter also loves drawing, so I want to use this as a way to connect with her.
Hi, I'm Kris, I'm in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and after having attempted and failed six times to engage in a natural history illustration course I realised drawing was not a gift I possessed nor a skill I could gain with my limited time. However peer pressure is a valuable thing and a friend sent me along here. I'm looking forward to confirming my belief that I cannot draw and being the baseline for which my friends can feel they're increasing in skills (but I'm also going to put time in to give it a good hot go).
Hi! I’m Maria Giudice and I’m a huge fan girl of Wendy Mac. I spent my career as a working designer and design leader but most recently I have returned to my roots as an artist and calligrapher! It feels awesome to reconnect myself to drawing and painting again!
Introduce Yourself!
I’m WendyMac :) I go by she/her, live in the SF Bay Area and I’m so thrilled you’re game to hang out and join me in my curiosity, art adventures and drawing jags. Also a heads up, while I might not be able to respond to every comment, I read them all. So take my little heart-like-click as a wave, high five or a hug hello, whatever suits :)
👋 Thrilled to be here.
Thank you, Wendy for creating a warm space to convene on these back-lit screens. I'm a long time fan of your work which I came across while living in SF during those optimistic 00s.
My name is Kyle RW (he/him) 🏳️⚧️ and I also owned a Honda Element. 🚙 19 years! Shocked to say out loud I'm about to toast an entire decade in Brooklyn. My happiest moments are sitting down with my daughter and our sketchbooks. It has been a joy to watch/listen to DrawTogether with her.
Really enjoying the community of folks taking risks and sharing their work in the GUT chat. Let's keep it going...
Hello, my name is Paul Backewich (I'm 66) and I am an architect from Toronto. I am a strong supporter and advocate for hand drawing in architecture and the advantages it brings over computer generated images. I am excited to learn what brings everyone together here and what we can all share with each other.
I'm Katy Dore (she/her). I once turned down an opportunity to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth and went camping with some friends instead. No regrets. (Way better stories and no protocol lessons.) I'm a screenwriter, flyfisher, a bit of a hermit and an appreciator of nature. I love creating in many forms (building, drawing, painting, crafting, etc.) I'm excited to be inspired and inspire.
Hi Wendy, I’m a fan from your posters and newspaper pieces, and the yay you responded to the pandemic by creating DT inspires me with happy tears to no end. You are a force for Good in the world, and yes, the community aspect is the reason I’m here:) I’m here for your company, and the cool kids (ahem Grown Ups) you attract.
I’m Adam Ming from Malaysia and I’ve recently transitioned in to a career as a picture-book illustrator (formerly tech entrepreneur) - I’m off to the best possible start having partnering up with an agent from London. I’ve finished a couple of books (which are not out yet, and five more lined up all by fancy international publishers)
As you’ve pointed out, it’s a dream come true! :)
I’m looking forward to meeting the people at the table, and just have a place to hang after work :)
Howdy! I'm MK, a cartoonist, nurse, and big fan of WendyMac. I work at the intersection of comics and medicine/health, a field called Graphic Medicine. www.comicnurse.com
Hi, I'm vicki
I'm 71 and have used photography and writing to earn my keep. Health issues have benched me from working even though I still write a little garden column for our local paper. I've always loved drawing and occasionally experimented with watercolors. I even have fun drawing/painting on my phone with a stylus - but love paper and pencil/pen best. DT with Wendy reignited a life long desire to draw daily and keep a visual diary, not just a photo archive. The practice has become very good medicine for me now that I'm physically limited in what I can do! I look forward to being part of this community that Wendy has nurtured and learning new ways to see and capture the "stuff" that matters to me.
Hi all, I'm Ana (48) I'm a graphic designer turned writer turned yoga teacher turned mom.
I'm in Germany but in 6 weeks I'm moving back to my country of origin, Panamá.
I put a little sketch book on my bag this morning, yei!!
Hi! I'm Heather - a creative director, curator, artist, and mom of 2 elementary age girls - really excited about "the intersection of art and science." I'm in Mountain View, CA. I'm looking forward to learning more about how you use art and drawing for social-emotional learning and art therapy. As a multi-generational family we found your sessions to be a highlight during Covid lock-down and learned so much about how to use an art-making practice as a place for joy, light, and coping in hard times. I hope to find more ways to apply those techniques even when we're in "normal times."
I'm Helen. My BA degree was in Art History and French. My day job for 35 years was as an RN in a hospital. The day I retired (10+ years ago) was also the day I began taking art classes again. Much of what I do centers around book arts: the structures, making the paper, letterpress. Drawing is what grounds me. After a dream, I began doing a drawing a day. Occasionally I miss a day. The dream was to do something for 1,000 days, which would take me into 2014. Have drawn a number of things in my home and plants. My neighborhood has some great old houses. Currently am copying images of Henri Riviere from his views of the Eiffel Tower. I really like this group and am glad we're doing intros.
Hi! I'm Mu-Ping and I'm an architect & designer in San Francisco. I am looking to make art and illustration more of a presence in my life but have a hard time with consistency. I am developing my own style/voice and wanting to gain more confidence to keep going. I love the idea of building community with fellow artists, learning from each other, sharing techniques of how to keep showing up for art! I also just like the idea of prompts to give a little structure to my art play. Thanks Wendy for holding this space!
Oh, I'm a blue girl in a red state hiding out in my writing/drawing shed in Idaho's beautiful Treasure Valley. My graphic memoir, "Holy Frigidaire" (the story of a girl growing up gay and Mormon in the 80's), is available at debbrapalmer.com ... aaaaand I publish my literary themed comics in Northwest Review, a kickin' lit mag out of PDX. At my house, we love love love us some WendyMac. And Roz Chast. And Lynda Barry.
Hello!
One of my passions is cooking, cookbooks. Discovered WendyMac's humanism first from SFAH, then NYT and of course, DrawTogether.
Over the course of each year, my paper calendar becomes a journal/scrapbook. Have been wanting to embellish with drawings. Also regularly send out postcards to family and friends -- also wanting to include drawings on those.
Won't try to figure out what's been holding me back but this seems like the right time to finally draw together. Perhaps WendyMac's encouragement over the past few years has reached "critical mass" for me. Proof: had a bit of wait today and actually sketched and enjoyed it!
Thank you,
Clarissa in Orange County, CA
Hi. I am Kristin, originally from Portland, OR, but a resident of Novato, CA. I just filled in a questionnaire about what I wanted to be when I grew up, and it was an artist. I have always written, but my doodling fell to the wayside years and years ago. I found out about Wendy through Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and thoroughly love DT. My youngest is an artist, and I really want to encourage that, and DT helps. I love this idea because as a Stay at Home Parent, all my interests kind of drift. I love this idea, and hope it will encourage me to take some me time, reignite my love for drawing, and meet some great, creative people.
Hello! I’m April, currently a software designer … with a studio art and graphic design background. I’m looking to be part of a kind community to inspire me to draw and paint and play and discover more often!
Hi! I’m Trish. I live in Ventura CA with my fam. I’m looking to build my confidence and drawing habit. I don’t have any formal training and tend to shadow artists, but not prioritize my own art making. I would like to make this an outlet for my own fun. When I’m drawing and writing consistently, I feel more grounded in my own life. I also compare less on IG, and am generally more present/calm!
Hi there! My name is Kuki (pronounced Cookie). I am from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I studied art in college and university then I went on to become a kindergarten teacher. I wish I had more time for myself to draw. I’ve used Draw Together in the classroom and it’s fantastic. WendyMac thank you! I hope to rekindle my own practice ❤️
Hi, all!
I'm Anne (she/her), and live in San Francisco with my husband and two daughters. My background is in user research and design but I've gotten more into illustration since leaving the corporate world. During the pandemic, I started illustrating cards for caregivers to make the invisible more seen, and I'm dabbling in freelance illustration for empathy-minded organizations. You can see more of my work at www.caringink.com and IG: @caringink.
So excited to be part of this community, connected and creating asyncronously around the world.
Hi I’m Margot (she/her). I’ve been a graphic designer for almost 30 hrs and ironically had a long break from hand skills during that time. Restarted making images in an analog way. It’s a dream of mine to be a (paid) illustrator. I’m excited to put pencil/ink/anything else to paper!
hi, I’m Terri MacMillan, writer, songwriter, artist-all aspirational. I want to learn more about drawing and encourage others to do the same.
Hello! I’m Alma, I use she/her pronouns and I live in Occupied Duwamish and Coast Salish Territory, also known as Seattle, Washington. I’m a grown up who loves nature journaling, likes to draw, paint and make, and wants to feel
more joy and less fear about creating. That’s why I’m here.
Hi. I'm Melanie on Quadra Island in the Salish Sea. I love making art and providing space and materials for others to make art. Workshops that I have offered in the past centered around the mandala - including breath, movement, poetry and, of course - paint! After 5 years of no studio, we have built one, and I don't know what will evolve now. This looks like fun - and maybe an entry point. Thanks for the offering!
Hi, I'm happy to be here. I appreciate everyone sharing so much about themselves. WendyMac is such a light!! I began following you (can't believe I'm addressing you directly) via Instagram during the pandemic. I love your loving, non-judgmental, playful creative approach to all things art. Your illustrations are so inspiring and I love your style.
I am a former graphic designer (so happy to be a former) who finds pleasure in using my hands to create most anything. Drawing, painting, crafting, sewing and gardening all keep me happy. Staying focused is an issue for me. I purchased your poster about focus and it is hanging in my studio!!
I live in Davis, California and have 3 cats, 2 fish, 1 turtle, a loving husband and a fabulous daughter!
Thank you for making a space for the adults to hang out and create with you!
Ello! I’m Alexander Blue Feather: mindfulness teacher, mentor and artist. Reformed therapist (social worker) and recovering drug addict (7 years). I adore watercolours and just started using a ball point pen to shake it up. As well, I added gouache and liquid acrylic ink washes for background texture. I love cashmere, coffee and Broadway shows. I believe the healing is in the return and it’s essential and wise to begin again, and again.
Howdy, I'm Linebeck! I'm starting to do art full time, but, I want it to stay fun, yknow? I'm hoping to use this as a way to remind myself to take it easy with what I draw, and maybe even draw things that I don't usually do as subjects. Speaking of which, I'm located in Texas, and even though I'm LOATHE to do landscapes, people and animals are my favorites, that's all the more reason to make myself draw them, starting with the area around my home.
Hi I’m Muffy! I started jumping in here when I was forwarded the article “how to have fun” by a friend. I loved responding to that and plan to find some accountability in this group bc I understand how vital it is for me to create and I need it! I teach K-6 art in my own afterschool gig from my studio in New Haven CT. Annually, the month of October is all about working w my community to build giant puppets using tape, recyclables, paper mache and anything else, which culminates in the Giant Puppet and People Making Mayhem Parade on the Sunday before Halloween thru Westville (a neighborhood in New Haven) My hope every year is that more people give it a try and get to some level of joy! On IG, @muffyishername
Hi! I’m Mike and go by he/him. I’m an illustrator living in Vermont. I’m currently finishing a large mural at a local elementary school that I worked with kids to develop the concept for. I’m super excited to be returning to the Ed world (I’ve been away from schools and teaching for the last 14 years) and really psyched to get some tips on teaching art and inspiring a creative worldview. I’m a “self-taught” artist only in the sense I never paid for schooling. However, there has been no shortage of incredibly generous creatives that I’ve gleaned a TON of help from. Thank so much for bringing this community into existence!
Hi! I am Thomas Sage Pedersen from Santa Cruz, California. I have realized I need to step into my role as a visual artist more confidently and have been drawing everyday! Just looking forward to exploring new ideas and just creating! Thank you!
I’m Charlotte (she/her) and I’m a retired elementary SpEd teacher from west central Illinois. I grew up being told my sister was the artist (she really is) and I was the “smart one” (maybe), but I have always enjoyed creating things (needlework, sewing clothes, crocheting, knitting, quilting, etc). I love learning new crafts and art mediums and I suspect I’m addicted to color in all its forms.
When I was 12, I wanted to be an architect, but that didn’t pan out. I still like drawing buildings and live for visits to cities with buildings taller than 3 stories, especially Chicago (the Art Institute and MCA are my happy places).
I’m looking forward to finding inspiration/kick in the pants to develop a regular practice of creating art with watercolor, pen, pencils, crayons, iPad apps, or whatever gets my creative juices flowing again!
I'm LB (36, she/they) I have always loved art, but in the last few years have been taking myself more seriously as an artist. My interests have been taking me towards fiber arts lately, embroidery and garment design, but I also love to draw! I have loved Draw Together since it's inception. Such a great way to get activated creatively, and I recently realized that I could also share it with my twin 7 YO nieces - we have been mailing DT drawings back and forth to each other <3. Excited for the grown-ups table! I definitely was using this for myself first. Thanks, WendyMac for making this wonderful platform!
I am Rebecca from Seattle. I am a retired preschool teacher (give me all the messy preschool art!!) and a grandma of a gaggle of art-loving grandkids. I discovered DT during the pandemic as something fun to do with the grands and often would draw along with them. I loved the social-emotional component of the videos. We hung my granddaughter’s indoor weather chart on the wall and we talk about it when they come over.
My first “art love” is watercolor. Drawing is not my strength and so I am excited about art at the Grown-up table! I loved that you gave us a little drawing assignment. I have been looking for more sketchbook opportunities this past week.
Hello! Sarah from SF here, long time fan, first time commenter.
I'm excited to join this group of adults working on art. I spend most of my days caring for others but have recently been working to develop a strong art practice. Since my technical skills are rather novice I'm trying to just keep showing up to make marks and excited to see where it goes alongside this community!
I'm Christina in the SF Bay Area. I got into drawing in the last 6 months, partly as an alternative to social media and doom-scrolling. I think it might have started after seeing Wendy's NYT challenge to try blind contour drawing, which also led me to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I never thought of myself as someone drawn to the visual arts but I'm at a point in my life where I'm feeling a real pull to express myself creatively - and wanting to slow down and 'notice' the beauty of my 2 small children who are growing too fast.
After working in education policy for years I'm also really interested in the transformative power of quality art education to save a lot of kids who are struggling or anxious right now. I'm excited to keep learning and thankful to have found this supportive community! At the risk of undoing my progress in getting off IG, I just set up a new account to share my progress - @sketchndudle (so corrny, I know!)
Hi, I'm Emily Hunter. I live in the four corners where I spend most of my free time running and hiking. I'm transitioning from work as a pharmacist and diabetes educator to... something. I'm excited to use this time to pursue art like I always ways wanted.
Hi everyone! I live in Bucharest, Romania, I am 49 and this summer I graduated from the University of Art in Bucharest. Old dream that I decided to make it real after exploring many other paths in life, from advertising (as a client service, not a creative) to travel writing and photography. Now that I can officially call myself an artist, I am a bit confused and overwhelmed with plans and ideas for the future. However, I am so happy I finally decided to do what I like and go beyond just being an avid reader of illustrated books for kids :D
Hello! I'm Shub (she/her) and I'm an Illustrator and writer in India, Bangalore. I love visual journalling, illustrating food, and just love how time slows down when we make art! I'm just excited to soak up more of the DT-goodness every week :)
My name is Barbara Lang and I live in upstate NY near Ithaca. I retired a year ago and have always wanted to learn how to draw. I've been a subscriber for several months but something has held me back in participating or even viewing the posts. I keep paying the fee so clearly I want to do this. Though excited by DT Grown-Ups Table , that "something" continues to hold me back; however, writing helps. (I read Elizabeth Gilbert's book on creativity, so I have an inkling of the problem!) thx!
Hello, my name is Yesha. Being a librarian is my 3rd "career" (first two were college admissions and teacher) but my heart has always been in art, so I find ways to incorporate it into my daily life, whether it's through kids create programs at work, or night-time and weekend forays into the sketchbook life. Lately I've been a bit obsessed with watercolors. Anything you want to share about watercolors, I will devour!
Hello! I am Cathy (she/her) from Kansas City. I'm 62. Like many of you, I rediscovered painting during the pandemic. I am retiring this year, and plan to develop my art practice. I became a fan of Wendy Mac through her illustrations on www.themarginalian.org, and in Salt Fat Acid Heat. I'm VERY happy to have a place at the Grown-Up Table! My husband and I are leaving next week for 2 weeks in the U.K. I will take my watercolors & sketchbook.
Hi I'm Viv and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I'm looking forward to drawing more and meeting other people who are also looking to draw more hehe. I'm inspired by my two daughters who draw all the time without judging what they draw! xx
I'm Lea (she/her) and 40yrs. I'm a violinist and a mom to two kiddos. (1 entering 3rd grade and 2 is newborn). I love to paint/draw but don't often find or make time for it.
Hi! I’m Stephanie and I’m an administrative judge. I live in the SF Bay Area. I’m hoping to feel more confident/less intimidated by drawing, and to exercise my creativity muscles. I started playing with watercolor about a year ago, deciding impulsively in the art store that I could buy this palette and no one could stop me! So I want to see what happens if I give my myself permission to draw without having a lot of expectation or self-criticism. I’m also excited to become part of a community that’s going through it together from lots of different perspectives.
Hi! I'm Heather, I go by she/her, and live in the Portland, OR area. I "met" Wendy in the first week of Draw Together that you did and have been here while it has evolved. I started drawing with my daughter during Draw Together and then my mom joined us via Facetime too. I've always loved drawing and water colors, but always felt I wasn't any good at them. Drawing you with you, Wendy, has let me discover the pleasure of the activity rather than worrying about the outcome. By day, I am a homeschooling mama to a wonderful little girl and a Waldorf handwork teacher who works with homeschool kiddos.
Hi, I'm Marissa (she/her) from Oakland, CA. I work as a UX designer, am mom to a 12 yr old son and enjoy all things design (graphic, fashion, interiors, etc...). I started doing DT on day one with my kid, and reaped the benefits of flexing those creative muscles -- but had fallen off the wagon and want to get back on! I recently discovered some doodles I had made in a 7th grade notebook and the joyous feeling I get from seeing them is something I want to experience again.
Hi, I'm Janice (43) and I live in San Francisco, but I'm in Taipei right now, hanging out with my dad. I have a studio space but I've been finding more and more that I drag my feet going in (and of course feel so guilty about wasting something I'm so lucky to have), and I suspect that it's because I feel so much pressure to make "something worth making" every time I go in. Anyone else have that feeling? Anyway, hoping to get back to that old feeling of joy and ease when I draw, before I decided to make drawing my job!
Hi, I'm Debi Knight. I go by she/her, I'm 70 and work part time. I've been a graphic designer for 50+years along with some illustration and art work, mostly in the publishing industry, magazines and newspapers. I also do photography. I live on the western slope of Colorado at 7700 ft on the Uncompaghre Plateau with a view of the San Juan Mountains. I live on Native American land once belonging to the Ute tribe. Been a WendyMac fan for many years; love the looseness of your drawings Wendy and admire your success. Now I'm ready to get back to drawing and painting and putting my art school education to some different use. Looking forward to the community of artists here, for inspiration and subtle accountability. I know if others are creating that I can create with, I'm more likely to sit down with my pens and paper and have at it. Also excited to support art classes in schools. Without my high school art teacher, who knows what dark alley I would have ended up in. Her faith in me spurred me on to make a good life for myself in art and design.
I’m Kimberly Mitchell and go by she/her. I live in Long Beach, California. I’m a school counselor, a PhD student, and a single mother of two. I am looking to use GUT for my own self-care to process everything from day to day stuff to trauma to joy and all the in-between. My tween daughter also loves drawing, so I want to use this as a way to connect with her.
I’m from the Los Angeles area. I want to tap into my creativity. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve used it.
Hi, I'm Kris, I'm in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and after having attempted and failed six times to engage in a natural history illustration course I realised drawing was not a gift I possessed nor a skill I could gain with my limited time. However peer pressure is a valuable thing and a friend sent me along here. I'm looking forward to confirming my belief that I cannot draw and being the baseline for which my friends can feel they're increasing in skills (but I'm also going to put time in to give it a good hot go).
Hi! I’m Maria Giudice and I’m a huge fan girl of Wendy Mac. I spent my career as a working designer and design leader but most recently I have returned to my roots as an artist and calligrapher! It feels awesome to reconnect myself to drawing and painting again!