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 :)
Hi Wendy! I’m Sherri (she/her). I joined GUTs for the 30-day drawing challenge and had been quietly working along and lurking (not posting but enjoying seeing what others were doing). Then you shared your TED talk and it BROKE me open. I’ve watched your talk 3 times now and every time it brings me to tears. Something deep inside has cracked and a little more light is getting in. Thanks.
I love your point to Richard Cohen’s poem ‘Anthem’, Sherri. With his powerful eloquence he captures the universal truth that we’re all broken. Your words speak of your beauty and ‘cracks’, the soul-fissures. We all got ‘em. Those tiny opening are your superpower! Your light illuminates my morning. Thank you!
I’m Cate & live in SF Bay Area - Petaluma. Can’t recall how I heard about this - but it looked interesting so I jumped. I took my first art class post retirement. Did a self imposed 30 days of self portraits. Sometimes I surprised myself. Mostly I’m a tapestry weaver, reader, sometimes writer and dabble in art and all things textile. I Adore walking in the forest and world travel. Did my first solo camping trip at 75 and did art in free time. Love this course and Wendy and amazing people here!
Hi, pals. I’m Femily. I live in San Francisco and work in Silicon Valley; I mostly draw for fun and about feminism / identity / social change topics. I am not even self-taught; I just draw, unlearned. So I appreciate these “art school exercises”. And the daily rhythm. And seeing so many drawing styles. Mmmmm ☀️🏳️🌈🧠🏆💋♥️🤓💥
Hi Wendy, I'm Lisa, live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, very sweet of my friend Stephanie to gift me a one-month draw-along with you. I have been a watercolor artist 2 years now, taking lessons constantly, painting nearly every day, and I have a website. Not sure where I will land in art, but I'm in LUV with the transparency of watercolors. I also play with mixed media for bookmarks, and am learning Photoshop to make cards and surface design art. I've been able to draw since 3rd grade and had a career in high tech using my LEFT brain. I also write poetry; my first book of poetry has just been published and my memoir is in final edit. Big year!
Hi Wendy! I'm MaryAnn, and I live in Southern NM. I retired from the Navy 18 years ago and have leaned into fun stuff since: pottery, watercolors, block print, drawing, biking, hiking, gardening, ukulele, laughing! I read about your substack and thought it would be a good time. Thanks for what you do!
Yes! We do know each other. Probably through Twitter. I have moved to BlueSky as MaryAnnNM. While Gabe disappoints me, he's better than the alternatives.
Am doing art to sooth my brain during these times.
Hello Wendy and everyone! Ellis (he/him) first time here, joining belatedly at my art pal Emily's suggestion. Catching up on early tasks now... Looks like fun and supportive space you're holding!
Hi Wendy, I am Carolynne Melnyk from Alberta, Canada. Your substack found me, and my curiosity and deep desire to bring more creativity into my world nudged me to join the group. I have dabbled in various creative outlets: swinging my clothes, weaving, watercolours, sketching and creative doodling. I'm ready to see how this comes together in the next 27 days.
I’m Animesh from the Los Angeles area. I drew a lot in adolescence but stopped as an adult. I did the 30 day challenge (over 50 days) and remembered how satisfying and calming drawing is. Very glad 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.
Hi Paul! I majored in architecture in art school in the early 90’s and we were only allowed to present hand drawings even though there was a shiny CAD lab in the basement. I still believe there’s special problem solving that happens as you work through drafting by hand. Hope I get to see your drawings!
Hi Paul - fellow architect here on the west coast (Vancouver). I am unfortunately very entrenched in digital representation for our work in every stage and am trying actively to add more hand sketching and physical model building into my work lately. I managed to stay off Revit for 3 days last week!! So, I call that progress.
Hi Stella - I have been able ot avoid the Revit monster (although I HAVE had to review and monitor work by interns as they struggle with it) but I feel your pain! Fortunately I have proven my competence by doing a lot of hand drawings so I feel fortunate, so far. Good luck with things! Are you a sole practitioner or employed at a firm? I currently am based in Toronto and work for a firm in Winnipeg (I have my own biz in Toronto, "on the side"!!
I used to work in a big firm, but after having a child, I paused and opened a co-working space "on the side" which COVID killed. I now work in a small unknown firm with some good friends who started the practice. A whole world of difference between corporate and small! Nice to meet you.
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 MK! You are an inspiration to me! I'm a nurse as well and I'm about to start a certificate program in Narrative Medicine at Columbia. I'm particularly interested in graphic medicine. Thanks for doing what you do!
MK - I’ve been looking for you! You were speaking / drawing comics at a conference in MN that the healthcare nonprofit I worked for hosted - years ago - I think it was you? It had a huge impact on me. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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 :)
Adam! So great to connect here. Happy tears for us both. Congrats on the huge picture-book success - simply completing a single book is a HUGE accomplishment. Hope you are pausing to celebrate and restore - maybe we can come up with some "what to do when you've completed a big thing" prompt together. <3
Thank you for the congratulations Wendy! I renew constantly, I think every single day is important, it’s really little things that add up to make the big things so I celebrate the little things. But yes I do also take week long breaks sometimes even mid-project. I’m taking one in September, my wife has lined up some nature themed things we can do with our 1 year old in and around the city. It will be awesome if we could come up with a prompt together <3
Oh I know I know…maybe a celebratory piece of new clothing … the prompt it that it needs to be related to the completed project in some way. And you have to get it from a store! - maybe an outlet store or a thrift store, which means you have to go out! Maybe invite a friend along …
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.
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.
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 Helen! So happy to have you here! I love the projects you plan for yourself -super inspiring to myself and others. Maybe part of this will be creating a project for ourselves.... Constraints = creativity!!
Hey fellow community radio person! I'm Jill and I used to be the station manager at KPOV in Bend, Oregon. I visited KHOL once, and used to know the staff, back in the early days.
How cool! Sorry just seeing this message now for some reason...well the reason being is that I am a week behind on the drawing challenge. But am catching up this weekend.
I'm Dona from Salt Lake City. I am 69 years old and I want to branch out and be brave. My husband has had Alzheimer's disease for 10 years and I recently moved him to assisted living. That makes me feel sad. I am ready to explore pathways to not feel sad.
Dona, that’s a tough move to make, to separate from your husband like that. I think the Grown Ups Table - I KNOW - it will give you at least 10 minutes of quiet space.
Dona so happy you’re here. I have a lot of Alz in my family too and I’m so sorry. I hope drawing in a community like the GUT is a helpful space of joy and learning for you. Sending love
Wow, Dona, you are brave, and it seems a very sad time for you with your husband now in care, you alone and rebuilding your life. It takes time and tenacity to regain your strength but you are here, that’s marvellous! I’m super happy for you, this is a great start to your new year! Happy 2024!
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!
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."
Hello from Philadelphia! I've been drawing and writing my whole life. In 5th grade I launched a literary magazine, Serendipity. It was published on a ditto machine (involuntary inhale for all of my age group); the masthead featured a huge smiley face. I've had roughly ninety-eleven careers and am currently in community finance having spent time in the graphic design, fashion, and philanthropy worlds (among many others). I'm an artist-activist with a focus on reducing gun violence. My Portraits of Parkland provided open source activism tools. I'm working on a graphic memoir with my college roommate about her seven-year relationship with a sociopathic liar, working title, "Luckily, He Died." Have I drawn a graphic memoir ever before? Nope! I'm determined to do it anyway. I love to be in creative community and am grateful to be here.
Wow, love that you made your first magazine in the 5th grade on a ditto machine. I've been in publishing my whole life and loved it. Still have a mimeograph machine that was given to me by my boyfriend in the early 70s that we made cards and zines on. Would love to see the graphic memoir when you launch into it. I've been thinking about a graphic sci fi novel I've had the idea for for a few years. Not sure I can do it ... overwhelming ... artist angst.
Hey, fellow Philadelphian! So excited to hear more about your work-- having had some truly terrible exes, that graphic memoir sounds right up my alley 😅
Hi!!! I’m Mariana! (I literally just took such a deep breath before I started typing.) I’m a graphic designer/illustrator who wants to venture out and be not so introverted. I’ve been a big fan of the DT series and I’ve finally decided to put my big girl pants on and join GUT. Hoping to make a few connections here so I’m not just talking to myself (literally and figuratively). So let’s do this!!!
Hi Mariana - Big Girl Pants are super cool, especially the way you can strut around feeling confident and then, if you want, take them off and wear pj's and stay home!! I hope the 30 day gut helped you move in the direction you wanted. I think I saw your name a few times. I wish I had time to look at everyone work all day!
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.
Oh my gosh, could we? Just chiming in here, catching up on comments and loving this idea a lot. I've gifted the SFAH book to several friends and read mine often.
My name is Joseph and Im 42 living in Sydney. Well... Sydney Adjacent. Nearabouts.
This is a little outside of my comfort zone , But I kinda "Yes and"-ed myself into signing up for this to try and get some balance and perspective in my life (when it comes to accountability and daily practice)
In any case...Ihought Id best say hello. Before I back out and dont participate due to "no thanks"ing nyaelf instead.
Hi Joseph. Glad you’re here. I think you sum up pretty well how I felt joining the grown-ups table and probably how 99 percent of everyone else does/did too. You’ll see in the Chat where we share our work that it’s a really supportive environment, no matter your skill level. I myself am partial to those who do stick figures with ball point pen on lined paper.
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.
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!
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.
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 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 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
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!
Oh wow Clarissa - those are two awesome ideas you already have - maybe combine the calendar and the postcards somehow... Hopefully this can be inspiration to dive into making those - can't wait to see how it goes!
Hi everyone! I’m Sravani from India but I moved to Canada just 3 months ago. I love Wendy’s work and I’ve joined GUT for the 30 day art habit that kicks off a great 2024. I’m also looking forward to a great community of folks who speak Art right from doodles to museums. Super pumped to be here and for the next 30 days! Thank you Wendy for doing this. I’m keen to explore what lies inside of me and to see it on paper! Great to be here among other artists.
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 Kuki! I have to tell you that my 18-month old grandson calls cookies Kikus and we can't think of them as anything else now! So cool to see your cookie name here. Kukis, Kikus...they are the best.
This is delightful that your name is Kuki and Ellen’s grandson calls “cookies” kikus because we named our dog Kiku and we tell people new to him “ his name is Kiku, like cookie but backwards!” We chose “Kiku” because it means “chrysanthemum” in Japanese and the chrysanthemum symbolizes happiness, something Kiku definitely brings to our lives!
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 Laurie! I live and work on a sustainable micro dairy farm my husband and I own in south western Vermont and I am a mom of 4, grandma of 5. Before I was any of those things, though, I was an artist, at least in my head. When my now 26 year old youngest child was in first grade and my oldest was a sophomore in college I went back to school as a full time art student. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, juggling all those balls, but I graduated with honors in 2006 and concentrations in printmaking and drawing. Now I finally have the studio of my dreams but still struggle to find enough time to be in it. (Farming does not leave much time for anything else, especially when there’s only the 2 of us doing it.) I also struggle with self doubt and lack of confidence in my artistic abilities…. I even told myself that I wasn’t a good enough artist to join here! But I have followed you, Wendy, for a long time and am often encouraged by your words and always inspired. So here I am!
I used to draw all the time but I’ve mostly abandoned it the past few years in favor of collages/art journals and I want to get back in the habit. My main mental health help is art and I go too many days without making anything.
I’m joining on January 1 because I’m not a fan of New Years Day and this seems like something more based in joy than other “new year new me” junk.
I like that this feels like a community and I’m excited to look around.
Hey, I spent a good decade of my life in Western MA! I miss it sometimes, but I currently live in Philly and don't miss having to have a car. I tried getting around exclusively by bike when I was living in Northampton, but made the mistake of coming back after dark one day from Amherst and almost ran over a skunk on the (very dark, very spooky) bike trail through the woods. Anyway, now I'm in the land of eternal light pollution. It's a trade-off. 😅
I’m Steve brown. I live in a tiny town called Rehoboth, MA. I’m trying to start a drawing habit in my 80th year. I’ve been doing some drawing over the years but can’t seem to keep at it daily so I can improve. I wish everyone good luck!
Hi! I am Krystyna, from Sarasota, FL. I've drawn and painted (just for the fun of the process) sporadically since I was small. I love playing with colors and observing colors in nature. Excited to play in this group!
Hi! I am Robyn and I am an ocean swimmer and colour lover from Tasmania. I want to learn more about being creative and develop a regular practice to support this side of my life. This space is my self care and expression in my work as a palliative care physician (hi Syzygy - I resonated with your words!)
Hi Robyn. Your words really resonated with me. I work in a children's hospital and having some space for image (and mess) making provides such a valuable balance to the sometimes heaviness of the job.
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!
I signed up a while ago, but got busy and this is the first time I have accessed. I am 71 and a retired teacher of the visually impaired. I got into drawing during the pandemic with John Muir Laws and his nature journaling group. I have always loved Wendy's art--in fact Lost Cat is probably one of my favorite books. One of my New Year's resolutions is to more regularly participate in Draw Together!
I’m jo, a light in my life gifted me a DT year, how lucky am I?!? I started a new job that had me in zoom meetings MANY hours a day. Two years and six sketch pads later, I have drawn every meeting I’ve attended. Now I dumped the job to do more of the art and the art of being together with people, and hopefully making things with people too. I’m excited to have another outlet with all of you!
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 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.
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 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!
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 Janice, I know the feeling! I haven’t done any serious painting in a year, just travel sketching, and I feel guilty too! I have a nice studio but it’s kind of cluttered now and not conducive to creating. Hoping this daily sketch habit will get my mojo back!
I totally get that feeling. Want everything to look great. But over time you accept that you love some more than others. The not favs often lead to the favs!
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.
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!
:: adjusts chair, sits up straight, pulls up closer to the table ::
I’m happy to be here, and it’s an honour to be amongst so many of great character, skill and integrity. I bring in the idea that at table there is a banquet and all are invited.. and to highlight in this moment in the world where women, girls and LGBTQIA+ are continually targeted, marginalized and excluded, I think of Judy Chicago’s landmark work, The Dinner Party, and bring in the power of it to be here with us. https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/dinner_party/
:: leans back a bit, looks around to see what others are doing, waiting for the right moment to continue ::
My art medium today is textiles, mostly knitting and crochet with all sorts of lovely yarn, and occasionally machine and hand sewing reclaimed fabrics. I’ve been working really hard to reclaim many of so many functions and skills lost in late 2016 due to a serious concussion (tbi) from which I am still recovering but really so much better.. and the only arts craft which I’d had good proficiency before but still flummoxed with is embroidery, sadly.
Otherwise, my prowess with knitting and crochet and sewing are superb to the point I’m confident I could teach them, and have bypassed my previous pre-concussion proficiencies. Yay! I’m so happy.
:: thinks about it, and decides to go for the plug.. ::
Most of my writing on Substack has been around my recovery, and stuff, well, not all of it, bits here and there, but it was the impetus of it.. and it started on a blog which has been moved to Substack (but I’m still moving more over, still 20 or more stories and essays to go)..but a lot is on my Substack already..
:: thinks for moment, then remembers the original track ::
Drawing. I’ve played around with charcoal, various pencils (and erasers), and some pretty cool ink pen drawing but haven’t done much recently, or ever developed any practice at all. I’d love to get back into it, that and generally writing by hand, freehand which I don’t do at all. Like many of people these days, I nearly always type much of anything that I put down on a page. I’d love to get back to handwriting, and drawing with all the fancy pens and pencils I have, and also play with the lovely coloured pencils, pastels and oily crayons and my watercolour paints too.
:: thinks this is too long, need to wrap it up! ::
Morning pages have long been a part of my writing life, and have seriously helped me sort myself out, and I’ve seriously reclaimed my writing skills.. therefore, it makes sense that drawing first thing in the morning, especially ending on a high note, will be just fabulous.
Thank you Wendy, and thank you all for reading if you got this far down my little essay, here.
I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to get started!
Love. ❤️
I’ve done quite a bit with watercolour but I’m out of practice.
I am a landscape designer and artist piddler on the side. Hoping to create more art. I love hiking plants dogs art live music painting collage writing children’s books trees and rocks!
I’m Cheryl and my entire like has pretty much centered around art; making, teaching and appreciating it. I am so fortunate to live in a part of New York known as the Hudson River Valley- think Hudson River School. But I grew up and spent my early adult life in NYC and in Boston. I teach art in an international day and boarding school in Westchester County and I love my job as much as I love my artistic practice. Sometimes they do compete, however.
In the first few weeks of the pandemic, I found DT and loved it. Teaching remotely, I encouraged my high school students to tune in! I’m hoping that being part of GUT will provide me the structure to take time for my work. I’m also very excited to see and hear about what other people make.
Hello, I'm Elli (she/her). I studied studio art and art history in college. Career, family and life took over for many years (familiar story, right?), but I'm realizing I'm happiest when I make time for art. Just recently found this G.U.T. Draw Together site/community, and am so looking forward to the journey! I love love love drawing, and have recently taken up oil painting. Can't wait for the Android app to be fully functional and access/share images!
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!
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
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!
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 :)
Hi Wendy! I’m Sherri (she/her). I joined GUTs for the 30-day drawing challenge and had been quietly working along and lurking (not posting but enjoying seeing what others were doing). Then you shared your TED talk and it BROKE me open. I’ve watched your talk 3 times now and every time it brings me to tears. Something deep inside has cracked and a little more light is getting in. Thanks.
I love your point to Richard Cohen’s poem ‘Anthem’, Sherri. With his powerful eloquence he captures the universal truth that we’re all broken. Your words speak of your beauty and ‘cracks’, the soul-fissures. We all got ‘em. Those tiny opening are your superpower! Your light illuminates my morning. Thank you!
This is so beautiful Sherri! <3
Where can I find this TED talk please? Thanks for sharing yourself!
Hi Dawn. Here’s the link to Wendys talk. https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-art-of-paying-attention-wendy-macnaughton?lesson_collection=train-your-brain
I’m Cate & live in SF Bay Area - Petaluma. Can’t recall how I heard about this - but it looked interesting so I jumped. I took my first art class post retirement. Did a self imposed 30 days of self portraits. Sometimes I surprised myself. Mostly I’m a tapestry weaver, reader, sometimes writer and dabble in art and all things textile. I Adore walking in the forest and world travel. Did my first solo camping trip at 75 and did art in free time. Love this course and Wendy and amazing people here!
Hi Catherine, I'm Judy and I also live in Petaluma. Let's get a coffee and share sketchbooks!
Hi, pals. I’m Femily. I live in San Francisco and work in Silicon Valley; I mostly draw for fun and about feminism / identity / social change topics. I am not even self-taught; I just draw, unlearned. So I appreciate these “art school exercises”. And the daily rhythm. And seeing so many drawing styles. Mmmmm ☀️🏳️🌈🧠🏆💋♥️🤓💥
Hi Wendy, I'm Lisa, live in the Santa Cruz Mountains, very sweet of my friend Stephanie to gift me a one-month draw-along with you. I have been a watercolor artist 2 years now, taking lessons constantly, painting nearly every day, and I have a website. Not sure where I will land in art, but I'm in LUV with the transparency of watercolors. I also play with mixed media for bookmarks, and am learning Photoshop to make cards and surface design art. I've been able to draw since 3rd grade and had a career in high tech using my LEFT brain. I also write poetry; my first book of poetry has just been published and my memoir is in final edit. Big year!
Hi Wendy! I'm MaryAnn, and I live in Southern NM. I retired from the Navy 18 years ago and have leaned into fun stuff since: pottery, watercolors, block print, drawing, biking, hiking, gardening, ukulele, laughing! I read about your substack and thought it would be a good time. Thanks for what you do!
Hi MaryAnn,
Sally here from BlueCD2NM. Don't we know each other through that? Or social media? I'm in Albuquerque.
Yes! We do know each other. Probably through Twitter. I have moved to BlueSky as MaryAnnNM. While Gabe disappoints me, he's better than the alternatives.
Am doing art to sooth my brain during these times.
Hello Wendy and everyone! Ellis (he/him) first time here, joining belatedly at my art pal Emily's suggestion. Catching up on early tasks now... Looks like fun and supportive space you're holding!
Hi Wendy, I am Carolynne Melnyk from Alberta, Canada. Your substack found me, and my curiosity and deep desire to bring more creativity into my world nudged me to join the group. I have dabbled in various creative outlets: swinging my clothes, weaving, watercolours, sketching and creative doodling. I'm ready to see how this comes together in the next 27 days.
I’m Animesh from the Los Angeles area. I drew a lot in adolescence but stopped as an adult. I did the 30 day challenge (over 50 days) and remembered how satisfying and calming drawing is. Very glad to be here.
👋 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.
So happy to meet a drawing architect!! Would love to hear your tips on drawing buildings, esp for folks without any training. welcome!
Thanks- I’m so happy to be here! I have been a fan for a long time. I would be happy to assist people with tips to draw buildings, streetscapes, etc.
The first thing to know is that it’s ok to make a mess!
BEST FIRST LESSON EVER! Thanks Paul!
Hi Paul! I majored in architecture in art school in the early 90’s and we were only allowed to present hand drawings even though there was a shiny CAD lab in the basement. I still believe there’s special problem solving that happens as you work through drafting by hand. Hope I get to see your drawings!
Love to learn this!
Hi Paul - fellow architect here on the west coast (Vancouver). I am unfortunately very entrenched in digital representation for our work in every stage and am trying actively to add more hand sketching and physical model building into my work lately. I managed to stay off Revit for 3 days last week!! So, I call that progress.
Hi Stella - I have been able ot avoid the Revit monster (although I HAVE had to review and monitor work by interns as they struggle with it) but I feel your pain! Fortunately I have proven my competence by doing a lot of hand drawings so I feel fortunate, so far. Good luck with things! Are you a sole practitioner or employed at a firm? I currently am based in Toronto and work for a firm in Winnipeg (I have my own biz in Toronto, "on the side"!!
I used to work in a big firm, but after having a child, I paused and opened a co-working space "on the side" which COVID killed. I now work in a small unknown firm with some good friends who started the practice. A whole world of difference between corporate and small! Nice to meet you.
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
We are defiantly going to do some fun stuff together, MK! So happy you're here.
Hi MK! You are an inspiration to me! I'm a nurse as well and I'm about to start a certificate program in Narrative Medicine at Columbia. I'm particularly interested in graphic medicine. Thanks for doing what you do!
MK - I just finished reading Taking Turns. Thank you for sharing that story and your art. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, beautiful.
Aw, thank you for your kind words!
I'm also interested in comics! Eyeing your book on Menopause - looks cool.
I have that book! It is super!
what is the name of the book?
MK - I’ve been looking for you! You were speaking / drawing comics at a conference in MN that the healthcare nonprofit I worked for hosted - years ago - I think it was you? It had a huge impact on me. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for remembering me! Glad you are here.
What an interesting field! Who knew??!! Such a great idea.
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.
LOL Katy that is a GREAT story. Have you ever drawn it?? I'd LOVE to see that someday. So happy you're here!
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 :)
Adam! So great to connect here. Happy tears for us both. Congrats on the huge picture-book success - simply completing a single book is a HUGE accomplishment. Hope you are pausing to celebrate and restore - maybe we can come up with some "what to do when you've completed a big thing" prompt together. <3
Thank you for the congratulations Wendy! I renew constantly, I think every single day is important, it’s really little things that add up to make the big things so I celebrate the little things. But yes I do also take week long breaks sometimes even mid-project. I’m taking one in September, my wife has lined up some nature themed things we can do with our 1 year old in and around the city. It will be awesome if we could come up with a prompt together <3
Oh I know I know…maybe a celebratory piece of new clothing … the prompt it that it needs to be related to the completed project in some way. And you have to get it from a store! - maybe an outlet store or a thrift store, which means you have to go out! Maybe invite a friend along …
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 Vicki - so happy you're here!
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.
You evoked Lynda Barry. I love her too. 💙
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 Helen! So happy to have you here! I love the projects you plan for yourself -super inspiring to myself and others. Maybe part of this will be creating a project for ourselves.... Constraints = creativity!!
You inspire me! Thank you.
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 Ana Maria, I love connecting through language and maybe you, Amanda and I should sometime connect in German? I am Swiss but I live in Jackson, WY.
Ja, das wäre toll!! Meine muttersprache ist Spanish, aber trotzdem!
Hi Heidi...I also live in Jackson. You can find me most days at KHOL....or somewhere in the Center for the Arts building. Maybe we've met?
Hey fellow community radio person! I'm Jill and I used to be the station manager at KPOV in Bend, Oregon. I visited KHOL once, and used to know the staff, back in the early days.
How cool! Sorry just seeing this message now for some reason...well the reason being is that I am a week behind on the drawing challenge. But am catching up this weekend.
I'm learning German. Have been doing Duolingo for a year. I have a LONG way to go.
Me too but learning Greek
I'm Dona from Salt Lake City. I am 69 years old and I want to branch out and be brave. My husband has had Alzheimer's disease for 10 years and I recently moved him to assisted living. That makes me feel sad. I am ready to explore pathways to not feel sad.
Dona, that’s a tough move to make, to separate from your husband like that. I think the Grown Ups Table - I KNOW - it will give you at least 10 minutes of quiet space.
Dona so happy you’re here. I have a lot of Alz in my family too and I’m so sorry. I hope drawing in a community like the GUT is a helpful space of joy and learning for you. Sending love
Wow, Dona, you are brave, and it seems a very sad time for you with your husband now in care, you alone and rebuilding your life. It takes time and tenacity to regain your strength but you are here, that’s marvellous! I’m super happy for you, this is a great start to your new year! Happy 2024!
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!
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."
Hello from Philadelphia! I've been drawing and writing my whole life. In 5th grade I launched a literary magazine, Serendipity. It was published on a ditto machine (involuntary inhale for all of my age group); the masthead featured a huge smiley face. I've had roughly ninety-eleven careers and am currently in community finance having spent time in the graphic design, fashion, and philanthropy worlds (among many others). I'm an artist-activist with a focus on reducing gun violence. My Portraits of Parkland provided open source activism tools. I'm working on a graphic memoir with my college roommate about her seven-year relationship with a sociopathic liar, working title, "Luckily, He Died." Have I drawn a graphic memoir ever before? Nope! I'm determined to do it anyway. I love to be in creative community and am grateful to be here.
Wow, love that you made your first magazine in the 5th grade on a ditto machine. I've been in publishing my whole life and loved it. Still have a mimeograph machine that was given to me by my boyfriend in the early 70s that we made cards and zines on. Would love to see the graphic memoir when you launch into it. I've been thinking about a graphic sci fi novel I've had the idea for for a few years. Not sure I can do it ... overwhelming ... artist angst.
That graphic memoir sounds like it will be amazing. A work of catharsis hopefully
Hey, fellow Philadelphian! So excited to hear more about your work-- having had some truly terrible exes, that graphic memoir sounds right up my alley 😅
Hi!!! I’m Mariana! (I literally just took such a deep breath before I started typing.) I’m a graphic designer/illustrator who wants to venture out and be not so introverted. I’ve been a big fan of the DT series and I’ve finally decided to put my big girl pants on and join GUT. Hoping to make a few connections here so I’m not just talking to myself (literally and figuratively). So let’s do this!!!
Welcome, Mariana. I think you definitely found the right place for what you want to do.
I’m excited to start! Thanks so much, Kathleen!
Look forward to seeing your growth and grateful to share this space with you!
Same, Artie!! LFG!!
Hi Mariana - I am just joining this group and felt happy to see your comment. Looking forward to seeing your artwork! :)
Hi Mariana - Big Girl Pants are super cool, especially the way you can strut around feeling confident and then, if you want, take them off and wear pj's and stay home!! I hope the 30 day gut helped you move in the direction you wanted. I think I saw your name a few times. I wish I had time to look at everyone work all day!
Hey, Mariana! Another member of the introvert club here!
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.
so happy you're here, Kristin! (and hi, it's me, wendy. maybe we'll do some food drawing a la SFAH at the grown-ups table!)
Oh my gosh, could we? Just chiming in here, catching up on comments and loving this idea a lot. I've gifted the SFAH book to several friends and read mine often.
Hi there :)
My name is Joseph and Im 42 living in Sydney. Well... Sydney Adjacent. Nearabouts.
This is a little outside of my comfort zone , But I kinda "Yes and"-ed myself into signing up for this to try and get some balance and perspective in my life (when it comes to accountability and daily practice)
In any case...Ihought Id best say hello. Before I back out and dont participate due to "no thanks"ing nyaelf instead.
So... hello?
❤️🔥🙂
Hi Joseph. Glad you’re here. I think you sum up pretty well how I felt joining the grown-ups table and probably how 99 percent of everyone else does/did too. You’ll see in the Chat where we share our work that it’s a really supportive environment, no matter your skill level. I myself am partial to those who do stick figures with ball point pen on lined paper.
That describes my approach exactly! I hope you’re still here, Joseph, and enjoying the challenge.
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.
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!
Awesome, April. Look forward to drawing/learning/creating together.
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.
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 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 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
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
Oh wow Clarissa - those are two awesome ideas you already have - maybe combine the calendar and the postcards somehow... Hopefully this can be inspiration to dive into making those - can't wait to see how it goes!
I liked "had a bit of a wait today and actually sketched and enjoyed it!"
Hi everyone! I’m Sravani from India but I moved to Canada just 3 months ago. I love Wendy’s work and I’ve joined GUT for the 30 day art habit that kicks off a great 2024. I’m also looking forward to a great community of folks who speak Art right from doodles to museums. Super pumped to be here and for the next 30 days! Thank you Wendy for doing this. I’m keen to explore what lies inside of me and to see it on paper! Great to be here among other artists.
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 Kuki! I have to tell you that my 18-month old grandson calls cookies Kikus and we can't think of them as anything else now! So cool to see your cookie name here. Kukis, Kikus...they are the best.
That is too funny! Thanks for sharing that precious moment! ❤️
This is delightful that your name is Kuki and Ellen’s grandson calls “cookies” kikus because we named our dog Kiku and we tell people new to him “ his name is Kiku, like cookie but backwards!” We chose “Kiku” because it means “chrysanthemum” in Japanese and the chrysanthemum symbolizes happiness, something Kiku definitely brings to our lives!
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!
Welcome!
Hi, I’m Laurie! I live and work on a sustainable micro dairy farm my husband and I own in south western Vermont and I am a mom of 4, grandma of 5. Before I was any of those things, though, I was an artist, at least in my head. When my now 26 year old youngest child was in first grade and my oldest was a sophomore in college I went back to school as a full time art student. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, juggling all those balls, but I graduated with honors in 2006 and concentrations in printmaking and drawing. Now I finally have the studio of my dreams but still struggle to find enough time to be in it. (Farming does not leave much time for anything else, especially when there’s only the 2 of us doing it.) I also struggle with self doubt and lack of confidence in my artistic abilities…. I even told myself that I wasn’t a good enough artist to join here! But I have followed you, Wendy, for a long time and am often encouraged by your words and always inspired. So here I am!
Hi, I’m Søren in western Massachusetts USA.
I used to draw all the time but I’ve mostly abandoned it the past few years in favor of collages/art journals and I want to get back in the habit. My main mental health help is art and I go too many days without making anything.
I’m joining on January 1 because I’m not a fan of New Years Day and this seems like something more based in joy than other “new year new me” junk.
I like that this feels like a community and I’m excited to look around.
Hey, I spent a good decade of my life in Western MA! I miss it sometimes, but I currently live in Philly and don't miss having to have a car. I tried getting around exclusively by bike when I was living in Northampton, but made the mistake of coming back after dark one day from Amherst and almost ran over a skunk on the (very dark, very spooky) bike trail through the woods. Anyway, now I'm in the land of eternal light pollution. It's a trade-off. 😅
I’m Steve brown. I live in a tiny town called Rehoboth, MA. I’m trying to start a drawing habit in my 80th year. I’ve been doing some drawing over the years but can’t seem to keep at it daily so I can improve. I wish everyone good luck!
You’re in the right place, Steve. Welcome.
Thank you! I’m hoping to do better this year!
Hi! I am Krystyna, from Sarasota, FL. I've drawn and painted (just for the fun of the process) sporadically since I was small. I love playing with colors and observing colors in nature. Excited to play in this group!
Hi! I am Robyn and I am an ocean swimmer and colour lover from Tasmania. I want to learn more about being creative and develop a regular practice to support this side of my life. This space is my self care and expression in my work as a palliative care physician (hi Syzygy - I resonated with your words!)
Hi Robyn. Your words really resonated with me. I work in a children's hospital and having some space for image (and mess) making provides such a valuable balance to the sometimes heaviness of the job.
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!
I signed up a while ago, but got busy and this is the first time I have accessed. I am 71 and a retired teacher of the visually impaired. I got into drawing during the pandemic with John Muir Laws and his nature journaling group. I have always loved Wendy's art--in fact Lost Cat is probably one of my favorite books. One of my New Year's resolutions is to more regularly participate in Draw Together!
I’m jo, a light in my life gifted me a DT year, how lucky am I?!? I started a new job that had me in zoom meetings MANY hours a day. Two years and six sketch pads later, I have drawn every meeting I’ve attended. Now I dumped the job to do more of the art and the art of being together with people, and hopefully making things with people too. I’m excited to have another outlet with all of you!
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 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.
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 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!
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 Janice, I know the feeling! I haven’t done any serious painting in a year, just travel sketching, and I feel guilty too! I have a nice studio but it’s kind of cluttered now and not conducive to creating. Hoping this daily sketch habit will get my mojo back!
I totally get that feeling. Want everything to look great. But over time you accept that you love some more than others. The not favs often lead to the favs!
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.
Hooray! Happy you're here Becky
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!
Definitely. ❤️
Hello!
:: adjusts chair, sits up straight, pulls up closer to the table ::
I’m happy to be here, and it’s an honour to be amongst so many of great character, skill and integrity. I bring in the idea that at table there is a banquet and all are invited.. and to highlight in this moment in the world where women, girls and LGBTQIA+ are continually targeted, marginalized and excluded, I think of Judy Chicago’s landmark work, The Dinner Party, and bring in the power of it to be here with us. https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/dinner_party/
:: leans back a bit, looks around to see what others are doing, waiting for the right moment to continue ::
My art medium today is textiles, mostly knitting and crochet with all sorts of lovely yarn, and occasionally machine and hand sewing reclaimed fabrics. I’ve been working really hard to reclaim many of so many functions and skills lost in late 2016 due to a serious concussion (tbi) from which I am still recovering but really so much better.. and the only arts craft which I’d had good proficiency before but still flummoxed with is embroidery, sadly.
Otherwise, my prowess with knitting and crochet and sewing are superb to the point I’m confident I could teach them, and have bypassed my previous pre-concussion proficiencies. Yay! I’m so happy.
:: thinks about it, and decides to go for the plug.. ::
Most of my writing on Substack has been around my recovery, and stuff, well, not all of it, bits here and there, but it was the impetus of it.. and it started on a blog which has been moved to Substack (but I’m still moving more over, still 20 or more stories and essays to go)..but a lot is on my Substack already..
:: thinks for moment, then remembers the original track ::
Drawing. I’ve played around with charcoal, various pencils (and erasers), and some pretty cool ink pen drawing but haven’t done much recently, or ever developed any practice at all. I’d love to get back into it, that and generally writing by hand, freehand which I don’t do at all. Like many of people these days, I nearly always type much of anything that I put down on a page. I’d love to get back to handwriting, and drawing with all the fancy pens and pencils I have, and also play with the lovely coloured pencils, pastels and oily crayons and my watercolour paints too.
:: thinks this is too long, need to wrap it up! ::
Morning pages have long been a part of my writing life, and have seriously helped me sort myself out, and I’ve seriously reclaimed my writing skills.. therefore, it makes sense that drawing first thing in the morning, especially ending on a high note, will be just fabulous.
Thank you Wendy, and thank you all for reading if you got this far down my little essay, here.
I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to get started!
Love. ❤️
I’ve done quite a bit with watercolour but I’m out of practice.
Tiz Johnston
I am a landscape designer and artist piddler on the side. Hoping to create more art. I love hiking plants dogs art live music painting collage writing children’s books trees and rocks!
I’m Cheryl and my entire like has pretty much centered around art; making, teaching and appreciating it. I am so fortunate to live in a part of New York known as the Hudson River Valley- think Hudson River School. But I grew up and spent my early adult life in NYC and in Boston. I teach art in an international day and boarding school in Westchester County and I love my job as much as I love my artistic practice. Sometimes they do compete, however.
In the first few weeks of the pandemic, I found DT and loved it. Teaching remotely, I encouraged my high school students to tune in! I’m hoping that being part of GUT will provide me the structure to take time for my work. I’m also very excited to see and hear about what other people make.
Hello, I'm Elli (she/her). I studied studio art and art history in college. Career, family and life took over for many years (familiar story, right?), but I'm realizing I'm happiest when I make time for art. Just recently found this G.U.T. Draw Together site/community, and am so looking forward to the journey! I love love love drawing, and have recently taken up oil painting. Can't wait for the Android app to be fully functional and access/share images!
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!
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
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!