The role of an artist

A short, handwritten letter.

Hello DrawTogether and GUT peeps.

In place of a lesson this week, I wrote you a letter. And by you I mean me.

There is an assignment at the end of the letter. I have removed the paywall this week. If you’d like to support my work and DrawTogether and join the Grown-Ups Table community (or give it as a gift to someone) there’s a button at the end, of course.

Next week we start a much needed, heart-bolstering month of drawing Gratitude. I’m really looking forward to that. But for now, a little letter. I hope you can read my writing. :)

(And we will need to do a lot more than make art. Luckily, artists, we contain multitudes.) So how can we prepare? What does an emotional prep list look like?

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Assignment

Part 1. Get yourself a sketchbook. Nothing fancy. Just something you can draw, write and make a mess inside of. Thick enough paper to holds wet and dry medium. Small enough to take with you - to work, to a coffeeshop, to a friend’s house. Mine is about 5x6 (made by the wonderful

Kyle Ranson-Walsh

) which I find to be the perfect portable size - also big enough to hold a legit drawing but not precious so I can also use it to scribble in, make notes, etc. It’s always in my bag. I take it everywhere.

Part 2. Make an emotional prep list. Once you have a sketchbook - or if you already have one - here’s what we’re doing this week: Make yourself a PREP list, like mine above. What do you want to do for yourself and others to reinforce your strength and your softness? How can you fill your cup in the months ahead? Write it all down. Be specific. Use people’s names and brands of chocolate. Whatever makes you feel solid, write it down.

I started a subscriber chat to share our emotional prep lists. I think we could inspire each other with some creative ideas. Here is the link.

I’d love to hear what kind of projects or creative things you are doing to boost yourself. Let’s share some in the comments.

Alright, see you next week, friends. We’ll dive headfirst into a gratitude drawing practice. I know I could use it. I have a hunch I’m not alone.

Sending love, and pencils up. ❤️✏️❤️

xoxo

w

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GUT GALLERY

While the I VOTED stickers we all created are gorgeous and inspiring, I’m feeling especially heartened by the drawings we did as a group on election night. Below are a few doodles you created and shared on instagram and in the chat. Big love to everyone who joined the Zoom with

Art Auntie Kathleen

and anywhere else anyone gathered. I have a hunch there will be much more of this ahead.

Patti: From the IG drawing gathering. A evening of drawing and painting with Wendy, Carson, and everyone who joined felt so peaceful and positive as we wait for news. That’s me on one of my many cats. Thanks to Carson for the idea!

Thanks for the flowers, Brownwyn. xo, wm