Learning to draw requires learning to see

Many years ago,(at least 50) I came across an article in a weekend supplement about a unique Ukrainian artist who lived in Winnipeg, named William Kurelek. He specialized in personal interpretations of mystic connections in his ethnic, farming background, and his visions of his singular experiences in the events in the life of Jesus. For example: he depicted a crucified Christ in the midst of a farmer's wheat field,surrounded by several Ukrainian neighbours in the garb of their homeland, their wagons and horses parked beyond this strange scene. By Kurelek standards this was a modest depiction.

Now why, you may ask do I recall this compelling scene. The quality of the drawing convinced me that this artist had no extensive training in the rules of drawing, but he was able to convey his deeply felt sentiments, because there was a consistency in the figures, scenics, artifacts, and whatever else made the picture work.

I was so taken by his primitive ability, that I located his art dealer in Toronto, and asked about his background, and training. He was kind enough to give me Kurelek's address and this troubled fellow artist was kind enough to give me his secret of learning to draw whatever you desired once you have mastered his special technique. He said the one and only course of instruction he had followed was all contained in a wonderful book of lesson plans, "The Natural Way to Draw", by Greek American artist and teacher Kimon Nicolaides. In my next blog I will explain how learning to see is essential in learning to draw.

View my fine art at http://www.noozoon.com