Hey there,
I'm a young-ish (26) illustrator from Toronto and your site was forwarded to me by a friend who's been asking me (to no avail I have to admit) for drawing lessons for quite some time now. She finds your site quite inspiring and informative and as a fellow artist I found it all sounded very familiar and brought a smile to my face.
Drawing has always just been something I've done. Having moved a lot as a child it was a way to spend time in my imagination when friends were few, as well as a way to aquaint myself more intimately with my new surroundings. When I was 13 I found myself in yet another new city with no friends nor much to do, so I drew my life away while listening to music. By this time I had been determined to become a comic book artist (just like everyone else) and set out to discover exactly what it was I needed to do to get there. The high school I attended had a heavy focus on the sciences so there weren't any other artists that I knew of with the same urges I had. There were a few who could draw nice flowers or cute bunnies, but no one really serious. Subsequently my resources were few...there were no books in the library for art instruction aside from the odd perspective book (which was still helpful, believe me). I then came to the conclusion that in order to be a great comic book artist one had to have an excellent grasp of the human form. I then rationalized to myself that in order to draw something well an intimate understanding of your subject is required so I went and bought an anatomy textbook and began drawing every page from the book.
In grade 10 I finally decided to take an art class and was blessed with the most hard nosed, difficult teacher I've had to this day. He wouldn't allow me to do anything remotely connected to comics in class and directed me to all the great masters. He even would spend time with me and show me his own personal favorites that the school curriculum didn't have time to go over. He taught me how to speak through my work, say something important at least to me using only images...no type or words were allowed in any assignment based on the adage 'the image should be able to speak for itself'.
However I couldn't let the comics dream die so in my spare time I would continue to draw fantastic heroes with bulky muscles...I would begin by sketching out a 3 dimensional skeletal type frame, then add muscle layer by layer until it looked right. This served me fairly well in terms of accuracy, but this method robbed the images of flow and realistic topography (it was hard for me to realize how skin moves over muscle and how it seems to change the underlying forms).
When I moved to Toronto at 18 to begin art school I was grossly intimidated...I hadn't one hour of formal life drawing under my belt and I was told in my interview that I was up against people who have been taking art lessons their entire life, as well as people who already had fine art degrees from other institutions and were coming here to polish their skills. Not to mention the fact the person closest to me in age was 21, a whole 3 years my senior which makes a big difference in skill sets especially at that age.
But what I found was my earlier influences and drives coloured my life drawing a particular way, and I was able to render the form quite accurately and had a lot of fun doing it. In fact it's a meditative experience for me...when I get into it and completely lose myself in the beautiful rhythms and lines of the human form, transcribing it from the 3rd to 2nd dimension it becomes the closest thing to a trancendental experience I've achieved. In short, I was processing what was in front of me and it was being affected by all mindsets, thought processes and ideas I had ever had about drawing, and then I truly felt like an artist and not just an enthusiast or a technician.
This is very long winded so please bear with me, your latest post struck a bit of a chord with me and I don't relay these experiences too often to anyone...
But later in college I took courses in colour theory and was like you, completely and utterly shocked at the various ideas and concepts certain thinkers had (if you haven't already, look up Johannes Itten...he taught me a lot). I also had the pleasure of studying under some very unappreciated but extraordinarily talented artists and was completely humbled by the experience.
So finally, I come to my point. You mention that you are not an artist and I have to disagree. Because some people are further along the path or have oodles more talent it matters not one iota. From what I've seen and read you're doing the exact same things with your drawings I did (and still do) as a kid...examining your environment and processing it through your own unique filter, putting an interpretation on a subject and making it your own. To me, that is the classic definition of an artist. I say keep it up, you're doing very well and keep soul digging...it's what gives us artists something to strive for and ultimately something to say.

Well, I have to say that I've missed your entries -- I simply assumed that you had a lot of stuff to do and had to prioritize your life -- which is exactly what it sounds like you've done. But don't think you weren't missed!

As far as learning goes - I've got a master's in painting, and it's still a daily learning process. I recall a friend of mine asking why I was still taking painting classes, "since I already could paint," and inside I had to just laugh at the thought that anyone could master this process in a single lifetime. (and I unabashedly admit I'm damn good at it!)

One of the things that I've enjoyed so much on this site is the enthusiasm and joy you find in the discovery -- and that's the thing that keeps me working on my art on a daily basis -- as I've been doing since I was a child. It's still a completely joyous work -- hours and hours of labor to a job that will never be finished -- but I love every minute of it, even cleaning brushes and stretching canvases and sanding panels.

By the way, I still don't think of myself as an "artist", but rather, a painter. Or a person who makes things, and draws. Funny, but for me the label 'artist' seems to be something that someone else must bestow upon one....and I consider you an artist.

Hey Danny, even though I didn't email an inquiry about you, I did check in everyday to make sure I hadn't missed a post. I figured there must be a personal reason you weren't around. I know I'm not the only one who missed your writing and drawings!
As for not being an artist??!..I laugh in your general direction! By drawing,painting, encouraging, inspiring, elevating thoughts and generating ideas you are the best kind of artist! Who needs professional training to BE an artist? Yes, it's so important to contiue the education of how to really see things and learning ways in which to do it, but if you haven't, it does not mean you're not an artist!
I admire your genuine humility about how "little" you know about art, and noticing that you sometimes preach what you don't always practice. But you're not really fooling anyone..including, I suspect, yourself. You are the kind of artist that many people strive to be like..glad you are back, and that you had fun while you were away. Hey to Patti and Jack..I'm sure they are your biggest fans!

I checked in daily, dismissing the first day as a rest period; the second day a trip somewhere unexpectedly; the third day---where are you? until tonight...Three cheers!!! You're back and enjoyed as much as ever.
Take heart. You give more than you know. If you benefited from a rest--we are the benefactors in the bigger picture. Carry on and take part in all that makes your art more meaningful for you.

ah. seeing beneath the skin. yikes. we've been spending weeks on just drawing sections of the skeleton in school. i hope your 'studies' are going better than mine! have a nice monday.(jack+patti too!)

phew! Glad you are back danny, but also glad you took a breather. Taking classes is a great idea. We all have things to learn, but obviously you already speak volumes to many. Keep it up! You may even sway me towards drawing again . . .
-lenna

I must chime in with the others. Don't underestimate your importance as an artist. It was reading your book and this site that made me deceide to take my drawing seriously, while still enjoying it. I got a thrill when I got my SASE with the Moonlight Chronicles in it because I saw that you had taken the time to decorate it and include a note. And you're, like, famous! So keep on.

You were missed! Really, I think we all thought you were out there somewhere in the wide world, drawing like crazy and were going to bring home some interesting eye candy! And, in fact, here you are with some VERY nice color ... :-) You are an inspiraton to a lot of us -- good to have you back.

Danny,
I think you might enjoy reading this book, if you haven't already....
Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color That Changed the World
I loved it, it was scientific, while very readable.

Hi Danny,
I too looked for your email announcing another everyday matters entry. When someone mentioned on the yahoo group that you were changing servers I was relieved. I do understand that posting each day is a big effort and does take a lot of your personal time. Your website is however, one of the highlights of my day. I love to see what you are drawing and thinking. It's encouraging and gets me moving with my own art and I still need to be reminded that Everyday does Matter. I know that taking time off for yourself is also important. I just hope you don't go away permanently. PS Thanks for sending me Danny Price's journal. It was a very good reason to walk my mile and a half to our mail box. Thanks for all your effort...I do appreciate it and hope you too continue to find it rewarding.
Gerri

Gerri

I'm so glad you're back. I just assumed you were on vacation. I check your site every day for a boost of inspiration. Even when I only have a minute, I am sure to check just to see the drawing you have posted. Thank you for sharing your gift. You were missed.

I too checked your site everyday to see if you'd posted. Please don't think that you weren't missed, Danny. As to your not being an artist, well, that's bs. You draw, you paint, therefore you are an artist. It's as simple as that. And I completely agree with what Matt said about it. You know, I believe that everyone needs to step back once in a while and realize that as evolved as they are, there is still a long way to go. It humbles one and prepares one for more learning. But to then dismiss any impact one has had on other people, or on the world is wrong. Don't ignore what you have done before because there is more to do. You have still done good, and now you are going to learn how to do more. That's all. I'm glad you had time to re-energize and reconnect with yourself, with the world outside, and with Art and I'm glad you are back.

You are wonderfully human, as we are always learning (hopefully), in any discipline we choose to follow. I think you are an artist in a lot of ways. I know you are certainly an inspiration. Look at all the people you have encouraged to draw...now I personally believe there is an art to inspiration!
More power to you Danny!
And good on you for sticking to your Electron Fast, I must try that one day...uh, week!

personally i was worried about you. looked for you everyday to no avail. so i'm glad you are back!

Well I missed You!

Isn't it wonderful to learn something new?

Danny!...YES we missed your words and pictures both!..just thought not to pester you...whining at the door, wondering when you'd be back..just hoped everything was OK...daily and twice daily postings would be consumed and enjoyed...ah, but humanity takes over and a stroll around the neighborhood is a good thing...mini road trip..glad all is well, Fern

danny,
i didn't check everyday.

i checked, like...ten times a day!

you, my dear, are an ARTIST.

ride the wave!

xo

Like many other posters here, I checked often for updates and decided that you were off on mysterious and grand adventures.
As for being an artist, being uneducated, having hubris...
I have never been able to draw. My perfectionism is debilitating at things like this, and I had not even attempted putting pen to paper in at least 15 years. Your work here, your attitude, your fallibility and triumphs, the way you share the wonder of it all; these things sent me straight to the store for a sketch book and a pen, and I draw some every day. Because you said I could. I'm not very good, yet I find I'm looking at the world differently - more openly.
Call it whatever you want, but that's gift you've shared. As for training and technique, I think we come to these things in our own time. If I were to take a class now, I am quite sure that I would be frustrated at my own inability to draw, (paint, create, etc.) "the right way", and set out on another 15 years without drawing. You're at a part of your journey where you CAN learn these things, so I applaud you.

Thank you for all of these things. Thank you for offering so much of your self, your truth, and you life to your fellow travellers. Don't ever underestimate the importance of this gift.

Danny - I must underscore the growing chorus. You were sorely missed. While I respect and applaud your need for a "time out," don't ever let yourself believe that you're not taken seriously or that your readers don't appreciate all that you share here. In part, it was out of respect for your privacy that I think many of us remained silent and waited.
You may never fully realize the tremendous positive impact you have on so many lives. Maybe you tire of all the petty stories, but here's another: you have and continue to inspire me to let myself explore my art. I'm 49 and have never trusted my art attempts enough til now...thanks to you and all that you post here. I'm currently keeping two art journals (hey, if one was good, two is great!). I've always hesitated to show my stuff to anyone, thought it wasn't any "good," but I share my journals with my partner and daughter - and I don't apologize for them. One of the first things my daughter asks when she comes home from college is, "Mum, can I see your journals?" She insists on reading them from the beginning every time. I tell her she'll get sick of them, to which she responds, "I'm not getting sick of them...I'm absorbing them." If that isn't love, what is?
I'm having a great time learning and exploring and finding, like so many, that it's about the seeing, the growing, the attempting. The end product is sometimes immaterial.
My point is, you are providing one heap of positive inspiration to a lot of people out there. No, nobody's viewing you as God or as infallible. That's what's the best, maybe. You're a person who shares himself and his art and it is very much appreciated. Your readers admire your honesty. And your art. By all means, take those breaks. You're not tethered here, I hope. But as long as you enjoy the blog, please do continue! -Lisa

We don't begrudge you a bit of rest from electronic stuff. I think most people understand that blogs are an outlet - not the main activity. :) Keep it up!

OK, I haven't added much to the dialogue since I was one of the first in the door with a bottle of slushy champagne. Now, I must join the chorus but put a twist on it. When you disappeared last week, and in a fit of obvious projection, I thought, "good for Danny, he isn't an obsessive, HE can give himself permission to miss a few days without feeling as if he's letting himself and the world down". I was traveling last week and not carrying a laptop and I called a friend and fellow everyday matters listee and asked her if you had posted. Now, to the other matter. I take class frequently and learn something valuable from each. However, my goal is to paint loose, fresh watercolors and often I find that instruction serves to pull me into another focus. I have vowed to use my groups, real and virtual, to keep me painting/drawing etc. and not to take any classes for awhile. I hope you find what you need without losing all that you have in abundance.

I'm joining the chorus; you were definitely missed! Ditto what Lisa said about respecting your privacy. Sharing your work online with us is a gift and it should be treated as such. I'm appreciative of the gifts you share, and to ask for the gift, or feel slighted when an expected gift isn't there, seems greedy and/or rude. (Of course, I checked in as much as everyone else. It's okay to HOPE for the gift, isn't it? hee hee)
Glad you're back!

Welcome Back ! I too checked in...daily to see what was new with you, whether its in text form or your artistic interpretation. I join the others in saying...you were missed...and you are an artist....and...we're glad you're back. But, its also nice to see you taking a break in your normal routine....changing things up a bit, expanding your horizons and ready to absorb "new" from others....we are all growing and evolving in our own way...good timing as you do this, on the heel of Spring...where so much is new, getting fresh starts, growing. You enspire many. I, for one, hope you choose to continue using this means/method. CHEERS!

Like the others, I checked in daily to see if there was anything new. You were sorely missed! but I'm glad you took some time off for yourself. Thanks for continuing to inspire me!

Ditto to all the above. I have just discovered your writings and drawings, and I too was missing your wisdom. Indeed, we all need to back off for awhile, I can understand that. But you were missed by so many of us. Thank you for your thoughts about life and art.

I missed you too! I checked daily (just in case) but had a feeling you were either on a drawing trip or possibly a holiday with Patti and Jack. Very happy that you are back to show and tell this world through your eyes.

Your pal as always,

Lori.

Dear Danny, Nothing could be better than loving someone who is also so fully appreciated by so many other unbiased fine people! I hope when you hear their echo of gratitude and admiration which i privately hope to provide, you will sometimes appreciate yourself and your offering to the world, a little better.

You're really not THAT bad...as an artist or a person...etc.etc.etc.

PLG

I can echo so many of the sentiments already posted here, but just wanted to add my karmic 2 cents worth-I, too, checked daily for posts and didn't want to badger with a "hey, why aren't you posting," trusting that you had your reasons. It sounds like your fast was restorative-hooray for you for doing it. But hooray, too, for all you give here. Your posts bring a richness and joy to my day that wasn't there before (and I am another who was delighted by the decorated envelope that my "free moonligt" was sent in). Thanks you, Danny!

Hey Danny
Good to see you back; especially with a treat of such a wonderful drawing! I love the vibrant colours in this townscape - what materials have you used here? THey're really stunning. I love the blue and orange, and that yellow is just great!