"I can't draw this guy, no way!"

Let me give you a bit of back story.  I've been following Devon Rodriguez for awhile now on Instagram.  He is amazing.  I love his energy, his kindness and genuine curiosity for his subjects.  You can check him out here. Devon Rodriguez

My drawing experiences have been a bit hit or miss.  In my third year drawing class at The Alberta College of Art and Design, now the Alberta University of the Arts, I was waltzed out of class when the instructor looked at my drawing.  He proclaimed "Sweetheart, this clearly isn't for you."  Yikes.  

I've drawn since then in a utilitarian way, but not to create art.  Frankly I didn't enjoy it.  I found it frustrating and not very rewarding.  

I recently renewed my membership to the Oil Painters of America and in their show submission guidelines they clearly state that no outside tools can be used to transfer your image to the canvas.  Using a projector, which I often do, is out.  It's time to brush up on my drawing skills. 

I saw Devon's course advertised and thought, let's do it.  I was ready to challenge my ideas that I had about drawing.  However, when he sent the source photo that we would be drawing from.... I thought "no way, I can draw this guy."  

Last Sunday, I logged into the course and thought what's the worst that could happen, really.  I could make a crappy drawing.  I'm okay with that.  

What I noticed early on is that Devon's technique is not that much different from how I approach my paintings.  It's about capturing the shapes and narrowing down to the details.  I can do that, no problem.  

After a few hours of watching Devon, I went through all his video's before I started on my own drawing.  The second time through I started to lay down some marks. 
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Here I am, all ready to begin.  Sketchbook in hand, new 2.0mm thick pencil lead in a fancy pencil holder, kneadable eraser, small round eraser, and a new sketchbook.  

The first marks, establishing the shapes.  These marks may not be exactly correct, and that is okay.  It's all about adjusting as the information comes together. 

Not bad, it's coming together.  Not correct, yet, but getting closer. 

Oh boy!!! I did it.  Maybe my drawing skills aren't that rusty after all.  I'm so very pleased with this drawing.  It's the best portrait I've done, ever.  

I'm excited to explore this further and keep practicing.  It surprises me sometimes how easy it is to change our minds about things.  What once was a limitation, becomes an opportunity.  

I want to say a big thank you to @devonrodriguez for his masterful, kind guidance through this process.  

If you are curious about his drawing course for yourself here is the link to the course.  

Portrait drawing the easy way. 

Happy drawing everyone.