Today exactly six months ago I posted for the first time on Drawspace. I had never drawn before... never even considered myself capable of it in any way. It was only the (strong ) nudging of my best friend that made me try my hand.

I tried most of Brenda's lessons which became the Bible to me. Doing them one by one gave me more and more confidence - they simply opened up a new horizon. After that came books and any and all free tutorials I could find on the web. I practiced for long hours - every single day.

The initial encouragement and the gentle but relevant critique I received from my friends here was priceless. I won't mention names because it is better not to do so but I must mention two particular members of Drawspace who have practically held my hand all along the way - SweetSilverBird Deborah who brought me here and Joanie (painter48) who has guided me, taught me and helped me in all kinds of ways. I can never thank them enough.

And the century? That is the number of drawings I have uploaded into my gallery here at Drawspace over the past six months - a hundred drawings. There are many more drawings that are not in my gallery but all the ones I considered relatively presentable are there.

This is the first drawing I ever did six months ago - just to test the waters and see whether I could actually hold a pencil. [attachmentid=5393]

This is the last drawing I uploaded today - who would have thought I would be using pastels six months ago.. not in my wildest dreams! [attachmentid=5394]

And this is the drawing I'm still the most fond of and still consider to be my best even though I did it some months ago: [attachmentid=5395]

I wrote this post to mark an occasion, or rather two occasions. I also wrote it to thank all the people who have helped me find this new perspective on life even so late in life. But I also wrote it to convince anyone who reads it that yes, with dedication and hard work they too can achieve something of value...even if it is only for themselves.

Thank you all.

Happy six months Rose! It has been a pleasure to watch you work, learn and grow!
Paulette

You have come a long way…..congratulations on your accomplishment. Your success is very inspirational and will motivate all newcomers for a long time.

ive been drawing for almost a year and cant draw that we.ll u are awesome rose.....congrats on the 6 months...you rock!!!!!!!

Rose I hope you realize that you really are an inspiration to a lot of us. I always check to see what you have been up to and admire your work and progress so much, you are always looking for something new and its exciting to see what you are going to do next.

Ok you mentioned SweetSilver and Painter but you can't forget me. I've always been here around for you, as a clear example of what a draftsman must not do!

Way to go Rose!

Nothing to say that hasn't been said.You're an inspiration -- keep up the fine work, m'lady!

Can't wait to see what the next 6 months will bring

Dear Rose! I have every belief that whatever you set your mind to do, you can! We've been best friends for a long time and I've got to say your pluck and positive attitude always takes you very far. You've worked very hard, and your artwork just keeps increasing in adventure and skill.

Considering that just over a year ago, you were near to death and had to come back from very serious surgery, the achievements are even more impressive.

Well done Rose! I look so forward to seeing how you continue to bloom in your art. Congratulations on your 100th drawing!

Hugs to you!
~Bird~

You have done VERY well in the last six month. It has been a pleasure to watch....A true lesson for the rest of us old dogs.

Keep up the very good work,
Chris

Hey Rose, I think that is great! Just to see what you done in 6 months ago. Give yourself High five! Plus that give me hope with myself, thank you for letting us know. Great job Girl!!! Daisybug

Well done Rose, you have come such a long way in 6 months. I look forward to seeing your drawings in another 6 months!

ROSE--Thank-you for being the good, kind-hearted person that you are. They say that it "takes a village to raise a child". It's a very similiar thing that has happened here at Drawspace. We are influenced by all the people that we know and meet throughout our lifetimes. Thank-you for being apart of our llves and the inspiration that you give so freely to me.

Congratulations on your 6 month-100th drawing! You go lady! Art is sacred thing, don't ever stop...

Jill

And Rose, how is that new drawing table working out? Thanks again, hun.

JILL

Thank you everyone.... you are all so very sweet and kind.

Jill - the drawing table is working out really fine. The angle of it is saving my back and elbows, apart form giving me the right perspective. The glass top is brilliant as a very flat and smooth surface to work on. The inside lighting is really cool for when I want to transfer my initial sketches or gridded line drawings. The top light is just right and flexible... turning it to the correct angle I avoid the sheen of the graphite. It's perfect for the pastels - I can "paint" standing up if I wish and I'm saving all the electronic equipment on my desk a lot of dust. Most of all it's great because it has wheels on the legs... so I can make the best use of the daylight and then roll it away when I'm not using it.

How about I patent the design!

Oh, Rose - I feel so honored to be your friend. I'm not sure I've contributed to your artistic abilities but think that your wanting it and practicing at it so hard has really paid off. I love how you just reach out and grab it - you are not afraid of trying something new - you just forge ahead - its awesome. You just soak up the information you are given like a sponge.

You are a definite inspiration to all the new (and old) artists out there - to show them that it really can be done if you work hard and practice at it and really want it.

Congratulations - who knows what the next 6 months will bring?

Hi Rose!

Happy anniversary!!!!!!

Joannie is totally right - without your willing, learning and wanting you never would have become such a wonderful artist!
One must be willing to work for it and then advance comes! You are a great idol for all who are learning, including me.

Wow you have grown to be an amazing drawer extremely fast!

rose- i am a little late putting this up as usual but.. i remember that first drawing and i remember you working so very very hard and man you just wow. you are very talented and awesome. keep going-- i tell my kids all the time--no such word as cant. (they dont listen) but i tell them and show them. you are great
Lori