I have often heard people remark, “Ah, how I wish I could draw as well!” each time they view my drawings. I can very well relate to that wistfulness; I, too, wish I could carry a tune as well as some people can.
As far as singing goes, one has to be blessed with those special vocal chords that can lull the listener into a state of tranquility. Singing is not something every Tom, Dick and Harry can indulge in, except, perhaps in the bathroom!
However, art – as in drawing/sketching – is something anybody can try their hand at. One may not be able to draw like M. F.Hussain or Van Gogh, but trust me, one can definitely draw a fairly decent picture. You can always begin by drawing a straight line, or a curve and then take it forward. It is really quite doable.
You don’t believe me, do you? Well, believe me. There are people who may not have drawn a straight line in their entire lives, but have worked hard at it and learnt to bring out the artist that lies hidden within them.
Case in point – my dad.
All his life, the man did not ever draw a single line, leave alone a picture. But some years ago, as a result of sheer ennui, he began to draw. Now 81, the man has filled a few drawing books with sketches that range from object drawings, to figure drawing, to landscapes to illustrations!
How did he do it?
That’s really simple. He just picked up a pencil and began copying simple pictures from magazines and newspapers. It was quite an uphill task for the old man considering he had never done it, ever. I am also not sure either of my grandparents was a born artist. But, perseverance, patience and regularity helped him achieve what most of us might only dream about at that age.
Last week, I had been home and asked dad to show me his drawing books. He pulled out few of his drawing books, opened them and began turning the pages, showing me his artwork. Right from the first pencil drawing and an attempt at pencil shading, to coloured ones that he graduated to along with time.
When I asked him if he had ever drawn in his entire life, he nonchalantly replied, “No”. I was sure he had not drawn earlier, still I asked him to confirm. I photographed many of his drawings and told him I would put them up on my blog for a post on drawing.
He is so eager to see his drawings on my blog. But, for me, it will be a matter of pride. The comments I receive for this post will be my gift for him!
Retirement can be difficult for a person who hardly took a leave of absence, even when Mumbai was reeling from the 1993 bomb blasts and the ensuing religious clashes that rocked the very sensitive area dad’s printing press was situated in.
So, keeping him occupied and his mind agile post retirement was a task mum took upon herself – she had to persuade him to do it because she was scared his idle mind would turn into a devil’s workshop! She handed him a drawing book and some pencils and off he went to work.
So, long story short, my dad took up drawing at the ripe old age of 75 and this is what he has achieved so far. And, if he can do it at that age, I am sure we can do it, too, at any time of our life. All we need to do, is begin!
Start with simpler drawings, and enjoy the activity. Try not to be too strict with yourself, or too critical of your work. Also, try not to compare your work with that of the others – it only leads to low self-esteem. And, draw because it makes you happy, not to prove a point to anybody. That will really help you come out of your shell and discover your hidden talents!
So, presenting my dad’s art work, right from his very first drawing.
These are just some of dad’s art works.
So, now, don’t you agree that anybody can, indeed, draw? The motivation is right there, inside you! Allow it to give you a helping hand and guide your fingers to come up with art that conveys your innermost feelings! Trust me, you can do it!
Wishing you the very best and looking forward to seeing your artwork some day.
Do share with me whenever you begin on your arty journey!
Love,
SHILPA…
Wow.. They are good. And it is so good to start a hobby at 75! I am sure my parents would agree to it. My father took up growing vegetables in our little patch and my Mom took to reading English novels. She is an avid Malayalam reader, but now comfortably reads English too. As for drawing, maybe I should take it up. I love to see artwork.
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WOW! See? Our parents can sure teach us a thing or two about not giving up despite old age.
Kudos to your parents, Lata. And, best wishes to you for your drawing! ❤
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Awesome write up …..It truly is an awesome read and also very correct….One day even I out of sheer boredom picked up a brush ….. Nothing great but I never knew I do enjoy the moments with my brush.. Thank you cousin ….You were my inspiration
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And, Noopur, you too are my inspiration, you know that!?
I am glad you picked up the brush and brought out that hidden artist, finally!
Love!
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Wow! These are beautiful!! And it is clear where you get your artisitc genes from 🙂
Amazing pictures! Do wish Uncle all the mire creativity from my side. More power to his pencil! You could have a wonderful exhibition of these some day 🙂
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Thank you so much, Rashmi! I too hope dad keeps working on his art. I will share his work on FB, maybe that will give him the much needed motivation to keep going! 🙂
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I must say your Dad is really good. Love his spirit to take this up so late in life and be be so dedicated to it. There’s hope for me now! 🙂
Perhaps he can have his own blog – a simple – picture a day kind of thing?
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Thank you so much, Corinne! Your words are going to keep encouraging him to continue drawing. There are times he just gives it all up. Now, I guess, he will pick up his pencils and get back to his art work!
Liked your idea about him sharing his work. 🙂
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Thank you soooo much for this!!
You know what? I have begun to practice drawing from just 1 year. It is, in fact, one of the things I want to learn from my bucket list. Because I am not a born artist, and I haven’t practiced it as much in previous years (of my life) I really find it difficult to imagine things in my head and draw them on the paper. So I have too started by copying other drawings. And when I see so many artists on Instagram and youtube and facebook, sometimes I feel very sad that why I can’t draw? But then I tell myself that instead of feeling bad I should think of them as resources for me to learn new things. But still, sometimes, I feel like giving up.
But now on, I am going to think of your Dad whenever I feel like giving up. Wow! I need to be patient. Give some time, whenever I can. In fact, he has set an example that it is never too late to learn anything new. And I am going to need this because I want to learn a lot of things. Thanks again! And if your dad is reading then – Amazing kaka! Tumhi mala khup inspire kelat!! last 3 drawings ekdum ultimate!
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Awww, Dhanashree…that’s so sweet of you!
Well, first of all, congrats for taking up art. It is never too late!
Secondly, NEVER compare yourself to others. That way, you will only find faults within you. You are unique and so is your art, your creativity! Copying pictures from magazines etc is the best way ..Dhanashree, everybody needs an inspiration. You can find it in nature, in your house, in the people around you. Even in magazines, where you might like a picture and feel like drawing it. I, too, use pictures on Google to make dog sketches. I too learn like that. As long as you find happiness in what you do…nothing else really matters.
Wish you the best, dear!
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Thank you for your advice and your wishes 🙂
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beutiful..
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Thank you! 🙂
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This is good stuff, Shilpa. And it certainly does not feel like your dad started so late in life. But you know what, you have not seen the way my kids do art. 🙂 I don’t really think they CAN draw! It is quite an interesting experience seeing their diagrams. 😀
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Rachna…beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. If your kids enjoy drawing, and if it’s beautiful in their opinion, I think you should encourage them. Not now, but maybe when they are a little older and understand ‘aesthetics’ they will know what they need to work on. 🙂
I would love to see their art works.
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Loved your dad’s artwork. And your adoration of him just shines through. This is truly an inspirational post!
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Thank you so much, Namratha! 🙂
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These are spectacular! 75?? He started that late? Honestly, I can’t tell. It’s beautiful, the details.
As for me, I’ll share a secret . I used to doodle a lot as a kid. And I mean a lot. Every book was covered in scribbles. Until I had to draw for science diagrams and they came out so horribly. Then my art teacher looked at my still life and said, ‘Never mind. You have a way with words.’ 😉 Ever since I gave up drawing. I doubt I’ll ever go back to it too. But let’s see.
Please convey my warmest wishes to Uncle and tell him these are gorgeous and he should keep drawing.
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Aww, that must have felt so bad! But, Shy, I feel you should begin doodling again, like that one you shared with me, remember? You do have it in you to draw. Draw for your happiness. I am sure you will do great!
Love!
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That’s lovely experience you shared and wow he has done very well. I think, every one who wants to draw should start by copying pictures from books and newspapers. Will share your post to my dad too. He is retired.
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I am happy you found my dad’s story inspiring, Ramya!
Yes, copying pictures from magazines etc is the best way to learn to draw. You can also find inspiration in the world around you. Maybe place an apple in a plate and then try to draw that. That’s how I too learnt! I still look for pictures of dogs and celebrities in magazines/newspapers to draw.
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Wow, beautiful drawings, Shilpa. Your dad is amazing. I love when people put their age aside and follow their passion. My mom is only 56 and for everything she says that she is old and don’t want to be bothered, even when I ask her to follow some exercise routine she doesn’t want to because she is old and stiff. It is so discouraging. I can’t express through my words how happy it made me to see your dad’s drawings. I used to draw when I was a kid, as in copy from children’s magazines and color them and stick them on walls. 😀 Later I stopped but now I’m doing it again, not as much I would like to or not as well I used to. I can’t use my imagination to draw but looking and drawing works for me. I will let you in on a secret – I drew a picture from your drawing collection too, Shilpa. That was a couple of months ago. And I drew a picture of myself too. 😀😁All because your drawings inspired me. Now I will attempt these drawings of your dad you shared too. Thanks a lot for this motivation this morning, Shilpa and Uncle. 😀
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Oh, wow, Vinitha! Why did you not share it with me? I so want to see your drawings now!
You must keep doing as and when time permits. It will keep you happy, esp during stressful times, you know. And, you must keep encouraging your mom too.Maybe some day she might come around.
Looking forward to seeing your drawings, soon!
Love!
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I will share the drawings just with you, Shilpa. I must warn you, they are not even half nearly as good as yours. You take a look and tell me how I can improve. Thanks for the encouragement dear. 😀
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Vini, I have written in the post that one must never ever compare one’s work with that of the others, because that’s when your morale goes for a dip! Do what you like, and do it because you enjoy it, sweetie!
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Yes, that’s true, Shilpa.
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Shilpa, your dad’s drawings are beautiful! I too like to draw and paint. I gave up art as a teenager but, now, I really love my artwork and would never give it up again!
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Thank you, Alice!
And, it’s so wonderful to hear you continuing with your art work. It can be the most therapeutic of activities, you know?
🙂
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I feel you totally. My company has few clients who are artist and I can totally understand what you were trying to say. And I love the drawings as well. Never give up on art. As they say, anything is art. It’s just the matter of perspective.
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Yes, Aditya, any creative activity is art. And, art can be so therapeutic. One should always keep trying their best and inspire themselves, too!
Thank you for visiting! 🙂
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These are such wonderful pictures, Shilpa. Really inspired. I used to make good sketches and drawings while in high school. But then Mom started pressurizing me for boards and made me say good bye to my drawing books and colours. Uncle’s sketches make me want to try it out again. Will definitely share it with you if I manage to make something meaningful. This was indeed a very inspiring post. Thank you! 🙂
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Oh, that’s great, Rekha! You must get back to making those sketches and do share them with me. I would love to see your artwork!
Thank you so much! 🙂
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What an indulging daughter you are and I think there is no age to indulge in any art though I feel some talents are inborn and come to the fire only when we allow them to .
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Thank you, hdpreeti!
True, we just need to encourage ourselves to bring out the hidden talents we may be blessed with. 🙂
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Its a beautiful post.. and i love the emotions you have shared because its your dad.. but yes its true if one has the will and is persistent.. one can surely achieve a lot.. even I started drawing by copying simple images and it helps
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Yes, Aditi. With will power and persistence, one can fulfil their dreams, achieve even the impossible.
Thank you so much! 🙂
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nice drawings for someone who started so late. I wish all elders stayed as happy, curious and childlike as kaka and develop a hobby to utilize time at hand irrespective of age.
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True, Shoma! I guess the inspiration came from Sudhir Mama! 🙂
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really?
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Very interesting and inspiring. I can see that the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree. Now winded you are so talented. And good for your dad . BTW Grandma Moses was a famous American artist who began painting at 75 so he can also become famous ….
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Yeah, Sunita..I am truly blessed!
Isn’t it awesome how inspiring some people can be…and spirited, too!
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Your dad’s awesome. There’s no age limit to learning, and drawing can be such a fulfilling and enriching pastime.
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It sure can be so fulfilling an activity, Damyanti!
Thank you! 🙂
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Awesome, I’m so motivated from uncle , with his spirit even at this age. His sketches of objects, Rabindranath Tagore were specially beautiful. Kudos to him
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Thank you, Jhilmil! 🙂
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Why I smell Amar Bangla here in this post…???
What a fabulous post is this Shilpa! Beautifully covered an artist who learned late but was persistent to prove that age really doesn’t matter when there’s a zeal within.
There are people with talents who kept them hidden in the name of busy-ness.
A post with lots to learn from.
My regards!
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Thank you, Chiradeep!
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Wow.. what a lesson to be learnt. I would never have believed it. I was watching this video the other day which said the single most important ingredient for success is grit and determination. Your father proved just that. One can achieve anything at any age or time by not giving up.
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True, Tulika. Grit, determination and perseverance can help one move mountains…I so believe in it all!
Thank you so much! 🙂
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These are beautiful drawings. It is quite inspirational of your father to take up something as a hobby which he had never done in his life and to start it at 75 is WOW!! How did your mother bring him to start drawing?
In my home and family, both my mother (aged 59) and my father-in-law (aged 72) talk about dying because there is nothing more left for them to do now. And this saddens me. With my mother I gave her a book which I thought she will enjoy reading.She read that book twice and asked me to order another book by the same author for her. I hope she finds a new calling.
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Aww, that can be so sad, Anamika. But, that’s how we all start functioning in our old age, I think. Except for a few people, though.
It was quite brave of my mother to convince dad to take up drawing, but then, she has been a teacher all her life and knows very well how to convince someone to do their best!
I am happy my dad took it up. Now, though, he doesn’t draw much. Maybe this post will motivate him to do it oftener.
I am happy your mother found the book interesting. Reading can be therapeutic, no? There is no better friend than a book and I think that’s what your mother found in the book you gifted her – a friend! I too hope she finds a new calling in reading.
WIsh you the best, my dear. Caring for aged parents is really not easy, especially those who have given up on life…
Hugs, my dear!
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Very nice post. I totally agree !
I started drawing and painting recently and I love learning new techniques 🙂 .
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Thank you, Ganga! I am so happy you could relate to my words!
Wish you the best in your artistic journey!
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Thank you 😊
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Very interesting illustrations! And an inspiring post.
It gives me hope that I can sketch. 🙂 I want to be an illustrator. 😊
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Thank you Tarang!
Wish you the very best! 😊
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