Being a shy artist

To all other artists out there, you can probably relate. I like to draw, I find it fun and relaxing and a good way to entertain myself when I am waiting for something or someone. I guess, since I've been drawing from like age 3, it's natural for me and I don't think I'm anything special.

It always surprises me when I'm drawing out in public and someone stops to watch me draw. I get a little bit embarassed but I don't want to be rude and hide my drawing or stop to make it obvious their watching is making me uncomfortable. Sometimes they watch and then precede on their way, other times, which I dread, they try to enter a conversation with me. I don't mind the kids because they are really interested and most of the time cute. I know that they are genuinely curious about what I'm doing. I don't always know how to answer their questions.

One time at the airport a little girl caught me drawing. First she oohed and aahhed a little and then she asked the question "how do you do that"? Ok, do what exactly? I mean draw? Think up the ideas for what I will draw? Or transfer what is in my head to my hand to paper? It's a complex procedure I'm sure but since I've been doing it for over 20 years I guess it's a natrual process for me. So I did what most people in my situation would do, smile and pretend I didn't speak English. Nah, I just told her "I don't know" which is the truth in some way.

Adults or peers are another story. I don't think they are any less curious or interested but I just get downright embarassed. I guess it's because I draw mostly cartoony things which I feel show I'm childish. I'm more shy than bothered by them but for the most part they don't ask questions. I don't mind people I know talking to me about my drawings but total strangers make me uncomfortable (in person). I'm a pretty shy person face to face. I don't mind people commenting about my work online. Highschool was the worst. I used to like to doodle in my art class. While I was learning traditional methods I would be sketching anime characters. Other students would hover and then ask what I was doing, how I was drawing them, how I got my ideas and I was so shy and embarassed. Some even wanted my sketches, which I found flattering and strange at the same time. Luckily now when people ask me to draw for them I can charge them... : )

There are so many great artists out there, a lot, tons, better than me which i am grateful for. It does make me wonder because I'm sure many people have great ideas for drawings in their heads but how to translate that onto paper is the area where many fall short. And where does one get these ideas? It's all so complicated, I just accept I can do what I can and there are some things I can't do. I also wonder if our ideas are in some way hindered by our ability to draw them or is our ability to draw hindered by our ideas (or lack of). Hmmmm.

Sorry boring post. Hopefully more art posts soon. I need to buy a new scanner...