I’ve recently signed up with the Open College of the Arts.

I’ve been considering it for a while, but my hand was forced by impending huge fee increases which would have made me even more reluctant to take the plunge.

The details of the whys and wherefores can be found on the OCA Profile page, but the bottom line is that whereas I’ve had practice at some of the techniques of art, but I need more practice at thinking like an artist, developing ideas etc.

John Cage apparently once said “I have nothing to say, and I am saying it” and that in turn was an inspiration for Gerhard Richter while he was making the Cage Paintings.  Personally, I’d rather find something to say…

I wanted, really, to start with painting, but was advised by the Student Office that they like people to start with Drawing 1, as it’s the basis for painting.  Whilst I appreciate this point of view I feel a bit like I did as a kid being told to go off and practice my scales and arpeggios when what I wanted to do was write my own songs.

So I’m doing Drawing 1, and I know it’ll help me with other aspects of at in the future, but I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy it.  Please see the definition of the Scots word thrawn.

Gah,  that’s just being too negative before I even start; I just have to find a way into it, is all.