30 in 30, Day 3: “Press Toward the Mark”

turtle plods along
mindless of the obstacles—
the goal is in sight

Day 3: Press Toward the Mark

Turtles are not known for moving fast, but they sure can disappear if given half the chance. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the fable of the tortoise and the hare, and the moral of the story: “Slow and steady wins the race.”

We are all in a race called Life. In this race, it is not speed that counts, but consistency. Our Lord does not expect us to always be perfect, but He does expect us to always be making progress.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

For Leslie Saeta’s September 30-in-30 challenge, I am creating greeting cards, but each week I’ll experiment with a different medium and/or technique. This week’s focus is single line art, in which I attempt to draw a picture, based on one of my photos, without lifting the pen from the paper. First, I practice in my sketch book, then repeat the drawing on a blank card. Next, I add a splash of color with soft pastel, seal it all with fixative, and finish it off with a simple message typed on an old typewriter.

Today I drew both my practice and my final drawing before going to work, but I did not have time to share. Then, when I got home, I looked at it with fresh (though tired) eyes, and I didn’t like it. So I started over, putting a better sense of symmetry in the patterns on the turtle’s shell. I didn’t want an exact replica of the shell, but neither did I want it to look as though a second-grader had drawn it. It still could be better, but I’m pleased with it, especially compared to its predecessor (which you will not be forced to look upon). I tried to limit the back-tracing, but it was necessary to some degree.

About Single Line Art

I learned this technique only Saturday, while clicking on the links of others in the 30-in-30 challenge. Amy from Water Ink & Ribbon was the artist who introduced this fine technique to me. I encourage you to check out her work as well.

Have a wonderful week!