Forum posts by Iris Washington

Welcome Luce!! So glad to have a new face! I totally understand the out of sight, out of mind bit! I literally just looked at my sketchbook and went, "Oh NO! Line of Action is a thing and I have a group that I created!" I look forward to seeing your work and watching you grow!

Hi Judy! Welcome!

It's wonderful to see another face! I'm sorry that was your experience with your father. I feel like it was especially hard back then for people to understand (I am 34, so not sure how far back for you lol) because there wasn't much information on ADHD. I heard the "it's an excuse" bit too because "they can focus for hours on _____!" Ha ha, if only they knew! I'm glad that you were able to make it through and now understand more about yourself!

Instagram is wonderful for just that and it's SO motivating. I look back every time I finish a sketchbook and it makes me so proud! I look forward to watching you evolve!

These are all excellent! I love the focus on managing external (sounds, interruptions, notes of remembering to breathe, etc) and internal (make sure to remember to eat, drink, etc)! I don't know about you, but for me, it's sometimes so easy to get wrapped up in work that I forget to stretch and drink water for hours!

Hi Koreley, nice to meet you!

I'm so happy you feel seen here, and thank you for introducing yourself! I am definitely going to look at your artwork when I get back--I am currently away!

I hope we gather more wayward souls, because neurodivergency can really impact how we do art!

A place to share tips and tricks!

Keep in mind that some things work for some and not for others. Like any condition, ADHD affects everyone differently. If a tip doesn't help, it's okay! We're here to try and learn together!

What I've learned for myself:

1. I need to get my reference as close to my paper/drawing space as close as possible!
-This way my brain doesn't rearrange what I saw by the time my eyes flit to the page....too much. This is one way using Photoshop is amazing, because you can look at a reference and draw right next to it!

2. Work at the time of day that works for my brain.
- I know that if I draw at night, my focus is going to be questionable. However, if I work in the morning after some coffee and my medication, I'm like a different artist!
-I hope to get a set of pictures up soon that shows how different it is for me at night, the morning, and on Photoshop!

3. Look, look, and look again!
- Recently, I've been trying to not put in full shapes until my basic structures have been mapped out and checked at least 3 times!-
-My eyes ping pong all over, so taking a breath and saying "okay, I'm going to focus on the head and shoulders (example), nothing else" helps me focus.

I have more, but wanted to share these first! I am more interested in what you guys have to share!

This is a place for members to introduce themselves and give links to their other work if desired! Share as much or as little as you want! I personally want to share how my ADHD impacts my work and how I combat it while drawing:

My name is Iris! I've drawn since I was a little kid and went to undergrad for studio art from 2007-2011. I lost touch with my work for a long time, but in 2020 I started with my artwork again. I've been practicing a LOT since last June and my skills have very much improved, but I still have a hard time getting my references to paper. I had no idea why my eyes would bounce around so much and I wouldn't end up with my figures the way I saw them -- because I WASN'T. My gaze would get so overwhelmed that I was guessing what I saw by the time my eyes flitted to my paper.

I was diagnosed with ADHD at the beginning of this year. I started getting therapy to manage it and was also finally medicated. My ability to focus has greatly improved, and I'm able to apply some of the things I learned in therapy to how I approach a reference. While not perfect--because none of us are--I've begun to make strides!

My hope is that we can support each other here and share tips and tricks, because I know I have a few that I want to share with you all!

Hi everyone! I'm Iris! I've been doing artwork for many years, but for the most part do not have a good understanding of anatomy. I've been working hard over the past 3/4 of a year and want all the feedback I can get. I also miss having a group to critique and grow with since I was in college...which was in 2011, so it's been a while! Looking forward to seeing everyone's work!

You have a unique style! I feel like I could pick your work out in a lineup. I feel that sometimes your figures get kinda squat, like you're trying to fit them on the page. I've had this issue too! I wonder what would happen if you used bigger paper. The sketch of the man with the spear is beautiful, and the anatomy is so grounded! I think part of its success is because you didn't force yourself to fit the whole thing and let it breathe!