So six weeks ago (wow, six weeks!) I posted the following picture to my instagram: Rough sketch of @tarynmanning as M.A. McG from #H50. Because this was somehow easier than making her a stick figure.
So, I’m an untrained artist who hasn’t sketched anything really since high school (where I hardly sketched anything at all) and the first thing I drew in ages worked so well I did what I always do when I try something new and it seems to work: freak out, chalk it up to beginner’s luck, and freeze completely.
I never did figure out how to convert this from a “rough sketch” to something actually presentable to the public, so here it is, unchanged, in all it’s rather juvenile glory — cheerful, naive, flawed airline stewardess Mary Ann McGarrett — as drawn by me.
The point of this? The point of this is: I’ve been drawing stuff lately. Got some actual drawing pencils, some good paper, even some colors… and I have a few drawings to share. With you. So. For better or worse, the form of artistic expression I feel MOST UNEASY about sharing publicly… coming at ya. Stay tuned.
Junk Kicker's #H50 Junk Drawer 
Wow, she sure does look fine! Her hair looks better than it did on the show!
Posted by Alicia | August 21, 2012, 11:02 pmHa ha! Not sure how I accomplished that, but I think her hair is my favorite part of the drawing… well that and her nose. I worked FOREVER on that cute little nose of hers. Thanks A.
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:00 amPlease do share all your creativity with us……
You are a lady of many talents. Sometimes life suck us in and we loose our creativeness and in a small way it smothers us. Embrace the outlet here in your “Drawer” and we will enjoy it with you!
Posted by FOYeur | August 21, 2012, 11:23 pmSometimes life suck us in and we loose our creativeness and in a small way it smothers us.
I 10000% relate to this sentiment. Sometimes I think, yes, this has happened to me before & it’s not very fun. I am enjoying my own little personal renaissance here… writing, drawing, reading, photography, some old hobbies, some are brand new ones but I am liking all of it. 🙂 Thanks FOYeur, I’m glad you’re here for the ride with me!
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:02 amShe sure does look fine! (love Steve Miller!)
Posted by westy | August 22, 2012, 12:19 am😀 Thanks Westy!!! 😀 I appreciate that. I also looooooove Steve Miller Band!!! Something tells me Mary Ann would, too…. 😉
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:03 amNicely done, babe – happy to hear you’re doing something you love again! #hugs
Posted by PNWgal (@PNWgal) | August 22, 2012, 8:34 amThank you!! I was nervous about posting it but you all have been so nice I feel better about it. 🙂
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:56 amI’m bowing at my computer screen (“I’m not worthy”-style) at your creativity and sheer guts – you’re awesome! I decided to take some swimming lessons this summer – I was the only person over the age of 5 in the pool, but what the heck. Yay for personal renaissance – your FUCUP buddies are right here with ya!
It must be the creative power of the FOY – it inflates us and makes us soar to new heights…
Posted by AnnieOakley | August 22, 2012, 9:14 amYay Annie for stepping outside your comfort zone and taking the swimming lessons! I took them as a teenager and not a child so yeah, its a bit embarrassing to be older. But I know people way older than me who still can’t swim….so be proud of yourself!
Posted by ESS @H50BAMF | August 22, 2012, 11:03 amI took adult swimming lessons too! Several years ago now, but it was a really big deal for me. Proud of you!
Posted by heymomo | August 23, 2012, 11:56 amBTW – while the nose and hair are great (noses are difficult!), you really nailed the proportion between her head and upper body. The shoulders are perfect!
Posted by AnnieOakley | August 22, 2012, 9:16 amSwimming lessons! That’s SO awesome. McG would give you the SEAL thumbs up for sure.
We are surely sailing on the wings of …. not the FOY the FOY doens’t have wings (right?) but even so… life is good!! 😆
What I have discovered are quite a few drawing tutorials on youtube that give some really good tips on how to make sure the proportions and bodies look “normal.” I didn’t quite succeed in all aspects (I’m trying really hard not to make a huge long list of everything I’d change about this drawing if I could) but those tutorials really really helped me… thank goodness I’m living in the future…. of youtube tutorials!
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:55 amFunny you mention the proportion thing… because thatwas the first thing I noticed about your “MaryAnn”- how really wellyou did the proportioning. Its so not easy! I love it!
And yeah, you made her look better than in real life. This MaryAnn I think I would like!
Posted by KimmerNY | August 23, 2012, 4:29 pmIs it rude to say that you’re drawing is prettier than her in real life?
Posted by spurschick | August 22, 2012, 9:27 amNo, go ahead, you can say it. 😉
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 9:33 amYou amaze me, Steph. Full. Stop.
Posted by ESS @H50BAMF | August 22, 2012, 11:04 amReally that means so much to me. You make me brave. This WILL be an #awkwardchickflickmoment if I keep going… I’ll say it again, I’m so lucky to have you guys. 🙂
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 22, 2012, 1:52 pmReally cool. It came out great. Glad the drawing/sketching bug bit you. Can’t wait to see more of your work. I used to do a lot of sketching and it can be addictive. You’ll lose hours before you know it, but it’s fun.
Posted by Lorraine Pearl | August 22, 2012, 3:32 pmIt is a wonderful way to just… not think about the troubling stressful portions of my life for a bit at a time… it’s great for just focusing on what I’m doing… and being creative, that’s what I love about it so much!
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 24, 2012, 9:25 amYAY STEPH!
Love the drawing.
I love that you’re exploring this artistic outlet. And that you got some good pencils and paper! The art supply store is like a candy store… I want everything.
Thank you for sharing your results with us, I feel honoured.
Posted by heymomo | August 23, 2012, 11:54 amI feel I have a good beginner’s kit. Nice pencil set, also my colors (crayola pencils, ha ha), the notebook of sketch paper, variety of erasers (SO IMPORTANT, they came way too late in the game) and a pencil sharpener. Just you wait & see what’s coming… hopefully some things you will like.
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 24, 2012, 9:45 amI’m not playing drawsome with you any more either. 😛 You’re very talented. I’m having an art day on Sunday with my cousins. Can I hire you out so they don’t have to put up with my poor attempts at creativity??? 😉
Posted by Infant_Sardonic | August 24, 2012, 3:12 amI keep forgetting about Draw Something!!! 😦
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | August 24, 2012, 9:47 amThere’s a definite likeness there.
Posted by Mary Jane | September 20, 2012, 12:28 pmThanks! 😀
Posted by SJ2 (Junk Kicker) | September 20, 2012, 3:01 pm