Tag Archives: artwork

Throwing Away My Art Training

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As I start this drawing, I’m reminded of the words my teachers would say to me.  “Don’t draw every leaf.  Make a pattern of the light and shadow of the foliage, and just give a hint of texture”.  Okay, yes, that makes for wonderful landscapes.  However, what if I do want to draw every blessed leaf?

In abstract art, people often talk about it being the process, not the result.  It’s a cliche, and as I always am aware, words become cliches because there is truth to them.  Even very naturalistic artists talk about being in the zone, where there is nothing but the artwork and themselves.

Which brings me back to Zentangles….yes, you remember me talking about Zentangles.  The “zen” part of it, relates to the state of consciousness that you get when you concentrate on a repetitious task. So, considering the process, and the state of mind in the zone, I damned well am going to draw every leaf.

Case in point, this drawing I did when I was approximately half the age I am now.  I took my teachers’s advice on the trees, but the grass?  I drew every blade, and I don’t regret it.  It was relaxing, and on top of it, I discovered I could make the grass in a pattern that complemented the composition.  Yes, it was all very Zen.

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And Suddenly….A Cat!

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After grumbling about the day job, and not getting enough time to draw….I finally got some quality time in with my paper and pencils.  So, I have started the drawing of Pumpkin.

Cats are getting pretty easy for me, now.  I’ve gotten used to the structure of their fur, ears, paws and such.  So, somehow, without my really concentrating very hard on it, Pumpkin emerged…somewhat as the Cheshire Cat did.

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In terms of art in general, I’m considering doing a Youtube series on drawing instruction…the tips I have learned over the years, and a bit of humorous insight, as I go along.  Right now,  I’m trying to get past the Christmas rush at work, and get the apartment into a more reasonably organized set of piles…when I get past that, I will start making plans on how to go about doing it, and to not be too boring in the process.

Anyway, in the tone of voice of Joan Crawford shouting “NO MORE WIRE HANGERS”, I hope, next year to be screaming : “NO MORE RETAIL JOBS”.

(Wish me luck).

On the Subject of Rainbows….

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Another more modern association with rainbows is gay equality, diversity, etc.  Oh yes, it’s a fertile metaphor

BUT!

I see so many rainbow drawing that are just wrong, and do not capture the spirit of the promise after the storm.  First of all, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rainbow against a blue, sunny sky, as so often is portrayed. That’s just wrong!

rainbow-1No wonder people shy away from the subject in serious art.

Not only that, rainbows seem to be pale and pastel in real life.  They’re made of light,  of course.  So, enough of the bright colors!

(Of course, one way to get around both cliches is to portray it in black and white….especially if it helps the plot line)

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So, now my drawing is in the late evaluation stages, waiting for me to come back to it with a fresh eye. In the meantime, I hope you have gotten some perspective on the serious subjects on rainbows.

Now back to real life, and real problems.  Terrorism, homelessness, global warming and other subjects.  Even if I spout fury on the subject of rainbows, it’s a good break.

Ahem,….While We’re Waiting

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Well, still my pencils and papers are in limbo, between dwelling places.  As an old friend of mine would put it, I’m “jonesing” on lack of creative time.  My eyeballs are bulging, and the veins in my forehead are throbbing.  So it feels, at least.  Recently, I’ve been reading that simple coloring relaxes adults in a way similar to meditation.  I miss my coloring!

I also have a long, thoughtful, and hopefully not boring commentary on rainbows to present..but it doesn’t make much sense to present that without the drawing to go with it.  Hmmm, well, back to the other subject.  My flight from New York.

Digging through old artwork during my move, I came across an old drawing of mine, devoted to the dream of somehow, someday,  going to live and succeed in New York.  At the time, I thought it was impossible to achieve.  However, it did happen.  How many people actually have a dream come true?  I’m one.

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Happy Holidays and All That Jazz…

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I’m getting ready for another Black Friday in retail, today, but in Connecticut instead of NYC.  Yes, the move is final now…..I’m in Connecticut.  I had my first Thanksgiving with a working oven in about 10 years..and let me tell you, turkey cooked in a crock pot, just isn’t the same.

Ah, Connecticut…..

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Home.  🙂

So, when last I was working on a drawing, it was the rainbow from last summer.  Let me tell you, I am itching to work on it again…but right now, I don’t have my drawing materials all in the same place.  Artwork is similar to an addiction for me, if I don’t do it, my peace of mind shatters and I get into a a withdrawal type funk.

But life goes on.  I said I’d never leave New York, but after 20 years, I did.  So, I won’t say I will never go back…if the circumstances are right.  Let me tell you, it’s a city where you need lots of $$$ to live a decent life, otherwise, it’s the dumps.

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Every Rainbow Starts With a Storm…or a Sketch as the Case My Be

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So, her’e the rough sketch…and rough it is.  It’s painfully lacking in interesting details, but then, that’s what sketches are for.

In the past, I would jump in full-sized, with no prior sketch, and waste mucho dollars on paper, doing version after version. I now eliminate problems from having done the sketch…and since the paper I use costs upwards of $5 that’s significant.  And less emotionally frustrating, I might add.

So, I’m also hearing the voice of my artist mother as I look at this sketch…..”If you add a couple of details, your picture will tell a story”.

“But, Mom, I don’t want to tell a story!  I want to create a mood and an emotion”.

So, I look a this sketch..it has an Asian artwork feel to it.

I will add details to it, and hopefully create a mood, and tell a story.  Yes, Mom.

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