Debbi Friedman’s Blog

Happy July 4th! I have spent several hours working today, and am almost finished with this drawing. I will probably take it with me down to Rhode Island tomorrow so I can work on it and hopefully finish it. We’re just going away for an overnight, and I really want to be able to start something new next Monday. Next Friday my younger son comes home from camp and I can see much of my free time drifting away on the summer wind.

Today I was interviewed and videotaped by the press from the Wellesley cable station for a spotlight on my artwork in conjunction with the show I currently have on display at the Dorset Tea and Coffee Cafe (www.dorsetcafe.com). First we taped a session in my studio, and then went down to the Dorset Cafe for some commentary about three pieces from the show. Thanks to Rob Santonastaso and Sarah Blodgett for their great work - I can’t wait to see the finished spotlight!

In addition to the above, I have so much time to work when my sons are away at camp! It’s almost frightening what I can accomplish when I’m alone in my studio all day. Here is a photo of the feather floating on water that I’m working on. I am getting more comfortable with the Rtistx board and don’t feel like I have to rush as much to “see how it will come out”. I am relaxing with the realization that I will achieve the results I’m looking for.

I am posting the first stage of my new piece on Rtistx board today.  It’s still a little frustrating to be working in such a rough surface, but I think I am getting more used to it as I work more on it.  This is a water-themed drawing I am considering for the CPSA Chapter 112 show entitled “H2O” which will be on view next November at the Spring Bull Gallery in Newport, RI.

Finally, here is a completed piece to share. I am pleased with the way this ended up. Any comments are most welcome.

I have started a new piece, and decided to push myself and try a different drawing surface. I bought some Ampersand Pastel Boards as well as some Rtistx boards, and decided to use the Rtistx board. I have very little experience with these boards, other than using them in two different workshops, so it is a little frustrating. I keep reminding myself that it’s good to push myself outside of my comfort level, even if it is just regarding materials. I don’t know if the drawing will work or not, but it’s small (a. 8 x 6 inches) and nearly half done, so it won’t take too long to tell. I will post a photograph of the new piece tomorrow.

Here is the latest photograph of my new drawing, and I will admit, it has been very slow going. Slow, but successful. I really love the way this is developing - the composition, colors, mood. . . The next post will be a completed piece. I hope to move on more quickly now as my kids are going off to summer camp tomorrow, and all the hectic activities of the past 3 weeks will be coming to an end!

I am loving working on this drawing although the peacock feather is very tedious drawing. I love the way the feather looks like water or a wave lapping on a shore of sand dollars. (Click on thumbnail and then on next image for best view).

This quote was printed in the Boston Globe today and it really spoke to me.  It’s the way I think about much and/or most of my work.

“There is only one valuable thing in art, and that is the thing that cannot be explained.”  -Georges Braque

A couple more days of work on this drawing and the peacock feather fringe is starting to take shape. I must be crazy - this is very delicate and difficult drawing. I think the actual eye of the feather will be easier to execute.

I have been making slow and steady progress on the new piece. Here is a photograph of it with the sand dollars more developed.

Here is a photograph of the new piece I started this week. It’s at a very beginning stage, but I always find it interesting to watch the developing stages of pieces.

Well that was one of the longest breaks from actually creating artwork that I’ve taken in years. How can five weeks go by so quickly?

While on vacation in Southern California we visited the Balboa State Park Zoo. I was struck by a peacock we encountered upon arrival - he went into full display mode. But have you ever noticed what the backside looks like while male peacocks are looking so magnificent? Here’s a photo, and it serves as a lead-in to the piece I just started. I hope to post a photograph by the end of this week! (By the way, I am NOT drawing the backside of a peacock. . . )

We’re vacationing on the west coast in Southern California - it’s so sunny, warm and beautiful here. I have been taking lots of photographs of flowering plants, vegetation, hummingbirds, etc. and Death Valley, where we spent two and a half days. We’ll see if any of this will make it’s way into my work when I get back home. Today we visited the Irvine Farmer’s market where I took photos of the produce, which is absolutely stunning. Artichokes, diakon radishes, fruits and more that look like they’ve been grown with radioactive fertilizer; they are so gigantic and beautifully formed. Colors super-saturated. Cooling off indoors before taking a walk in the 90 degree heat.

Here is the finished drawing of the feathers and broken egg in a box. I am happy with the way it came out, and plan to do another feather piece to try out some different ideas.

This drawing is beginning to shape up and the finished image is now easier for me to picture.  I am accentuating colors in the feathers to achieve a little more variation.  The next two feathers are done (not shown here) and add more softness and color.  (Click on thumbnail and then again on next image for best view).

Here is more development on the feathers and broken egg nestled in a box. I’ve never drawn feathers before that weren’t part of a bird. They are interesting to look at by themselves.

Here is a photo of the piece I am currently working on. The two blue jay feathers are still in process; the lower, spotted feather and egg are pretty much complete.

I will be posting a photograph of my new drawing tomorrow. It’s an exciting change for me and I’m having a lot of fun working on it. In the meantime, here’s a quote I’ve always been amused by.