The rocks are out of the bag. . .
I’m very excited about this new drawing I’ve almost finished. I love the glow of the bag on the white rocks inside, as well as the composition. I’ve posted three photographs below, the first one is the start, working up the darks to establish where they are. I don’t usually draw this way, and it was fun to do so for a change. The second photograph is with the bag pretty much finished and the rocks waiting to be worked on. I left the bag “looser” than I usually work as I like how the texture of the paper lends itself to the texture of the paper bag. The third photograph is the drawing as it is now, almost complete. Just some tweaking on the shadows underneath the rocks, and maybe some adjustments to the lines between the rocks.
Since my younger son is coming home from sleep-away camp today, and I had an unexpected but fun trip to Baltimore last week, I’ve had to reassess my initial thoughts that I might complete 10 drawings this summer. I realize that’s not possible now, not with going to the CPSA convention at the end of July, and away on a family vacation in August. But I’m going to do my best to finish them by September 21st or so, which is technically the end of summer. I have lots of ideas about how to proceed with this series, doing at least one variation piece for each idea, so that there are two ways of looking at, say, the rocks in the glass vase, or the rocks with a split rock, etc.
Really nice effects working dark to light Debbi. I like the warm glow of the bag on the stones also. (Thats about it, as I simply cannot think anymore thoughts! Just got back from the artist reception at the Toledo Museum, and after getting up at 4:00 am this morning, I think I’m sleep-walking. Goodnight!)
Comment by Lynda — Friday, July 10, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Thanks Lynda. I know you work dark to light, and I think you switched to that process at some point in time. I’d be curious to know any tips you have for me.
I hope you got some sleep last night!
Comment by Debbi — Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
I did!………and sorry to whine on your blog. Maybe we can play around with our pencils, from dark-to-light, in Atlanta!
Comment by Lynda — Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
Sounds like fun – let’s try it!
Comment by Debbi — Sunday, July 12, 2009 @ 9:56 am
That is one loose bag.
Great work! The color of the rocks inside the bag is very well-captured.
Comment by Alex — Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
Thanks Alex. I always love it when you stop in and comment.
Comment by Debbi — Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
I love your rock drawings and compositions! There you go … traveling again! Just enjoy the summer and don’t worry about the 10 drawings. I’ve given up, I guess summer is just meant to be enjoyed while the good weather is here and we can always collect inspirations from our experiences.
Comment by Kendra — Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
You’re right, Kendra, I need to give up the worrying and scheduling of trying to accomplish too much in the summertime. I have been doing an extraordinary amount of traveling since last February, and really am looking forward to the CPSA convention at the end of this month. I wish you were going to be there as well!
I’m glad you like this series. I’m really enjoying doing this – I don’t usually focus on an idea so exclusively and it’s fun for a change.
Comment by Debbi — Thursday, July 16, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
Debbi — this is a fabulous exercise in light and texture. I love it. It reminds me of how you construct your photographs. I can’t wait to see all the shots from Baltimore, particularly ones that will look astonishing in print and online.
Comment by Meryl — Monday, August 3, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
Thanks Meryl, I’m glad you like it. I don’t see the connection between my photographs, but that is an interesting thought! Anytime you want the Baltimore shots spiffed up and ready for print just let me know!
Comment by Debbi — Tuesday, August 4, 2009 @ 9:52 am