Balancing Act
Another week and a new rock drawing underway. Isn’t that green paper wild? It feels so to me. I’m not sure I entirely like it, and it’s difficult to control the colors I want for the rocks with the green base. But it’s fun to experiment with these things, and overall I’m enjoying and liking the drawing.
We’re going to Little Compton, Rhode Island for the weekend, and the beaches are covered with these rocks. That’s where I collect most of my rocks, and I plan to do some more collecting this weekend. I’m always looking for interesting shapes, colors and rocks with lines on them, rocks that are very flat, rocks with interesting flaws, rocks that are almost round. . .. .. pretty soon I’m going to have the whole beach in my studio!
Hey………….this may be a ‘sleeper’ Debbi; be quite lovely when its all said and done. Personally I think its quite lovely now; maybe our perspectives are a bit different because this is the first time I’ve seen it, and you’ve been looking at it for some time. The colors have a very soothing feel. (Curious: is there any tuscan red in the darkest shadows?)
Comment by Lynda — Friday, July 17, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
I value your feedback Lynda. Thanks. I do like it, it’s just so different with the green background from the more muted tones of paper I’ve been using. No, there isn’t any Tuscan Red in the drawing anywhere. Do you think I should use some?
Comment by Debbi — Friday, July 17, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
Nice start, Debbi. I know what you mean about colored paper – the few times I’ve used it I wished the colored pencil had more coverage in spots. Maybe sanded colored paper would work better? Also, is this done from life? I am just starting still life and have worked from photos so far, but am considering working from life once I get the hang of it.
Comment by Holly Bedrosian — Friday, July 17, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Hi Holly, I’m just not a big fan of sanded papers. I like Rtistx boards, but I couldn’t get a handle on Colourfix paper. Do you have one you really like? I’m curious to know.
This particular piece is not from life, as the rocks have already tumbled down. . . most likely from when my cat jumped up on the table! Both life and photos are fun and very different for working from – I don’t really have a favorite.
Comment by Debbi — Friday, July 17, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
To follow up………. sometimes I will use tuscan in the darkest shadows, especially with blues and greens. With the blues it can give a very deep purplish cast in the shadows, and because red is the compliment of green, it can give a nice effect that way too. Not sure if it would have a different effect on green paper…………..
Comment by Lynda — Saturday, July 18, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Hmmm, I’m going to try some Tuscan Red in there when I get back to work on Monday. Thanks for reminding me. . . .
Comment by Debbi — Saturday, July 18, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
Hi Debbi. This, again, is looking great. I think I like the green paper. It’s working well with the stones you’ve chosen. It’s a good subtle nature color for an ‘underpainting’.
I’ve been very busy getting my daughter prepared to go to BU(!) in the fall. But, I finally got to my drawing table last week and organize my thoughts as well as my art. I have many pieces that aren’t finished. For whatever reason, I stopped part way through all of them. So, I’ve decided to go back and finish up all my ‘loose ends’ artwork. Maybe this is why I get stuck. I need to clean up my art clutter. Wish me luck.
Loving your rock series!
Comment by Kathy Clericuzio — Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Thanks Kathy. I always appreciate your comments. I will be curious to see what you are finishing up. In your spare time, I’m sure.
That’s so exciting that your daughter is starting at BU this fall, and I can remember how much work I had last summer getting Alex ready for his freshman year. I hope you also have some time to just enjoy the summer. Good luck!!!
Comment by Debbi — Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 2:28 pm