A little zen drawing
As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been working on a little graphite drawing, and here it is. It’s a very simple and zen-like composition. A black stone used in hot stone therapy that was given to me by a masseuse, a small peacock feather, placed upside down atop the stone and some shadows are all that composes the drawing. It’s small – maybe about 7″ x 7″.
I’m eager to move onto the next drawing in my rock series, and plan to try and incorporate water in the drawing. Coincidentally, I’m just back from the 17th Annual Exhibition and Convention of the Colored Pencil Society of America, where I took a workshop with CPSA Artist Pat Averill on the power of water. . . entitled “Unleash the power of water in your drawings”. Below are two photographs from the workshop: one of friends Dee Overly (left) and Mari Kaye Moehl (right) working on one of the four projects we tackled that day, and the other of workshop instructor Pat Averill. I’m not sure that the workshop concepts will transfer to my drawing, but you never know! We worked on the distortion of images in reflected water, drawing moving water (ie – surf), drawing water moving over rocks, and looking at wet sand to dry sand within the context of a seascape.
Debbi, seems no matter how small your works, they are always exquisite! This piece is a gem. I came across an article in Watercolor magazine that reminded me of your art. I have put it aside to bring with me for you the next time our chapter meets. Can’t wait to see your next rock art.
Comment by Kathy Clericuzio — Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Thank you so much Kathy – you made my day! I will look forward to seeing you at our next chapter meeting. Doesn’t it seem like forever since we’ve all met?
And thanks for thinking of me re: the article, I am curious to see it. Have a good rest of the summer.
Comment by Debbi — Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Well hey, I am out of the shadows and no longer lurking!! Woo-hoo.
I love your little Zen piece. I feel peaceful just looking at it.
Great photo of Pat doing her demo! I kind of wonder why I took the workshop given that I don’t live near an ocean but I guess I was intrigued by the Paraffin and the crayons. I hope to put the crayons to use in something for the CPSA mixed media exhibition. Maybe…
I really enjoyed meeting you at the convention and I look forward to more visits here on your blog!!
Comment by Teresa Mallen — Wednesday, August 5, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
Well Teresa I am so glad that you finally came out of the shadows and said hi! It was great to meet you in Atlanta as well, and I look forward to visiting your blog also.
I think you may be surprised about the workshop. Just because you don’t live near water doesn’t mean you won’t end up using some of the techniques. I thought the time-saving possibilities of crayons were very intriguing, as well as using paraffin. You’ll have to let me know if you do end up using either tool down the line, okay?
Comment by Debbi — Thursday, August 6, 2009 @ 10:47 am
Debbi; this is SOOOOOOO lovely — Kathy used the perfect word — “exquisite”. Could one find a more perfectly shaped stone?
Comment by Lynda Schumacher — Thursday, August 6, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Thanks, Lynda, I’m glad you like the drawing. Yes, since the stone is heated and waiting to be put on someone’s back while they’re lying on their back, it’s a good thing it’s nice and round. The other stone the masseuse gave me wasn’t quite as perfect.
Comment by Debbi — Thursday, August 6, 2009 @ 2:46 pm