Anna and Clare
October 22, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is the first of a three drawing series of my grand daughter Anna and her friend Clare when they were very little. This scene depicts the two resting and thinking in a play tunnel while planning their next moves. I’m showing both the contour or line drawing with the finished gradation.
Hazel in the Mirror
December 16, 2013 § Leave a comment
Here is the last in a series of three drawings of my dear friend Hazel. It is based on the subject of reflection and in this portrayal we see the clarity in her mirrored image. At this point in her life, she was in the nursing home and her surroundings had been diminished to a few pieces of furniture in a small room. The once gracious hostess and teacher never lost her dignity and was always inviting and warm. I hope to be able to possess such strength and wisdom.
Reflection of Hazel
December 6, 2013 § Leave a comment
This is another drawing of my piano teacher Hazel. It was a three drawing series of her that was part of an exhibition based on the theme of reflection. Here, she really fills the picture plane. I see the folds of her clothing bearing a similarity to the folds of her face. It reminds me of what a dear friend she was. Even though for most of our relationship I was a girl, age didn’t matter with us. I could turn to her for anything. She understood me and I her.
Reworking Jess and Frankie
October 24, 2013 § Leave a comment
I’ve changed the drawing of Jess and Frankie submitted in a previous post. I’ve brought up the contrasts, color and value, allowing the dog to project forward, I chose to take the liberty of pulling the blanket up and over the subjects. This device provides continuity as it moves throughout the composition. The blanket also helps to tell the story of a young woman and her dog nestling into its warmth and softness. Still not sure if I’m done. Any comments and advice are welcome!!
Jess and Frankie
October 14, 2013 § Leave a comment
We could be two inches tall as we enter this magnified view of Jess and Frankie, We become part of a sentimental moment when the dog nestles into the arms of his mistress peacefully asleep. Included are the contour or line drawing, a partially completed gradation, and the final drawing in color pencil.
Telling a Story With Serial Imagery
September 19, 2013 § Leave a comment
Through a series of drawings, we are able to examine the complexities within each composition and how they relate to each other. Each represents a different look at the same grouping of flowers. When we take the time to examine our subjects more closely and make our own decisions about what we want to say, the storyline becomes more complex. Each piece represents a unique dissection of the space around the forms and each has a prominent area of focus. By looking at the drawings together, we can see the similar nature of the flowers repeating and reaching toward the light. Take the time to explore the possibilities within your subject material. We don’t always have to draw what we see!!
Opening up the Story Line; A Two Part Composition
September 6, 2013 § Leave a comment
With this still life, I chose to depict it in two parts; one in hatching and the other stippling. I enjoy seeing how the character of the composition changes when using different textural techniques.
Working with Serial Imagery
August 27, 2013 § Leave a comment
When attempting to tackle the big world of composition, it is important to not pigeonhole yourself by allowing just one option. Too many times, when starting out with drawing and painting and someone would ask “Why did you depict your subject this way?”, “I would say well that is because it looked like that”. I didn’t realize I had the power to change my images. Instead of taking things at face value and saying only one thing about our subjects, we must challenge ourselves to explore our options. When looking at a subject move it, walk around it, step in to examine it closely, look at it in different lighting. Some examples of serial imagery are a zoom in for the first piece, then step back, and step back again. Try three or four different vantage points. Add something to the composition or take something away. Try the subject in different mediums or techniques; one in stippling, one in scribble, one in hatching, and on and on. By limiting ourselves to spitting out just one portrayal, we never really explore the full storyline a subject has to offer. I’m including a series of color drawings of the goddess Persephone seen in different seasons, colors, and with varying settings,
My Friend Hazel
August 27, 2013 § Leave a comment
I’m posting a drawing I completed of Hazel in the nursing home. She was a dear friend and a wonderful piano teacher!! This drawing perhaps goes further than most in telling a story of a person reflecting upon her life as she gazes out the window. Notice the artistic devices of the dog sitting at her feet looking inward and the plant as it points outward leading the viewer’s eye throughout the composition and supporting the story line.
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 