Using Contour as the Framework
January 24, 2016 § Leave a comment
I will be recommending books that I believe will help you along your journey of self discovery through drawing and will start with my book the Little Book of Drawing; a Friendly Approach. This book is unlike others in that it highlights the contour line as the framework for your personality and emotion, composition, and reveals form and depth. My drawing of Lauren illustrates the importance of the contour. Notice that my contour is unique with its curvilinear quality and quirkiness. Yours will be much different. By allowing your hand and pencil to become an extension of your eye, you lose your inhibitions and connect with the subject. This gradated pencil drawing allows that line or contour to show through.
Still Life in Pencil
January 14, 2016 § Leave a comment
This is a still life completed in pencil and was one of the first pieces in a series based upon the subject of reflection. Here, I inserted a small mirrored image of myself.
Peonies in the Shadows
December 4, 2015 § 1 Comment
I’m re posting a color drawing I completed a few years ago of a cluster of peonies casting shadows in the garden. I love how the flowers get so loose just before coming apart and provide even more interesting shadow shapes.
Joe and Frankie
November 5, 2015 § Leave a comment
One last view of the drawing of Joe and his Boston Terrier, Frankie as a pup. I’ve been working on revisions and at some point I have to say I’m done!!
Final Version of the Drawing of Joe and Frankie
October 22, 2015 § Leave a comment
Nearing the final stages of the mixed media drawing of our grandson Joe and his Boston Terrier Frankie. I had originally thought it would be watercolor with colored pencil, however I found pastel provided the drama and abstractions where needed. The pose was a difficult one and I was very unsure of it. However, time and the light play over the subjects led to subtle nuances which added to the story line. Plus I enjoy this tender moment in Joe’s relationship with Frankie.
Shift in Focus
September 22, 2015 § Leave a comment
This is the last of the series of black and white pencil drawings of my friend Hazel based upon the theme of reflection. Here the focus and clarity shifts from the person to the reflection in the mirror. One can see how sparse the small room was in the nursing home. This stands in stark contrast to her environment at home where she had fine china, her grand piano, and a spacious and lovely setting. Yet she was gracious to the end, accepting what life handed her
.
Reflection
September 15, 2015 § Leave a comment
This is another drawing of Hazel; a dear friend. This was part of a series based upon the theme of the mirrored image. The focus shifted from the self to the mirror. It brings new meaning to subject of reflection as we ponder ourselves and our place in this world.
Hazel’s View
September 2, 2015 § 4 Comments
My dear departed friend and teacher Hazel looking out of the nursing home window. That little black dog from the home came and sat at her feet every day. He knew what kind of person he wanted to be around just the way I did.
Textural Techniques in Pen and Ink
July 9, 2015 § Leave a comment
A few examples of portraying texture with ink through hatching, stippling, and a scribble technique based on your own handwriting. I find these methods provide an energy and looseness to our drawings that allow us to become more free in our expression.
Garden Goddess
July 4, 2015 § 1 Comment
I’m reblogging a previous post entitled Garden Goddess as some of my settings were not intact. Additional hue was added to a color pencil drawing to provide more differentiation between the foreground, middle ground, and the background.
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 