Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Spheres



For me there is something very satisfying about drawing spheres. So when I saw the reference for this image of shiny chrome spheres, I knew I had to draw it. In pen.

Its been awhile since I've used pointillism in ink and while time consuming, it is very soothing and relaxing. I'm using a .25 nib in a Rapidograph pen and black ink. What I have produced so far has taken about 4 hours.

I don't mind drawings taking time to complete. I enjoy the process and the slowness ensures that mistakes aren't made, especially in this medium. However, drawing time is a real stumbling block for beginning art students who want quick results, yet become dissatisfied when they can't achieve what they envision in their heads in a one or two hour time frame.

9 comments:

Rose Welty said...

Jeanette,

When I was a teenager I did alot of pointillism, but now I just never would get that much time!

Perhaps when the boys are older...

Spheres look lovely!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful start to this drawing! I, too, love all the reflections of reflections on these spheres.

Time is such an issue -- both for those with a million plates juggled in the air and for those ytoung crazy teens who "like, are so bored".

"Patience is a virtue." Who said that?

Jan said...

Jeanette said: "However, drawing time is a real stumbling block for beginning art students who want quick results, yet become dissatisfied when they can't achieve what they envision in their heads in a one or two hour time frame."

You could have been writing that to me (& maybe were!) but, it's not really so much the time involved but it's a matter of concentration for me. There was once a time when I could zone out and spend all day painting or learning a new technique. Since the big 50 and everything that goes along with it, my attention span and ability to concentrate has dropped considerably! Also, the older we get, the more time seems to fly, the more demands on it you have and you realize just how little time there is to produce any kind of result.

I admire your ability to do this kind of fine detail and to do it so beautifully. How much ginko do you take anyway?

Jeanette Jobson said...

Rose, I don't dedicate huge chunks of time to techniques like this because I don't have them either. I do a little here and there and before long its all done!

Oh yes Tracy, the time factor always is an issue no matter at what age. I've become selfish in my old age and ensure that I make time for myself and what I want to do and let other, less important things, slip to the wayside.

Jan, I find the opposite from you. I have more concentration ability now that I am older than I did years ago.

Fine detail is in my blood and I obtain enjoyment from the process itself and the minute marks on paper. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea however and can frustrate some who prefer looser interpretations.

Ginko helps :) And wine.

Stacy said...

Jeanette, this is a lovely start! What a great reference for a pointillism drawing. I never thought I'd find the patience for this kind of drawing, but I actually find it very relaxing. And surprisingly easy to pick up and put down as time demands.

Susan's Scribbles said...

Nicely done. The reflections are marvelous.

Laurel Neustadter said...

This is very beautiful. The spheres remind me of Christmas ornaments.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Stacy. Yes it is a relaxing technique that you can spread over time and still have satisfying results.

Thank you Susan. Aren't reflections so interesting to draw?

Laurel, I think next year's Christmas card may be a simple ornament done in this technique, with perhaps a hint of colour.

Unknown said...

Jeanette. I have been meaning to try this for some time now...but with cross-hatch rather than pointillism. It's very interesting. I am with Jan on the concentration I am in my 60's LOL acting my show size. hehe.

Love what you have done and admire your patience. Lovely job.