Sunday, March 16, 2008

Popcorn and snow

Popcorn Trio
Graphite, Canson paper 8 x 4
copyright Jeanette Jobson


More snow! And more due tomorrow!! I'm moving. Anyone who lives in a more temperate climate and who would like to adopt an artist for a few months, let me know. I can cook, clean and knit as well...

I struggled through unplowed roads today to teach my drawing class and of course, everyone called in to say the weather would prevent them from attending. So I did some shopping at Costco which was blissfully empty for a change then came home. This afternoon I made my winter treat - popcorn. I love the salty taste and crisp yet soft texture of the popped kernels. In the leftovers of the bowl I rescued a few of the expanded kernels to try my hand at drawing them.

It was quite enjoyable. Popped corn has a very sculptural look to it that goes unnoticed as you eat handfuls. Drawing anything and everything, as always, provides an opportunity for close scrutiny and lets me really understand the folds and angles.

And, just in case you've ever wondered, here is an explanation of why corn pops - or more the elements that need to be present to make it pop. The explanation of how the white part of the corn is created could be a little offputting...
The gelatinized starch granules do not explode, but expand into thin, jelly-like bubbles. Neighboring bubbles fuse together and solidify, forming a three-dimensional network much like a sink full of soapsuds. This is the white fluffy solid we eat.

5 comments:

Stacy said...

Jeanette, if you are going to cook AND clean, I'll go get the spare room ready! ;) Can't say I blame you for wanting to leave the snow behind. I'm praying we are done with the white stuff until next winter.

As for the popcorn description...all I can say is that I'm happy I'm eating ice cream right now and not that salty, crunchy treat.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Stacy, I'll take you up on that offer soon!

Ice cream...that kinda melts as you draw it...but its good too! :)

Jan said...

No, come here! I like to cook but hate to clean! and here you could have the whole upstairs - of course, it's not finished yet! lol

Do you like to paint porches as well as cook and clean? If so, you can have all the popcorn you want and ice cream to go along with it!

Jo Castillo said...

Those offers all look tempting for you but the room in Texas is ready anytime. :)

Popcorn included.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Jan, you're tempting me! Unfinished space and porches to paint... as well as ice cream and popcorn.

Jo, spring in Texas, now there's a treat, I'll bet.

I wish I had unlimited funds to visit all the friends I've made here.