Friday, April 18, 2008

Virtual sketching


A couple of weeks ago, Rose Welty of Rose's Art Lines invited me to participate in a virtual sketch date. She would provide the reference image and we'd both draw the subject in the medium of our choice then post them today. Of course I agreed, as I'm always up for sharing experiences with other artists.

Of course, this week, like the previous one, have been unruly and overwhelming at times in terms of work and commitments. But I did get the sketch done - or most of it. I started it in graphite, then wanted to add a hint of colours so used my Graphitints. They didn't show much colour over the graphite, so I bumped up the hues with Coloursoft pencils, still in the Derwent family.

I like the apple and some of the leaves, but botanicals still defeat me and I find it a challenge for them to keep my interest. The leaves were a real challenge for me and still are. I know its a matter of patience and concentration, so I guess its where my impatience comes in for drawing plant life. I'll continue to tackle my leaves and build the layers in the hopes that they'll resemble leaves instead of blobs of green colour!

A shared reference, subject matter that pushes you a little and reinforcement of support and friendship in a virtual environment sums up this experience. While reality sketch trips aren't always feasible with online friends, this is the next best thing.

Thank you Rose. I know we will do this again and I hope that lots more will join in with us.

7 comments:

Rose Welty said...

Jeanette,

It's lovely! I knew that you would do the veins in the leaves...I tried with the first leaf I did and thought, "OK, no, I just can't be that detailed." By the end of the leaves I wasn't even looking at the reference, I was just putting in circles ;-).

I love your delicate touch Jeanette, I hope that it rubs off if we do a few more of these!

Thanks again for doing it...much more enjoyable and I think I learned more as well.

"JeanneG" said...

Sounds like fun. I really like the colors you got in the apple.

Billie Crain said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Billie Crain said...

that was me that deleted that comment. sorry but too many typos.:(

green is a lot like white, Jeanette. it's rarely just green. some artists absolutely hate working with this color. IMO, i think you did a darn good job of this!

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Rose. I didn't know quite what to do this in and it sort of evolved. And its still not finished.

Leaves. What can I say? They defeat me time and time again. I know why, but I choose not to address it or work through it most of the time. :)

I like testing myself though and doing botanicals now and then. It was great fun Rose, always a pleasure to work with you.

Thanks Jeanne, it was fun. I think I enjoyed constructing the apple more than the leaves.

I think I need you to give me some lessons on leaves Billie. You do them so well and I botch them up. But thanks for the kind words.

Stacy said...

Jeanette, I like the subtle color in your drawing. And I love when two artists use the same reference but end up with drawings so different. I posted on Rose's blog and said I'd like to join you next time if you are willing to accept new participants. It seems like you both enjoyed this virtual sketch date and I don't get to do real ones often enough. :)

Jeanette Jobson said...

I think it would be fabulous if you could join in on the next one Stacy. I'll be sure to let you know when it happens.