Monday, July 06, 2009

Mariner's foe

This piece is part of a series of rock studies that I am doing to help understand how rocks are formed and to enable me to draw and paint them more realistically. This will be the first for the rock challenge. Feel free to join in!

This is a section of rock that juts out of the sea in Savage Cove at low tide. With rocks like these submerged, you can see why it was called Savage Cove. I loved the shape of it and how the water around it was so still and reflective - a rarity in the Atlantic.

I still haven't gotten quite the level of roughness and jagged nature of this rock, but I'll keep trying. I started with a line drawing, then switched to coloured pencil in sepia. I didn't like the grainy nature of that on Bristol vellum, so I switched again to 'Sketch & Wash' General's pencil that I found in the bottom of my pencil case. This pencil is a water soluable graphite, perfect for light washes. I added a hint of colour with watercolour pencil and a light wash.

9 comments:

A Brush with Color said...

It's amazing to me what you're able to depict with such a limited palette, especially since the properties of "rock" and "water" are so completely different from one another. This is wonderful.

Jennifer Rose said...

can definitely see where the cove gets its name!

I think it doesn't look as rough as it should because its too smooth. In the line drawing it looks really jagged and sharp because the lines are, but I think adding the colour ended up smoothing out the rough lines. it is a nice drawing of an interesting looking rock :D

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Sue. Its more happy accident than on purpose for this one. My series of changes in media seems to steer the textures.

Thanks Jennifer. I'll work on some more images or perhaps a pen and ink for this rock again and see if I can achieve the vision of what is in my head.

owenswain said...

Jeanette, I just read what Blade called your "litany of sorts" on drawing and wanted to say, good on you for creating daily drawing inspiration! Got you bookmarked and look forward to following your art journey.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Owen. My drawing daily is pure habit now. I'm glad you're along for the ride.

Maree Clarkson said...

Glad we'll be seeing some of you posts Jeanette! Lovely rocks...

vivien said...

As we've discussed previously, so like the dangerous rocks of Cornwall - and fascinating to paint.

I think maybe bring out the hardness, sharpness, danger of them more as you develop this series - and a well named cove I agree.

You are going to have such a great series - you must have a solo show before too long.

vivien said...

my link for your challenge :>)

http://vivienb.blogspot.com/2009/07/rocks-between-sennen-cove-and-lands-end.html

April Jarocka said...

An interesting challenge. I wish you all the best..if you like rocks I am a seascape artist who paints rocks and stones of the Irish coastline realistically. Come on over to have a look, you're very welcome!