Wednesday, December 09, 2009

A handful




 


I wanted to draw or paint something tonight, but didn't know what.  I've finished a few projects and commissions and find that I have a bit of a lull after that, as if my brain and body slow down for awhile. But I still needed to create something.  Funny how there's something inside that insists on certain actions.  Probably similar to the same voice that makes you get out of bed for ice cream at 3am.

I browsed through images that I have and came across a photo of Geoff Meeker.  Geoff is an independent communications consultant and writes a blog, Meeker on Media, that is published in The Telegram.   I know Geoff on Facebook and had asked him awhile back if I could use this image that was on his profile there.  I liked the lighting and the colours that the computer screen he was facing reflected back onto the skin.

So this is a tiny version of Geoff that I started tonight.  Its artist trading card size 3.5 x 2.5 in watercolour on Strathmore cold press.  I thought I'd show the initial sketch as well as where I am so far. I have the base layers of colour and shape in, I just need to clean up edges and intensify the shadows.  At this size, watercolour pencils come in handy for the details, as I never seem to have a lot of luck with those teeny tiny brushes with two hairs on them.  They frustrate more than satisfy.

But that will have to wait til tomorrow. For now, a little knitting of a cowl, then some sleep. With more snow predicted, it will make the drive to work interesting no doubt.

3 comments:

Gary said...

I can only wish I had your discipline. I'm more likely in the evenings to make the excuse to myself that I will do some reading, only to find I've taken a nap before doing the bedtime routine with my daughter. I am still amazed at your abilities with watercolor and feel that I have much to gain by staring at your work for as long as it takes to make some kind of imprint on my brain.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I guess I'm making up for lost time Gary and know there are more years behind me than ahead of me. I create as much as I can because I want to and need to and because I can be selfish enough to do things for myself at this point in life.

I know that if I sat on the sofa with the tv on or similar, I'd be napping too. :)

With watercolour, it always amazes me when things turn out as I had hoped - or at least in the right direction.

Geoff Meeker said...

I am just catching up on my blog reading now, so you can imagine my surprise - and delight - on stumbling across this! A photo captured on my low-res, built-in cam has been transformed into a work of original art. The finished piece is quite impressive, and it's amazing to watch the evolution of it. Thanks so much, Jeanette!