Self Portraitgraphite 8 x 10
copyright Jeanette Jobson
copyright Jeanette Jobson
While I was looking through some photo cds tonight, I found this image. It was the first self portrait that I drew after The Absence. The Absence was from art and seems to have happened to a lot of people for varying times from months to years. Mine was years.
When I lived in the UK, I did a lot of drawing even when the children were small, and was heavily involved in the art world and worked on both sides of the easel, as artist and model. I also worked a lot more in oils and watercolours then, something which I have to get involved in again. Sometimes life gets in the way of creativity. With smaller children around and no dedicated space to leave art supplies and active drawings out, it becomes easy to get out of the routine of making art. I still did occasional drawings and sketches, but nothing serious and most of my art supplies were stored away in boxes and baskets, waiting to see the light of day again.
Encouraged by a friend and wanting to fill that creative void, I started drawing again about 3 years ago and now it kind of takes over my life. My first images were hesitant and it took awhile for me to get back into my stride again. There are still mediums I am rediscovering and I always have lots to learn. My only regret is that I let so much time lapse before returning to the craft.
But I am making up for lost time.
9 comments:
Instead of refinding art, I discovered it late in life and enjoy it tremendously. Don't know how I ever lived without it. But I did other things like crochet, sewing, etc. I guess I got the creative part of me in those.
When I first found Wetcanvas, I did the art because I could. Now it is part of me that I "have" to do. Amazing how that happened.
I really like how you added the color to the eyes. I did that with a graphite drawing I did of Elvis. In fact, for a lot of my early drawings, I would add color to just one thing in the picture. Red lips to a drawing of Claudette Colbert who was always my favorite actress, yellow-green to a pear, etc.
I am awaking from creativity slumber too. I recently decided that I am devoting next few years to painting, in oil. My love with creativity started with drawings too. I fully understand what you are saying. And welcome back.
I remember this beautiful portrait too, Jeanette. Not a mark wasted.
It's hard not to regret the time of one's life spent without art but then I think, would it be giving me such joy now if it were a life-long routine. Hard to know and too late to regret.
Art comes in many forms and I, like many other creative people, dabbled in a variety of them, from knitting, sculpture,even making stone walls! I always come back to paper and various mediums as my first love though.
Yes, sometimes just a hint of colour in a black and white image has impact.
Thank you Indiaartist. Its good to meet another artist on a parallel journey. I hope we meet again along the way.
You're right Robyn, there is no point in regretting or wondering about 'what if'. All we can do is move forward.
Hi Jeanette,
Thanks for the comment on my drawing. Because the surface of the mat board is slightly textured, it gives the graphite something to grab on to. I could build up layers using a gentle touch without any shine. I'm not sure if the brand I used was Crescent or Bainbridge. I would compare it to a rough sketch book paper.
I'm looking forward to watching your self portrait unfold. :)
~Gina
I remember that image.
Only three years.... my you have so much to be proud of Jeanette. I remember you use to put on the breaks when we first started chatting, and now look at you. Classes, commissions, books.... Way to go my friend.
I think I will search out some matboard tomorrow Gina and see how it performs.
Robin, so much has happened in three years, so many friends made, my eyes have been opened so many times and skills refined, new skills learned. The journey has been and continues to be a revelation. Thanks for being there during the journey.
Your return is a gift to us. I always stop by to see your drawings and remark at your skill and the refinement of your drawings. I'm writing today about art obsession and how it colors our world.
You've really come so far in three years. The big change I notice uis in the confidence (always a big one for people who've previously had skills and who are trying to refine them) and the range of your artistic activities.
Although I can't help feeling that this is the year when you are really going to 'hit your stride'! :D
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