Reflections

Reflections in glass

8 x 5 sketchbook
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I was coming in from taking some photos in the garden yesterday and as my hand was on the door to go in, I noticed my reflection in the glass of the door. I hadn't really noticed before, but perhaps because the sky was clear and the sun was shining it stood out more.

This line drawing is from a photo I took of the reflections that I saw. I do need to clean the glass on that door, don't I?

Inside out

An old cabinet was taken apart and a mirror from inside it was propped up in the barn til it can be disposed of. However B.D. and Buddy, the Muscovy ducks think the mirror is the best thing since sliced bread. They stand or sit in front of it for hours, gazing at their reflections. Maybe they think its new handsome ducks come to visit them. Whatever they think, its a hit with them so it may just have to stay. Now who gets to clean off all the duck 'beak prints' on the mirror...

Meercats and moose

Meercat study
Graphite, 11 x 14 on Canson

Despite the fact that I was on holiday, I was called in to work to deal with something yesterday. I guess that ups my karma rating somewhere down the road.

I haven't slept well lately and am up very early in the morning which is a good time of day for me to draw. I'm fresh at that point and drawing can push other thoughts to the back of my mind and let me relax for awhile.

That early morning start was where this little guy appeared from. Meercats are interesting creatures, almost catlike in their facial features and forever alert. I'm doing some simple global shading for this and am enjoying the process. Some pieces just slip off the end of the pencil without effort, while others are trial and error, and error and error...

A young bull moose keeps wandering into the garden for the last two days, startling everyone who sees him as he comes so close. As long as he stays out of the vegetable gardens and doesn't walk in the flower beds, he'll be allowed to hang around. Even though they are fairly timid usually, this guy seems overly curious and not scared by noise or people. I just don't trust them or like coming face to face with one around a corner, so he'll be encouraged to move on.

For those who want to take part, the August Virtual Sketch Date reference image is up. Just leave a comment on the blog if you're taking part.

Bucket O' Duck

Bucket O' Duck
graphite, 11 x 14
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I posted the photo that I used for this drawing awhile ago. It was one of the Pekin ducks who in her enthusiasm to get the water, got into the bucket then was stuck. Of course a photo had to be taken and here is the sketch from it.

Everyone thinks that ducks are enthusiastic about water, but some just aren't that interested. There are groups that go to the pond each day, but others, like the Khaki Cambells, who never venture there, preferring to dip their heads in a pail of water and pretend.

Then there's the Muscovy ducks who really don't like getting wet at all, not even from a shower of rain. BD and Buddy race to the barn at the first hint of rain and flee from drops of water from a hose as well. BD will go through the full motions of taking a bath in the dew on the grass in the morning and still come out as dirty as he went in.

Oils update

The lane to the marsh
Oils 8 x 10 on canvas
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I worked for awhile today trying to save the plein air painting I did the other day and am calling this one done now. The huge old pines in the background are mostly dead, but still soar into the sky, almost looking like palm trees at times.

I adjusted some colours from my initial one hour painting and tightened up a few areas. The water in the lane caused me problems. It went from looking like a puddle to a waterfall and back again several times before I tamed it sufficiently.

Oils are always an adventure for me because they are so very different than working with my usual graphite. They let some of my inner child come out in terms of moving squidgy paint around on the canvas and palette and getting messy. Having paint on the end of your nose or in your hair is a right of passage for artists. I always seem to manage both for some reason.

Another portrait

I've been playing with another self portrait. Yeah, I'm out in the woods and don't have any other victims who want to pose and I always need the practice.

I thought I'd try watercolour pencils for this and here's where I am so far. I add most of the dry colours that I want, trying for even coverage, as I don't want pencil lines to show through. The lighting is strong again, early morning sun which I think I like because it means I have less to paint, leaving the white of the paper for the strongest highlights.

Watercolour really is hit or miss for me and I need more practice. I'll see how this one progresses and if it will see the light of day or not.

Plein air oil

The lane to the marsh
oils 8 x 10 stretched canvas
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Today was warm and sunny so I decided to take advantage of the weather and try a little 'plein air' with some oils. I loaded up my bag and wandered around the lanes surrounding the farm til I came across this entrance into the woods. We had torrential rain on Sunday so the lane was filled with water.

I decided I would give myself an hour and see what I could come up with. This is the result. Rough but with potential.

Unfortunately, it was pretty windy today, so I spent a fair bit of time hanging onto the canvas to prevent it taking off. I also used a paper palette which, even though anchored onto my wooden palette still flapped around like a wet fish, premixing some of my colours!

I took a photo of the scene so that I could work on some details once I have a chance, perhaps later tonight or tomorrow. I haven't done plein air with oils for a long, long time and throughly enjoyed it, despite the wind.