Abstract

Seaweed I
Digital
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've never really explored abstract art or have been pulled in that direction, but there was an image of seaweed that seemed to call out for an abstract interpretation. I played around in Photoshop for awhile and this was the result. I'd like to use the same image and try it in watercolour, which I think would suit the subject, even if it would be difficult to determine the subject in the final piece.

There are some schools of thought that abstract art is easy, but its quite the opposite. You need to have the required knowledge of colour, composition and technique to make it work well. The completed piece will have no semblance to the original inspiration. Abstract art provides a vessel for experimentation and expression in art as you move colours and shapes around. You are freed from having to create something that looks comparable to something else.

I'll have to experiment a little more with this process and see what I come up with. A good class in abstract art would be useful, but I don't think I'll find one in my area. However, if anyone knows of one, please let me know.

Fitting it all in

I've had a brutal week in many ways and haven't fitted in much in the way of drawing or painting, except this little sketch of a squirrel. But this is a long weekend (Labour Day) in Canada, so I hope to make up for lost time.

I have a portrait to work on, a painting to start and some jewelry to create. The day shall start early tomorrow!

Journals

Stopping Time

While I was clearing out some things from my mother's house, I came across an old pastel drawing that I had sent to her many many years ago. It made me cringe a little to see it and to know that I had moved forward so much since then.

It made me think of how we begin as artists and the practice and knowledge that we seek helps us grow and become confident in making marks on paper. It seems like such a slow process of learning at the time and we don't know until we look back and reflect or compare works just how far we have come in our journey and how much we have learned.

I have a little journal by my bedside that I write and draw in at night before I sleep. I wish I had kept one years ago when I was just starting my journey in art. I would love to compare them now and see the changes and the similarities. For those starting out, keeping track of where you are, where you have been and where you want to go are important as a measurement of growth. I have gaps in my journey and areas that are sparsely populated, except in memory.


Perhaps I'm trying to make up for lost time now. I think as we age, we realize how much of life we let pass by and what opportunities we miss for a variety of reasons. I produce as much art as I can because I hear the clock ticking. There are so many ideas and so little time - truly. I feel as if I want to stay up 24 hours straight just to fit in more time to capture images of life.

These images are included in that night time journal. They are images from my head, sparked by any number of things that happen during the day and sit in my brain waiting for release. Some go on to be full drawings or paintings, others find their contentment in simple form on a page.

Double portrait

Half a portrait - master drawing
11 x 14 - Canson sketchbook
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've been back to work this week and its pretty hectic so far, yet only Tuesday. I'm hoping I'll be back in control before the end of the week.

I've started a double portrait, but am only showing one half of it today, as the other is still in progress. This is the line drawing and is on Canson paper. I will be transferring it to Bristol 500 Plate and using a mechanical pencil to complete it. I haven't used the Bristol Plate before so it will be interesting to see how it performs. Most of my work has been on the lower Bristol 300, mostly because it was all I could get here. I ordered the 400 and 500 some time ago but they've been sitting and waiting for the right piece to come along. And yes, its still my stash, I haven't bought anything new. Still working on depleting some of my art cupboard.

The image is my eldest daughter and her fiance. Sorry S, he's not finished yet! The eyes are making me crazy!! But soon... I'll do some more work on him tonight and hopefully have the full master drawing in a day or two.