Tuesday, April 12, 2011

1927



I couldn't sleep last night and was up very early, as I'd sooner do something constructive than lie in bed tossing and turning and thinking.


A small photo was on the table in my studio, about 2 x 3 inches if that.  Sepia and of my mother when she was about 4 years old, which would have been about 1927 or 28.  I thought I'd try my hand at drawing it.  The pose and the frilly dress/pantaloons appealed to me and there's something about old photographs that provide good challenges to work on values without getting too bogged down in detail.  Its not perfect, but from something so tiny at such an early hour, it was fun to do.


The graphite drawing is about 4 x 8 in a Canson sketchbook.

9 comments:

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Jeanette
What a beautiful drawing.. To accomplish something this good in a rested state is one thing, but to create in the wee hours is really impressive.
Enjoy your week. I hope you will rest well this evening.
fondly,
Penny

Hedera said...

This has real interest and charm Jeanette - a lovely little drawing.

Jeanette Jobson said...

When the world is quiet I seem to be able to work best Penny. Thank you for your kind words.

Thanks Hedera, I hope to try a few more drawings from old photographs.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

I love the old photos too, and how nice to have such a one of your mother. Your artworks are lovely.

Lydie said...

Your nights are productive Jeanette, beautiful portrait of your mother

Jeanne Carr said...

What a lovely little drawing. Simple and sweet.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Elizabeth, its interesting to see the past as the records are so few compared to current days.

Lydie, I can never just lie in bed and hope sleep comes, I have to get up and work. Sometimes success, sometimes not.

Jeanne, thank you. Often simple is best I've found.

RH Carpenter said...

You put us to shame! Getting out of bed, unrested and restless, and creating this little gem is really an achievement. Me...I would have just turned on the tv and zombied out until I got sleepy enough to go back to bed.

"JeanneG" said...

Very nice. I can see the likeness of your mother's face.