Sunday, September 11, 2011

Balancing Act - complete

 8 x 10
oils

Here is my fuzzy friend again, complete this time.

It a bit unnerving studying insects very closely, but fascinating at the same time.  The construction of insects, like humans, is quite remarkable and never truly appreciated until an intimate study is completed.

I've been working on other paintings today, finishing details and getting them ready for the framer later this week.  Decision making is the challenge of what to put into an exhibition, especially when I have 10 or 12 choices to make.  I'm narrowing it down, but may need your help with the last couple soon.

Today of course is the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the attack on the World Trade Center in New York.  Newfoundland played a role in assisting aircraft and passengers when air traffic was closed over New York and directed to airports across the island.   In small towns, not equipped with hotels for large numbers, people were put up wherever there was space, including people's homes. In Gander in particular, Newfoundlanders brought people home with them, fed them, looked after them and developed new friendships along the way.  Its always been that way.  Now, 10 years later, those who were stranded here, are returning to remember the day and the kindness of strangers and present the town with a piece of the fallen WTC.

The Globe and Mail

12 comments:

Jonathan "Blade" Manning said...

Absolutely stunning, Jeanette!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!
Stay inspired!

Sue Clinker said...

You've made him/her look almost cute and cuddly with that soft fuzzy fur. Great work

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

This fuzzy bumble is gorgeous. I particularly like the way you have captured his wings, and his furry coat of course.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Blade!

Thank you Michelle.

Its pretty fuzzy isn't it Sue. It was fun to do.

Thanks Lisa. It does make them look more appealing when they have fur coats. Despite the fact they're insects :)

Yelena Shabrova said...

Love how it turned out! I always felt that bumblebees were meant to be done in pastel because of the velvety feel of the medium, but yours look almost palpably fuzzy in oil :) Great composition too.

Gary L. Everest said...

Good Morning Jeanette,
And may I add my thanks to the people of Newfoundland for their hospitality during that really bad time.
I've mentioned to you before, how wonderfully our aircrew was treated while broken down once a long time ago.
Your post reminded me of that time and some very pleasant memories of your island.
Great painting, as well!
Sincerely,
Gary.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Yelena, yes pastel really would give a softness to them wouldn't it? Perhaps I'll try that for another time to see the difference. But with a small brush for detail and a scrubby brush for softness, the oils seem to do the trick.

Gary,

Newfoundlanders seem to open their hearts and homes to anyone in need. Its so common here, we think its the norm until faced with reality in a different environment.

10 years ago, the 9/11 disaster was a special time and Newfoundland responded in whatever way required to assist. I think we did well.

vivien said...

just the right amount of detail vs fuzziness

and a heartwarming tale

Unknown said...

Great painting: I thought it was pastel until I checked below.

suzanneberry said...

i LOVE this bee!! so beautifully and delicately painted!

Lydie said...

Very well done, and you say you are afraid of insects ...