Flatrock, the little town of about 1,500, where I live in Newfoundland, is home to some unique rock formations and geology going back a million years or more. The smooth flat rocks stretch out from the land into the sea and were supposedly used for drying cod many years ago. Other rocks are like stacks of huge square boulders lying on their sides, one on top of the other. I'm not a geology expert but love looking at the rocks and their coverings of lichen, additional boulders that the ocean has deposited onto rock shelves and, of course, the gulls' antics around the rocks and water.
Drawing rocks is no different than any other subject and if there are a lot of them I break the scene down into sections to make it easier to deal with. Drawing intricate scenes can be perceived as difficult, but in reality it isn't. It's time consuming and realizing that, I make a commitment of slowing down and studying a scene carefully which makes the drawing a lot easier than rushing and ending up with a poor sketch.
Flatrock waterfront
I did a pencil sketch on site which took about 30 minutes, then took the piece home to finish it in the studio. I added ink over the pencil, then coloured pencil. Colour notes in the sketch book for rocks and ocean along with the photo to enhance my memory provided the colour cues I needed. And if I am stuck I can just wander down the road and have another look in real life.
Pencil
Ink
5 comments:
very nice work of the rocks :) very tricky, looks like a simple thing to draw, but far from it
Hi Jeanette,
Looks mighty challenging to me, but even I might be able to do such work if I took your always thoughtful suggestions and tips.
I admire your patience and resolve to attempt such a scene, but then, everything you paint, draw and write, your teaching videos, as well as, seeing you interviewed--suggests you possess that rare gift of serenity and a calm, peaceful soul. It's difficult to imagine you getting angry like us mere mortals!
Looking forward to seeing how you transform the sketch into a wonderful painting!!
Have a good week, Jeanette.
Sincerely,
Gary
Thanks Jen. The problem with rocks and multiples of them is feeling overwhelmed by the numbers so without breaking it down into smaller sections, its all too easy for loose your spot.
The drawing isn't difficult, its more about investing the time and being patient.
Gary, I can be patient when it comes to drawing and painting "most" of the time. Sometimes things end up being airborne to the other side of the studio :)
As with most things, there's a method of simplifying to make life easier and I'm all about that! And I can get angry but need a fair bit of provocation first. Then its a bit like a lightning strike - it hits then disappears and is forgotten.
I may tackle this sketch into a painting but have another rocky road on the easel right now - 2' x 4' and, touch wood, so far so good.
I hope life is treating you well. Then again, you are in Hawaii, how could it not?!
The information you provide on this morning thank you so very useful .
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