Sunday, November 22, 2009

Work-In-Progress


My schedule over the past several weeks has not allowed me to make as much progress on my current work as I would have liked. Though the techniques I'm employing in this piece are proving to be very time-consuming, I am pleased with the sense of depth achieved in the finished areas.

In this drawing I am tending to work in numerous light layers of pencil, often blending colors in between the layers with a stiff oil painting brush. The base layer was laid in using indigo blue, cool grey 90%, and walnut brown: the detail layers are then built on top of that using these same colors in addition to black, black grape, burnt ochre, bronze, and several values of french grey.

I am reminded of (and amused by) something artist and instructor Linda Lucas Hardy said to me at the 2007 CPSA convention in Bethesda, Maryland. Observing my tendency to work in many ultra-light layers of color, she said (in her loving way, as everything Linda says sounds loving......and very Texas), "Lynda; you are laying down alot of wax, but not much pigment." It sure did not take her long to get my number! I've thought about her comment many times since then, and have come to realize that at times my tendency to layer so lightly is a reflection of my own lack of confidence. Ahhh..........yet one more issue to work on.

Over the next few weeks I will be alternating between this piece, as well as one or two graphite drawings of birds that I am starting. It has been some time since I have worked in graphite, and I am looking forward to the diversion and the challenge.

Thanks for stopping in.

8 comments:

  1. Lynda, I am really liking the way this drawing is developing. Maybe right now "slow and steady" (as you are doing) is just going to be the way. It's certainly paying off.

    It's always interesting to hear which colors you are using and see the layers in progress. This head is so sculptural and tactile. I want to rub and scratch it! And feel that warm snort from it's nostrils. So well done!!

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  2. I'm looking forward to seeing this piece develope Linda, it has a lovely sympathetic feel to it and shows a fine knowledge of equine anatomy :)

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  3. Thanks Debbi; it is very interesting now that I have begun a graphite piece on a smooth surface -- I had forgotton how different it is from the extensive layering I do on sanded paper with colored pencil.

    Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words and welcome to my blog. I thoroughly enjoy your art and blog, and look forward to continuing to follow your work.

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  4. This is really coming along beautifully! Very nice!! Looking forward to seeing the finished piece.

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  5. Beautiful piece Lynda! Thanks for sharing it and the colors that you have used so far.

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  6. Hi Lynda, I am finally getting around to reading blogs - what a beautiful piece! It is stunning. Slow and steady seems to be winning the race on this one! :-)

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  7. Hey, thanks.......girlfriends! As long as its done by the end of March, Teresa; know what I mean?

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  8. Hey Linda!.....it LOOKS AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to see it in real life!

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