Having recovered from my virus, I am now trying to recover from doldrums at the easel. It's not that I have not been painting - in fact, I paint almost every day. It's just that I am so unhappy with myself right now. These things that are emerging from my brush - the strokes, the lines, the color, even the subject matter - are not mine. I have wiped them all off for fear that someone might think I have painted them - that would be horrible!
And so I will show you my drawings from this morning. At least I know that I drew them!
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| Constance / Sienna Conte on white sketch paper /17x14 |
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| Constance / graphite and white charcoal on tan toned paper / 14x11 |
Love the quote, Susan, and your drawings which captured your sitter's personality, I think. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI think it's good to keep the drawing skills up, especially when there are obligations that disable painting time. The drawings can keep us focused, balanced, and create some good ideas for paintings, too, I believe.
I am in complete agreement and find the life drawing sessions so valuable that I am willing to drag my aching body out of bed to attend them! I know it won't be long before I find some familiarity with my paints again - I will keep trying.
DeleteThe one of Constance reminds me of an amazing drawing I saw at a museum in Belgium. I stood drinking in the contors and volume the artist had magically created with only line, for a long time. This takes me back and repeats the experience. Thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story - and thank you so much for relating it to me, Julie. Art has such power to move, inspire, retrieve old memories - so happy mine was able to affect you.
DeleteBonjour ma chère Susan,
ReplyDeleteJe suis heureuse d'apprendre que ce virus ait disparu. Cependant celui-ci a dû vous affaiblir et il n'est pas simple de retrouver son énergie après ça...
Vos portraits au crayon sont très expressifs... et sont un beau tremplin pour vous aider à retrouver du tonus. Nous avons tous un passage à vide où le doute subsiste même parfois. Mais votre écriture est bien là... Une période de "jachère" artistique pour mieux rebondir !
Gros bisous ma chère amie...
Ps : Une petite cure de Echinacéa ne pourrait que vous être bénéfique... Bisous.
You are so kind, my dear friend. And your suggestion of echinacea has helped me regain some of my energy - I thank you very much and will try it earlier should I catch another cold!
DeleteEst-ce l'automne qui te rend morose, tes dessins sont sublimes alors meilleur moral à toi!
ReplyDeleteI have not been sick for many years - but this cold virus knocked for a loop. The echinacea that Martine Alison recommended really helped!
DeleteHappy to hear the virus has passed, and so will the doldrums! Beautiful, beautiful drawings, Susan!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Judy - the Conte was a new experience in a longer portrait for me. In the past I had only used it for quick 3 or 3 minute sketches. I found I like it very much.
DeleteLove your drawings, you are so talented ! And Degas was so right !
ReplyDeleteyes, I admit Degas was right - as I grit my teeth in frustration! :) Thank you for your nice comment, Jane.
DeleteHi Susan! Glad you're feeling better. Sorry to hear about your recent painting blues but your drawings are just so outstanding!!!
ReplyDeleteI love life drawing and am recently able to just shut out the world as I concentrate on the subject and the lines that appear on my paper. I really enjoyed working in Conte this week and may do so again.
DeleteHi Susan.
ReplyDeleteI ditto what Stephanie says above. I think I know the feeling that you are going through, it happens to me a lot. Brilliant drawings Susan. ll the best.
Vic.
I have gone through this before and know it will resolve - it is just so frustrating while it lasts - and lasts! Thanks for your support, Vic. I do admire your plein air work so much!
DeleteYour drawing is superb sick or well. Amazing portraits these last posts. The painting slump is just the cold. It'll pass as you come back to life. I do admire your drive. I wish I had that.
ReplyDeleteI hope the slump is just a temporary result from being under the weather and trying to deal with all the family issues that have arisen lately. But I am determined and always think that moaning and groaning about these things don't help (although they briefly allow me to vent my frustrations :)) - picking up that paint brush and persevering is the only solution. And I think you do have the same drive, Linda - you have worked solidly in one medium or another through out your surgery and other challenges. It is the fire in our soul!
DeleteBeautiful drawings Susan... so inspiring even though you've been in a slump. Looking forward to seeing what's yet to come :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gina - I hope to get going again as soon as possible.
DeleteWonderful drawings, Susan. I especially like the profile with the white highlights. Have no fear, you will be yourself SOON!
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Thanks, Kathryn - I could not see her eyes at all from my angle for the profile view and it was a little disconcerting but I decided to just go with it.
DeleteThese drawings are fantastic, Susan! I love how the light hits your graphite portrait! I've had a few major problems with my computer and now I'm trying to catch up with my blogs.... I hope you're feeling better, my friend!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad your computer issues are solved - and thank you for your support, Hilda.
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