Tuesday, July 25, 2006

EDM Challenge 76 - Draw some fresh flowers


Well, it feels good to have done some sketching. I've found it hard to start up again after the painting thing. I decided to re-live the heady days of only a couple of months ago, when I discovered how inspiring it can be to participate in the EDM Challenges, so I looked it up to see what was there to do. Flowers?! What a coincidence! I've been having a bit of a flowery week after being flowerless for a long time. Ok!

Back to the Moleskine. Why are they so seductive??? If I know it doesn't take watercolour or ink the way I want it to, why do I reach for it first every time? This time I remembered about the watercolour thing (I HATE it when I forget and start off and ... yuk!, now what do I do with this page?). I had read in the blurb that comes with them that the Moleskine sketchbook is suitable for blah blah blah and gouache. I've done a bit of gouache in it before, and yes it does work. Thought I'd try to do a mainly gouache sketch. (Actually think I've done EDM Challenge 62 - use a different medium to what you're used to, as well, almost accidentally.)

So here it is. I'm not a flower painter and I don't usually paint in gouache, and I haven't sketched for a little while. And it isn't a good scan. But enough with the excuses!

19 comments:

Robyn said...

What a beautiful vase and a lovely journal entry!

Moleskines are addictive. They feel good to have in your hand. They are nice to use and, let's face it, a bit of a status symbol to those in on the secret. It is quite nice to say 'Yes' when someone asks 'Is that a Moleskine?'.

Lin said...

OH BUT THESE ARE LUSCIOUS!!! ADore the colors, lines and shading!!! Keep 'em coming!

Kiel said...

That's pretty darn good. Is it me, being a male and all, that the handle of the vase looks like a female body poking their chest out as far as they can, with their arm behind their back?

Or maybe I should just go to bed.

Jennifer said...

The flower arrangement is so lush! You did a great job both with the arranging and the sketch ... beautiful!

Teri said...

Just beautiful!! The flowers look so fresh and lush.

Try the new Moleskine watercolor sketchbooks. They are wonderful! Can you tell I am addicted to them?! :)

Felicity Grace said...

Beautiful flowers, vase and painting :)! I love the cool palette, it works so well.

Anonymous said...

This is exquisite. Wonderful use of gouache!

pedalpower said...

Beautiful arrangement and sketch!! So exciting about your show too!

Linda said...

This is really wonderful, especially since you don't normally use gouache! What IS it about those darn Moleskines that are so addictive?
:-)

Anastasia said...

This is a beautiful painting - i love the colours and everything about it! well done!

Anonymous said...

Jan this is a wonderful sketch in guache! Haven't tried guache yet... having enough of a time trying to get my sunflowers to turn out.
Thank you for your positive comments. I like how we try to be encouraging to others, especially when it involves trying a new medium.
I too, love the colours you've chosen. Well done!

Nel Jansen said...

Jan, these are wonderful. I like what you've done here with the gouache, it really works. Also really like the calligraphic handwriting, and how you've shaded those white flowers with the yellow color, so alive. Great job.

Jana Bouc said...

Wow! These are beautiful. I love the colors you've used and the expressive style of drawing. It reminds me of an illustration in an antique book, with your wonderful handwriting. What's with the rubber stamped date? That's funny.

Linda T said...

This is beautiful. What a neat journal page/sketch.

picklesandroses.blogspot.com said...

You don't need any excuses. Your drawing is lovely. Beautiful use of the media and layout.

Clare said...

simply gorgeous!

Cynthia Padilla said...

Good job on the floral study!
Cynthia Padilla, Editor Sketching & Drawing, Garden & Hearth: http://www.gardenandhearth.com/SketchingandDrawing.htm

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botanicalart Dedicated to the realistic portrayal of plants, flowers and natural science subjects.

Alison said...

I love the way the flowers go across both pages

Nan said...

It's lovely Jan! The colors, the Gouache, the two page spread are splendid. Your writing style on these pages marry up well with the mood and style of the painting. I like it so much, I just had to tell you, and suggest you keep practicing with flowers! (They are my favorite subject!)