Sunday, November 29, 2009

First Attempt for Art Exchange




Here is my first attempt at the art exchange. Don't ask me what I was thinking when I chose this particular image to work from (morguefile.com, btw). The sketch wasn't terrible, but the colors that I chose were dark and gloomy. It wasn't at all what I had imagined! Having made this disaster, I was a bit frozen for a few days. I doodled with my ball point pen and played with the watercolors...doing thumbnails, etc. Just doodling my way past the block. (The sketches below are small ones, the smallest a little over an inch squared. They were all on the same scan, so you get an idea of the size of the other two.)

This was a scary moment for me. My confidence was shot! I didn't think I could do it and wished that I had not agreed to the exchange. Then, one morning I woke up, said I HAVE to get this done, and I did it. It surprised me how easy it was. I'll post that picture once I know the recipient has received my picture.

12 comments:

  1. Congratulations on taking a brave step and participating in the artist exchange. I think you did a wonderful job on the colors. I especially like the dark vibrant background against the orange fiddle.

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  2. Well I'm glad you got over your fear. I think it is amazing how you've managed to document the ambience of night-time so well. And the colors you chose for the guy and the violin are spot on!

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  3. I know you struggled with this exchange. I am glad you were able to get it done. I knew you would rise to the challenge. I can't wait to see it!

    I like the dark colors on the first attempt. Maybe your fear was showing?

    BTW, did I tell you I was looking at Sennelier Watercolors? Or are you psychic?

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  4. I LOVE that dark background against the shirt and violin - can't wait to see the one you like better than this!
    Shirley

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  5. Sue me - I like your first attempt. I also like the way you doodled past your block. I still haven't finished mine for the Exchange.

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  6. It is scary to do an exchange isn't it? I expect though you can't find a more understanding audience then those involved in the exchange.

    I love what you done. The tumbnails are particularly neat!

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  7. I like how the bright colors bring the figure out from the dark background and I like the thumbnail sketches too. I can empathize about art swaps, though - they always seem to make me feel a little anxious and less confident. Your art looks great!

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  8. I don't know I like the colors....feels like a midnight concert. To answer your question the pigment from the lipstick pod was on the page with the pelicans. On the vertical and horizontal logs. It dried more of a dark rust color.

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  9. Good job. Glad you stretched yourself and your art had a happy outcome.

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  10. You are doing fine here! Like Dan I do like this image (sometimes you have to live with a piece for a while til you can see it for what it is as opposed to what you wanted it to be - fair enough!) The high contrast does lend itself well to express a dramatic stage-like setting.

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  11. OK...so I'm not understanding your 'gloomy' criticism of the fiddler at all. I love how you handled your color choices, and your skillful drawing makes it all happen! Tuck your scan away for a bit and come back to it with a fresh eye. It's terrific!

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