Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Final


This is the piece I did for the art exchange. It is simpler than the first attempt, but after days of languishing, being indecisive, I felt like I really needed to get something done. Part of my problem is that I try to do things that are beyond my current skill set, and then I get frustrated! So, I opted for simple and I like the results.

Okay, I have a question for my readers, who I know are, for the most part, artists themselves. I know we all suffer from sudden art supply buying frenzies; but, when you buy those supplies, does all of your work come screeching to a halt, while you wait for the supplies to come in? I will be drawing like mad, every minute I can spare, things going great; but once I order supplies, I fall into limbo while I wait. And wait. And....why can't it all be here already!!??

19 comments:

  1. I love this! Wonderful! I love the composition, love the contrast of the green and the red, love the posture of the bird, and love the bird itself. Only problem is was driving myself crazy trying to identify it! I think I've got it though - European robin. For me limbos happen no matter what is happening. So I try to bend backwards and slide under the bar..

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  2. A very nice sketch and a gorgeous little robin! Now that the weather is getting a little colder, my friendly little robin has started coming back to my garden, sitting on the same branch, in the same tree. I suppose I'll see it more often now and it's a treat!
    As for me, I usually manage to buy the supplies in stores so I can try them on and play with them immediately!

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  3. Raena, this is such a beautiful little robin! Very seasonal too :)
    I try to buy supplies before I run out, so there is always an overlap. Waiting around is too frustrating, and I am far from being a patient individual! On the other hand, maybe it's a good opportunity to take a break, read a book or look at other artwork to refuel on inspiration and ideas while you wait... (this sounds good, but again I never do it- too impatient!)
    And hey, pushing out of the comfort zone is uncomfortable nature of progress but anyway, you have skills in GREAT abundance! Look at your robin again. Wonderful :)

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  4. What a terrific watercolor! I knew you would do something amazing!

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  5. Love the colors in the piece. They pop. Love the composition- it draws you in. Good work.

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  6. This bird is so charming!

    I buy supplies in person so I don't have to wait. But what does wait is everything else in life when I have new art supplies to work with.

    I wonder what supplies you are waiting for? Do tell (or show, once you get them). Have fun!

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  7. Like I tell everyone, "I'm not an artist, I just really love to buy art supplies!" Wonderful bird, I like it.

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  8. Super little robin - my favourite bird. As for the art supplies - well, yes I can empathise with that. With me, it is as if the new 'stuff' or book will make me draw like I want to, and then there seems no point in doing anything until the supplies arrive!
    thanks for you comment on my blog. I checked out the link you sent and loved that blog. I think I was that little girl in the picture, manym many years ago!

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  9. Terrific bird.

    For many things I might need in the way of supplies I can generally run to a couple of different art supply stores that aren't very far away. When I order by mail it is usually something I can't find locally or it is cheaper to order and I can wait for it.

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  10. Simplifying is one of the best lessons in painting - not always easy to do. When you pull it off as you have done here the result is usually succinct and more profound aesthetically. As for art supplies, Cheap Joe's is just down the road from our house - but it is still like Christmas everytime.

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  11. Thank you all very much! I don't have many good art stores around me, not like you would think given where I live. There is one in downtown Houston, but if you know Houston, you know that doesn't exactly mean it's close! I think Marancat hit my point exactly! It isn't that I'm not absolutely swimming in art supplies already...it's that piece that I'm missing which possibly holds the key to my success!

    Dan, lol, I'm just not that limber!

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  12. This robin is gorgeous, it would make a beautiful Christmas card!
    I know what you mean about itching to use new art products. I am really trying to be disciplined about using materials up before I move onto new stuff - unless it is a completely new medium I want to play with, that's different!! I have to really work at stopping myself make impulse purchases, its soooo hard though!!!!

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  13. Hey Raena, thanks for your msg. Ya I've been quite busy lately and the weather had been pretty horrible that I didn't really go anywhere. I recently accepted a job offer and will be moving to London in Jan and my school is ending in 2 weeks so I have quite a bit of work to do before that and I'm visiting China in Xmas so I have a lot of things to sort out before Xmas that's why I didn't really have the chance to draw which is really bad cos the more I don't draw the more I don't feel like to draw. So thanks for reminding me, I shall start very soon ! Your work has been as great as usual!!

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  14. It's gorgeous! I love the colors and the composition. The expression of the little bird is so spot on, curious, yet cautions... Very nicely done!

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  15. Hi Raena,
    I like your painting! Especially the linework and the simplicity of it! Wonderful work!:)

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  16. This painting is gorgeous!! I absolutely love the composition, well done :)
    As for your question - I know what you mean. Although we don't have online supply stores in my country and I actually have to go there and pick them myself, but still when I decide to get anything I get very impatient to try it out and I too can't draw with my old supplies.

    Have a lovely weekend and thanks for stopping by my blog! xo

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  17. I love the simplicity of this painting. The composition is just perfect.

    And YES! I know exactly what you are saying about the art supplies. I will drive an hour out of town just so I can have my stuff TODAY instead of waiting for it to be delivered.

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  18. love the colors and composition - very nice!

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  19. I've lost count of the number of sketchbooks and notebooks I haven't opened yet. I hate making the first mark. in fact I always leave the first few pages blank when I finally jump in. I like your style.

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