On the Vine, charcoal on paper, 8 x 9.5 inches
These aren't from my garden, but in a week or so they could be.
I've been building frames here lately. Five small ones and thirteen large - for a show of twenty seven paintings next month. The 20 x 16 size will go unframed while the 10 x 8s seem to need a bit more presence and the 30 x 24s more structure. Please email me privately if you'd like to know more about this exhibition.
During this time, I'm making quick sketches with charcoal. It's a nice diversion.
It's a beautiful drawing. Isn't it satisfying to touch in those 3 or 4 dashes of white and watch those tomatoes pop!
ReplyDeleteI am really liking the relationship of string to object in the last two. (the scraggly vine in this one and the stem in the previous)
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Marc - there's something magical about highlights. Sometimes it's hard not to go overboard :) Thanks for the comment - and for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, a_christian. I appreciate how you've put this into words. The linear appendages (vines, stems, etc.) may be the complexity I was missing. To me, they affect the center of mass, somehow - and, like you said, relate to the tautness of the string.
Hi Mary -- thanks for comments and for dropping by my own blog. I'm really fond of your approach to still life and your exploration of space and form . . . there's something very contemplative and quiet about your work, and yet there is tension too. Are you sure you're not a long lost relative of Jean Baptist Chardin? I don't think he hung fruit, but birds and many other things, if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful sketch . . . especially like how the background shadows seem to be cupping the tomatoes in the composition and the tentacle-like vine bits that seem to be reaching up.
Best,
David
Welcome, David - and thank you for the kind comments.
ReplyDeleteI've really been enjoying your blog and work, too. It's been inspiring me to get back to life-drawing co-op. Maybe next month - when things settle down a bit here.
Oh - and could you be thinking of Juan Sanchez Cotan? He did paintings of hanging vegetables in 16th(?)c. Spain inspired by his love of mathematical formulas.
Cotan? I don't know . . . but I'm on my way to look him up!
ReplyDeleteEverything alright there?
ReplyDeleteAwfully silent in blog land.
Thank you for your concern, Steven - it's good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteAll's fine here - just really busy. I have two solo shows this month with a total of 60 paintings. There's also a museum auction benefit and a group show at another museum to get ready for. All of this is happening in the Twin Cities except for one - and that one is only an hour away. Lately, I'm grateful for short trips.
My sons are well - got to see them all last month. I'm most grateful for that. It's been a good summer.
I hope all is well with you. I do miss "blog land" and am hoping October leaves me more time for that.
Warmly, Mary