Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Art Check-In

I mentioned in an earlier post that I decided to concentrate on drawing and painting this summer and since I feel compelled to share the good, the bad and the ugly with you, here goes! One of my favorites was finally getting Lizzie right! (Watercolor)


And of course I had to do the Gypsy, too! This was a re-do of an earlier version, different paper and size. (Watercolor)


I did this quick postcard sketch and filled in with watercolor pencil while we were at Minisa in July for Rick's family reunion. The one next to it is a slightly larger pencil sketch done from the postcard that I did later. Both were what I call real quick and dirty!



My friend Kate had this exercise for us one day when we were 'arting.' The one on the left was done blind in one minute -- couldn't look at the subject. The second one you could look at and draw but only for a minute. The third one had a ten minute limit and you had to add tone. The one on the far right was done with unlimited time. You can definitely see the progression as you move from quick to more careful work.

         

All that drawing makes me hungry! Treats, anyone? (Watercolor)


While I was in Martha's Vineyard, I took my sketchbook. Below is a series of rough sketches I did in pencil while there.

              

More of the same!


 Then I went over the pencil in ink.

               

A little more!


Finally, some color. Beside each painting is a look at the photo from the same site. (Watercolor pencil)

             

As you can see, some looked rather different! The one below, in particular, lost a lot of the background.

              

It was really fun to watch this evolution. And I was relatively pleased with the results for being pretty fast.



I leave you with a rough pencil sketch of the cottage, as seen from the lake. (I sort of bailed on the tree to the right!) (Pencil)


And now, I'm off to nap. (Pencil)


This is the only pose in which I can do Lizzie live. And she seems to have a very good idea!

This post is linked to Thoughts of Home on Thursday and Share Your Cup where you'll find plenty of inspiring links to enjoy! Check them out!

38 comments:

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Your paintings and sketches are beautiful, Jeanie. I especially love your Lizzie watercolor. Your cute girl turned out fantastic! Will you frame and hang it in your home? Another favorite is the treats painting. It would be the perfect artwork for a sweet little bakery or a lovely coffee shop.
xo Julia

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I enjoyed both Lizzie's watercolor, and the Gypsy's redo. Those eyes are incredible.

Your sketches are marvelous, especially the ones on Martha's Vineyard. I am supremely impressed!

Valerie-Jael said...

What a lot of gorgeous art. I love all the sketches you made and especially the ones where you showed the progression. The water colour of your gorgeous Gypsy i the star of the show for me today. Have a fun and creative day, hugs, Valerie

Daniela said...

I'm so amazed at every work of art of yours, darling Jeanie ... and of course, your Gipsy is going on keeping a special place in your heart. how tender you are !

Hope your week is off to a good start I'm sending hugs and ever much love to you, thanks most sincerely for this so wonderful friendship which is linking us in spite of the many miles !

Blessings

Xx Dany

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

These drawings are all so beautiful! I am always amazed by your talent. Even your 'quick and dirty' drawings are great! I have no ability to draw so admire others who have that skill. The watercolor of Lizzie is beautiful - makes me want to cuddle up on the couch for a nap! I can see why you can only get a 'live' painting or drawing when she is sleeping, though. Oscar would be tough to paint unless she was sleeping as she is usually on the go or looking around.

Joanne Huffman said...

You have totally succeeded in your goal. Your art is absolutely wonderful! I love Lizzie's portrait - it captures the concept of a cat nap perfectly. The Martha's Vineyard pieces are evocative of a special time and place. Yay for you!

La Table De Nana said...

Jeanie I'm impressed the kitties are superb..the sketchings..and those macarons..the paper looks delicious too:)
Bravo..so much fun isn't it?
Fun to try and do better too I find:)

bj said...

These are all so wonderful...how blessed you are to be able to pick up a pencil and sketch with such great results...
I love every one of them....

Tammie Lee said...

such lovely sketches Jeanie.
they are full of feeling and now memories.
i really like the top two of the kitties.

The French Hutch said...

Beautiful sketches and paintings. Love Lizzie and Gypsy, yes, they are gorgeous. You certainly had plenty of inspiration this summer from your travels for painting and you absolutely took advantage. I love your work Jeanie.................

Net - "It's a Wonderful Movie" said...

These are wonderful! I'm especially taken by the kitties & boats! Thank you for sharing! :) Net

Sandra Cox said...

These are great! I LOVE the water colors of the kitties.

Bella Rum said...

Oh, how I admire your talent. Loved the house and the one with the patrol boat and building next to it. And of course the kitties.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! How I've enjoyed watching you as you paint! You have gotten so good and your talent has certainly risen to the service! Thanks for popping in to see me and I hope you're having a good week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good evening Jeanie! NICE WORK!!!!! Watercolours are not easy to achieve, but I love the freedom of this medium that allows you to give the subject a different image. The water offers another perspective and each attempt in comparison to the photo is stunningly abstract but not too much. I prefer "suggestions" of a subject rather than the EXACT replica. AND, you did the aqua house! MY FAVORITE!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh my goodness, Jeanie, you are a woman of many talents. These paintings are wonderful, and I really like the pencil drawings too. My children can all draw, and I don't know where they got their skills from cause I can't draw at all. Keep drawing, would you, it's an incredible art.

~Sheri

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you're so pleased with your Summer arty projects. YAY for finally getting a Lizzie piece to a point where you're happy with it.

thepaintedapron.com said...

You have been busy Jeanie! Your watercolor kitties are wonderful, love the way you did Gypsy's whiskers- I am impressed that you sketched en plein air on your recent trip, I find that very difficult. What a great way to bring your memories home! Happy painting and drawing!
Jenna

Summer said...

You are sooo talented! Your art is very beautiful ♥

summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

I need orange said...

You are an excellent role model! Thank you for bravely going where so many fear to tread (and for taking us along!). :-)

Sandi Magle said...

Living as an artist (potter) all my life, I often sketched everything, never knowing where my next design might come from. But, over the years my life changed, my hands became more arthritic and I stopped sketching. Blogging started and I picked up my camera, and was again---forced---to really look at the world like I used to do when I sketched.

I so love your ability to 'see' what you are looking at....great journeys always begin with little steps. Seeing is the most important part. Grins, love this post, Sandi

Doodle T said...

Love your drawings and the link with the photos...so glad I found you!

Carola Bartz said...

Jeanie, your sketches, drawings and watercolors are beautiful! You captured the eyes of Gypsy in a fabulous way, they draw us in. I love your quick sketches a lot - you put your personality into them. Your cats, however, are my real favorites!

Sandra Cox said...

You did a great job drawing 'blind'.
Again, love the kitty pictures:)

Stacey said...

Every bit of this is amazing to me Jeanie. I love to see the progress pictures as much as the finished product. :)

My name is Erika. said...

I love seeing all your summer art. I think Lizzie's portrait is my favorite too, but I love all the travel sketches. They are wonderful, even if they are quick and dirty. You really captured the fell of the places you visited. This was an enjoyable post! Hugs-Erika

Marilyn Miller said...

You inspire me with your art. Good for you! You get better and better. Love Gypsy boy!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jeanie, I love your art! All of it, but especially the cats. I have a special orange cat in my store of unforgettable memories, too.

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What an amazing talent you have. Beautiful works of art!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Jeanie,
Lovely work! I respect and admire those that have artistic talent such as this.
I can only draw stick people, so needless to say I am in awe:)

Happy Saturday,
jemma

shoreacres said...

That top image of Lizzie is perfect. That's the sort of thing I'd expect to see hung in a gallery, done by a professional artist. There's nothing more to say -- except that I'm impressed by it all, but blown away by Lizzie sleeping.

Anonymous said...

Hope you have a great weekend, my friend!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Esme said...

These are all lovely especially Lizzie. I would think drawing would be so peaceful. Have a lovely day.

Sandra Cox said...

Those desserts look luscious. You caught their essence:)
YOU have a wonderful weekend.

~*~Patty S said...

What a joy it is to see so much of your lovely artwork Jeanie!
WOW...you are a natural.
It is fun to see how you interpret the photos into your sketches and make them your own wonderful piece of artwork.
Brilliant!
oxo

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

What talent you have Jeanie! Each one is delightful. The macaroons and the aqua house with the flag are two of my favorites! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi cute friend, just hopping by to let you know that you will be featured at SYC this week.
hugs,
Jann

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jeanie, these are outstanding! I am amazed at how a person such as yourself can pick up a pencil and sketch what you see. It's such a talent, and I really appreciate seeing your work. Your featured work at Jann's Share Your Cup is totally deserved. Congratulations.
Rita C at Panoply

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