April 2007 – Africantapestry

Posted on April 24, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Watering cans and dainty shoes

In art class this afternoon, Casey set up a still life outside…after we enjoyed a delicious lunch of Courgette soup with sesame seeds, followed by a wonderful tomato, coriander and pine nut quiche and ended with strawberries and blood orange dessert and madeleines…I hope you are all drooling now..

It was tough getting into drawing afterwards, but we did the best we could. We had a friend there whose shoes we all admired, so she unceremoniously stacked her shoes as part of the still life….

I wanted to try a different medium today. The first one is done in a walnut stain wash and then finished off with pen and conte in different colors on Arches HP. Although not the right medium for those dainty shoes, I did it nonetheless, since I haven’t worked with it before. I do like the medium and will definitely experiment more.

I thought I owed it to those shoes to make them look kind of pretty, so the second is done in pen and watercolor on Arches HP. The composition is a bit off in both cases, among other things, but let’s say I felt like watching the world go by rather than joining it. (See what Judi says about this “watching the world buzz by”… http://everythingiscontextual.blogspot.com/2007/04/work-is-for-birds.html

Teri C said…: Well first, I am drooling reading about that wonderful lunch. Then I went right into amazement over that new paint and then into awe over those shoes!! Yo all have so much fun on your art dates!! Wish I could join you.; April 24, 2007 9:23 PM
Lin said…: What a juxtaposition of materials –!! And yet all treated beautifully by your hand!! LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY!; April 24, 2007 9:30 PM
Dave said…: ovely work, and what amazing shoes! That must have been a fun day.; April 24, 2007 9:44 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Wow, that was fast! These look great. I’m really impressed with what you did with the ‘brou de noix’ I’m going to have to try that.; April 24, 2007 9:55 PM
Lynn said…: Whoa, those shoes rock! What a happy, quirky composition this turned out to be. You did an outstanding job on both paintings.; April 24, 2007 11:50 PM
janey said…: I like this both very much. Same scene but so different because of the color and medium. And what a neat idea to add shoes to the still life.; April 25, 2007 12:10 AM
Lindsay said…: I like them both but I like the walnut wash one best! Gives it an air of Morrocan Mystery. And btw, you guys are having entirely TOO much fun! What foodies you are!!! Yes, I am drooling and I even just finished dinner.; April 25, 2007 1:55 AM
Brenda Y said…: What a fabulous lunch and an even more fantastic art session. I love both of these and can’t say which I like best. I DO like the dainty shoes thrown in, they are unexpected as if they were kicked off in favor of gardening.; April 25, 2007 2:54 AM
Nancy Van Blaricom said…: This is my first time visiting your blog and web-site and what joy it’s been. I love your watercolors and the way you use color … what a delightful touch your drawing and paintings have.; April 25, 2007 2:56 AM
mARTa said…: well, first of all….I love the one in brou de noix best…it’s mysterious. Second…..I am thrilled that I’ll be able to share one of those wonderful meals with both of you in just a few months!; April 25, 2007 4:42 AM
soulcomfort said…: Just wandered through your blog and love your work!! I aspire…. 🙂; April 25, 2007 5:45 AM
platitudinal said…: I like the monochromatic look of the first painting with walnut stain. Each object seems to compliment each other and no one competes for the sole attention — even those pretty shoes in the middle. It gives a feeling of harmony.On the second painting, there’s no doubt who is the star of the picture … before I read your writing, I thought those were the sandals you use when you’re gardening. Fancy Ronell! Hehe. Bzzzzzzzz …; April 25, 2007 12:44 PM
E-J said…: Great juxtaposition. Imagine gardening in those shoes! 🙂 Each of these is lovely in its own, quite different, way. Forgive my ignorance, but what is a walnut stain wash?; April 25, 2007 3:26 PM
artnewbie said…: Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for your kind comments. Well, I just love these pictures, especially the dark stain one – exotic, and such fun! Diane.; April 25, 2007 7:08 PM
suzanne said…: These are both gorgeous. I’m particularly drawn to the first one. Though the walnut wash isn’t necessarily “dainty” it realy allows the shoes to shine. You do a wonderful job of adding highlights which helps a whole lot. Oh, and your meal sounds wonderful as well…sure beats my subway sandwich!; April 25, 2007 7:51 PM
Robyn said…: Is walnut stain what I think it is? Something one rubs into one’s skirting board! Whatever it is, is is so effective and I adore the shoes. It must be the French influence to wear such shoes to art class!; April 26, 2007 7:56 PM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: osh this whole post is just fantastic. I love the top picture Ronell – but then I am always taken by anything in sepia tones. Really stunning.; April 27, 2007 1:45 AM
Diahn said…: Wonderful – I have to echo the others’ love of the juxtaposition of the items in the still life – and I have to envy those SHOES!!! :DIsn’t it grand to have an art buddy? Lucky you!; April 27, 2007 4:45 AM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: REALLY beautiful pieces! I’m amazed that you used a walnut stain, it turned out incredible! 🙂; April 27, 2007 9:07 AM
Sarah said…: i love the contrast between the delicate beaded shoes, and the watering can. This is a great image, beautifully executed. Like the sepia version too; April 27, 2007 2:52 PM
phthaloblu said…: Those shoes are so very dainty and pretty! Nice job on both of these sketches. Thanks alot for the food cravings!; April 27, 2007 3:41 PM
Jana Bouc said…: Wow! These are both fabulous. I love your work and woke up this morning thinking about and picturing your menu paintings from the last time I visited.

Posted on April 23, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

The details of a wisteria

The wisterias are magnificent now, their beauty cascading over walls and pergolas and trees and gates, windows and towers, roofs and even pathways. I just had to take on a painting or two, try and capture a little of their glory.

I tried twice again, not being too happy with the first try. I took on another corner, more “architectural”, more detailed, brighter colors, with which I am quite content..it feels like “me”.

And I just can’t get away from it- detail- I need detail. Without it, I can’t stress. I can’t be obsessive compulsive. Without detail in my life, I can’t experience beauty. I can’t create beauty. Without detail, life is very foggy and leaves only an impression of what might be out there…very much like the first painting of these wisterias.

Watercolor and ink on Arches HP
23 x 31cm (9″ x 12″)

14 comments:

Fanta said…

Wonderful again, Ronell. I love the way the shadows “dance” on the wall surface created by your careful layering, especially in the first one.
Have a great Sunday!

April 22, 2007 2:01 PM

Lindsay said…

I like how you do these a couple of times! Lovely job.
I’ve been trying to get my wisteris to bloom for YEARS. Stubborn things refuse to flower.

April 22, 2007 5:14 PM

Teri C said…

You are persistant arn’t you! The signs of a good detail person….I recognize it because that’s me too.Those wisteria are wonderfu and beautiful. So glad you persisted to your satisfaction.BTW, I was just reading about creativity and a detail person is called “bios’ or the dteails of life, and the person that has an overview of things is called ‘zoe’ or the essence of life.

Hmm, I bet that is more information than you wanted! 🙂

April 22, 2007 6:43 PM

Lin said…

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!!! The frost nipped ours and I haven’t seen much since then — so I am thoroughly enjoying yours!! Did you know you can eat the flowers?? BUT ABSOLUTELY NOT THE SEEDS!!

April 22, 2007 11:13 PM

Lin said…

PS — I’M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU AND DETAIL … MAKES ME SO UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN I LEAVE IT OUT!!! Hard to learn to live with simlicity — i do love the detail!!! lol

April 22, 2007 11:14 PM

Dave said…

I love wisteria, and you’ve really captured it in these lovely pictures!

April 22, 2007 11:36 PM

beautiful! i LOVE wisteria and the draping laziness of it. great pictures!

April 23, 2007 1:59 AM

Nancy said…

Love the wisteria – I, too, have been trying to get mine to bloom – they are 9 years old now. Is there any hope?These a gorgeous!

April 23, 2007 5:13 AM

aPugsLife-laserone said…

Oh my gosh, I just love these! My favorite is the first one. I’m such a sucker for blue. Very beautiful! 🙂

April 23, 2007 9:26 AM

caseytoussaint said…

These are both beautiful, but the second one does more to convey the delicacy of wisteria – such a tough subject.

April 23, 2007 10:59 AM

Sandy said…

I love Wisteria and mine is huge, but never blooms !!!!! I want to paint them too!!! Just Lovely! You have been busy!

April 23, 2007 5:07 PM

Carole said…

I’m another wisteria fan, and I agree that you’ve really got the essence of wisteria in this second painting. The twisted branches and those wonderful long cascades of blue/lilac flowers. I once painted the detail of just one of those tiny little flowers – I may post it on my blog.

April 23, 2007 10:55 PM

phthaloblu said…

I understand all about detail. Yep! As much as I try to get away from it, I am only happy when it looks like what I’m looking at. These are both so beautiful. I love wisteria, too, the way it hangs and looks. It’s all around my house, but not in my yard. Wonderfully done.

April 24, 2007 3:15 PM

platitudinal said…

Thank you for your unrelenting pursue of details, we all benefit from it and get to enjoy the beauty you created based from your search.*Honestly speaking, though, Ronell, I think both takes of the wisterias are appealing. 🙂

Posted on April 21, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Three apples and the rest

Voila my painting of the week – a bowl with fruit.

It took 3 apples to get to the “right” half eaten one.
The first one was so crunchy and sweet and just too delicious, I ate the whole thing. That made me full. I then asked Hartman to eat the second one with specific orders…he just gave 3 huge gulps and only the stem was left…a little bit of deliberation there. There was only one left, so I had to eat the third apple carefully, measuring it against the other three after each bite. And then we went to play tennis. When I got back, the apple turned all brown. I had no apples left. So I played guessing game on the color.

The bowl is made by the artist Carrol Boyes from SA. Using pewter and other materials she makes beautiful bowls and cutlery and office stuff and…and…. to see
her work, which can also be ordered online – www.carrolboyes.com

I love expressionism. I find I can achieve that in oil, a little more challenging in watercolor though. I have a fear of losing the transparency of watercolor….but I think this one isn’t that far off?

Posted by Africantapestry at 5:52 PM

Brenda Y said…: Oh, this is marvelous! Definitely you’ve kept the transparency. Gorgeous lights and luscious shadows and a very lovely palette – I like the one green apple, really adds a punch to the trio in the dish. The dish. . . just gorgeous, it absolutely looks like pewter!!; April 21, 2007 7:52 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: Oh goodness this one is lovely…such a great wc….; April 21, 2007 8:51 PM
Carole said…: I love what you do with watercolour paint! This is a lovely composition (great bowl!) and the colours simply sing from the page. I like the loose shadow and background, and the way you’ve got the detail of the eaten apple. It’s just so funny that the pair of you nearly ate the still life before you could paint it!; April 21, 2007 9:34 PM
Felicity said…: Just fabulous! So lovely and loose and those lights just make it zing!; April 21, 2007 9:39 PM
Teri C said…: Wow, these are wonderful! The colors, reflections and the compostion. I laughed when I read your dilemna of eating all the apples and no wonder, they look so good.; April 21, 2007 10:07 PM
Fanta said…: Simply stunning, Ronell!; April 21, 2007 10:21 PM
why said…: i like this one a lot too… the colors, the reflections and the shadows.. great work!; April 22, 2007 12:09 AM
Lin said…: Ronell — you have such an easy going, painterly gorgeous style — I LOVE IT — and these fruits are delicious looking and spectacular!; April 22, 2007 12:22 AM
mARTa said…: What beautiful colors, reflections…the apples look so juicy! lovely!; April 22, 2007 1:52 AM
janeysjournal@aol.com said…: What a lovely little painting. Those highlights just sparkle.; April 22, 2007 3:54 AM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Fantastic! I love that there’s an eaten apple in there. 🙂; April 22, 2007 4:21 AM
martín said…: Ronell, this is just beautiful! i do love this work!!!! greetings.; April 22, 2007 4:52 AM
Karen said…: very well done Ronell; April 22, 2007 8:23 AM
Tonniece said…: Hi Ronell
Thought I’d come out of the woodwork.
I love this piece and the great story behind it also. Great blog here, I visit often.
Thanks for visiting mine and for the nice comment on my.; April 22, 2007 1:11 PM
Linda said…: GREAT piece! It’s just too bad that you had to go through all that trauma of eating apples to get to this point, but we must suffer at times for our work, mustn’t we?! 😉 The colors are marvellous — very transparent and with juicy brushstrokes. This is a keeper!; April 22, 2007 2:28 PM
E-J said…: What an unusual bowl! There’s a wonderful fresh, transparent look to this. And I think the half-eaten apple’s the best part 🙂; April 22, 2007 3:24 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for taking the time to look and comment…I appreciate it!
Ronell; April 22, 2007 4:28 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, I’m so far behind! My preview button kept showing the same old post – now I know notto trust it! Lovely job on this, it really just glows. This is the effect I keep trying to get – and you do it so effortlessly.; April 23, 2007 10:57 AM
Robyn Sinclair said…: Luscious, loose and very much back to your old form I see. Just gorgeous! I’ve missed a whole lot of posts too!; April 23, 2007 11:22 AM
Christeen said…: You are, aparently, a master of the color guessing game- this is a delightful painting 🙂; April 23, 2007 5:10 PM
phthaloblu said…: Sacrificing the body, or in this case the stomach, for your art. Well done!; April 24, 2007 3:17 PM
platitudinal said…: “It took 3 apples to get to the ‘right’ half eaten one” — Shucks, Ronell, I think I need to start drawing something that I can eat too. Hmm … should I start with subject like a half eaten cake? I wonder how many pieces I need to eat before I get the perfect half eaten look. (Sigh) Things that we must do for art’s sake!“Have to guess the colors.” Wow, they look really good, Ronell! Those apples, and the perfectly half eaten one, look so luscious and delicious!

Posted on April 18, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Three times different

These are the results of my drawing afternoon with Casey yesterday. I tried something different to get out of my rut and ran into all kinds of trouble. Not that I can define “something different”…

The first one is just plain ugly and I’ve deleted it a few times from the blog, but decided finally to keep it. I wanted so many things fitted in and I chose the smallest format. I didn’t even complete it, just grabbed a brush pen and filled in some rough lines.

After Casey had left, I gave it another try, obstinate to get this scene in my pocket! I don’t feel much for this sketch…proportions are completely wrong, some ugly darks, even more cramped, in spite of a bigger format. Overall just a bad, disturbing painting that makes me want to come up for air.The third one I did this afternoon and decided it would be now or never. The plants need to get into the ground. I was still obstinate, so I kept to the same scene. I used an even larger format and this time I did use all the space. There is still too much detail and finicky pieces and not enough depth, but this it! I still can’t say what it is I wanted to do differently. I at least hope this last one broke my spell.

Watercolor on Fabriano HP. See Casey’s painting from yesterday, she also tried something different…take a look http://caseytoussaint.wordpress.com/

16 comments:

Dave said…: You’re too hard on yourself! And anyway, trying something different is always with doing!; April 18, 2007 10:21 PM
bec said…: I like the way you made the table and chair less of a focal point in the third try….it doesn’t compete for attention. I want a table and chair set like the one you painted. I bet your garden is beautiful!; April 19, 2007 1:26 AM
Lindsay said…: I love them all! This was a hard subject and your really stuck with it. I wish I could come out with you and Casey!! Lucky you.
p.s. This is supposed to be “FUN”.
No being mean to yourself!; April 19, 2007 2:56 AM
Brenda Y said…: Third time is the CHARM! I really like this! It’s so “SPRING.” Truly, this would look fantastic framed and hung on a sun porch. I love all the objects (particularly fond of the hat) and the pop of color from the pot of flowers is just perfect.
Thanks for posting all three! It’s really encouraging to see the progression and perseverance!!; April 19, 2007 3:21 AM
Teri C said…: Bravo to you for your persistance. I love the third one but I also like the other ones too. It looks like a difficult subject, and I’m sure you learned a lot on the way.; April 19, 2007 4:51 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, all three of these came out great. I don’t think the first one is ugly at all, as a matter of fact I think it’s full of charm. On the second one you’ve done an incredible job on the chair – you can just feel the texture of the metal basketweave, and the third is light and airy.
You have a distinctive style in watercolor, very elegant and yet relaxed(very French somehow) that brings to mind illustrations from the 1950s.; April 19, 2007 8:21 AM
Carole said…: Actually, I really like the quality of the lines on the first one, and I also like the tones of the wash. The third one has a nice quality of light to it, and I love the flowers, particularly the flower on the hat. It’s a beautiful composition overall, so well done for sticking with it! I think it bore fruit, don’t you?; April 19, 2007 2:36 PM
Sandy said…: Glorious taste of springtime, I love your work and envy you and Casey and your challenge/committment – Can’t wait to see them each week, who knows maybe I can join in some time.; April 19, 2007 8:11 PM
platitudinal said…: What a dedicated artist you are! I love all of them. And, I’m glad you posted all of your tries. Each one has something special that the other doesn’t have.; April 20, 2007 12:35 PM
Jana Bouc said…: Good for you to keep going until you get what you were striving for. The funny thing is that my favorite is the first one. I know it didn’t capture the look you wanted but it’s still a wonderful piece. The last one is technically better but the first one is full of energy and expressiveness somehow. They’re all worthy of appreciation though and not at all ugly!; April 20, 2007 6:06 PM
Ujwala said…: All three are wonderful but I too especially like the first one.All the best with your new goal.; April 20, 2007 8:50 PM
mARTa said…: well, the first one has it’s own charm, What I like about the 2nd one is the chair and compositon. The 3rd is light and airy and just as lovely.
So where is France are you and Casey? I will be in paris for 8 days in October…just roaming and skething…maybe we can meet and paint?; April 22, 2007 1:54 AM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: These are really great! I love how determined you are. 🙂 🙂; April 22, 2007 4:21 AM
Linda said…: Well, I love the last one, so I guess the third time is the charm, although I don’t know how you did three paintings of the same thing — all in a row! I would have been pulling my hair out!
🙂 All three have their good bits, though, as I think has been well stated by earlier commenters.; April 22, 2007 2:26 PM
Africantapestry said…: thank you for all the comments…much apprecaited!
Ronell; April 22, 2007 4:29 PM
phthaloblu said…: Don’t be so hard on yourself. Any time you step outside your comfort zone, you are going to be challenged. Not only on how you see your subject, but on how you interpret it also. I think these are wonderful little sketches. Keeping playing with them and something will come out of it that will satisfy you. Just remember, it’s always a learning experience.

Posted on April 16, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Come on, just do it!

Five things from my bathroom. Carole said so. (http://www.carolekirk.com/ I could only get to four. I struggled almost the whole day, but I’ve done it and I feel good. Great they are not, but I’m happy. Wonderful feeling of achievement! It was so great having someone tell me: “This is what you need to do, do it” Not thinking or planning or finding something…I just did it. Next time it will be better. Thank you, Carole.

I dedicate this to all of you who were encouraging and supportive, may I do the same to you when you need it.

Pen and watercolor, Arches HP. Click on images to enlarge.

19 comments:

Dave said…: Good for you! There are some lovely touches in those sketches too. The shine on the pitcher, the shadow on the stand, etc. Enjoyed looking at them!; April 16, 2007 9:31 PM
Claudia said…: …I like the spontaneity and freshness of the sketches!-(I’m still working on that for myself…); April 16, 2007 9:51 PM
Sandy said…: Fabulous, I just Love your technic, so light and fresh but with great depth and personality – GREAT!; April 16, 2007 10:05 PM
Carole said…: Hey! Good work. I just love how you do those watercolour washes. You have such a light touch. The chair and bowl/pitcher is particularly nice. Looks like you’ve got a beautiful bathroom there!; April 16, 2007 10:37 PM
Teri C said…: Gosh, each one is a winner! Just wonderful!; April 17, 2007 3:36 AM
Brenda Y said…: Fantastic!! My fav is the chair with the pitcher and bowl and plant–what luscious lines and soft colors. By George, I do believe you’ve got your groove back!!; April 17, 2007 6:12 AM
Jana Bouc said…: These all have such elegance and beauty. It looks like you’ve found your inspiration again!; April 17, 2007 7:38 AM
MrsSnowy said…: What a spectacular comeback! My favourite is the chair with basin and pitcher. Goodness, if I tried to find inspiration in out bathroom it would spin me into instant depression – not the finest room in our house!; April 17, 2007 11:00 AM
platitudinal said…: Wow, these are beautiful sketches. If not for the toilet paper rolls and towels sketch, I will keep on forgetting that these are paintings of your bathroom!; April 17, 2007 2:51 PM
artnewbie said…: Lovely! What great style you have.; April 17, 2007 3:43 PM
Lin said…: YEAH!! AND WHAT A GLORIOUS JOB YOU DID!!!!! Hope it broke your uninspired spell and that Madam Muse is sitting on your shoulder!; April 17, 2007 5:10 PM
bec said…: I love the stuff in YOUR bathroom!; April 17, 2007 7:49 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for the comments…I am back to working, almost repeating everything twice in order to get something that is half decent, but that is OK.
Ronell; April 17, 2007 11:46 PM
Ujwala said…: i’m away on holiday and hadnt been to your blog in a while. lots of wonderful work since I last visited and these 3 from your bathroom are super too.; April 18, 2007 6:13 AM
E-J said…: Lovely little sketches. What an elegant bathroom you have, Ronell! Your watercolour style is very distinctive. And you’re so prolific!; April 18, 2007 12:48 PM
caseytoussaint said…: Ronell, these are beautiful! You’ve combined your wonderful drawing skills with your decorating talent and it’s a great combination.; April 18, 2007 6:19 PM
“Maggie” said…: Wow, the chandelier is lovely and the reflections really make this a great piece. I love all the intricate inked lines.; April 21, 2007 3:22 PM
Africantapestry said…: thanks!
Ronell; April 22, 2007 4:30 PM
phthaloblu said…: Once again, beautiful sketches! Love the light best of all.

Posted on April 14, 2007August 22, 2007 by Myfrenchkitchen

Because I have no inspiration

I am in no mood for drawing or painting….can’t find any inspiration! My pencil goes its own way, the brush refuses to cooperate, the ink won’t flow from the pen and no subject steps forward with enthusiasm. How did I arrive here? No idea. But I believe I’m not alone in experiencing these dry spells and from past experience, I’ve learnt not to push it(not TOO hard, that is), not too stress(well, THAT is so easy!) not to give up(will NEVER do that?) and not to feel inadequate(complete silence..).

Since I couldn’t produce anything for the last few days, I went back to some previous sketches and chose to post these, just for the sake of making myself feel a bit better.

When we were in SA on holiday, we visited my husband’s brother, who just bought a huge property out in the country, beautiful, but with lots of work to restore it to its former beauty. There is an old tennis court, overrun by weeds and what not.
We are a family of tennis players and to see a tennis court, however overgrown by forestry, is to tease a lion with a lamb. My husband grabbed a shovel and started clearing the court for some great tennis! I grabbed my paper and pen to help. Soon, Dora and Solly, who are in charge of all the work in and around the house, closed in, each grabbing a tool and long before sundown, the first ball was hit…I won the point(hie hie..) barefoot no less, since I had only sandals for my sunny holiday in SA! We played tennis non-stop, for the next three days, barefoot, like when we were kids, except our feet weren’t those of kids anymore…

Please be forgiving when you look at these sketches – I was sitting in direct sun with a 40 degrees C heat coming down on my head and they were moving with the speed of lightning; my husband in eagerness to hit that first ball and Dora and Solomon anxious to get out of the heat, and lastly I am not that apt at sketching people.

Pen, watercolor and moleskine.

SCquiltaddict said…: Great energy in these….love them …maybe you should just draw something anything??? and that will get the ball rolling…; April 15, 2007 7:25 PM
Lin said…: these are FABULOUS! I hate when I’m uninspired — but truly, Ronell, these looks INCREDIBLY INSPIRED! Hope this mood breaks quickly for you … and keep up this wonderful work!; April 15, 2007 7:45 PM
Carole said…: How on earth do you sketch people when they are moving? I think these are amazing! I love the colours on those watercolour washes – it really creates an impression of that heat.Here’s a drawing challenge for you to get going – 5 items from your bathroom. Go on – just do it!; April 15, 2007 7:49 PM
mARTa said…: actually it’s fun to see “old” work too. I’m sure you will be out of your rut soon and find yourself inspired once again. I love the ‘ugly’ sketches!!!! marta; April 15, 2007 8:15 PM
Emma Pod said…: It sounds like you all had a great time getting the tennis court ready and then playing barefoot! Thanks for sharing these sketches. The colors are very nice and I think you did a great job of capturing the movement and action. Good luck with your funk…I get those too every once in awhile. Like your garbage cans, it’s just part of being a human being on this planet.; April 15, 2007 10:59 PM
phthaloblu said…: I think these are wonderful. You caught the energy of the movements and the washes are bonus. Great work! Don’t fret about inspiration, it will come. I’m one to talk! But, I’m trying to be very optimistic today so, chin up! Be patient with yourself and great things will happen.; April 16, 2007 4:20 AM
Christeen said…: Ronell, your art is always great. If nothing inspires you, I humbly propose that you do an ink and watercolor doodle of me eating a huge piece of chocolate. Maybe with a poolboy fanning me with a palm leaf. *grins*Hang in there! I always look forward to seeing your work! This time will pass, wait and see.; April 16, 2007 5:08 AM
caseytoussaint said…: These are wonderful Ronell you can really feel the energy they’re putting into what they’re doing. No wonder you won the tennis game if you were drawing while they were working so hard! Your work is always so good – much better than you give yourself credit for. See you tomorrow – we’ll break this dry spell.; April 16, 2007 1:10 PM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Hi there! Good luck getting over your dry spell. Your creativity will come back. 🙂; April 16, 2007 3:17 PM
MrsSnowy said…: They’ve got rhythm, these tennis players. It’s a great series of sketches, Ronell. I’m sure by tomorrow the ink will be flowing again – if it isn’t already.; April 16, 2007 8:06 PM
Africantapestry said…: thank you for your encouragement…I hope it is a question of…before somethinggets better, it has to get worse…or something like that?