pen – Page 33 – Africantapestry

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 12, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Ugly, but couldn’t do without

I have found “ugly” to be an emotional concept, at least for me…
When you know the story behind it, “ugly!”, turns into “oohh how sweet!”
On a bad mood day, I see more ugly people than usual; my car is ugly, which is usually not a problem, since I couldn’t care less about a beautiful car; the dry winter scenes, which are normally architectural masterpieces, are just plain ugly and my bedroom mirror, which is most days a sweet and kind soul, shows its mean side.

Today isn’t a bad day, so I couldn’t find anything ugly around me. Even the dishwasher and washing machine, fridge…all those machine-things have their beauty today, maybe because they still do their job so dutifully?

I decided that garbage bins are my love-hate passion in life. Every day. They are not emotion-related. They are a cruel reality of life on earth. I hate every form of waste… energy, time, food, water, garbage…A Garbage bin to me, signifies the ugly side of life. But I couldn’t do without it. In shame I hang my head and I embrace my bins, glad I only have to fill them and someone else, more courageous then me, will take care of the problem elsewhere! So, here I give you the ugly side of my life and unfortunately, yours as well….

I wanted to depict these bins as ugly, so I gave only 5 minutes to myself to do each, wash included and I kept to it. I used Pentel brush pen and watercolor pencils; black….and red and green for a touch of beauty, since this isn’t a bad mood day….

Kunya said…: Nice take on the subject and I amazed what you can do in 5 min.; April 12, 2007 7:03 PM
Lin said…: Your words are so RIGHT ON!!! And you made those can beautiful, my friend!!!! I may have to tag onto your idea … I am having a hard time with this challenge!; April 12, 2007 7:17 PM
Sandy said…: Wow – nice sketches for 5 minutes!! Yes ugly but sentimental by necessity!!; April 12, 2007 8:36 PM
Shirley said…: Fabulous, as always. I love this loose style.; April 12, 2007 8:53 PM
Carole said…: Great idea for the challenge – I too am having difficulty with it. I wish I could draw this well in 5 mins! But then maybe that’s why your sketches are so alive and vibrant? I like the little touches of colour in them.; April 12, 2007 10:40 PM
Emma Pod said…: Wonderful choice of an “ugly” item. I agree with you about mood and ugliness….they do tend to go together. I like the gray tones in these drawing and the touches of color add something nice. You are right about the existential ickiness of garbage/waste.; April 13, 2007 1:28 AM
platitudinal said…: Ronell, I like what you wrote about this ‘ugly’ theme. I appreciate your honesty when you admit you see more ugly people when you are in the bad mood. I see your perspective of the trash bin as a symbol of waste and how it pertains to our life.Thank you for the thoughtful post and the accompanying pictures. You tried to portray ugly, but you couldn’t help bringing some element of beauty in it … like the brilliant red of the trash bag tie, and the lush green foliage that slipped quietly in the corner.; April 13, 2007 4:50 AM
Brenda Y said…: This post needs to be published! What a wonderful take on “trash to treasure!” You’ve made waste beautiful and given us so much to ponder as far as how our moods effect our outlook. Thanks!; April 13, 2007 6:00 AM
caseytoussaint said…: I thoroughly agree with everyone’s comments – this is a wonderful post, and you’ve made charming drawings out of a rather un-lovely object. I just love the touch of color. Beautiful work, Ronell.; April 13, 2007 8:16 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for the comments, everyone.
While I was doing this post, I thought how I would enjoy doing more “important”(by lack of better description) art, not pretty pictures, but art that touches, rises questions, thoughts, discussion, even controversy…but to do that, you have to be brave and a bit careless, I think, not worrying about hurting feelings all the time, like I do!
I am working on that though, searching for how I can say something important with my brush…
thanks
Ronell; April 13, 2007 8:23 AM
Deb Salter said…: I really liked your thoughts on ‘ugly’! And your drawings are amazing, I hope it doesn’t spoil it, but they’re really attractive bins!; April 13, 2007 2:10 PM
Anonymous said…: Hello. These are incredible, great obervation and take on the challenge!
Patty; April 13, 2007 3:46 PM
bec said…: I so agree with your ideas about this challenge–I’m having such a hard time finding something “ugly” to draw. Your trash cans are beautiful!
Bec; April 13, 2007 5:16 PM
Silvia said…: Really wonderful idea on “something ugly”. :)!!; April 13, 2007 9:13 PM
MrsSnowy said…: You get no points for Ugly because, as has been noted, you’ve made your trash cans beautiful! I love that tone and the character in your lines! You do get a star though, for a great post. 🙂; April 14, 2007 6:44 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: TOOO funny and what a great job with a great idea!; April 15, 2007 1:30 AM
nita said…: Great interpretation of the theme and excellent sketches for the limited time allocation. Love those little hints of colour.; April 15, 2007 5:35 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you for all the kind comments.
Ronell; April 15, 2007 6:04 PM
phthaloblu said…: Nice choice for the theme. I, too, hate wastefulness of any kind, and I think it’s worse when you can SEE it. 5 minutes? Wow, I am amazed what can be achieved in that amount of time. Well done!; April 16, 2007 4:23 AM
Teri C said…: it’s perfect for ugly and sooooo well done.Love your little quick sketches also.

Posted on April 10, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

The green corners of an April garden

April is gardening month. From middle March to middle April I have no nails, no soft hands, a broken back, tennis elbows in both arms, arthritis in my thumbs, I shuffle like an old woman and I smell of compost. All because of the love for a garden.

I have only white and blue/purple in my garden and of course green.Then I have one stubborn red tulip. For three years I’ve had that tulip showing up every April. For three years I’ve cut it off as soon as it flowered, put the flower in a vase, dug up the bulb and gave it to a friend. Just to repeat the process the following year. I’ve accepted the red tulip in my garden now. It is in a vase in my bedroom, I’ve dug up the bulb to give to a friend and I’ll wait for it next year.

I struggled with these sketches. I can’t get all these nuances of green down in a flattering manner. It all looks messy. Maybe it is too much green on one go…I do actually feel a little sick. SoI’ll take my leave now.

Pen and watercolor on Arches hp.
17 comments:

Kunya said…: Well, I realy like those drawings. You must have a wonderful garden…and to me it isn’t messy at all!; April 10, 2007 7:16 PM
shirley said…: These are really wonderful. I love the various items you have in your garden and the meticulous depiction of chicken wire!; April 10, 2007 8:01 PM
Sandy said…: Oh My Lord you made me laugh!!! I am right there with you girl. The sketches are lovely, light and luscious. Would love to see that rouge tulip too.
Perhaps a progression of sketches in the garden will follow?!; April 10, 2007 8:42 PM
caseytoussaint said…: These are beautiful sketches Ronell. And Sandy, I have to tell you, she does have a very beautiful garden!; April 10, 2007 8:47 PM
aPugsLife-laserone said…: Wow, really nice! I love the one w/ the face in the middle. That one gave me a double-take. Beautiful. 🙂; April 10, 2007 10:17 PM
Jan said…: I see you have a beautiful and interesting garden and a great blog. Thanks for visiting mine. What an interesting garden!; April 10, 2007 10:19 PM
Lin said…: WHAT UNUSUAL GARDEN PIECES!! BEAUTIFUL!!!! And that red tulip — what a hilarious story! Yep, we’d be in trouble together! Gardening and sketching!! GREAT JOB!; April 10, 2007 11:22 PM
Carole said…: There are so many wonderful watercolour effects here – I have no idea how you’ve done them, but I really like them. I also like the various little faces peeping out of these sketches.; April 10, 2007 11:31 PM
Karen said…: I know how you feel – I was pulling out old vines in my backyard today – oh my back!Very nice sketches, I’m sure they help bring some comfort!; April 11, 2007 10:12 AM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you everybody, I appreciate the time and effort put into leaving a comment..Sandy, I’ll probably do more sketches as the garden grows month by month…the summers provide so much fun subjects in and around our gardens!
Ronell; April 11, 2007 10:46 AM
platitudinal said…: I am already impressed by your artistic ability. And now, you further impressed me with your green thumb. Are these sketches from your garden? Oooohhh-aaaahhhh, so many lovelies to be found in your garden! I shouldn’t be surprised … you seem to exude beauty all around you.*Send that tulip my way, Ronell, I’m sure I can kill it in a second. My mom said that I’m the only person she knows who can kill a cactus!; April 11, 2007 12:33 PM
Laura said…: They say every room should have a touch of red, so maybe the same thing holds true for gardens! (Though I don’t remember seeing anything red in the white garden at Sissinghurst ;D.) Your cool and subtle palette works very well indoors and out!; April 11, 2007 2:12 PM
Brenda Y said…: WOW! I love your sketches – I do hope you do more of your garden!! I especially like the water feature, I can almost hear the tinkling of the water.
How hilarious about the tulip! After you dig up the bulb, someone must be sneaking a new bulb in the ground while you sleep – ha.; April 11, 2007 4:26 PM
phthaloblu said…: These are beautiful! I don’t think they are messy at all.; April 11, 2007 5:46 PM
ksklein said…: I hope I don`t offend you with my comment. But somehow your second pic reminds me of HULK. 🙂 Specially because I went to an exhibition tod;) and one of the artists topic was Hulk. Maybe I`m crazy! 😉; April 11, 2007 11:15 PM
Robin Neudorfer said…: What a lovely place to practice something that is enjoyable. There is nothing as special as honoring your riches. I love how you captured the water in your last painting, and the effect that you created on the front leaves. Continue doing what works and explore with what you want to improve. Seems like you are on the right path.; April 12, 2007 5:35 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thanks Robin….and ks klein, no I’m not in the least offended and yes, I can now also see how it might come from Hulk. To tell the truth, I felt a bit like the hulk after I’ve done all this green! Thanks for the comment.
Ronell

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

The elegant fences of the countryside

The countryside provides a wealth of “elegant” fences…
I took Robyn(http://havedogswilltravel.blogspot.com/ ), up on her suggestion a previous time, and did these sketches on site with a water soluble pen and 2 waterbrushes and my moleskin, along with nerves of steel(for standing right on the edge of the narrow French countryroads) and a pretence(so I would at least give the impression that I know what I’m doing) and chewing gum – that is for the nerves and the pretence…

Deborah said…

Once again a lovely little series of fences. They all look like cool breezy days but you have given them a real softness.

April 6, 2007 7:42 PM

Shirley said…

These are such fun – interesting fences and nice loose sketches.

April 6, 2007 7:57 PM

Lin said…

AWESOME!!! I LOVE THE BITS OF DETAIL YOU PUT IN IT — AND THE SHADING IS TERRIFIC!

April 6, 2007 8:13 PM

bec said…

You’re makin me want to get out and try the pen, brush and water plein air thing too! Nice atmosphere in your work….each of your fences seems to tell a story.

April 6, 2007 9:42 PM

Carole said…

I could use some of these in my project! I really like these lively sketches. They inspire me to try and loosen up a bit! Great stuff.

April 6, 2007 10:00 PM

Teri C said…

You are spoiling us…I love all your little answers to a challenge. Each one of these is wonderful!!

April 6, 2007 10:01 PM

jill said…

fantastic job. amazing how interesting an old fence can be and how truly beautiful when done well. i really liked these!

April 7, 2007 1:54 AM

caseytoussaint said…

Ronell, these are exceptional. And I know how utterly terrifying it can be to stand on a country road in France. Your sketching style is so free and expressive.

April 7, 2007 9:01 AM

Africantapestry said…

Thank you for all the comments, I really appreciate them!Bec…You should give the plein air etc. a go, you’ll get hooked and there is a very special satisfaction in looking back at your sketch and remembering the experience.I’m looking forward to seeing yours soon!Carole, your latest landscape/fence is already a nice lively and loose sketch!

Thanks!
Ronell

April 7, 2007 11:34 AM

Lindsay said…

These are completely CHARMING! I love every one of them. You make them look as if they were done in color with the beautiful grays.

April 7, 2007 1:34 PM

mARTa said…

oh Ronell, they are all wonderful. I love your sketches and would love to sit with you and Casey and sketch sometime!! If only we didn’t have an ocean between us!

April 8, 2007 6:47 AM

MrsSnowy said…

I’d just like to clarify that I did NOT suggest you stand on the edge of narrow French roads, Ronell! You must have nerves of steel. Your fences are full of atmosphere and that tone looks very classy.
I’m grinning from ear to ear, from getting a personal mention in your blog. Thank you 🙂

April 8, 2007 10:37 AM

platitudinal said…

To Ronell whose nerves are made of steel,I admire how you can produce such lovely sketches under strenuous circumstance. I especially love how the lines seem so lively and lithe … they told us a tale of how your pen and brushes danced deftly on the paper.*Many thanks for the chewing gum tip!

April 8, 2007 3:28 PM

Emma Pod said…

I like your somewhat dilapidated fences! Each one has such good tonal values and they evoke the countryside. I think the gum-chewing was a good trick to give you courage and fortitude.

April 8, 2007 10:00 PM

Africantapestry said…

Thank you for the comments, everyone!Marta..oceans, in my opinion, are there to be crossed! So, cross it and come visit for a 3 nights or so(I have more than enough room) and we can sketch whatever stands still long enough to give us a line and a color!My pleasure to you, Robyn, after all, it was your idea that roamed in my thoughts when I set out to do this challenge.

And, I actually hate chewing gum, apart from it being groase seeing someone chew constantly and stepping in it in the streets, it hurts my jaw!
Ronell

April 9, 2007 9:07 AM

Sandy said…

Each fence study is very interesting, and quite intriguing – you found unique subjects. Bravo!

April 9, 2007 6:06 PM

Linda said…

Great studies! I particularly like the top one — although I’m having a hard time imagining what it would have been like standing on the side of a narrow road with no shoulder to draw! You get points for bravery!

April 9, 2007 11:29 PM

Jana Bouc said…

Charming sketches and fun to picture you there chewing gum trying to look confident. I like the way you’ve suggested detail in a painterly way.

April 10, 2007 4:36 PM

Fanta said…

I simply adore these dramatic fences. I like this “organized mess” that comes with it in your compositions.

April 13, 2007 12:18 PM

andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…

These are fabulous studies. Really nice indeed. I think the new pen has worked well. They actually make me want to get out and do this challenge. The top one is my fave!

Posted on April 2, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Something to be said for tradition

There is something to be said for tradition. Even though we live in a very modern high tech twenty first century. We can never be without tradition. In general life, in family life, in business, in sports. My greatest pleasure comes from the old traditions in tennis.
When we lived in Stellenbosch South Africa, I enjoyed all the wonderful tennis traditions we had there; Saturdays’ social games, rooibos tea for the thirst, tennis evenings until midnight with families and barbecues afterwards, league matches in Wellington where the heat drives everybody under the sprinklers on the grass before the third and final set is taken on.
In England we got hooked on the lawn tennis and of course all the wonderful British traditions…yeah, yeah, maybe a bit stiff on tv, but when you’re part of it…complete different ballgame! We religiously wore our white attire on the courts and became proud of it…the carefully attended, lovely lawn courts just asked for nothing less than pure white. Happy chaps they are, the Brits on the courts…full of fun, very courteous and full of love for the game of tennis. We grew to love the cucumber sandwiches after an afternoon of tennis, some more tea, not forgetting the beer, beautiful clubhouses….a wonderful picture of tradition that deserves nothing but respect and admiration. It is a wonderful thing…playing on grass. And I should mention…I have had my most attractive coach there in England, can’t really say whether that forms part of the tradition, but nonetheless, he did wonders for our tennis.
In South Carolina we had a ball! Now…. I have to be careful, since so many reading here, will be from the dear old USA? We loved it. Nothing less than perfect tennis courts, perfect clubhouses, everything you need at close hand, the latest fashions in gear widely available(I always looked stunning on the courts, so much so that my game started deteriorating…), drinks and eats to hearts desire, a very relaxed atmosphere(the game of tennis can stir up emotions from time to time, depending on how far you trail behind) and a great coach always close at hand to help with that crappy backhand.
In France we have the wonderful clay courts, which is my first choice of surface, followed by grass. Probably because it is so much gentler on all these joints. And I do enjoy the tradition that comes along with playing on a clay court. Some might find it tedious, I love it. We only play on the clay courts in summer, after they have been prepared. And this is what my sketches are all about; the sweeping of the courts, clearing the lines, sprinkling the clay and you have this beautifully prepared court ready for the next game. There is something very sporty, very adrenalin like, very professional like about sliding on the clay, giving the line a sweep with your foot just before you serve, cleaning your soles against the racket, dusting some red clay from your clothes, oh, and a big one…checking the lines for the mark! OK, it is all for the show, but it is still part of tradition and there will always be something to be said for it.

Watercolor and pen on fabriano HP.
20 comments:

Carole said…

These figures look so perfectly casual! And the colours are vibrant and lively. I get that sense of the warmth of the courts and the fresh smell as they hose them. Beautifully observed and painted.

May 2, 2007 7:43 PM

Bonny said…

I never learned to play tennis, but reading your post sure makes me understand a bit more about the game – and about the traditions. This is very informative and interesting.
Your drawings are fabulous! In the first one, where the man is dragging the smoother behind him, I could feel the tug of resistance of the board sliding across the court.
This is a super post!

May 2, 2007 7:45 PM

Lin said…

AMAZING — SIMPLY AMAZING! I LOVE YOUR STORY AND ADORE YOUR FIGURES! YES THEY LOOK SO CASUAL — AND JUST WONDERFUL~!!

May 2, 2007 8:17 PM

shirley said…

These are such lovely loose paintings – and I love the color of the clay. Were these from photos from your days on the courts?

May 2, 2007 10:35 PM

ksklein said…

I love your entry today. You have a great way of telling stories. They brought back the memories about British traditions I experienced in India: of course the cucumber sandwich, black tea with milk and biscuits, and cricket. 🙂
Thanks!

May 2, 2007 10:50 PM

SCquiltaddict said…

These are terrific sketches…i used to play on clay courts here as a kid..now they are that composite stuff…the old courts are still there but closed…too high maintenance i suppose…oh heres a story for you …my fil played at Wimbledon back in the 20-40s BAREFOOTED because he always played on clay courts here…of course what do you suppose they wore for shoes back then?? NO idea!

May 2, 2007 11:22 PM

Tonniece said…

Hi Ronell
You have a gift for telling a story so that one and all can envision themselves right there.
Love the painting too.

May 3, 2007 1:20 AM

Nancy Van Blaricom said…

Last year for the very first time I played tennis … it turned out to be a comic routine. Very funny watching me stumble across the court.I love the clay color you captured in you paintings… and the movement you’ve accomplished with your figures is outstanding. Bravo!

May 3, 2007 4:02 AM

gabi campanario said…

Hi Ronell, thanks for sharing your tale about tennis traditions. Besides being a great artist, you’re also a great storyteller!. Your words and pictures bring back memories of playing on clay courts in Barcelona. Your sketches are delightful and looking at them I feel I can smell the court right now and get ready to play. Btw… did you watch the Nadal-Federer clay/grass match?

May 3, 2007 5:53 AM

Laureline said…

Fascinating and touching, too, Ronell. You certainly have joie de vivre—-your stories, your paintings and your self portrait in the upper right corner of your blog are proof of that!

May 3, 2007 11:09 AM

Sarah said…

Hi Ronell
I love the colours and that you decided to paint the groundsmen(?) rather than the players. My favourite is the guy with the hose – the way he has it wrapped around him. And how did you get that water looking so good?

May 3, 2007 1:59 PM

artnewbie said…

Lovely sketches, Ronell, and I agree with Laureline about your portrait – I admire it anew each time I visit. Diane.

May 3, 2007 9:44 PM

Fanta said…

This was an interesting read, Ronell.
It’s funny, I was sipping rooibos tea as I was starting to read this wonderful story.
One’s life, without tradition would be a very empty one. It is vital that we keep it.
Your love for the clay court shines through these paintings of yours. Great job.

May 3, 2007 10:59 PM

Teri C said…

These figures are just gorgeous!! So full of life and love the colors.

May 4, 2007 2:49 AM

phthaloblu said…

You’re figures are so full of life and not one of them stiff looking. These are great. I loved your commentary btw. I could feel your excitement for the game and it’s traditions.

May 4, 2007 4:15 AM

caseytoussaint said…

Hi Ronell ! These are beautifully done, I just love the colors you’ve chosen. The contrast between the intense red of the clay and the tones of grey elsewhere is very effective.

May 4, 2007 8:04 AM

Africantapestry said…

Thanks for enjoying this post
!
Sarah, I used some sanding paper to scrape away some water..Gabi, if I can help it, I don’t miss a Nadal match and the two of them just make for spectacular tennis, being such opposites in style and chatacter!You’re a tennisplayer too I see..who knows, maybe one day we’ll be on the same court?Shirley, my camera is always with me. I played tennis with Hartman a few ays ago and took some photos afterwards when he was cleaning the courts and when I downloaded them at home, I thought that they would make nice little drawings..

Nancy, every time I’m on the court it makes for a comic routine..I just love so much being on it, that I tend to be over enthousiastic, so stumbling does come to mind!

Maggie, barefooted at Wimbledon…great, I’ll have to have a look at the records of those years, this will be fun!

May 4, 2007 11:17 AM

The Wittering Rainbow said…

I delighted in reading your post. (Britains first lawn tennis club is just 5 minutes up the road from me) I walk the dog past it sometimes in the evenings, and enjoy the sunshine and gentle thwack of the ball. I think your paintings capture the people so well and I love the colour of the clay.

May 4, 2007 12:55 PM

Jana Bouc said…

Wonderful sketches and glorious colors. Did you do these on site or from photos? I saw your note that you always carry your camera (me too) so I guess you did them from photos. Either way they’re terrific. It sounds like you’ve led such an interesting life, living in so many countries. I look forward to reading more such stories.

May 4, 2007 5:05 PM

platitudinal said…

Ronell, these sketches are great for they recorded routine acts that are often goes unnoticed. Tradition provides us some semblance of security and identity, and as you further thought … it also adds beauty and meaning to life. You are an artist and a philosopher … a stunning combo. 🙂

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