sketchbook – Page 19 – 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 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 March 24, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Fresh from the sea

A drawing in ink and wash. I started out, planning this to be a painting, but somehow it ended up as a sketch with a wash. I chose the wrong day to do a painting…a bit low on energy that day. I used one of my photographs I took on my recent trip and it can clearly be seen in this sketch – it is lifeless and without feeling, without energy. I find that I cannot do a sketch from a photograph, somehow I don’t have the ability to give it …oomph..
Click on the image for a larger view ( hope it works this time, since I have been having problems with this clicking-thing.))
This sketch is pen and wash on Fabriano hotpressed paper.

Bonny said…: Ronelle, I think you’re being a bit too hard on yourself. This is a great sketch!
If you really, really think this is medioce (which I don’t agree with), think of it this way:
The sketch is a nice reminder of your trip and what you saw that particular day. When you look at this weeks and months down the road, you will be reminded of that day.
I like this. I can make a story from what I see in the sketch: what the fisherman is doing or thinking, what he might do next. It’s a wonderful sketch!; March 25, 2007 4:00 AM
casey said…: From here, this looks active, vibrant, spontaneous – everything a sketch should be! I don’t see what you don’t like about it. This is beautiful work, Ronell.; March 25, 2007 5:38 PM
Lin said…: MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE IS PEN AND WASH AND HTIS HAS THE VIVID SPONTANEITY THAT MAKES THAT METHOD SO GORGEOUS! I THINK IS THIS GLORIOUSLY DONE!; March 25, 2007 8:02 PM
Africantapestry said…: thanks for the comments…I do feel better about the sketch, Thanks!
Ronell; March 26, 2007 8:24 AM
mARTa said…: Ronelle….this is how I wish to paint! This is so lively and reminds me is many ways of a Singer-Sargent….really lovely; March 29, 2007 5:44 PM
df said…: hi ronelle thanks for visiting my blog so that I could get to yours! I love this sketch. It’s very loose and energetic. Of course we have to work from photos every now and then. There’s no way I could ask everyone that I wanted to paint to hold the pose for twenty minutes. Can you imagine asking the fish guy to just hold it for a minute?
Plus, I love the self portrait that you have in your profile area. Very wonderful!

Posted on March 9, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Airport people

Being back in France for 3 days after a holiday of almost 3 weeks, leaves me a bit off balance. I’m in slow motion and struggle to pick up the pace. I think my spirit is still lingering in the sun somewhere in the Cape, South Africa. I feel inspired, but at the same time, sad. Having had the most glorious time with friends and family, being spoilt rotten…it is hard to be back and just pick up where we left off 3 weeks ago.
I did do a lot of sketching, took close to a 2000 photographs, soaked up the sun in the vineyards by picking grapes(and sketching and eating and taking pictures, all at the same time) and had close conversation with some elephants (all in good spirit…!), heard a lot of good life stories filled with great humor, ate a lot, drank a lot(I was in the wine lands after all…), laughed a lot, in fact indulged way too much in everything of all sorts, which is a good thing every now and then, no?I’ll post some sketches in batches, starting off with CdG- airport, where we had to change planes because of a technical problem and could therefore only depart 3 hours later. So, here are some sketches of people wandering around…waiting, watching the clock, reading, chatting on their mobile phones, some extremely bored, others not showing any emotion….strangely enough, I couldn’t find anyone sleeping…maybe in fear of being left behind?

I’m still not comfortable sketching people in public….I still have a lot of practicing to do, before I’ll feel competent and at ease doing people in public, but I do enjoy it once it is done, until the next time! These were all done in the small moleskine, which I sometimes find a bit restricting.

So, here they are – all those waiting people at the airport…….

11 comments:

E-J said…: Hello – there are some lovely sketches on your blog! I wish I had such lightness of touch when sketching with watercolour. Bookmarking you. 🙂; March 9, 2007 7:00 PM
Deborah said…: These sketches of the people are wonderful. The gestures are great. Can’t wait to see more from your trip.; March 10, 2007 1:42 AM
caseytoussaint said…: Hi Ronell – great sketches! I’m thrilled to see you getting addicted to drawing people in public too, shall we go on some sketchcrawls? The nice weather is coming too…..; March 10, 2007 10:16 AM
phthaloblu said…: These are wonderful sketches, and the washes look great. I’m curious, did you do the washes while you were sketching, or after you were home? Well done!; March 10, 2007 6:31 PM
gabi campanario said…: hi ronell,
these are great, the person talking on the phone is my favorite. looking forward to seeing more!; March 11, 2007 5:57 AM
Africantapestry said…: HiThank you for your kind comments on my blog.To answer your question, phtalobu, ….It depends. The drawings at the airport didn’t have any specific light or color that I wanted to capture, it was more just gestural, so I just washed them later, no specific order. I actually considered leaving them as pen sketches, but then started putting a wash in on one and liked it…I enjoy color, what can I say! With some sketches, I’d like to capture shadows or light, and then I would do it there on the spot. I carry a small watercolor and 2 waterbrushes with me. And then sometimes I would do a sketch, and would just make notes on the colors or shadows or light and do the washes later, but not too long afterwards, or else I forget!! (Or even become too lazy…hehe!; March 11, 2007 7:14 PM
Jana Bouc said…: Wonderful sketches. I love the painting on the upper right of your site. Is that a self portrait? It’s so expressive and charming.; March 12, 2007 3:56 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you Jana…yes, it is kind of a self portrait – oil on canvas..; March 13, 2007 8:31 AM
Renate said…: Lovely sketches. I can’t see that you did not feel comfortable doing them.; March 13, 2007 11:39 PM
martha said…: These are wonderful! Airports are indeed great for people sketching.; March 14, 2007 3:28 AM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: Great studies.

Posted on February 8, 2007July 6, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen

Ink sketches – people

We went to Andorra for a week of snow and ski recently. No skiing though, since there wasn’t any snow except for that made by snow canons. The girls did ski, but H(love of my life) and I passed on that one, so we did a lot of other sightseeing. One thing we did frequently, was going to the sportcentre where H could make use of WiFi available. It may sound like he is a workaholic, but he is as passionate about what he does in life as I am about doing my art. He loves his job, so his computer and notebook and pen and paper go with him, like my stuff travels with me. So, while he “WiFis and calculates and designs, I draw and write and read and watch the world go by and of course, we enjoy a cuppachino or two. The spoet centre was a great place – a big complex with indoor pools, ice skating rink, tennis courts…and a cafeteria. I did these drawings while having our coffee. The first sketch is the “food corner” in the house we stayed in.

5 comments:

Cavalera said…: very nice sketches, keep up the good work; February 8, 2007 8:32 PM
ksklein said…: hey, these sketches are great.; February 8, 2007 9:10 PM
Casey said…: what a great window onto your vacation! Much more fun than photos. Nice, Ronell.; February 8, 2007 9:45 PM
aPugsLife said…: I really like these! 🙂; February 10, 2007 4:51 AM
andrea joseph’s sketchblog said…: These are really great – and I especially love the top one!

Posted on February 7, 2007June 27, 2008 by Myfrenchkitchen · 1 Comment

Scissors

Watercolor on paper….
I don’t have any fond memories of scissors, in fact, I pretty much associate them with pain and blood, of which I have first hand experience. But then again, if I think of life without them, I can quickly conjure up images of pleasure. Like everybody else, we have scissors everywhere throughout the house. In the bedroom a small pair for removing labels or a loose thread here and there. In the bathroom…well, you know what scissors are used for in there..Then there is the handyman that cuts just about anything, although I don’t believe in this all-round-scissors. I want one for every purpose – one for cutting hair and one for cutting paper, another for cutting plastic and one at close hand when I can’t find the hammer, or the screwdriver or the can-opener…The sewing kit has a few of its own, and to my dismay, the huge fabric scissors is in high demand at Christmas when all the others scissors have magically disappeared. The kitchen is an interesting topic. I have yet to figure out the system – one for every task? But that would leave neither time nor place for anything else in the kitchen.

I had a pretty little old one from my mother which I kept in my handbag and forgot to take out before we had to board. I still have another one left, a very ancient model, frequently used by her and even though it lacks performance, its beauty stays unsurpassed. No psychedelic colored plastic in sight and the handle shows signs of hard use and yes, the blade is full of rust spots, but the lines are sleek and graceful and the grip allows for good comfort. Just a simple, beautiful, old pair of scissors from my childhood, one that comes from my mother’s sewing kit and is now not so much a utility as a connexion to the past. So maybe I do have fond memories after all….

6 comments:

: February 7, 2007 7:07 PM
nik said…: Welcome to EDM Ronell. I really love your scissors. They are beautiful. You are a wonderful artist. Greetings from Germany.; February 7, 2007 7:10 PM
Sandy said…: Ohhh these are Very Nice – Very Nice, Welcome and you will have a blast here and learn sooooooo much.
Sandy; February 7, 2007 7:17 PM
Africantapestry said…: Thank you, Nik and Sandy, for the warm welcome and for the kind words – I feel like a child at Christmas; the one super gift after the other!!; February 7, 2007 10:58 PM
SCquiltaddict said…: Bonjour Ronell…and welcome to EDM …i think you are definitely going to be a great contributor with your wonderful sketches…ils sont tres magnifique!; February 8, 2007 4:44 AM
Karen said…: Hi Ronell, welcome to EDM!

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