I can't believe that tomorrow will be the first day of 2010. Is it just me or does that sound far too space-age. Aren't we all supposed to be living in bubbles, wearing all-white papery disposable clothing and eating food that comes in fantastic colours, in vacuum packs? I suppose some people do eat food like that but I'm thinking maybe I have watched Woody Allen's Sleeper just once too often.
Anyway, December has been really busy hasn't it? I have hardly found any time for artwork which has been a little bit depressing. I have spent nearly all the time I have had working on one coloured pencil picture in my sketchbook. Based on some studies I did in the local park in early summer and a couple of photographs I took at the time, this picture has taken me a..g..e..s......!! I have had a love / hate relationship with it while drawing it, but I finally finished it this morning and thought I'd share it here. I have also included a couple of pictures I took at the end of a couple of drawing sessions, just to see the progress. Not sure how interesting you will find them, but I have noticed other people posting 'progress pictures' and I find them really interesting.
I have never really used coloured pencils as much as I have recently but I find them really good to use in my sketchbook and, in the long process of re-gaining my drawing skills I have found them invaluable. You really have to concentrate, it makes you think about where a mark has to go on the paper and the colour combinations you want to achieve. After this picture I really want to say how impressed I am with people who use coloured pencil as their main medium! I am feeling happy with this picture, and a little more confident with my pencil work, though as I was finishing the picture a book was delivered (a treat bought with some birthday money):
.... and as I flicked through it quickly my eyes fell on the work of Andrew Holmes and I nearly wept! All drawn with coloured pencil on paper....
The little picture I have drawn, took me hours, spread over seven sessions.... how long must these take?!! Like I said, I am thoroughly impressed with anyone who uses coloured pencils as their main medium! I am really only a beginner. I'll get back to the drawing board...
If you would like to see more of Andrew Holmes' work it can be found at: http://www.plusonegallery.com/index.cfm
along with lots of other very talented people.
So, to round off for now I'd like to wish anyone who takes the time to come and read this a very happy and prosperous 2010. I hope the year brings you all you could wish for. Also, a big thank you once again to anyone who has been kind enough to leave comments for me, I can't tell you how encouraging you all are. Wherever you are in the world, however you celebrate - have a good one! xx
