10x15" Charcoal on Rives BFKToday I met the plein air group, at the lovely Descanso Gardens. If you are ever in this part of the world, it is definitely a must see. We situated ourselves over by the oak grove, and I was intrigued by the light that filtered through the leaves. I found myself a seat on a bed of leaves and went to work.
Michael Newberry, ( I will explain the connection in my next post), suggested a way to get away from the voices in your head, or get out a funk, is to go somewhere with charcoal tools in hand. I hadn't prepared the board, but I knew that wouldn't take me any time at all. He suggested to take about 40 minutes max., and blast away at the light. I love the way he talks,( I will explain that too). So my objective was to capture the beautiful light that I found, and I focused on only a small corner of this grove. Not sure the history of this particular grove, but it certainly might be one of the largest in the area. I know there is something like 25 acres of oak forest, and it was first inhabited by the Gabrielino Indians. They relied on the acorns from the trees as a mainstay of their diet.
Well, back to the drawing... I spent 45 min and I am quite pleased with the results. It was a very pleasant session for me. I felt like I was in a natural cathedral for an hour. Something about sitting on the very land as our Native Americans, becomes somewhat of a religious experience.
A very nice way to count my blessings.
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18 comments:
this one is wonderful. the way you've captured light falling on the tree in front is super. the few times that i used charcoal i made a complete mess of it and not having a kneadable eraser didnt help :P
I remember not likeing charcoal back in school,but this Ujwala is such a different experience. It is so soft on this paper, and is almost like paint with it. Plus when using the pencils you can sharpen them to a beautiful point and get crisp details. I rarely have any charcoal on me after a drawing session. You just might try it again. You may find you like it.
Robin! I love the trees and your wonderful charcola work. Your write up is also a pleasure to read.
Robin -
This is just so lovely. I know how much you've been enjoying paying attention to shadows, and this work really shows great sensitivity to the shadows and layers and textures. It sounds like it was a really great day out.
A very painterly "drawing" with peaceful atmosphere. Charcoal is the best,but how do you store the drawings ?
Mary - Thank you, the trees are so majestic there.
Wendee - Thank you. Yes shadows grab me every time. My kneaded eraser worked very hard for me and I thanked it.
Martin - How are you? So nice of you to stop by.
I am told that sheet of Glassine should be used on top of the artwork.
Then Lascaux fixative should be used if possible. It is said not to affect the tone or color of the work. It should be sprayed when the paper is upright, about 2 feet away, so that the spray actually just falls across the paper.
I will most likely keep my work in flat portfolio envelopes slightly larger than the paper.
I hope that info helps you.
What are you working on these days?
Hello Robin,
thank you for the info on storage of charcoal drawings. Did you ever see charcoal drawings of Jim Dine ?Unfortunately I have come to limits with my storage space.
Since last year I have done almost only sketchbook work and monotyping. My first public exhibition will open on Oct.14.
Martin - now that you mention it I do remember Dines charcoal. I have been a huge fan of his from way back.
I hope you can sell some of your work, at your exhibit so that you have more storage space. Congratulations on the show. I look forward to hearing about it.
I have made a note to myself to send for your book. Can't wait to see it.
This is a lovely drawing Robin. I think you have an affinity for trees, your renderings of them always turn out so well.
I'm glad you've found such inspiration and mentoring in Michael Newberry, you do well on his influence.
Robin - this is a really lovely drawing - very meditative. I could see you working this up into a painting as well
Jeanette - I do love trees. Was always fascinated by the Tree of Life symbols. I am overjoyed at my decision to work with Michael. I have leaped forward in such a way, that it is hard to describe.
Katherine - How very nice to know that what I was feeling while painting (this does feel like painting to me), also is conveyed to the viewer. My next just may work itself into a painting.
the trees are speaking ... very nice!!
I hope that they are saying beautiful things.
lovely and good to know suggestion on getting out of funk.
Yes Melanie - I have used it many times since and it most definitely has improved my ability to go from 0 to 80.
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