Time to move on. For the past few weeks I have been busy with a building project – my first really. So I thought I would share the final outcome, then put my tools away and get back to painting and other art pursuits! My seven young chickens are so happy with their new home right behind my studio (and painted to match). And I am so proud of myself. The last step will be a sign of some sort with the name, something like Casa de las Mujeres Encantadas (home of the enchanting ladies).
Following my usual process I placed the sketchbook paper in front of me along with some Sumi ink and let my mind go slack, while watching it, like a bee land on some flower of thought. It zigged and zagged, flitted and started off in another direction. That was the stimulus to start. I dipped my brush in ink and let my hand follow that irregular course until it began (unconsciously) to describe a figure that appeared goat-like (namely the horns). Goat, the creature known for caprice, inconsistency, contrariety. I was staring uncomfortably at those traits which I both love and find limiting about myself. My Thesaurus revealed a long list of synonyms for this most worthy word, Caprice. Once again through leaving myself open with the art, the hidden has been revealed!
Sumi ink, watercolor, Sharpee pen on Llama Li sketchbook paper
I arrived at Thursday night figure studio and realized I’d forgotten to bring my brushes and pencils. So, liberated from my habitual materials, I looked to see what I had brought. . . a couple boxes of pastels, including some unusual irridescent soft pastels, charcoal, and ink bottles with droppers in them. So I started by smearing on some pastel color, then drawing with ink diluted with water using the dropper (which I discovered gives an interesting fresh looking, irregular line). Twenty minute sketches. Fun!
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