'Leaf Man' or 'Hybernation'

Thursday, 3. July 2008, 16:05:03

I have many graphite drawings of nudes on paper and canvas. This one, in particular, was drawn on a 22x30 size of Arches cold press watercolor paper. After the drawing is finished, I will often wet down the sheet of paper, then splash a few different watercolor pigments all over. After the paper dries, I may do the same process a second and third time.

After the paper dries again, I let my imagination run. My thoughts, music I'm listening to, etc. will have a great effect on what I see. I will use either paint or a pencil to begin suggesting what I see.

With this drawing, the model had fallen asleep, and the colors I used to splash all over seemed like the colors of autumn leaves. I took a brush dipped in water, then a slightly darker pigment, and began hinting at outlines of leaves, or filling in areas of negative space. Sometimes this is a long process and certain pieces of artwork will take several weeks or even months to complete. I often work on several at a time.

Originally, this painting had the title of "Hybernation" but everyone kept calling it "Leaf Man" so I changed the name.

The Three PeppersThe Snake and I and the Butterfly

Comments

It's beauty-full. To my eyes it has a 'soft' mélange aspect, but when I utilise the magnifier and zoom in and take a closer look I can discern a difference in what I perceive. I wish I could be there, stand there, see the actual painting itself, to illuminate my own perception. You will know that I 'paint with words'. I am stimulated, inspired, by many things I see around me or 'see' with my imagination, my 'muse'. In saying this, I guess I am trying to indicate that your art is stimulating and I very much appreciate your posts here. If I could add a 'technical apppreciation', or add in thoughts from a 'painter's standpoint' I would do so. But I am only a poet (though I do use photos in many of my poems) and must be content with telling you, in my own words, how I react to your wonderful creative art. I hope I have managed to do this

By lokutus_prime, # 3. July 2008, 16:45:01

It seems intricate, but this is one time where my "color blindness" is tripping me up. I don't see the body at all. Sad huh? Get up, drink coffee, get painting!

By Captivevet, # 4. July 2008, 14:30:27

(smile) I find this painting soft and hopeful, maybe offering a new day?
and Tyler I have to laugh a little. I have received in the mail before the "find the man in the coffee beans photo, and never could see him, Until I sopped looking at the beans as a whole and looked at each bean.
I like this work very much but I have yet to see one here I dont.

By Unasia, # 5. July 2008, 14:50:14

On the US Army "Colorblind" test, I only got six out of 15. So I am government certified.

By Captivevet, # 5. July 2008, 15:08:28

Tyler, I knew a man in one of my drawing classes who would only paint in black and white or draw w/ graphite because he was color blind. I guess I thank God that I see the colors that I can see.....even if most are in my imagination.

Clance, thanks for the compliment. The pic, actually, is a bit dark, and off in color. I have tried many times to correct it but give up after a few tries. That lower left portion has much more burnt sienna (rust) color in it and so do the other smaller, very dark spots. Once I get a digital, I'll have to take all new pics of my work.

By PainterWoman, # 5. July 2008, 16:53:11

Yes, when I was a kid, I worked in black and white all the time. Alas, I have pretty much lost the ability to draw anything, because I quit doing it for to long.

By Captivevet, # 5. July 2008, 17:27:46

But your painting prowess is remarkable and the result is so very beautiful.QED

By lokutus_prime, # 5. July 2008, 17:34:21

By Captivevet, # 5. July 2008, 17:40:53

Pam, Opera is not letting me use PM for messages--say I am over my daily limit! I will save my reply to your second message and send tomorrow---nothing important really---but I do want to thank you!!! Glenn

By uttopia, # 28. September 2008, 02:05:44