My last project in 2017, was inspired by a home that I visited via a virtual house tour. The realtor had hired an artist to “stage” the home using software that uploaded furniture, appliances, accessories, etc. to photos of the home’s empty rooms. So cool!
In the main living area hung an Asian inspired painting of cherry blossoms. I loved it, so I created my own version, using red, black, and white paint, and a different type of blossom just to change it a bit. Fun!
I’ve been working through another art course. The first assignment was to draw an eyeball. I did. It was boring. I decided I would create my own version with some digital tweaking. Whoa.
What shall I name her?
Where does she come from?
What will the rest of her look like?
I’m not sure yet, so for now she’ll get locked away in my database of sci-fi characters.
“I can’t draw. You have to be born with artistic talent in order to draw.”
“Anyone can learn to draw.”
Which of these statements is true? A year ago, I would’ve said the first statement applied to me, but I decided to scour the internet for some drawing tutorials, just to see if I could learn to draw anyway. Turns out, I could, but I stick by my belief that I wasn’t “born” with the talent.
The following made all the difference:
The above is my very first charcoal drawing. I was surprised it turned out, but I love it.
After I finished the original, I preserved it with a fixative spray. Next, I photographed it, then applied a bit of digital wizardry for some variety. I used apps like PhotoLab Pro and Snapseed.
Think you can’t draw?
Think again!
I drew her so I should know who she is, but I don’t. It was the first portrait I ever sketched, and I think her likeness came out of a book, but I didn’t care for her much. Her right eye looked wonky and her nose was overshadowed. I tucked her away and forgot about her. She stayed there, for 28 years.
Original Sketch
Whatever name she ends up with, I’ll always remember her as the woman who patiently waited until I got back to her. I still have a long way to go, when it comes to drawing portraits, but hopefully the next one won’t take so long.
After a digital nose and eye job
If you catch Netflix’s Hidden Houses (Episode: Trevor Hall) you might be as intrigued with JC Edwards, as I was. He became the world’s largest tile manufacturer and shipped to America, India, Africa, etc. He even produced tiles for the Titanic, and the London Underground.
These came from demolition and were uninstalled in Uruguayan cities where they were used in great profusion in the early 20th century.
Now these tiles live in Seattle, after we were able to find a seller on Bonanza. Super easy transaction and a great vendor.
I resurrected my art lesson sketches from the 80’s, and gave them a fresh look.
Now I just need some grand babies to print these for.
Saw a picture like this on Pinterest,
and had to try it.
My dad traveled to San Francisco in 1964, and brought this doll home, from China Town. She’s been my constant companion through the ups and downs of my life. I dug her out and thought it was time to put her to paper, so to speak, and give her a name, Yui.
I realize that the doll is in traditional Japanese dress, but she really did come from China Town. Was this typical in 1964? Sort of like everything is stamped with Made in China now? I have no idea.
Yui is accompanied by a jade piece from my mother-in-law’s travels, and a fan which was a gift from my Japanese exchange student, Yui, in 2001; thus the name.
The background was taken from the newspaper wrapped legs of the doll. Yui was missing her hat, so I improvised with the lens cap from my macro lens. She is complete again.
Ebba Sage 