Yellow Lab sketch
graphite on bristol
So, I'm asking for your help. On the side of my blog there is a poll asking which subject you'd like to see me paint or draw next. Go ahead and vote and tell me what you'd like to see, it's all up to you. Or at least, those four or five choices are.
Of course, if you'd like to see something different, feel free to leave your suggestion in the comments. I'd love to hear it! Thanks guys. :)
And here's a great little quote that lifts me up on those days when I'm just feeling blah.
"To grow as an artist, to go past your present limits, you have to take chances that aren't always productive. But with every chance you take, you learn something whether you succeed or fail. If you play it safe you learn nothing but fear of the unknown."
Arne Westerman (Grand master awesome in the awesome artist club. And yes, I did just invent that club. Pretty sweet huh?)
Maybe it's that time of year. I'm feeling a little restless also. I feel like I should be decorating and baking and wrapping and painting seems to be getting into the way of that. I think I'm going to give myself a Holiday vacation, not sure yet. I think your poll is great, there is another artist that has people submit photos, she has a vote and then paints the winner, just an idea. Hope you get a creative spark. Lovely sketch:)
ReplyDeleteI have voted landscape because it is completely different than anything I have seen you do, in that it doesn't have eyes, or expression, so I would love to know what it woul'd be like.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea! I can't wait to see what the result is.
The dog is SO gorgeous by the way.
:0)
Hello Crystal, I guess there is just too much to do and not enough time since we turned the clocks back (just kidding). I'm feeling the pressure too. I just can't keep interest in one thing for too long lately. My grandmother had an old saying, "the hurrier I go, the behinder I get." It was on a plaque in her kitchen with a picture of a lady in an apron with a big behind.......(nice, huh!). Looking back in the mirror I'm thinking....hmmm, maybe I need to slow down. Looks like most everyone is voting for the fairy.
ReplyDeleteI love the quote Crystal. So true. Sometimes we get so down on ourselves when a painting doesn't "go our way". But now I know, with each one of those "not so successful" paintings I've learned something to make me a better artist. It can be so frustrating, but then so rewarding if we just let those things happen. Love your lab sketch! I'll be sure to put my vote in on your survey!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dog!
ReplyDeleteand although I did vote, my first inclination was to say, finish up the half starts! Maybe they are the things making you restless?
Hi Crystal, I just been catching up with your blog, really enjoyed it. I've been broadbandless, and limited internet access for a month. Just got it back, never realised how much I relied on it.
ReplyDeleteI just voted for lemur Crystal, but not any lemur, a dancing lemur! by that I mean that maybe painting something fun, a bit crazy, and without presure, just for the sake of having fun with brushes and colors, might help you overcome that restless feeling, just an idea :)
ReplyDeleteThis may not be what you want to hear, Crystal, but the choice of the next subject to paint is not really what the issue is but rather what is it about ANY subject that motivates you to want to paint it? Sometimes when I feel frustrated about what to paint next I just pull together a few items and light them from one side, or go outside and find something, a leaf, a flower, a couple of rocks, whatever I can get very close to and paint how I see it. Is there a colour that excites you, shadows that intrigue you...sometimes just a scrunched up paper bag can open up new worlds. It may help to get away from a "human" subject for a change.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's the time of year. It's getting dark so early and that seems to suck out any energy I usually have. I voted for the tiger because I don't think I've seen you draw a tiger before but you have done some other great wildlife sketches and I would love to see you do a tiger! :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sketch and a thought provoking quote. Its always so nice to see and read your posts.
ReplyDeleteI think I would really like you to paint a self portrait.
Best wishes.
Yep. We all go through it. Regularly. Here's my vote: I would LOVE to see you do something architectural! I think you would be awesome at it (and yes - I do mean awesome : ) With your wonderful drawing skills I'd love to see what you'd do with an intricate building, complex moldings, lights, weather, mood.... Keeping my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Lab, Crystal. I think what I did very "right" this time was to wet the background with a sponge, gently scrub, and remove the bath water with the sponge. I did not blot it; I'm sure it's the blotting that marks the color left on the paper. That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it!
ReplyDeleteThe sketch and the quote are wicked. And I also vote for landscape. And hopw you do one and it will be interesting to see a landscape done in your style. It will be quiet different I think.
ReplyDeleteFabulous sketch. I wish I'd seen this before my own recent attempt at a white German Shepherd. There's a lot I can take from studying your drawing. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful drawing. I love the expression, and the eyes! Whatever you draw next, I know it will be great!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, while I can't comment on the dog - it being a little too small an image to pass an opinion on, I voted for a self portrait, so we may get to see an up-to-date picture of the woman behind the lovely paintings.
ReplyDeleteThere's such variety in landscape - that's my vote. :)
ReplyDeletethats one cuddly cutie lab :) Wonderful quote. I love Arne Westerman's painting style, his fresh compositions and his books !!!
ReplyDeleteRestlessness is good --it makes one stretch talents and techniques and take it to new levels --wish you all the best in your search!