Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Study in Black and White


"Chauncy" Giant Schnauzer
10" x 14" gouache

"There's no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~ Bern Williams

"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too."  ~Samuel Butler

I had been wanting to do a painting of our dog Chauncy for a long time. I'd done a sketch of him in this pose before, but I wanted to give it a try with paint too.

This also happened to be right in the middle of my block period, and I thought that a simple study in black and white might help me get over it.

It was a quick painting, I pretty much just left each stroke where I put it the first time (which really is what I've come to want with every painting I do lately). And I'm pretty happy with the result.

Special thanks and a hearty round of applause to all you out there who sounded off with ways to help me get through the block! You are all rock stars at the height of awesomeness. :) Thank you. :) For real. :D

I took your advice and stepped back from painting for a while. My kids were on spring break last week so I took the opportunity to play and hang out with them. This included picnics at the park, staying up late and watching movies and eating too much candy (I still maintain that there is no such thing as too much candy), going to the library and coming home with loads of good books, playing lots and lots of Wii games, and also getting my fanny kicked at laser tag.

Not by my sweet boys, heavens no. But by a pack of pre teen boys.

This has led me to believe that teenage boys with laser guns are heartless little beasts.

But I digress. . . back to beating the block: I didn't notice a real change until yesterday. My two older boys were at school and my youngest had finally went down for a nap. Huzzah!!

I sat at my desk with my colored pencils out in front of me, picked them up without procrastinating, and started to work. It was wonderful! I felt that joy again, that rush of creating something, and I knew that I was one step closer to pushing that block away.

Creativity really does ebb and flo doesn't it? We just have to remind ourselves of that when we're in the middle of one of those ebb times, or be lucky enough to be reminded of it by our fellow artists who are right there with us in the trenches of Making Art and Being Creative.

:)
See you next week everyone!

23 comments:

  1. See? Told you whiskey would help. Great study.

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  2. AWWW Chauncy boy :) He has such a sweet soul. Always wanting to be needed and loved. Give them hugs for me. I have been spending some much needed time with my Bella today. It makes my heart happy to see her so excited when I walk in a room. There is no cure for sadness better than a puppy hug ;) Wonderful painting as always! Love ya Sis. We seriously need to play just dance!!!!!! * Hugs *

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  3. It sounds like you and the boys had a great time while you were blocked, and now you are back in form. Your Chauncy portrait is wonderful!!!

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  4. Love the Chauncy portrait!! This one lends itself to be in black and white. I think the monochromatic scheme makes it more dramatic. Great light!

    Glad you are getting over your block! I think it's important to take a break every once in a while. I was thinking that last night. I paint every spare moment I can find, I'll be glad when I can block times for it and not feel guilty that I'm not painting every moment.

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  5. Très beau portrait de votre toutou, peint avec beaucoup d'amour...
    Bisous

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  6. Glad to have stopped by, this is a great portrait! Stay blessed Amanda

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  7. Oh, this is beautiful, such a regal, thoughtful pose, just love it and glad to hear you enjoy your boys, they grow up so fast, how nice to let yourself play.

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  8. Was tickled to see your painting of Chauncy. I have a medium size schnauzer named Scooby that I adore. He is so fun and funny with his antics. Happy to hear too, that you are getting past your block. Hope that happens here soon. I so miss that "lift" when picking up the brush.

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  9. Looks like you should call it "Chauncy in the Moonlight", that was my first impression. It is most awesome, Crystal, and so glad you are back.

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  10. This looks great, Crystal!..As for your block, you have been spending time with your lovely kids..didn't you click some pics of them playing in the sun? That would have been a great way to motivate yourself :)

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  11. Fantastic black and white, Crystal. :)

    Since I have all girls, I think I would be entirely intimidated by a house full of boys. Yikes!

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  12. This is beautiful! What a lovely pose.

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  13. So glad that painting is fun again for you. This is a really well-done painting. I like the black and white.

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  14. such a lovely and noble looking portrait of you dog, chauncy!

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  15. Lovely portait Crystal, the black and white creates a strong image.

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  16. Oh.. This is dripping with awesomeness. Too wicked.. Very very artistic.. keep them coming..

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  17. I really enjoyed reading this post. I think because I relate to it so well!
    The dog is just gorgeous! I think that's the same reason I did the mouse - Just to do something I wouldn't find emotionally challenging. These things really work don't they?

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  18. Beautiful, Crystal! There is something so cool about black and white and your dog is awesome!

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  19. SHE'S BAAAACCK! brava!!! just stunning!

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  20. What a cracker of a painting! Absolutely stunning.

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  21. This one exhudes confidence Crystal, you're back!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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