It’s relatively rare, but from time to time I do work on art that is more realistic. I typically end up enjoying the finished product and like the challenge of having to look more closely at my subject. This got me wondering why I don’t do it more often. Perhaps I’ll start.

A studio mate brought in a bag full of pheasant feathers and invited us all to take as many as we’d like. I picked out a handful of interesting patterned ones and some that had gorgeous iridescence to them. This little black and white piece was inspired by some of the patterns seen – although MUCH more abstracted.

Toes attached to stick-like legs

Soak in late day water

He perches atop

Content

To observe night’s entrance

My mind was a bit overwhelmed today with upcoming events, a to-do list, and other bits of this and that. So sitting down with my friend the sketchbook for a bit at the end of the day was a nice escape!

The last few days have been a bit hectic with hanging work at a local coffee shop (photos to come) and making frequent visits to the vet’s office to check on sweet little Box the cat, who happened to find his way into trouble. We got to bring him home last night. Today, he kept me company while I worked on my art from the RV.

I can’t say what exactly inspired me to draw this butterfly today, other than the fact that I wanted to work on a two page spread in my sketchbook. In a few more days  these two pages will be filled with patterns and shapes and lovely areas of high contrast! 

The heat of the day had gotten to him. His petals no longer clamored for the sun. Instead they worked beneath him – trudging along the hot ground. He stopped and turned his head to look over the desolate land then continued to plod along.

It’s rare that I really load up on black in a drawing. Today though, I did. I’m not sure the drawing is finished, but I am pleased with it.

A late afternoon sun

Beats hot against the pavement

Stems hold strong

Petals open wide

Casting shadows below