Spent a fruitful (or should that be vegful!) morning this morning sketching vegetables from life in pencil.
I have a gorgeous Technalo 3B pencil by Caran d’Ache which is velvety yet delicate and gives a superb and sensitive line.
As I am preparing to submit some vegetable artwork to a magazine I wanted to really get to know my way around these vegetables so I bought some and set them in front of me.
This was quite daunting to be honest as I have tended to work from photographs for the last few years. Having a 3D image in front of me is more difficult to render than simply copying from a flattened 2D photo.
Anyway – I persisted and made myself go slowly.
I recently read that it is in sketching that artists find their own unique voice. I like that idea and have known it subconsciously for years but having read it in black and white it made me think yes – I should sketch more.
The results are encouraging me to draw more from life and meantime these are now on watercolour paper with their first washes underway – watch this space for the finished composition:)
If you want ideas from a superb botanical artist have a look at the work of Ann Swan She does a lot of flowers and fruit but her onions and garlic are wonderful! She uses coloured pencils. I did a workshop with her a year or two ago. It was useful but a style I find too restrictive. I prefer being looser and more impressionistic
Ah yes – my friend Jenny told me she had been on a workshop with Ann and found her work gorgeous. Thanks Chris.
I just found your lovely blog. Where can I find info about tutorials, as I am not far away in s Wales. Attempting to improve my art work!
Hi there and thanks! I do a Friday class from 1.30-4.30 in Tonteg community centre if that helps? It is £12 per session and is pay as you go so you are welcome any time. My mobile is 07415 801 844 if you have any questions – Alison
http://www.tonteg.com/
Hi there and thanks! I do a Friday class from 1.30-4.30 in Tonteg community centre if that helps? It is £12 per session and is pay as you go so you are welcome any time. My mobile is 07415 801 844 if you have any questions – Alison
http://www.tonteg.com/http://www.tonteg.com/
That’s really kind.Alsion. I’M doing some voluntary work on a Friday at the moment. I’ll try and work something out and give you a ring it won’t be next week .
OK – I am sorry I don’t know your real name though ! 😦 Well let me know as and when you can get to us! We’re a lovely relaxed group and there’s tea coffee biccies whenever you want plus a lot of one to one tuition from me:)
Oh sorry it’s Peta. Really would like to get down when I can sort my Friday commitment out. Sounds great! Just what I would like to do. Thanks for being so helpful.
Well nice to “meet” you Peta! Hopefully it will be in person and with paints in hand soon! Alison
Did trying ringing about 6.30. Anyway planning to come down to Tonteg this Friday coming. If that’s ok.
Hi Peta – sorry – had a power cut here and been manically busy with a deadline sorry! That would be fab – we will be there from 1.20pm onwards – so look forward to seeing you for some watercolour – Alison