On a walk last weekend I watched a woodpecker swoop repeatedly to cross a large open space between trees. At one point he turned and then spread his wings, so he was exposed to us as the woodpecker is in this drawing.This will be my next painting, I hope. It will be an 18 x 24 inch watercolor on Arches hot press (my favorite). We'll see... My next internal debate is whether to give him his checkerboard pattern on the underside of the wings. I think that contrast and detail may provide additional focus on him. I'll go with my gut on that, though, and it's too late tonight to decide anything.
As usual, this began as a jumble of lines from a series of photos, about four in this case - most of them of either crowds of people or a plate full of cookies. I blind contour my way around the paper while my eye feels the lines in the photo. I really enjoy this approach and the unexpected results and candid, humorous lines and shapes that can result.
This is my entry for day 14 of AEDM.
8 comments:
hi steve! lovely to have you join us at AEDM! i'm excited about your new painting! it took me a few seconds to make out the woodpecker flying -- I love to fresh approach to depicting this bird who always seems stuck on a tree. can't wait to see the final product. ~christy
Very exciting drawing, really love the movement of it and I can't wait to see the finished painting now!
Jen
Iteresting to see the project from the very beginning.
Look forward to seeing the evolution! Are you going to show us in stages as you work?
I always plan to do that with my work- and have never managed to pull it off. I get in zone and can't get out.
Vikki
Christy - I hope it turns out as I picture it in my head... I've been noticing woodpeckers in flight more and more, and I think I know what you mean about most people not seeing them that way (but rather seeing them stuck on trees). I hope I can give him the energy I want.
Jen - thanks - I hope I can keep that energy as I paint it. Sometimes the line drawing has more than the finished product...
Paula - Thanks - I like to see other artist's methods - it gives me ideas or provides some support. So I thought I would share some of the process. Some of my other recent blog posts (late October, early November) show more of the line drawings and the finished paintings.
Redchair - We'll see... I know what you mean about getting in the zone, sometimes the painting takes off and before I think to do anything (including stop to eat, etc.) it's just about done.
wow, what an amazing process to create a piece of art.
hi steve, it's midnight but I wanted to pop in and see your latest AEM post...how fascinating to see your painting in it's infancy...I look forward to seeing it develop as you put on the washes! I am drawing drawing drawing right now..seems to fit my mood and lifestyle currently! glad you joined the group. :)
going to bed NOW!
Leah - thanks. It came of my inability to handle a blank page. I have to have something to react to.
Linda - Thanks you for dropping in! I'm heading over to your place in a minute to see your latest.
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