Saturday, November 1, 2008

Rain Ponchos

This, on blue circular stock, white colored pencil between the raindrop streaks, was inspired by a rainy day hike around the Trout Lake on the Cone Manor. We wore ponchos. Mine is new and I chose RED. No grown up black or blue poncho for me, thank you. Youngest really enjoyed this hike, and being out in the wind and wet. So did I. Oldest was at the rental house with a cold (loving the quiet to read and draw), and the ladies were a ways in front of us, so I had youngest all to myself (and vice versa).

I really grinned much of this hike, I think, but I don't know how to draw myself (from memory and in profile!) as grinning. It kept coming out like a leer. So I settled for this. My parents commented that we look awfully serious...

My hat isn't really waterproof - just water resistant for a while. So after an hour in the rain it was soaking through and my head was cold and wet. But the brim kept the rain off my glasses. And I've had that old hat for a long time now, and worn it in all sorts of weather. It smells like campfires, old leather, and wet middle-aged Hungaro-Italian hair.

5 comments:

Odd Chick said...

This is such a great sketch of you and your sun. Almost like a primitive rock carving- I could see you doing stuff on the side of a cave. I've missed seeing your beautiful paintings - I'm glad I have your art to look at.. and drool over.

Unknown said...

I love how you describe your hat. My grandfather always wore a cap. Once in a while when he would take it off, there was his unmistakable odor. He was bald, though. And this paternal grandfather was also a rather serious fellow with a mustache.

Interesting how your words triggered this memory for me. :-)

I like the sketch. It could be an illustration in a children's book. Have you ever thought about illustrating?

Steve Emery said...

Odd Chick - I would love to do cave paintings... that would be fun. And thanks for the compliment.

Pagan - They say smells trigger the most vivid memories.

And actually, I have a book illustration project I've done with a partner. She wrote the poem, I completed the illustrations over about twelve months, and now she is trying to get us published (she is in the publishing business, though not childrens' books, which this would be).

L'Adelaide said...

I like the sweetness of this and it reminds me of my husband with my sons when they were boys...and bravo to you for choosing a RED poncho!

Steve Emery said...

Linda - it was kinda sweet, until the 9 year old goofiness and typical humor made it more like a Mel Brooks movie...