There are uncolored sketches in my moleskine. There, I've said it.There are uncolored sketches in my moleskine. It kind of rolls of the tongue once you get the hang of it.
This is one of those sketches that I made months ago and that I just got around to coloring this morning. I parked my car across the street, just as I'd sketched it, and painted. Then I touched it up this evening.
It's funny when you go back to an old drawing. First, you see all of the defects very clearly. You'd like to believe, for example, that you'd draw it better today. And it's probably true.
One thing I do know that I wouldn't do again (and which I did in some spots in this drawing) is outline where some shadows go. Shadows do not have hard edges - that we all know. Also, I realized that none of the drawn shadows were in the right place anyway. I figured out that I had drawn this at midday, and was now coloring it in the morning.
So we live and we learn.
This is what I am hoping anyway.
***
"What's that guy doing parked across from my apartment building? He keeps looking this way!"
"Yup, saw the guy do the same thing a few months ago."
"Should we call the cops? I think maybe he's one of those Everyday Matter folks that think they can draw anything and everything! Maybe he's dangerous."
"Nah, he's harmless because he don't draw any important matters."
"Oh - thank goodness."
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This is such a lovely sketch!! The shadows are wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great sketch :)
ReplyDeleteGreat drawing, Dan, even with the outlined shadows.
ReplyDeleteYou should have drawn a new image of the same scene to see how you might have interpreted now versus then.
Again, nicely done!
Very catchy story ^^ Like I've said before I don't draw in public because I'd get a lot of noses sniffing behind my neck, and I would love a little distance and space between people...hahaha
ReplyDeleteI actually like the outlined shadows, it's very manga-ish, and I used to do that all the time when I was in my manga phase.
All in all, outline or no outline, it's still a beautiful piece and I absolutely love the details too :)
I've been slacking a lot lately too, neck is stiff, and I am sleepy all the time, I've got drawings I did months ago that I didn't post up my blog because I thought it's a little disturbed ^^ perhaps someday ^^
You did a very good job! You managed the shadow quite well and the colours are lovely. Why not try again at another time of day ? The Autumn evening light when the sky is clear is often surprising.
ReplyDeleteI really like it!! And the shadows are convincing to me. Edward Hopper has only sharp edges to his sunlight drenched paintings, but your soft shadows make me think of gently blowing trees.
ReplyDeleteI like the jazzy dialogue in your invitation to come visit! And I like the diagonals in this page. Just like with writing - going back to revisit a piece gives you a new critical eye. When out and about with my sketchbook, sometimes people come and peek over my shoulder then shrug and walk away as if to say "She's ONLY SKETCHING."
ReplyDeleteWonderful sketch Dan! I do understand about the shadows. I made the same mistake on the rider of the horse I posted. I regretted that! Lesson learned...except that I've done it several times since then! I'm hardheaded I guess. And I certainly have many uncolored sketches piling up. I still haven't painted my crowd at Rudy's. Maybe I'll do that today...I bought a new w/c set yesterday (Yarka, 24 full pan set). Can't wait to play!
ReplyDeleteAlex: Dan and I are going to have to teach you to get over that not-sketching-in-public thing!
I happen to love just pen and ink - uncolored! The simplicity of a black and white sketch focuses more on subject - add the color and you are adding mood to the mix. Funny that you say you see the defects when you revisit old drawings... I usually look at mine and think hey - not so bad! Add distance, add perspective!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this sketch. This is exactly the kind of sketch I love and hope to create with enough practice. Thanks for sharing. And what a great invitation!
ReplyDeleteNice sketch, glad you added color to it. Love the commentary too....
ReplyDeleteI think I would enjoy visiting your blog even if there were no drawings posted, because of your wonderful stories. Lucky for me both are there! I love the shadows on this drawing and the angles are great!
ReplyDeleteLove the window detail and the colorization! Nice job.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about the shadows but I see you are right. I don't usually put shadows in if I draw in ink so never came across it before. It's still a great sketch and I like the added color. Isn't the journey all about learning new stuff anyhow?
ReplyDeleteI may not have the words to properly describe your painting, but I really like it. It makes me want to take a stroll down that street.
ReplyDeleteBetty is right - the shadows are lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks everybody, so much - you keep me going. Freebird you are right - it's all about learning and I am loving the journey. Wil and Martine, cool idea - I may try the same building again and see if I get a carbon copy or something entirely different. And Vintage Moon - I love straight pen and ink. It's just that when I drew these, the intention was to color them. Otherwise I would have used the pen and ink to create different values. I have a few more at various stages of completion that will be posted eventually. And for those of you that liked the invite, I've decided to add it to the bottom of the post. Why not? :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful story and I really really like your watercolor on this drawing. The subtle colors and soft shadows are very inviting. Your art work continues to inspire me, drawing in public, finishing unfinished works, something new at every turn! :-)
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