I saw a sign the other day that said it is "Law Week". I don't know if it is Law Week everywhere, but apparently it is down here in Miami.
On second thought, I think I saw the sign last week. And it looked like the sign had been up for some time, so maybe Law Week was weeks ago here.
But it is Law Week somewhere, I am sure.
So in honor of Law Week, here is a sketch of a court reporter that I drew a week or so ago during a long wait (maybe, unknowingly, during Law Week!) This particular court reporter is a nice guy, and he wears bright clothes that reflect his upbeat attitude towards life.
I colored it today. The funny thing about my use of watercolors lately: I am not satisfied with thin washes. I have to layer and layer before I am content, so quick sketches of watercolor are out of the question. To me watercolors are all about layering - whether wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry, true depth only seems to come with an investment of time. So my watercolor sketches, are, in fact not sketches at all! Go figure. There ought to be a law..
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ReplyDelete(sorry - I had to retype this; too many typos!)I've never heard of "law week" and wonder what sort of awareness it's meant to enhance? Aren't we always aware of laws? Hmmmmm... Anyway, your sketch is marvelous! I think you handle watercolors very well. I tend to use w/c's like oils and use them right out of the tube, applying them fairly thickly with a little water to dilute. I don't do as many layered washes anymore as I used to, but it's still a great technique. Nice work, Dan!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's a law week here in France (not sure though !) but I love your sketch. As for me and watercolour, I try not to put too many layers or it all looks "muddy", but maybe it's because it's wet ?? Your character is so "present" and lively ! Congratulations !
ReplyDeleteNice Dan!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous, Dan. I swear you could be a courtroom artist! I layer watercolors too...
ReplyDeleteI never heard of Law Week in New York and thinking what a great place to sketch people, although you might not see to many happy faces. I love your sketch, the liveliness and the line work. I often try the washes but they come out too muddy. I am still learning how to create a deep rich colorful dark in watercolors. If you have any suggestion I would love to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the legal field and I've never heard of Law Week in Michigan, but its something we need to have! Your desire for layers of color marks the true watercolorist! Your sketch shows lots of personality in this guy too.
ReplyDeleteLove the sketch/painting, he sure looks like a fun party kind of a guy : ) I never heard of law week, but sure try to reinforce it here at home every week (I have two teens)...
ReplyDeleteYour watercolor is wonderful. You certainly caught his fun personality. I love layering and find it hard not too.
ReplyDeleteExcellent work!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work! Love watercolor but have not had much experience with it. It dries too fast and I labor at layers!!! Must try to take another class in it sometime or at least doodle with it!!
ReplyDeleteMy question? How come you had the opportunity to sit and draw a court reporter?
ReplyDeleteGreat sketch Dan and as always great prose.
ReplyDeleteCool drawing! And I love that he wears bright colors. I know one court reporter and she is quite upbeat zs well. Great personality!
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I agree about the washes. They're wonderful. Layer upon layer. The colors can be incredible!
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Great job, Dan! I wonder if he knew you were drawing him!
AHA! You went from sketcher to painter during one long wait in court. Excellent work.
ReplyDeleteVanity Fair once had an article about all criminals ending up in Miami--maybe that's why you need a "Law Week." Why did you pick Miami?
Oh yeah, you've captured everything needed to be captured there. He's concentrating really hard, how hard and all, it shows =) amazing work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little painting! My sister used to be a court reporter and had some great stories to tell! nancy
ReplyDeleteGreat people sketches! My figure drawing class tonight was canclled :(
ReplyDeleteFantastic sketch-painting. I'm so impressed!!
ReplyDeleteGreat sketch and watercolor. I get the essence of the court reporter...that's where your talent is...every sketch and watercolor tells a story. I love that. And I can see how the first wash doesn't do it for you, even knowing NOTHING about watercolor, you thrive on detail and clarity and color. So I think your perfection "angst" serves you very well. Great work.
ReplyDeleteSuch an expressive beautiful drawing! And you are always very faithful to visit and comment on my blog and I appreciate you very much -- even when life switches to the fast lane. Do I EVER know the feeling!! Blessings, Deborah
ReplyDeleteWow - upon leaving your post and taking a last look...and then a close up view...I am struck again by how very very good this drawing (watercolor) is. The highlight on his forehead for instance and the way his posture is sort of intent upon his work...the way his hands are held over the recorder...the look of contented concentration on his face...it just speaks volumes this sketch...amazing job!!!
ReplyDeletewhy do they have court reporters when they could just record everything with recorders? I never have understood that--great work on this..I feel that he is really good at his job. Your drawing of him seems respectful.
ReplyDeleteWatercolors are what you make of them and you're sure making them good!
ReplyDeleteGreat job, Dan! I love his posture and you did great with the watercolors. I think the need to layer shows that you're getting more sophisticated with colors! Your learning curve is a very steep one! Hope things calm down for you soon! I've been quite busy myself, with gardening and major projects around the house. How's the studio coming? Have you decided what to add to our moleskine?
ReplyDeleteGreat portrait,a lot of personality, you are very good!
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much everyone - I can never believe how supportive you all are, and I'm so glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteAs for Law Week - I have know idea what it is or why we would have it! And I am always skeptical of such things and what they could possibly accomplish.
Lynn, your colors seem awfully rich to me!
Sandra, like Krista, my day job is in the legal profession, so seeing a court reporter is a fairly common occurance .. but the opportunity to draw one doesn't come every day.
Hallie - I heard all the criminals lived first in Virginia, although they worked in DC! I've lived in Miami for more than 25 years, and have never been a victim of a crime (knock on wood). I ended up here because I had a friend that lived here and I could stay with him for the longest period after college, looking for work. So I found my first job here and stayed. Never once have I regretted moving to Miami - I love it here.
Celeste - I happen to know the answer: Court reporters are experts at taking down words and keeping track of who is speaking. Tapes, though, are often unclear - both audibly, and sometimes, even as to who is speaking. It is much harder to make a transcript from a recording. It is done though. In Miami, the general magistrate's proceedings are done by tape recorder. But a court reporter transcribes the tape.
Raena - I sent you an e-mail. I am so sorry for the delay. I've just been so short of time. But I have the drawing planned out. The studio-to-be is awaiting my attention too, but I resolve to have it completed by the end of summer (fingers crossed). 2'nFro fans - be patient. Someone compared what we were doing to a movie. But it is a very slow movie. Sorry about that.
Nicely done, Dan. It feels to me that you've captured his love for his job in this wonderful rendering. I agree with AutumnLeaves that you could be a courtroom artist.
ReplyDelete-Don
Your posts are so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou have such an appreciation for Miami (the photos & events) that I actually thought you had recently moved to that area. I have a nephew there; one day I hope to visit--during a February.
ReplyDeleteNice work Dan. Law week is a new one on me, but then I don't keep up with that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your insightful comments!Now that I have the link to your blog I will visit more often.