Work In Progress – Graphite Gerber Daisy #2

Copyright  Valerie Jones / Graphite – Carbon  Drawing 

Things took on a new chapter in my life this week.  I started a new job working at a daycare facility for the elderly.  My job duties are that of an art coordinator.  The first few days were extremely overwhelming as I try to figure out everything that is required of me and what is needed by the people that participate in this wonderful program.  I’m excited about all the new things I get to learn about Alzheimer’s and the effects of aging.  There are great things that these people can achieve through our world of art.  I don’t know yet if I will be posting my experiences here or not.

Anyway, above is my latest attempt at relaxation.  I have another work in progress that is colored pencil.  I haven’t worked on it much lately.  Time is precious these days.  The kiddos started school this week, so routines are starting to fall into place.  Maybe in a few weeks, things will settle down some.

Ellipses

Today, I found myself practicing ellipses. These are tough to draw! The other day, I went to the library with the kids and found myself checking out a book by Alexander Russo, The Challenge of Drawing . If you are new to art or an experienced artist, I recommend looking into this book. It is comprehensive and detailed.

I taught a workshop this past Saturday on Texture and Metal with colored pencil. We all had a blast!

Gerber Daisy

Graphite Drawing

Copyright 2009 Valerie Jones

Here’s my latest attempt at drawing.  I didn’t keep close track of the hours it took to create.  I’m estimating 5 hours of drawing pleasure.  This was done using graphite pencils and willow charcoal.  I had never used willow charcoal before.  I am pleased with the smooth, rich darks it creates.  Don’t use it until you are done with your drawing though.  It tends to easily smear.

Happy drawing!

Criticism

My lack of posts lately have been from exhaustion and vacation.  I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you.   I took some great photos while in New Mexico.  If you haven’t been to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or Madrid, New Mexico you must go sometime in your lifetime.  Many, many art galleries to be seen plus a lot of local culture.

Copyright 2009 – Valerie Jones

My topic today is criticism.  How do you handle those times when people seem a little cruel and misunderstanding about your art?  Does the child within you step out to lick the wounds?  I read an article today from Body + Soul magazine, the May 2009 issue.  It states when someone lashes out at you in criticism, their inner child is speaking to you.  What insecurities could this person have that we don’t see?  When you realize this,  it is easier for your inner child to respond to the criticism.  Take a lesson from the criticism instead of burying it deep within you in anger.  Although we’d like,  we aren’t going to be approved by everyone in this world.  So, take a deep breath, exhale, and move forward in positive action towards the criticism.

Petunia Mystery Solved

Petunia – Grisaille

Copyright Valerie Jones

The petunia was done with the grisaille technique of layering grays (in this case, graphite) with colored pencil. The grays being laid down first allows the shadows to be in place, thus a lesser need for more layers of color in the shadow areas. I think this took me around 5 hours to complete. I didn’t keep track of my time very well. It is done on a 4”x6” piece of smooth bristol paper.

• Merriam-Webster’s definition of grisaille -

grisaille

Main Entry: gri·saille

Pronunciation: \gri-ˈzī, -ˈzāl\

Function:noun

Etymology: French, from gris gray, from Middle French

Date: 1848

: decoration in tones of a single color and especially gray designed to produce a three-dimensional effect

He’s Not Finished With Me Yet

This might appear to be a completed work in graphite…

In a few days it will be much more…  I’ll give you the details in another post.

Brandon Heath’s song, “Wait and See” has been running through my head as I work on this piece, “You’ll have to Wait and See,  He’s not finished with me yet.”

How amazingly true that God isn’t finished with us yet.  Keep moving forward…

OKMozart Festival

Today starts the weeklong event for the OKMozart Festival in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. My artwork along with many artists from the Bartlesville Art Association will have their work for sale during this event at the Bartlesville Community Center .

Gallery hours:

Friday, June 12 - 5:00 PM to Close

Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20 - 9:00 AM to Close

Sunday, June 14 – 12:00 noon to Close

Monday June 15, Tuesday June 16, Wednesday June 17, Thursday June 18 – 9:30 AM to Close

Friday June 19 – 9:00 AM to Close