Tuesday 19 January 2010

Page Three



I had a new smart black 10 inch square sketch book. I like the shape and the size of my new book. What will I draw in it? Somehow it seemed the right shape for my first drawing of this year, then I used it for the sycamore leaf and branch and here is page three. The paper is a little thin and someone spied the image of the red berries showing through.
This busy little arrangement feels so me, my red berries collected in the snow under the Hawthorne tree. The little leaves which seem to dance in a line and and an empty snail shell. They are objects that I have seen all my life, I know the time of the year by the state of the berries and their colour. The patterns of the little leaves scattered on the ground in autumn, I notice them on my walks just as I did as a child.
Why do we draw what we draw? I read somewhere, "Draw what excites you, what gives you joy." I draw the things I know, each year I see them but they still give me joy when I find them. They remind me of where I live, who I am, where I belong.
My drawings are like a diary, a calendar, a record of walks and people and places.
A new year to capture, so "Page three" of my square book it is.
It is painted in acrylic paint, my palette of red, blue, brown, yellow ochre and a little white in the snail shell. They are simple things but to me very beautiful objects. Hope you like them too.
Thought you might like to see a few of the real specimens.

12 comments:

Dan said...

Hi Milly
Wonderful pictures, and yes, I am sure you have a colourful and vibrant record of the nature around you that you love so much.
best wishes
Dan

Tammie Lee said...

I always love seeing what you are breathing life into, the way you see and portray life. I gave one of your cards away the other day and it was well received. Thank you~

Carolina said...

I don't know how you do it but I end up in love with your work over and over again... I almost loose a tear when reading your post, the part of being you, and the quote ... you are an inspiration...
Lots of hugs,
Carolina

Jill said...

I love he way you set your specimens out in that formal way

kookaburra said...

When I first arrived at your latest post I thought the first photo depicted a huge wall installation! It was a good-funny feeling. As always, the renderings are delicate & pleasing.

Frances said...

Milly, thank you for letting us see this beautiful page from your square, black sketchbook.

Each image is a gem on its own, and gains even more interest when it's joined by its neighbors.
Great also to see the specimens from nature that gave rise to your art.

Confessing that I have not done a single drawing yet this year. I have, however, proceeded a bit more with some of my knit/crochet experiments. Just keeping the engine going, even if in first gear.

xo

Susan Scheid (Raining Acorns) said...

Exquisite, once again! And I did enjoy seeing some of the specimens from which you worked, as well. May I say that I believe you improved on (already lovely) nature?

Heather said...

I love these drawings! I especially like how you have laid them out - how they manage to seem both ordered and informal. They certainly seem to capture the essence of the place where you live.

Acornmoon said...

It is hard to tell which are real and which are painted!

I like the way you add the shadow.

Michelle Palmer said...

Your work always makes me smile! These pieces are beautiful~
Amazing details!
Wishing you the best~
Michelle

Margaret Ann said...

Your "simple things" are simply masterpieces to me! LOVE your magical touch...always have!

JANE MINTER said...

milly they are simple and incredibly beautiful objects placed so carefully, designed and captured on your square page so beautifully ..so glad to have discovered your blog it's a delight to see and read.

jane