Sunday 29 May 2011

week 21




How quickly the weeks fly by.   I wondered what to choose for week 21.  The shore is littered with so many crabs and crab legs and other body parts, all different sizes and colours. I find them fascinating each time I see them.   I decided I would like to draw a really detailed study of a crab.  It is when you really have to look  that you get to know the subject.  To do the close observational drawing I used  a  pencil,  and tried to capture all the wonderful details on the body and legs.  Then I did a line drawing of the underside which I discovered  is so intricately designed and I learnt so much about the structure of the legs.   I used a sepia ink pen and a paint brush and ink to shade.  See the photographs  to  see the drawings evolve.   Hope you enjoy seeing  the lovely colours of the real crabs.
Yesterday I went for my walk after the morning tide.    As we opened the gate to the shore we could feel the power of the wind.  We walked towards the water and what a lovely sight, the swan swimming.  It has been several weeks since we have seen her and I said how nice it was to be greeted by her.  The tide line was full of crabs,  seaweeds and feathers and ten jelly fish which were about as large as a dinner plate.  We saw the swallows,  a pied wagtail, oyster catchers and gulls.  The group of shelducks looked really pretty with their green heads and white chests,  as they sat together on the opposite bank.  The sheep were huddled together, the lambs crying for their mothers  and  they looked so miserable on this wild and windy shore.  I always know it is an unfriendly day when we have the place to ourselves.
 As we walked along the waters edge looking for objects we found lots of pieces of old china, disturbed from the sand by the tide.   With a  pocket full of  treasures  that will be added to my already huge collection of china,   a handful of pure white feathers from the swan,  and a bag of finds from the tide line we headed home.   The pink thrift is  now in large swathes across the grassy shore,  a welcome contrast to the grey sky. We had been there two hours and then  just as we were leaving the sun decides to shine and the day brightens up.   
Thank you for the lovely comments.  Hope you like the crabs, lets hope the sun continues to shine for this half term holiday week and you can enjoy a walk where you  are.         Millyx                                    

12 comments:

Carol Creech said...

Hi Milly,

I love seeing this detailed study! What fun to really get into the subject. Thanks for showing the different stages!
Carol

Pondside said...

I love the thought of walking along the sandy shore and collecting bits and pieces for future drawings. It's been a while since I went down to the beach, and it's not far. Time to make a visit!
I love those crabby crabs.

Ruth said...

The crabs are great! So much detail. Have a lovely half term. :)

Feathers said...

Milly, I always look forward to your weekly posts, and you've really outdone yourself on this one-such delicate and exacting replication of all those body parts. I love the feeling of coming along with you on these walks. Your world is so different from the wooded world I live in. I love my woods, but the shore you explore sounds like fun.

Lynn said...

These are beautiful. I love to see how your drawings evolve.
Next week, I'm off to the opposite coast to yours (Robin Hood's Bay) for a week's holiday. You've inspired me to do a bit of beach combing- just to see what's all out there.

wandering said...

Oh, those are fantastic! I love how even just looking at such a beautifully detailed drawing makes me look at the original properly.. Thank you!

West said...

I noticed for the first time what an interesting combination crabs are of sharp, pointy angles, and round, half-moon softness. Your drawings are lovely, as are your meanderings in the natural world to find your subjects.

suz said...

Thank you for sharing the process of these drawings. The detail is amazing. We often overlook the wonder of nature when we look from afar. Your drawings bring out the beautiful details.
I'm pleased the swan is still in the area.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I am visiting you from Mary's blog. You are an amazing artist!!
Penny

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

No I didn't make the quilt...but I do love it too! I got it at JC Penney a couple of years ago. It was part of the American Living collection. They don't carry it anymore.
Penny

Mary said...

I so wish we could have spent longer together dear. I must return to Cumbria. Bob and I are still breathless when looking at my photos and reliving the beauty of the countryside. I grew up thinking Devon was 'it', now I'm having my doubts - the Lake District is absolutely gorgeous!

I hope the post I did gives you a little idea as to how I loved meeting you and Delila, and how very grateful I am for the beautiful gifts. I just feel we were fortunate to make the thousands of miles between the three of us suddenly disappear........and to share a cup of tea and a warm embrace. Life is certainly wonderful at times.

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