Sunday, February 2, 2014

Drawing: Sketchbook Highlights

While for me, as an artist, a painting will reveal itself gradually over time, however, my drawings develop very rapidly.  My studio practice is balanced with both.  During the past six months I have filled three sketchbooks with over a hundred drawings.  Below are thirty "highlights" from my sketchbooks.  The drawings are all marker and ink on paper.  The size range from 9" x 12" to 11" x 14."  Some of the drawings are studies for long term works and others are complete works in and of themselves.  The works have been completed through direct observation working plein air when outdoors, or from a still life or live model in the studio.  Most of the works are straight forward perceptual recordings, and some of the drawings are developed into a more imaginative and conceptual direction.































Saturday, February 1, 2014

Many More Minnie

It might be February and cold, but Persephone is ready for spring.  Minnie Mouse as Persephone, that is.

Persephone is Minnie, sketchbook drawing, marker on Bristol paper, 11" x 14"

All dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

- Walt Disney

Friday, January 31, 2014

Too Many Minnies...

in the house, results in an afternoon of sketchbook drawing.

Many Minnies, marker on Bristol paper, 11" x 14"

When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably. 

- Walt Disney

Thursday, January 30, 2014

You can't force a painting.

While in many ways I would like an ETA on this work, for an artist, there is nothing more unpredictable than a painting.  It is impossible to plan the life of making a painting.  Some paintings take years, and some take a very short time.  The painting will reveal itself to the painter when it is complete.  I do recognize that the time is near for this work...but I am unsure of when.







The thing is complete when you can let it be.  - Gita Bellin

Monday, January 20, 2014

No one can ever accuse me of not being painterly!

Not today, anyway.  My "never ending painting" continues in a texturally positive form and color direction...

The thing is complete when you can let it be.  - Gita Bellin





Saturday, January 18, 2014

The never ending painting rides again...

On December 17th I thought I had brought this work to a close, however this week I saw areas that I felt deserve improvement.  I think I spoke too soon.  With the help of my sketchbook drawings, I have developed the color, space and texture more throughout.  I am more satisfied with the work and feel it is a better painting today than it was a few days ago.


The thing is complete when you can let it be.  - Gita Bellin






Sunday, January 12, 2014

Moving things along...

...with the guidance of my sketchbook drawings.



When I know your soul, I will paint your eyes.

- Amedeo Modigliani 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Working out the details...

...of my current painting in some sketchbook drawings.



Even when you paint, you never stop drawing.
- Igor Babailov