Written by Today we have a bit of asparagus in answer to the prompt, and I have to say that sketching asparagus is rather difficult. Its alien form and strange little bumps are tough to render in a quick little sketch, but I hope the idea came across. We spent the afternoon at a Picasso exhibit, where everything was about sharing an idea more than the exact form. I love the way Picasso used a single line to convey so much. Since this particular subject was so complex, I just started with a contour drawing of a single line to get things going. After a few quick washes, I moved to my usual technique I simply call “jabbing bits of dark in places.” I’m not sure it counts as a technique at all, and that’s why I don’t feel qualified to instruct, but it does help make a satisfying doodlewash when you have less than 30 minutes. Which is very often the case for me, so I guess you could say, even if it’s not a true technique, it’s certainly become a sort of style.
Also, if anyone is having trouble uploading to the gallery on Doodlewash, hold tight, as there’s a little bug that I’m hoping some smart programmers will help me fix next week. It’s far beyond my skill level and perfectly bizarre, so for this one, I need to call in the experts. In some ways, this might be a good thing as it means I can focus a bit more on the glass of wine I’m drinking while we wait. It’s been a whirlwind week and I really need a tiny break to recharge. It was a blast visiting the Picasso exhibit today and good to get out in the world a bit. As much as Philippe and I enjoyed it, as soon as we finished there, we headed straight to my favorite bit of the museum which houses work by French impressionists. A broad terminology that collects post-impressionists, like one of my favorite, Georges Seraut. When I was in art school, decades ago now, I remember sitting and looking at the tiny little study of bathers that we have on permanent display here. Those many dots in his paintings were mesmerizing and taught be so much about color harmony.
When I walk through an art gallery, it’s interesting to think about what it was that made a certain piece relevant enough to appear there. Many times, it’s simply the whim of the curator or the works of someone so prolific they could define a movement. Sometimes, I see something that leaves me scratching my head as to what it might mean. I stare intently at the piece as if it will somehow give up its mystery and reveal to me what makes it so exceptional. I might see it, that glint of genius, but other times I just walk on to the next, hoping it will produce more of an effect. When you compare the famous paintings that get put on the most coasters and turned into coffee mugs, there’s definitely something similar there. A combination of line, shape, color and intrigue that makes us pause a bit to enjoy the moment. To dream of the story of the scene or ponder the abstract shapes. It’s a wonderful moment to experience. And one day, I hope to make a large impactful painting that demands to be framed, but for now, I’m quite content to steal some time retreating into my sketchbook to paint a bundle of asparagus.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Leaf Green, Ultramarine Violet, Da Vinci Yellow, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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Your asparagus is marvelous, because you know just where to dab those bits of dark. A perfectly valid technique! I’m of the belief that art is a conversation between the artist and the viewer. Even the poorest work may speak to some people. Great art speaks to the largest number of people and still has something fresh and engaging to say.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 And well said, I totally agree with that!
I visited the Picasso Museum in Málaga Spain in May. I can’t say I am a huge Picasso fan, but I like reading about the influences in his art and the events in his life that shaped his career as an artist. Kudos for painting and blogging while in Chicago!
Thanks so much, Louise! 😃💕 Yeah, I find Picasso fascinating, but the impressionists hold my heart most. And I’m thankfully back home again now, but it was a lovely trip!
Love your bundle of asparagus, Charlie, such a good vegetable and so attractive. You did a great job painting this bunch.
One of the best reasons for visiting museums is that you can see aspects of art not visible in prints and copies. Certain attributes, such as the way light reflects off tiny bits of paint, or the complex details in very dark shadows or even the actual colors of the paint can only be seen in person. And you have to linger and view the art from different angles and distances before it will give up its secrets. You already knew all that. I’m just promoting museum visits. Grin.
hehe! Yay to promoting museum visits! I SO agree… seeing art in person is a completely different and much more interesting experience. 😃💕
Asparagus bundle looks so real and perfect 😋
Thanks so much, Meenakshi! 😃💕
Yep, that’s asparagus, which I hated as a child, and can’t get enough of as an adult! Looking forward to seeing your large masterpiece when someday comes around!
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah…. totally didn’t want to touch the stuff as a kid, but today… YUM!!
I feel exactly the same way Charlie. Quite a few people have suggested and asked why I don’t teach, my simple answer has always been.. teach what? What would I teach? I do just what you do, dab the dark until it gives the impression I want. On the other hand, with the hyper realism Maybe I could teach that, I seem to actually have technique there. No idea where I learned it but it’s there. Maybe someday I’ll feel different about watercolor but until then I’m happy that I produce something that resembles what I want it to.
Yeah, so true… we just need to do what we love. And I respect art instructors so much… it’s just not something I’ve felt like I wanted to do. So I’ll just go on being a big art cheerleader… just need to get some pompons. 😉
Bundle of asparagus is really difficult to make for me. But u have presented it very nicely . I never made but hope to copy you.
Charlie. Nice.n happy painting.
Thanks, Snehlata!😃💕 Yeah, this one was a bit of a challenge. hehe… too many little shapes for me. hehe
Well you rendered it very nicely Charlie..
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕
One of my favorite vegetables! and it looks delicious. (K)
Mine too! Thanks, Kerfe! Glad I did it justice! 😃💕
Wonderful asparagus. You are missing your call if you don’t illustrate a cookbook in the future. However, I am reminded time and time again by my daughter that “Mommmm, nobody uses a cookbook any longer; they look up recipes on their I-phone.”
Thanks, Kaye! 😃💕 hehe… Philippe and I have most all of the elements for a cookbook done, just to be all retro! LOL But are still missing the one key ingredient which is the time to compile it! 😊
The simplicity of the asparagus is stunning. I’d like a large wall painting just like this! Keep doing what you are doing Charlie!!
Aww thanks, Sharon!! 😃💕 Philippe often mentions that some of these would look good in a kitchen. hehe I’m actually looking into better ways to get prints made now so that I might start offering some of these in the Doodlewash shop.
Great idea!
Your asparagus looks fabulous with all those bumps and dark bits in their perfect spots.
Thanks so much, Susan!! 😃💕
They are quite alien like, especially popping up out of the soil. Nice tonal range and shadows.
Total aliens… but delicious! Thanks so much, Tom! 😃💕
Beautiful asparagus. Sounds like you had fun at the museum. Hmm I think I need to schedule a trip to our local art museum and see what is being displayed. 🙂
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 Yes!!! Definitely! Art museums are wonderful!
Great detail. Those are hard to paint.
Yeah, they’re totally like little alien sticks! LOL But a fun challenge! 😃💕