A new series....

….inspired by Manet's flower paintings, who in his dying days was greeted by artist friends bearing floral gifts. What did he do in those last days?....Painted the flowers, of course. Gloomy, maybe. Flower bouquets make very suitable subjects: flowers don't get tired, only thirsty, do not move or require a break, flower varieties are endless, and the bouquets are always a challenge to draw and paint from life.

....I am rediscovering the art of drawing and painting from life-observation only-no cameras. I relied heavily on the crutch of photography for a while. Now, I use a home-made plumb line (2 washers and a string), a bamboo skewer (unused of course) and a few rulers (because I love straight lines). I have the pride of creating artwork made by my eyes, hands and head without the translation of a camera lens or sensor. I guess I just needed to prove to myself that the skills I worked to achieve  during my University days were not lost to the past.

Working from a photo does have it's pros, and having an image waiting in the wings can be convenient....drawing and painting flowers is a little stressful: most flowers last 7 days...10 days tops! Oftentimes it's a race against the clock.  ​Fortunately, I welcome the challenge and decision making that goes along with transforming a blank sheet of paper into a realistic illusion. 
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Drawing and painting from life is a very time consuming practice, but what isn't? At the end of every session, I am pleased, and at the very least, I have a beautiful drawing or painting to record the experience.

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Drawing for Marshmallows and Candy Canes. Completed 12/31/19. Derwent tinted charcoal on Strathmore Charcoal paper. 12x16 inches.