RAI Nuovamusica

I find going to a concert alone a bit daunting, but it was great for sketching, especially as the light in the auditorium wasn't too bad.

First off, in the bar with my pre-concert glass of red wine, these brothers came in and leaned casually over some coffees. I find the fashion of wearing trousers very low-slung strange as it makes the wearer appear to have very short legs. Worse, my drawing looks out of proportion.

Next, in the auditorium I drew some of the instruments whilst waiting for the concert to start. I liked the double bass lying at the front of the stage, and was fascinated as he played.

The conductor was not still throughout any of the pieces, so I recorded my impression of him.

 The second piece was played by four percussionists each with a xylophone plus drums, cymbals, whistles and other things. I started drawing the guy on the right face on, then he never stood that way again, which is why it looks like there were 5 musicians, plus the manic conductor.

 

 Along with my fascination with the bass player, I attempted to draw the lead cello too.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, and I am quite pleased with my sketches too. 

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment please.

IF - muddy

Cygnus atratus

 Illustration Friday's theme of muddy provides the perfect excuse to draw a muddy duck a.k.a. a swan.

I found this quite difficult, not because of the subject matter, but because I have been drawing larger these last few months. Last week, I bought a pad of A4 paper for line work because I am not sure how long I am staying in Turin, and do not want to pay shipping cost through accumulating lots of art equipment. False economy, as I will buy a bigger pad this week, and so have two new pads. Although, considering the amount of ink needed for this size it may have been a good thing. What's more, I did a lovely loose initial sketch, but as soon as picked up my pen I got all precious and tight. Aaaargh

My reference came from the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) who are a UK conservation organisation saving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world. Check out their website. As 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity this could be one way you can help.

I will be auctioning this picture for charity... please keep an eye on this blog for details soon.

Awareness of the everyday: EDM challenge 1

I have just discovered a group called Everyday Matters (EDM) whose  main focus is to draw a particular object or type of object from your "everyday" life. It started in 2004, from Danny Gregory's weblog, and his book Everyday Matters. Like USk they set a weekly challenge, which is perfect for times like this when it's to cold to draw outside, as many of the current USk themes are, at least for me. Currently they are up to challenge 259, but I thought I would start at EDM 1 - Draw a shoe. Strictly speaking these are ankle boots, but close enough as it's winter.

By coincidence, today Miguel Rosendo USk (check out his drawings here) wrote that we need to be "sensitive to people and places which are in front of us and that sometimes we just don´t appreciate enough! To me, sketching is a way of doing this". I think drawing everyday objects is a good way to start.

If you want to challenge yourself, click the link for the complete EDM challenge list. or the USk theme list

PS I was sat next to the radiator, ignoring my computer to draw this :D

Procrastination

After procrastinating by reading and viewing art blogs I finally sat down to sketch this succulent in the flat. I've found it's easy to be lazy and to sit at the computer as it's set up next to a radiator. If I draw, I have to move away from it. brrr. I normally find drawing relaxing and it can normally take me away from problems with the concentration & enjoyment of creating something. However, the situation at work made it too difficult for me to concentrate on the plant, and I gave up very quickly.

Frustrated with myself, I sat down to blog the "sketch" and looked at the view from the radiator out of the window. I picked up my sketchbook again...

but as the crane was moving a lot I feel I failed to capture the foreshortening well. The sketch seems very grey and flat. The only part I really like is the stripy curtains. Ho hum. Tomorrow's another day, another opportunity to draw.

Cobbled streets

...make it difficult to sketch on buses. However, today I was brave enough to take my gloves off, albeit briefly, and did a sketch on my way to work lunchtime.

Then again on the way back, concentrating on people's hats, as everyone is wrapped up tightly against the cold.

Due to the cobbles I tried to make the strongest lines when at the bus stops, but was not always successful.

A winter industrial view.

 

My new apartment in Turin has a view of the mountains, over the rooftops of several factories. In my view, I actually have two cranes, which are on the other side of the river, alongside a gas container. On the mountain tops are power and satellite pylons. What a difference from my mountain view in Muscat. At least today the sun was out, although it's not in my picture. 

Inspired by Jana

Inspired by Jana's fabulous watercolours of organic carrots (check them out here), when I was at the market yesterday I hunted for some to paint myself. I couldn't find any organic ones, nor any with their tops still on, so I bought the ones that looked home grown. I especially like the one in front which has a dent in its side. As with the ink drawing I did earlier today, I discovered that my sketch book has a low water-threshold and the surface has damaged. Oh well, third time lucky?