ART OF A NOMAD

Sketching Muscat Festival 2012 II

2012-01-31T06:13:00.000Z

Brothers, pen in A5 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2012

Yesterday afternoon I returned to the festival site in Qurum park, sketchbook in hand. My focus was on the other activities in the Heritage Village starting with a man demonstrating the old way of threshing using a palm frond. As a warm-up sketch it's captured the movement, but I think he's a little short in the drawing.

Thresher, A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

My second drawing was a portrait of a wood carver. He was making items for yokes and harness to be used with oxen or mules. I loved his face and scraggly beard and am very pleased with the result. I took several photos of him too, which will be on flickr later.

Wood carver, Pen & ink, A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

My final sketch of the evening was done whilst sitting with the Omani women waiting for a parade of performers. In front of me sat the two brothers in my top sketch. They caught my attention as they were in thick winter coats and wooly hats. I know it is winter here in Oman, however the evening temperature was about 18c, which hardly warrants such clothes. I had a child sat next to me who was fascinated with my every move, whether drawing, checking my phone, or taking photos.

Waiting ©Sue Pownall 2012

Something that amused me throughout the evening was the swarms of photographers, mainly from the Omani Photographic Club who are a very talented group. I am still trying to decide on the correct collective noun, however as there was often one subject surrounded by 20 photographers, a swarm seems appropriate. This is not a great photo but you can get the idea.

A swarm of photographers.

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NB: All sketches are completed 100% at the Muscat Festival and are drawn from life.

Just finished the sketch.

Sketching Muscat Festival 2012

2012-01-28T14:50:00.000Z

Drummers, pen in A5 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2012

Muscat Festival, a month long annual event, started this weekend. These sketches were done on the Qurum Park site, at the festival's Heritage Village. This is my favourite area at the festival as I enjoy the different groups with their traditional dances and music.

Preparing wool, pen in A5 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2012

I also really like seeing the traditional method of producing things such as the ladies who were preparing wool prior to spinning.

Painting the women preparing wool.

WIP Drummers.

It's funny as I went to get these images of Omanis, but I ended up with as much interest as some of the performers. I had guys taking photographs of me painting the performers, with both professional cameras and iphones, as well as crowds of onlookers watching my every brushstroke.

Despite the spotlights, I only stayed a couple of hours as I found it hard to focus and draw in that light. In that time I had 2 pages of people sketches in ink and these 3 watercolours, so I had been productive. I plan to return on Monday and have already chosen a few traditional activities I want to draw.

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Edit: 1 Feb slightly better colour scans from a local printer.

Performers waiting to enter the Heritage Village ©Sue Pownall 2012

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NB: All sketches are completed 100% at the Muscat Festival and are drawn from life.

Chinese New Year 2012: Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000Z

YuYang Garden Dragon, 250 x160mm Pen & ink, ©Sue Pownall 2012

I was born in the year of the dragon, which makes me 12 or 24, so I had to post something to mark the beginning of an auspicious year.

I found an interesting Chinese website, About Sichuan China, which said that

"In Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done. A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry! However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need. A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen. So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting. The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies."

hmm sounds a lot like me.

Some trivia about dragons from squidoo.com/2012yearofthedragon

Chinese dragons have five toes

Korean dragons have four toes

Japanese dragons have three toes

Notable dragons:

My friend Sherry, who is currently in Singapore, and Michelle Fabio, the amazing writer who blogs at Bleeding Expresso. Also, Isabella Rossellini, such a beautiful, talented lady, and the hardworking Reese Witherspoon were born in the year of the dragon.

Finally forecasts:

"It can be expected that the 2012 Year of Dragon would be a happy and joyful one especially for the Dragon people. It is also believed that the Dragon Year 2012 would bring for all of us good luck and charm." 2012 year-of-dragon

"So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon? Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results. However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work." About Sichuan China

OOps forgot to say about the illustration. This is from my favourite garden in the world, YuYang in Shanghai. I went there in 2001 and want to go back with my sketchbook for a whole week. There was a place nearby which made the best steamed wonton too, which was worth at trip in itself.

34th WW SketchCrawl - Muscat

2012-01-22T08:01:00.000Z

Omani lady at Royal Opera House Muscat

This Muscat sketchcrawl didn't go to plan and so I ended up sketching in the new Royal Opera House as I waited to see/hear the Syrian singer Omar Sarmini.

ROH staff

I arrived early as I had to collect my ticket and so drew 2 of the staff chatting by a doorway.

Main foyer in ROH

I then moved into the main foyer where I sketched some of the ladies standing around.

Indian ladies at ROH Muscat

Then, when I reached my seat I sketched a couple of Omanis sat in the box below me.

In a box

All sketches were done with a 0.1 pen in my A5 sketchbook.

Kite fliers

2012-01-13T16:13:00.002Z

I took a long walk on the beach this morning and came across a kite flying event. Families were having picnics and barbeques whilst various family members flew the kites. The children were almost impossible to sketch as they kept moving around with the kites however, one young boy stood still-ish for a while then sat down as the wind kept his kite above without any effort on his part.

Kite Fliers, A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2011

WIP

I sat on the beach under the shade of a palm, as the photo on the left shows. As everything was so colourful and lots of the women were wearing saris or abayas I sketched directly in watercolours to capture both colours and the movement of cloth.

Then finally I painted some women preparing food for their family barbeque. It’s almost the same arrangement of women as in my drawing Khartoum Chai Ladies just from the other side.

Sandra of Sandradraws will confirm that I don’t usually have a problem sketching outdoors. Today was one of the days when it was. I was painting the women when a huge Asian family came along looked at what I was doing, then stood there, towering above me, waiting for me to continue eek. I made a few tentative strokes, then looked around as trying to decide on another subject. They got bored and started to chat, less than a metre away, loudly, whilst every time I went to paint their daughter came back to watch, 2cm from me. I couldn’t take the noise nor the staring, so packed up and went in search of a cup of tea.
Finally, here are a couple of photos, which I think capture the day.

Kite String ©SuePownall 2011

Crashed ©SuePownall 2011

Resolution review and revision 2012

2012-01-04T18:32:00.000Z

Reviewing 2011

Last year my art was pinned on three words: focus, creativity, happiness, with 3 resolutions.

The 1st was: To focus my life, my thoughts, my dreams on my art and market myself as much as I can.

One of the first steps within this was to set up a facebook page "to get my finished work out there", which I did and I now have 217 who follow my page, suepownallartist. Also, I set up a twitter account @suepownall to tweet about my art with, as I write, 200 followers. The biggest two marketing things were to establish a website suepownallartist.co.uk , which went live in October, and a quarterly newsletter, which has 37 subscribers. Of course, I continued to blog and post my sketches here as normal.

Surprising marketing successes came from a 3 page newspaper article on me and my sketching and, for me even better, a magazine article on my art with my name on the front cover.

Within this 1st resolution I also wrote "I am thinking about printing postcards and/or gift cards". I went a step further as well as printing gift cards of 2 of my pieces of work, I also had limited edition Giclée prints of 6 drawings made. I have sold several to date, which I'm very pleased with.

I also wrote that "I may develop and deliver some workshops", but due to a lot of changes I have not done that.

The 2nd was: to continue working in pen and ink with regular sketching, which I did. I planned a "minimum of 1 finished piece a month ready to try to get hung in a gallery or exhibition and to update the facebook page." Life was a bit crazy in 2011, nothing new there, so the monthly goal was not achieved per se, however I finished 9 pieces over the year, selling 3 and donating 2 others to charity. Plus I got a commission for 3 illustrations from Qatar Museum Authority, so I completed 12 pieces, they were just not done monthly.

Trees For Life Charity Exhibtion. Photo by John Need

Surprisingly, without a body of work I had work hung in the Trans-Siberian Train exhibition, Trees for Life Charity Exhibition, and had 2 drawings juried into the CAS Winter Exhibtion. Also held in Doha was an Art event: private view of my original drawings and prints.

The 3rd was: Happiness will come from following my dreams and continuing to interact with wonderful artistic people, which it did.

Resolutions for 2012

As last year, here are my three words to guide my life throughout the year:

Yes, I kept focus as it's important to keep my focus on my art, in this year, which already is a bit crazy. Vision is my 2nd word as I need to keep myself open to opportunities, as I did in 2011. Finally, produce is the 3rd as without actually producing finished artwork, I cannot achieve anything.

Resolutions:
1. To produce a minimum of one finished piece per month.
2. To exhibit at least twice in the year.
3. Continue marketing myself.

Thank you to all of you who follow my work, take the time to comment, and who have encouraged and inspired me throughout the past year.

Birthday Ballet

2011-12-30T05:26:00.001Z

I was very lucky in that a friend of a friend had a spare ticket for the sold out performance of Swan Lake at the newly opened Royal Opera House, Muscat. I love going to the ballet!

The costumes and sets were fantastic and the Mariinsky Ballet dancers were amazing. A bonus was that the new building is magnificent both inside and out. There are a couple of photos taken with my Galaxy below.

As you can see, whilst waiting for the performance to start I sketched some of the people in a box. The people I was sat with kindly said that there wasn’t a need for photos with my drawing and also wanted me to do the same to their programme, but then the performance started.

There is another ballet in February, which I hope to get tickets to as well.

Happy New Year everyone.

I hope 2012 is a very productive one with lots of happiness for you.

Not a Christmas tree...

2011-12-23T14:03:00.001Z

Sketching at sunset

... but an acacia.

It doesn't feel like Christmas here, although I was invited to a Carol concert and there are Christmas trees in the malls and hotels. As this is a muslim country we don't get a holiday, however the Dean has granted us Christmas Day off. I am heading into Muscat to have Christmas dinner with friends and their family. It is winter here, daytime temperatures are down to about 22C, so we will have the pre-dinner drinks outside on the terrace. Back to work on Boxing day - 7.30am, eek!

Acacia in Alaya wadi.

Last night there was an Omani wedding celebration on the waste ground opposite the apartment, with loud Arabic music - ouds, drums, snake charmer type pipes - and clapping and singing. Nothing like Christmas Carols or Slade's 'Do they know it's Christmas?'. It was an all male celebration. I took several photos, all without flash and have one that will become an abstract as soon as I buy some more acrylics. (Mine are in Italy). I want to sketch whilst I was there, but it was too cold (around 13c) to get my hands out of my pocket and I was trying to stay fairly inconspicuous.

Wedding celebration.

Future painting!

As I didn't sketch last night, and I have been very lazy with my art due to work and other commitments, I went out this afternoon to sketch this tree.

Merry Christmas everyone from Oman.

May God bless you and your family.

Painting Oman

2011-12-09T13:22:00.001Z

Scarves © Sue Pownall 2011

I was inspired to do some painting over the last few days, although I need to be completing some drawings. The top one was done on Wednesday from a photo I took at the university's speech contest earlier that day. The scarves just lent themselves to being painted.

Then this morning, I went for a walk with my paints and sketchbook across the valley. I enjoyed walking around the farms (mainly date palms), and finally sat on a wall to paint this abandoned fort. I just wanted an impression of the morning and not an acurate painting of the scene, especially as over the years I have drawn hundreds of palm trees.

Not yet finished. © Sue Pownall 2011

Juried in!

2011-12-06T06:23:00.001Z

Secret Garden. Pen & ink. 380 x 260mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

I have just received an email from my mother telling me that both The Secret Garden and Al Saiq Window have been juried in to the Colchester Art Society's Winter Exhibition.

Al Saiq window. Pen & ink 260x 260 mm. ©Sue Pownall 2011

Both are available for sale at the exhibition or as limited edition giclée prints on my website: suepownallartist

If you are in the area, why not pop along.

CAS Winter Exhibition.

St Martin's Church, West Stockwell Street, Colchester.

Finally, my newsletter is due out next week: have you signed up yet?

Long weekends are about art!

2011-11-27T04:56:00.001Z

Despite having a lot of things to do this weekend, including still settling in, I’ve found lots of time for art.

Thursday, after a day of manic cleaning which included windows and curtains, I walked over to the wadi (Arabic for river bed or valley) where I collected the skull last week, for an hour or so of sketching. I had spotted a ruin, which of course I had to draw. It’s not one of my best, as I hadn’t sketched in a few weeks, but makes a start on my sketchbook – on page 3 as I can’t draw on page 1.Walking back to the flat, I spotted …

warning don’t read the rest of this paragraph if you are squeamish and don’t look at last pic of this post

…a decomposing cow. Ignoring the fact of what it was, it was really interesting especially the way the hide had ended up like folded soft suede. I sketched it on site in ink, swotting the ever present flies, and then with the dimming light of dusk went home and added the colour.

On Friday, I had my first visitor from Muscat, the amazing photographer Ahmed Al-Shukaili. He is in the process of setting up a new website, but in the meantime you can see his awesome portraits and fabulous landscapes here and here. First, he took me to a semi-abandoned village, where I spotted places to draw on another trip. Then we drove an hour out of Ibra to Wadi Sep, which has the most amazing rock formations. As we were there an hour before sunset, the colours were amazing. I was very intimidated to be taking photos alongside such a great photographer, but am happy with the two I have posted here (top & right). It was a beautiful relaxing place and whilst Ahmed worked on getting the perfect shots I took out my A6 sketchbook. I didn’t realise photographers are harder to draw than children as they move more.

Early on Saturday, I had arranged to go sketching with 2 colleagues, so I took them back to the semi-abandoned village. It was a beautiful morning and the temperature was perfect when we arrived just after 7.30. Unfortunately, most the time was spent walking around taking photos (mine are on flickr), although I did a quick sketch when there was a cigarette break (I don’t smoke). Next stop was the fish market to buy our dinner. It is a long process as your chosen fish is cleaned and chopped, so I left the others to shop whilst I did two quick sketches.

There are still 2 days left of the holiday and I plan to work on the Scottish ruin, which I started before I left the UK.

Beware, below is the sketch you may not like…

On the trail of a nomad.

2011-11-17T17:13:00.001Z

For those of you kind enough to ask where I am and what I am doing here's a quick update, although these first photos may give a clue...

1st sunset © Sue Pownall 2011

In September I expected to return and stay in Qatar, however as I wrote in October's post WoOZ life sometimes has different ideas for us. A few people thought I was being mysterious about my plans: I wish I had been. The reality was that being left in the lurch without a job, which I must have to pay the mortgage and normal day-to-day expenses, I honestly didn't know what I was going to do or where I was going to do it, other than temporarily return to the UK.

A few days after the Edinburgh trip, I flew out of Heathrow to return to Oman, which I had left end of 2009, returning to work for my first Omani company. This time I am not in the capital, but in the interior in a town called Ibra, working for the A'Sharqiyah University. I had my first real exploration around today, visiting the souq and one of the older parts of this town - it's actually like a series of villages.

Watermelon seller © Sue Pownall 2011

So far I have not done any drawing, but picked up a goat's skull today, which I may draw tomorrow. I have damaged it slightly as it was quite fresh, so I used several kettlefuls of boiling water to clean it, then realised some of the very soft nasal bone has fallen away. Still it's better than any left over goat or germs hanging around I think. It is now sitting on the windowsill scaring the neighbours.

Mini adventure to Scotland

2011-11-07T12:59:00.000Z

Solitude © Sue Pownall 2011

Taking advantage of being in UK for a little longer than anticipated, I took the opportunity to go to the opening of the brilliantly organised Trees For Life Charity Exhibition at Out of the Blue, Edinburgh. Details of the charity event can be read in my post Trees for life charity fundraiser. I would like to say again a big thank you to Trevor Jones, whose concept and hardwork brought it to fruition.

Newcastle Hotel, Rothbury A5 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2011

I chose to drive up as I was dogsitting, whilst my parents went on holiday, which meant I got to spend some time in beautiful woods, parks & on beaches as I exercised him. I drove up to Northumberland the first day and stopped about an hour from the border. That evening, we both visited the dog-friendly bar of the Newcastle Hotel where I sketched a few of the locals. The next morning, after a foggy walk on the moors along St Oswald's Way, we crossed into Scotland at Coldstream. We stopped for tea at Hirsel where I outlined the building opposite us, then added watercolour later.

Hirsel. A5 Sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2011

Next, after a drive around Edinburgh, we visited the beach at Portobello, before heading to our hotel. I've mentioned before that Nelson always loves the sea and barks at the waves as they crash on the sand and I took the opportunity of a near empty beach to photograph him. More photos from the trip are on flickr.

That evening, I drove to the gallery for the opening of the exhibition, meeting the harried Trevor Jones briefly, before admiring all the donated work. I was delighted to see that Jeanette Jobson was hung on the adjacent board, as it was her contribution The Gate Keeper, which you can see here, that got me involved. You can still snap up some original pieces of art at the bargain price of £45 each, including The President's Tree, either at the exhibition, which is open until the 13th November, or on the website here. Below are a few photos from the night.

Opening speech by Trevor Jones

Gentlemen looking at mine & Jeanette's work.

My drawing, The President's Tree, & I

Don't forget to visit the charity's website www.treesforlife.org to see how they aim to restore the Caledonian Forest. Finally a quote from Trevor written last Saturday:

"£5135 and counting ... We've raised so much money already so thanks again to all of you."

Let's get the remaining pictures sold and push that total higher!

Eros

2011-10-28T17:33:00.000+01:00

Checking maps in Picadilly. A6 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2011

Yesterday in London, having arrived early at our meeting point of Eros in Picadilly I sketched the tourists around me. I was a little concerned by a Spanish lady in woolly hat, thick scarf and hooded coat, as it wasn't that cold. We met at Eros as we wanted to see the Degas exhibition at the RA, but unfortunately as we hadn't prebooked, it was half term, and we chose not to wait the 45minutes+ to get tickets.

People at Eros in A6 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2011

Instead my friend, the fabulous designer Mary Wright, & I went straight to Tate Modern, via the protestors at St Paul's, to see the Gerhard Richter exhibition Panorama. I was amazed at the mixture of styles from super-realism to abstraction that he uses. I can't confess to liking or understanding all of his work, but I'm very pleased we saw the exhibition. I introduced Mary to my favourite café in the Tate, no sketching as I was too busy chatting & eating, before we explored all the other exhibitions.

Next stop was back across town where we went to the National Portrait Gallery, my favourite, where I saw Marc Quinn's Blood Portrait for the first time. Something else I'm not sure about, but it is certainly intriguing. Unfortunately, we were at cultural overload by the top floors, so we went to another of my favourite cafés The Café in the Crypt.

Finally, here is a photo of a happy customer with her edition of Cuban Scenes, which had arrived in the post that day.

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My website is now live. Please check it out.

www.suepownallartist.co.uk

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Cuban Scenes - Available now!

2011-10-20T17:52:00.001+01:00

Cuban Scenes by Sue Pownall | Make Your Own Book

Throughout this book there are photographs and drawings from the capital Havana, in the countryside at Vale de Viñales, and in the town of Trinidad. They were all taken or drawn this summer, 2011.It is available in normal paper formats and as an ebook, which is for iphone/ipad/or to download to your computer.

Portraits of Khartoum is also now available as an ebook too.

WoOZ

2011-10-18T13:29:00.001+01:00

Envisioning Doha skyline as Emerald City backdrop.© Sue Pownall 2011

The day after I returned to Doha I ended up at the welcome night of the Doha Players, the local theatre group. Somehow, I ended up volunteering to be involved in the set building for their upcoming Wizard of Oz (WoOZ), and better have been engaged to translate the director's and build team's ideas for the sets into workable designs. Sue Pownall- Artist, illustrator and set designer??? Unfortunately not as I am leaving Qatar tomorrow.

Waiting to audition © Sue Pownall 2011

My A3 sketch pad.

Anyway, my first task was to turn up to the auditions to view the space we would be working with. By coincidence the next day, Cathy Gatland, A sketch in time, posted a lovely sketch of children rehearsing. Inspired I decided to see if I could produce something similar.

First off I drew the stage, and then concentrated on the groups of children sitting, standing,and singing. Considering how much children move about, I am very pleased with the results.

Then, the following week, I had to produce the first, and as it turned out last, set idea, which was for theEmerald City backdrop. I would like to have done more, and seen the project through, but life has other plans for me. Keeping me focused on drawing perhaps?

Auditions © Sue Pownall 2011

btw the sketches were done in pencil and the set with coloured inks and ink pen.

Showcasing my work

2011-10-16T15:40:00.000+01:00

Before the event.

On Thursday I wrote that a friend was hosting an art event to showcase my original drawings and new limited edition giclée prints here in Doha. I am very happy to report that it was a wonderful day and a great success. I was especially worried that nobody wold turn up, but we had people coming in all day. It was a wonderfully informal affair, which suited me, with people staying for a tea or coffee, cake and a chat.

Remember in that last post I wrote:

"if I make a sale I will be happy or if I gain a commission that would be nice too"

Well, with regards to prints, I covered my printing costs and ended up in profit on print sales. I sold all four copies of my book Portraits of Khartoum that I had. However, the biggest news was that I sold the framed original of Khalifa's Gate. I'm sad to let it go, to be honest, but I know the new owner will give it a good home. Two of the prints sold were also of Khalifa's Gate, which I have to confess to being a favourite. Still, as one of our guests said, 'Duke Ellington, who, when asked what his favourite composition was, replied that he hadn't written it yet'. I guess my favourite is the next one I draw.

SOLD! With the happy new owner of Khalifa's Gate.

A special thanks goes to my fantastic friend Karen who hosted the day, a big thank you to all my friends who came and supported me, and finally thank you to everyone who bought something.

With the event's wonderful hostess.

If you wish to purchase one of my limited edition giclée prints, or wish to commission a drawing, please use the contact form above.

Full details on print availability were in my newsletter and will be available on a tab here in the next day or two.

Busy, busy, busy

2011-10-13T12:18:00.000+01:00

Hanging pictures ready for Art Event: Private view this Saturday.

So much has gone on these last two weeks it is hard to know where to start.

Synchronicity occurred during the first week of October when I entered an online facebook competition to win a book of b&w photos with the Qatar Museum Authority (QMA). Sunday lunchtime - I was drawn from the hat, and Monday I collected my prize over a cup of tea and quick chat about who I was. Tuesday nasty photo published of me and my prize on FB plus my FB page & blog details. (see below) As I wrote on my facebook page "I won a prize and got some publicity for my art too".

If only I had known how much... The same day I was called by their senior designer who wanted to commission some illustrations after looking at my work. Last Thursday, I met her and she commissioned some drawings for her concept towards a collectors exhibition. You may notice from the example below that it is not my normal style, I was requested to do them in a woodblock/scraper board effect. As with all these things, there was little time to do the work, this morning, a week later, I delivered 3 illustrations. Fingers crossed the concept is accepted because that will mean lots more work for them. A big thank you to all of you who replied to my email asking for help: all your answers were very useful.

Khanjar (QMA commission) © Sue Pownall 2011

Now, a normally sane person would take a break after working too many hours to get the illustrations done on time, but no... This Saturday, a friend is hosting an art event to showcase my original drawings and new limited edition prints, which has involved making posters, promoting it, signing prints, hanging pictures (see top photo), converting prices into local currency and the to-do list is still a mile long too. However, if I make a sale I will be happy or if I gain a commission that would be nice too.

Another thing I have been doing, is working on a new book of drawings and photos from this summer's trip, but I haven't finished it yet. To the left is the contents page. I'm currently calling it Cuban Scenes, but if you can think of a better title, all suggestion are appreciated.

Finally, I wrote and distributed my first newsletter. Don't worry if you didn't get a copy, you can still sign up and receive it, just use the tab above.

Doha doodles

2011-10-01T10:59:00.002+01:00

Critical Thinking Lecture. A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Here are a couple of sketches from this week:

Prof. Bucsescu reading his notes.

The double page spread above was done at a lecture by architect and Pratt University professor Dan Bucsescu. The lecture was Critical Thinking in Design at VCU, Qatar. Whilst an interesting subject Prof. Bucsescu cannot give lectures and sat reading his laptop whilst the slides showed his "script". The only time I need to look at the stage was when he gave examples of theories such as Munch's Scream. Great opportunity to draw the people around me, and I also got some nice food to eat.

Earlier in the week I had gone to the Doha Players', a local theatre group, welcome meeting and sketched this on my notes's. A friend said "you can't help yourself [draw] can you?" ummmm no. At the meeting, I had gone to volunteer to help with set painting, but I think I have ended up helping with set designing, as I get to translate ideas into workable designs and help build them.

Fabulous opportunity.

2011-09-29T06:03:00.000+01:00

The Art of a Nomad newsletter is now available!

It is published quarterly, it's free, and will be delivered direct to your inbox.

Sketching Trinidad in Cuba

2011-09-24T09:23:00.000+01:00

Iglesia de Santa Ana © Sue Pownall 2011

The other town I visited in Cuba was Trinidad, where I ended up spending 10 very relaxed days. Apart from having a sketchbook in some form always with me, I was not actually very disciplined with my art whilst I was there. The first morning, after a downpour, I walked through the steaming and rapidly drying streets to the ruined church of Santa Ana, with the thoughts it could be a potential subject. It was, as you can see above, however I ended up with the very difficult perspective due to it being the only available bench in the shade. That evening I went for dinner at Sol y Son restauran,t which is in a beautiful old colonial building. Whilst waiting for my delicious meal, I sketched some of the eclectic objects and plants, such as an angel, adding colour later back at my accommodation. So that was 2 drawings on my first full day.

Sol y Son restaurant. A6 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

The next morning after another heavy morning downpour, I stopped at the Pelanque de Los Congas Reales to see a group that play rumba, African rhythms, and have a troupe of dancers too. Unfortunately, I planned the page to have musicians top left then dancers below bottom right, but got too distracted by watching the show that I didn't draw the dancers.

Tonadas Trinitarias. Pencil in A3 © Sue Pownall 2011

The following day was the fiesta for the official end of summer and I went to the beach to see how the Cubans did it. The answer with lots of live music, dancing, beers, rum and laughter.

On the beach. © Sue Pownall 2011

Having skipped another day of drawing in order to have a dance class, I went out the next two consecutive mornings to draw. On the first I did a painting of the main square, which was dreadful, and then the following morning I wandered to the outskirts of town and inked and painted these dwellings (above) taking about an hour and a half. As this was a poorer part of town I did have several people begging for money, pencils or soap, however most people just said a cheerful hello asked who I was and what I was doing.

Near Ermita de la Popa. A3 pen & watercolour. © Sue Pownall 2011

Painting in the Vale de Viñales II

2011-09-16T07:30:00.000+01:00

Corner building, Viñales main road. A3 pen & ink © Sue Pownall 2011

to continue...
The day after I hopped on and off the bus (the afternoon had been spent stuck in a bar listening to music because of the torrential rain- honestly), Elio drove me into the countryside to a small cascade and was left there for an hour and half to paint it. Having wandered around a bit, the sun hitting the plants in front of the water was the obvious subject for my painting and seemed an okay composition. It was already very hot at 9am, so I sat under the road bridge, where nothing passed over, and painted the scene. I normally photograph a scene like this, and did, so the painting was a challenge. I think I did okay, but think my pen & watercolours are always more successful than pure watercolour for scenery. Also, this looks better in the original: blaming scanner!

Una Cascada. 35x25cm 425gm cold pressed, watercolour © Sue Pownall 2011

After Elio picked me up, I was taken to his mother-in-law's house, a real campesino (country person/peasant)'s abode. After being shown around, especially the new building they were constructing to rear pigs, I sat with the mother-in-law, who stared but wouldn't speak to me, and a niece, who chattered away in dialect. By then it was very humid as well as boiling and I started a drawing of some outbuildings. The photo shows the beautiful setting and the drawing when I abandoned it - I couldn't work out how to continue with sweaty hands despite leaning on tissues.

Farm buildings. © Sue Pownall 2011

On the way back into town I took advantage of Elio knowing everyone and got him to ask permission for me to sit on someone's porch the next morning to draw. Back at Elio's B&B I worked up the farm drawing by increasing tonal values and strengthening lines.

Edificios de la granja. © Sue Pownall 2011

Mid-morning the next day, my last day in Viñales, found me sitting on the porch of an old lady because 2 days ealier I had seen a fabulous building I HAD to draw, but had found no shade on the street to do so. The photo, shows the building across the way, a great vintage car (perfect timing) and my finished drawing. You can also see the afternoon's storm clouds rolling in. The finished drawing, completely drawn on the porch, is at the top of this post.

I left the area early the next morning heading for Trinidad, which is about 6 hours east of Havana and where I spent the majority of my time. The drawings from there will make up another post.

Tattooed lady

2011-09-14T15:00:00.000+01:00

5 min warm-ups. © Sue Pownall 2011

As I'm stuck in UK, problems with paperwork for new contract yawn, I thought I would take advantage of my local drop-in life class. Despite the fact I haven't been since last summer, several people recognised me and so chatted to them in the breaks. I was preoccupied as I was going to a printers for the first time that afternoon to arrange prints of some of my work and was unsure if I've choosen the right pieces, number, size...

30 min pose © Sue Pownall 2011

Despite that, I was very pleased with my 5 min warm-up sketches and the half hour long pose afterwards. However after the break and the resumption of the long pose, I started a new piece which got too over-worked and pretty. Oh, and despite remeasuring, checking and altering several times the hands still look too small.

arrrgh too pretty © Sue Pownall 2011

Towards the end of the class, I abandoned the pretty drawing and I grabbed a sketchbook (35x25cm), a pen and sketched the tattoos.

Pen © Sue Pownall 2011

One of the reasons I attended the class, apart from opportunity, is that I feel it is important to practise the basic drawing skills whenever possible as well as sketch and produce finished pieces. By coincidence, the fabulous writer and ceramist Diana Baur wrote a post on that this week click here to check it out. It's very worth reading.

Cuban Transport

2011-09-13T12:44:00.003+01:00

Forgot to add: there are quite a few modern cars on the roads, all owned by companies, and usually to support the tourist industry... Suzuki 4x4s & other Japanese brands, Mercedes,etc.

From Museo de la Revolucion © Sue Pownall 2011

Painting in the Vale de Viñales. Part I

2011-09-11T19:39:00.000+01:00

Calle Sergio Dopico, A3 pen & watercolour © Sue Pownall 2011

After Havana I travelled west to Vale de Viñales. After settling into my B&B (Casa El Relojero - Elio's which I'd thoroughly recommend) I went for a walk around the small town and when I saw these houses (above) I settled down at a bus stop, for shade, to draw them. It took just over an hour to paint by which time the heavens had opened for a tropical downpour and one of the neighbours had sat talking to me for about 10 minutes, both spoiling concentration, but both interesting in different ways.

Tractor, A43 pen & watercolour © Sue Pownall 2011

The next day, I had arranged a horse trek into the valley, but having risen early I sat outside the front of the house and started to paint the neighbour's tractor. Elio's wife kindly bought me a cup of tea so I could continue. Unfortunately, I had to abandon the painting after the tea as the neighbour drove off in the tractor and didn't return until late afternoon. I tried to continue that evening, but a combination of the curious neighbourhood children - 8 of them, who surrounded me and the still hot sun, made me give up the painting again.

A6 pen & ink © Sue Pownall 2011

In between, I went on the most beautiful ride through the valley admiring the mountains and fields. Although it is not the tobacco season we went to a tobacco drying building and had the process explained to us (we were 3 on the trek) and were shown how to roll a cigar. The final stop of the ride was to a cave with an underground pool. Whilst waiting to be led underground we sat at the mouth of the cave and I sketched the rock formations. Yes I took my moleskin type sketchbook on a horse ride. What can I say? I am totally addicted to sketching. Once inside, apart from 2 small torches it was pitch black and we swam in the icy pool.

Day 3 in Viñales I took advantage of a hopon-hopoff bus and went up to a hotel with a stunning view of the valley. Despite having taken watercolour paper to Cuba, I used my sketchbook to paint the view. It's not a brilliant painting, but served the purpose of loosening me up.

Vale de Viñales from Ermita, A3 watercolour © Sue Pownall 2011

An hour later, I was back on the bus and got taken to the other end of the valley where I painted again, but this time using pen as well as pure watercolour. I think this is a stronger painting. Neither looks quite as murky in real life as in the scans. After an hour at this site it was approaching mid-day and was very hot and humid so I caught the bus back to town for some lunch.

Vale de Viñales from Dos Hermanos. A3 pen & watercolour © Sue Pownall 2011

... to be continued.

btw I'm struggling to upload the Cuban photos, but I promise to post some soon starting with cars for Michael Bailey of Paint Bytes.

Havana in sketches

2011-09-09T23:45:00.002+01:00

Hotel Beltran © Sue Pownall 2011

I’m going to start with an apology, as my scanner is dying and I cannot get good reproductions of my drawings from Cuba, at least you can get an idea of the sketches I did.

When I arrived in Havana I stayed in an old building with a courtyard. So naturally, my first painting of the holiday was the view from my room with the magnificent blue paint work.

The next day I went to the cathedral square and found some shade in a cafe, but was feeling very self-conscious and was not pleased with the results.

These were the only 2 sketches I did at that time as I spent the rest of the 2 days wandering around taking photos or sleeping. It was also very hot, humid, and with intermitant rain. I was far more productive on my return to Havana for the last 2 days of my stay, but yet again I also spent a lot of time taking photos. I'll post some of those next.

Nextdoor to Fabrica de Tabacos © Sue Pownall 2011

Rising early in the morning, my first stop was in the park next to the Capitolio Nacional, where I did a loose watercolour painting. So loose I’m not posting it. Then I walked around the back of the building and spotted some buildings crying out to be painted. Unfortunately, a security/police man told me I was not allowed to sit there, but when I explained I was an artist and just wanted half an hour to draw the buildings, he let me stay. Unfortunately, I’d have loved to stay a whole hour, but didn’t want to push my luck. btw I was working on A4 the majority of the trip and most drawings took me about an hour/hour & quarter. Whilst I was sat there one of the other guards presented me with a pink rose bud.

On Prado © Sue Pownall 2011

Next I walked down the Prado and painted two beautiful buildings both with different styles of decoration and had been adapted differently by the inhabitants. Again, I got talking to some police, who were friendly and curious, and I think probably happy to find some relief of their boredom. Unfortunately, I cannot get the colours on the scan to come out anywhere near the original and may take a photo to add here tomorrow.

In Plaza del Cristo © Sue Pownall 2011

My final drawing of the day was a boarded up building, but still with inhabitants on the first floor judging by the washing draped about, in Plaza del Cristo. No police this time, but a lovely old man sat on the same bench and chatted to everyone who walked past and me when there wasn’t anyone else.

Left is a photo of the building and the completed sketch in the early evening sunlight. I was very pleased with the day’s sketches, but it had been easy to sketch a lot as it had been less humid and slightly cooler than most days I spent in Cuba.

Sneak peak

2011-09-08T11:35:00.001+01:00

A building in Viñales. © Sue Pownall 2011

To wet your appetite of drawings to come from Cuba, once I get them scanned, here is a sneak peak at one of them from the first week.

Edit: I left Cuba on Tuesday night (6th) and this was posted from UK.

Cuba here I come!

2011-08-17T07:29:00.000+01:00

The art equipment I'm taking, minus a roll of masking tape & my DSLR.

My Lonely Planet for Cuba is bookmarked. Paper, paints, pens and pencils are ready. Plus shorts, bikinis and hiking sandals are packed.

I'm off...See you in 3 weeks.

Out of the handbag III (UK)

2011-08-13T10:16:00.000+01:00

Across the river. Ink in A6 sketchbook© Sue Pownall 2011

Here are a few sketches from my A6 handbag sketchbook drawn over the last couple of weeks. Last Saturday, my parents & I went up to the Royal Academy to see their Summer exhibition, so I sketched on the train up.

We then went over to Sadler's Wells to see the amazing show Fela!. First I sketched the musicians on stage and then the audience listening to them before the show started.

Fela! Pen & ink and watercolour in A6 sketchbook.© Sue Pownall 2011

I didn't think the sketchbook took watercolour as the pages are thin, but couldn't resist adding colour to the stage of Fela! after I returned from watching the fabulous show. It took quite well, luckily.

Wednesday I went back up to London to see the Watercolour exhibition at Tate Britain. Fantastic exhibition and very inspirational! I drew the woman doing the crossword on the train up. After the exhibition, I caught the water taxi to the Tate Modern, where I went to my favourite cafe on the 7th floor and, inspired by the watercolour exhibition, drew the view across the river. (Posted at top of this post). It took 30 minutes, which for those who know me, is a long time for me on a single sketch.

Sketchday II

2011-08-05T16:23:00.001+01:00

Monks' garden. Pen & watercolour, A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Last September, Sandra of Sandraws came up to Colchester for a sketchday and we arranged to do it again this year. Coincidently, last Saturday, John of JWJarts wrote about sketching in public and our sketchday:

"I have been inspired entirely by my blogger friends... The first urges to try it myself came from Sandra Busby's account of her day with Sue Pownall and I can imagine how wonderful that must have been."

That post is here if you missed what helped to inspire John.

Michelham Priory in the rain. © Sue Pownall 2011

Yesterday, I drove down to Sandra's in Sussex for our second sketchday and we were joined by the artist Kerry (her website). Despite the appalling English summer weather we had a fabulous time drawing at Michelham Priory, although we were disappointed we didn't see or feel any of the ghosts!

Entrance. Pen & ink, A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

After walking around the Priory, we scattered to draw different things. Kerry stopped in the Tudor extension whilst Sandra and I both chose the original entrance to the Priory as our first sketches. It was a challenge as people kept standing in front of us and blocked our view, which is when I quickly sketched the gardener.

Gardener. Pen & ink, A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Next, I sketched in the old forge. The grounds of the priory were magnificent and it was frustrating to have to be inside due to the rain. Luckily, by 2.45pm it stopped enough so that our last drawing of the day was outside. I chose the wild flower monks garden, which was planted next to the oldest part of the building.

Old Forge, pen & Payne's grey, A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

All too soon it was time for me to leave, but it was a fabulous day and I can't wait for Sketchday III.

For all my sketches I used an A5 sketchbook, which I bought at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, but although the paper is smooth it soaked up my ink and didn't like watercolour. It's a shame as it has got a lovely cover.

The 6x6 Summer Blog Tour

2011-08-02T18:54:00.000+01:00

I am excited to be taking part in the 6x6 Summer Blog Tour, which has been arranged by Baang and Burne Contemporary. As a nomadic artist the concept behind Baang & Bourne and their unique approach to exhibitions appeals to my senses.

I asked the director Kesha Bruce, keshabrucestudio, some questions to find out more:

Kesha Bruce

On your website you ask the question “What if there were no more art galleries?” why do you feel this question needs to be asked?

Too many artists are stuck in the mindset that all they need to do is to find a gallery to represent them and then all their career problems will be solved. It’s an old art world myth that keeps getting perpetuated from generation to generation of artists. In reality, it rarely works that way. Gallery’s come and go, sales slow to a crawl, or as we’ve seen recently, many galleries go out of business. That leaves artists in a very vulnerable position if they don’t already have a solid marketing plan of their own in addition to working with galleries. It’s a dangerous thing to hand responsibility for your career over to someone else. If an artist wants to have a successful career over the long term they have to understand that they need to take charge of the marketing and selling of their work.

As part of 6x6, you are having a web-work marathon. I have never heard of this, so could you tell me what it is and how it can benefit artists such as myself?

One of the things artists still find most difficult is getting an effective website up and running. For 6x6 we’ve teamed up with a company that gives website building workshops especially for artists. You come with your laptop, images, and your artist statement, and you leave with a fully built and functioning website.

In addition to the website we’re hosting a discussion panel and a workshop to help artists understand what exactly goes into building a website that not only displays their work, but one that functions in a way that can build relationships and ultimately their collector base.

Charlie Grosso

Your upcoming event 6x6 is described as the art version of a music festival, what does that mean and why have you taken this approach?

My business partner, Charlie Grosso, and I have always believed that the art world should take a few pointers from the music industry in terms of bringing audiences and artists together in a relaxed, fun, and really enjoyable way. At a rock musical festival people who love music come to see several different groups, take home all the sounds, and then go home with music dancing in their head. That’s exactly what we intend to do with 6x6. Everyone who attends will get to see the work meet the artists and even take part in a workshop or attend a panel discussion. It’s about being interactive and making the art viewing experience more personal and less passive. Art should be more rock’n roll!

Checkout: http://www.keshabrucestudio.com

Baang + Burne website: http://baangandburne.com/

To read Kesha’s weekly articles on art, art marketing, and creativity and to download a free copy of her guide “The 5 Step Art Career Make-Over” visit www.KeshaBrucestudio.com.

Isabella

2011-07-30T10:34:00.001+01:00

Isabella, pencil, 160 x 245 mm.©Sue Pownall 2011

I was recently commissioned to do a portrait of six-year old Isabella. Isabella is full of character and I think her father had fun taking a range of reference photos for me. I chose this one as it shows her beautiful eyes and the charming gap in her teeth.

btw this drawing has a Scottish connection too: Isabella is half-Scots on her paternal side.

Scottish connections

2011-07-28T16:23:00.000+01:00

Low tide at Plockton. Pen & ink. 245 x 165 mm.©Sue Pownall 2011

My Scottish great-grandmother, I'm sure, would be interested in all my latest work. Over the last few months I have drawn 3 Scottish ruins, donated a drawing to the Scottish charity Trees for Life exhibition. Now, I have completed this drawing of Plockton as a donation for a raffle for "The Clan", who are cycling on behalf of the charity CLAN Cancer Support. Mr Flanagan explained about the event and the charity:

CLAN (www.clanhouse.org) is an independent charity based in Scotland that provides support to those affected by Cancer. We have been truly touched by the work of these amazing people who everyday devote themselves to helping others. We felt, whole heartedly, that it was time for us to do something for them.

So, in September 2011, our team of brave biking soles know as "The Clan"will set out from Aberdeen on the East Coast of Scotland and pedal off towards Plockton on the Atlantic Coast. Between us and our destination lay the Scottish Highlands and 280 kilometres.

Our goal: To raise awareness and much needed funds to help support CLAN and the life changing work they do. For this we need your help.

Please checkout their facebook page: "The Clan" We cycle for CLAN Cancer Support and their webpage: justgiving.com/Scotland-Coast2Coast and see how you can help or take part.

Original photo by and used with permission from: Ian Cameron www.transientlight.co.uk

Putrescence

2011-07-23T06:41:00.000+01:00

Refuge, Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

Ruin III has been named - Refuge. Thank you Linda for the suggestion.

As you can see from the picture, it has been sold! It has been bought by the man who bought Darragh's House ~ my first collector ~ and he's talking about having the third in the series too.

If you are wondering about the title, I was in Thesaurus.com looking for synonyms of decay, and this one jumped out.

My seven links.

2011-07-22T06:58:00.002+01:00

Khalifa's Gate, Omdurman.Pen & ink 400x200mm ©Sue Pownall 2010

The My 7 Links Project was generated by TripBase to "unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavour to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again." Bloggers list their Top 7 Links in the following categories and then tag others and so it goes on.

I was tagged for this project by Lisa, who does a fabulous job as a travel concierge, and arranging travel reservations, weddings and more, at Wanderlust Women Travel. Please pop over to her website.

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Here are a selection of my past posts, which I think deserve this trip back in time:

My most beautiful post:

For me has to be the featuring of the first of my new Decay Series drawings, which has subsequently sold. Decay.

Darragh's House. Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

My most popular post:

My art based resolutions for 2011 had the most hits, still continues to get regular hits, and had one of the highest number of comments.

My most controversial post:

I don't really do controversy, but at the beginning of this year my stats showed that someone had searched for Cute Eritrean Guys and landed on my art. Consequently, I used that as my next blog title to show my sketches & photos of the ATP tennis final.

My most helpful post &

a post I felt didn’t get the attention it deserved:

I am trying to use my art for good so two posts that mean a lot to me.

First, the 31st WW Sketchcrawl Doha-Japan benefit, which I organised in Doha to raise funds for Japan following this year's earthquakes. This is the post which I wish had got more attention, so I could have raised more money.

Second, the post for the current exhibition for Scottish charity Trees for Life for which I donated a drawing. Please go to the website and you can buy my original drawing, or one of the others that have been submitted, for only £45 and 100% of profits will go to the charity.

The President's Tree, pen & ink, 160 x 230mm © Sue Pownall 2011

NB: A friend is organising a charity cycle ride for the end of September for CLAN cancer support and I will be donating towards their raffle too. Please look out for news here / on twitter / facebook page: "The Clan" We cycle for CLAN Cancer Support / and the event website justgiving.com/Scotland-Coast2Coast . Clan's website is clanhouse.org if you want more information on the charity itself.

A post whose success surprised me:

Bear on a chair was a sketch I posted in August 2010 and then reposted for Illustration Friday as IF: Toy.

Bear on a chair. Pen & ink. A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2010

The post that I am most proud of:

This has been the hardest one to think of, but I think it has to be my first ever post here back in September '09, as it was the first time I really put my work out there for all to see. An idea of my work.

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Finally, my 5 nominations/tags to take part are:

Writer, ceramists, advocate of simple living, owner of a gorgeous boutique B&B, and my friend: Diana of A Certain Simplicity.

Fabulous photographer & Italy correspondent: LindyLou at News from Italy.

Artist: Sandra of Sandraws.

American expats in Calabria: Doug & Di of Il Terrazzo Italiano.

New twitter pal, artist and jeweller: The Hyper Monkey

Decay series: Ruins 2 & 3

2011-07-09T16:13:00.002+01:00

Ruin III, Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

I have spent all day finishing these two drawings, however I cannot think of a title for Ruin 3. Any suggestions?

Both drawings will now sit for a couple of days, and may receive the odd tweek here and there, but I'm calling them finished now.

Dunottar castle. Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

Both original reference photographs by and used with permission from: D Flanagan.Thank you.

Celebrating my sale.

2011-07-02T13:00:00.000+01:00

Propping up the bar. A6 sketchbook. Pen & ink. © Sue Pownall 2011

To celebrate the purchase of my latest finished piece (see this post if you missed the news) and collect the money from the buyer, 3 of us arranged to meet in our favourite bar. The others were delayed due to meetings, so whilst I sipped my drink slowly and waited, I did these sketches.

Friends. A6 sketchbook. Pen & ink. © Sue Pownall 2011

Roses on the table. A6 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

The vase of roses also count as my first Everyday Matters challenges in a while: No. 76 draw some flowers with No.293 draw something made of glass.

SOLD

2011-06-28T03:35:00.002+01:00

Darragh's House. Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

Within 3 hours of posting my latest drawing on FB, it was sold!

Edit: FB was only the place where the image was seen and was not instrumental in the sale.

Decay

2011-06-27T04:01:00.000+01:00

Darragh's House. Pen & ink. 320 x 200mm. © Sue Pownall 2011

Here is another of my decay series; this time a house in Scotland. I finished it on Saturday.

Original photo by and used with permission from: D Flanagan.

From the sketchbooks.

2011-06-25T08:45:00.000+01:00

Ali. Pencil, A6 sketchbook © Sue Pownall 2011

I'm currently working on 2 pen & ink drawings and so haven't posted for a while. Also, I'm trying to limit my computer time as it seems to aggravate my neck problems (so sorry everyone whose blogs I haven't seen nor commentated on). However, following a colleague asking when I was posting next I thought I should post the sketches I have done recently.

Above - my student Ali working.

Below - 3 sketches from a dhow trip last weekend. I used pencil for a change in A5 sketchbook.

Fyi the top deck of dhow, where I sketched, photo by M Thomson.

Finally below, from an expat band's performance. Ink in A6.

btw I wrote this on Wednesday, but due to a problem with blogger I couldn't upload the images and then have had a busy weekend. Sorry for the delay.

Enlivening the canvas

2011-06-10T04:51:00.000+01:00

Qatari Magazine Woman Today June 2011. Front cover mention & 3 page spread.

Back in March I got talking to a reporter at an International Women's Day event here in Doha. Shortly afterwards she contacted me wishing to do an article on my art and then at the beginning of April we met. I was very embarrassed to have my photo taken by the staff photographer in a local coffee shop and then felt like I stuttered through the interview. Whilst I talk about myself and my art here, in quite a personal way, face-to-face was a new experience. After a two month wait, it appeared in the new edition of the magazine yesterday.

My name is on the cover!

Due to copyright, I have made a collage of the 3 page article, but here is the link if you want to read it.

Woman Today June 2011

FYI some of the English in the quotes is not how I said it, and a few facts are off. Journalistic licence with the title too as I don't use canvas, but overall I'm really pleased with it. Well who wouldn't be? - a three page spread and my name on the cover.

Seemed to have cracked this PR thing, now if I could only get some commissions and I'll be over the moon.

If you do want to commission something, maybe a building, a landscape, or something else, please use the contact form at the top of this blog.

IF Shadows

2011-06-09T14:30:00.000+01:00

Self-portrait: Pain. Watercolour 240 x 320mm. ©Sue Pownall

When I received this week's Illustration Friday prompt of shadows, I knew instantly what I wanted to do: this self-portrait. It is how I have felt for months now as I live with the shadows of constant headaches and pain, which I have recently found out is due to cervical spondylosis trapping nerves.

btw this portrait is also for Mimi of mimitabby.com who suggested I paint a portrait a while ago. I'm not sure this is what she expected.

btw2 I cannot get a better photo of the painting. It is actually darker in the hair and the shadows, which are Payne's Grey and the paper is white.

Doha SketchCrawl plus.

2011-06-08T12:02:00.000+01:00

Pencil in A5 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Last Saturday I arranged another Doha SketchCrawl. On the day we lost four sketchers; one due to a flood in their apartment, the other had to work, one was in hospital (get well soon Maria), and one got time/places confused. However, two new women turned up, plus a friend and myself, at the meeting point - Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Note to self, catch up with friends before I'm due to start sketching, as my friend and I did a big catch up and little drawing.We wandered around the upper-galleries, which I hadn't visited before, then stopped in the last gallery to draw this example of armour.

View from MIA.

Abandoned view

Going back downstairs I wanted to draw the heavy machinery working on the new museum park. Not concentrating and feeling bad after the physio I'd had earlier, I didn't scale nor compose it properly and gave up. Meeting up with the other ladies for a show and tell, they put my friend and I to shame with the number of sketches they had done. ho hum

Thank you everyone for showing concern over my health. So far I have had 3 physio sessions, but they are not offering any relief, in fact seem to be aggravating things. Currently, I'm on sick leave (again) trying to rest and see if that helps things. However, when I was in physio, I sketched the pillows in front of me - all I could see while strapped to a machine.

On the 1st, I went to a fabulous concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra with the conductor/violinist Salvatore Accardo playing Beethoven, Vivaldi & Rossini. Magical. I sketched a little but it was too dark and the music too good to do anything but listen.

Pen & ink in A6 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Finally, another musical sketch from when I was the first to arrive to meet some friends, so drew the piano.

Pen & ink in A6 sketchbook. © Sue Pownall 2011

Trees for Life Charity fundraiser.

2011-06-03T06:34:00.000+01:00

The President's Tree, pen & ink, 160 x 230mm © Sue Pownall 2011

This drawing has been done for the Trees for Life charity exhibition.

Trevor Jones explains all about it.

"Through the magic of Twitter and other social media tools, artists from around the world are coming together to create beautiful artworks inspired by their own natural environment. Each signed, original artwork will sell for £45 with every artist very generously donating 100% of the sales to the award winning Scottish charity Trees for Life!

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. With only 1% of the original Caledonian forest remaining it's crucial we do all that we can to help Trees for Life with their mission. This year Trees for Life aims to plant its one millionth tree! This would be an amazing achievement and we want to help make this a reality by raising £10 000 through this exhibition."

You can visit my contribution here. All pictures are for sale on the website and at the November exhibition: 1 - 13 November. Out of the Blue. Edinburgh

This is the 3rd time I have drawn this tree. It gets its title from the original sketch, whilst in Khartoum (below), and the story, which you can read in this post Moved on by the police!!!

On location sketch of the President's tree.

Next, I used the sketch combined with some photos to produce a finished piece (below), which was exhibited in Muscat last December. Here is the post on the Muscat exhibition.

Khartoum Chai Ladies, Pen & ink 200x400mm ©Sue Pownall 2010.

Looking at the three pieces I notice the changes in the tree. Can you?

Off to sea...

2011-05-28T08:03:00.000+01:00

MIA from Dhow © Sue Pownall 2011

aka not motivated to finish a drawing.

Dhow harbour, Doha. © Sue Pownall 2011

Yesterday, despite a huge art list of things I wanted to complete and start, I was not inclined to do anything and did not have any self-discipline. A last minute text message had me running away to sea, just for the afternoon, on a dhow. Despite the high temperatures there was a lovely breeze, so it was a great way to spend the afternoon.

Sunbathers in A5 sketchbook.

I tried to sketch some peps up on deck but they were all too young & active and would not stay in one place for long, so I abandoned my sketchbook.

Fun © Sue Pownall 2011

Dhows at Dusk © Sue Pownall 2011

Out of the handbag II

2011-05-23T19:26:00.001+01:00

Ladies waiting and guys studying A6 sketchbook.

I realised that I haven't posted anything from my A6 sketchbook for a while, so above are sketches done during recent exams and from the ladies waiting room at the hospital.

Personal stuff:
Thank you to everyone who has sent me best wishes with my continuous headaches. I have a new doctor, a neuro-surgeon who wanted to find the cause rather than treat symptoms like last doc. So, I had another eye test, fine, then a very scary CAT scan, all clear. However, a spinal x-ray has show a problem with my neck. I am currently typing this wearing a neck-brace and have to have physio, in the form of traction ugh. I have been wearing the brace just a day and I have not had a single sign of a headache :D

In the news!

2011-05-19T10:58:00.000+01:00

Gulf Times, Time Out section, 18 May 2011

Detail from article. Gulf Times 18 May '11

Yesterday, my interview for the Gulf Times appeared in the paper. Originally, it was only supposed to be a few column inches, but to my amazement I was on the cover of the Time Out section as the cover story, and then there was a double page spread inside.

Detail from Section Cover. Gulf Times 18 May '11

To say I was/am amazed by such a big spread is an understatement. The lovely journalist, Usha Desai, has written the article so well, I want to publicly say thank you to her. Usha contacted me after seeing a forum post about my SketchCrawl raising funds for Japan, if you missed the post it's here.

Gulf Times caption says: Sue Pownall and fellow sketchers show off their drawings outside a cafe on the Corniche during the benefit drawing marathon for Japan organised last month.

You can read the interview from this link:
http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/streams/2011/5/18/2_435413_1_255.pdf

Finally, to quote artist Jenni Eden:

"See how the universe opens up such wonderful opportunities when you start concentrating on what you love!!"

I don't think Jenni is wrong.

Hot, hot, hot

2011-05-14T08:01:00.000+01:00

Small Boab tree, A5 sketchbook, ©Sue Pownall 2011

Summer has arrived in the Gulf, and according to my taxi driver - and they are the people who know - midday yesterday was 46°C. However, when I ventured out after 4pm it had cooled to 42°C, but that was still too hot to sketch outside, so I went to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). It is a beautiful building, and I have posted photos of it before like this one over on my other blog.

Beautiful architectural detail inside MIA.

I went specifically for the special exhibition The Golden Age of Dutch Painting, which finishes 6th June, and it was amazing to stand less than a metre away from Rembrandt portraits and other great paintings. After I'd admired the paintings, I sat in the gloomy exhibition hall and sketched the other visitors viewing the paintings.

Next, I investigated a couple of the exhibit rooms, heading first to the calligraphy, but then headed outside to warm up. Note: Aircon is set to freezing here, so you need jumpers inside. Mathaf: Arab museum of modern art, has an extension building near MIA, so I walked across the garden to it. Amazingly, the temperature had dropped outside and when I spotted a beautifully architectural Boab tree I had to quickly record it - quickly because it was now sunset, and the cool was relative, so I couldn't stay outside too long. I love the looseness of my painting above and I am so looking forward to getting to Cuba (94 days according to the counter above) with its Caribbean colours and vegetation.

Boab

The Al-Riwaq Art Space looks like an aircraft hanger outside and is disparate against the beautiful gardens and building of MIA, however it has a great internal space for the two exhibitions told/untold/retold and interventions, both finishing at the end of this month. I am not a fan of video installations, however Sadik Kwaish Alfraji's made me stop, sit down and watch it. Also, I finally saw the installation by Lamia Joreige, whose talk I went to back in March, which I also liked and understood more for having attended the talk.

MIA from Al-Riwaq Art Space.

What a fabulous arty day, both for viewing and creating, I need more days like this in my life!

Exhibiting on a train - the event photos

2011-05-11T14:35:00.000+01:00

Khalifa's House Gate on display on the Trans-Siberian train.

Last month, I wrote that my drawing Khalifa's House Gate was being displayed on the Trans-Siberian train in carriage 9 for its six-day journey from Moscow to Beijing. I have just received the photographs of the event and wanted to share them.

The Trans-Siberian train on route to Beijing.

Admiring my drawing perhaps?

All images courtesy of KITCHEN projects, 2011

Secret Garden

2011-05-07T17:44:00.000+01:00

Apart from a few tweeks here and there, this is now finished. Thank you everyone who made suggestions whilst it was still a work in progress and I was a little lost. This piece is a lot darker than my normal work, I wonder if that's due to my health. Below are some of the stages it went through to end up like this.

This drawing is for sale for $400 framed plus worldwide shipping. Paypal is used for payment.

Despatched normally within 14/21 days of receipt. Please contact me using the CONTACT tab above.

Still a WIP

2011-05-05T14:12:00.001+01:00

I have been suffering from lack of sleep and constant headaches for months now, this is my reason for not working on anything other than sketches. Despite new glasses, and wearing them while drawing, I am finding the headaches do not allow me to concentrate on the detail my work needs. However, yesterday I was interviewed by a local newspaper about my organisation of SketchCrawl here in Doha, and in the evening, looking at Secret Garden hanging neglected on the wall I started working it up some more. I worked on and off for about an hour and half before I had to give up. However, it is a stage nearer completion. The left shrub needs strengthening a little... BUT I still need to decide whether to add a tone to the wall and if so, to all of it or with a vignette approach. OR to leave it as it is. What do you think?

Gulf Jazz

2011-05-03T23:30:00.001+01:00

Light & movement.

Last Saturday, some friends and I went to the Gulf Jazz Festival held here in Doha. Although, it was very dark in the Grand Hyatt's ballroom I was determined to sketch: I've loved trying to draw musicians since the concerts in Turin last winter. First off I drew the stage before the first act started. Then, trying a new sketching technique I've got from the fabulous watercolourist Kris Wiltse, her sketchbook is here, I painted the musicians from the first act directly in watercolour without drawing first. Also they were painted without being able to see what I was doing either. The organisers used a blue and a yellow spotlight, hence the paint choice (see photo). In the second act I was listening to the music, when I realised the saxophonist was standing in the empty space of my first sketch, so I drew him in.

Simply Sharjah Shots

2011-05-03T13:35:00.000+01:00

Sky over Sharjah.

Carved Door.

Sharjah Corniche.

Carpets.

Above are some of the photos from my recent weekend in Sharjah, UAE. Finally below, not a great shot but one of my favourite stolen moments.

Laughter

Watching the Royal wedding

2011-04-29T15:56:00.003+01:00

Here in Doha this afternoon, I went to a wedding lunch at a new friend's apartment. I sketched this just as Princes William and Harry arrived at Westminster Abbey. This was drawn in pencil with the watercolour added at home later.

I didn't sketch after this as the afternoon was taken up with watching the wedding, chatting to new friends, eating cucumber sandwiches (without crusts), scones & cream, and full turkey dinner along with supping champagne to toast the royal couple.

Sharjah Biennial

2011-04-25T19:07:00.000+01:00

Reminded that Sharjah's Art Biennial was on and inspired to go by Omar Jaramillo's post Sharjah on his fabulous blog Omar Paint I booked a flight to UAE. I reached my hotel room as Friday prayers were taking place in the mosque opposite and I was amazed at how many people were listening to the cleric: he must be very good. Check out the photo below, which shows people stretched across the road in order to be at that particular mosque.

Click to enlarge and see cars driving around the Sharjah worshippers.

Initial lines of mosque

I grabbed my sketchbook for my 2nd sketch of the day as I wanted to capture the masses, even though I was looking down on them from the 14th floor. The small pic right shows how little of the mosque I drew in initially, hence the squiffy perspective when I tried to complete it later, as I concentrated on the rows of people and outlining parked cars. I took a few photos as I knew I did not have long to capture the scene, but managed to finish the people before prayers ended. I then drew the rest of the mosque. I intended to add watercolour later, but changed rooms due to the noisy (young children) in the adjoining room. I'm happy with it without the colour.

In true urban sketchers fashion, my first sketch of the day had been at Doha airport as I waited for my flight in Coffee Beanery. I was attracted to a family sitting across from me. It was only as I was sketching the lady on the right, as the last of the figures in the group, that I realised that she had a child asleep on her lap. Sketching really does allow us to see the world and live in it rather than just move through it oblivious to what is going on around us. After the family, a Qatari guy sat down with his OJ and newspaper, so I just had to sketch him too.

Being Friday, I had a rest after the mosque sketch and waited for the Sharjah museums to open at 4pm before I could I head out to explore. Sharjah is a very visitor-friendly city being small and easy to walk around, although the heat makes it difficult (Saturday morning was 36°c at 10am). Gaining a great guidebook to the Biennial at Sharjah Art Museum I wandered around a lot of the 10 Biennial sites absorbing the art. I am not a great fan of video installations, possibly because I am too impatient to watch for long, however throughout the sites were Judith Barry's Cairo stories, which were very watchable narratives. In the Sharjah Art museum, I was pleased to see that the Orientalist collection had not been removed for the event and got to see the wonderful lithographs of David Roberts and John Keppie's watercolours among others.

Arriving at the Heritage area, I was pleased but surprised to see the Heritage Days event (similar to the Muscat Festival) was still on. All posters and flags said it finished on the 18th and as it was the 22nd I expected it to be over. I tried to draw some of the people, but I gathered crowds watching me, as 1 of only 4 non-locals there perform - maybe I was on the program? When some musicians and dancers started to perform I abandoned the sketch and drew them instead, again with a vast crowd of onlookers. From the Heritage Days, I thought it was time to head back to the hotel and walked along the Corniche, which was quite pretty if you ignored the port on the other side of the creek, but there was a strong oil smell, so I crossed back into the city to wander through the streets. I got back to the hotel just before 8pm tired from the unaccustomed walking, pleased with my sketches and sated from the glut of art and culture.

The following morning, I headed back out after a nice buffet breakfast to find the Calligraphy museum. I walked miles out of my way and was aided by a Yemeni young man to the museum. Unfortunately, unlike the Orientalists, all calligraphy had been removed for the duration of the Bieannial. I found an interesting old school, now a museum, and an old house (Bait Al Naboodah), which had belonged to a pearl merchant, to visit, and I also saw some more of the Biennial and the souqs. On setting out in the morning, I had intended to do some watercolours however, as mentioned above, it was too hot to stop for long even in the shade and I did not do any quick pen sketches either. I did take quite a few photos though, but will save them for another post.

Exhibiting on a train!

2011-04-22T05:05:00.000+01:00

The train, with the Trans-Siberian Art Centre in carriage 9, sets off in 4 days going from Moscow to Beijing. This 6 day train journey is to support and promote new emerging art internationally. As you can see from the poster above (click to see larger view), I am one of 150 artists from over 20 countries exhibiting one of my drawings postcard sized.

The Khalifa's House Gate, is the one being displayed. Wish I could go and see it.

For further information on the event click here.

Tom & Michael help Japan

2011-04-18T18:38:00.002+01:00

As I said in my last post, a colleague offered a generous donation for a drawing of his sons. Here is the drawing and I got my donation, although his idea of generous and mine are very different. Oh well, all for a good cause.

The final total I raised here in Doha to help Japan, with a lot of help from my friends and colleagues, thank you, thank you, thank you, is:

Donations from SketchCrawl participants (330 Qatari Rial) $90
From colleague sponsorship & drawing above ( 1,370 QR) $376
Total = $466

Edit: Just sent the money. 19th April.

31st WW SketchCrawl Doha: Japan Benefit

2011-04-16T04:53:00.002+01:00

A selection of photos from the Doha SketchCrawl

Enrico Casarosa, who established the Worldwide SketchCrawl, suggested that this weekend's event should be a benefit drawing marathon for Japan. Here in Doha, I arranged an event for the day before as some people work on Saturday, including several of my architect friends - for most of us our weekend is Friday/Saturday. After setting up an event on facebook, I then posted it on some event forums, plus put up and/or mailed flyers around the city and posted here. I suggested a minimum donation to join in as it seem that many people here have already given to various charities helping Japan.

I have donated through the charity shelterbox, who provide emergency boxes, with each box supplying an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. Please check out their website. They are also in UK, shelterbox.org, and you can read reports about their work in Japan on both sites.

Enrico suggested us crawlers collect sponsorship, so I printed out some forms and asked my colleagues at work. Some gave a fixed amount whilst others offered to pay a per picture amount, motivation to draw lots on the day, however the storms of the previous days made drawing loads doubtful. One colleague took a form into his classroom and got some incredible amounts pledged. Yet another colleague asked me to draw a picture of his sons for “a large donation”. Whilst, I find pencil drawings a bit flat and boring, I of course started the drawing that night. It is still a work in progress (above) but will be finished before work on Sunday.

Friday arrived and it was pouring with rain. Here in the Gulf, in April, it is an unusual phenomenon, and we have had storms on and off for the last few days. I don't have an umbrella, so began to wonder how to draw and keep both me and my sketchbook dry. Our meeting point was the Atrium Lounge café at the Sheraton and I arrived early to get my first sketch done and to worry if anyone else would come out in the rain.

At 12.30, start time, S called to say he was on the way and arrived a little later with 2 others, and before them 3 of my good friends turned up. Drinking teas and coffees, which the lovely café staff brought with big smiles, we drew each other, hotel things, even the biscuits which came with the drinks.

We stayed there in case anyone else was going to show up and until we were out of inspiration, but it was only the 7 of us when we moved about 2.30.

Outside it was still raining and very windy, so a plan B was quickly hatched. Jumping into the cars we went to a local's cafe at the other end of the Corniche and secured a table outside, but under a straw awning. Sketching recommenced whilst more teas and coffees were drunk and some shisha (hubbly bubbly pipes) smoked. At one point, an Omani sat at the next table with his friends asked to be drawn so F & I obliged and then gave him the drawings in exchange for a donation to our drawing fund.

Khamis with Khamis by F

omg do I really pull such faces when drawing

Finally, around 5, we posed with our sketchbooks and said our goodbyes, promising to sketch together again soon. I hope so as it was a lovely afternoon, although tiring from the concentration of drawing so much.

31st WW SkC - Doha Sketchers

Thank you all for turning up and making it a successful afternoon. Our donation envelope held 330 Qatari Rial, about $90 at the end of the day. My sponsorship and the amount for the pencil sketch are still to be collected.

Edit: A map of all the 31st SketchCrawls that took place and their results (currently a work in progress as the results come in)

View 31th World Wide SketchCrawl in a larger map

ta da working again

2011-04-10T18:37:00.000+01:00

WIP: Secret Garden.

WIP: Storm over Beirut II

Despite arranging the Doha WorldWide SketchCrawl (this Friday 15th), meeting journalists for interviews, arranging to see potential clients for commissions and everything else that has to be done, I have started drawing again. ta da

The three WIP on the wall are progressing and I have decided that comfort eating doesn't help, but drawing gnarly trees is perfect.

btw on a technical note: I have gone back to using Rotring pens after buying some in Beirut last month. Let's see if they replace my favourite Staedtler Pigment Liners. So far, the ink is definitely blacker but the 0.1 nib is wider, why?

THREE WIPs with Secret Garden in the centre.

IF Duet

2011-04-05T13:27:00.000+01:00

I know, I know, you are wondering how I got from this week's Illustration Friday prompt of duet to an illustration of dead roses. Well, the thought process went something like this...

Duet - oh cool - music, singers, dancers, flamenco, er.... pause. Then I saw Susan Sorrell Hill's duet entry where she wrote about renewal, spring, cycle of life. Here we don't get the obvious signs of spring, and my thoughts went to the end of the cycle - death, dying, dead flowers.

Perfectly sensible entry now that's clear, isn't it?

I apologise for the blueish cast, I can't get the colour correction right.

31st WW SketchCrawl Doha - raising funds for Japan

2011-04-04T15:02:00.000+01:00

Due to some people only having Friday off in Qatar, I'm planning this event to start after Friday prayers. We are meeting in the Atrium Lounge, Sheraton Hotel and will sketch our way along the Corniche to the Museum of Islamic Arts' coffee shop. However, you can join us at any point. A suggested minimum donation per artist/photographer/watcher is 20QR, but you can donate as much as you like. All money will be donated through Artists Help Japan through http://give2asia.org/artistshelp . I have set up a FB event if you would like to contact me.

I'm a winner.

2011-04-03T14:16:00.000+01:00

I've just heard that I have won Susan Sorrell Hill's anniversary give away, which is a print of her beautiful painting Inner Vision. woo hoo.

The post with the painting is on Susan's blog Dream & Vision here.
Susan's website with more of her fabulous work can be found at www.susansorrellhill.com

Thank you Susan for having the competition and choosing my name from the hat.

Slumped

2011-04-02T16:15:00.000+01:00

WIP: Secret garden 2nd April

Works in NON progress for last 2 weeks.

The struggle continues, I've not even been sketching, however today I forced myself to work on Secret Garden. Bored now. Unmotivated.

A positive: I have updated my book Portraits of Khartoum with new improved cleaner pictures AND a price reduction. Why not order yourself a copy?

IF Toy

2011-03-26T17:44:00.000Z

I'm reposting a drawing from last summer for this week's Illustration Friday as it is one of my favourite drawings I have done.

In a rut

2011-03-25T17:49:00.000Z

I am currently in a rut. I know what I want to draw and have 2 drawings with their pencil outlines started and tacked to the wall, but do not have the motivation to continue either of them. I'm blaming being sick this last week, although I'm feeling 90% better now. As a motivator, and because the weather is perfect at the moment, I took a late afternoon walk along the length of the Corniche, which I haven't done before. My sketchbook remained in my bag, but I took lots of photos. Here are some of them:

Icebergs

2011-03-19T12:00:00.002Z

Things have been going well recently from my fabulous featured artist spot on art is fun, to my inclusion in the Blog Art Exhibition (see below), and an upcoming interview for a Qatari magazine, which wishes to feature me and my art. Luckily, I have a friend who grounds me. Thursday, I worked on the study above and left it after putting in the sky and the first tones of the sea, leaving rocks unpainted. Friday, said friend pops round and asks "What's this... icebergs?".

That aside, I don't normally need to do studies for the pen & ink work I do as I can see the finished drawing in my head and know how to execute it (although of course it goes through revision as I work on it). However, painting is another matter. I knew I wanted to paint this scene and I have at least two more versions floating around my head. This one has not come out as I intended due to several factors, wrong weight paper being one - I know a poor workwoman blames her tools, but mainly due to my lack of practice and a preference for acrylics, which are unfortunately in Italy. I do like the painterly style, but... I apologise for the poor quality of the copy, I have been ill and didn't want to walk down to the copyshop to scan it.

My part in the Blog Art Exhibition started Friday over on Trade your Talent. It is another focus on my Africa work and sketches, so I guess I need to go back soon as it has been so lucky for me. I'd like to thank Martin of Kalafull for having the faith in my work to invite me to participate in the Muscat exhibition, which led to the finished pieces. Please pop over and check out the exhibition. Thanks Susanna for organising it.

Finally, if you want to receive regular updates on my art, why not like my facebook page? It's here.

Trade Your Talent's blog exhibition spring 2011

2011-03-14T12:48:00.000Z

This is a great exhibition opportunity being hosted by Trade Your Talent. It’s worth checking out if you’d like to have your work seen by an international audience, so just click the link to view the exhibition information. I'm in, so keep an eye out for my work there soon.

Thanks to Susan Sorrell Hill of Dream & Vision for sharing this information.

Is sketching an addiction?

2011-03-13T13:36:00.002Z

Sketching in Le Rouge, Beirut a photo by travelingsuep on Flickr.

In Le Rouge, my friends chatted and I sketched the Lebanese customers whilst we waited for our food.. Got to love paper place mats!

An experiment

2011-03-08T19:09:00.000Z

WIP Reflection for After the rain.

Having lived in Doha for a while now, I felt I needed to do something more than sketches from here, so back in February I started fiddling with this drawing. It is an experiment based on the idea for the blue ink, which I haven't attempted yet. Initially I was going to ink the sky blue to balance the water but the problem is we don't, generally, have clouds here in Doha and I wanted a vignette effect. I did the reflection first as it was the most scary part. I've been staring at it untouched for nearly 2 weeks now and although I haven't signed it I am counting it as finished - for now.

What do you think, is it finished? Do you think the mix of styles works?

Finally, I want to apologise to everyone who's work I follow regularly, and to
those I pop into for not visiting your blogs recently. I am now limiting my internet time in order to focus on producing finished artwork and to promote myself. For example, I now have a facebook page specifically for finished artwork, which is updated regularly. I will try and visit everyone at least once a week, and please forgive me this neglect. Thank you for your understanding.

Mood

2011-03-06T12:53:00.000Z

Beauty & the frizz.

2011-03-04T11:24:00.000Z

Qatar is tough on beauty! As the water is desalinated hair rapidly takes on the quality of a brillopad (scouring pad), especially if, like me, you have curly hair. Add to that the constant dust,AC, and heat and you have a recipe for beauty disaster. Being in a new country and shy of hairdressers, who always cut too much off, I haven't had a hair cut here since I left UK in September. Furthermore, I don't have a car and would have to rely on taxis to take me to the out-of-the way salons which were recommended to me as a counter to the "omg how much?" hotel salons. However, yesterday I could not stand the frizz any longer and went around the corner to the local Filipino salon, where, naturally all the length of my hair was removed along with some of the frizz.

Whilst waiting for my turn, I sketched two of the Filipino pedicurists working on their clients. All the beauticians wear masks as a left over from the H1N1 scare of the other year. Due to this, I found these portraits interesting to draw and was disappointed when I was called for my haircut.

Pots, animals and smoke.

2011-02-26T10:06:00.002Z

Yesterday, with friends I went to visit a Qatari farm. Naturally, I had my sketch book with me and whilst people chatted around me I drew a couple of the pots.

Earlier in the week, I was early to meet friends at Kempinski's bar, so whilst I sat in an alcove I sketched a man sitting on a bar stool smoking. As you can see, he finished smoking before I finished drawing that arm and he didn't smoke another until after my friends arrived.

FEATURED ARTIST!!!!!

2011-02-25T06:45:00.002Z

www.art-is-fun.com

Artist Thaneeya McArdle created the website art is fun in order to share her enthusiasm for art, while spreading useful and valuable knowledge. I have had the privilege of being chosen by her to be a featured artist because of my pen and ink work. You can view the page by clicking this link:

Pen and Ink Artwork by Sue Pownall: Realistic Ink Drawings from Around the World

Please also check out Thaneeya's fabulous artwork on her site: www.thaneeya.com

A struggle

2011-02-13T11:15:00.002Z

This piece, which I finally finished Saturday, was the piece I started at the beginning of the year and boy have I struggled with it. For such a simple subject matter it has given me a huge headache. I guess because I knew exactly how I wanted it to be.

I must give a BIG THANK YOU to Cathy Holtom of Down a dusty lane as she provided me with some fabulous reference photos for the rope. The little bit of rope tired to the window bar, such a little detail in the whole drawing, has been the reason the drawing stalled. After receiving the photos from Cathy I amalgamated two of them a drew in the rope in pencil, then got scared, and stopped work on it. It then remained tacked on the wall for a long time. Earlier this week, I inked it in and drawing resumed albeit slowly. On top of this mental drawing block, the paper, which is a little old, but has worked fine with the last few A3 drawings, has begun to degrade. This degradation has led to clogging nibs and ink spots. Good job the subject could take them.

Finally, a question: Does it count as urban decay if it has always looked like that?

IF Sweater

2011-02-12T15:30:00.000Z

After giving myself a headache with the joint concentration of finishing a pen and ink drawing and using new glasses, which are too strong, I thought I would have some fun. I have an idea for a drawing, which needs some blue ink, so after buying the blue I wanted plus some yellow, I sat down to draw my discarded jumper (UK for sweater). For the first version I drew directly on watercolour paper with an ink pen. Then I used a brush to slosh the coloured inks on mixing on the paper. I wasn't sure I liked how the paper soaked up the ink, so I did version 2 without any pre-drawing on smooth drawing paper.

In case you can't recognise it as a sweater, here is a photo.

I'm not sure which version I prefer, so I posted them both. What do you think?

ART OF A NOMAD

Sketching Muscat Festival 2012 II

Sketching Muscat Festival 2012

Chinese New Year 2012: Year of the Dragon

34th WW SketchCrawl - Muscat

Kite fliers

Resolution review and revision 2012

Birthday Ballet

Not a Christmas tree...

Painting Oman

Juried in!

Long weekends are about art!

On the trail of a nomad.

Mini adventure to Scotland

"£5135 and counting ... We've raised so much money already so thanks again to all of you."

Eros

Cuban Scenes - Available now!

WoOZ

Showcasing my work

Busy, busy, busy

Doha doodles

Fabulous opportunity.

Sketching Trinidad in Cuba

Painting in the Vale de Viñales II

Tattooed lady

Cuban Transport

Painting in the Vale de Viñales. Part I

Havana in sketches

Sneak peak

Cuba here I come!

Out of the handbag III (UK)

Sketchday II

The 6x6 Summer Blog Tour

Isabella

Scottish connections

Putrescence

My seven links.

Decay series: Ruins 2 & 3

Celebrating my sale.

SOLD

Decay

From the sketchbooks.

Enlivening the canvas

Qatari Magazine Woman Today June 2011. Front cover mention & 3 page spread.

IF Shadows

Doha SketchCrawl plus.

Trees for Life Charity fundraiser.

Off to sea...

Out of the handbag II

In the news!

Hot, hot, hot

Exhibiting on a train - the event photos

Secret Garden

Still a WIP

Gulf Jazz

Simply Sharjah Shots

Watching the Royal wedding

Sharjah Biennial

Exhibiting on a train!

Tom & Michael help Japan

31st WW SketchCrawl Doha: Japan Benefit

ta da working again

IF Duet

31st WW SketchCrawl Doha - raising funds for Japan

I'm a winner.

Slumped

IF Toy

In a rut

Icebergs

Trade Your Talent's blog exhibition spring 2011

Is sketching an addiction?

An experiment

Mood

Beauty & the frizz.

Pots, animals and smoke.

FEATURED ARTIST!!!!!

A struggle

A Saiq window. Pen & ink 260x 260 mm. ©Sue Pownall 2011

IF Sweater

Sweater II. W&N Calligraphy ink on drawing paper. 290 x 210mm. ©Sue Pownall 2011