Fanja revisited

Fanja Revisited, 330 x 240 mm, Pen & ink.© Sue Pownall 2012

I was asked to produce a new drawing of this by Bait Muzna Gallery when I took them my portfolio. As I've drawn this subject before and from the same reference photo I had to make some changes to the new version. It was initially quite a challenge, but then I realised my drawing style has altered, developed since the first drawing in 2008 (below), and I am more interpretive rather than literal of my subjects now. Once I had the basic drawing done and the light source decided the tonal work was done without the reference. I think it has worked well. I was a bit reluctant to draw more ruins, especially as my head (and reference folder) is full of portraits I want to do, however I enjoyed this one more than On Guard.

Fanja Fort, Pen & ink.© Sue Pownall 2008

Conference Notes

With Yuthar Al Rawahy, founder and chair of NACA

Last week I went to a conference to help with my day job. Think I didn't pay that much attention as here are my notes for the 2 days.

Delegates pre-conference at SQU. A6 sketchbook

J Harmer's plenary at SQU

The top photo was taken yesterday, as I gave the NACA the money raised at Sketch Muscat. I'm very embarrassed as I just wanted to give them the donation.

On Guard

On Guard. 330 x 240 mm, Pen & ink.© Sue Pownall 2012

As a break from the Scottish ruins, here's one from Oman. 

I don't think it's one of my best drawings. What do you think?

Sketch Muscat for NACA

Merchant House on Mutrah Corniche, A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

After arranging to raise funds for Japan's Tsunami relief last year, I decided to do something annually choosing a different charity each time. So this year, I organised Sketch Muscat in order to raise funds for Oman's National Association of Cancer Awareness. I chose a cancer charity as I have a friend who is going through treatment for breast cancer and it is partially due to her awareness and quick action (& good medical treatment) that she has recently received an all-clear.

Sketch Muscat took place on Thursday, a week before the 35th Worldwide SketchCrawl as I have to go to a work conference then, but was based on the SketchCrawl concept. You can read more about SketchCrawl here. The meeting point was the Cornich Cafe next to Mutrah Souq and after drawing in and around the souq area, we then worked our way along the Corniche. Our final sketches were made near the Al Rasood Al-Azam mosque. It is something I have always wanted to draw, but after an unsuccessful morning (drawing-wise) I chose to draw the old French merchant building next to it. I will return another day to attempt it.

After starting this post with my last sketch, here are the others. 

First a 5 minute sketch whilst waiting for hte Cornich Cafe to open, drawn from the stairs.

A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

 Then I drew the view from the table. My perspective and scale was diabolical, so I added strong watercolours in an attempt to disguise it.

A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

 Feeling disheartened with my beloved pen, I switched to pencil for this portrait of Ibrahim working on his first sketch.

A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

 Next, I drew inside the souq. Aziz, one of the sketchcrawling photographers (3 joined us at various times) took some photos, mainly of me sketching. I think I'll add colour to this sketch one day, although I'm concerned the shoe salesman may fall over backwards.

A5 sketchbook ©Sue Pownall 2012

Me by Aziz

 As we left the souq, our two youngest sketchers joined us, brought by their father of course, who is the photographer Ahmed S Al-Harthy.  Here is his website.

The young sketchers hard at work.

Sulaiman and his flying fish.

Finally, four of us posed with our sketchbooks before heading out of the heat and treating ourselves to a well-deserved juice.

 I'm still hoping to collect a few more rials, but this morning's total was 166 Omani Rials/ $431 /£270, which I shall take the the NACA office in a few days time.

Thank you everyone who turned up and to those who contributed too.

Finally, this was in the Omani press yesterday saying I was the organiser, a member of OSFA, and other stuff.

I was interviewed for the Times of Oman too, so hope to see that tomorrow.

Still Celebrating

Still celebrating. 240 x 330mm, Pen & ink. ©Sue Pownall 2012

On November 18th, 2010 Omanis celebrated the 40th National Day of HM Sultan Qaboos rule. HM Sultan Qaboos came to power on July 23 1970, but the Oman National Day is celebrated on 

November 18, which is his birthday. 

I took the reference shot for this portrait at this year's Muscat Festival, 

however the musar (head-dress) was sewn for the 40th commeration. 

The Arabic for forty is ٤٠ The numbers are upside down due to the way he has tied it.

*****

Something else that is still being celebrated:

Last Wednesday I met the art director of Bait Muzna Gallery here in Oman as she requested to see my portfolio. I expected some guidance on my drawings and what I should do, but instead I am to be one of the gallery's artists!!! All four of my Festival Faces portraits along with 6 other drawings are now for sale through them. Plus, I have a list of drawings they want me to do. 

I think I will be celebrating this success a while longer.