I’ve been seeking a change from the black and white of ink drawings — perhaps inspired by all the late season color in the garden? …but also knowing I’ve let watercolor sketching slide for a while. I have mountains to scale in learning about color and before I will feel comfortable; to say it’s humbling is an understatement. Yet the pure beauty of transparent color is irresistible and, for the moment anyway, I’m enjoying having such a steep challenge to sink my teeth into.
3 Jalapeños, 1 ©2017 Elizabeth Fram
What I think I appreciate most is the aspect of walking the very thin line between an illusion of control and recognition that, especially at this early point, results are more reliant upon serendipity than skill. Right now I would say I’m at 25% control, 75% serendipity – and that may be overly generous. But I trust with time and practice I can begin to see the numbers move in the opposite direction.
3 Jalapeños, 2 ©2017 Elizabeth Fram
Charles Reid continues to be my go-to guide. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mother-in-law for introducing me to his work years ago.
What living artist has taught you the most?
3 Jalapeños, 3 © 2017 Elizabeth Fram
These 3 sketches were from yesterday. I learn a lot through repetition and variation. And it’s interesting to see how my feelings about each has changed with a bit of distance and a good night’s sleep. Converting to black and white in Photoshop is also a good learning tool.
While the washes were drying I did the Shibori stitching for 3 small new pieces. Stay tuned for the dyeing results next week.
My bet is the garden vegetables will not be the only things to “ripen” with more color! Love the shadow variations and, yes, fascinating to see it converted to B&W—I’ve never been able to “see” my photographs in anything but color so I’m a big fan of this return of yours!
I’m glad you picked up on the shadows – I’m trying to get more color variation in them. I think the middle one was the most successful in that respect.
Beautiful as always…you have such an eye for color and composition. It’s a lovely sight to behold…
Thanks Adrianna! Nice to get double duty out of recently harvested jalapeños…
Ole!
You don’t give yourself enough credit, these are lovely….
But … I love your ink work also, seeing it encourages me to do more sketching.
Thanks Nancy — I’ll look forward to seeing your sketches on Instagram!
Loving the challenge you are taking. I loved doing my sketches this summer and boy was there a learning curve. Looking forward to getting together to do watercolor sketches. D
“Challenge” and “learning curve” are exactly right — but also what makes it so much fun. I’m hoping you’ll bring back some sketches from Iceland!