Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Gord WIP Not Sure Yet if This is a Finish??

Have you ever had one of those days when your mind doesn't want to take a break and for some reason logic waits to step in and make it stop?  LOL  Well, that is how my day went this morning while working on this drawing.  I've spent most of the last week reworking areas of this composition.  First, the minute area of the shirt at the bottom between the hands was smoothed in.  Unfortunately, it seemed to pattern ridden.  The variations were true to the photo but did not translate well in graphite.  Another drawing session was needed to correct the problem.  Then with the appearance of the dark cast shadows, the hands had a look of being washed out.  Next session was dedicated to correcting that problem.  Finally, the background made its appearance.  Again, the hands needed to be darkened in the shadows... Ugh!   Now, I believe everything is semi cohesive... Or is it??

The background is threatening to be a little blah... at least in my opinion.  In the reference photo, there is dark embroidery of a name on the shirt behind Gord.  I made the decision to omit it from the drawing.  My apprehension was that it would distract from the central focus of the drawing.   My mind is still telling me that it very well might.  But for some odd reason, the adventurous photo realistic side of my brain is wondering how the composition would look if the letters made an appearance.  It made me nearly crazy this morning while thinking about it.  Then, it occurred to me that maybe this doesn't have to be my problem.  After all, this drawing was a request from my son.  So as far as I'm concerned, the decision is in his lap.  Whew!   



After walking away from the drawing board completely frazzled in the head, I went out to do some serious yard work.  Believe it or not, we are having some unimaginable warm temps for March... with even warmer temps to come at the end of this week!  I take care of a few lawns in the neighborhood and thought that today would be great for raking up the leaves.  Plus, the workout would get rid of all the frustration over this piece.  Which was a win - win in my book! ;)

Oh... and I have to add, this photo was taken with my old digital camera.  Notice the familiar discoloration  that it picks up from the lights... Yuk!   It occurred to me, while hunting for my new camera, that I had left it on a table at work.  Not the smartest move on my part since that side of the building houses resale items.  Duh!  I raced to the phone to make a quick call and was lucky that it was still there.  My worries weren't so much over the camera but the memory card inside it.  I did back it up a month ago but am sooo happy that it will be safe at home again. :)  Lesson learned on that one!

The next post will reveal the fate of this drawing and a new photo.  I am anxious to hear my son's opinion.  Of course, his Dad will have to throw in his two cents on the subject... I have no doubt! ;)

6 comments:

Andrew said...

It looks pretty finished to me.

Sally Tharpe Rowles said...

This drawing is coming along nicely. So life like! I would say finished but will wait to hear what you decide, after everyone weighs in. Glad you found your camera!

Thanks for leaving such a sweet comment for my granddaughter, Emily. She was thrilled!

Brenda said...

Thanks Andrew... I am glad to hear input from an independent view point. It means a lot. My eyes have been jumping from reference to drawing way too much to be impartial. :)

Brenda said...

Thanks so much Sally for your input. I am having trouble seeing this one and appreciate a fresh perspective on it!

I thoroughly enjoyed viewing Emily's photography and look forward to seeing more of her work. :)

Teresa Mallen said...

Hi Brenda, I usually find lettering to be distracting so I can understand why you chose to edit it out. It will be interesting to read what your son decides. Lettering could add a youthful quality to the piece which might be appropriate. If he doesn't want the lettering, you could always crop the piece lower at the top or you could darken some of the background area to add more contrast - if you feel the background is missing something. I know you will have considered this and I don't like getting advice so feel free to ignore my two cents. LOL.

Brenda said...

Thanks Teresa... Never worry about throwing out ideas at me. This drawing is the first one that has really got my brain working overtime on the composition. I should be happy that it is challenging me in a way. LOL

I can't help but think that the writing on the shirt reminds me so much of my son. It was his Washington DC sweatshirt that I have seen him in numerous times. Maybe that is what bothers me, because it is missing. It is like removing his essence from the drawing in a weird way... and I just see his familiar hands. It is almost an unsettling feeling. I am going to have him look at it tonight. I am interested to see and hear his reactions... minus my thoughts.

Thanks again for your input. It makes me miss drawing class and having constructive feedback. I am constantly and forever a work in progress! :)