Saturday, August 29, 2009

So Long My Dearest Grove


Unfinished American Basswood Grove II

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Early this month when we went to visit my Father-in-Law, on the day we arrived at his house, I entered through the kitchen door. There in front of me was the picture I drew of the American basswood grove which I had given to him as a present. I smiled when I saw it but my attention was soon directed to the most gorgeous color pencil drawing of a red and green bell pepper made by my sister-in-law. She is a terrific artist, a perfectionist! I thought it was a photograph at first. I miss my sister-in-law. She used to live near us and we shared so many interests. We agreed to draw something for each other.
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In the meantime, there I was at my father-in-law's house with my drawing supplies. My sister-in-law and I started talking about ATCs. That's when she made me change my perception of the ATCs. I actually drew 9 of them because she told me that there was mat board that could display 9 ATCs. So I did that, spilled coffee on the drawings, salvaged them and gave them as a gift to a dear friend.
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Let me share something with you first, and this is not about bragging or being arrogant. Sometimes, I don't know how I draw these things or even manage to finish them. I know I can draw and paint but if someone asked me to draw something my hands won't move. My brain revolts. I cannot draw on command or request. I become very unsure of myself and I draw the most sorry pictures. On the other hand I also bristle at the suggestion of someone who will ask me to paint something to match the color scheme of their living room. I draw and paint at my own will and desire.
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Back to the American basswood grove. I like that drawing and I looked at it and wondered how in the world was I able to finish that drawing, it seemed like it took forever!. Yet, there I was the following day running out of ideas so I decided to draw the American basswood grove again, except instead of the original 9"x12" drawing, I chose to draw it again on 14"x17" board. That was the week of Ces The Copyist.

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Last night I made a promise not to draw for six weeks. It was a deal I made with someone very dear to me. I know I need the rest but I managed to squeeze something rather selfish. I will rest my hands from drawing if she did something. It's hard for her to really find out if I draw or not, and I can always sneak in a squiggle and a line or two, but you know what? I made a promise and this morning when I woke up, I saw that American basswood grove by my bed with a pen clipped to the drawing board and it was screaming, screaming for me to pick it up and draw some more leaves and I picked it up and took it with me to the kitchen while I brewed coffee and I was getting very weak and I sat down in front of it and opened the drawing board and I opened the pen cap and I set my hand to draw and I remembered her asking me how she can trust me and I replied, "I love you, I won't lie to you" then a voice told me "just don't do it."
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I put the drawing aside and put my head over my hands on the table and cried.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Illustration Friday - Magnify My Scarlet Fiesta On The Forest Floor

India ink with Rapidograph pen on 14"x17" Bristol Board.
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There it is, somewhere in the forest floor, my Scarlet Fiesta carafe. You probably won't be able to see it because you have to enlarge the above drawing to 14"x17" inches and then use a magnifying glass to search each square inch area to find my dishes. Yes, there is a Fiesta coffee pot, a Fiesta bulb salt and pepper shaker set and a Fiesta stove top salt and pepper shaker set and over 1,000 birds, if you include the unhatched eggs. Who knows how many lizards, ducks, egrets, bees, ants, frogs, fish, turtles, bison, deer, and three gnomes! What is a forest without a gnome?
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Not drawing and not painting is making me crazy. It is driving me nuts. I miss the fun of visiting my blog friends and I am tired of looking at the same things. I need change. Not hopeless, over hyped dream of change. Yes, indeed what audacity. Swipe! Change, change, change. I love change, but only the change I approve and want. Of course, I can say that. You know why my blog is called Ces And Her dishes? A long time ago, I had this prerogative - I matched my coffee mugs with my pajamas or the suits I wear to work. I love beautiful dishes. I love Spode, Pullivuyt and the one and only true American Fiesta dishes. Oh yes. Nothing like a Fiesta, and nothing like a Fiesta lover or collector. Don't ever, ever argue with them about dishes, especially Fiesta dishes! You have been warned.

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What A Real Sisterfriend Does To You


AAAAH!
You magnify my joy and my laughter,
You make me giggle when I should be solemn,
But I welcome the distraction
Which is more of a welcome intervention.
You magnify the brilliance of the sunshine
The coolness of the breeze
The comfort of the warm afternoon
The stillness of a peaceful night.
The mundane becomes more fascinating
Peanut butter sounds exciting
Noodles sound exotic
And garlic smells mysterious.
THWACK!!!
What the heck was that?
Why did you do that?
Well, I am only enjoying
My new lease on friendship!
And rediscovering my Scarlet Fiesta
Which now graces the forest floor.
But you have to magnify it
Because it is teeny tiny
Like the D for Denver
On a newly minted penny.
Heck yes, I was bored!
Not to draw and paint for almost two weeks
So I hurriedly drew this today.
What?! You won't believe me?
How could you not?
WHY?
You know me!?

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Wrap Up - A Break!


Ces And Her Dishes
Since 2006

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I must go for now and rest my drawing hand. Thank you for being here for me. I wouldn't have drawn the lines and squiggles had it not been for your encouragement and praise. I will return to being a Sunday painter as soon as I can. I will stop by your blogs now and then.


Here's my gift to you. If you click on the images, they may enlarge. These are most of what I posted on my blogs since 2006. That is a long time. Thank you for your kindness, for making me smile and making me laugh.

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Sincerely,
Ces

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I am just taking a break, I shall return.