This was my last week of the Anam Cara School of Drawing. To wrap up the experience, I drew a series of illustrations I’ve called “Lane & Mabel”. I think they are adorable, especially wee Mabel, and if I was going to pursue illustration, I think this is the direction I would go in. For now, though, I want to use my drawing for the paintings I have in mind for my CSM research project. I realise I am limited in my abilities and am by no means an excellent drawer. But I have learnt a lot in the past 3 months, and am nearing proficiency in some aspects of drawing, which I hope, when paired with my other artistic skills, will result in some effective paintings. Three wonderful things came out of my self-imposed drawing school.
An increase in my drawing skills.
The realisation that when it comes to drawing, the learning never stops.
I had another productive week in the studio. I primarily focused on people sitting, adding bits of furniture now and then. My favourite is drawing ladies in salon chairs – I did tons of them. I also did lots of friends and family, which was a lot of fun.
Towards the end of the week I started drawing contraptions. I love a good contraption…who doesn’t! The last image is a Heath Robinson (the king of contraptions) inspired one. I bought a Heath Robison book during the week, and when it arrives, I plan to draw one of his contraptions each day, to build up my contraption-component lexicon, with the hope that I can eventually draw fabulous one’s of my own.
After going out for 41/2 years, it suddenly dawned on my fella and I that in all that time we haven’t spent a day together where he’s chosen the day’s activities. This isn’t by fiat, rather a default position that goes something like this.
Me: What do you fancy doing today?
Fella: Whatever you fancy.
Me: Ok, lets go to a cemetery, stop off at a bog (as in sodden peat-rich ground, not loo), and visit a magic well.
Fella: Sure thing Kiwi Fruit (note how he separates the words).
This meant only one thing. It was high time for Geoff Chooseday. And what, with his new found power, did he choose? Not being waited on hand and foot and a Star Wars marathon (as I suspected). No, he chose making me breakfast (a nomelette to be precise, which is an extra tasty omelette), trimming the hedge (with me helping), and hosting a barbeque for our respective parents. He made a lot of people happy with his choosing, not just himself, cause that’s the kind of fella he is. Sure, it was no well visit, but our hedge looks amazing!
I had another enjoyable and productive week in the studio. This week I focused on drawing people sitting (a few examples below). I also bought some new watercolour paints (I use a Japanese brand called Kuretake), so was able to change the palette. The new paints are a range of blacks, which give the various colours a lovely muted tone, as seen the last 5 images. The paper I am using at this stage is just cartridge, hence why the paint looks a bit streaky. Still, it’s a lovely treat to add a bit of colour to the drawings, and it gives me my painting fix.
I have called some unique places home – a Kombi van, a disused ugg boot factory, a broom closet in a rundown theatre – but nothing compares to the one-of-kind magnificence of Anam Cara. I am utterly in love with this place and would gladly sell my soul for it. Unfortunately, no one’s in the market for a slightly jaded, long in the tooth ephemeral essence, so I won’t be possessing it anytime soon. Not that anyone can really possess a place like Anam Cara, it belongs to the sea, and the sea is coming for it. That’s what makes it such a beguiling place to live, its fragility in the face of the big blue wobbly thing.
Although I’d dearly like to stay here until I’m a little old-biddy without a tooth or sensible thought in my head (or until the wobbly thing is lapping at the front door, whichever comes first), it doesn’t belong to me, so I have to content myself with my apportioned time, which I’m thrilled to report has been extended for another year. That my apportioned time has coincided with doing my masters is a remarkable confluence of my heart’s desire, and I can’t ask for better than that!
It’s been a productive week in the studio. I finally started drawing figures, and discovered that the best time to draw them is when I am talking to my dearest friend, Lauren, in Australia.
I also managed a figure painting this week. I particularly like the stance, which was referenced from a fashion model picture I found. It’s not perfect, but I like most of it enough to not meddle with it. It’s a good start, and gives me hope that if I keep practicing my figures over the summer, I’ll likely have some really good paintings at the end of it.
I won’t have to pluck up the courage to ask my fella to extend my Weight Watchers subscription for another 3 months, he’s got eyes! I’d like to blame stress, but my fella’s Victoria sponge making ability and the jelly bean dispensing machine I have learned to break into are the real culprits. As always, sugar is my downfall, and when it comes with cream, light-as-air cake, and a knob-turning contraption, I can’t get enough! But when I bent down the other day and the button on my shorts went flying, I knew it was time to dust off my WW app once again – that time being next week of course.
My outdoor Anam Cara School of Drawing got off to a good start, but then the gazebo blew over and it started to rain, so I had to move operations indoors, which, for some reason, bought it all to a grinding halt. Instead, I painted cats all week.
When cats pop up in my paintings, it is usually a sign I am stressed about something. True to form, I did have an external stressor this week. Not that I mind painting cats, I love those fluffy little menaces, and painting them is a real pleasure, hence why I do it when I’m stressed. Here’s my favourite from this week.
As relaxing as painting cats is, I have a paper to research and write, and an indoor drawing school to attend, so I better start carving out some real time for these two must-dos, or I will have whittled myself to a nub by the end of summer with only stack of cat paintings to show for it – not the worst outcome in the world, but doing my masters is a one time deal and I want to make the most of it.
This week I reached the significant milestone of completing the first year of my masters. It is hard to believe how fast it has gone, but I have definitely made the most of every minute. I now have 3 whole months for summer break. That I get to spend the summer at Anam Cara is a gift beyond measure. Though it won’t be all lolling about, as I have my research paper to write, paintings to paint, massages to do, and sandwiches to make for my fella.
When we were first considering renting Anam Cara (aka paradise by the sea), I regaled said fella with visions of romantic strolls on the beach, and sandwiches. We’ve managed a few strolls, but he’s yet to see a sandwich. It’s time.
Speaking of walking on the beach. I made a few trips to the Point of Ayre this week, to visit Kyle, Jason, and baby Harold, and guess what, Harold has a sibling, Izzy. I wasn’t able to get a photo of all four of them together, but I did get this lovely shot of Harold.
On one of my treks to the Ayres, one of my jandals broke, but some good old Kiwi ingenuity soon fixed that. As good as my repair job is, their days of getting me to the foghorn and back are sadly over, so they shall now spend their retirement as my studio boots.
I’ve been painting my little heart out this week, and have made further progress. My favourite thing I painted was of Colin the long-legged guinea pig.
My last workshop for the year consisted of listening to Spanish poetry and drawing. I’d actually done the course in the first term, but it was so good, I decided to repeat it. I’m glad I did, as it was the perfect end to what has been a wonderful first year.
I’ve loved all the workshops I’ve attended this year, especially the drawing ones. They have helped me both loosen up and grow in confidence. So I don’t loose the momentum of the course over the summer, I shall be attending the Anam Cara School of Drawing. My idea is to spend my afternoons drawing en plein air (fancy for outside).
To aid me in my endeavour, my sweet-hearted fella bought me a gazebo, so I can sit outside to my heart’s content, even in the rain. Naturally, the gazebo will double as a drinking den in the evenings.
bexODESSA 