Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Sketchbook Tuesday - a lesson in seeing

This is the second sketch that I did in my sketchbook of this bowl of apples. I am not going to show you the first because it did not make me happy. When I first sat down at the table with this bowl of apples in front of me and started in with my watercolor I was thinking about a billion things, none of them having anything to do with sketching. So I began by painting the bowl. I then looked, and had placed the bowl right in the middle of the page. Why did I do that? But, still without thinking I continued to paint, putting the apples into the bowl. It was awful. A struggle, to say the least. So I put my sketching gear away, disappointed with my lack of attention and my failed sketch.

The next day, feeling calmer, I decided that I really did want to try to get a sketch of these apples in this blue glass bowl. So I started in again, only this time I began by looking at the apples. I painted in the apple shapes one at a time and when satisfied enough then I began to concentrate on the bowl. Even though the perspective isn't perfect, by looking at the apples first I was able to get a sketch that pleased me, the one posted above. I suppose some days are like that. You are either looking at the bowl containing the apples or seeing the apples in the bowl.

13 comments:

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

The apples are begging me to take one! Just lovely. I've done those same silly things with sketches. You nailed it... head not in the frame of mind. I think that's why I love the process so much. The journey is a total escape.

Ellen Burkett said...

They're just asking to be eaten! Great work, Ann!

bettyfromtexas said...

This one is spot on, Ann!! Just beautiful!

Maggie said...

So lovely! I can almost smell the deliciousness of the apples!

Anonymous said...

I know that we all can obsess on "perspective" but I found your bowl to be charming and so immediate, giving me the feeling that I am right there in the room with the beautiful blue bowl and yummy looking apples. My brain didnt register any wobble to the perspective.

Aarti Harish said...

Wow...they look wonderful..and bright colors...and I also like how that blue bowl gets a nice glassy effect.

Cathy Holtom said...

A great sketch of the apples, i?m glad you persevered!

Bei Price said...

beautiful apples, they look delicious! I'm glad you decided to give it another try

Alex said...

beautifully drawn :) I wish we could get fresh apples here

Anonymous said...

This is just beautiful, Ann. I clicked on the photo to get the large version (I really wanted to read the words) and was instantly blown away by the gorgeous color in this piece!

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful to me, sometimes I wish artists could see their work through the eyes of we non-artists, perhaps then they wouldn't be so self critical.

debra morris said...

Great apples Ann, we all have days like that!

Timaree said...

Well this version looks great. I love the glassy look to the bowl.

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