Here’s a #poemsketch from last week, inspired by a small turtle I saw while on a walk with my daughter. That combined with world news of devastation (both natural and manmade) to make this poem. I like doing the dripping lines and writing on them. Saw that in a book from the library. Hate my printing, though. Last night, Annabelle and I sat at a Caribou Coffee doing art together. I messed around with lettering. This week’s #poemsketches are all pretty messy, and they’re already done, so nothing to do about that! But (next week) I’m going to try a cleaner-looking lettering so the words can shine a little more. And while I love black lines with watercolor, this turtle and my pine cone (coming soon) are too detailed. I like more of a simple outline and then loose watercolor. It’s fun analyzing my own attempts at art since there’s nothing at stake. No expectation or hope of it “leading to anything.” It’s just fun to play, childlike, with things that have always intimidated me.
I think I’ll add this one to the Peace Padlet after this post goes live.
8 Responses
I love your painting. It’s vivid! That stretching turtle neck adds to the tone of the poem, that urge to hide, to get away, but no, we must face each new day with resolve and bravery. I hope you’ll play with this style a little more.
Thanks, Margaret!
First of all, one of my favorite painting from a favorite artist is a watercolor of a vase of flowers. What I like most about it is the streaks and splatters that bring the painting outside of any prescribed “frame.” There’s a looseness and flow that, to me, feels much more natural than realism.
I so respect your bravery with sketching and painting. I always joked that I have a direct line from my sphincter to my drawing hand. As soon as that hand lifts to draw…well, you get the idea. I think, however, that you might inspire me to try again.
Beth, this made me laugh! I totally agree that the looseness and flow are exactly what appeal to me about watercolor. “more natural than realism” — isn’t that funny. But so true. I’m really happy if my very amateur efforts inspire you to draw. I feel like trying creative things, whether you are skilled at them or not (as in my case, with visual art), is a celebration of the world AND a way to grow and knock other creative things loose in your head, too. Have fun!
Having spent over a week trying (and eventually succeeding) to find a winter home for a red-eared slider turtle someone dumped in our fish pool this summer, turtles are on my mind. She is happy in her new home. I guess MiissT could be considered a refugee, cast out from her original home and surely unwanted by anyone, as she is of a non-native exotic specie. SO I feel for her, for your turtle, trying to find a home and for all our two-legged and four-legged friends who are on the move. Hard times… You, too, are brave, trying something new. Re printing: find a book on calligraphy, pick an alphabet you like and just practice. For some applications, you can write on a ruler and then fill in the “tails” of the letters. It isn’t that hard to print attractively. It just takes some practice. Happy autumn!
Thanks, Nancy! I have been playing with lettering! I don’t want anything fancy, but I think I’ve found a cleaner look I can use going forward. My main concern is readability, though it’s nice if it looks good, too! Thank you for the encouragement:>) How kind of you to find a home for your turtle refugee. Caring extends to all…
I love, love, love your poem and your fabulous turtle sketch–the stretching neck makes it! What really resonates with me is your comment that trying something creative is a “celebration of the world” and knocks loose other creative things. What a wonderful approach to life and new challenges!
Thanks, Molly. I appreciate that a lot, as these #poemsketches are really a LOT more about process than product (thank goodness!).