Bearskin Neck with wires
Posted: June 25, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 20 CommentsWhen I was drawing yesterday’s sketch of Bearskin Neck someone came up to me and said “It’s a good thing you’re not drawing the side of the street with all the electrical wires!” I found that pretty funny since I love drawing wires and utility poles. Some people may find these unsightly but I think they give a rhythm to the drawing and they often echo the curves found in other parts of the picture. Sometimes they add a contrasting note when there are a lot of verticals and horizontals. Or in this case they add a little bit of disorder to a scene that might otherwise be a little too pretty.
Absolutely beautiful. You are such a talented artist, and I love seeing your work. Thank you for sharing.
It’s really nice to hear from you Karla. Glad you like the work!
Always interesting.
” No Skateboards” Never seen a sign like that, cyclists are allowed but no skateboards?
I guess it’s true. I did see plenty of people on bikes go up and down the street. You’d think that with crowds like that they wouldn’t permit either!
Je suis tout à fait de votre avis, ici en France il y en a de moins en moins mais quand je vais chez ma fille à Chicago, je retrouve tous ces fils électriques et j’aime bien…
Amicalement.
émilie.
Oui, il y a de plus en plus des fils souterrains. Mais j’aime bien les dessiner aussi.
I love the inclusion of wires–they move viewers’ eyes around and into a scene. In this particular case, I like how they echo the diagonal of the no-parking sign (and the sentiment of the no-skateboarding sign), giving the entire painting a sense of restraint, despite the loose application of paint.
Thanks Kari. That is so true about how they add direction and movement. There was a bit of restraint in this one. It was getting dark as I was drawing so the detail was disappearing quickly. The more I looked the less I could see.
Really changes the feel of the street. Not as touristy looking. Fun to see booth.
Yes, I does change the feeling. It was a fun exercise to draw both sides.
The wires are a true part of this road. Amazing work you’re doing on Cape Ann.
It’s so hard to choose what to paint. Such a wealth of material in the area.
I love wires and poles too — especially in ‘natural’ landscapes that would otherwise be (as you say) “a little too pretty” : )
Glad you agree Anna.
An incredibly beautful series of sketches, Shari. You capture the light very well, not to mention the shape of the rocks and houses.
Thanks so much Michael. I have said it in reply to many other comments, but there is so much to draw in the Cape Ann area. I could draw there for a whole year…
Your wires are the best! I see them first when they are included in one of your pieces. Just like you, they bring everything together in harmony. Bravo.
Iohannes aka Jacques
Efraristo Iohannes!
Shari,
I really enjoy your sketches, they have such vitality. I’m curious about your technique. Do you sketch in ink first, then do your washes or visa versa?
Plein Aire watercolorist, Nan
Hi Nan,
I usually draw the ink first and then try to loosely add the watercolour. If I do it the other way around I end us outlining and that looks too tight. So to keep things fresh I usually do the pen part first. Glad you like the sketches!
Shari