© Paula Pertile
8x10, Prismacolors and Polychromos on Stonehenge paper
I think I'm back to my old self, drawing-wise.
This is what I do best - simple still lifes, with a clean background. I went on a bit of a "draw about" (like a walkabout, except with drawing - and yes, I just made that up) there for a while, and scratched a couple of itches. Its good to get out of your comfort zone now and then and try new things, because that's how you discover new ideas, techniques, or approaches to things. But then its nice to take whatever you learned and come back to your real self.
I noticed there for a while I was drawing things with a muted palette, and I was struggling with some of the "out of my comfort zone" pieces. I started to wonder what was up with that. Was I depressed? Were my eyes going? Was it the lighting on my drawing table? Were the planets lined up funny, or was Mercury in Retrograde for a way long time? Or what?
I think (no, I know) sometimes we artists have 'off' periods, where we're not as productive, or things aren't turning out as brilliantly as we would like. Sure, inspiration takes a holiday sometimes, but also, if you just sit down and work every day, and keep doing something, it all comes back around eventually.
I think I'll take this idea of an un-still life and run with it. I knew I wanted to draw these figs, but didn't know what I wanted to do with them. I was trying to create an interesting arrangement, and it just came to me to have them floated up to the top of the page. I started this idea of flying food a while back with my "Pulling Up Roots" piece, then for whatever reason didn't keep going with it.
LOVE the weightless figs, the unstill life concept and also your cat comments.
You are an inspiration and a hoot!!
This is wonderfully creative! Love it! I get the art slump, as I am also in that uncontrollable area right now, and my cats are definitely keeping me up at night, too...maybe it is Mercury!
What a fun drawing!!! You give me more inspiration to keep plugging along. My kitty (and my boys) are all taking turns getting me up early as well. Maybe its a sign I need to draw earlier than later in the day :)
I absolutely love this piece Paula! That floaty business is very 'you' and so is your rendering technique - love the way you mix your colours!!!!
Looking forward to seeing the next one. Hope the nap was wonderful - I am a big fan of the afternoon siesta. :-)
Great piece with the figs, and I love the pulling roots too!.Welcome 'back' after your drawabout!