Tag: Drawing on Paper

Just another picture until the next

“Must you know that yours will be the “better” picture before you pick up the brush and paint? Can it not simply be another picture? Another expression of beauty?
Must a rose be “better” than an iris in order to justify its existence?”

Neale Donald Walsch, Friendship with God: An Uncommon Dialogue
Graphite Drawing,
 Making Creation, 5″x5″, mixed media, Hendricks © 2020

I had a few busy weeks just wanted to check in and post an image that I completed. Spending my time between working with my monthly meeting and yearly meeting.  I am happy I can continue using my design skills to help out. 

As I draw, I notice I am becoming more critical of my work. I am slowing down, considering aspects of the drawings more closely. I guess that is why I like this quote. Does the next drawing have to be better than the last?  Yes, I want to learn and travel the path with more skill, but skill is produced not only by study but by practice. 

Thank you, the Whitney & Ming Smith

With art it’s cerebral, but there has to be a time to let go. In any craft, you learn the basics. And then you just go. An opera singer or jazz musician run scales all day and when it comes to performing they just sing or play. So photography was like that, you learn about lighting. You have the rudiments of the craft within you and then you just let it flow.

Ming Smith, member of the Kamoinge Workshop by way of an email from the Whitney Museum, NYC

Perfect timing! Just received an email from the Whitney, as I was examing the importance of intentionality. I believe it can be divided into at least two separate and distinct areas. Craft and knowledge of media and the artist\’s intention, whether it is to express an idea, story, subconscious muse, emotional outburst, an inner feeling.

My intention as an artist is evident. As clear as it was in grad school, a study of reality and perception… in short consciousness. Craft, on the other hand, I don’t know if an artist ever ceases to study the craft and technical aspects of producing art. I told a friend this morning that my retirement feels as if I have returned to college.

This semester has been a mixture of theory, dabbling and learning Blender, drawing, exploring the media I wish to use at this moment, learning more about color, and studying anatomy as taught by Loomis. I am seriously concerned about my grades this semester. LOL.

Two drawings created 2020
Left: the reverse side of the right side, Right: work in progress, 5″ x 5″, Hendricks©2020

Thank you, the Whitney & Ming Smith

Just an Image and a Quote

Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.

Lily Tomlin, Brainy Quotes
Confusion, a drawing on paper
Confusion, 5″ x 5″, mixed media, Hendricks © 2020

Creation, Chaos, and Order

The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been concealed by the answers.

James Baldwin
99 Inspiring Quotations on Art, Creativity, Life and Livelihood
Mixed-Media Drawing
Chaos 2, Mixed Media Drawing, Hendricks©2022

Chaos II, Hendricks ©2020, approx. 5″x5″, Found paper, pen, and colored pencil

Continuing to work and play with both images and media, I find a path to prayer and meditation as I work. Prayer or mediation are words that I, as a Quaker, find a bit disingenuous. For me, I find in the silence, and I can open myself to my higher power. 

This quote is meaningful to me because this reality that I experience is experienced to me through my brain’s filters.  So the answers at times seem very clear… but it is the questions that are a mystery. In most Quaker meetings, there is an opportunity for individuals to ask for a clearness committee to help discern questions in their lives. I guess it is the art that I work with and enjoy that serves as my clearness committee. This committee provides questions to the answers and provides questions to explore to seek further clarity to the existing answers.

Telling my Story

Tell your own story, and you will be interesting.

Louise Bourgeois,
400 Art Quotes: That will inspire the artist in you
Two Drawings, playing with the idea of space.
Flowers, 2.5″x 5″, Graphite, Pen, Color Pencil (left) Chaos, 5″ x 5″, Micron pen

 

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