Thursday, April 1, 2010

Brain Birds

Brain Birds, walnut ink on w/c paper, 24x18

I arted around at the YMCA with my group today (one other person) using my new walnut ink and walnut stick--no reference photos or planning. After finishing the large bird I walked outside and looked for a bird in flight; instead, I saw wires and utility poles. Making things up and drawing like a first-grader are spirit-lifting--I do it often but don't always share.

Ruffle Crow and I wish you a Happy Easter or Happy Passover.


27 comments:

  1. Hallie, Great drawing. Maybe you should share more of your 1st grader stuff.
    Have fun finding those eggs!

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  2. Thanks Sue. I love drawing but most of them are in lined notebooks. I tend to save my "good paper"--my kids will probably auction it off.

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  3. I think what first draws me in is the color. Walnut ink and stick- never heard of it! Fascinating that you did this from memory. I suppose that comes from being a lifetime observer. I'll confess that I'm not good at memory drawing at all- but look forward to learning.
    The other thing that strikes me is how large this piece is. You must work fast. Such wonderful detail- it tells a great story. In fact- I have a little short story I wrote years ago about a bird family. This sketch would be perfect for it. If I ever publish- I'll see about contracting your services! :-))

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  4. Hi Pam. I read about walnut ink on a blog--thought if I spilled, it will match the floor.

    I don't think there's a bird out there that looks like this--the first one on the wire looks a bit like a penguin! I can draw humans and dogs from memory but when it comes to birds or farm animals from memory--I'm six years old or younger. That's why it's fun.

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  5. Your bird has "attitude!" It's great. There's something very similar to Dr. Seuss in the way you drew the feathers. I don't know anything about walnut ink, but I think the effect is beautiful. And, of course, I like the eggs :-)
    Hoppy Holiday!

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  6. Hi Kathy. I thought about you when I was drawing those eggs (or rocks). Rather large--no wonder the poor bird looks frazzled and her legs are crossed. It's fun drawing at the Y--no access to research.

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  7. But no first grader draws like this! And from imagination. Really cool. And love that walnut ink! Like copper.

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  8. Beautiful drawing! I agree your bird has an attitude...:)

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  9. Hi Dan. I think a first-grader bird would have the important parts--feathers, legs, a beak and wings (like this one). You're right, the ink looks coppery.

    Thanks Megha. Attitude is important.

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  10. I love your imaginary sketch! His plumage around the neck is my favorite part!

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  11. Thanks Raena. I probably spend too much time at the kitchen window watching the birdbath --feathers are always fluffed out as they dry off.

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  12. Your birds sure are different down in your neck of the woods! Love 'em!

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  13. Indigomar--you made me laugh out loud. After I posted this I thought of you, my bird-watcher friend. We do have some strange birds down here in this neck of the woods!

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  14. oooo...I love this walnut ink and walnut stick as media...the crows in my yard resemble your bird...how they love to play in water!

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  15. Hi Merci33. Have you used walnut ink? I think it could look like a sepia-tone photograph. I enjoy watching crows. I've never seen one at the birdbath, though.

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  16. Personally, I think it probably takes a strange bird to actually create a strange bird... just sayin'...

    This is a really fun drawing. I'm so glad you shared it with us. All the comments kept me smiling all the way through. I enjoy your humor and I LOVE your style.

    -Don

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  17. Hi Don. You're right--it takes one to know one.

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  18. I'm soooo glad that you brought Women Who Run With the Wolves into the circle!!!...I adore that book since it came out and have used it to jump start many a series in the studio.

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  19. Yes, Merci. It jump starts me right into putting art first.

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  20. Hi Hallie, I love ink drawings and your drawing is wonderful! Fun composition too!

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  21. Hi Peggy, I know you love ink drawings--and you're really good at it.

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  22. what charm! I love this bird and his bird neighbors..so clever!

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  23. Thanks Celeste. Your work is always amazing; I keep thinking "I want to paint like Celeste." (Maybe in my next life.)

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  24. Hi Hallie!

    This is very cool and your reminder to return to the free spirit of our inner child is a great one.

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  25. Hi Kathleen. I was watching Charlie Rose when he interviewed Steve Jobs: "Follow your passion and stay silly." Some of my drawings of everyday things from memory make me laugh. We should all play.

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  26. Obrigado, Skizo. Some fantastic work on your blog.

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