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| Dumpster Dog, 3x3 sketch on lined paper |
A few people (thanks, Celeste) have asked why there has been no new post in a month. I had planned to finish the painting
April when my guests left. I tried, but my heart was sidetracked when I saw a skinny dog lying in the shade of a dumpster as I was rushing to a routine doctor's visit. He wasn't there when I returned with some food and water. I'd like to think that he lived in the neighborhood and strolled down to check out the dumpster, but I know that uncaring people sometimes dump their dogs. The picture stuck and I've probably made about 20 small sketches. The one above was done with markers that were handy--lime green, yellow, orange & bue, a ball point pen, and a sea green pencil.
I remember the scene, but drawing the dog from memory isn't easy. I made the mistake of googling images of stray dogs. Don't go there; I had to stop--then I couldn't sleep.
I sometimes wish I didn't see so much--rose-colored glasses would be nice. And, yes, I might have to paint this, though I can't imagine anyone hanging it on their wall.
Now I'm hoping to get back to
April.
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Dear Hallie. This is so sad. I can totally relate to your wishing for some rose colored glasses...I almost never see the news on TV lately, things just upset me too much and for too long.
ReplyDeleteI remember you telling us quite a while ago, that you weren't going to post for a long time, because you were having family visits, so I didn't ask, but I was waiting, and waiting ,and waiting..so welcome back!
P:S: Would it be possible to go back and check on the dog to see if maybe he came back?
XOXO
Great sketch! Great lively colors, and composition. It really tells a tale (and a tail), and could be an illustration in a storybook. I'd give it a happy ending. Glad to have you back.
ReplyDeleteI have wondered what you were busy with, but I know nothing ever stays the same and at some point we all may choose to end participation in the blogosphere world! I was glad to see Pam reappear, and glad to see you checking in with a new post. I love your sketches, hopefully the stray dog wasn't actually stray. Ignorance sometimes really is bliss.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane. Thank you; I had expected to be away from blogging for a couple of weeks. The dog seemed to take me to a sad place where I wallowed for a while. I have been back and didn't see the dog--we have a lot of strays here in southern Virginia and an under-funded SPCA.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dan--you are the king of sketches. A happy ending would be great.
ReplyDeleteRobin, hello. I was reading blogs and making comments; I just couldn't seem to get back to my painting. I actually went out to the workshop several times and just sat--listening to music (Redbone and Cash), reading, and thinking about the darned dog.
I commiserate. I am a sucker for dogs and strays have a special place in my heart. I don't think your drawing conveys sadness but hope for something better. I sure hope for things to be better.
ReplyDeletelord. I know I've got the same affliction you have..the caring curse. I was just thinking today (a dangerous thing) that I am so grateful I did not have to fight in Viet Nam. I am the age that I would have been drafted if were I male. I can't even fathom the things some people have seen that they can never unsee. Your painting sketch reminds us that life is hard. I hope your skinny dog went somewhere good. Sometimes things turn out better than we think. I'm going to believe that is just what happened.
ReplyDeleteI love the little sketch, Hallie. It is so delightful in color and composition. I also understand that heart that hurts for these poor neglected babies.
ReplyDeleteI have always remembered when Jeanne Carbonetti said, (and I think it's also in the Artists Way by Julia Cameron) "don't force creativity". Just wait until it's time; it's liberating to sit and listen to the music, and think. And your comments are always the best!
ReplyDeleteHeureuse de te retrouver pour de nouvelles publications,cette histoire du chien errant comment finit-elle, est-ce que ce chien est revenu, l'as-tu gardé auprès de toi pour le nourrir et le soigné ?
ReplyDeletej'aime tes croquis, l'inspiration du moment est joliment aboutie, c'est vrai que l'on pourrait les voir dans un joli livre de contes.
Merci de tes visites sur ma page.
très bon week-end à toi.
à bientôt.
cath.
Hi LifeArtist. Maybe you have to a sucker before being an artist--and it's easier to draw than to talk about the feelings.
ReplyDeleteAh, Celeste--the caring curse. I guess we'll never grow out of it. Many people have seen much worse than I have--I count myself as lucky.
Thanks Autumn Leaves. I think I actually have to go look at some dumpsters; I glimpse them from the highway when I'm driving through the county. I'm always surprised at my memory vs. reality.
Robin, I totally agree that creativity can't be forced. Sidetracking happens frequently--I've learned to pull over and listen; I usually learn something.
ReplyDeleteHi Weekend. I have returned several times and didn't see the dog, and strays are usually afraid of people. I enjoy visiting your blog.
Hallie- I think I connect to your heart, if that's possible. I know how much you love animals and I understand how this affects your soul.
ReplyDeleteNo- I won't Google strays. Like you, I've worked in the trade- I don't need any reminders. Jeff watches Animal Planet- I run from it.
Your sketch is wonderful.
I too wondered why you hadn't posted, but I knew you were with family and still working on your previous painting.
Thank you for sharing your process- your heart comes out in all that you do.
Hi Pam--thanks. Yep, we have to look out for the critters who can't speak. Before remote control, my kids knew I'd be running up the to TV and changing the channel if an animal might be hurt. You're right, I'm still working on the previous painting--just took a slight detour. Thanks for commenting; I've missed you.
ReplyDeleteHallie, your story and drawing are so touching. Glad you are back sharing your creativity with us again. I can relate to your absence. I have so many irons in the fire it's hard to take the time to post or even to read my favorite blogs.
ReplyDeleteSeeing too much seems to be a characteristic of many artists. I think it's what makes us good at what we do. I also think it can add a certain degree of distress to our lives. Do you find that visual images stick in your memory for long periods of time and that they also retain crisp details?
ReplyDeleteHi Eva. You do have a lot of irons in the fire--and you keep trying new things.
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret. I think you're right; sometimes I can't speak about things but I can draw them--they usually are so close I keep them hidden. I believe sad visual images don't just stick--they attract like images; then it's really hard to lighten up. I enjoyed reading about your enaustic workshops.
If you wore rose colored glasses....just think.... the colors in your paintings would be off as would the emotions. Keep doing what your doing. Your path is sure and true. xxxmary
ReplyDeleteHi Southern Plenty, and thanks. As you know first-hand, it's hard to keep those emotions in check--it's laugh or cry. I heard great comments about your shop yesterday.
ReplyDelete