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| Robert, Inktense pencils on hot press w/c paper, 12x9 |
I'm a Sunday evening regular at The Pizza Pub Restaurant/Bar here in town--so is Robert. He's usually helping out or having a cup of coffee; and I see him outside always with his pipe. I asked if I could take a few photos with my iPad--he obliged. It's been a long time since I've tried portraits other than my own. Robert liked this and, last Sunday, he walked with me through the restaurant as I showed it to the customers.
Most of you fellow bloggers live in cities where you can sketch strangers at coffee shops, but I have to brew Starbucks in my kitchen. I live in a place where everyone knows our names (and The Pub knows my drink is unsweet iced tea) so Thank Goodness it does look like Robert. This was not as much fun as my self portraits where I tear into myself and pounce on every wrinkle. (Maybe I can do that with tourists or fishermen I don't know next summer.)
Hurricane Sandy looks ominous but I'm 150 miles inland from the coast; my area is not expecting much damage but we might lose our internet (that's what happened last year when Hurricane Irene hit the coast). We think this latest hurricane is named for one of the bartenders at The Pub.
I'm now putting the Inktense pencils aside and will be trying Colorsoft pencils on different papers, then on to Polychromos pencils. (Dick Blick had a sale so a big box was delivered to my front porch Wednesday--lots of new stuff with no instructions.) I'll play with pencils for a while, then get back to my studio and paints. Well.... that's my plan today.
Most of you fellow bloggers live in cities where you can sketch strangers at coffee shops, but I have to brew Starbucks in my kitchen. I live in a place where everyone knows our names (and The Pub knows my drink is unsweet iced tea) so Thank Goodness it does look like Robert. This was not as much fun as my self portraits where I tear into myself and pounce on every wrinkle. (Maybe I can do that with tourists or fishermen I don't know next summer.)
Hurricane Sandy looks ominous but I'm 150 miles inland from the coast; my area is not expecting much damage but we might lose our internet (that's what happened last year when Hurricane Irene hit the coast). We think this latest hurricane is named for one of the bartenders at The Pub.
I'm now putting the Inktense pencils aside and will be trying Colorsoft pencils on different papers, then on to Polychromos pencils. (Dick Blick had a sale so a big box was delivered to my front porch Wednesday--lots of new stuff with no instructions.) I'll play with pencils for a while, then get back to my studio and paints. Well.... that's my plan today.
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Really nice drawing of Robert. Did he want to pay for it? If not, go ahead and add some wrinkles. I was really hoping the Big Bad Sandy would make it all the way to us in SW Va. 'cuz we are parched here. Doesn't look like we'll get much now.
ReplyDeleteOh, BTW, I've been playing with Dorlands Cold Wax and oils. Too slow for me.
DLPR (Sue)--hello. I didn't talk sale; I told Robert I'd print out a copy for him. Actually, he doesn't have many wrinkles.
DeleteWe'll probably get some rain and wind. I read that you might get some snow in a few days, so find your boots and shovel. I've read about cold wax and oil--slow is my favorite speed.
It's a wonderful portrait. Robert looks so friendly and like he enjoys his pipe.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how hard it would be to do a portrait of someone else that you see on a regular basis.
I always love your self portraits- it's your honesty that makes them shine. (I loved the cigarette in your last one- it was perfect.)
You can make great art with ANYTHING!!!
Hope the storm doesn't do damage. Let us know how you fare.
Hi PAMO. Robert is friendly and claims to know where the big catfish hang out in the lake. I'm always a bit nervous about drawing someone I know--what if they hate it? I'm also shy about asking if I can take a photo. I'd like to do a few portraits so Robert was practice. When I draw, I think painting would be easier--when I paint, I think drawing would be easier. If i ever find easy, I'll probably quit.
DeleteI still need to finish the cigarette ash on my last while-ticked-off self portrait; haven't looked at it in a while.
Thank you.
Fantastic portrait! Robert looks so likable...I'm sure I'd get on with him very well.... I like the smell of a pipe and I can tell from looking at your lively drawing that he's a charming guy! Great job.....I'm impressed!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Celeste. He smokes the pipe outside so I usually don't smell it. I just think they look cool---and I have tried it.
DeleteWhat a great portrait, love the expression and the narrow eyes, seems like a very friendly man. I too am always 'shy' about doing the portrait of friends , they may not like it , or maybe even get a little offended at how you 'see' them :-) I'm glad you are not too near the storm..sounds frightening from what we hear here.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane. I know what you mean--I'm working up to trying friends and relatives. Since I love Bacon's and Freud's works, portraits might lead to trouble. I'm only expecting a bit of wind and rain from the storm but I'm prepared--I'm stocked up on dog food, bread, cheese, cigarettes, gas in both cars, and lots of coffee. Hopefully, we won't lose power so I can make the coffee.
DeleteThis is wonderful work, Hallie. He looks like a handsome and more haired version of Lee J. Cobb. I love the softness of the background too.
ReplyDeleteHi CrimsonLeaves. Robert is a handsome man with great hair that goes its own way. Thank you.
DeletePortraits have always intimidated me and I admire so much that you can re-create this person's image without feeling intimidated or insecure (about the actual likeness to the person). I will always be in awe of portrait artists. Interesting to move into pencil drawings... new supplies are so much fun!
ReplyDeleteThe storm is suppose to get up to us in the Boston area too but I think the media tries to scare us, or maybe this is really going to be the storm of the century. Time will tell.
Robin, I am intimidated and insecure about getting a likeness. I think you need to try some portraits--you've become an expert at every thing you've tried. Draw some people from magazine ads--that's always fun.
DeleteBe safe--my daughter and her family are in the Boston area, and my son close to D.C. The weather satellite pictures look a bit like your encaustics today--but I like your compositions and colors better.
You said, "If I ever find easy, I'll probably quit." Wise words. Seems that I don't hear that often enough- the hard work of art. But it is hard work and it should be. You're right- it wouldn't be worthwhile otherwise.
ReplyDeleteHi again, PAMO. It's like golf--hard to reach that little flag. One day, I should count the strokes in one of my paintings!
DeleteGreat piece, Hallie, and was surprised to find you had done two pieces since last I checked in. Commitments have been high here. I love Robert, and the design is so strong. I'm in love with the vertical line of the window behind him.
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all familiar with inktense pencils, but you sure created two wonderful paintings with them. Another tool to own!
Thank you, Mary. Inktense are fun--they can be used dry or with water; I did a bit of both with Robert. I'm playing with various pencils.
ReplyDeleteHi Hallie,
ReplyDeleteI had fun catching up with your recent posts to your blog. I like what you did with the inktense pencils. What a range you have, from surreal (with the crow), to drawing at the Publ...hmmm, maybe that's surreal too? I hope you were spared the storm.
Hi Peggy. I was just recording a dream from last night; makes me wonder what's really surreal--my work or me. I checked out your website. "Just Sayin'" is a wonderful drawing.
ReplyDeleteMy area here is VA was (is) fortunate. We were between the hurricane to the east and snowstorm to the west. We had a bit of rain yesterday and a temperature drop--from 80 last week to 50 today.
How did I miss this? His character is evident - I can see why he liked it. There is strength and friendliness here. I really have no idea what an inktense pencil is, but you did a fine job with them.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dan. One day I'll sketch in public like you do; of course, I'll have to be speedier.
ReplyDeleteHi Hallie, came to enjoy your work today! It is a beautiful portrait, I can read his character almost! You brought an energy of pride in to the whole cafe when he showed the work around!
ReplyDeleteI really wish to live in such a small town, it seems like one big family together!
Thank you, Padmaja. Small towns are nice but they're not always one big family together. I looked at your blog--wonderful paintings--and you've been near me in Luray VA and Columbia MD. Looks like you're quite the traveler.
ReplyDelete