Sunday, March 10, 2013

A Long Month Behind Me: My Head But Not Hands in Art

My head but not my hand is in art the last 30 days. I see things and think things everyday about what to do and how to do it. But I haven't had the daily time available to execute. Spring is coming and I can't let this hiatus from art continue. Today is Sunday and I decide to return my hands to the Artistic Endeavor and the Creative Pursuit. I got up extra early in the morning to impose some extra quiet time without interfering with the family activities. Last week I had cleaned up and cleaned out some supplies and work area. Perhaps I am ready to begin today after that refreshing. What will it be like if I am "out-of-practice"?

There is a colorful and unique character at work. He is an artist. It shows in his manner, his voice, and his expressions. He has this WILD hair that depicts his creative energy. Since I have no hair, I am envious. He said he was going to get a springtime cut soon so I asked him if I could take a couple of snapshots with my smartphone before he lost his Sampson-like head of strength. So I have some images to work from. The photos do not quite do him justice in his magnificence. They don't really capture his likeness as I envision his full character, depth, and resonance. Despite some effort on my part to gain various positions and postures of the head in a few photos, the lighting is mediocre and doesn't cast any good shadows or highlights. I persevere through the photo renditions to obtain the following pastel sketch.

Copyright James E. Martin 2013: Savic 01

This is only my second portrait done in chalk pastels. The first was the winged cherub in pastel.
There are some things I like about this effort. But the scanner doesn't seem to quite capture the color as I see it on paper but, then again, it does, when I hold the original up to my computer display. I see but I don't see and with two different sets of eyes. I recall the sense that I don't want to overwork the drawing because I may lose the original freshness as I get to a certain point of the drawing's maturity. I also recall that I tend to like my art even more the longer that I look upon it.

So I try another attempt from a different perspective and try to embolden the chalk strokes. This is my third pastel portrait.

Copyright James E. Martin 2013: Savic 02

Another day I shall invite the subject's commentary and feedback. But for today, thank you Savic, for I am moving forward once again and have the inspiration from your persona that allows me to restart the Endeavor and the Pursuit in this moment. I should become like you, my friend.