“Must have art books!” is a simple statement along the lines of “Will work for food!”
Art Books – a few of my recently acquired treasures
Rummaging through stacks of old books and papers, I felt like an addict needing a fix. I was tippy and needed an art book to provide ballast and stability. I need Old Masters in order to re-affirm that, yes, beauty and harmony can be created from chaos.
Looking at a good reproduction of a great painting can fill me with a sense of unity and harmony. Taking that feeling back to the painting in progress can keep the piece on course. Thank goodness the Charlotte book sale was coming up!
Sailboats have a a big heavy shape below the surface of the water known as a keel. Look at the photos below and note that the keels have different shapes and sizes. The keel on our boat weighs 2,800 lb. and it would be almost impossible to tip dear Lightwaves over. What creates your studio keel? Mine needs weighty art books.
Sailboat in mist viewed from the camp on Lake Champlain.
Sailboats and your creative life need both buoyancy and stability. Your drawings of sailboats need both these things too.
This week, try drawing sailboats.
plein air sailboat drawing of Lightwaves
- Make your sailboats buoyant: boats float and constantly move even on a calm surface of water.
- Make your sailboats rooted: remember that huge shape under the water and “feel” the weight of it while you drawing of the visible parts.
What gives you that grounded feeling even while you are speeding along powered by the wind of your own inspiration?
click on any image to enlarge it
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sailboat keels at Point Bay Marina
I just really enjoy your lessons– and have even recommended them to others!
Thanks so much!