inktober: a challenge to create an ink drawing every day in October and post it.

Hope everyone is having a good Thanksgiving! I had a big meal – a feast- with relatives and friends on Sunday. There was so much food that everyone took home leftovers. The cleanup was epic. This morning the only thing left on the table was a leaf-shaped butter dish. So I drew that.

There is a necessary element of fun in drawing and painting, indeed in any creative work. Without fun there is little point in doing it. I like to paint, even when I get frustrated. There is a challenge and satisfaction in the process. Of course, it is the most fun when things turn out well but even the clumsiest attempt contains in it the creative spark which illuminates the soul.

Whatever your medium is, celebrate your work! It is the creation of your hands and mind and deserves respect and praise.

This was a fun drawing.

Portrait Painting

This is a painting I did about two years ago. It is a portrait of a young friend of mine. At the time I did it I was very pleased with it. Now I see many faults in it. There are, however, some good points too.

The eyes are too big – she has big eyes but not this big.  The modelling around the nose could be better. The hand, hair, shirt and neck still please me. I did enjoy using unexpected colours on the flesh in this painting. I could go back in and correct the obvious defects, but I think I will leave it as is. It is a reflection of my skill level at that time and it represents a good memory from then.