Friday, August 14, 2009

"Hi," I said, "Good morning. I'm here, just like I said I would be."

I didn't receive a reply, but that's okay. I didn't expect one. I began work on this drawing.

Then I began again.

I erased, and began once more.

I erased so much that the creamy color of the Moleskine sketchbook rubbed off in places, and I had white blotches all over the page, with bits of eraser stubble sticking to them.

Yet again, I tried to begin.

"We met yesterday," I said, a bet tense. "I saw you, smiled at you, complimented you, and admired you. I told you I would be back today to spend time with you, and here I am. Now it would be great, really great, if you cooperated and made this drawing easier."

The flower didn't reply, which I know is reasonable, but still, I felt a bit slighted.

"You're in my light," the flower finally said to me, "I'd like the bees to see me."

I stepped into the shade, turned a fresh page, and there I stayed until I was finished.

Colored pencil in Moleskine sketchbook.

14 comments:

  1. You have such a great style of writing - the way you animate things and bring them to life. I'm so envious!

    Also, you are very talented at drawing flowers and plants. Keep up the great work!

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  2. your prose is as delightful as your drawing!!

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  3. Thanks, everyone, for the comments. Now that I've gotten to know this flower, I'd like to draw it again, but going a little crazy with it and more fanciful.

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  4. Absolutely beautiful words! And sketch, wow, I am transported and inspired by your combination of the these two forms of art, Resi.

    You've made me realize that I needn't battle with these two forms of expression within me - how black and white I had been thinking! - they can be combined into this powerful, beautiful, uplifting delight!

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  5. Pippa,
    Please do try to combine your interests and see what you discover. It's good to mix things up now and then.

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  6. Thanks, Resi, you are certainly the epitome of it! I am starting already!

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  7. I love the delicacy of your drawings and the feelings you put into your words. Now I understand why people have started to illustrate books and are continuing that today. Sadly, grown-ups forget that very often and keep their noses in those books of plane white fields with cold winds blowing black sheep from left to right. All looking the same.
    I wish you that your inspiration would never end and you would bring many more beautiful things into our Earth, each time making the World a little better.

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  8. Your stories are a delightful accompaniment to your delicate drawings. Brilliant!

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  9. Beautifully observed and documented!

    Botanical Art & Naturalist Illustration group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botanicalart Join an international forum for artists, photographers, fanciers, directors, dabblers, doodlers, illustrators, collectors, calligraphers, crafters, naturalists, gardeners, botanists, scientists, growers, explorers, directors, writers, journalers, educators, birders, shopkeepers, curators, printers, historians, enthusiasts...the curious [whew]. Dedicated to the realistic portrayal of plants, flowers and natural science subjects.

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  10. Beautifully observed and documented!

    Botanical Art & Naturalist Illustration group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botanicalart Join an international forum for artists, photographers, fanciers, directors, dabblers, doodlers, illustrators, collectors, calligraphers, crafters, naturalists, gardeners, botanists, scientists, growers, explorers, directors, writers, journalers, educators, birders, shopkeepers, curators, printers, historians, enthusiasts...the curious [whew]. Dedicated to the realistic portrayal of plants, flowers and natural science subjects

    ReplyDelete