Monday 18 February 2008

Figuratively Speaking

Artisue - thanks for the concern. The class went really well and the back stood up to it OK.They were very good about helping to carry things and I found a hunky young chap to carry it in and a very robust older model to carry it all out. I am so annoyed because I forgot my camera and can’t show you the wonderful stuff that was produced. Everyone did at least one piece that they really liked - always a great relief for a tutor.
Lucky you, Gisele, living in Jersey. I like the stuff you are doing. I shall try to bring the fossil pieces over as they are very much a mixed media effort and that is what I’m teaching over there. I’ve just discovered that I am opening the textile event. I’m sure they must have asked me but I didn’t take it in at the time. Anyone any good at writing speeches?
Dale - hope you will show more of the Historical Heirlooms (we called it the hysterical heirlooms) course-work soon. I’ve enjoyed what you showed before. Must be hard keeping motivated on your own.

Thanks Darlene (and everyone else) for encouragement on the fossil front. It’s coming on very well but I had the day off yesterday and today I went for a quick lunch with Jane Wild which lasted all day. She is doing some fantastic painting and drawing (and even a little bit of stitching). All her work just now is based on faces and figures. Here is one of her charcoal drawings.


The shading is fantastic. I can't remember whether this next one is oils or water colour but I love the feeling that it was quickly captured and recorded. The shape is so good.


This one is a painting of a small sculpture - a seated figure, very abstract.


Another charcoal, I think - a back view.



And now for something completely different - a work in progress of a Cubist still life. I love half completed paintings, they fascinate me.


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The most amazing sunset I have ever seen is happening outside. Here's a pic and I swear I haven't retouched it. The whole world is full of a weird apricot light. Quite creepy.

7 comments:

artisbliss said...

Glad you survived in good shape. I shall have to poll you for ideas on how to run my fiber workshop later this fall as I haven't the least idea how to proceed.

Jane's sketchbook is just a wow, and I wonder what you'll do with that spectacular sunset photo.

Julie said...

Thank you for sharing the life sketches :)
It was a very strange light this evening wasn't it? The sky had a tinge of green about it as well. I photographed it when it was a pale orange.

Downunderdale said...

thanks Maggie - I am in the process of having fun with pin tucks and yes it is frustrating not being able to work with others.

Wabbit said...

Gorgeous sunset, Maggie! Where I live (Arizona, USA) is known for spectacular sunsets, but that one is something special.

Thank you for sharing the examples of how you can combine the pre-programmed embroidery with free embroidery and hand work. Yes, I do have the software that came with my Bernina's embroidery module, but I have to persuade the module and my laptop to get back on speaking terms before I can try anything since they seem to be feuding! Yesterday I went insane and bought 28 spools of embroidery thread because it was on sale, buy 1 get 1 free. So now I must do some embroidery but of course I won't have the color I need!

I'm so happy that your back pain is easing. I do understand about not liking massage as I have a friend who hates to be touched and I'm a hugger! Marilyn

Dorothy Gibbs said...

Hi Maggie, loved all the artwork on this edition... jane is very gifted. I also loved the sunset... it is very like it was here... I put it on my blog, www.pandoraspictureaday.blogspot.com. if you would like to see it.
Dorothy

The WestCountryBuddha said...

Wow what a fantastic photo. People wouldn't believed it if you did a painting using those colours. Thanks for posting the pictures of your chum's life drawings/paintings. The movement is fantastic and I love the way the essence is captures so accurately yet so simply. I would love to be able to do that.

Digitalgran said...

I love Jane's figure drawing!
Glad your back held up OK too. Where do you manage to get hold of these useful men?