Life…unexpected.

Sometimes life throws us curve balls. Recent unexpected surgery has grounded me and even tossed the proverbial artistic salad. There’s something about a forced break from whatever trend or rut one might be in (though it never felt like a rut!), but allows you to think, explore, try new things and find unexpected joys in the midst of discomfort, rearranged plans, etc.

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It allows you to watch neighbors walk their dogs, try out new(old) art supplies, and find fresh inspiration from other artists. I absolutely LOVE Jerry Waese’s artwork, which I found on the fabulous site Urban Sketchers. When you are trying out a particular artist’s style, one must allow oneself to do so in his/her OWN manner…I think it is impossible to exactly copy them, since we are each so different from one another and that should be reflected in our art. I pulled out my Caran D’Ache neocolor II watercolor crayons, waterbrush, and pen, and I’ve had a ball observing out my window, working on faces, etc.

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This will be a very portable way of carrying color around when I’m able to be out and about more. I love the combination of line and sketchy color. Jerry seems to use a liberal dose of black and then limits how many colors he uses. I seem to want to use lots of colors, even blended within the same area. Well, it is fun anyway. Check out his work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/waese/  perhaps you too will be inspired…at the very least you’ll be delighted by his drawings.  Here’s a final sketch of one of my son’s friends eating pizza.  I’m hoping to blog again sooner than this last patch of unexpected events.  C’est la vie, n’est-ce pas?

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0 thoughts on “Life…unexpected.

  1. ejmordasky says:

    I’ve never seen your work before, I don’t believe—and it is great to see how well you do–you fill the space beUTIFULLY and draw so well—hope to see more

  2. Joan Gillman Smith says:

    Wow! This is a change. Bolder, great authority. Whatever hardships you are faced with (and I hope they are happily resolved) they have led you down a path of true artistic accomplishment. All the best to you Jennifer. And enjoy your new artistic direction.

  3. quiltknit says:

    I am sorry you have been hit by a side Ball of life. It comes to us all. I hope it is over soon and you have a beautiful regular schedule again. (Circle of Healing Hugs))
    We share EDM together. Have you been to the FB edm and become a fan?
    Sherrie Roberts

    • jenpedwards says:

      Sherrie, thank you for your comments! No, I have not gone over to the Facebook version…I don’t have a Facebook and am not sure I’m up for that. I do hear it is a big hit though, so if you’re a fan, I hope you have a great time there. Thanks again for visiting…I’ll visit you soon!

  4. PainterWoman says:

    Glad you posted… hope your recovery is (only) as speedy as you want. Looks like you’re making the most of it! Isn’t Urban Sketchers NEAT? Just found them, myself.

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