Friday, May 22, 2009

Drawing Away My Sadness

For the past three years, my main focus each day has been to care for Pooch: feed him every 2 hours, make sure he gets his myriad of meds on time, take him out to pee every hour, and, of course, snuggle him as much as possible.

Now that he's gone, I find myself completely intimidated by all this new-found freedom. I've cleaned the house top-to-bottom and put away the dog toys. Now what? I don't much feel like making jewelry - my heart's just not in it at this time. I started a drawing on Tuesday - I could only work on it a little at a time, since Pooch demanded I have an arm around him while he slept. I had no idea he wasn't feeling well.

Tuesday I laid down basic shapes. Since I first learned to draw, I've had difficulty with facial features. I made sure to get those right in the first stage.



Wednesday morning, I added the drapery of her soft silk poncho and some of the railing. This immediately helped "ground" the figure.



I had to leave the drawing at this point due to all the drama of Wednesday afternoon and my deep sadness all day yesterday. Still sad today, but trying to fill my day with what I love to do. I decided to go back to the drawing. I've always been able to lose myself in artwork, and this morning was no exception. There's something so "Zen" about sitting quietly, working the pencils and eraser, taking moments to step back and analyze progress.

I dug out the 6B pencils and went to town adding some contrast: I darkened her pants and blouse so she'd "pop" in front of the railing. Then deepened some shadows for added punch.



I think she's done for now. In the future, I'll add some soft misty background - maybe sand dunes and a touch of ocean, for that's where I long to be right now.

The original image I used as a model was a page from the latest Chico's catalog:



I was ruminating over what to draw next, when Marble Man exclaimed, "Ooooooh, you should draw HER!" while pointing madly at the magazine. So, MM, you got your wish.

Thank you, Everyone, for all your supportive comments on my last post (and all the hugs!). It means a great deal to me, and helped a lot.

14 comments:

Snap said...

Kate,

She is just beautiful! So happy to see you drawing. Pooch would be happy, too. (and is ... he's another of your angels now)...

Hugs--

3rdEyeMuse said...

this is a stunning piece, Kate ... I am happy to know that you are drawing away your sadness.

(hugs)

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

What a meaning play on words, "drawing away your sadness." I hope it is literally as well as figuratively true.

The picture is lovely. Is it from a photo of a specific person, or from your imagination?

lori vliegen said...

art is the best therapy, isn't it?! i'm so glad that you got your pencils and paper out...my goodness, your artwork is stunning, kate! it warms my heart to know that you found comfort in drawing this...you did a beautiful job! i wish that i were there to give you a big hug (or come on over, i'm close to the sand and ocean!), but i hope you know that my arms are around you right now, sweet friend!

xoxo
:)

Faded Plains said...

What a beautiful drawing...I'm happy you found a bit of solace in drawing.

rochambeau said...

Your drawing is looking great Kate.
It's good that you can have the gift of your creativity at a time like this.

xox
Constance

Fete et Fleur said...

Kate!

I'm so sorry you have lost your sweet one. Your artwork is beautiful.

Hugs!
Nancy

crystal said...

Sorry for your loss sweetie!!
What a Best Mom you are;)

I found your blog during OWOH and i am visiting again.
Your drawings are amazing,you are so talentd!
Best Wishes

Unknown said...

It looks like you are using all this new free time in a beautiful way! The drawing is amazing! :)

EADotCom said...

Beautifully done =) A joy to watch it develop too.

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

Noticed we haven't seen a new post from you in a few days and I thought I'd just pop in to say, "Hope you are doing ok"

somepinkflowers said...

oh kate


i was on vacation
and
you were going through
the loss
of your Pooch.


:-(

i am so sad to learn
this news...

you had
so many cutie~pie photos
of Pooch...
have you drawn him, too?

did i miss that?

Gabriela said...

Hello Kate,

We are all here for you.
Your drawing is fabulous!


~ Gabriela ~

Terri Pezzullo - Handmade said...

Kate, it came out absolutely beautiful!! I love to draw but nowhere near what you do!

Terri