Statue of Liberty – Ink
Another attempt to get to grips with different pen techniques. This one used stippling for the tree foliage and more open hatching for the plinth of the statue. In the latter case I almost had to force myself to use this on the “lighter” areas. It seems to have worked but much more practice is required. My first attempt also had rather bland shadow surfaces but I added some more. Perhaps even more might bring it to life. Critique please.
greyseal 5:17 pm on April 12, 2012 | #
She looks lonely dear Uncle. A dark skyline with more buildings behind the trees would push those trees forward really well. A darker water in the foreground might help too. I only did one pen and ink stipple assignment for class and it took FOREVER to finish because the darkest values took the longest, but they were what really set off the rest. (it was a Polar Bear and Walrus scene) I thought you were a watercolor man? Regards, a handshake, and I hope the weather rewards your gardening efforts this year!
Uncle Bob 1:40 am on April 13, 2012 | #
Hi Greyseal. Many thanks for this. I had considered making the foreground darker but, like you, found putting this in was incredibly time consuming leaving a tendency to just slap any old sort of hatching/shading in. Its interesting you found this as well with your bear/walrus scene. You are spot on when you talk about adding value by adding more buildings behind the monument. I sketched this scene from this video taken last September. If you look towards the end of it you will see that we are well down near the waterline, looking up towards the “lady”. Ah the perils of doing a scene from photos/videos. It never occurred to me to put in the NY skyline which, obviously, exists in the background. Fancy forgetting that there just might be high buildings in this area He! He! A great tip and I shall use some artistic license next time.
The main reason for all the sketching is just a phase to try to improve my observational techniques. If you have been following (enduring) my recent posts you will see that I have been immersed in Guptill and \Watson’s books on sketching and rendering. I thought that some of this would make my efforts more receptive to “line and wash” techniques so I have not forgotten about watercolour. Just put this on the back burner for a wee while but thanks for the thought.
I really appreciate your time to respond to this. I’ve said before that this is a learning curve with no end as far as I am concerned so feedback is welcome/essential for me to make any progress. Returning your handshake and, yes, the gardening season is under-way although the recent wet weather suggests I should be planting rice instead of other stuff
Uncle Bob 1:41 am on April 13, 2012 | #
PS The link for the video is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJyUYhFQRec
Uncle Bob 1:46 am on April 13, 2012 | #
PPS A true story from my teaching days which I remembered after reading your comment.
Teacher : Name five animals which can be found near the North Pole
Student : Three seals and two Polar bears
MobileHomeMoney 8:54 pm on April 15, 2012 | #
Great subject. Wonderful technique (as usual). Thank you for commenting on an early submission of mine. Have a good day.
Nikira 5:48 am on April 16, 2012 | #
I like your pen and ink experiments very much, Bob. I was thinking on the right side of the statue against the trees line plays very strong role, basically outlines. But if here line will become not important and contrast would be suggested by tonal value (cross hatching) it will add to the drawing. I am a big fan of “eaten by the light” idea (my terminology).
ihavegills 12:00 am on April 18, 2012 | #
I’ve actually missed you. It’s Sophie, she who comments but never submits. Maybe I can change that in the near future. I had some hurdles but I’m a lot better now. I’m guessing you aren’t still in NYC? You’re so prolific. Some of your work I love more than the rest, but it was always good to check you out daily (more normal people might actually read the paper). I gave the sock monkey to a child. But I’m good now. Must have been a long time went by without my noticing.
Uncle Bob 2:12 am on April 18, 2012 | #
Sorry that I almost missed this reply, MobileHome…., You are most welcome as regards my comment. I like to send feedback as much as possible but don’t always remember or have the time. A good day to you too.
Uncle Bob 2:18 am on April 18, 2012 | #
Thanks Nikira. I understand exactly what you say about “eaten by the light” – what a wonderful expression. I’ve used this before but always thought it made sense only to use this technique for areas close up. Don’t know where /why I got this idea. Will certainly try this in future “experiments”. The learning continues
Uncle Bob 2:31 am on April 18, 2012 | #
Ah Sophie. How nice to hear from you again. It must be a year or two. I expect that many others, as well as myself, would be thrilled to see you send stuff to Skineart. I have found that it gives me some sense of regular pattern to my life and is, therefore, therapeutic. So sorry that you have had some set backs but pleased that you say you are a lot better now. Margaret and my trip to NYC seems a long way in the distant past. We were actually only in the city for three days but crammed lots into the visit. (see these links)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28475994@N00/sets/72157627744555769/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1urPUuBjqs0 (there are six of these videos)
During our visit we met Leo (who runs this site) as well. Sorry that you weren’t around during this time. We only had a few days as we headed north to stay with friends for a week, all this making our first trip to your country memorable. Will let you know if we ever repeat the exercise.
Please take care and continue to get better perhaps becoming more involved in this wee community
Bob
PS So “McD” went to another home? Hope he is appreciated.