Time to give an update on the status of Thursdays’ Drawing project, Grand Slam . . . Grand Slam, graphite (9×12) is being drawn on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper with charcoal and graphite – here is a summary of today’s work:
- The trees are the only aspect of the drawing being drawn in charcoal so they stay flat (with no reflection) and stay in the background of the scene – today more definition was given to the trees and will wait until the drawing is nearly done to continue. The bottom of the tree line will be extended more into the half-moon area, but will be done at the same time as the spray/splash – this will begin to fix the appearance of “looking down into the scene.”
- The rocks/boulders are being drawn in graphite to reflect sun and water – all the rocks were worked on including the foreground left and right sides they are now connected, also rocks were added to the bottom of the tree line in the upper right of the drawing although I’m not entirely sold on these rocks and the area some thought.
- The water and spray are being drawn entirely in graphite, allowing the sun to be reflected off the water. Water flowing toward the shore was developed with several layers, much more work is required, it doesn’t have a natural choppy feel yet – as the values and motion of the water will be worked on after the spray/splash is completed.
- See the middle area, a spot and what looks like lines – actually frisket (keeping the paper clean) will be removed next week. I also noticed that the piece of paper I was resting my hand and arm on smeared some of the light splashes w/n the water, not to worry that will be correct next week.
About four hours went into the drawing today – have a great weekend! Thank you for checking in on the progress of Grand Slam, click onto the image for a larger version.
Grand Slam, #3
Oil Pastels by Mary 
Mary I never cease to be amazed at your gift with art, I am struggling at art, your advice and texts have given me new perspectives, thank you so much. ❤
Holly you’ve made my day – thank you for your beautiful comment and compliment. I’m glad you enjoy the process, don’t know if it’s technically correct, but it’s how I go about drawing. Have a wonderful evening.
I find so many helpful suggestions in your texts Mary, thank you again.
Thanks Holly!
Another masterpiece!
Thank you Fiona – you are so kind. Have a wonderful evening – in two days I get to start drawing again, can’t wait!
Taking shape beautifully Mary! Can’t wait to see it finished.
Thanks so much Madhu – really appreciate it!
My goodness, Mary, I’m beginning to really see it now and know it’s going to be good.
I’m reminded of a visit to the Tunnicliffe Exhibition I made eight years ago, at the Oriel Ynys Môn at Llangefni on the Isle of Anglesey. Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe (1901 – 1979) was a most wonderful wildlife artist. And it gave me a feeling of almost peeping over his shoulder as I examined his original sketchbooks and drawings done in the field – a feeling not unlike that I have now watching the progress of ‘Grand Slam’.
Can’t wait to see the finished work.
Yours,
Paul
Hi Paul, thank you so much for your description of your visit – sounds like one of those exhibitions that I could spend all day at, I’ll have to look up Mr. Tunnicliffe’s work. Appreciate your kind thoughts – means a lot. Thanks again ~
Wow, your approach is very amazing! Well, it’s looking fabulous, and I await some more. Thank you, Mary!
Thank you so much Resa!
Looking forward to see the “effect” of looking down the scene, I believe that is kinda difficult but I know you will manage that particular aspect! You building up very nicely all the necessary layers and I really enjoy the process of describing each and every step with which you progress and that is so very unique is so very Mary and I love it! Have a most wonderful weekend!
Hi Eva, thank so much. To be honest I like the original sketch better in terms of giving the perspective the scene that makes it dynamic. Hopefully the work coming this Thursday on the water and splash will have the effect that I’m after. Have a wonderful week!
Thank you Mary, same to you! 🙂 see you on Thursday!
Very interesting to see this beautiful drawing taking shape! It’s come along way in a few weeks. Have an awesome weekend Mary!
Thank you Rhonda – hope this week the drawing will shape up as I’m imagining it to be. Have a great week.
I’m sure it will be awesome Mary!
I really enjoy hearing your process, Mary, and appreciate you taking the time out of your artistry to share the experience. 🙂
Thank you Jet, glad you enjoyed learning about the process. Have a lovely week!
As you know, the process is interesting … and I imagine you writing this improves your focus.
Thanks Frank, great comment. You are so right – writing about the process allows me to think through and examine what’s going on with the piece. Actually taking photographs during the process of both painting and drawing (I have about 20 of this one so far) allows me to see the piece through the eyes of the viewer and adds a whole dimension to the creative process. Have a wonderful weekend ~
Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful art work dear Mary. Always your art works fascinate me. Thank you dear Mary, have a nice weekend, love, nia
Thank you so much Nia for your lovely comment – you are so nice. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and may your lens find you all sorts of neat subjects for photographs.
You amaze me Mary … so thought out and precise …
It’s looking GOOD …. and I can see your choppy waters ahead already 🙂
Thanks Poppy – the middle of the scene is going to be the real challenge, if I can do it justice I’ll be amazed. Thanks and have a great weekend.
Coming along nicely, Miss Mary
uncle john
Thanks Uncle John!
It’s really coming along nicely, Mary. 🙂
Thanks Sylvia!
Looking good Mary! Can’t wait to see the finish! ~Rita
Thanks Rita!!
I’m so excited to see the finished product!
Thanks Simla!
Thank you for the summary of your beautiful art work, Mary! Help me so much to understand the layers of work and appreciate the result even more.
Thanks Amy – have a ways to go on this one, glad you enjoyed the process.