Thursday 27 October 2011

Fisherman's Cottage

During my recent visit to Robin Hoods Bay I went down into the village itself. Built on the cliffs it was a steep walk down ... and a steeper one back up. It is an artists paradise with a picture lurking around every bend. The narrow high street is of motorway proportions when compared to the narrow alleyways that comprise most of the 'streets' in Robin Hoods Bay. As I ambled along narrow paths that led up and down steps, I was enthralled at the way one persons garden would sit adjacent their neighbours roof and the shapes of some of the cottages is amazing as they were obviously built to fit into the small spaces available. Front doors reached by a flight of well worn stone steps was a common feature. This one was fairly well weathered and close to dilapidation with the black painted woodwork and steps showing the signs of times long gone.

At the time I took the photograph I was thinking this would make a nice watercolour but I have to confess that I'm not doing so well with my painting right now. I keep making mud and struggle to make the paint go where I want it to. At times like this I get frustrated with my art, and I never like to feel that way. Fortunately, I enjoy using pens and pencils so decided to try this one in pen. I'm glad I did because I think the subject lends itself very nicely to the medium .... and I thoroughly enjoyed every second.

9 comments:

  1. I often think you should have been an Architect John, this is a superb drawing. I would love to be able to draw like this ... pencils and pastels are wasted in my hands! :)

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  2. Almost forgot ... :)

    ~"Happy Birthday John"~

    Hope you have a great day! ~X~

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  3. Yes, happy birthday John! You certainly are a master with the pen and this drawing, like all your others I've seen, are truly up there with the best. Don't feel down about the watercolour, I have lots of bad days/weeks with it too lol.

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  4. Thank you very much Ingrid ... and I wish I could master wet-in-wet as well as you have.

    Michael, thank you so much for your very generous comment. It is much appreciated.

    ... and thank you both for the birthday wishes. ;-)

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  5. This is great. You are right pen is the right medium for a subject like this, but then I may be a little biased :)

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  6. Thank you Sue. I need to be more varied and interesting with my hatching, but I think I'm getting there.

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  7. It looks fabulous! Such a great drawing.

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  8. It really is a lovely drawing and it suits pen! I can so relate to the frustration that comes wih painting at times. I am having a head scratching moment with my latest oil, which has suddenly got a problem and I really can't figure out how to deal with it. So, I am leaving it for a few days and hope that a pair of fresh eyes will sort it out :0)

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  9. Pat, I'm glad you like it. Thank you so much.

    Thank you Sandra. Sorry to hear about your problem with your painting. I'm sure you'll sort it when you look at it afresh as I can't imagine any other outcome. I don't do a lot of head scratching myself because of the splinters. lol.

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