Monday, 18 February 2013

Horse and Carriage

First of all, an apology to my fellow bloggers. I just haven't been able to get round all of your blogs of late due to family commitments. Following a recent illness and a few days in hospital, my elderly parents (87 and 94) have reached the stage where they can no longer manage to live in their rather large (for them) 2-storey house. So I am heavily involved in driving across town every day to deal with the things they can't manage and I'm also house-hunting to try and get them a smaller bungalow close to where I live. I'm as enthusiastic as ever to look at your creations and I'll get to your sites as and when I'm able.

Wanting to continue with my art but seriously lacking time, a couple of weeks ago I decided to start a new pencil drawing because I knew this would be something I could work on a few minutes at a time as and when opportunities presented. And this is what I've been working on ......

A pencil drawing of a Horse and Carriage in Cockington

If any of you have ever visited Cockington, in Torbay I know you will have seen this local horse and carriage. It actually provides a valuable service as it is a fully licensed Horsedrawn Hackney Carriage and offers a taxi service from the seafront in the nearby town of Torquay, along the country lanes to the Blacksmith's Forge in Cockington village. 

I underestimated the amount of detail in the carriage and chose A4 paper (Daler Rowney Heavyweight paper 130lb 11" x 8"). I'm thinking it might be nice to do the drawing again but much larger and I'm contemplating doing a series involving different carriages. In readiness I intend to research carriages and try and identify this one but if any of you know what type of carriage it is please let me know.


View more: ,

37 comments:

  1. ann @ studiohyde18 February 2013 at 23:45

    Lovely drawing John. It's a Landau carriage btw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:18

      I thought the Landau were much grander than this Ann, Thank you for identifying it for me.
      And it's really nice to see you in the forum. I'm looking forward to you showing off some of your work to the others. And one of these days I hope to persuade you to do something in there with regards to your awesome sketchbooks. ;-)

      Delete
    2. ann @ studiohyde24 February 2013 at 21:03

      Thanks John. I will take little steps with the Forum at first to get the hang of it. I am enjoying reading what others have to say and seeing their art work.

      Delete
  2. hmuxo19 February 2013 at 00:37

    A beautiful drawing John.. the horse is absolutely amazing....and getting Mom and Dad to live closer to you is the best thing for all of you...less stress for you. I've been there so I understand. I look forward to seeing more drawings...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:21

      Yes, it's a difficult time but we'll get there. Thank you Hilda.

      Delete
  3. Victor Errington19 February 2013 at 09:37

    Hi John.
    first of all John, I`m so sorry to hear that your lovely Mum and Dad are poorly mate. We pray to God that they will pull through. Now your drawing, it is absolutely brilliant. how you can draw such detail I don`t don`t know. I can`t pick out any one thing to praise because all is fantastically skilled drawing. Full marks here John. All the best mate.
    Vic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:24

      Thank you very much Vic. As for Mum & Dad, I'm blessed to still have them with me. ;)

      Delete
  4. Sandra Busby19 February 2013 at 09:55

    I'm so sorry to hear that John. I hope they are both feeling better soon and life regains some normality for you.
    And don't worry about my blog! At least it's one less to worry about!
    Wow - you are the master of graphite! This is astounding! Just brilliant! Your drawing skills are just incredible :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:48

      Thank you very much Sandra. I'll be round to your blog whenever I get the opportunity. ;)

      Delete
  5. Barbra Joan19 February 2013 at 13:00

    To think you ever doubted . Each piece has become more and more incredible.. I think it's safe to say you are a 'Master Pencil Artist'.
    Yes, capital letters for you ... Fantastic work John.
    And many more to come. Barbra Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:49

      Thank you BJ. Knowing your pencil work as I do, makes this wonderful comment even more special.

      Delete
  6. Laura19 February 2013 at 13:55

    Hi John. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles but I think when you reach our age and your parents age these things are just thrust upon us. So I hear you loud and clear. I hope you manage to sort things out for you all.
    You are still and probably always will be the master of your pencil. The carriage is fantastic.
    Take care and don't worry about blogging world. We will be here when you are ready. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:51

      Yes Laura, it comes to us all I guess. And thank you for the nice comment.

      Delete
  7. Trudy R. Gomez19 February 2013 at 14:24

    Greetings! I love the drawing. Sounds as if you've managed quite a lot lately. Hope many wonderful blessings come your way to help with family...that is the most important item on your agenda! I'm still struggling to find my "artistic voice". I agree you certainly are the "master" of your pencil!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:54

      Trudy, you are one of the last people I expect to say you are struggling. As you say, family are the most important item on the agenda ... but we can keep the art ticking over.

      Delete
  8. Jane19 February 2013 at 22:38

    Your drawing is outstanding, great skill ! And John, there are priorities in life and I definitely think your parents are first in line. Wish you a good house hunt !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:56

      Yes Jane, life gets in the way sometimes ... but that's how it should be. Thanks for the nice comment.

      Delete
  9. Pat20 February 2013 at 07:41

    Sorry to hear of your parents' frailty. I do so hope you can find a bungalow close by.
    Your pencil drawing is amazing!
    So glad you have kept up a little a day, because it will give your mind rest from the activity involved in ageing parents and house hunting!
    Look forward to the next in the series xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:57

      You're right about a little a day Pat. Even just a few minutes can be quite absorbing ... and is balm for the troubled soul. Thank you.

      Delete
  10. Paul Shenton20 February 2013 at 16:37

    What a wonderful graphite piece John. I always look forward to your work with the pencil, you seem to be getting better & better if thats possible

    Take care Young Un

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)20 February 2013 at 20:58

      Thank you Paul. It's great to see you here and I very much appreciate your support.

      Delete
  11. Crystal Cook22 February 2013 at 02:19

    This is amazing John. The detail is incredible here, i can only imagine what you can do with a larger size. :) And I hope your parents are doing well, my husband went through that with his grandmother a few years ago. So hard to have them leave their home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)22 February 2013 at 09:44

      Thank you very much Crystal. Old age brings it's problems but the alternative isn't good. ;-)

      Delete
    2. Unknown22 February 2013 at 16:00

      Sorry to read about your problems. Good luck with everything.

      This is a lovley drawing. I look forward to seeing your carraige series.

      Delete
    3. John (JWJarts)24 February 2013 at 12:54

      Thanks Sue.

      Delete
  12. sue greco24 February 2013 at 02:54

    This is a wonderful drawing John. I so appreciate your pencil work!What an interesting carriage and a great idea to do a series. I am so sorry about your family problems and hope all goes well. Meantime, even a little bit of drawing each day I'm sure will help you.

    All the best,

    Sue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)24 February 2013 at 12:55

      Thank you very much Sue. Yes, I find that even a few minutes with my pencils can be quite soothing.
      All the best.

      Delete
  13. jsicignano2.blogspot.com25 February 2013 at 21:45

    Hi John,

    Such a wonderful drawing , you are truly a master draftsman. Love your work.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Catharina Engberg26 February 2013 at 22:06

    This drawing is so nice. And I guess you know I love horses ;)
    I´m looking forward to see your next carriage also then!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)4 March 2013 at 11:28

      Yes Catharina, I had detected that you have a slight interest in horses. lol. I still haven't had chance to start the next drawing but hopefully I will soon. Thank you for the nice comment. ;-)

      Delete
  15. Gatepost productions3 March 2013 at 10:34

    Hi John - I've been away, ill, but am fine now and will try to get my show back on the road ASAP! Love the horse & carriage

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)4 March 2013 at 11:30

      Thank you John. Sorry to hear you haven't been well.

      Delete
  16. Bruce Sherman6 March 2013 at 13:44

    Good Morning John!... I was pleased to see you surface as a visitor to my site this morning! I always look forward to trading ideas and thoughts with you. I deeply admire your pencil work and attention to detail... this carriage and horse piece being just another fine example of your keen eye and draughtsmanship.

    As for apologizing for your absence... no need to John! You are taking care of the very things... and people who made your journey possible. I commend you for that!

    I went through exactly the same process and chapter in my own book that you are currently having to shoulder. There is joy... after all is said and done... that you honoured your Father and your Mother. Your days will be long... satisfying and jubilant for you... knowing that you had given them the care and attention which they truly deserve!

    Already... even at a distance... I can see that they did a good job.... and made a difference! The world now has "You".. a fine person... generous and gifted... and willing to share! Oh... that this sad world had more "Johns"...HA HA!!! You know what I mean Sir!


    Rich blessings of Peace... Patience and Tolerance! Good luck on your journey. Talk to you again soon...

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)6 March 2013 at 17:06

      Bruce, this is one of the nicest, warmest comment I think I've ever received on my blog. I am truly very grateful. Regrettably it was not me that visited your blog this morning. I haven't dropped in for quite a while but I will correct that very soon.

      I find it interesting how life moves in circles. Our parents bring us into this world and look after us, giving us the best start they can. We add to that knowledge through our own life experiences, and then the day comes when it is our turn to look after them. And while this 'circle of life' is going on, I have had my own child, so there is another circle that overlaps the first. And I like to think of these two circles as two links in a chain. And long may the process continue.

      Thank you for you insightful and understanding thoughts Bruce. All the best to you.

      Warmest Regards,
      John

      Delete
  17. suzanneberry15 March 2013 at 17:30

    Hi John,

    I am so sorry to hear of your parents decline. I do hope you find a place for them near you and that everything settles down and they are comfortable.

    Your drawing of just beautiful! I have missed so much of your work and thought of you often. I'm so grateful that working is a joyful experience for me and feels so good. It helps and the studio in a wonderful environment, especially knowing that Tim is with me.

    Good luck with everything and thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John (JWJarts)15 March 2013 at 22:38

      Suzanne, it is me that should thank you for being such an inspiration to me and all your fellow bloggers. Take care.

      Delete

Your comments are very much appreciated and I value every one. Thank you

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)