Thursday, January 22, 2009

Watching TV

I am having trouble getting going in this new year - recovering now from watching the wondrous events in Washington into the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Congratulations
America on your exciting and inspiring new president - we, and most of South Africa I'm sure, were enthralled at the event, the crowds, the jubilation (reminding us of our own historic elections in 1994) and the message of honesty, fair play and hard work. I hope that Africa's despots were watching, and quaking in their ill-gotten palaces at these words:
To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history.
Amen!
Right! Back to the watercolours - this is another rainy-day painting I did of my son's friend Julian while on holiday. The likeness is quite good - he has the most startlingly blue eyes, dark lashes, full curling lips and rosy cheeks, but I've made him look more sulky than he does really. Also I made my old mistake of trying to squeeze his long legs onto my small page - I did a digital adjustment here on the right making the legs bigger, looking more foreshortened and it helps to make him look more relaxed in the chair. I need to get back to some figure drawing classes!



7 comments:

Adam Cope said...

like the pose, don't know why but my eyes find a co-respondence between black baskets & black hair.

draw on!

jgr said...

Hi,
I've just found your blog and I love your work! I am a student of watercolor too, and I struggle sometimes. Your work is very inspiring.

Thank you for sharing!
--Jane

Helen Percy Lystra said...

Love the pose... so relaxed and they painting style is the same. Well done.
Helen

Gillian said...

This young man must be very pleased with this! I see what you mean about the adjustment you made digitally on his legs - it does make a difference to the perspective. But I don't think I would have noticed it if you hadn't pointed it out!

Teresa said...

I like it... a lot! It's full of life, color and youth. If Julian is that handsome in real life he can count his blessings! :-)

Art with Liz said...

I think it's so hard to do watercolour portraits, but you have it mastered. Great painting.

And I echo your sentiments about the American elections. Well put.

"JeanneG" said...

It's nice that he posed for you. It looks like he is really relaxed.