It may look like four different artists did these sketches, but it was all me, trying out different ways to capture the fluid but fast-moving actions of the Flag Dancers that performed at the Italian Festival at Montecasino. Our group sketched there a few weeks ago, but we decided to go again on Saturday after hearing that these guys would be there, plus fashion shows, Italian cars and food. We started off at the food court, it was a bit early to indulge in the lasagnes and pastas, but I warmed up sketching some potential customers sitting nearby.
Then came the sound of drums beating and horns playing, so we rushed through to the Piazza in time to have sketchbooks at the ready for the colourful arrival of the Flag Throwers and Dancers. I tried first with a brushpen, and then to get some of the colours, with wax Mon Ami crayons which I washed over with watercolour later - the intention was better than the result of this experiment below!
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17 comments:
All the scenes are full of life! You can almost hear the sound! I've posted mine on facebook Joburg sketchers, and will post them on my blog sometime during the week...
You know, you're right! Four distinct styles! Great to see them all together. I love seeing the gal in the top sketch looking over the shoulders right at us. Always bustling, colorful scenes from your neck of the woods!
Cheers, XO Suzanne.
suzannemcdermott.com
drawandwatercolor.com
Very interesting work! Soon we will meet in Lisbon, attending your workshop with Isabel Fiadeiro! Nice to meet you here in your blog!
Lovely sketches Cathy!!! I'm loving the way you are getting the likeness... That's jolly good, I'm impressed! Looks like it was quite a lively parade! Love the top and bottom sketches!
Fabulous, Cathy. I am especially drawn to the sketches of people in motion! I admire and applaud you for trying to do something so challenging! And succeeding!
This is the first time in a while that I have actually visited your blog, even though I have enjoyed your pics on Joburg Sketchers. It was great to see the drawings and paintings I have missed on your last few posts! You are too hard on yourself, as most of the sketches are fantastic :) . I loved your pen pouch for your handbag. I am always looking for ways to simplify my art stuff so that my handbag is not so cumbersome! I think your slim green hold-all is very neat! I hope it does suit your needs in Lisbon. Can't wait to see your sketches from Portugal, and hear of your experiences with the workshop ! Good luck and a safe trip !!
Wow, once again I absolutely adore your ability to catch people. Its as though Im watching a discovery special. "Humans Through the eyes of an artist" Love the girl with the brown purse on the top. I can just feel the attention she has focussed. The expressions of everyone durring the coffee session too. Amazing. How did you go about finding other sketchers nearby? I need that influence and support group to help me out maybe. Well once again. Awesome, amazing, cool. Keep inspiring me
^_^
The dancers are so alive and I love your decision to try different media. Your people sketching is always a delight to see, full of life and narrative.
You've captured the movement and life all around you, no matter what style or medium you were using - it works and it's fun and interesting, too. Your sketching amazes me!
Your work is so incredibly exciting Cathy. So vibrant and always tells a story.
Cathy thanks, your sketches show so much of the morning , including the surrounding buildings which I couldn't even begin to get down!
Hi Suzanne! I've been catching up on your beautiful abstract watercolours - thanks for the visit!
Hello Ana - look forward to meeting you soon in Lisbon, excitement is reaching fever pitch!
Thanks Debbie, lively it certainly was - hope you'll join us one of these days
Laura thanks - you never know till its all over if it was successful - and then always think you could do it better - try, try try again.
Hi Barbara - I hope so too, I would like a lighter, more streamlined bag to put it in, but time is running out to find such a thing.
Benjaminj - thanks so much, great to know you're inspired, as I am by many others!! You could look at the Sketchcrawl site and Urban Sketchers on Flickr, or put out a call on Facebook to see if there are other sketchers near you.
Joan, Rhonda and Liz, faithful friends - thanks for your continuing visits and comments
Your sketches are always amazing, no matter the style, although I enjoyed all 4 styles.
brilliant work.
the only other time I have seen the flag toss is in the movie --Under the Tuscan Sun-- starring Diane Lane.
your drawings look like they could be still shots from the movie :)
My husband and I signed on for a Cartoon Fundamentals class at our community college.
We had 4 Tuesday evenings in June as 'date night' especially since we stopped for ice cream on the way home.
I learned much about technique, and the handout/ class materials are very helpful.
Now to practice, then practice some more. Drawing is as much in the eye as in the hand, and I gotta learn to make connections.
Your work is an inspiration!
your blog is amazing and all the sketches are SO good!!! you should get a job illustrating children books etc :)
Someone put me onto your July blog Cathy ... Wowee!! Hooray!! ... I felt alone in the world; here in the remote village of McGregor with my 1000 and 1 sketches. And I've been battling frustratingly to move on and become a "painter" in acryllic and oils. Now, having seen, and revelled in your blog, I see that my sketching career can continue. I will follow that path contentedly for this last decade of my life. I must go immediately to your website and what is your e-mail address I wonder ...
Hello Jo - glad you don't feel so alone - there are thousands of sketchers out there! I occasionally go down to your neck of the woods (Arniston)- it would be nice to sketch together sometime. There is an email address at the top right hand of my blog if you want to get in touch, though I don't check it that often (mostly spam!) so leave a comment if you do email me.
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