More Pilewort

Graphite is pure pleasure! That's it, just that simple statement. :-)

Sketching for practice and relaxation

For a change of pace, and to get back to basics, I sketched out a Pilewort blossom. I'd like to get in more of these kind of studies--flower and leaf closeups. It's good practice and I love having the ability to simply erase a line.



This sketch from a few nights ago was a copy from a book on light and shading in watercolor. I thought that rather than try to copy it with paint that I'd first work out values in b/w.



And then there's this loose sketch from something like a month ago. Scribbled on the back of a printout and wrinkled with water stains, I found it mixed in with books on the bedroom floor. Photoshop to the rescue here to wash out the background print and wrinkles. (Too bad Photoshop won't work on the bedroom floor...) That altered the tonality somewhat but not too badly. Very roughly based on a profile of my Timothy.

Pilewort

That's an odd name, isn't it? Pilewort, Erechtites hieraciifolia, distilled to its essential oil, is used to treat hemorrhoids. So, I guess it makes sense. But why it has a synonym of Fireweed might make me feel a bit concerned about its application...







Going in another direction, here's a glimpse of a dragonfly in action. It's my first try at macro movie making, slow motion editing, and working with Vimeo.




On Sunday I sadly bid goodbye to my fine neighbors, Jim and Jill. Long time readers will remember Jim--he helped me get maple blossoms shots back in early spring. Best of luck in your new home, folks. You've been great neighbors! :-)

And lastly, this weekend for a real treat I visited a couple of botanical art exhibits:
NESBA Flowers Of Summer
Sarah Roche at Paul Pratt Memorial Library
I am a huge fan of botanical art and am so amazed by the work of artists. For interested locals, both exhibits are running through the month of August.