Today I went along to the art group at church, first time in a couple of weeks owing to this and that. It was nice to return and catch up with some of the folk I’m slowly getting to know. Also so heartwarming and unexpected when a couple said they’d been thinking of me while I was away from the group.
I had a go at another portrait and feel encouraged by the end result, although I am naturally far from being satisfied. I intend to have a few more goes with this subject, all I had to go on was a black and white photograph but this should be quite enough.
I used one of those watercolour pencils, just a black one on ordinary cartridge paper. I do not think ordinary paper is able to handle or absorb water very well but this is all part of me learning the “art of art”. As much as I look forward to painting properly, for now it is important for me learn how to see and draw what I see, not what I think I can see. Does that make sense?
The subject is Nicholas Oloo, a very faithful and godly man I knew in Kenya and visited him a few times in 2005 and 2006. We still keep in touch with each other via email. I have the utmost respect for him as he leads a church in difficult circumstances, also stretching himself to the limit in caring for groups of vulnerable people over a wide area in Kenya. I will never forget the astonishing and heartfelt welcome I received from him and his family.
I have a few ideas of possible art or photographic projects swirling around in my mind right now. I am thankful I have time to be able to work through some of these and again this fits with my approach to retirement: I have the opportunity to do a few more things nowadays. I don’t want to end up being 95 years old, in a nursing home and regret not doing things while I had the chance. When I think of many of the rewarding things I’ve done over the years, none simply landed on my lap and I’m sure my experience is exactly the same as with most other people. I had to work hard, perhaps learn or train hard with commitment, doing some problem solving along the way, perhaps having to pause, re-group and take a different approach. All this leads to that sense of satisfaction and reward.
20 November
Today, I had another go and simply drew Nicholas. I do like the simplicity of a piece of paper and a single pencil. With drawing I am having to concentrate on drawing what I see and not what I think I see. Does this make sense?
Doug,
Your work has several admirers in the group.
Have a go at the Jazz musicians?
Thanks Brian! Yes, jazz musicians could be very interesting, just point me in the right direction.