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WILMA

© March 2012, by artist Sharon L Hicks

Coloured Pencil,  10" x 8"

This portrait is a tribute to Wilma, a lovely little multi-coloured cat.  The Siamese half of her parentage was evident in her face and ears, and in her demeanour.  She loved to 'talk', and we carried on many great conversations.  She is missed.

This piece represents another in my current series of 'looser' style works,  a slight departure from the more 'controlled' near-photo realism I had previously mastered.  The new challenges help keep me focused and keep the work fresh.

THIS ONE'S MINE!

© March 2012, by artist Sharon L Hicks

Coloured Pencil,  8" x 11.5"

Fred was about 6 months old when we brought home little Wilma, just a wee kitten.  He 'claimed' her immediately, and they became constant companions, always curled up together when they slept.  I still have Fred, but Wilma has since departed. 

This painting represents another foray into my current experimental mood, of loosening up my painting style.  Contrary to what logic might suggest, I'm finding it actually takes a lot MORE work, and more thought, to produce a looser looking image!  But I am pleased with my results so far, and part of that feeling is the fact that I'm dealing with new challenges again on a daily basis. 

I think 'challenge' is what makes us grow as artists.  Also, a day without learning something new is a wasted day. 

Another painting, Hot off the Drawing Board, so to speak.  One of several I have been working on for the past few weeks.  

My usual practice is to have at least half a dozen pieces in various stages of completion, all going at the same time.   This stems in part from the fact that when I start working on one piece, my mind is already racing ahead to the next image I want to portray, and I feel the need to get it drafted out while it's still fresh in my mind.  Then once it's drafted, and the colour plan in place, I can pick it up and work on it at any time, alternating with other works-in-progress depending on my mood. 

Once a painting reaches the 'nearly finished' stage, however, I feel compelled to remain with that one until it's done, eager for that 'rush' which happens with that final pencil stroke.    Then it's back to the pile,  or draft another one or two, and so on.  It's a never-ending cycle, and the ideas just keep coming.   I guess some might call it an addiction, and I suppose in a way it is.  But what a GREAT addiction!!

So here's my latest finished work,  a grove of birch trees I encountered down near Dawson Settlement NB a few years ago when I attended a cousin's funeral there.  It was such a restful looking and inviting spot, with the autumn sun lighting up the fall colours. 

AUTUMN BIRCH GROVE

© March 2012, by artist Sharon L Hicks

Coloured Pencil,  11.5"  x  8.25"

My goal here was to capture that marvellous effect of light on the crisp shades of autumn, when greens fade and golds & rusts run rampant.  I also wanted to insert a bit of mystery about where the pathway will lead, into the dark deep of the glade.  Drafted first in very loose pencil strokes and fields of colour, the forms and values were built up gradually, layer upon layer. 

© March 2012, by artist Sharon Hicks

Coloured Pencil,  10" x 8"

Chopper was a lovely dog I had a few years ago.  A mix of Shepherd and Husky he was supposed to be, but I'm pretty sure there was some Lab thrown in for good measure.  Highly intelligent, with a mind of his own, and a very sweet nature, he was full of life and loved everyone he met. 

This painting is another step on my way toward loosening up my working style, with all the underlying layers being done with broad sweeps of blunt pencils, and only the final couple layers focusing on any detail.  Colours too are more 'relaxed',  with less attention to representing what was actually there, and focusing instead on which colours would work best for this particular composition.

Onward and upward !

For some reason I keep coming back to trees as subject matter.  Perhaps it harkens back to my tree-climbing days of youth, when I spent a lot of time up in one of the big old maples which lined our country lane.  Perhaps I wished I could be a bird.  Perhaps I just liked to watch others, unobserved.  Whatever the reason, my collection of 'tree paintings' just keeps growing. 

Arbutus trees with their fascinating red-orange bark can be found all along the Malahat trail, on Vancouver Island.  Looking out over the valley, this specimen stands proudly against the sky, surrounded by lush spring growh.  This was a tree I observed when I was out there fourteen years ago, awaiting the birth of my first grandchild.  Good memories.  :) 

These blood red tulips provide a dramatic promise of spring, which is now just around the corner.  Rendered in Coloured Pencil, using the blunt ends of the pencils to build up the colour layers.

When I found myself in a bit of a 'rut' a few months ago, I knew I needed to inject a little more challenge back into my work.  After experimenting with a looser style of working, I'm now gravitating back to the detailed realistic work I've become known for. 

However, there is a subtle difference  ...  I'm using the blunted ends of the pencils, rather than sharpening them to a point as I had done before.  The result is definitely realism, but with a slightly 'broader' feel to it.  In the discovery  of various techniques to use the blunt ends to create various effects, the challenge is definitely back in my work.   It's exciting again, and the old heady feeling of accomplishment appears again when a piece is finished.  It' an addictive feeling, a natural high, and I'd been missing it.   We'll see how long it lasts this time  :)  

March is here, spring is just around the corner, and the Bold Brush online art competition begins a new month of entries from artists everywhere.  This month I have entered another Coloured Pencil painting I completed late last year. 

ANOTHER DOWN depicts one of the few remaining hay barns on the Tantramar marsh, which met its demise during a windstorm late last August. 

This entry can be viewed at  http://faso.com/boldbrush/painting/30561

As always,  viewers are invited to 'vote' for this entry by clicking on the 'like' button which is located to the lower right side of the image, on the competition webpage (link above).  

You can also view entries by other artists, by using the 'previous entry' and 'next entry' links located directly above the image on that page.

Again, my sincere appreciation for everyone who took the time and showed the interest to vote for my entry in February.  Results from the jurors have not yet been released, but my entry did receive 34 'popularity' votes.  :)  Many thanks.