Adrian

Jimmie Arroyo · 09-06-2004, 10:20 PM

Hey guys,

This is my first finished drawing for some time, after normally cranking one out every couple of weeks.

Went through a depressive period where I did'nt touch a pencil for almost a month. I was tired all the time and I was even going to sleep before 11pm. Took a family vacation to Williamsburg, VA and came back feeling much better. The depression may have been triggered by the weather (humidity) and hours spent tattooing.

I'm glad to say that I've found an oil painting class Monday nights that remarkably fits into my schedule. I've never tried oils, but I bought some Harding's and W&N brushes and am looking foward to creating some awful pieces. The nice stuff may come at a MUCH later date. Wish me luck.

Anyway, the latest drawing is 15"x17", graphite and white charcoal on 'fawn' colored Stonehenge paper. Thanks for looking.

Elizabeth Schott · 09-06-2004, 11:32 PM

Glad you're drawing again Jimmie!

Could you give us a tighter view of her face?

Allan Rahbek · 09-07-2004, 07:45 AM

Hi Jimmie,

Welcome back. Sometimes a break is refreshing.

I look forward to see your new drawings, and maybe paintings ?

It is always exciting to see your new postings.

Allan

Michele Rushworth · 09-07-2004, 09:48 AM

I'm also looking forward to seeing your paintings.

You already have the first two concepts under control: drawing, and depicting the turning of forms in the light.

Color, in my opinion, is the easiest concept to master, once you have those first two. Have fun!

Patricia Joyce · 09-07-2004, 11:12 AM

Hey Jimmie,

Glad to see you back and congratulations on your oil painting class. I just started my first oil painting class also!! So if you ever find the need to commisterate you know where to find me. Our first painting project was paper bags in one color - clumsy!!! I feel so ungainly!!! Our next assignment is to copy a master and of course, I have chosen Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl because there is so much good stuff on this forum from what other artists have painted.

Sorry about the missed month . . . just keep on going. I like this latest drawing. Can we see a close up??

Chuck Yokota · 09-07-2004, 05:48 PM

Hi Jimmie,

Glad to see you back! Great drawing! I always love the way you make the transition from fully shaded to line drawing.

As one who has been through depression, I sympathize with you for your lost month. I glad to hear you are feeling better, and hope you continue to do well. Don't let depression get the best of you; help can be found to help make it lighter or shorter.

Kimberly Dow · 09-08-2004, 12:44 AM

Beautiful as always Jimmie. You're going to love oils - keep trucking!

Jimmie Arroyo · 09-09-2004, 08:47 AM

Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement.

Here's the closeup which, as usual, looks much harsher than the original due to "fine-tuning" in Photoshop. The paper looks gray, but is actually 'fawn' which is similar to the area where our info is in to the left. The contrast should be softer also. It's been so muggy around Jersey, that I can't take any outside shots to see if I can get a better comparison to the original.

Thanks again.

ps. after looking back at it, the pic on my website of the whole drawing is decent, and it's bigger and clearer.

Linda Brandon · 09-09-2004, 09:17 AM

I just spent several minutes clicking through your breathtaking website, Jimmie (am I the only one here who didn't know you had one? We need to give you a bigger font or something). It's a real experience to see all of those haunting faces in one location, and it's such a treat to see another one.

I will really enjoy seeing your paintings and it will be so interesting to see how your work gets translated into oils.

Patricia Joyce · 09-09-2004, 10:13 AM

You are right, Jimmie, the pic on your website is much better. I am struck by the mood of this drawing, her eyes are hauntingly sad, perhaps this was a reflective piece for you, coming out of the tough month you described to us.

When we can find something to identify with in our subject the drawing becomes more beautiful to the public. Like actors or writers, do we express our own life in the faces of our subjects? I think the magic in beautiful portraiture occurs when the artist connects with the subject.