Singing The Blue Pencil Blues
OK, I admit it. My attachment to my blue pencil is a bit on the fanatical side. It could be even considered a crutch that I should just let go of. Perhaps, but I want to let go of it at my own pace, not be forced into it. OK, OK, I have had this pencil for several years… OK, more than several, probably about twenty. Did I hear a gasp? Yes, I have had this pencil for over twenty years, but let me explain.
When I was about twenty I found this amazing set of coloured indelible pencils, in the box at a second hand store. They were so beautiful! They were old when I bought them. I’d say from the 50’s. I used them a little then. Once in awhile. I was in college and University during this time and was more into ink, conte and charcoal for my drawing class and acrylics for painting, so they just sat in my old tin box of art stuff. Over the years I did occasionally use the light blue for preliminary sketches but the rest just sat untouched for the last twenty years.
Flash forward twenty years and I’ve been doing this mixed media stuff like crazy and using this blue pencil in every single piece. A couple of weeks ago I was sharpening it and I forced myself to face the fact that I was going to need to find a replacement pencil, knowing full well that it was going to be pretty much impossible.
Did I tell you about the colour blue that this pencil is? The most beautiful peacock blue you have ever seen. When I was sixteen I had a friend that dyed her hair this colour. Amazing while it lasted. (Not unlike my pencil). When I wet it, it becomes the perfect shadow on skin. I looks so beautiful as a line drawing. It doesn’t even need anything else. It is perfect in the nude. And Because it is indelible it comes through when you paint over it. It is Perfect. It is perfection. Why, oh why do they not make it anymore?
I did look on the web and I found these vintage pencils for sale at $2.50 each (not including shipping). ACT NOW! LIMITED STOCK! So, of course I bought 12! I know. Freak. I couldn’t draw every day for the rest of my life and use up all 12 of these pencils. What was I thinking? They came the other day and they are not the same blue. Not even close. I am so sad. I guess I better suck it up and figure out some new technique to try to get the effect that I like but I don’t think I will be able to walk into another second hand store or pass a garage sale sign without my heart fluttering with the hope of finding replacement for my beloved blue pencil.
Pink Frosting
Come on, admit it, the frosting is the best part. As we get older we eat the cake part as well. It is all part of good cupcake etiquette. It just wouldn’t be acceptable to do what all three year olds do and lick that puppy until it is a wet and shiny globe resembling the top of Daddy Warbuck’s head.
Striped Jacket
New Painting of this great striped jacket inspired by Ralph Lauren. I wouldn’t be able to wear it and sit on my living room chair, I’d blend right in! Of course I had to add a yellow belt. I am really into the yellow accessories at the moment!
Finally…
Well, here I am! It has only taken over five years but I’ve finally got my web page up and running! I am so happy! It is still in the works but with the help of PARADE and Chris I think that I’ll be able to keep this site interesting and current. Of course, having two little ones, time will always be a challenge. I just hope I can continue to find little snippets of time here and there so I can keep creating and even a little blogging.The work in The Current Paintings gallery have all been done since the of end January. For this I can give full credit to Scarlett. She decided that she would not only nap in the house (not in the car) but she would sleep in her own crib at night. All night! OK, OK, there was a little crying out involved but not half as much as I’d expected. These two hour afternoon naps have allowed me the time do art more regularly. Most often with Imogen by my side. As you can see, she is not only my muse (as is Scarlett as seen in “Tea and Oranges”) but she has also become my painting companion. We often play ‘Graphic Art Store’ where we both have deadlines and commissioned art to create. Imogen answers the phone, takes the money, meets with clients and paints so you can see I get off rather easy. All I have to do is paint and play along. It is not exactly the same as losing yourself in your art but I am spending some great quality time with her and really enjoying myself while being creative. I haven’t been able to say that for a really long time!Anyway, thanks for looking at my paintings! I hope that you enjoy them.
