Your task grasshopper, should you wish to take it, is to sketch your paintbrushes. They can be simply laid out in a row - look at Jim Dine's beautiful etching http://www.tfaoi.com/am/12am/12am38.jpg . He also did a fantastic etching of a row of cans with large paintbrushes standing in them that I'd love to own. (any rich sugar daddies out there take note ;>) )


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I often get the total beginners in my classes to sketch paintbrushes - they can be put right next the drawing area so it's easier to do the hand-eye coordination bit and build observational skills. Gaining confidence in achieving the shape and texture of the brushes - making the hair look like hair and the metal look shiny and reflective etc is excellent practice. I find them really interesting to draw and often doodle them if the class are occupied and need no help. The ones above were then used for the title pages on my main and sketching websites, though at the time I sketched them I was just doing them for their own sake, they interested me.
If you feel like having a go please leave a link in the comments to your blog post with the sketch you've done - the one I like best will win one of my paintbrush sketches.
Anyone want to have a go? Timescale? the end of June? to give people time?
please remember the book is out for those blissfully unaware! preview it on http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/218005/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=140x240
UPDATE:
links to those posting their sketches/paintings of paintbrushes
Mr Zip http://tinyurl.com/5oplnu
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15 comments:
I'm still wondering how I can "harness" the cats to do my daily sketches for me!
Thanks for the suggestion, Vivien. You've shaken up my sketchbook inertia a little. Here's a link to my brush sketch -
http://tinyurl.com/5oplnu
I'm always willing to play and seem in constant need of inspiration these days!
I agree, Jim Dine's brushes are superb. I'd have that on my wall in a heartbeat if I had any money :)
I have a pot of brushes, some of which go back to my near beginnings in art. Yes, I'm a hoarder. I'll have to dig them out and see what I come up with.
Dinah I'm waiting for sketches of your tearaways on the blog! I well remember ours at the peeling-them-off-the-curtains-high-up stage
MrZip - your paintbrush is great! and an interesting blog too :>)
Jeanette I look forward to seeing your brushes with character :>)
Vivien, I hope to jump in and do some brushes - figured if I left I comment than I would do it!
I'll let you know when they are done.
That's great Rose - please do let me know :>D
I was so impressed with Mr Zip's brush, I immediately launched into my own. I didn't read the fine print properly :(
Anyway, I've posted my effort on my blog, but still can't work out how to insert a link :(
Perhaps you should make these challenges a weekly or monthly event, Vivien. It's been fun.
Sorry, Vivien, here's the link
Robyn's brush
Before I lose my nerve, here are my paintbrushes. This has been fun Vivien, thanks for doing it.
Rose I thought these were great :>)
Thanks for the memories while drawing one of my brushes Vivien. It was very enjoyable.
Vivien, I'm sorry - I made a link to this post yesterday when I was just thinking about doing this, I didn't know it would pop up on your page!:-o Now I really have drawn my brushes and it was very enjoyable. This is the proper link...
http://asketchintime.blogspot.com/2008/04/brush-project.html
I like these challenges, focusing on the everyday and at-hand. I think sometimes I spend too much time looking for more "exotic" or "picturesque" subjects when it's what you do with the subject, not the subject itself, necessarily, that makes a painting!
Cathy I've added your link
Laura that's so true. When I first started doing landscape plein air with friends (before my degree) we'd drive around looking for a 'view' - until we realised that you make the view yourself - just stop, look around and there will be something to focus on.
Hi Vivien. I was stumped for a subject a few days ago, but wanted to draw a little, then I remembered your paintbrush challenge: it's the 5/31 post on my blog www.lauraswatercolors.blogspot.com
Thanks for the idea!
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