I can’t believe it’s been nearly ten days since my last post. I didn’t think that my dog’s death would affect me so much – this just means that I cannot underestimate the bonds I share with my animal companions. Siwa was very special and will never be replaced.
However, I haven’t been entirely useless. I managed to make my first etching in close to ten years! It felt good to work with copper, and to finally run a plate through my printing press! This etching was done for a charity event for Locks of Love, the organization that collects hair to create wigs for disadvantaged children who have lost their hair for medical reasons. I am in the process of growing out my hair and am hoping that it will be long enough in a couple of months to donate the ten inches they require.
Below are the various states I needed to get the plate to a point that I was happy with. The final print was on Arches paper and approximately 8″ x 10″ with a plate size of 5″ x 3″. The print is an edition size of 16 and is a combination of hard and soft ground techniques. It was a lot of fun!
The first state was a simple hardground line drawing.
State 2 involved a softground texture with cheesecloth. Unfortunately my stop-out was a little thick and hard to control so some texture and open biting occurred on my hardground lines.
State 3 required burnishing away some of the unwanted lines and textures created by state 2, then re-etching the figure with another hardground bite. I also drew more lines for the heart/hair wings of the heart.
State 4 was more burnishing and more etching of lines that I wanted to stand out.
The final state... for now anyway... Not the best print since I sent that out for the charity/show. This print in particular was over-wiped. Oh well, I'm out of practice.
A fun & whimsical doodle:
Tree creature with owl.
These figure sketches were done the day after my dog passed away. I didn’t have much sleep but I knew I needed to draw so I got myself to my figure drawing class. These sketches showed my lack of concentration but hey, I think showing up to the class was half the battle!
Quick figure study - I was trying to focus on the hands. My concentration was off that night!
Anothe quick study ~30 minutes. Again, my lack of concentration felt obvious.
More quick, unfocused studies. But it's the effort that counts right?
Related posts:
- Figure drawing & other marks made on paper
- Some facts on canine melanoma
- Drawing everyday is cathartic: day 27
- Grieving the death of my old furry friend
- Doodles & Drawings: days 17-21
Tags: cancer, doodles, drawings, etchings, Locks of Love, Siwa, sketches
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So glad your back! Your figure drawing is lovely – nice etching and the partially drawn figures are very effective.
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Trish, these are all awesome! I commend you for being able to attend the figure drawing class the day after what you’d been through. That was a HUGE step. Losing my little dog that way was the only thing in my life that ever took my appetite (I usually eat my way through my feelings)and I could barely function for days after. I still miss her every day, even after 12 years, but now I remember the joy she gave me more than the end.
I think the figure drawings have character, and I love the etching (thanks for showing your steps!) and your tree doodle. I’ve never tried etching, but I love lino block printing.
Glad you’re on the mend from all you’ve been through. Take care of yourself, and thanks for sharing!
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I really must try this printing business. It looks like so much fun! And your tree doodle reminds me of my childhood, when I used to think that trees were thinking, feeling beings! :0
Your figure sketches came out wonderfully, especially so for being distracted.
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Amazing sketches given your very recent loss. While I didn’t comment on your last post, I am truly sorry about your dog. I am glad you are able to draw and maybe feel a bit better. Art is wonderful that way.
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I like the Tree creature with owl. I imagine you, or someone close to you, as the tree creature. They are happy, bittersweet? with wisdom in their arm.
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Glad you are back to your blog– I was looking for you! Your art is inspiring! I hope your health and spirits are getting better and better.
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trish Reply:
November 30th, 2009 at 9:55 am
@Sarah, Thanks! Got your voicemail & will call soon! Maybe a get-together lunch with C? Hugs!
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Thank you everyone! It feels good to draw and make some art again!
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