Irina's Paintings and Stuff

Landmark of the City

2012-02-01T10:18:00.002+04:00

The Church of Christ the Savior is the largest in Moscow. In 1931 it was destroyed after the revolution of 1917. They constructed the open air pool (largest in Moscow) for proletariat instead of the church.
The building was reconstructed in 1994-1997.
My EDM#41 "Draw the landmark of the city".
More about the church in wiki (here).

How to Draw Animals

2012-01-30T23:19:00.003+04:00

I was sketching animals, due to EDM#44. Unfortunately, sketches are based on photos (made in September in Moscow zoo), not real life.
But, considering that they are my first giraffe, goat, elephant ever, not so bad))..

Summer Dreams, Landscapes and Sketchcrawl

2012-01-22T19:47:00.000+04:00

24x32cm, Watercolor and Neocolor II pastels

Short and grey winter days in Moscow burst with longing for color and as the result, imagination provides very colorful subjects for painting. I combined watercolor and Neocolor water soluble pastels in the upper one. And found out that these pastels are specially good to mark the details on wet surface.

Ink and watercolor in sketchbook

The second one is based on the photo I took in Wetcanvas image library few years ago.

Watercolor in sketchbook

Quick sketch of Indian plains, based on the photo of a friend.

This Saturday I joined the Sketchcrawl group for the first time. The idea was to sketch all day long around the city, changing location and finding interesting details. I was going on for 2 hours and here are my results:

Ink, watercolor, sketchbook

The building on the other side of the road from Coffeemania cafe, where we settled down (I finished drawing and added color at home).

Table things at the table where I drank my coffee and sketched.

As I do not feel enough confident to draw people in the cafe, I focused on the toy of the boy who was with our group.

And to continue the tradition, I want to share the link to talented Japanese watercolorist who lives in California, visit him at "Watercolors by Osamu"

This is my version of his monochrome painting, I think the original is so good in tone and composition.

Holidays are Behind

2012-01-11T16:49:00.000+04:00

Oil, 35x50cm

10 days of holidays are behind. It was a time when the city was felt to be covered in big warm fluffy blanket. Empty streets, no traffic, laziness in the air. And I tried to use this occasion to draw and to paint.

Why 10 days? Orthodox church Christmas is on 7th January. And New Year (orthodox calendar) is on 14th January (here wiki calendar's explanation if you want the details). And if you are a dedicated "celebrator" you can start on 25th December and finish celebrating on 15th January..
So our government decided few years ago that Russia needs long holiday in January (some people say that government people set this law for their own winter comfort in the Alps skiing, but I do not believe).

It was good time. And good that it is over, time to wake up!

My upper still life is from the drawing class. Though the drawing has a lot of mistakes, I like the overall warm impression.

A5, Ink and watercolor in sketchbook

The EDM drawing list is always great help if you search for drawing ideas. It inspired me to draw "something china". It is china pot and the chick on chicken's back hides the water hole.
The date stamp is my latest purchase. I saw it in one of the "Urban Sketchers" blog and decided I need the same for my sketchbook.

A5, Ink and watercolor in sketchbook

This one was "Draw your toothbrush" in EDM. I spread the idea to wider view of the bathroom interior.

30x40cm, watercolour

I kept the photo of this vase on the windowsill for so long that I can not remember the author exactly. It was one of Jen's photos in Rookiepainter challenge in 2009, I think.

This painting was very well corresponding to the stillness and calmness of January holiday time .

This one is the result of the experiment, which I found in the drawing manual:
Take a photo, turn it upside down and draw lines and shapes, not legs, arms and head. That idea really worked! I did this sketch in upside down position in 30 minutes with almost no corrections. Time to switch off the thinking process and draw what one sees!

A4, watercolor and Neocolor sticks

And apples. I was inspired by apples' photo in this Russian artist's blog.
I wanted to practice watercolor's transparency and color combinations. Instead sketch was started in watercolor and finished in watercolor Neocolor sticks of my favorite bold colors' combination.

And, as usual in this blog's latest posts, I want to share my latest discovery:
Oona and her watercolor wonders.

Jeanne Dobie's Book About Color

2012-01-10T23:17:00.000+04:00

I have just finished Jeanne Dobie’s book “Making Color Sing”, and made a lot of notes. Some her ideas are clear to me and experienced already, other (the ones about color composition, dynamic shapes arrangement, structure of values, relationships in painting, midtones and patterns) need to be thought about and practiced further.

Overall I can say that the book gives a lot of advice about color, especially in watercolor. Very well written (I mean short and clear recommendations, illustrated with color schemes and her amazing, just amazing paintings). Her motto is “Think and plan, then paint” (this is confusing, as I prefer "to start the battle" first))..

Further I post some of my notes/color demos based on her book.

1. Palette.

2. Mixing grays.

Equal amount of 3 primaries gives dull neutral. Color, surrounded by this neutral when added it’s compliment makes color sing.

3. The colors in mixture should have same temperature, otherwise the mixture will be dull.

4. Greens.
Mix yellow with green, then add some red.

5. Mixing cool and warm gives air to the painting.

6. Darks.

7. When color is surrounded by its compliment with different temperature and adjusted value, it starts singing.

8. Whites.

9. Glazes. The art of non-mixing. Glazes can be used as subject, around subject (complement, to make subject sing), over subject (compliment, to make dull color interesting), glazing shadows.

Tbilisi, Georgia

2012-01-06T17:27:00.000+04:00

In the middle of December I went to Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, my father's motherland.
Today I want to share some photos and few details about history of the place, maybe it will be interesting to you, too.
Georgia is amazingly beautiful country with long and difficult history.

Georgia is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan.

Ethnic Georgians form about 84% of Georgia's current population of 4,661,473 (July 2006 est.).

The Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church is one of the world's most ancient Christian Churches, founded in the 1st century by the Apostle Andrew the First Called.

The two early Georgian kingdoms of late antiquity, known to Greco-Roman historiography as Iberia and Colchis, were among the first nations in the region to adopt Christianity (in AD 337, or in AD 319 as recent research suggests).

In Greek mythology, Colchis was the location of the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts in Apollonius Rhodius' epic tale Argonautica.

Archaeological finds and references in ancient sources reveal elements of early political and state formations characterized by advanced metallurgy and goldsmith techniques that date back to the 7th century BC and beyond.

The Georgian Kingdom reached its zenith in the 12th to early 13th centuries.

Joseph Stalin, an ethnic Georgian, was prominent among the Bolsheviks, who came to power in the Russian Empire after the October Revolution in 1917.
On April 9, 1991, shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia declared independence from the USSR.

In 1992-1995 the country became embroiled in a civil war.

August 2008 - military conflict between Georgia and Russia.

Georgia is currently working to become a full member of NATO.

In 2005 average monthly income of a household was GEL 347 (about 200 USD).

In 2007 Georgia's real GDP growth rate reached 12%, making Georgia one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe.

Georgia is well known for its rich folklore, unique traditional music, theatre, cinema, and art. In the 20th century there have been notable Georgian painters such as Niko Pirosmani, Lado Gudiashvili, Elene Akhvlediani; ballet choreographers such as George Balanchine, Vakhtang Chabukiani, and Nino Ananiashvili; poets such as Galaktion Tabidze, Lado Asatiani, and Mukhran Machavariani; and theatre and film directors such as Robert Sturua, Tengiz Abuladze, Giorgi Danelia and Otar Ioseliani.

Georgian ecclesiastic art is one of the most fascinating aspects of Georgian Christian architecture, which combines classical dome style with original basilica style forming what is known as the Georgian cross-dome style. Cross-dome architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century; before that, most Georgian churches were basilicas.

Georgia is a very mountainous country. The highest mountain in Georgia is Mount Shkhara at 5,068 meters (16,627 ft).

The Southern Georgia Volcanic Highland is a young and unstable geologic region with high seismic activity and has experienced some of the most significant earthquakes that have been recorded in Georgia.

Much of the natural habitat in the low-lying areas of Western Georgia has disappeared over the last 100 years because of the agricultural development of the land and urbanization. The large majority of the forests that covered the Colchis plain are now virtually non-existent with the exception of the regions that are included in the national parks and reserves.

Information source: Wiki.

Challenge

2012-01-03T21:30:00.002+04:00

Watercolor on Arches, 30x44cm (12"x17")

Thank you very much for holidays greetings I received from many of you! Happy New Year to you, too!

This time I am in time with contribution to Rookiepainter blog. I painted on Arches and could not stop admiring the paper, try it if you did not already and tell me about your impression.

A4 watercolor in Daler-Rowney sketchbook

Drying persimmon branch (with funny drying garlic) and Christmas tree are from the sketchbook. First one from the photo I made during my trip to Georgia.

A4 watercolor in Daler-Rowney sketchbook

Little tree (about 60cm) is still standing on the counter, and will be removed only on 14th January, New Year Eve (Old Russian calendar).

Rookiepainter

2011-12-28T17:49:00.000+04:00

30x40, Pastel on tinted paper

Jen and Rookiepainter blog. Jen knows a lot about composition, shapes, colors. Every new challenge is the exam and intrigue. And one of my pleasures is to see the works of the participants, to learn and to be inspired.

Thank you Jen for this opportunity, I am sorry I was late, so I post my entry here and hope to be in time with next challenge photo.

Georgian Time

2011-12-26T14:40:00.002+04:00

Gemal's Weapon

Two weeks ago I went to Georgia, my father's homeland. Pleasure to see brothers, aunts, uncles, nephews, grandmas, combined with hearty dinners did not left time for drawing, but felt so good!

Brother's Weapon

Today I post my quick sketches and watercolor I painted upon arrival back home.

If you are interested in Georgia, here is my uncle Gemal's photoblog, Georgia: Between Caucasus and Black Sea

And one of my latest discoveries-treasures: Nora MacPhail, Canadian Artist. Look at her paintings, they are full with sunshine.

It is lamp inside this vase.

This guy was bought in IKEA, I added hairdo, landscape and he decided to fly

Turkish sulfur baths in the center of Tbilisi.

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

2011-12-24T13:34:00.000+04:00

My dear friends, readers, commentators!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! My warmest wishes to you and yours, let your days be sunny and creative, your art and any other activity make you happy and relaxing, enjoy every day of your life.

This Christmas card was inspired by the browsing through the photos of Christmas tree decorations. It reminded me the times when I was a child and believed in fairy tales and I hope you will feel the same.
As for my hand writing, looks like I feel more comfortable with computer keyboard...

Next Ten Days

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000+04:00

My contribution to the "A Day Not Wasted" challenge (I would like so much to be able to say this about my artistic activity these ten days (which run away so fast..))

And my contribution to the "A Nos Pinceaux" challenge.
Wish you all the best and hope to visit your artful blogs soon!

Last 7 Days Report

2011-12-01T16:48:00.001+04:00

Looks like my time in virtuality becomes shorter and shorter. I want to try new approach to posting, to do posts once in a week, like our lovely Sadami does.
And I am afraid that my activity in visiting your blogs and commenting is also receding. So please forgive me for less attention to your talented and creative blogs, I will try my best to stay good and responsive friend!

Meanwhile I post the results of the week, from my sketchbook mostly.

The lamp and table are inspired by my friends' photo blogs (thank you, Sharon and JM!)

I made a photo of Royal Observatory in Greenwich in November 2010 and at last did the sketch (I enclose coloured and not coloured versions).

And my quick sketches of eye, lips and keys for EverydayMatters drawing list (it is here).

And I want to show you another watercolor treasure, Russian artist Sergey Temerev. Enjoy!.

And now I run back to reality, one day I suddenly realized that I spend more time in my blog and interenet surfing than in my real life. I think this is wrong in a way))).

All the best to you and yours!

The Private Room

2011-11-14T17:15:00.001+04:00

I was in the art gallery last week and after enjoying the exposition I pried behind the back partition and saw this creative place, the office of the gallery owner. Liked it very much and made a sketch at home, based on fast photo.

Today I received a letter from Rhonda Carpenter, creative and vetsatile talent. She celebrates the 5th anniversary of her blog and she chose me for her giveaway. Rhonda, thank you so much! I will send you letter with mailing details right now!

One more thing today. I want to share with you the link to the blog of talented artist I found recently. When I finished panting of my black cat, I decided to Google: "cats in watercolor, images" and noticed this artist David Scheirer, and his blog liked it from first glance. Maybe old news for you, but it was really inspiring to see his art.

Black Cat

2011-11-11T22:46:00.001+04:00

24x32cm, Montval paper

Her name is Dashka and she lives in the village where my parent's summer house is located.
The watchman of the village thinks that Dashka is his cat as his dog and his chickens are.
But Dashka knows that she is free soul and that she belongs to the world. So all the villagers are allowed from time to time to feed her, pet her and make photos of her. Watchman is also allowed to provide sleeping place for her.

That time (few weeks ago) she allowed my parents to feed her and I was jumping around during the process, trying to make a photo, but every time focus was unfocused and exposure was overexposed.
I decided it was time to negotiate. Dasha, I told her in polite Russian, please. Stand still for one moment, I will make your photo and try to paint a cat from it (as I have never painted cats before).
The free soul stopped, glanced at me, cleaning her cheeks after breakfast, "Do it, Silly!" (and I did), and then left me, slowly and with dignity.

Saturday in Sketchbook

2011-11-06T21:07:00.000+04:00

Quick sketch of the corner of the cafe where I was waiting for my friend yesterday. They serve amazing pirogee (pies) with different fillings there, cherry-pie was super.
I wanted to repeat the shapes of the Vienna chairs and table (we call them Vienna here).

And the oil painting I finished in my drawing class a week ago and collected yesterday, when it dried. The idea of the lesson was to draw different shades of white in cool light.

Oil on board, 35x45cm

Oranges and Bananas

2011-11-04T10:30:00.000+04:00

My contribution to "Rookiepainter" challenge.
Look at the site, works in the challenge are amazing, talented and interesting. It is great opportunity to see the art of my friends, their approach, choice of colors, techniques and characters.
I hope my contribution will not disappoint the team..

Vase on Blue Cloth

2011-11-03T00:55:00.000+04:00

30x40cm, oil pastel on light-grey paper

My contribution to the "Paint and Draw Together" challenge.
It is oil pastel. The medium which gives me most comfort and confidence.
The photo is so rich, I fell in love with it and was sure that oil pastels would be glad to help to do the challenge.

Waves

2011-11-01T00:55:00.002+04:00

30x40 tracing paper

These waves were done on tracing paper after I was a little disappointed by the purchase in art shop...

I bought a thick pack of 54 sheets of 9 colours paper for pastel works and only at home I noticed the small letters about the details of the pack: 9 colors, 3 sheets paper each and 27 sheets tracing paper for ink paintings. Tracing paper? Surprise. Of course it was my fault, I will be more attentive next time and read everything on the package. But they really have talent for hiding info)). Anyway, I received the opportunity to try my Pentel Color-brush ink pen on tracing paper.

And the small sketch of the city from the cafe window. It is very hard to start sketching when cafe is full. "They will critique me, they will laugh, I want to hide, but I want to sketch so much that I do not care.." Do you know this verse?
And the link to the brush-pen photo/description. Still I need more waves to decide if I like the pen or not.

Roses

2011-10-30T00:21:00.000+04:00

The roses on the kitchen table are so beautiful that my deep frozen creativity was activated and started showing the signs of the revival)).
300gr. Arches paper is amazing.

This handsome with fashionable hairdo was smiling at me waiting for the apple. He knows the art of pleasing for sure)). This photo is one of my Zoo photos done about month ago. I went there to make sketches but ended up photographing the beauties..

Autumn Day

2011-10-28T00:54:00.001+04:00

Where does inspiration come from? Why one day you see ordinary building and feel that you have to stop and start sketching otherwise you can die (well, too much drama here, but you have got the point)). And why next day you see beautiful buildings, colors, composition and turn away your head in disappointment?
I hope this disappointment will leave me alone and the joy of creating will be back.

Meanwhile I post the quick sketch done with Pentel ink-brush pen. I have just bought it and could not figure out how the pen worked, the brush was almost dry all the time. Then I added some watercolor pencils. And returned back to "I do not want anything arty around me" mood.

I hope your creativity never leaves you.

Postcards

2011-10-17T23:47:00.006+04:00

I could manage to do only these two postcard size paintings during the week.
The first one is my contribution to "A Nos Pinceaux" challenge, decided to paint it in F.Ultramarine/BurntSiena with a touch of warm green.

The second one is my follow up of the article in "Wet canvas". The "Foliage Tutorial" spent two years on the shelf and was read and experienced at last on Sunday.
Oh, when looking for the link to the article, I taped "Foliage Tutorial" in "Wet Canvas" search window and got 7 (!) pages of useful links. People, you are so kind and sharing, thank you so much!

Oh, Candies!

2011-10-11T23:24:00.000+04:00

This time I was not late with entry to new challenge in Rookiepainter.

I want to share with you new treasures, art blogs:
http://www.steveflemingartiststudio.com/blog/
http://paulbaileyart.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/first_sin/

Awarded!

2011-10-10T02:00:00.000+04:00

My friend Louise (dive into her amazing photoblog!) honored me with this award and gave me the opportunity to pass it on to my favorite 15 bloggers and their blogs, so special, versatile and unique. Thank you, Dimple!
But before fulfilling this pleasant part I have to include 7 facts about me, which sounds a lot more difficult to my introvert nature. But rule is rule, so:
1. I prefer to wake up late and go to sleep late.
2. Between celery and ice-cream I choose ice-cream.
3. One part of me feels like a queen, another part feels like a loser.
4. The older I get, queen becomes stronger.
5. I can watch Paul Newman's movies like spellbound.
6. Being a chief-cook is my "Plan B".
7. I can read small letters with my left eye and look far with my right eye, myopia and presbyopia.

And now the award goes to (alphabetically):

1. "A part of my Art"

2. BBC -good food recipes

3. Brattleboro

4. Carraol Images of Mexico City

5. The Creative Bug

6. De Draad Aquarellen

7. Gry's Bilder

8. Jala Pfaff

9. Jane Minter's Sketchbook

10. Jerusalem Hills Daily Photo

11. Joan Coch

12. Mikko Tyllinen's Art Blog

12. Pasadena Daily Photo

14. Stephen Hall

15. True Colors

16. Watercolors and Words

17. World Is a Rainbow

I have to stop now... And I am so sorry that I can not keep on awarding so many talents I know and admire.

Day Not Wasted

2011-10-07T21:34:00.000+04:00

24x32cm, Montval paper, Watercolor

Two new paintings today. And two photos made 3 weeks ago.
I liked painting swans this time. My usual inclination for bold colors and loud contrasts was swapped for tender cools and warms on swans's bodies. I liked the result.

20x40cm, Daler-Rowney paper, Watercolor

The greens in the landscape were inspired by Jane Dobie's chart of greens and aimed to train patience, to help paper to dry till the right condition (though patience is not my strong feature for sure).

Apples are always the obsession and temptation, I think you agree. Right, Judy?))

Fantastic game of the sun with smoke from the grill's fire.

Nature Mort and other paintings

2011-10-06T17:33:00.000+04:00

Sketchbook

I decided to show you in one post all my sketches and drawings of the past week.
First one is the portrait of almost dried roses from the vase. I wanted so much to try to paint dying flowers.
"Still life" translates into Russian in its French version, "Nature Mort" - dead nature. So my painting is "dead nature" literally and philologically.

The second painting is my attempt to copy the masterpiece of J.Zbukvich (the pleasure to see again his paintigs is here). Three layers total, first one - weak wash, second one - mid tones and the third one - darks. It is so easy to be genius (I am ironic, sure that you understand))


Montval paper, 24x32 cm

This sketch was done when I saw in the window two huge colorful objects with interesting shapes.

Sketchbook

And then I went to my parents place for the week-end, best place for sketching during warm autumn days.

Sketchbook

This meant to be grapes in braided basket:

Sketchbook

Mountains

2011-09-29T14:48:00.003+04:00

A3 (12"x16"), Pastel

Painting landscapes is one of great pleasures. I forgot it, as concentrated mostly on still lives to improve my technique. It is like watching the small details, focused and concentrated. And then, suddenly, get the wings and see the wide world.

This is my contribution to Studio Atelier challenge (here).

Pastel sticks are so dusty. And I have to remember not to use fingers, though they are the best pastel grinding tool)).

Onions

2011-09-28T20:52:00.000+04:00

I am late with "Onions" contribution to Rookiepainter challenge (here). A lot of things to do did not leave time for painting, but these onions were holding my attention very tight.
I used watercolor, watercolor pencils, pastel pencil and PITT sepia marker here. I was sorry that A3 size (12"x16") was not enough for my hungry hands. And I wanted to make them red, really red!
Someone was missing doing painting for sure..))

Recently I have received a letter from the New York art gallery which offered me the supervising and promotion of my art in their gallery during a year. For the annual fee of 3450USD. Interesting offer, isn't it?

Portrait Sketching

2011-09-19T01:31:00.000+04:00

I asked mom: "Will you sit and pose for me, I need to practice portrait painting. But probably you will not recognize yourself and you will have to sit still for more then 1 hour?" She was very dedicated "painter's mother", so she agreed. I managed to do this sketch in 40 minutes, tried to be quick and not to make her get tired, so missed several very important measurements checkings.. Her interest was huge and she asked me when saw the result: "Is it a woman?")))

I found fountain pen with blue ink on my way to the office. Fell in love from first sight and drew in blue all day long..

When waiting in the traffic jam I saw the man on the other side of the road, at the bus stop, waiting, too. I liked how the trees were surrounding the plastic construction and tried to catch their shapes.

The Bridge

2011-09-16T13:20:00.000+04:00

Watercolor on Arches, 30x40cm

Yesterday I read in James Gurney's blog about the gamut triangle and decided to try the method. To tell the truth I was not very attentive, just saw the picture with triangle and wanted to try.

The colors from cool-blue to ochre were chosen in the color wheel.
I need to read his article again, attentively. These colors combinations look rather dull and boring here.

I was busy this week with office work, so free Friday evening was like a bless for painting. Daylight lamp and pre-drawn sketch, which dusted for a week on my easel, made the pleasure of painting come true.
I painted on Arches, enjoyed every moment of this paper. Though I still think that I am not good enough for it.
The painting was inspired by my friend JMs' blog photo here.

Copying Masters

2011-09-14T15:48:00.000+04:00

Here I copy masters, so please do not compliment me for color and composition.
Why I was so interested to study work of Jane Minter and Joyce Washor? They know so much about hard and soft edges in watercolor painting and manage so good, combining it with knowledge of color combinations and tonal structures.
I need to practice more to get this easiness and freedom.
I received Jane's permission to post the copy. Joyce did not reply to me, so I post my study without her permission. In case she is against it, I will remove the sketch at once.

Sketchbook

2011-09-08T23:26:00.001+04:00

EDM task "Draw a book" (link to list) turned into the painting of the bookshelf.

This is the last drawing in my Montenegro series. Bye, summer, bye, sunny Montenegro.

Quick sketches of people from the cafe window. The cafe was near underground station and my models supposed to stand still and wait for their appointments. Instead, they were so restless, could not be motionless for a minute and wait till I draw them correctly)).

The Peony

2011-09-02T23:56:00.000+04:00

I did not realized that I missed the pastel sticks so much.
It was double pleasure: straight and clear pastel colors (in comparison to watercolor which always has independent opinion how it should behave in my paintings)) and dark grey-green paper (I tried tinted paper for the first time and loved the effect).
Many many thanks to Jen and her "Rookiepainter challenge" for these pleasures and possibility to draw flowers.

Sausepan And Marrow

2011-09-01T22:59:00.000+04:00

My mother has rather old enamelled pan. Its lid is made of metal, too. So when cooking you always have to be careful if you do not want to burn the fingers. What to do? Wine cork works as finger rescuer, when mounted under the lid's hook. Illustration enclosed))

My discoveries, which I want share. Yes, these men know how to draw and to paint:

Tim Oliver

Rene Tomczak

Dad's Shoes

2011-08-29T21:24:00.000+04:00

Ink in sketchbook

This sketch was inspired by the drawing manual I finished reading today. It was Betty Edwards' (link to Amazon) "Drawing on Right Side of the Brain". She is so right and so helpful.

After learning in one year Photoshop, 3D-max, Corel Draw and hand drawing I am sure that in my case the learning with manuals starts working after you have short, but your own experience with the subject, based on practice, bumps and random discoveries by simple "Try and do" method. Then manuals become priceless. Not before.

And now I want to share with you the frightening western I saw today. The name is "Dog Against Cat (Western)"

Cornelian Cherry

2011-08-28T11:02:00.000+04:00

So I made the sketch, as planned the moment I saw them in the shop. These cherries are so beautiful, asking to be painted. This is the label of the sketchbook, this paper negotiates with paint much better then Lana.

And then, there still was a question what to do with cherries, after modelling (they are too sour for eating fresh).
Padmaja suggested to make pickle, thank you very much, I also thought about jam or compote, but finally decided on meat dressing. I took recipe from Georgian cooking book (you shoud try this cuisine, here is on-line opportunity or visit Georgian restaurant).

1. 500gr of washed and sorted cornelian cherry (name is so beautiful) to boil is small amount of water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Rub through sieve, removing stones (this part was very time consuming, as I had to be sure no meat left on the stones)))
3. Add 2 garlic cloves, salt, basil and coriander leaves cut in small pieces, mix of dry herbs, red chilli pepper.

Serves with meat.

And I want to share my find. 15.28 Studio where young artist from Tailand makes watercolor miracles, his blog is here. Please enjoy!

Flowers

2011-08-26T22:43:00.000+04:00

24x32cm, Watercolor on Lana paper

My next painting is contribution to the challenge in "A nos pinceaux" blog. Paper was very absorbing, it felt as if it was thirsty. Maybe the air is too dry and I have to wet paper few hours before I plan to paint.
The link to the challenge blog and talented entries is here.

I bought Cornelian cherries, with the idea to eat or cook smth interesting. To eat them raw was not good plan (too astringent and sour), but they happen to be great art inspiration material. Do you have any idea how to cook them? Because how to paint them I almost know))

I keep

2011-08-21T22:34:00.000+04:00

I keep painting my Adriatic memories (from the photo reference). And a quick sketch for EDM #next (link), "Draw a chair".

Peaches

2011-08-19T01:09:00.000+04:00

My contribution to "Paint and Draw Together" Challenge.
I was intrigued by values and soft/hard edges in the photo.

2 Weeks. Part 2

2011-08-17T22:07:00.000+04:00

And then, when I finished observing the sea, I realized that people around me are great painting models and the sunlight contrasts are waiting to be painted:
Girl lying on the corner of the pier,

Lady, sitting on the stone,

Lady walking along the seashore,

And couple, looking so separated in the joy of sunbathing.
I experimented with skin colors, contrasts, cool and warm combinations and like the experiments very much.
I started painting on the shore, but then photo camera helped me to finish, as outdoors it became too hot too soon for me.

2 Weeks

2011-08-15T00:42:00.001+04:00

These are the sketchbook pages of the past two weeks.

As you can see it was busy time:

every morning I had coffee (EDM #28, Draw an appliance),

then I enjoyed the one particular flower bud,

on my way to the sea where I tried to draw waves and boats.

More about my vacations to follow.

Vases

2011-08-02T10:40:00.000+04:00

This one is my tribute to Rookiepainter's April challenge. I was intrigued by the combination of whites, shadows, reflections. But time to paint this intrigue arrived only yesterday.

After almost month of sketchbook painting, the 24x32cm white sheet looked frightening. And the effort was needed to start.
Now, when the work is finished, I see a lot of weak details, but the process of cooperation with paint and brushes was so much happiness and joy.

And I also post my tonal study, did it for the first time. It was not big help in painting preparation, but many painters do value sketches, so I did, too!

Summer Mood

2011-07-26T23:58:00.000+04:00

These are two summer sketches from the garden.

Values. Slowly I start to understand them, practice helps a lot.

On train to St Petersburg (I post two more photos from the trip below) I read excellent pages, printed from the text I saw here, Innisart's "Underpaintings" blog, and saved for reference.

It was "Fixler's Laws", the drawing and painting instructions of gifted teacher and talented artist.

So exact and detailed information on drawing, painting, values, light and shadow, I hope it will be useful for you, too.

Pavlovsk, Ex-Pond

Onions of Peterhof Palace

St.Petersburg

2011-07-25T22:06:00.001+04:00

Last week I went to St.Petersburg. For sightseeing. Very beautiful. But for me it was difficult to find inspiration in the city with straight streets, square houses and almost no trees. Well, difficult for chronic Muscovite who loves the chaos of Moscow. So I went to the woods around the city and enjoyed every moment of the palaces and mansions surrounded with trees. They are gorgeous, I will post photos and you will agree with me. Mansions and trees.
One sketch was done in the downtown, as tribute to Sketchcrawl Moscow (link here) and worldwide sketchcrawl.

The second one is the side view of the Peterhof residence of Russian Tzars.

And the last one was drawn in Pavlovsk, 40km from St.Petersberg, residence of Tzar Pavel.
The weather was wonderful and the places were so kind to me.
And few photos made in Pavlovsk.

Big Size Paper

2011-07-17T00:53:00.001+04:00

It started when I bought big size wooden painting surface. I decided that time has come and I was ready for big art. 75x55cm (29.5"x21.6") is no funny size, believe me.
Only when I soaked and stretched paper, I realized how really big this frame was. And that I had no clear idea about the "masterpiece" content. So it took almost 2 months to find the subject, to draw it and to finish it with oil pastels. And to realize how difficult and responsible the artist's activity is. And how much work and practice lays ahead.
These girls are the angels on my kitchen shelf. They watch and protect me (yes, I believe). The friend of mine, when saw this painting was surprised: "oh, you started children's pictures?" The artist is so often misunderstood.. It was serious work, somehow turned into lot of fun and joy..

Buildings Sketching

2011-07-15T00:32:00.000+04:00

Faber Castell PITT Sepia Brush and "S" ink pens

I posted about this building in my Moscow Daily photo blog (here). When I finished with photos, it felt not enough, so I sketched it.

And, as there is no color here, I would add some info about reds in my previous "Lilies" post. It is the answer to Judy from Da Draad Aquarellen blog (link here, please visit, she is watercolor master!) question.

For petals I used Yarka's reds: Scarler (110), Cad Yellow (102), Carmine (112) (ref. at Dick Blick's page).

I met different reactions to the quality of this brand's watercolors, from serious critic to admiration. But they are cheap, and I believe that true masterpieces do not depend only on quality of pigments)). Did you hear about Whiskey painters of America, for example?

Lilies

2011-07-13T23:42:00.000+04:00

Yes, a bit obsessed with lilies at a moment)).

From the sketchbook.

Sketching in the Country

2011-07-13T00:11:00.001+04:00

Now, architecture.
Father's eyes are getting worse every day. He was completely caught 2009 summer by the idea to construct this small barbeque place (summerhouse?) with his own hands with only little help of his friend. He was proud to show us that he could do it, that his eyes were very good. That time his left eye was blind and his right eye was 40% functional. Dad, I am sure you'd like this sketch if you could see it.

New Sketchbook

2011-07-12T01:22:00.000+04:00

First pages of my new (#4) sketchbook. Inspired by and created near my parent's country house live models.

I was out of blogs-world for almost a week, and tried to look at almost all your posts upon return. Amazing pleasure!
Guys, you are so talented and inspiring. If it was not 2 AM right now, I could fly with the wings you gave me)))

Pelican painting

2011-06-21T23:15:00.001+04:00

20x40cm, Daler Rowney 300gr.

My inspiration about birds lives here and here.

3 in 1

2011-06-18T23:25:00.000+04:00

My mom's photo from mid 60's. She is around 30 years old here, studies in medical high school, lives with her sister in smallest flat possible and works as nurse. So there is no funds for expensive clothes, but look how elegant she is. The reason I am posting her photo here, well, I like it very much. And I sent it to Sartorialist blog (here), to be presented (maybe) in "Vintage photo" section of this wonderful fashion edition.

Today I collected my next oil sketch from the drawing class, the background full of rose fabrics looks very defiantly)).
And music, it sounds so good.

Now, when "3 in 1" is completed, I wish you great week-end!

Sketchbook #3

2011-06-16T23:55:00.001+04:00

My sketchbook #3 was full today. 9 months and 65 pages of experience, joy and pleasure. The final pages were filled today at my parents place, surrounded by the summer in full bloom and patient parents, ready to pose for the "famous to be soon" artist as long as needed for the masterpiece to be created.))

Jeanne Dobie About Greens

2011-06-11T23:36:00.001+04:00

24x32cm, Lana paper

In her next chapter Jeanne Dobie explains how to avoid muddy, chalky, overmixed greens, how to make them transparent and natural. She makes color charts, explaining the amounts and sequence (my chart is here). It is interesting that she does not mix yellow and blue (as I usually do), but she takes cool green, cool yellow and adds a bit of red for the change of tone, temperature and color.

15x22, Sketchbook

Here are my two attempts. It looks like I have to read and practice this lesson for the second time..

The first sketch was inspired by photo of Petrea Burchard, and I draw the second one when opened the car door at the parking near my work place today (amazing how much beauty we miss when driving).
This is the book I learn from and post my lessons here:

Girl

2011-06-08T23:20:00.000+04:00

New portrait from my drawing class. First portrait in oils, actually. I am happy how it turned out. Extra pleasure was to put the white dots and make her eyes shine like crazy. The real girl, model, did not recognize herself. But, nevertheless, praised me for the result.
Oils, 30x40cm

New Book

2011-06-07T23:29:00.000+04:00

At last I have enough time for new book on my desk. I started to learn from Jeanne Dobie's "Making color sing" and enjoyed every page of it.
I will post here my steps.

Her basic transparent palette is
Aureolin (cool yellow), rose madder (cool red), cobalt blue (cool blue), Viridian (cool green).
Staining transparents:
Alizarin crimson (deep cool red), Winsor blue (deep cool blue), Winsor green (deep cool green).
Semi-opaque:
Cad. yellow (warm yellow), cad. red (warm red), ultramarine (warm blue),
Very opaque:
Light red, Indian red.
She uses also raw sienna (mixing it with aureolin (more) and rose madder) and burnt sienna (mixing the same colors but opposite proportion).

The sketch above is nothing about composition, but a lot about mixes of greys from the book (she names them "mouse power". All colors in my sketch were the mixtures of three primaries, varying sequence, amount and consistency of colors. Who could guess grey able to look so variously??

Here is the study of the greys with the indication of the ingredients. Upper row shows how the compliment to the dominant color in grey mixture starts singing when in right company.
I have never made color charts, so new experience is very interesting.
The book is completed with amazing illustrations of Jeanne's paintings, so inspiring.

Urban and Country Sketching

2011-06-03T21:11:00.000+04:00

The part of the mansion of 18th century in Kuskovo (link to WIKI about this beautiful place). From the sketchbook. I was trying my new waterproof Pigma Micron pen. It was good.
And more sketches from my two days trip to the country. I tried to draw stones, faces, buildings with more or less success.

They were planned to be stones, actually

When water supply arranged from the bucket

10min sketch

Birds

2011-05-30T16:14:00.010+04:00

24x32 Watercolor on Montval paper

I like painting birds.

EDM #25

2011-05-29T22:13:00.000+04:00

23x15cm, Watercolor pencils

EDM #25 Draw a glass (the kind you drink from). Voila!
One more thing among great advantages of EDM challenges is the development of the habit for life drawing. Suddenly you just start realizing how 3D the real glass is felt in comparison to glass from the 2D photo.

The summer happened suddenly after 10 days of the spring. The proofs for your attention are below.
Green is my favorite color, together with gold of the sun and blue of the sky it makes the best combination possible.

Sushi cafe

2011-05-25T01:02:00.000+04:00

This one was sketched while waiting for sushi lunch, I liked the geometry of the set very much.
I made a photo at home, under usual lamp, which added extra warmth to the colors.

My friend Sidmar (link here) reminded me about the demo of Jean Haines (link to blog) painting roses and about her method of painting colors without preliminary sketching. So interesting and intriguing route to freedom. I need to learn more about it.

Last day of the world again

2011-05-22T23:55:00.001+04:00

While sketching this view from the cafe window, I ate Panacotta and drank huge glass of blueberries shake. But who would care about extra kilo, if they announced the end of the world would start several hours later?? (It was sketched on 21st May).

Dior in Moscow

2011-05-21T10:05:00.000+04:00

Few days ago I went to exhibition "Dior in Moscow". This sketch is from the exhibition place.
First impression: form is trying to fool me and do its best to become content. But in Dior's interpretation it looks so stylish and beautiful.
Second impression: these dresses are true works of art, talented and full of master's energy.
Third and last impression, which arrived much later: it was like drinking champaign on the corn field (I mean my life and clothes in the city and 2 hours at Dior's exhibition).

And here is another little battle over watercolor. It still holds the fort. But I am very insistent.

And the photo of true perfectness. It makes me want to bow low to Nature's creativity)))

Flowers

2011-05-18T22:45:00.000+04:00

24x32cm, Watercolor on Montval paper

Long daylight time. What can be better for the painter? Natural colors, natural light, eyes are singing and enjoying every moment of recognizing true colors.
Today I returned home at 18-40 and had wonderful 90 minutes to sketch the vase on the table in window light. Felt so good!

Sketch of Church

2011-05-17T00:22:00.000+04:00

Here I experiment with the sequence of layers. As I wrote 2 days ago here (link), my plan for next time was to put color masses first, then add ink to the dried paper and avoid pencil's help at all.
So for the first experiment it looks like it turned out very interesting, as the church's belfry has the spiritual radiance around it. Completely unexpected)).
And I used the frame, it makes the outdoor sketching so much easier! The article about this method is here, my version is here and was cut from a piece of thick cardboard.
Happy sketching!

Oil and Me

2011-05-14T23:26:00.001+04:00

Next work in oil. Based on still life in my drawing class. 40x50cm canvas board. I like it, specially pearl tones and texture of wrinkled fabric.
Maybe it is time to start the shop which will make me rich and famous?
No, Blogger makes me famous, and shop will make me rich!

Grapes

2011-05-14T00:19:00.001+04:00

I want to take this opportunity and thank Blogger for the excellent free service it provides during my 2,5 years in virtual world. Today I really missed my everyday internet activity. On the other hand Blogger helped again - I went outdoors in my spare time). Blogger is great in any way!

This is EDM#24, draw a piece of fruit. Grapes were problem since my drawing class work (link here), when I painted them "artichoke" way and completely ruined the painting. It was 1 year ago. And I see progress here. But I see the "into the watercolor" road ahead, long and interesting, too.

Little tip how to make your watercolor shine: Photoshop. Image - Auto Constrast. Then: Filter-Sharpen-Smart Sharpen (Amount 55%, Radius 3,4 - my defaults). And Voila! Turner and Monet can not believe that such juicy colors are possible.
Wish you nice week-end!

Orchid

2011-05-09T21:46:00.001+04:00

30x45cm (12"x18"), watercolor on Arches

Orchid in bloom. I can not walk around it without looking admiringly at the perfect shape and color of the flower. So I paint it again.

Sketchbook, PITT pen and watercolor

EDM # 23 "Draw your foot". I do. Not the orchid for sure, too far from perfect. But the carpet is good. 100% wool.

Oils!

2011-05-09T01:12:00.001+04:00

30x40cm, oil on board

My first oil painting, done in drawing class. Strange feeling. But I am very conservative, so no surprise here.
Heavy,
difficult to mix (comparing to my "water based" love),
pure white is no problem at all plus white is widely mixable everywhere, same with black;
I can not feel the tonal values,
too straightforward and easily controlled,
smell,
paint on new jeans - problem to remove,
wooden palette,
texture.

Now you know that I like drama)))

Watercolors drive me crazy and that is what I like about them. Unpredictable and difficult, even when you presumptionsly assume that they are yielding. Looks it will be easier with oils.

Actually, now I have another strongest weapon to express my creativity. Pastels, pencils, ink, graphite, oils. And watercolor.

Today I was busy with office work. This music helped me to survive 3d Max activity on Sunny Spring Sunday.
Enjoy! Nigel Kennedy plays Doors. Several times I interrupted work and started wild dance. Hope you will, too.

New green everywhere

2011-05-06T20:52:00.000+04:00

How to memorize every new spring day, fresh yellow-green of the trees, birds singing over the noises of the city? Draw and paint, make photos, enjoy every moment of today.

Up here I put pencil marks, then watercolor and finished with ink (contrary to my usual order when ink goes first and then I add color). Next time I want to exclude pencil, to concentrate on color spots. It was quick plein air, when I was in nature adoration mood (not my usual type of behavior).

Down here my other sketches from the recent trip to the country.

I also want to share with you my latest finds (maybe old news for you), art blogs, which inspire so intensively to paint and to create.

Kleurrijk watercolors. Watercolor artist from the Netherlands. She manages to combine juicy bold colors with transparency and air of the medium and I like it so much.
Dreama Tolle Perry.This blog is the color feast, so full of joy and sun and movement.
Ladies, you are so talented.

The spring is here

2011-05-04T23:49:00.001+04:00

The rain brought so needed moisture to the nature and the green became the main color around us in one day. At last!

Besides I was able to allow myself two days in the country, sketching and listening to the birds. At last!

The first buds on apple tree on the left, the first blue flowers on the right (no idea about their name), spiced with spattering all over the sketchbook page, hands, fingers, T-shirt.
Viva la primavera.

I want to share with you the video, Terje Sorgjerd filming Milky Way galaxy for 7 days non stop from the El Teide mountain, so beautiful.
His link at Vimeo.
"The Daily Mail" article about Terje.
Beautiful world.

The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

Train

2011-05-02T08:26:00.000+04:00

30cm x 40cm, oil pastel on craft paper

Inspired by the photo of some South American town where the tram track was put at very narrow street. So the inhabitants of the houses could sell fruits and vegetables directly to the passengers of slowly moving tram. And the products were places on the ground near the track. Amazing world.
It was fun to draw in oil pastels, crazy colors. Oh, the train is smiling...

Orchid

2011-04-26T22:55:00.000+04:00

The blooming orchid from the previous post mesmerizes me. Nature is the creator of perfectness. I know, I am saying the truism, but just can not stop watching the changes of this flower. Perfect creation.
So how can I react? I draw. First ink pen, then watercolor pencils, and some waterbrush in the end. Feeling a bit closer to the nature's perfectness when drawing.

About This and That

2011-04-23T21:40:00.000+04:00

I am going on with EDM drawing challenges and here is my coat (#23"Draw a piece of cloth").

I also post the bird and the landscape. I did them before the coat and sketches show how tension of office work loosens with every new attempt to draw.

Besides, in my drawing class I try oils for the first time. And, as soon as the painting is finished I post it here and write about my oil paints impressions, oil whites, bristle brushes, smell and color intensity and texture.

Meanwhile the orchid near the window decided that it was time to bloom. I still confused about how to manage flowers. When I watch them, feed them and care - they are trying to die. When I completely forget them and offer Spartan "cactus" way of life, they decide to bloom. Nobody can understand that flowers!
The bird was inspired by FANTASTIC "My Birds Blog" (link) of Abraham Lincoln (yes, they are relatives with the president), the name of the bird was Baltimore Oriole.
Landscape inspired by the photo saved to the computer desktop hundred years ago.
Feels so right to have time for drawing! It makes me happy.

Sketchbook

2011-04-20T19:32:00.000+04:00

I want to post these sketchbook pages just to let you know that I am still here, I read your great blogs and soon will be back to blogging.
Meanwhile I am still busy with off-line agenda.
The leaves sketch is the study during short break in work schedule.
Hanging lady has gallows drama in her pose, but it is just a doll-mascot in my car. I was trying to make her to turn head for better composition, but she refused. And yes, she is witch, flying on drumstick. And we both like speed very much))

Tools of the Trade

2011-04-15T00:22:00.003+04:00

I promised to show you my drawing kit in my previous post. Here it is.
From left to right:
Bee paper company heavyweight drawing paper (very friendly to watercolor!);
PITT waterproof sepia pens;
Zipped tools holder;
Pieces of paper for color mixing;
Photo of Levitan's genial drawing of the sunny wood (one day I will draw copy of it);
Frame which helps to find right composition, very handy;
Paper towel, used;
Yarka tube paints in Cotman field box;
Metal box full of treasures (Aquabrush, Mechanical pencil, eraser, brush, Rotring ink pen and extra ink containers);
Water spray bottle (to wet paints);
Dried piece of sponge to clean my palette.

Rather heavy!

As I am still busy in the office, my painting and drawing are in frozen state and the only work I can show you is the portrait I did in the drawing class with live model (only smth really important can stop me from going to drawing class)).
It was the most interesting experience, to study facial shapes, shadows and light. And of course this beautiful girl looks so very different in real life. Why do lesson's works usually look so dead???

Drawing kit

2011-04-02T23:16:00.000+04:00

Quick sketches again.
I noticed that every time when I decided to leave my rather heavy drawing/painting kit at home, I found time and wish to sketch when outdoors but had no tools. That is the reason why now I always have them in my bag and I am always prepared.
1 hour long sketch of the tree (ink and watercolor and aquabrush) and 1 hour sketch in the cafe (PITT sepia pen) could happen because I made a habit of carrying them anywhere I go.

Writing this gave me the idea to show you my drawing/painting tools, which I will do with great pleasure in my next post.

Sketchbook pages

2011-03-27T15:48:00.000+04:00

Yesterday sketches of the tulips on kitchen table and group of men eating Georgian food in Georgian cafe.
It felt so good to hold the brush and pen after a week without it.

While browsing at "Wet canvas" (press the link here) I found very interesting summary of Zbukvich's book about watercolor, I printed it and now keep repeating and trying to follow.

20 minute paintings/drawings

2011-03-20T12:46:00.002+03:00

My fast works of the past week. I will be back to blogging after 5th April when the big project will be terminated.
Meanwhile my quick sketches which help me to remember the joy of painting.
Tools - EDM list of "Draw this week" tasks: Draw something Dad's. Oh, I did the 20th challenge from list of 313 tasks... I added phone charger and persimmon for the composition. Not sure if it helped.

Red-blue abstract - #21 of the same challenge, The task was to draw something antique, but I had nothing at my place, so the doll of Russian fire-bird was chosen. Some day I will show you the photo just to make clear how the bird looks in reality)).

Flowers and tiger toy at Mom's birthday. Very quick.
Behind and under the tiger - I tried to draw anything I could see around.

The squirrel. I am a bit obsessed with drawing squirrels and birds, you know.
This one was drawn in bad evening light with one hand on the keyboard, checking mail-box. Its ears remind you the wings of the pigeon? Flying squirrel? I wanted to make fur looking furry))

I see your posts and they inspire me so much, you are so talented and do miracles with your brushes, hands and hearts.

Tonal Values Study

2011-03-09T01:08:00.001+03:00

Studio Atelier (link) has posted great image for March challenge. How to draw white on white on almost white? Difficult. But so interesting.
We had 3 days holidays, I painted, but this hunger is hard to feed up...

These fantastic guys helped me during the painting, please enjoy!
I love music, I never managed to listen to music and do work at the same time. The combination works only with painting.

And thank you so much for your kindest comments, you give me energy and power to go on. Thank you!

Faces

2011-03-07T10:42:00.001+03:00

New portrait. I love doing faces. Here I was experimenting with colors, using reds as dark tones. Then realizing that reds make the face expression ill and neurotic. Good that it was oil pastels, I can correct damage. Partly.
Good that the guy will never recognize himself)) Three hours work, felt so tired when finished.

I realized that I often forget to press "Follow" button, when meet new interesting blogs. The reason is simple. I subscribe in Google Reader and enjoy the pleasure of reading, but completely forget how important it is, specially in the beginning, to see your followers, to see how the number grows in time, proving that your blog moves in the right direction. Sorry about that, I will be more attentive.

Seashell

2011-03-06T23:47:00.000+03:00

The friends of my parents brought this seashell from Cuba, where they work 40 years ago, and this present was kept as family treasure for all these years. When I was a little girl I liked to put it close to my ear and listen to the sea waves inside this rose pearl color magical thing. Few days ago when at my parents I decided to immortalize it. So said so done.

Few days ago Rhonda Carpenter pointed how to solve the problem of disappearing thumbnails in the sidebar. I was lightheaded and ignored so important information till the moment when I realized that my masterpieces are not visible in my friends' blogs and my glory fades because Google improved something.
So I followed Rhonda's clear instructions and voila! things are like they used to be. I am the "HTML star" now.
Thank you, Rhonda!

Skates

2011-03-05T00:38:00.001+03:00

30x40cm (12"x16") Watercolor on Arches

My drawing class work, finished last Saturday. To be honest, I wanted my teacher to sign it, too. The idea, the color choices and the drawing instructions, even several important details, all are her. The class, which I try not to miss even when so busy, gives great opportunity to paint and I enjoy every moment of it. Teacher promised the drawing of live human head for tomorrow!

Winter does not want to leave Moscow and I feel that I am fed up with grey sky, warm clothes and dark night/short daylight. On bright side - I am busy, no time to walk, draw or paint, just sitting for hours looking into monitor. So why to care about the weather on that side of the window?

Wish you all nice and creative week-end.
We have 3 days holidays, so I hope so much to see your posts, which I missed last week.

Rookiepainter's challenge

2011-03-02T14:42:00.000+03:00

Rookiepainter's challenge offers to draw mugs this month. And I was so glad to do this quick sketch in the evening, to participate in the challenge and to remind myself that I love painting, just too busy to do it.
I miss so much my every evening read of your blogs.

Faces

2011-02-21T15:21:00.000+03:00

Karin Jurick and her "100 Faces BUST-ED" project are huge inspiration source for me. Her work gave me the courage to draw and paint my first faces at the times of "Different Strokes". And she inspires me two years later.
I was cherishing an idea of portraits for several months, started today and would report about the results here.

My uncle's huge photo-journalist archive provides a lot of faces material. And there is no fear that the models will recognize themselves, at least for the nearest projects)).

I did this piece on craft paper with oil pastels in 3 hours from photo reference. Tell me what you think about it.

Did not draw anything in 2 weeks (business got all the time) and it felt so wrong. Please do not think that I forgot your talented blogs, I will be back soon. I promise.

Fun-meter

2011-02-08T22:28:00.000+03:00

Two attempts to draw the bird helped me to survive difficult work project this week-end. One bird was drawn when the wishful result seemed very doubtful. The other bird happened when I realized that in spite of all "symptoms" the work will be done in time and in good quality.
I wonder if you see the difference as I see it. The first posted image is more relaxing and free (it was done later in time, turned better and I post it as marketing lead))), the second posted image - when I was tension and nerve.
Drawing is great antidepressant. When mixed with watercolors.

Learning from Masters

2011-02-05T21:46:00.000+03:00

This sketch is my attempt to repeat the composition and values of the photo of my Mexican friend Carraol (his photo blog is here, every photo is a treasure, plus the music choice is fantastic).

This sketch is also the copy of watercolor sketch I saved to my desktop year ago. That time the drawing and the color choices of the original seemed perfect (and still are!) and unreachable. Now (one year later) I have courage to try to repeat it. Please visit the blog of the author of the original, Yann Lesacher, French painter and illustrator.

And two London views today.

Greenwich, November 2010

Regent's Canal, London, November 2010

Sketching Moscow

2011-02-01T14:44:00.001+03:00

A5, PITT ink-pen, watercolors

The traffic jams have some positive points. My favorite one is the ability to look around and see the city details. And then, when time allows, to return and sketch, trying to catch the composition arranged by the city itself.
I also post the photo of the original scene. Please do not compare))). The truth is in the painter's eyes!

Winter

2011-01-26T23:20:00.000+03:00

30x40cm (12"x16"), Soft pastel

Snowing.
The pastels were got out of the cupboard with the intention to pass the feeling of winter, to exercise in tonal values and study the colors of winter.
The subject was inspired by my friend's photo-blog, "Helsinki according to PPusa" (link).

Tonal Values

2011-01-24T10:05:00.000+03:00

50 x 70 cm (27" x 19"), Graphite pencils

My drawing class lesson is finished at last. I could not remember when I started so the blog helped: it took me almost 3 month or 10 lessons.
I went mad in the beginning, because the details never were my strong point. But in the process I started feeling the masochistic joy of preciseness. And the most important, the mystery of tonal values was revealed at last (it happened during the pillow time).
The side effects are the knowledge of parts and pieces of bicycle and the ability to assemble and disassemble it at any moment...
That is exactly how the wall in out drawing studio looks like. The artist rents the office in the old building of candy factory and very happy about these brutal decoration which usually become the unforgettable part of our still lives.

Drawing and Cooking

2011-01-23T00:07:00.000+03:00

EDM next, "Draw smth you have made".
Not much I do with my hands besides painting and drawing).
Cooking is hand-made stuff with combines creativity and perceptible result. So today we go into cooking. I draw the products, quickly cook them and post the photo of the result.

Recipe:
1. Boil separately 3-4 middle size potatoes and cup of lentil to "almost" ready state.
2. Heat the oil, stir-fry leek, add 2 cut chicken breasts, add 3 cut paprikas and fry for 10 min.
3. Add cut tomatoes (before cutting pour boiling water over tomatoes and keep it for several minutes, pour out water, easily remove tomato peel) and half glass yogurt.
4. Add 2 tea spoons of Indian spices (oh, how I love them! actually, you can take bread, water, Indian spices and the cooking will be success. Or only Indian spices)). I use this mix (link).
5. Cover the pan, cook for 15 min.
6. Add cube-cut potatoes and lentil, cook 5 min. more.
7. Add well cut dill, parsley and chopped 2 garlic cloves, salt to taste and cook under cover for final 3 minutes.
48 min, 4 portions, 1 ink+coloured pencils drawing later:

Result:

From the Window

2011-01-19T11:00:00.000+03:00

EDM challenge (#next) (link). Draw what you see from the window.

I love this city.
I like its churches and gardens and curved streets and chaotic mix of architectural styles, shapes, colors. My special places. Here I took a walk when I was in love. There I was excited by the domes shining in the sun. Here I was sitting in the cafe with my friends. There the city showed me its secret treasures.
But more and more I start hating it.
The rudeness of the car drivers, the disappearance of the small shops and historical buildings, gray unsmiling faces and clothes, unreal prices, the feeling of total exposure, ignorance and cupidity. And no sign of the change for the better. And less and less oxygen, literally and figuratively.

Now let's look at blue sky of 2010.

Summer ending in Moscow

Summer ending in Dubrovnik

Sketchbook pages

2011-01-18T09:42:00.000+03:00

Pages of the sketchbook.
The red house was inspired by Rookiepainter's November challenge (link) which I missed. And the drawing shows my friends' place.

Postcards Final Shot

2011-01-17T11:09:00.000+03:00

At last I handed all my New Year cards to my friends and can post the cards here. Too late to celebrate, you think? No, considering that Russian celebrations finished on 14th January, when the New Year (old style, Julian calendar) arrived.

I liked doing the postcards, pure pleasure and no tension with composition and colors, felt like the child playing with brushes. I will do them again.

Closed Door

2011-01-10T18:07:00.001+03:00

A4, Strathmore watercolor sketchbook

This sparrow was great fun. I did the value studies, used the "cool light-warm shadows" rule (in some spots) and almost ruined the tail decoration. The image and inspiration came from the blog of my friend, Abraham Lincoln (the presidents' cousin and famous blogger) (click the link to his "Bird's blog").

A4, Lana paper

The door was great fun too. At least while I was trying to repeat the textures of old walls and wooden surface. I used also watercolor pencils here, to make the walls look rough. But when I finished, I realized that I do not want to look at the closed door, it depresses me))). And that my future doors will be wide open (figuratively and emotionally).
And thanks to JM and his photoblog with fantastic "Decay" series from Oeiras, Portugal (click the link to the blog).

Today my photos are from Greenwich, UK.

Need to Share

2011-01-10T00:15:00.001+03:00

Oscar Grillo

Today, on Sunday, I want to share my discoveries of this week. Perhaps you have long knew about them. Maybe not. Good if the information will be useful for you.

Oscar Grillo (link), artist, whose blogposts I wait every day. He is well known for his animation work on adverts and he also won a Golden Palm award for his animation. Each new sketch - joy and discovery. I think, he is genius.

Today I bought the book by Julia Cameron, "The artist's Way" (Amazon link). I read it in e-version two years ago. The book found me, when I had to make very important decisions, when I needed its power, courage and creativity. So when I saw it on paper, I decided to buy it at once. I recommend to read it to any creative person, it will inspire you and make you stronger.

Z.Serebriakova (1884-1967)

A few days ago I went to the exhibition of Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967), famous Russian artist. So very interesting.
And few thoughts: I noticed that she made a thick outline when drawing the human body.
I noticed that bright and cheerful painting style of her youth darkens and becomes harder with time, after she becomes a widow with 4 children in Soviet Russia.
And she divinely rubs pastels in portraits.
Wiki about the artist.
Her paintings.

I will try to post my Sunday treasures-sharing posts on regularly basis.

Musician

2011-01-06T22:01:00.001+03:00

A5, PITT Faber-Castell Sepia pen

In the list of EDM (link) challenges for those who want to learn to draw, there was a task to draw a musical instrument. I had no idea where to take the model, when, few weeks ago, was invited to the concert of the musician, playing Oud (eastern prototype of lute).
Here is my EDM challenge #17.
Next EDM will be "To draw the view from the window".

Oxford

Trying to draw early spring

2011-01-05T00:35:00.000+03:00

A3, Arches, watercolor

It was nice to return to big size paper after my postcards experiments and sketchbook exercises. Was trying to draw early spring in Georgian village, inspired by photo of Jemal Kasradze (link).
I love drawing and painting. Every minute of these actions gives peace to my heart..

New Year Postcard, watercolor

And, in addition, a postcard (I do not want to sound too pathetic. They are also huge fun, drawing and painting.))

Birds and Squirrels

2011-01-02T23:02:00.000+03:00

More watercolor sketches in postcard format.

Kotor Doors

2010-12-29T14:01:00.000+03:00

A5, Ink and waterbrush

Strange, but I like these black and whites. Why strange? I am color addict, color radiates energy, attitude, passion.
The ink is more structured and exact, disciplined.

Bags

And my new fountain pen has great clever nib, comfort matters here too)).

These are doors in Kotor, Montenegro. Every door worth a story.
And more of quick sketches while waiting for people or events (very relaxing activity).
The corner of two buildings in Kotor.
And my bags (yes, it is a bag, this strange "thing" in the bottom of the sketch), unfinished.

I keep posting London.
That day I had "Irina, be a normal tourist!" agenda. So here are St.Paul's, Tower, Westminster. So energy-consuming agenda. I could walk for hours non-stop in the woods, and was dead tired after short period of "big sites touring" in the city)))

St.Paul's from Millennium Bridge

Tower's inhibitants

Banal photo, I know.

Swadhisthana

2010-12-28T23:14:00.000+03:00

A3, Oil pastel

I was trying to be free and relaxed here, had the idea to draw the Swadhisthana chakra (wiki writes about it here) in some abstract manner, which turned into this flower.
I used oil pastels, then brush with solvent (it thinned the pastels and mixed the colors, then oil pastel again when the solvent dried). Breathed a lot of chemical, felt funny...

Now few London photos, they help to keep the fragile memories alive.
That day I went to Oxford by train.

Christ Church Meadow.

The town of young inhabitants, everyone rolling a suitcase. It was my first impression. Only young people. Leaving the town rolling the suitcase behind (it was Saturday morning, they were going home for week-end)).

River Cherwell

Trees, older then old.
After oxigen-free Moscow I could not stop doing deep breaths there, trying to breath fresh air as a reserve.

You can not be loser-student when you live in such decorations. You just can not.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-24T11:56:00.001+03:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

My warmest greetings to my friends and their families, to my readers and to so many talented in different fields, kind, deep, wise and funny people I know due to blogging, you inspire and encourage me every day, thank you so much!

Why hares?
I live in interesting country, you know.
We celebrate 24th December Catholic Christmas (as we call it),
then New Year on 1st January,
on 7th January we celebrate Orthodox Christmas,
14th January is the celebration of New Year (old style dates calculation, that calendar was used in Russia before 1917 revolution)
and middle February (I am afraid I do not know the exact date) the Chinese New Year.
And here comes the hares.. This Chinese year is year of hare, we have a lot of symbols all over the city, so I was very much inspired))))

Chin-chin!