Moon Over Myakka7 1/2 x 10
Vine charcoal and white conte on Twinrocker handmade paper
I made this drawing as a study for a painting for my solo show at M Gallery of Fine Art in Sarasota next month. My husband says its hokey- well actually, I asked him if he thought it was, and he said yes. Note to self: don't ask questions you don't want the answer to. I prefer to think its romantic.
The trouble is that images of Florida can seem trite even though they are of real places that actually exist (like this one). There is a sort of image overload out there that can't sort out what's real, photography, fine art, or a plastic place mat at the diner. But, of course, there are people out there that think the landscape itself is trite, and how sad is that?
I was born and raised in Florida. I am intimately acquainted with both her real beauty as well as the cheap dime store lipstick and plastic alligator version. I just hope I can do her justice.
The trouble is that images of Florida can seem trite even though they are of real places that actually exist (like this one). There is a sort of image overload out there that can't sort out what's real, photography, fine art, or a plastic place mat at the diner. But, of course, there are people out there that think the landscape itself is trite, and how sad is that?
I was born and raised in Florida. I am intimately acquainted with both her real beauty as well as the cheap dime store lipstick and plastic alligator version. I just hope I can do her justice.
13 comments:
I don't think it's hokey. Mysterious was the first thing that came to mind.
Personally, I think it's a beautiful drawing.
Deborah,
Florida is not any more hokey than Hawaii is. Or Maine. Or Colorado. Or any of the beautiful places which defy the descriptions made by people who are jealous of the locals. So there.
Besides, anyone who renders trees and moons like you do doesn't need to answer to anyone!
This drawing is indeed romantic, as well as magical and lusciously swampy.
I think the technical parts (which I always focus on) are superb - a very sublime image, IMO.
Hi Deborah,
No hokey here. Like the idea very much.
If you don't mind a suggestion ... the moon
seems jammed up in the palms or like it's hanging
from the tree. OK, I'll shut up now.
Always like your charcoals.
Doug
Definitely not hockey. It looks lovely.
And when I ask my husband how I look it's like this: does this make me look good? Then I get the answer that makes me happy.
Beautiful drawing Deobrah! You captured the spirit of the place. I am in Florida now and am intrigued by the two Floridas you describe. The plastic version is just as much a part of the real character of the place as the beautiful landscape. Its an interesting challenge to try to capture both.
Definately not hokey...it has a mysterious quality. I do agree with someone who mentioned the palms, it gives an impression the palm tree is leaning on the moon....but that is just nit picking, I think it's lovely.
How about printing some top notch drawings and paintings onto plastic place mats and putting them in diners?
That would confuse people!
I like finding quality in unexpected places.
If anyone can do Florida justice it's you. I'll be there for the tree drawing class so I'll start practicing my palms and sea grapes
Wow, thanks everyone for your comments. In fairness to my husband, who is VERY supportive of my work, I should point out that I asked a loaded question and also that the concerns about not crossing the line into hokiness were mine. I think Eden's comment about the "two Floridas" is so true and something I certainly have had on my mind as I prepare for this show. But, you've all given me renewed confidence and I appreciate that more than I can say. As I was working in the studio today, I kept thinking about SmartArtdog's description- "lusciously swampy". I just love that! Thanks everyone!
Like a favorite singer, all their
songs have a place in the heart.
So too with your art. Your work
just takes you there, a place to be.
Deborah, your work is romantic, they are love songs of sorts, nothin' silly about love songs.
We all want to sing 'em!
What a lovely thing to say, Bill. Thank you.
This is lovely. It's hard to do things like sunsets, kids, kittens, and fall leaves justice. I usually don't try. ;)
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