Saturday, July 29, 2006

My Sister - Mary Ellen




After I sent the earlier sketch of Mary Ellen to my other sister and she gently said, "I wouldn't recognize her' ... I decided to try an adult version.

While I still have much, much further to go -- I am thrilled beyond belief to be able to recognize my sister from my final attempt! To come to RECOGNIZING someone I've sketched after only 13 months sketching and much less experience with watercolors ... I am truly grateful that I can SEE my sis in this sketch.

HORRAY!!!

I'm eager to see what ANOTHER 13 MONTHS of practice might bring!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW. That is fantastic, and good for YOU. Didn't I say the P-word would pay off, girlfriend!?

Adults ARE easier than children...they've developed stronger characteristics that really make them who they are.

Ya know I've sketched Joseph LOTS of times that didn't look like him to me...and I'm never really satisfied, even when I sort of catch a bit of his soul. I'd say you did a MARVELOUS job, and after only 13 months I'm just amazed at your progress.

Terri said...

Fantastic job!! I agree with Kate about adults being easier to draw. But I still think you did a fine job with the younger version. I think you'll be STUNNED at the progress you'll see in yet another 13 months. You go girl.

Jana Bouc said...

First, congratulations on your wonderful attitude--of being proud of your accomplishment and looking forward to improvement in the future. That's great! I think you really did capture her likeness in the two adult drawings. They're really good. Many advanced watercolor painters won't tackle portraits and think people in watercolor is hard. It's true that there are so many ways to miss with a portrait in any media but it's so worth doing! It's an opportunity to really get to know the subject on such a deep level and it's almost like caressing them, or their soul as you paint them.

Unknown said...

Wow, Lin, this is impressive! The best part is it's just going to keep on getting better and better as YOU keep up the good work! Isn't break-through just exhilarating? Good for you!
And good for us blog readers and friends- we get to enjoy the results of your creative adventures and progress!

Tami said...

OUTSTANDING, Lin!!!! I like both the simple pen and ink and the w.c.! I am so glad you are pleased with yourself, you should be! These are wonderful!

Nel Jansen said...

Lin, I have to agree with everyone who has commented, great job. The thing I'm so impressed with is the delicacy of the skin tones, and in watercolor too, yet. Kate with her comment about the P-word, that's funny, but oh, so true. What a joy for you and for us. Keep it up.

Teri said...

"LIN", I screamed!!! There are not even enough words to describe how awesome, fantastic, marvelous and gorgeous this is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ON A WORK WELL DONE AND BEYOND!!

Cin said...

congratulations Lin!

Linda said...

Wow -- this is great! You are a wonderful example of what progress can be made with practice, practice, practice ... and your persistence is an inspiration (but I'm sure I've told you that before...:-)

Penny said...

Lin, I know just what you mean about being thrilled to actaully recognize someone from one of our own drawings or paintings! You and I have been at it about the same amount of time. I am so thoroughly enjoying the progress. Wish I'd started this when I was a kid -- but, guess it's not too late, eh?!! Thanks for sharing this one. You did a great job!!

Marilyn said...

You totally got the grin lines and the chin. Great job!