At the Edge of the Pond

At the Edge of the Pond, 2010

Graphite on paper

5 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

I think that we sometimes see the subject matter of certain well-known artists and conclude that the subject matter that speaks to us can’t possibly measure up.  But we choose subject matter the same way they did:  It’s what we see around us, what has meaning to us, or what concepts we want to convey.  It’s the objects, the people, the colors, the lines, or the play of light against dark that we perceive as beautiful or interesting.  Subject matter doesn’t have to be monumental to be a poem worthy of interpretation.

Clematis Jackmanii Superba

Clematis Jackmanii Superba, 2010

Colored pencil on paper

5 1/2 x 4 inches

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

I’ve learned a little more about using colored pencil on paper with a smooth surface.  I’m finding it to be less forgiving than paper with more tooth, and what can be done with layering is more limited.

Creek II

Creek II, 2010

Graphite on paper

5 13/16 x 4 9/16 inches

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

I was compelled to draw this view because I recognized its similarity to a distinctive composition sometimes used by Van Gogh in the photo I took:  sharply diagonal lines terminated by a high horizon line.

When I was nearly finished with the piece, I took another look at Van Gogh’s work to write this blog entry.  The view depicted here is no Arles, and I’m certainly no Van Gogh, but I was surprised to discover that I’d unintentionally taken a photo of and drawn the same general composition that Van Gogh used in Flowering Garden with Path (July, 1888).

Cosmos

Cosmos, 2010

Colored pencil on paper

5 x 5 inches

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

How to approach negative space can be a challenge.  One needs to make sure colors, values and detail, or lack of the latter, complement the focus of a piece, not distract from it.  The ethereal shapes and colors in the negative space of the photo I took for this piece provided the perfect complement for the cosmos.

Stand

Stand, 2010

Graphite on paper

5 3/4 x 4 5/8 inches

© 2010 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

A drawing of a stand of oak trees that captures my attention every time I walk by it.