Brush

Brush, 2011

Graphite on paper

6 x 4 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

A humble little scene on the edge of civilization that caught my eye.

A Fine Day in Green and Blue

A Fine Day in Green and Blue, 2011

Colored pencil on paper

4 x 6 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

For this piece, I wanted to sketch loosely and not overthink it, the way I enjoy drawing the most.  I like the sort of retro I look I get when I draw this way.

Fall Reflection

Fall Reflection, 2011

Graphite on paper

6 x 4 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

This view’s complexity, unusual backlighting and evocation of Monet’s Poplars compelled me to figure out how to render it.

Goldilocks

Goldilocks, 2011

Graphite on paper

6 x 4 1/2 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

Several years ago, a robin built a nest outside my window, and I had the privilege of observing two sets of chicks being raised.  The following year, I noticed a chipmunk (no doubt one of those who kept stealing my lily bulbs) taking a nap in the abandoned nest.  Of course, I ran for my camera and woke him up as he unwillingly acted as my model.  After getting my shots, I left the little lily thief to continue his nap.

Apparently, both my poor lilies and the robin’s nest were “just right."

Firestorm

Firestorm, 2011

Colored pencil on paper

8 1/8 x 4 inches

© 2011 Susan M. Lohse.  All rights reserved.

Lately, I find I’ve been instinctively handling colored pencils as I would graphite pencils (often holding the pencil more loosely away from its point and positioning the pencil at a more acute angle to the paper) to help achieve form, texture and fine juxtapositions of colors, as opposed to choking up on the pencil to carefully lay in smooth tone.  I find this method to be freeing and think the results are visually interesting.