EDM challenge # 24 - draw a piece of fruit...

Like so many others I have been greatly inspired by the work of Danny Gregory and the philosophy behind his Everyday Matters online sketch group. And so...I joined the group! It fits well with my goal of sketching everyday and has the added benefits of a wonderful online community where I have already found much inspiration and viewed a great deal of awe-inspiring talent. Now I hope to find support and encouragement. That little bit of a nudge to keep me on track! Moreover there are the weekly challenges - and I shall be working my way through the 200plus list whenever I find inspiration lacking! Like last night... and this is the result of attempting challenge #24 - draw a piece of fruit! Pastel & coloured pencil on pastel sketchpaper.

Illustration - a challenge

I have some poems I have written that I would like to illustrate. However, the process of illustration - producing an entirely original image - is a great challenge for me. Particularly when I feel my basic skills need so much work. Nonetheless I've decided to start working towards that goal and making potentially relevant sketches from life or images, composites, collages and anything else that may help the process become easier for me. There is no time frame - it is all just for fun which takes the pressure off. This is my first little brainstorming sketch for a poem titled 'The Red Room'. The patterned background is a photocopy. All else is ink / watercolour.

December!

December is upon us! It feels way too soon. I am flying into a panic about hosting Christmas in a house that's so crammed with furniture (sold, to be sold, to be remodelled, to be discarded!!) that no-one can move. Perhaps we will escape to the park or beach for a Christmas Day picnic?

"You're" by Sylvia Plath

You're

Clownlike, happiest on your hands,
Feet to the stars, and moon-skulled,
Gilled like a fish. A common-sense
Thumbs-down on the dodo's mode.
Wrapped up in yourself like a spool,
Trawling your dark as owls do.
Mute as a turnip from the Fourth
Of July to All Fool's Day.
O high-riser, my little loaf.

Vague as fog and looked for like mail.
Farther off than Australia.
Bent-backed atlas, our traveled prawn.
Snug as a bug and at home
Like a sprat in a pickle jug.
A creel of eels, all ripples.
Junpy as a Mexican bean.
Right, like a well-done sum.
A clean slate, with your own face on.

I love the poetry of Sylvia Plath - and this is one of my favourites. I found an old pic. of my daughter in this crazy jumper she used to love and I couldn't resist sketching it. It reminded me of this poem...each child born unto themselves from the start.