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Saturday, December 27, 2014

Nestor

Nestor, Graphite, 6"x8", graphite,  Thirty Minute Drawing #35


Two thirty minute, morning  drawing sessions were taken up with Nestor.  He's the first person of color I've attempted in pencil--G314--and it took me a while before I started pouncing with the knead to get the skin tones and recalled from college days that it doesn't matter what color a subject is,  the light contrast is light contrast. I also thought perhaps I should start using more than just one pencil grade--but I really don't want to get carried away with these daily drawings that I regard as get acquainted exercises and a soft lead is most satisfying--perhaps because it's close to charcoal?

Nestor is one of many "strangers" I shot while in Mexico, except he wasn't a stranger. He made our days on holiday mue simpatico.

He is a very important person  poolside and on the beach  at the Ritz Carlton. He is a caretaker who takes excellent care  of all  the needs of the hotel guests.  He saved us when it was windy.  He made sure no sun hit any part of Ellis' anatomy.  And most importantly, he saved me from having to take the chair in the sun and gave me the best memento of my holiday.  He's my kind of guy!  Hasta el proximo ano Nestor, mi amigo.

Ellis and me together by the sea 2014.  Life can't get any better than this.




   

10 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,
    Welcome home and almost Happy New Year. Wonderful drawing of Nestor. You captured his kindness which isn't easy through sunshine and sunglasses. Great photo of you and Ellis, too.
    Sincerely,
    Gary.

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    1. Nestor is a very kind man. It was my pleasure to spend some time noting which features make Nestor, Nestor.

      This pic of Ellis and me is a whole lot different than the last pic we took in this spot. What a difference five years makes! The precious part is I'm sitting there with Ellis and not alone.

      We're looking forward to New Years Eve this year. It's just Ellis and me at a Jeff Daniel's concert, then home for chili. I o love January 1st. A new year is invigorating. PY New Year to come to you and Michelle! --I may have told you, but in case I didn't, I do understand you going after the viewer with your intense stare. I think your idea is brilliant.

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  2. Hey, is that the infamous pink watch that was in one of your past photos? :-).... When u go back next yr. are u gonna bring that sketch to show Nestor?

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    1. It sure is! It swims, which I like to do--though I have no idea why I have to know what time it is while I'm doing it--and the color is hot. It's Fossil. You can have one too--but don't try to paint it. It's the one I'm wearing in my attempt at a Venetian style self portrait. The idea was: modern watch in a painting painted the old fashioned way. I didn't want museum goers to confuse my masterpiece with the masterpieces of the old masters. :-))

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  3. You transmit feeling in your drawing and your appreciation of the individual is there in your work. Nice image of Ellis and yourself.

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    1. Thanks Mick. Nestor was an impressive guy. I will probably may this one up and give it to him next time we go OR send it to him--along with a copy of our photo. He takes care of a lot of people; he will need a reminder, I'm sure.

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  4. Joyful, beautiful photograph, you shine, you guys! Good drawing too.

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    1. Do you see why I just didn't feel like painting? I was having such a grand time being out of the studio among others ogling each other and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, customs in Mexico thoroughly went through my luggage. When I opened it at home, it was a mess. The art supplies, which I packed on the bottom were on the top. Everything in the bag had been investigated and one watercolor had been creased, but not beyond repair by ironing.

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  5. Hey Buddy! Love the photo of Ellis and you by pool! Glad life is going well! Yippee! Love all your recent posts! Sorry I haven't been getting back to you! Of course I love your drawings! But this watercolor "Mums The Word" is off the charts wonderful! Have the best holiday season buddy! Have a very happy, healthy, joyful, artful, and all good things new year! (Oh I have done some i pad art! So many options to choose from! I will post some of my attempts soon! I think I am going to like working with the i pad! Fun, different, challenging, and new way to make some art! Take care My Friend!
    Michael
    (Oh, almost forgot! Love the drawing of "Nestor!" Well done! Great smile! Enjoy!)

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    1. THANK YOU MICHAEL! Whew! You blow me away with your praise. I am glad someone liked my watercolor when I finally settled down on that beach and could shake loose enough to do it. Isn't drawing on the iPad fun! Talk about letting loose with no self consciousness at all. It's great relaxation. Enjoy. Happy, Healthy, Productive New Year to you and yours too. January 1st is my favorite day--with the holiday hoopla gone, distractions disappear and only what's on the easel counts. May all your artistic endeavors be glorious.

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