Sunday, September 27, 2009

EDM #242


EDM #242 - Draw your tzatchke.
12x16 '' Watercolor. 140 lb. Kilamanjaro block.

EDM challenge #242 was to draw your tzatchke (Yiddish for kitch, knick-knacks). These two objects are owned by my daughter, as she is becoming quite a collector of things. I've looked at these things on several occasions when considering still life objects from around the house but never actually drew or painted them. This challenge gave me that opportunity. The rooster seems to be from Portugal and is a really neat little piece of folk art. The glass piece (cast glass?) we've been calling the bluebird of happiness. Together they are part of countless objects that are scattered throughout our home. My daughter takes after her parents I'm afraid - none of us likes to get rid of anything.

17 comments:

Peachtreeart said...

Wow! It looks like an oil painting!

Shelley Ross said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelley Ross said...

OoooOOo, very nice. I like the gorgeous colours and the dark\light contrasts. I'm not a collector of kitch or knick knacks but you have made these two items very appealing. You have amazing dexterity with water colour. I hope you don't mind me asking: Will you talk about your overlapping arrangement? It is unusual, but I think you were going for something with that choice.

Gary said...

Thanks for the comments Deborah and Peachtree. Shelley I certainly arranged these two objects with composition in mind. Primarily I was thinking about curves and counter curves that somehow ties the two very different objects together with a curvilinear flow around and through the arrangement. Its a bit tight I know but I was also able to get some of the bird that is behind to (refract?) through the front bird for effect. That was my challenge to myself.

Dan Kent said...

Now those are tzatchkes! Love those birds! Aside from the subject, it is a masterful watercolor painting. You can see the different textures so easily, and the light and shadow and color. Wow. Well done!

Alex said...

Fantastic! You sure have a way with watercolors! Very rich and vibrant for the subject, and subtle soft texture of the fore and background.
Somehow I think that collecting stuff isn't a bad thing. Yeah the house might look a little messy and out of place after that, but the point is that, all the things you got have got a story to tell, and each one of them can be told just buy drawing them. I think that's amazing :)
Oh yeah, I collect stuff too. I just can't do it right now as I long as I don't have my own crib yet. ^^

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness is this beautiful! I can't stop looking at it. I keep clicking it to make it bigger so that I might see how you've managed it!

Ellen Burkett said...

This painting SO illustrates the challenge! And the workmanship is excellent! Fabric, shadows, highlights, everything. I really love this piece.

Patty Ruthe said...

Nice, nice, nice! I have one of the little blue birds also, and wow, you did a wonderful job here. Great combination of textures and colors.

Melissa S. said...

These are great Gary! Love how you captured the highlights in the glass bird...your ability to capture detail in watercolor is amazing to me. Oh, and never too many tzatchkes!

Jeanette Jobson said...

I really like these. You've created a sense of solidity in the rear rooster and translucency in the bluebird. And for watercolour, that's a feat in its own right! Great work.

I keep meaning to get into the EDM group. I'm registered, but never seem to get past the hoops and passwords to actually get into the thread! I must try harder.

Kelly said...

Beautiful. It really does look like an oil painting. You are very talented.
Thanks so much for your comments on my blog. I am feeling a little better... my son is on the mend too. Thank you for your kind thoughts.

nanke's stuff said...

This is a stunning painting. The colors are so vibrant, and the fabric looks so satiny - just beautiful! nancy

Ramona said...

I love the colors and detail. You've got watercolor painting definitly under control. Such beautiful little characters you painted.

Jaime said...

Hey Gary!!! I just found this Romanitc artist William Turner. You may already know of him, but he does some absolutely beautiful water colors! If you haven't heard of him google his watercolors.

FitFoodieMegha said...

You are a fantastic artist. Glad to find your blog. I liked this painting becoz of the shadows and the beautiful design on it..:)

Pencil Sketch: Rajasthani Man playing flute

Rosemary said...

Wow! Your watercolors are awesome!
I, too, am in the mountains of WNC and am wondering where you teach and if you do demos for art groups? Love your High Country Apples with the drips and runs, and the mixed media cupcakes with Rit! How creative is that! Am really enjoying this visit to your blog! I found you by way of Phil Holt.