Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tag Me!


Sometimes I find that the harder I try and focus in one area, the more real life starts pulling me hither and yon.
Case in point, it should NOT have taken me so long to finish this current tag for the Sketchbook Challenge. But there were little things like trying to keep up with my online class and FIND things in the studio, distractions such as FOOD and COOKING and then having electricians in to redo all my studio lights.
The good part of that is now they are bright enough I only have to have half of them on. Of course the downside is I can see all the dirt and crud in nooks and crannies which remained well hidden in dim shadows. (there is something to be said for mood lighting.....ahem.....)


At any rate, for those who want a story, in New Orleans the tombs are quite ornate--not all but depending on your personal wealth you could commission someone to build a fine family tomb complete with caveau beneath to accept remains after it was time to push to the sides previous generations and newer caskets be laid to rest.
One of the common motifs is the inverted torch, symbolic of life being extinguished. I photographed several different versions of this while there, but the one depicted was by far the most beautiful. It was the difference between the stone mason and the sculptor.
The drawing started with the watercolor wash, was built up with hard drawing pencils, gesso, and Prismacolor pencils and finally received a bit of both black mica gel and pearl mica gel. With age and humidity, the stone the tombs are made of take on a patina both dark and dirty and tidbits of shiny highlights.

A good view of the under texture from gesso, then the addition of layers of colors and finally the mica gels.
This was a more difficult piece than I anticipated; I have used the image in so many works that finding the *new eye* to really see and interpret was hard. I found myself walking away in frustration several times.
Overall though, I am happy that this varies a fair amount from the photo and took on a life of it's own. It has it's own story to tell now.......
I think maybe the next thing I'll include in the tag book is a crawfish.
Because after photographing it, I can EAT IT!  ;-)
It's hard work drawing AND being witty, or so I think.....don't burst my bubble.
I have no *odd-thing-in-my hand* photo this time, not that I don't have an abundance of odd things within hands reach, but decided instead to leave you with a lovely and colorful Winter sky, as the sun had sunk below the tree line and everything was lusciously shell pink and blue.




Pax....

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous work on these.They turned out beautiful and i do love that ancient ornate look
have a beautiful and bright day
hugs June

Susie Jefferson said...

Nice one! and fascinating history too. I love your new take on the flambeau (in fact, I love all your tags)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi June,

Thanks~~I am trying to resharpen my drawing skills. They have laid about and rusted, and doing the challenge made me commit to a small amount of drawing time. (but of course other things get mixed in! LOL!)
I too like the grittiness of the last piece....right up my alley!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Susie!

You know I could ramble forever about some of this stuff...I need to cut it short so as not to bore readers into a coma...LOL!!!
The actual torch is so beautifully carved---nothing other than seeing the real thing does it justice.
There is so much art in the cemeteries down there....amazing!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Linda and Michelle said...

Gorgeous work! And that sky is spectacular - thanks for a calming start to my day.

Manon said...

Hey, Anne!!

Your tags are gorgeous!! You have been tagged....lol!!
Love the pic of the sky!!
You can do it all, girlfriend... especially while being your witty self!! xo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Linda,

You and I both need all the *calm* we can get.... ;-)
That sky lasted about 1 minute before it faded; it was just luck I looked up, saw it and ran in the snow and cold with the camera! (and didn't fall---hahaha!)
Have a good one.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Manon!

Where are my high heels??? ;-D
Tag my......okay, I'll be nice for a bit.
I'm just glad this tag is done---it vexed me a lot. Sometimes you know the subject matter far too well and are always comparing the current work against older uses.
Which does NOT help.
But yes, it is good...looks right with the others.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Unknown said...

Anne, you never induce a coma like state, quite the opposite, I love reading your site with my morning coffee, always fun. This tag is beautiful, I love the shading and layers and the whole concept of doing these mini works of art to hone the skills. I wish I could touch it through the scree to feel the textures. Hmmm an idea is percolating.
peace,
Christine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Christine,

It *was* much more textural than what I normally like drawing on.
And that was okay--it made me think. (GASP!)
And have to leave it alone and not piddle and tinker with it till it was overdone.
Kinda like seafood---it's good when it's just right.....LOL!!!
Now I'm anxious to hear/see your idea! :-D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Silke Powers said...

Oh, Anne, those tags are simply stunning! Each one like a little jewel! Loved your story of the cemetery! Daniel and I have a thing for cemeteries and here in Savannah we have one of the most beautiful ones we've ever seen - Bonaventure Cemetery. The sculptures are amazing and all in a setting by the river and shaded by huge live oaks dripping with Spanish moss... You'd love it!! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Silke,

I have seen photos of some of the cemeteries down that way; the influence is much like New Orleans and they are beautiful. (larger too, well, more spacious areas)
I am having fun with the tags though they are a pip to compose.
I think too much.
Hahahaha!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

studio lolo said...

Seeing all four together is breathtaking! They came out fantastic.
Is this the Brooklyn Sketchbook Project Anne, or something different? I'm working up to the last minute today before running it to the P.O.!

I have to get myself some of that mica ;)

xo
Lolo♥

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Lolo,

No, this is just the Sketchbook Challenge (link on the sidebar).
I had no idea there were so many different sketchbook things going on until I got in a discussion on one of my groups....it's like it has exploded this year.
I'm really into this theme and what I'm working with---I may not change to next month's them unless I can make it work with these. It would be nice to have a fat little bunch of tags when I feel it is *done*.
And I took the four together pic at the last minute---so I could visualize how they worked.
Glad I did!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

yoborobo said...

They are really fabulous, Anne. I love the story of the torch. I really do have to make my way over to New Orleans. I would leave right now (HAPPILY!) but we are covered in ice. I hope to spend some part of the day painting! Hope springs eternal! haha xoxox Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam,

We are covered in FOG from rain, which of course will probably turn into freezing drizzle, then ice. UGH!
I think we ALL need to head to the Crescent City and get our art fix.
I hear ya---I always have the best plans for a full day of art and then REAL LIFE rears it's ugly head...*sigh*
Here's to an Art Rx for YOU today! :-)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

audrey said...

Hi Anne.
Your tags are wonderful, interesting, beautiful...as is everything you make. Cemeteries are very inspirational. There is one in Richmond that is especially outstanding (I took about 100 photos while there a number of years back), and the cemeteries in Charleston SC are something to see, as well.
I love to see the sky with shades of pink and blue. Beautiful photo!
I have company and I've been busy trying to keep up with Michael's class. What a great class!!
BTW, many thanks for the kind award. I will be listing my 7"secrets" -haha- in a few days.
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Yeah Audrey---I want the SECRETS!! (I kept the ones that could get me in hot water...LOL!)
I have done substrates for the class and HOPE today to lay some paint down. It just has been bedlam trying to go 50 different directions lately. I am having fun with his videos and spend TOO MUCH TIME watching and laughing! ;-D
Okay, off to slay today's dragon....

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Bunny said...

Love Love Love all your tags. I have not visited in a while. Never disappointed when I come. Your talent amazes me. Hugs

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Bunny!

I try hard to keep the entertainment level up! LOL!!!
Glad you're enjoy my *little* project. In other words, how can something so small require so much time???

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Janet Ghio said...

Love looking at your tags-we were planning a trip to new orleans, but have had to put it off, so at least I have your tags to look at. Sigh.. Your winter sky phto is so pretty!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Ah Janet, I would love to go back for several weeks to photograph and document. I seem to have *safely put away* (i.e. LOST) about half my copious quantities of photos.....
You would love it.
Maybe later, right? :-)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anonymous said...

The mica flakes are lush and that sky is gorgeous. xox corrine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Corrine,

I encourage everyone to part with a bit of cash and try at least one of the mica gels. They are not cheap, but boy do they make work POP!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Elena said...

The tags look beautiful! Love the story that accompanies it and that mica flake. Thanks for sharing the process and that beautiful sky.

GlorV1 said...

Loved that tag. Great story as well. Have a great rest of the day Anne, good work! Take care.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey girls,

Thanks! I think I like the story telling as much as the making of odd things...LOL!
I'll need to find a good subject for the next tag....I think I'd eat the crawfish before it ever got photographed!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Janine said...

Wonderful tags, with them I would like to be tagged too ;0)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Janine!

I do like how they all work together. I wasn't sure.....enjoying the process of the tiny things, for a change!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Robbie said...

Your tags are WONDERFUL!!! Just beautiful!!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

*BLUSH!*

Thank you! It has been good work for me...really.
I think I could benefit from it more often.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

marilyn said...

Your latest tag is wonderful and I think it wonderful that so many people like cemeteries. For years when I was out and about I would take lunch and look for the local cemetery. Most always a quiet and beautiful place for lunch and some very interesting and unique statuary.

marilyn said...

Your latest tag is wonderful and I think it wonderful that so many people like cemeteries. For years when I was out and about I would take lunch and look for the local cemetery. Most always a quiet and beautiful place for lunch and some very interesting and unique statuary.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

My folks and I used to do that too---it was always so quiet and the older ones were usually off a deserted road. We've had a lot of vandalism around this part now, so the cemeteries are often gated.
There is so much history and art in cemeteries to be gleaned.....
Thanks for the kind words--I really need to get this one on the Flickr group!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Bella Sinclair said...

Absolutely gorgeous collection of tags! And I loved learning the meaning of the inverted torch. Oh, and I also noticed you have such beautiful penmanship!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Absolutely gorgeous tags...the time part is totally forgotten when you return to this work later. Your photograph is so luscious pink... a joyful blessing for the day. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Bella!

That is my special *for work only* penmanship!
The day-to-day stuff is bare legible....heehee! I used to do hand written quilt labels for people and learned some of the old Copperplate Script and flourish. I also had Palmer Penmanship in grade school but boy, I sure can't tell it now! ;-D
*scribble scribble*

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Mary-Helen,

Yep, you're right about forgetting the time factor. As soon as I viewed the group of tags together, everything was okay. ;-)
It's all a matter of how much we *think* we should get done....you know?
I loved that PINK SKY!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

MAGNIFICENT!!!!! Anne how wonderful and beautiful these tags are. Beautiful!!!!! Great job. Well, I have the flu and I should be in bed so I will go now. I send you germ free hugs and wishes.
Love you
V

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Vanessa....OMGosh--you poor thing!
Go rest up and have some Zzzzzzs and hot tea and warm blankets!
(and take that pin up of Milo with you for sweet dreams! heehee!)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh Anne, they are all so beautiful. Love the symbolism of the inverted torch. I did not know that. If one must have bright lighting, then one must not wear one's reading glasses. But if you must wear them for working, never avert your eyes from your piece of art. Or add side blinders. ♥♥♥ Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Deb, I just need BLINDERS!!! LOL!!!
I need a corrective lens all the time. Am back to the contacts which *seem* to be working for the moment.
I love those torch images I collected.....there were all different styles but this one, oh, the handle is long and tapers gracefully at the top of the building corner. A real sculptor. Marvelous.

XXOO~~♥
Anne....with blinders....

Alexandra MacVean said...

Gosh, Anne...these are AMAZING! I love them all. You really did a fantastic job. Just when I think you've outdone yourself...you do it again! :)

Love you! hugs

Steph said...

Hi Anne, Corrine sent me.....I love your work and these tags are stunning....I'm following you.... :))
steph

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Steph!

Welcome---thanks for signing on!
When I don't have art to post, I always find something inane to rant about...LOL!
And sometimes, they're even GOOD rants! ;-D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Unknown said...

Holy Moly !!! Anne your tags are so gorgeous!!! what a feast for the eyes....and that sunset!!! wow wow and wow!!! I love it....the tones and colours...just amazing....

Have a wonderful day!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Diana,

I'm still trying to figure out which I want to do next! LOL!!!
But having fun..a good time! Art should be a good time, yes?

XXOO~~♥
Anne

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