Wednesday, March 3, 2010

New Silverpoint Drawing in Miniature, "The Way Home"


The Way Home © Barbara A. Freeman
Silverpoint, 3 5/8" x 3 5/8"

Finally I have a new work to share! It's done in silverpoint (with a bit of watercolor added for interest), on Strathmore 500 illustration board. A great surface, very forgiving, thick and sturdy. I used Golden Silverpoint Ground to prepare the board, and once dry, it's ready to accept the fine silver stylus, (mine was purchased from the silverpoint.com website).

If the trees look familiar, it's because I've used the same reference photo that I've used in other work. Each time I do them, the trees become slightly different. It's really the placement and the way the light hits the trees and surrounding landscape that I need from the photo. I may make the trees with different textures, or placement of limbs, etc when creating a new piece. In this one, I've given the tree an opening for the rabbit to escape to. I added color to the opening in the tree which not only draws your eye in, but also gives contrast to the rabbit's white face and the color is repeated in the eye. The rabbit is from photos that I took of the one that my husband sees when he goes for a run. Wayne has named him Spot. When he comes back from a run he tells me that Spot says hi if he sees him. We think Spot was someone's pet at one time as he allows you to get rather close before bolting. I was able to take photos easily enough moving very slowly.

Below is the frame I'm going to use. I am thinking I'll not mat the work, but use spacers to separate the work from the glass. Thanks again for taking the time to read about my work! Now on to the next one!

The Way Home © Barbara A. Freeman,
Silverpoint, 3 5/8" x 3 5/8"


13 comments:

Mona Diane Conner said...

Lovely Barbara! I like the decision to go for a gold frame and connect to the mysterious golden brown in the drawing. It also sounds nice to add spacers.

Unknown said...

Very nice! The eye is wonderful--and it looks like a nice place to be!You have captured that "always cautious- but knowing I can jump look" a rabbit has--have fun with the next one :)

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Mona. I usually mat my drawings, but I wanted the complete work to show. I tried several different frames and this one was the best, I'm glad you think it works.
Silverpoint is always difficult to photograph. This of course is much darker than the actual work.

Janie, thanks, that means a lot coming from you! : )

Autumn Leaves said...

The matte-less look works fabulously for this piece, Barbara! I love the spot of color and find myself wondering how that spot may age over time with the silverpoint prep beneath. Interesting thoughts, at least! LOL I always find myself wondering at the type of tree you paint as the bark is always so unique. And I do love that spotted bunny too! Great grasses and details. Your patience amazes me!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Sherry. I'm glad to hear that not having a mat doesn't distract from the work. The watercolor won't change,only the silver marks will and from some older practice pieces I have they become a nice warm color. The ground can be used with other media. The "Golden Silverpoint Ground" is a link to their product and features a video. It's interesting what else you can do on the stuff! So many ideas, so little time!

As to the trees, well, they are usually just a product of my imagination which is why I like doing them so much. Ha, the grasses drove me crazy and I was running OUT of patience!

Unknown said...

This is so gorgeous Barbara - I was impressed by your silverpoint work before and now even more so, because I know how much patience you need to do all that work - inspiring!!! Love the touch of colour too!!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Karen. Yes, it does take patience and sometimes even I run out! I was so glad to get the grasses finished!

Tracy Hall said...

This is lovely Barbara and the choice of frame is perfect with the little colour interest. Congratulations also on your associate membership of MPSGS!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Tracy! :)

Debra Keirce said...

Beautiful Barbara! That looks like one very happy rabbit! I've said it before - silver point intimidates me. I have experimented with a few new media lately and the jury is in - It's official. I don't have the paitience to work in media that requires any more patience than I put out there with the acrylics and pencils! :) Kudos to those of you who do such a great job in these media!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Deb. Everyone has different challenges. I love the silverpoint and would love to be able to do egg tempera, which I will take up again when time allows. However, I would never attempt to do buildings with all that prospective and angles like you have done. Now that takes patience to me!

Carol Andre' said...

Gorgeous Barbara. Love it in that frame too.

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Carol!