Grid patterns are very satisfying I feel – this drawing was originally intended to be a mass of small images, but ended up like this, with 20 larger ones. Once I started, each element seemed to grow by itself.
Although the original marks were inspired by real flowers, each one took on original characteristics and an entirely new life. I haven’t settled on a title for it yet – my original plan was to call it Sampler, in reference to the embroideries done by young girls centuries ago when they were learning stitches, but now that seems a little bit insipid. Some of these look as though they may bite you …
November in Sydney means Jacaranda trees are ubiquitous, with their exuberant purple flowers covering the bare branches of the trees before the leaves emerge, and they are what inspired this drawing, although this is not a faithful rendition by any means. I was quite pleased to find a small bird-like creature appearing, then other claws and eyes started to make themselves known. This is not a large drawing, 30 x 64 cm but has the feel of something bigger, giving me ideas of where to go in the future.
Both drawings have a base of Liquid Pencil, drawn into with coloured pencils (Caran d’Ache Luminance and Derwent Colourfast) on yupo paper. Neither has a title yet, all suggestions gratefully received!
anna warren portfolio 
I didn’t receive an email about your post. Fortunately I saw on FB that you’d published a post today. Is WordPress remiss or my email provider?
Your jacaranda-inspired drawing and your sampler have something in common. The plants in both are almost warlike. They are strong survivors with armory. Perhaps these are the plant forms of the future; survivors of climate change. Tough but beautiful creatures, they dare one to mess with them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that – flowers always have the atmosphere of gentle delicacy, of femininity but in reality they are often very strong, having to withstand enormous physical stresses, so seeing these as armoured is great! Thank you!
I’m not sure what is happening with WordPress communications, i suspect the emails are not going out. A few of my ‘regulars’ have visited but not many.
LikeLike
Yes plants are tough. Isn’t it funny how humans label some plants weeds. There’s no such thing as weeds or non-weeds except in our human estimation.
LikeLike
I have always loved so-called weeds. When I was quite young I remember telling my mother I would have a ‘wild garden’ when I grew up, meaning wildflowers and weeds growing rampant. As it happens I haven’t …
LikeLike
ps I can imagine the individual pieces in the sampler drawing as exquisite jewel-encrusted brooches.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh yes! I’m also thinking of taking one or two and redrawing them really big!
LikeLike
Very interesting artworks with an other worldly feel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Vivienne! That’s great to hear.
LikeLike