Beside roads and paths away from the city can always be found grasses and plants that have made their own way there, often settling where there seems to be little or no nourishment. We all see them, know they are there but pay little attention to them. When we look more closely the diversity and beauty of these robust little plants starts to become clear. They entwine with one another, conversing and interacting, constantly in movement.
I only started to pay attention to these grasses when searching for something to draw when travelling, almost as a last resort when nothing more interesting could be found, then realised there is a beauty and grace – not to mention diversity – in these overlooked plants. So many different varieties, each with their own characteristics, with seedheads, leaves, simple flowers, the more I looked, the more I found.
The drawing above was inspired by these roadside grasses – clearly I have not sought to reproduce them botanically, I was looking for an essence inspired by their continuous movement and the characteristic shapes, as they split for seeds to escape and move in the wind. They seem to be in constant conversation, hence the title.
The drawing is on yupo paper, base drawing done in Liquid Pencil and the main drawing in a limited palette of coloured pencils. 64 x 31 cm.
anna warren portfolio 
Such an exciting discovery, Anna! Bravo for your observations under your feet. Grasses need love too! Your drawings are so beautiful and expressive the wistful nature of grass in light breezes! Thanks so much for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Barb! Its amazing what we can find if we really look – and when we run out of options!
LikeLike
This artwork is gorgeously appealing in its clean lines and simplicity. (OK, I know it is not really simple.) Streamlined and minimalistic – it so speaks to me. Also, I love how the negative space is as strident as the positive spaces. A composition of individual parts, altogether it is as strong as a tree trunk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the thought that this is as strong as a tree trunk! I was quite conscious of the negative spaces, in this drawing in particular they are important for holding the equilibrium. It is more subtle, colourwise, than my recent work, and was very calming to work on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful movement in this piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Vivienne, I’m glad that comes across!
LikeLike
Definitely calming for the viewer too. Your sense of design, once again, is flawless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Julie, that is vey kind of you to say!
(By the way, this was the one I entered into the Perry Drawing Prize, but sadly it didn’t get selected. However, I have other plans for it …)
LikeLike
I am disappointed that the drawing wasn’t selected for The Perry Drawing Prize. I am glad you have other plans for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was disappointed too, but I accidentally found out who the other non-selected artists were and discovered I was in very good company which made me feel much better!
LikeLike
That definitely helps!
LikeLike