Well, here is our monthly treat, courtesy of the brilliant Elizabeth! She says :
"There is an amendment to Vauxhall Bridge done last month. There is black and white painting form a sketch at V&A and then a painting of reflections in the river. The last are Mercia and May. I am taking up courage and doing some sketching of friends. I don’t think the Vauxhall Bridge works."
 |
| Greenwich View |
 |
| Mercia and May |
 |
| V&A sketch |
 |
| Vauxhall Bridge |
 |
| River Reflections |
I am not sure I've got them in the order that you write about them, but it's quite clear which is which.
Elizabeth, I think these are just brilliant. I've run out of superlatives for you!
Firstly the two drawings... how super! Both of them are sensitive and honest, and beautifully drawn. I think the Marcia and May one is just exquisite - so tender. The additions of colour are just right. What can I say - except that I think you must carry on, and do all sorts of your friends, and total strangers, and that they should be seen somehow.
Then, next on my list of loveliness is the painting of reflections in the river. This, I would say, is the first painting of your which really, really works as a painting. My way of defining that is that I can't imagine it being done better in any other medium. The paint is a delicious wetness, and the colours are well thought through, and the tonality is spot-on. Those rich darks against the simple light shape in the middle - great! I also love the fact that the REFLECTION makes you want to turn it over, but it's a reflection, so that's how it is! The way you've used the simple marks to suggest movement in the water chimes in with your drawing skills. so good.
The Black and White drawing I find intriguing and mysterious. I can't say it touches and funny-bone in the way the others do, but it's still a good painting with clever counterchange and it makes you wonder.
The only one which I think works less well (as do you) is the Vauxhall Bridge. I just think, compared to the others, it looks a bit mannered maybe - over-thought? A few months ago, I would have said 'well done', but all these others are now so good, that it's got a bit left behind!
So, you just need to spend time rendering your world through your very special eyes. Maybe try and do some more painting in the manner of this River one? Certainly more drawings. It would be great to hear what others think? You could e-mail 'reply all' if you wished?
