As I braved the return to the studio after so much frenzied activity, instead of focusing on tidying up, clearing away, replacing and returning tools I got distracted.
My gaze was drawn to this lovely, quirky little book I made years and years ago. Perhaps after all the creams and rusts of the exhibition pieces my eyes were attracted to the vibrant colours and lines of this little one.
The swirls of colour and flourishes suggested dreamers and dancers and poets and singers, so I've called it Harlequin Dancer.
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster - Harlequin Dancer |
I remember it was a bit of a practice of flourishes and controlled swirls using a calligraphy pen - attempting to get smooth curves and changeovers. Some more successful than others I must say as I look back over it - but it has an exuberance which I think overcomes any such such shortcomings!
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster |
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster |
I then played around with watercolour pencils, filling in a few of the enclosed curves here and there, and trying not to make the ink run when I touched the wet brush to them.
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster |
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster |
It is only small, measuring about 3cm(w) x 12cm(h), but it feels like a little gem.
Fiona, this book is beautiful! The colors are wonderful and festive. I agree it's a gem.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like a little gem because it IS one! What a perfect title, suiting the bright colors and the sinuous movement both! And I love how you came back to this piece on the rebound, as it were, from more neutral tones. Good work!
ReplyDeleteWe could all use a bit of color and vibrancy just now. Thanks for sharing Fiona; Harlequin Dancer is a cheerful binding!
ReplyDeleteIt IS a little gem Fiona... and has a playful quality.
ReplyDeleteyour little book does look like a little gem of colors. I have been over to Barry's blog and saw your combined show opening- congrats to both of you-- and to be surrounded by the support of other artists is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love the spine on this baby..... soo delightful
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteSmall is beautiful. Truly beautiful. Lesley
Hi all
ReplyDeleteJane - thanks so much - it does have festive feel to it..
TT/G - yes who knows where I'll go next on the rebound! It's fun, festive, frivolous even.
Jane - So true - a little something to make us smile is a fine thing.
Jo - a bright and cheerful gem perhaps?
Donna - thank you for your thoughts and support - and for enjoying this little gem.
Ronnie - yes the overlap colours play nicely don't they?
Lesley - thanks again; small certainly can be beautiful.
Very beautiful and lovely colours, a departure from many of your works but still with that deft Fiona touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - I love a bit of purple here and there!
ReplyDeleteThis is a charming little book, Fiona and I especially love that you see the color from the pages on the spine...delightful!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti - I too like the colour blending on the edge - makes its own little dance...
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