Monday 2 November 2009

Sketching in a slump?

When in Hawaii a few weeks ago, I was inspired and did a lot of sketches, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Here are three of the sketches and the rest can be seen in my Hawaii posts on Africantapestry.

...across the lagoon...


...colourful canoes...


..koi...


Arriving back in Montlouis, I just suddenly had the creative door slammed into my face, fell right into a slump and I'm there ever since. It is as though nothing works - not a pen, not a pencil or a brush or even motivation. And it can't be said that I haven't tried, but everything ends up begin scratched out/over with frustration. And tears of course.

...La Loire...

This morning I grabbed my sketchbook and a pen and took off to the Loire. It was cold and windy, but I was determined to get soem sketches. Which I did. At home I couldn't resit the urge and added watercolour. I had the discipline to not start scratching it out again. So. Here they are. Overwashed. But still. sketches. Maybe now the spell will be broken. After all. Halloween is over.
the rest can be seen on Africantapestry.

...puddles at La Loire...

12 comments:

Making A Mark said...

Life has a cycle - of ups and downs, of sunshine and showers - and 'the art thing' just has a habit of coming and going.

Good to see you getting out and about again.

Incidentally, I was entranced by all the trees all down the Loire but couldn't draw them! :)

sue said...

Oh, this is very familiar to me, Ronell! Your work never appears to be a struggle to your fans, I can assure you of that. It never fails to delight, and always looks fresh and lovely.

Maree Clarkson said...

Lovely sketches Ronell - creative slump and all. But here's the thing - GUILT over the slump just worsens it, let it go girl, and inspiration will shortly follow! Regards

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Thank you Sue and Maree---your support means so much and you're right Maree...I DO feel guilty - have to let it go
ronelle

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Katherine - I left a comment yesterday and only see now it ddidn't go through!
Thank you - yip, it Is a pity we didn't get down to the Loire for some sketching(and I DO have flashlights in the house..he he)
Ronell

Lindsay said...

I left a comment yesterday but it too did not go through.....

The sketches are wonerful...wonder why the canoe one is my favorite!

The slumps are a real pain because they haunt a part of us that is so tied to our identity. But even that part needs rest and pampering and time....something I really struggle with. We all know how creative you are and will be soon....just be kind to your self and maybe cook for awhile or something else that satisfies you.

Sending you a hug and bisuous!

Anonymous said...

thanks for the hug and bisous lindsay...it alwasy work works.
Ronell

Sarah said...

I hate these slumps, I think they are worsened by the fact that you produce something that comes from deep inside so it almost feels as if you are letting yourself down! Relax, cook, walk and give yourself a holiday, chill out and be a mortal for a while!! :-)

Laura Frankstone said...

I so understand your frustration. Ronell---we all do. This will pass. And your Loire sketches are charming, even if wept upon . I think the tears add a great watery element, which I'll have to try sometime ;D.
Bon courage!

Lindsay said...

Hum, tears....we ought to bottle this since we have so much of it on hand like ox gall or gum arabic.

Lindsay said...

Hum, tears....we ought to bottle this since we have so much of it on hand like ox gall or gum arabic.

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Thank you Sarah and Laura...and Lindsay..heh heh, I could've been quite rich by now, had I a formula for bottling..
ronelle