Drawing from observation is certainly very important in the early stages of learning to draw – also an ongoing journey. However, after many years of doing this and possibly by now, thousands of drawings later, I find myself sometimes using, what I like to call, “poetic licence”; and draw from memory and imagination. This has been the case in many works I’ve shared on my blog.
It can be quite difficult at times to get reference material to work from. I say this as an observation – no pun intended π – rather than an excuse.
It is of course, a common practice to draw and paint from notions and ideas, rather than from what you “see”. But I do think, nevertheless, that an underlying skill base in observational drawing, can only add to such artworks.
Here is a smattering of works from recent weeks, tumbled out from my daydreaming, (usually in a hurry, due to time constraints) unless otherwise stated.
*I prefer to draw with my finger on the iPad screen, than use a stylus, or iPad pencil.






Have a great weekend!
….the still life with the bowl is something I really like so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. π
LikeLike
I was going to say the same. That one is my favorite, but I love the lemon and mom with child as well. I love that you’re tackling so many different subjects!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Fun to mix it up; but do like to draw and redraw certain subject matter. I suppose we all have our favourite themes and subject matter. I just saw your portrait drawing; looks great, nice to see you revisiting portraiture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. As a new artist I find I want to try everything! It’s like seeing the ocean for the first time. Very exciting. I’m amazed at what you’re creating on the iPad.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey Janette – Wow. The Art Set app is rather amazing in the effects you achieve from the various materials. The composition of your Mother and Baby charcoal is powerful. Love your color work as well. A few other artists I follow use Art Set app on occasion; Carmel Behan comes to mind. Might have to breakdown and buy an iPad. I work from life, and just starting to introduce some of my imagination into a couple pieces as settings for the model. It is a challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Don. This app is my favourite (there’s only a few I like and use) because it so wonderfully replicates media I have used for years! Also, works from “Art Set Pro” ( and a few others) print up really well. I know I have influenced Carmel in doing iPad art, at least in the use of this app; and she’s doing some lovely work with it’s media. π
I think it’s a way of doing art, that is just going to get more and more popular and accepted in the art world. Either way, I’ll just keep on using this very handy art tool/media. π Hope you get to give it a go sometime.
With all your great skills and talent, I’m sure you would handle very well, putting together pieces that stem more from your imagination. I reckon an art journey is often challenging. Love your saying,”Progress not perfection”. Have a lovely day. ~ Janette.
LikeLike
Love that lemon, its really glowing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leonie. I’m happier with this lemon, than those in my recent lemony posts. π
LikeLike
These are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Kim. Hope you have a lovely creative day. π
LikeLike
You’re definitely having some fun with that app…and it shows! Love it all, but most particularly the lemon in bowl and the bottom pic of the vibrant blue vase and colourful flowers. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Yes, good fun! I think mainly because drawing and painting in the “Art Set Pro” app, is amazingly similar, to working on paper or canvas; with the bonus of no mess or clean up time – very handy. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can relate to the ‘no mess’…although finger painting always was fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved finger painting too. π Sometimes, while I’m running my finger around the screen (I don’t use a stylus) and become absorbed in the drawing or painting, I get a similar “feel” to finger painting. Hard to describe really, but quite enjoyable. I really like your photo experiments. All the best, Janette. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
You’ve been doing so much. Nice work, I especially love the charcoal one. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Heather. π Though, (as you can probably well relate too) it’s often hard to find time to do all the art, that I want to do! Nevertheless …thankful to God in all things. π
LikeLike
Hi Janette,
Your creativity on your I Pad is improving all the time. You enthusiasm and skills are inspiring. IT is always interesting to see each new blog and image you create..
Thanks as well for linking my work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Susanne! By the way, love your new Etsy shop. Wonderful! π
LikeLike
I love the lemon in the bowl!!! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again! π
LikeLike