Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Discussing new art

I occasionally remember the original reason that I started this blog - it really was to work on new artwork, get feedback from others - sort of put it all out there. Since I am shy (I really am KJ, it's true!) and wither from confrontation - especially about art - I felt blogging was a safer way to get feedback.

Anyway, that has worked and not worked for me. Blogging has turned into a precious part of my life in terms of meeting people, expanding my horizons and thoughts, challenging me with sharing my art thru exchanges - you know it all...and I love it.

But, I still like the original concept - so am going to share a new set of drawings and the explanation behind them.

When we were kayaking last week, it was a peaceful time. We paddled slowly along, watching wildlife and just drifting. Of course, my thoughts drifted below the surface of the water, wondering who was down there and what they were doing. I imagined little water people, swimming around with the fishes and laughing up at these big earth people in boats. I started to imagine a whole new world under the water and dreamed up the Water Lily Girls. Came home and decided to draw them. What you see here is a work in process, and I have about 5 more drawing in process. Let me just state that I am not happy with the watercolors, they got blotchy and messy but right now I don't care. I was using a new paper that absorbed the color in a different way than I am used to. Doesn't matter at all, I plan to redraw the ones that I am not happy with. I wrote the explanation below to get me started on who they were and what they do.

Water lily girls live in lakes and ponds. They are made of a watery substance and can swim thru the lake like an earth girl would walk on the ground. They live on the bottom of the lake in little houses, with lily pad leafs for doors and windows. They have fish for pets and have to take them for walks, just like an earth girl would take her dog for a walk. The ride pond turtles for fun, and swim with schools of fish in a race. Their favorite thing to do is to climb onto lily pads when it's raining and dance in the warm rain. At night they climb onto the lily pads and grass around the pond and play. They leave their wet footprints behind, which early morning earth girls call Morning Dew.




It's like little Miss Em meets the fishes. But not really. These creatures are somewhat mischievous and not scared of much. (How do you explain that characters that you made up have totally different personalities? But they do! This is the first time I have realized this!)

Anyway, just thought I'd share. Have a lovely day...

12 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I will never look at morning dew the same way again. This is a delightful step in a new direction. Carry on...I will look forward to the next installment of the escapades of the underwater girls. They surely have names and of course their personalities will all be different. Life in the underwater world must be intrigueing.

Robin said...

Mim, I love your concept and I love the "Water Girls"! They immediately reminded me of the "Rhinemaidens" from "The Ring of the Niebelungen"....(you know me - life is one big Operatic connection)! I really like your work - in all stages of its' creation. I have always been drawn to water - and "who" lives beneath....

Next installment please!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

A new world is born. Love the concept and love the drawings. Looking forward to more. You need to go kayaking more. :)

ArtistUnplugged said...

Love it.....always wondered what was going on below me when I was in the water....just blind faith that it was friendly! So much fun! I've missed so many wonderful posts of yours....the Mac fun with your nephews...haha, just like my daughter with her friends.....how awesome to have such a wonderful relationship with those boys, for you and for them. Would be interested in hearing about the prom experience from your nephew. My son went to the prom but was with his girlfriend, that he is still with. Enjoyed catching up, have a great Tuesday!

sukipoet said...

your curiosity about who lurks below the kayak has brought about these lovely girls. What fun are the water lily girls. I cant wait to see more of their adventures.

Lynn Cohen said...

I adore your imagination! These are delightful characters...the
watercolor looks good to me but if you see a need for improvement go for it. I'm glad your shy self lets you share with us...I'd hate to miss out on all this fun. I look forward to more.

studio lolo said...

Mim, you're really onto something magical here! I'd buy the book in a ♥beat :)

I want to see more more more!

And I love your brain ;)

Baino said...

Reminds me of the Water Babies which I haven' read in decades, you make me feel a little guilty for wanting to eat salmon! Very cute concept.

kj said...

mim!!!!!!

i read every lovin word of this. i can just see you thinking about the water world below you.


i LOVE your imagination and i love your sketches. i think this is going to grab you by the shoulders and overcome you with its creative passion. (okay, really, any kind of passion will do) :)

you have to follow this and i know you will.

ps. i am giddy...

Katiejane said...

I love this, Mim!! You are so clever and imaginative! They are like little water fairies. I can't wait to see where this goes. I think you are off to a great start!

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

brings a whole new meaning to 'swim with the fishes'...I especially like the swimming one!

PAK ART said...

What a wonderful imagination! You really could write and illustrate children's books you know. I can see kids loving to read stories about the water lily girls and all their adventures.