I haven’t done much figure drawing lately and I’m rusty to say the least but I did really fun photo-shoot on the weekend and it’s got me inspired! I had an opportunity to work with a young designer photographing her collection of lingerie pieces. The photo-shoot involved faux fur, champagne and a cigar but more on that when I post some pictures. The models were amazing to work with and the designer had a lot of fun creating a mix of lingerie some of which included faux fur elements. (It gets cold in Canada, I think this might be the lingerie of the season) A little sneak peek from the shoot via my sketchbook. Just a warm up sketch.
Image © Karen McRae
Compositions
There is something about a square format for photography and art that really appeals to me. I often work on a square canvas and can spend hours editing compositions. In fact I have a hard time going anywhere without looking at everything as a potential composition. This can be a bit of a challenge when driving but it’s just the way I think, I’m very visual. The more time I spend drawing, painting and making photographs the more I think about these details. I can’t stop looking.
All images © Karen McRae
Grey is the New White…
rain is the new snow and warm is the new cold. Truly is doesn’t feel like winter when it’s 10° Celsius and you can walk around without a hat or gloves. Not a trace of snow. December, is this really you? I realize it could all change quickly but winter has been moving in at a snail’s pace.
All images © Karen McRae
Real Mail
Don’t you love getting mail? You know the tangible kind that comes in paper form and isn’t a bill. It seems that this is the only time of year where that really happens. And this week I’ve received some really wonderful pieces of real mail.
artboy68 sent me the original drawing that he did of my profile picture and it is a small finely sketched treasure.
And I’d love to introduce you to The Linoprinter. Today I received a beautiful handmade card with a Robin print that she had created.This image is taken from her posting here. She is a wonderful artist from Surrey, UK who uses traditional linoleum floor tiles to make amazing lino-cut images. Her blog has lots of information about the process and she also has some beautiful pieces for sale. It is such a treat to find wonderful gifts of art in your mailbox. Oodles of thanks to both artboy68 and The Linoprinter.
© of the linoprinter
Snail’s Pace
A Haiku
by Issa 1801
at my feet
when did you get here?
snail
Found just under the surface, before the winter.
© Karen McRae
Turtle Love, Leeches and Chance Encounters
Yesterdays post made me think of a chance encounter with some turtles a few years ago in the late fall. It was near the same spot I was taking pictures at yesterday. There are times where you’re in the right place at the right time to experience something you might other wise never see. In this case it was turtle sex. Big snapping turtles. Amazing creatures that look all prehistoric and ooze coolness.
The pictures aren’t great and I was wishing at the time I had my polarizing filter on to cut down on the reflections, but I didn’t. A polarizing filter can, at times, make a world of difference to your images, this was one of those times… She says regretfully…
The male was on top of the female at first (I think!) and that’s her foot sticking up in the air.
When I looked at the images later I was astonished to see all the leeches that were covering the turtles legs. I didn’t notice them when I was taking the pictures. Initially the turtles didn’t notice me but when they did they broke apart and the female quickly buried herself in the mud.
And the male stalked right up to me near the shore and gave me the evil eye. I can kind of understand his disappointment. Sorry bud…
All images © Karen McRae
Down by the River
Our city has a river running through it. Two in fact. Today was a beautiful sunny day so I took some time to walk around the river near my home.
I sometimes see people riding their bikes down to the river with fishing lines tucked under their arms. Things get left behind.
Wildlife.
All images © Karen McRae
A Favourite Place
I am fortunate to live just a short distance from a world class cross country ski area with over 200 km of ski trails. Gatineau Park in Quebec is a gorgeous hilly park with all levels of cross country skiing, you could never get bored there. Of course it doesn’t look like this just yet, but soon I hope! We spend quite a lot of time there skiing in the winter and a bit of time climbing in the summer. These pictures were taken during a previous ski season. I hope we turn white before the holidays!
All images © Karen McRae
A Light Dusting
It’s December, I’m ready for more. I love how the snow softens the landscape and makes everything slow down. The sounds are a little bit muffled, the world is a little more still. I’m romancing the winter now.
Bring it on.
I’ve loved this poem since I was a child. Mom, Dad, if you’re wondering where your Robert Frost book is, I stole um, borrowed it years ago.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
By Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
All images © Karen McRae
draw and shoot 