My neighbor Matthew who lives in the house across the street with three teenagers. I think this new old car must belong to one of them since he already has a car and a truck of his own. What interested me about the scene was the way the light was glowing on the car on this very bright early afternoon. And also the crows’ nest in the tree.
I sat on the little concrete porch outside my kitchen door looking down the cement path towards my front yard garden ahead on the left. I drew the basic shapes with pencil first, to get the drawing started with things where they belonged.
Why do I feel I have to apologize or confess when I draw in pencil instead of starting directly in ink? I like using both and sometimes I want things to be a little less wonky than they are when I just go for it in ink.
Jana Bouc, Artist 
9 replies on “The New Oldie But Goodie”
I know very little from art, but when something is beautiful, that I know and this is it!
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You are so kind! Thank you. I really like this sketch…it makes me happy to look at it. That’s how I judge art–if I enjoy looking at it. Jana
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There is something about this scene that is very appealing. Nice job on the drawing and the colors, which make it look like a fresh spring day–you must be having your unusual weather still…
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Thanks Cynthia. And yes, we’re still having weird weather. It was friggin’ 70 degrees this morning! And sunny and dry. I’m physically aching for some rain (and so are my plants…I guess I’ll have to water in January because there’s no rain on the horizon still.) I know … be careful what you wish for…but we’re heading for a serious drought I’m afraid. Could it actually just not rain all winter? Normally by now we’re hearing about flooding and things. J
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I loved that you used the word ‘wonky” ! I used it the other day at work and had two people ask me what the word was. When I used it in a sentence for them they immediately got it.
Its nice knowing that you use a pencil from time to time to map out your picture. I still havent been brave enough to just go for it with a pen.
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Thanks for your note. I like the way you put it: “map out your picture” — that’s exactly it! I got inspired to sketch directly with a pen by reading Danny Gregory’s books on sketching. He gives you the encouragement and incentive to just go for it and enjoy wonky. And I do. But sometimes I want less wonk and more real. I guess the work has multiple meanings. I hear wonk used all the time in relation to politics “he’s a policy wonk” and I don’t actually know what it means in that context (and don’t like politics and don’t care, either). Jana
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This is a very nice sketch! I’m trying to draw more in ink but am already looking forward to the day I go back to pencil first!!
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Pencils are always good. I love my pencils. Stop apologizing for using great tools to be less wonky!! This drawing has the perfect blend of sketchy wobble (probably better described as “spontaneity”) and confidently correct proportions. Pencils rule!!
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! j
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