27 Nov 2009

Miles Davis gone wrong

Was asked to do some drawings on a big white wall to sit behind a stage - a friend has converted a barn into a studio, and now he's got a big birthday/opening party planned. So as he likes jazz and music in general, I decided to do Miles Davis.

Did lots of research, found a great photo of him when he was young so thought that would be a fab drawing to do, did lots of compositions, positions, different instruments, different musicians, then gave up and decided to just go with the flow when I saw the actual wall.

So, whacked on the music, got out the charcoal and brushes, got into my 'zone' and it ended up being nothing like Miles at all, but a couple of young guys in their 'zone' just enjoying the music.

Kind of pleased with the results (even though its nothing at all how it looked in my head), it being the biggest drawing I've ever done. Perhaps they'll encourage the real musicians into their zone....

21 comments:

  1. I love the musicians. They do look like they're in the "zone." I can almost hear the music! Great job! I love your name too. :)

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  2. Wow, I am very impressed! Isn't that just what art is about though (at least to a large extent), to let go of what you thought it would come out like, and let whatever comes out come alive?

    I am considering doing a mural in my daughters room (of a playful character, but in a different sense), this inspires me to actually start that project!

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  3. WOW! I love any and all musicians playing jazz - why is it that their positions are so fluid and graceful! You did an amazing job on this. And you really used charcoal?

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  4. beautifully done, a good challenge considering the size.

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  5. I started it out in charcoal, then painted on top, as think the charcoal would have rubbed off by end of the night...

    thanks for all your lovely comments, and you should definitely go ahead with that mural Johanna, you'll never know where it'll take you! :O)

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  6. I love the fluidity and movement! Beautifully done!

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  7. I've just seen them 'in the flesh' and they look even fabber!

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  8. ps. Who was the saxophonist modelled on?

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  9. It really looks nice! Why is it what comes onto the surface is never what was in one's head? Or at least not often! Maybe our brains like to be more original than we think we want to be.

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  10. The piece is so expressive. There is such joy!

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  11. Thanks Richard! The saxophonist is wish fulfilment... Did do lots of sketches of musicians off the internet of various people but no one in particular inspired that one!

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  12. Fabulous! Great job. looks like you had fun!

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  13. I'm a jazz fan too. Love the line drawings, the varying thicknesses. I think that you have really captured the feel of the music, especially with the sax player. I am also so impressed that you drew these on such a big scale - a difficult transition. Let's see, what can we call it? How about, the birth of the cool! ;)

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  14. Don't you just love those days when the brush, charcoal, pencil takes control and takes you on a journey? fabulous drawings! Miles Davies or not, they have a life to them! Great work!

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  15. I'll bet your friend is really happy with these pictures!

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  16. You should be more than "kind of pleased", these are truly wonderful.

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  17. Awesome stuff Catriona! And enjoyed reading everyone's comments... Earlier this year I got all inspired and started a large pencil sketch on our bedroom wall, a tall sailing ship.. never finished it, but loved seeing it their anyway, much more fun then getting a skethbook out! Unfortunately now painted over after preparing to rent the house out...my girlfriend's patience only stretches so far!

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