Vic's Daily Sketchbook Blog

Resuced Cat Lucky !

2008-09-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have three cats. This sketch of Lucky was a rescued cat from our back yard. Lucky would cry and cry in the woods behind our house for days. My wife would feed it and it would sleep on the deck and bathed itself in the warm sun. We waited several weeks before my wife felt it was safe enough to capture her. During the course of a week or so, our neighbors dog scared her up a tree. After the dog had left, Lucky - it appeared - was stuck in the tree about 20 feet high. My wife insisted I get a latter and get her down. So I got the latter and tried to approach her. As I climbed up the latter, I could see Lucky was getting a little nervous about me approaching her. As I got about 4' from her, she jumped 20' from the tree to the ground ! Incredible ! She landed in some heavy brush and took off. Close call.

About a few days later, my daughter calls and she says that she was able to pet the cat and that she was adorable. After that, it was over.

We now have three cats, Darko, Lilly (the boss) and Lucky the baby. Lucky had some minor injuries from prey (slight scar on her tail but overall she is a little cautious but she is very friendly and my wife is nuts about her. I guess that is all that matters.

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Drawing of Child's Shoes

2008-03-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

This drawing was done when my daughter was very young. I found these shoes to be a fantastic and nostalgic subject.

Old Base Ball Mitt Drawing

2008-01-21T14:45:00.001-08:00

Very quick and simple composition. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting baseball mitts. This glove of mine has been with me since I was a teenager. I still play softball and still enjoy it as a kid. I realize that my time to be Al Kaline is past but it doesn't mean that I can't pretend.

Trompe-l'œil - Playing cards Drawing

2008-01-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

A few years back I entered a drawing exhibition at a local art gallery. I entered this drawing of playing cards and a 10 dollar bill. The still life has the feel of the Trompe-l'œil style. I wanted to capture the simplicity of the items and use the subtle tones to capture the realism.

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Still Life of Glass of Water

2008-01-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

In this study I wanted to play around with reflection and light. I've done this in a painting but never really tried to do an extensive study of this type of still life by pencil. Click the image to enlarge.

Life Study - One Minute Sketch

2008-01-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

There were many studies done that involved quick 1 minute sketches while I attend life drawing class at Wayne State. The model would pose in various positions and you were forced to do a fast drawing on the spot. Many times these drawings ended being more exciting and engaging than the more finished polish drawings. Some how the fluidity and spontaneous nature of the sketch seem to come to life.

I was very fortunate to study under John Hegarty and David Becker. These artist had a powerful impact on me.

Artist such as Philip Pearlstein and Lucian Freud typify the very original nature and uniqueness on how the human figure can be depicted by an artist. These days, with the many blog artist, we have a handful of artist who are just as proficient. Artist like Karin Jurick who so easily can capture a moment with such ease. You have to envy that. Nothing beats a drawing or painting that appears to be labored.

Skull Study Drawing # 1

2008-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

While I attended Wayne State University many moons ago , one of my assignments in life drawing was to do a sketch study of a skull. I found this very helpful. What a difference it makes once you understand inner workings of skeletal system. The human figure in my earlier years was really my true passion. Funny how things change. I have many other figure studies that I will post.