Sunday, May 20, 2007

chasing dreams across the fields in the shadow of the sun

I was recently tagged by Nina, Nick and Juj. I thought I'd take it as a challenge. A drawing challenge. So here's number 1. During my twenties I spent a lot of time travelling and fruit picking to fund my travels. I have picked all these fruits and veggies at some point. In some place.

I always remember one evening, when I was working on an organic farm in stunning Camarthenshire, Wales. We were riding back to the yard on the back of a tractor as the sun was going down over the fields and hills. I had just been cutting or weeding a field of cabbages, working alongside some lovely people. I remember thinking this was the best job in the world. I still do.

This is the first time I've used some colour on a drawing in my Moleskine. I'm not sure that I like it actually.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

So, i am back from Flickr, where i looked in awe at this new piece. Now i understand this is part of the tagging business :-) I love it, Andrea.
I woke up this morning and started thinking of your art (yes, it happens). I could've written you this in an e-mail, but here it is. I am STUNNED at how much you have grown as an artist over the past 8 months that we've known each other. I remember the early drawings -- and your collection of fruits and vegetables certainly brings back the memories -- and how much you've explored since then. And sucessfully at that. One drawing after the other, you've astonished us all, and i am just so darn proud and excited to be inspired by you. So, thank you -- and here's to growth!

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Aaaw france. I logged on this morning to find this this comment and I cannot tell you how humbled I am. It has started my day off with a big smiley feeling!! I'm really touched. Thank you so much,
Your fan,
Andrea.

Anonymous said...

Hi Andrea!

Every morning when I aarrive at work I have the same little ritual: check if Andrea has drawn anything new. Your drawings are so personal and perfect, and they show both incredibe dedication and immersion in the moment. Although I am not an illustrator (I'm an editor), they inspire me to strive for perfection in my own work.

You create a beautiful and unique imaginary world I like to escape to when things get crazy at work, also, so thank you.

Two questions, if you don't mind: what sort/bran sepia pen do you use? Do you use the small or large moleskine? You fit so much into each page!

Claudia

juj said...

Andrea - Thank you so much for sharing your tag in this unique and beautiful way. I am facinated by the story, the places you've been, and of course - as always - the drawing. Thank you for continuing to amaze and inspire us all. juj

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Wonderful drawing again...I actually like the bit of color you brought in this time. It is done very much in your style, which I enjoy!
Ronell

biteyourowntail said...

I do like the colour, actually, it looks soft and autumnal. But it's a personal thing, isn't it? Above all though, that is one fabulous composition. I always think your comps are excellent, but the neg space in this one is just excellent, IMO

Yellow said...

You have one heck of an eye for composition, in addition to all your other skills. You have a way fo arranging a page, so that my eye takes little walks, and creates favorite paths round a piece. I love your work.

suzanne cabrera said...

I'm loving the color. It compliments the title of your post so perfectly...or perhaps it is vice versa. Either way, really a gorgeous drawing and memory.

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thanks so much guys.

I feel really touched by the comments I've recieved for this piece. It was just one of those drawings that I didn't think about - it just happened. Which is why I'm so surprised about the composition comments. It composed itself!

It's funny but I've felt very emotional about the response I've got to my work - all day today. Don't know why, maybe it's the time of year or month!! I've never really felt like this in the whole time I've been blogging. I'm very humbled. Thank you all.

Claudia - thank you so much for the really kind words, I'm really flattered. I use an A5 Moleskine sketchbook and a Pilot pen.

Cheers guys, I'm off to shed a tear...in a good way!

Pedro said...

It is great, once again, Andrea.
You should draw this collections in a bigger size, for framing and hanging on the wall. They would make wonderful pictures.

sue bulmer said...

Hi

Have been watchin your blog for a while now and just wanted to say I lurve your stuff, its really individual and just lovely, makes me want to take more time doing my own stuff

PS You mentioned this tagging?? What is it, somone tagged me this week but I didn't know what to do??

PPS Can I put your link on my blog? It's lovely

Anonymous said...

Andrea,

I agree with Claudia! I don't have a blog but I go through the daily ritual of getting home after a hard days work and checking your blog. It always fills me with inspiration and just awe that your pieces are so good! Your style is so unique and not only stunning but inspiring to artists like me, sometimes running low on ideas or inspiration. This drawing is very cool, you've made the vegetables you're own! :)

Tom

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting.


Sooziebee - there are often different tags going around. This one was to tell 7 things about yourself that people may not know. I guess it's the same as the one you were tagged with. If you check out some of the blogs I've linked on this post (Nick, Nina, Juj)as they have all completed their tags recently. I'm just going about it the difficult way by drawing each thing. And, I'd be honoured to be linked on your blog. Thanks.

Cheers Pedro and Tom.

K said...

Hi Andrea,
Well, I must admit I don't always read your blog, hence my inane question on your Flickr page about having had these vegetables many more places. If I'd taken the time to come here I would have seen about the tagging and your telling one of the seven things about yourself. Oh well, hope you'll forgive me!
I do like working in the garden, I just don't have time for it (too much time spent Flickring and blogging :-)
Cheers, K

Anonymous said...

Hey Andrea! I'm pleased you took the challenge - I knew you would do something wonderful with it! My 'tinternet is bust a home so there is a bit of lag trying to get to visit all my favourite blogs...

I particularly like the peaches! ;-)

andrea joseph's sketchblog said...

Thank you both,

Kath, I used to spend a lot more time looking through the blogs - that was until I discovered Flickr. It's just so easy to get lost on there for hours. It's also so much quicker and easier to view and comment. Also I think the images are so much more clear on there. Take that tea bag picture I've posted you can see the detail clearly; that sometimes gets lost with Blogger.

Thank you Nick for the kind comment. Look forward to you getting back on line, properly.