Example: Meridith McNeal, Magical Things Trastevere Toothpaste, 2019, watercolor on paper, 12x12”
In 2008 while on an artists’ residency in Italy, I started painting a series I call Magical Things. I noticed that while in an unfamiliar place ordinary objects become very important to me -- my set of travel paint brushes, a bottle of dishwashing soap, the rock I used to prop my studio door open to let in the breeze. I work on this series every time I travel. My example above is the toothpaste I bought while I was in Italy last June.
In 2018 after my mother died, I began making a version of this series, painting pictures of things that had belonged to my mother. Yesterday I realized that this is the perfect time to think about the everyday things around me that are now so meaningful. I have begun Magical Things from Quarantine.
I hope you will all be Inspired to draw, paint or photograph a still life of the objects in your home which are important to you right now. You can take in-progress photos to share as you work on you piece.
I've started some sketches!
This first image is of food in my kitchen cabinet:
More progress. First layer of color.
More progress
another update. I’ve got 6 in the works!
Value study, pencil on paper. Grateful for access to the essentials.
Evelyn, that is a beautiful drawing of something that I too am grateful for!! Thank you for posting.
Felix Plaza sent the following monoprints, Objetos Queridos, as a response to this inspiration:
1-3. Majolica Pitcher bought in Spain. (done in three tones)
4. Favorite Caserola (it’s surface began to glow.)
5. The Flower Hibiscus (national flower of my native Puerto Rico is in the jarron of which I made tonal differences.)
These are gorgeous! What type of ink/paint?
@evelyn.rv.beliveau In just sent an email to Felix. I will post his reply!
@Meridith McNeal thanks Meridith!!
Akash W. Posted below (and I am adding to this thread):
"I drew my cup, which is an item that has been with me through thick and thin."
The perspective makes it feel like the cup is perched on the edge of a precipice-- a relatable feeling these days! and the interesting shape of the handle is very well seen.
@evelyn.rv.beliveau , @mlgkittinEvelyn, I think you are spot on. There is an emotional charge to Akash’s piece enhanced by the placement and Perspective.
Teaching Artist Flávia Berindoague has been keeping busy in her studio.
She writes: "I have worked on a quarantine diary, creating a piece daily. Sending three for you to see. Day 8, 9 and 10 - Taciturn Writing about 30x30 each"
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Update today from Flavia. By the way this is Acrylic on canvas. I was wrong about materials!
@flavia.contact Flavia, this series is so powerful. I look forward to keeping up with your progress.
ART YARD Art Therapist Jennifer Dodson sent this important object image describing it as "one of my many pencil cases":
Teaching Artist Quentin Williamston adds this photograph of his important item...a projector:
digital art of important things to me now and where these objects lay
Vera, this is Fantastic! There is a sort of electric feel to the objects. Yet, I can compare this piece to Felix’s delicate monoprints.
Vera, I am going to add this to our most recent lesson on ART YARD at MS226 Google Classroom. One of the students is getting into making digital work and I think she will be inspired by your price!
Another piece complete:
Meridith McNeal, “Magical Things from Quarantine Books”, watercolor on paper, 12x12”
craisins, chapstick and my phone have been important for me during these last few weeks.
Sigrid, I only see your drawing as an attachment. So I downloaded and am posting (in case others have the same issue.)
@Meridith McNeal Thank you!
@sdolan You are welcome! I've added your drawing to the CREATE Gallery for this thread. Check it out: https://www.artyardbklyn.org/copy-of-reflection-of-your-hand
Felix Plaza adds a new piece to this thread:
Felix Plaza, Un coin de ma chambre, 2020, watercolor on paper
Felix elaborates: "This watercolor is a depiction of one of my favorite things. It is a papier-mâché angel I made back in the day, and hangs looking over me in my bedroom. Pillow is silkscreened with hummingbird and Poussin’ s Assumption."
My rose water globe that was gifted to me in February brings me so much joy to look at each day. I drew it in my sketchbook using marker and colored pencil.
Oh I LOVE IT!!
I wondered if it was foolish to continue to wear perfume around the apartment since my commute has been shortened from miles to a few steps down my hall, but I have found it is a ritual that is more for me than anyone else. It brings me joy and it brightens my mood. This still life is of my rose scented hand lotion, rose roll-on perfume, and rose eau d’toilett (notice a pattern?). It was completed with watercolor, Sharpie, and micron.
Yes, I’m still spritzing Chanel.