Thursday, November 15, 2012

Our Lady of the Sketchbook

I've been developing an interest in the role of Mary within the Catholic faith. 
As a Protestant, I do not see any emphasis placed on Mary in worship--not prayer, not sermons, not songs.  And yet she is so central to Catholic worhip that it has made me curious about her.  Especially when she is so honored and revered within a system that does not seem to accord much power to women in general. 

While reading more about Mary and Catholicism in general, I have also been interested in the imagery of Mary that I've encountered. 
While my girls were in a library storytime recently, I picked up a few books from the kids' section, including The Lady of Guadalupe and Mary the Mother of Jesus, both written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola.  The pictures have bold lines and colors that I find immensely appealing.  Some of them have found their way into my sketchbook with greater and lesser results.
I am actually very pleased with how they came out, even though I see every fault loud and clear.  I think the colors are lovely and bright, and I love the boldness of the lines, mimicking de Paola's beautiful style.  I obviously can't draw a face to save my soul, and I labored over the hands until I just had to accept the results. 
There is some advantage to drawing with the audience that I do.  I drew the first picture with Bayla at my left elbow and Katy at my right.  At one point, Katy pressed, "Mommy, you sure are taking a long time to draw those hands!"  But I think it was good for her to see me draw, erase, draw, erase, and continue to draw again until I could accept the results. 
Having the girls there, though, forced me to accept the results sooner than I probably would have if I were on my own, so I could get the page done and move on. It's a sketchbook, after all!  I have lots more chances to master eyes, mouths, noses, and hands.  I'll get there!

9 comments:

Anne said...

I love everything about your latest series of drawings -- the colors, the background writing. I think the
hands turned out very well. Good job.

laurie said...

what great additions to your journal! it is fun to really explore a subject and do several pages on it. i have to agree, hands are hard to draw!

Carin Winkelman said...

Those are some adorable Mary's! ;-)

scrapwordsmom said...

Thank you for always sharing with us. Everything you put on here inspirs me, Andrea:)

aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...

Oh my.. this is a "wonderful" collection, subject, and series to explore. Using your artistic skills to guide you through this journey... very creative! ~xx
Will you be using the whole sketch book for this collection of Mary "Mother of God"? What a special collection this will be... :]

Karenann Young said...

Love the drawings of the Blessed Mother! Being Catholic, I know there are many different images of her as she has appeared to many different types of people. You did an excellent job!!! You should be thrilled with what you've done!

Parabolic Muse said...

Andria, these are lovely. And your art time with the girls is something they will remember forever.

VivJM said...

Andria, I just love your ladies!
Have you & the girls read Tomie Depaola's book "Clown of God"? If not, I recommend it, it is one of the most beautiful books I have read (for children or adults)

aimee said...

mary never looked so cute! love the title of the post :D