Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Illustration Friday: Duet


I normally don't like to draw things in twos; odd numbers are usually much more pleasing to my eye.  So, when I saw this week's topic on Illustration Friday, "duet", I was in a quandry.  Of course, some things do make sense in pairs: shoes, dice, even birds. (There are, in fact, a number of gorgeous pairs of birds in this week's group - well done, everyone!)  Then, I was out in my garden and saw that my calla lily plants had decided to solve my problem: two blooms were showing their faces, just asking to be my models.

Most flowers do look best in odd-numbered groupings; the Japanese practice of ikebana certainly adheres to that tradition.  Perhaps it's because they're oddly asymmetrical, unlike most flowers, but I think two calla lilies look just right.  (After all, if it's good enough for Georgia O'Keefe, who am I to quibble?)

And if you're in the mood for a musical duet, there's none better than the father-daughter YouTube sensations, Jorge and Alexa Narvaez.  If you haven't seen them, take a few minutes to watch...I promise you'll be glad you did!

40 comments:

  1. Sarah, I love them. They tell me that Easter is near.

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  2. As usual, you gave us another beautiful drawing. The lillies are indeed graceful.

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  3. Drawing them as you did, each from a different "side," is utterly perfect.

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  4. Every rule is made to be broken. Very nice job!

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  5. I really like the simple elegance of this and very seasonal too!

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  6. Aaaawww! One, two, three...whatever you draw is always beautiful. I wish I can draw like you!

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  7. Oh my. You should publish a book of your flowers. You are like the modern Redoute!

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  8. This is *so* beautiful...did something to my heart the moment I saw it!

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  9. Very, very beautiful! The flower is so delicate, I can feel the soft texture!

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  10. Beautiful...wonderful gradations! I agree, a pairing always seems the most difficult of compositions. You are brave - I choose a SINGular object.

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  11. Your blog is so full of beauty. I love your drawings.

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  12. This is a really nice picture. Sometimes I get tired of seeing everything in odds! This shakes it up a bit and they really are pretty and complete as they are.

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  13. Beautiful lillies! I loved them the moment they appeared on the screen - perfect for springtime.

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  14. So, so lovely! My bouquet was Cala Lillies for my second marriage. Little did I know that I'd move to CA and see them growing wild everywhere!
    Now I'm back east again, loving your drawing which makes me miss Monterey.

    In this case, two is the perfect number!

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  15. Hi Sarah,
    I haven't stopped by for a while.
    The lilies are soo lovely.
    Thank you for being able to enlarge them. our line work and shading is incredible! 8-9 colors? :)
    I tried to figure it out as I kept on finding new tones.
    You have a great eye!
    Thank you for commenting on my duet.

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  16. These are beautiful. I agree with you on the two versus three business! The alphabet blocks below are gorgeous too!

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  17. hello sarah, your work is beautiful and clean an d well placed on the page - you capture the essence so well with minimal strokes - an art in itself

    see you

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  18. Great composition, detail, colouring and shading. Very restful to look at.

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  19. As always, Sarah, you nailed it! And no one does line like you—no matter what the subject, you're work's amazing! I think you need to try some animals... Great stuff! P

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  20. This was my first visit to your blog. Your work is beautiful - fine, elegant, calming, excellent draftsmanship. I look forward to seeing more!

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  21. The two lilies are perfect! The way you used the green tones three times is a brilliant way to keep the duet asymmetrical.

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  22. Two is just great with these flowers due to your composition.
    Beautiful!
    Paula

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  23. Gorgeous! You can really draw! And thanks for the nice comment on my own IF duet. ;-)

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  24. So beautiful Sarah! So beautiful Sarah! A compliment for each lily. You are such a talent and a wellspring of info. i have to check out dad and daughter. We just visited the Georgia O’Keefe museum in Santa Fe last month. Very cool!

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  25. Wonderful and special idea! Thank you for stopping by at my blog!
    Julia

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  26. Beautiful, and brilliant concept. :) I look forward to seeing more from you, and thank you for your comment.

    Best,
    Jessica

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  27. They are beautiful! I sure miss the callas in northern CA.

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  28. Honestly, your work gets better and better each week. Please keep it up!

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  29. I'm looking for some lilies for a logo design - may I ask if this is available for such use?

    my email is greatmaps@gmail.com

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