Music in the Castle of Heaven

This book, about Bach and his music by English conductor and Baroque specialist John Eliot Gardiner, was a welcome and unexpected Christmas present. I'm looking forward to working my way through it this winter, listening to the music as it's discussed. The book was lying on the table the other day and I just had an urge to draw Bach's chubby face...

Art-wise, the whole Urban Sketcher thing notwithstanding, I'm really not convinced that watercolor washes improve these drawings of mine, but I'm always curious what others think. The technique of loosely colored sketches works beautifully for some people, but I'd prefer to either make a good drawing that stands on its own, or do an actual painting. Here, the holly and its vase are too dark and dominant, in my opinion, and some of the delicacy of the original drawing has been lost. On the other hand, the color makes it a lot easier to see what's going on, and it's just...cheerful. Any opinion?

Comments

[Elaine Corwin]

I don't know that it's the vase and holly so much as the color of the keys against the cover. It seems as though they make the cover recede and the book has become less important to the drawing. I have the book in audio but haven't gotten around to it. You are the second person to bring it up. I think it may have to jump to the front of the queue.

[Andrea M.]

You've added wash shadows to the coloured one, which I find pleasing. Also, a bit of colour suits the lightheartedness of the subject. There are many different ways you could do this drawing. One I imagined was the tablecloth the only colour, or just monochrome washes. Fun. (I guess the thing to avoid is treating a pen drawing like a child's colouring book.)

[Sharyn]

I like the colors.

[Hattie]

I like the color version better. The keys are a nice touch. You know the book is not yet read but promises illumination. And the pitcher and red berries are so pretty.

[Beth]

Thanks for your comment, Elaine. I think you're right about the effect of the warm/cool colors. And will let you know how the book goes - please tell me if you start listening to it.

Yes, Andrea, you're right: there are so many ways to go!

Thanks, Sharyn.

Hattie, I never thought about that subliminal message of the keys -- you are sharp! thanks for the observation.

[Loren]

Personally, I'm really fond of black and whites with just a touch of color. I've been working for years with Photoshop to attain that effect. Of course, years later I still haven't managed to find the right balance.