meldrum artMy name is David Meldrum. I am an Artist who loves watercolour.
I was using a mirror for my self-portrait. I discovered that no one I showed it to recognized me. They do not see a mirror image of course. I never thought about it until now, if I ever hang this painting on a wall, it will have to be close to a mirror!
Here you can see the original painting in progress, little did I know at that point that the portrait was flipped and therefore not me.
I was just playing around here with Fabriano paper. It behaves differently compared to Arches.
I could not let it go, I had to have another try. This was a quick sketch were I focused on the shapes of the face and not the details.
 |
| Francis Bacon |
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
I will not be graphic in my execution, I will be an impressionist.
… It is so hard to change old habits. I have a graphical background so I put an outline on everything I draw. I am trying to change, the flower painting here is an exercise in trying to loosen up. I’m happy with the result.
 |
| Flowers on the balcony. Saunders-Waterford, Satin, 300g/m, 23 x 31 cm. |
I scrubbed so much at this portrait, so it lacks magic, when will I ever learn, let the watercolour to do the work! Frustrating, but at the same time I learned a lot. Trying to do as many portraits as I can right now, I’m missing something, they are not like their owners. I hope by doing many, something will click and a light bulb will turn on.
 |
| Francis Bacon 23 x 30,5 cm, Fabriano fine grain – cold pressed 300g |
This reminded me that I have a lot to learn. It’s too fresh for me to be critical of it. I’m working on a new self portrait already for tomorrow, it feels better but I haven’t started to paint yet, that’s the true test.
I’m trying to do one portrait a day right now. I like setting impossible goals. Let’s see how many days I manage. This one is of Elvis Costello, I didn’t get his eyes right, I don’t mind, it’s only practice after all. It’s more fun when drawings don’t become precious.
 |
| Elvis Costello |
Not much to say about this portrait really, a beautiful face that I found while surfing the internet which in turn compelled me to draw. So I say thank you to however you are, you are an inspiration.
 |
| A4 Portrait. |
I arrived back home yesterday evening from my week’s holiday in Norway. What an amazing place, I’ll visit again for sure. I didn’t paint much, there wasn’t time. At least I’ve learned how to travel for next time. One day on the road and the next behind my easel 🙂
 |
| Arches Rough 300g, W&N watercolour, 23 x 31 cm. |
 |
| Molde, Norway. |