| Author | Content |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
01:49 PM Post #4192446
| Hi Everyone. Just want to introduce myself! I'm new to DG, and I am thrilled to discover that there is a forum for artists on here. I have 2 passions in my life, gardening (which is new to me) and my art which I have been working on for years.
I used to teach drawing, but my j-o-b became too demanding so I had to give that up.
I'll attach a drawing that I did a while back. Let me know if you guys want to see more. I can't wait to see everything you guys have posted.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
November 14, 2007
01:52 PM Post #4192457
| jmc, a "drawing" are you SURE that's not a photograph ;) You are a superb artist...considered PRIVATE lessons? I wish I was still in SA, my artistic skills are a bit dusty.
Welcome to dave's and yes, please post more! |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
02:01 PM Post #4192484
| Thanks! I used to give private lessons until I just didn't have time anymore.
I haven't had time to do anything recently, althought I have painting of a fox on my easel that is 98% finished. It has been sitting there for a little over a year.
Here is another drawing. The first one was my niece, this one is my other niece (her sister) I used a handmade water color paper from Twin Rocker. Loved the deckled edges. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
November 14, 2007
02:03 PM Post #4192492
| WOW, that is beautiful!
I truly respect the artist who can paint or draw realistically. It was never my specialty.
I am soooo glad to hear you've got a piece you've been working on for a year...that's about like me...I start something but between everything else going on it takes a long time to get something completed. |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
02:14 PM Post #4192532
| There was a time when I was able to sit and spend countless hours uninteruppted at my drafting table and work away. I used to listen to audio books while I worked. Now I am lucky if I have time to set up the table at all. Plus, now that I am starting to get obsessed with gardening I have my grow light set up where I would have had my table.
Realism take a LOT of patience. The most realistic drawing I ever did was one of my nephew, I spent probably 80 hours total on it. On another forum an artist accused me of posting a photo. Fortunately I had several artist friends who were able to vouch for me.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
November 14, 2007
02:44 PM Post #4192634
| Wow. I can't think of any better way to say it. It's gorgeous the work you do! I can't even begin to imagine the monetary value that would need to be placed on such a piece to even compensate for the talent and time invested! To bad someone would throw out accusations about something like this.
I suppose that's why I could never do realism. I am a perfectionist (not that your images aren't perfect in every way!) but I get so frustrated with my own lack of skill that I usually toss a piece to soon.
I once had a teacher actually dig a piece out of the trash and guide me in how to fix what I didn't like. It ended up being my favorite piece, for the time. But it wasn't realism.
My art has been best described as suited for children's books. ;) And that suits me to. |
terriculture
london England
United Kingdom
November 14, 2007
02:49 PM Post #4192660
| Welcome jmcdowell, You are very talented! Thankyou for showing your beautiful work. |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
November 14, 2007
02:55 PM Post #4192687
| Welcome to Dave's Garden JMC. Your work is extraordinary! The attention to detail is what makes it so incredible. The shading is what makes it so lifelike. You've really done an outstanding job of portraying your family. It's a beautiful family you have, too. Thanks so much for sharing both your family and your art.
Janet |
2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 14, 2007
03:21 PM Post #4192780
| Your drawings are fantastic and I sure enjoyed looking at them. Would love to see more of your work and also the fox that is in progress. Realism is your forte. SheVerne |
ByndeweedBeth
scio, oregon, OR
(Zone 8a)
November 14, 2007
03:22 PM Post #4192785
| Great work! I love realism... |
Calalily
South Padre Island, TX
(Zone 10a)
November 14, 2007
04:07 PM Post #4192939
| Fantastic drawings. I'd love to see more. |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
04:16 PM Post #4192985
| Thanks Janet, I think they are cute too.
Sheverne, I haven't photographed the fox yet since it isn't finished, but I will take a pic later tonight.
Here is a pastel of a wolf that I did a while back. I was working with a friend on mine doing some illustrations of animals that are significant to the Native American culture. I only got as far as a wolf and an owl before work took over.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
04:20 PM Post #4192992
| Here is a close up. This is pastel on velour paper. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
November 14, 2007
04:24 PM Post #4193016
| Oh Man! I can just about feel his fur and his warm breath! :-) Beautiful work! |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
05:40 PM Post #4193323
| Thanks Janet. I'm such a dog person. I know wolves are supposed to be ferocious but I still want to pet him. lol.
Here is the owl I did for that project. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 14, 2007
07:50 PM Post #4193722
| Could I pick your brain? Would you mind telling me--do you use a grid when you begin your sketch or do you do it freehand? The wolf is absolutely beautiful and so is the owl. More more more, please. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
November 14, 2007
08:17 PM Post #4193796
| good questions! do answer those please.
I must say...I have NEVER seen such realism before in artwork.
how many years did you study already? are you self-taught? |
2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 14, 2007
08:52 PM Post #4193898
| Okay, here comes more questions. What kind of job do you have? Seems to me that you should be making oodles of money from your artwork. I like to tell people that I work to support my art habit. Would starve to death if I had to live off my art income. But I'm nowhere near your caliber of art. Its beautiful. Now...is your head big enough from my compliments? |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 14, 2007
10:26 PM Post #4194248
| Those are good questions. Sometimes I do use a grid especially when I am try to draw something very intricate, sometimes I freehand. With portraits, since likeness is so important, I often use a projector to get down very basic lines then freehand the rest. When I teach realism I always teach the grid method.
I am self taught. I have been drawing semi-professionally for a little over 10 years (off and on)
I recently made a job change to give myself more time. I was director of marketing/ asst vp for a property management company. It was a terrible company that killed my personal life. A few months ago I took a job as a property manager of a single apartment complex. Although I have more time now, it still isn't enough to be a full time artist.
I did paint murals professionally for a few months, but I got tired of painting kids rooms REAL fast, although in retrospect it was better than running an office all day.
I completely understand what you mean about starving as an artist. I find that it is hard to find people willing to pay enough to keep my bills paid. A long time ago when I first started drawing I would do portraits for $75. I had orders left and right. But now I can't charge less than $1000 and still be able to pay my bills.
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2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 14, 2007
11:19 PM Post #4194430
| I've thought about getting a projector and trying it. I do animal portraits in oil and right now a person has asked me to do her little dog. Bless its little heart---it's a bit on the not so pretty side. Guess I'll have to pretty it up some. My dh is off on a hunting trip with his camera, when he returns we''ll post some pictures. Have no idea what kind of dog it is but it has a Don King hairdo. Some terrier in it. |
Zanymuse
Scotia, CA
(Zone 9b)
November 14, 2007
11:31 PM Post #4194463
| I am sitting here going back and forth staring at your artwork and trying to imagine having that level of skill at doing anything! They are all so wonderful I am in awe. |
2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 14, 2007
11:59 PM Post #4194528
| Me, too, Zany |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 15, 2007
12:14 AM Post #4194566
| Thank you Zany.
2vernes, I would love to see the pictures. Do you have any of your art posted here? I haven't had a chance to look through all the posts yet.
Here is a pet portrait I did of my dog. Perfect little poser. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
November 15, 2007
01:20 AM Post #4194778
| I don't know how to retrieve the photos so we'll have to wait on the great hunter to get home on Sunday. Your little poser is darling and has so much life to him. But I promise we'll post some of the pets that I have done soon. SheVerne |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
November 16, 2007
07:39 AM Post #4198980
| Welcome to DG. I love your work, such detail. |
staceysmom
(GayLynn) Appleton, WI
(Zone 5a)
November 16, 2007
12:05 PM Post #4199789
| Beautiful, stunning work! Welcome to DG! Would love to see more! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
November 16, 2007
12:19 PM Post #4199867
| Every time I look at these drawings and paintings I'm just blown away with the details. You have an extraordinary eye for bringing your subject to life.
I saw in the Texas Gardening Forum that you are originally from San Antonio. I grew up in San Antonio and went to school at the old South San High School (1977) on the southside. My mom still has the house, close to Lackland, that we grew up in and I go to visit her a couple of times a year. Maybe some time when I go we can have a cup of coffee. :-)
Welcome to the Artisans Forum. We're glad you've joined us. We hope you'll post more of your beautiful work.
Janet |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 16, 2007
12:28 PM Post #4199915
| Thanks Zenpotter & Staceysmom. I'll post some more this afternoon.
Janet, I live very close to Lackland (off Marbach and 410) I went to John Jay.
I would love to have you over for coffee. I could probably get some great advise on my garden, and share some of my artwork with you. |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
November 16, 2007
12:40 PM Post #4199974
| I'd love to be able to see your work up close and eyeball the details. Do you brew coffee as well as you draw? HAHAHAHA
Connie and I spend a lot of time at the Goodwill store there at Marbach and 410 when we go. Mom lives off Five Palms, between Medina Base and Military Drive. I used to drive for an Auto Parts store there (Baumann's) and learned to maneuver my way around town while avoiding the freeways. The last time we went, we hit up all of the thrift stores we could find, from one end of town to the other and literally shopped 'til we dropped! :-)
Connie and I both evacuated to SA when Rita hit Southeast Texas and were there for over 2 weeks. Spent a wonderful time going around town, reliving some great memories of our time of living there. That doesn't sound right, but you know what I mean.
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cactusfan
Webster, NY
(Zone 6a)
November 18, 2007
09:30 AM Post #4206124
| JM, absolutely the most phenomenal portrait (and animal) drawings I've ever seen! |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
November 20, 2007
02:27 PM Post #4214157
| Awsome!! Awsome!! Awsome!! BEV |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 20, 2007
02:31 PM Post #4214175
| Thanks cactusfan and Bev. Now if I could just learn what it takes to run an art business, I would do it full time.
On a bad note, I used to have a website that had all of my art and murals, when I took it down I saved all the files to a disk. I was hunting for the disk the other day, to show you guys some of murals and it's gone. I have no clue where it went. If I can't find it, that means that I will have lost tons of photos of my work that I don't have posted anywhere else. Keep your fingers crossed that I find it! |
katiebear
mulege
Mexico
November 20, 2007
02:42 PM Post #4214230
| As one who has misplaced many things and searched frantically for them let me remind you that you would not have thrown this away. The size being what it is, it could be hiding almost anywhere. I will say a prayer to the saints for finding lost objects (there have to be more than one with so many things lost or misplaced). When you least expect it, it will be right in front of you and you will say, "now why did I think that this was a good place to put it?"
katiebear
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dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
November 20, 2007
02:44 PM Post #4214236
| I will pray that you find it and put in a word about my wedding band at the same time. One of these days I want to post some of my paintings but they will not come close. You have got it!!!!!!! BEV |
katiebear
mulege
Mexico
November 20, 2007
02:44 PM Post #4214237
| P.S. I am missing a shawl which is very important to me. I need to remember this.
kb |
roybird
Santa Fe, NM
November 20, 2007
11:53 PM Post #4215963
| Really nice drawings! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
November 23, 2007
10:32 PM Post #4223866
| Love your artwork!! It is stunning!!! |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
November 26, 2007
02:07 PM Post #4231564
| JM, I cannot believe that you are not nationally known.
Also, you have a ton of good art fairs in Texas. You can make decent money doing that circuit if you know what you're doing, although trying to do it while working full time will put you in the hospital. |
jmcdowell
San Antonio, TX
November 26, 2007
03:36 PM Post #4231776
| Thanks guys,
Summerkid, emphasis on "know what you're doing" - honestly, I can say that I don't. I also don't really know where to turn to learn what to do.
Any advice on that would be great.
-James |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
November 26, 2007
04:31 PM Post #4231985
| oh you're a GUY, oh my gosh. doubly surprised for some reason.
i can definitely steer you in the right direction & give you the benefit of my experience. i stopped doing art fairs after 9/11 because i was working full time then plus nobody was buying my kind of art (fiber) because the economy tanked but i've heard that art fairs are once again lucrative. i hope to get back in this summer.
you would be a big draw, and i'll bet you would be a regular award winner, which can be a couple grand. this is the time to be getting a show list together if you're in a position to exhibit next summer. so i'd start with that. |
katiebear
mulege
Mexico
November 26, 2007
05:53 PM Post #4232290
| The state fairs in Ca. have a lot of cash awards for many different arts and crafts. That might be another area to check out. One artist I know of who has become quite well known in her field advocates enterign whatever you can whereever you can. Youo never know when or where you will be "discovered." I think your work is wonderful. I also appreciate your willingness to share information.
katiebear |
Calalily
South Padre Island, TX
(Zone 10a)
November 26, 2007
06:07 PM Post #4232365
| James, you might start by joining a local artist's group. I belong to several groups and we get notices for shows all over the country along with the rules for entry.
Our group also gets invitations to participate in things that aren't necessarily open to the general public to enter. |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
November 26, 2007
06:37 PM Post #4232493
| I just DMailed a bunch of info to J, but would be happy to share my experiences with everyone else. Is there an art fair thread here? |
sempervirens
Northern, NJ
(Zone 6b)
November 27, 2007
07:06 PM Post #4236767
| summerkid and Calaily,
Maybe it would be helpful to start a new thread about the various ways to market art. |
summerkid
Rose Lodge, OR
(Zone 8b)
November 27, 2007
07:19 PM Post #4236800
| ok, if nobody else has done so. |
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
December 22, 2007
02:30 AM Post #4318893
| welp, i have just oh my gosh'd my way thru this thread. while turning green with envy...multitasker that i am. completely stunned...what a gift you have. |
pupilpropogtr
Birmingham, AL
(Zone 7b)
December 22, 2007
03:07 AM Post #4318927
| Your drawings are better than my photographs. I can ALMOST see why someone would question it. It is extrodinary. Thank you for sharing.
P.S. Love the owl. |
cactus_lover
FSD
Pakistan
(Zone 10b)
December 24, 2007
02:07 PM Post #4324635
| Outstanding,mindblowing,fantastic,unbearable beautifull work.
I m also doing pencil skatching,but not that type of neat and clean.
So thankfor sharing with us,
Here is my work.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=1655802
Guid me,and tell me some tips.
Thanks
Yasir
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