34 Comments

You've well captured the essence of life here, the dichotomy of the good and bad. For, without the other, how can we feel either? (also, your sketches are amazing. you've really brought these simple objects to life by your own style. simply amazing to witness!)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, this is such a kind comment; and I’m so glad you really understood what I was trying to say! And thank you for the compliment on my sketches ❤️

Expand full comment

"Still life. How to define still? Quiet, idyllic, peaceful? A still as in a snapshot? Or still as in continuous, enduring, persisting— like the memory of a good thing? Or the way matter can neither be created nor destroyed? Still, there is life, still it remains. I like that." Beautiful, Jenn!! Any way you define it, it is beautiful and worthy of honoring. XO

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much, Danielle, you are so kind and I’m so glad this spoke to you. I appreciate you taking the time to read and to leave me a few words ❤️

Expand full comment

Love the energy in these, the careful attention. 🥰

Expand full comment
author

Thank you very much, I really appreciate this, it feels so sincere and kind. ❤️

Expand full comment

Jenn, you capture beauty in something that has been used up and lost its vitality. A reminder of our mortality, and urging us to live a life of value and purpose because death is unavoidable. ✨🦋✨

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Charlotte, that’s exactly it. It’s so beautiful and it goes by so fast. I appreciate your kind comments, always, thank you for taking your time to read my thoughts and see my art ❤️

Expand full comment

Jenn, so well written. I love the depth of your words in relation to your daily surroundings, which you sketch so well and with pen!! It's been so nice to get away and I'm still away - but I needed a Jenn read! This did not disappoint! Hope you're having a good weekend. ox

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for sneaking me into your getaway time ☺️. I hope you’re having so much fun and feeling relaxed and refreshed! I am so grateful to you for reading, for the kind words, for sharing my art. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Expand full comment

Always love tuning in for your posts Jenn...and this one was special. Check out "Memento Mori," a short story by Jonathan Nolan. I think you may enjoy.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Peter, I’ll check that out. And thank you for the kind words, I appreciate it!

Expand full comment

Oh Jenn, your words are a painting and your drawings are stories. Bless you. 🙏❤️

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Jaimie! That is high praise, I am grateful ❤️

Expand full comment

A more solemn post this week Jenn! Did a bit of sketching this week. :-)

Expand full comment
author

It was a little heavy. I’m glad to hear you spent some time sketching! It is good for the soul ❤️

Expand full comment

Thanks Jenn. Actually travelling at the moment. That's why had time to sketch. Anyway have landed in my destination city. New experiences- just have to take it with presence and heart. XOXO

Expand full comment

Love these drawings and the text, you never cease to amaze me, Jenn.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, sweet Joyce, I feel that kind compliment deeply. I appreciate it ❤️

Expand full comment

Love and blessings, Jenn 💙🙏💫🤗🥰

Expand full comment
author

Right back at you; love and blessings ❤️

Expand full comment

You got so much detail with a Sharpie pen. I love the use of shadowing. That one of your offspring wants to draw like DaVinci is inspiring.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Perry! I use the fine tip ones, they’re great because they make beautiful lines and don’t bleed through. This particular kid is enamored with the Dutch realism, DaVinci, and Michelangelo!

Expand full comment
May 18Liked by Jenn

I agree. Only youth has the gumption and nerve to observe that I don’t draw as well as Leonardo. If you are aiming might as well go high! Great eye on the artwork.

Expand full comment
author

That’s right; I love that about children—there is no limit to their dreams and belief in their talents ❤️ thanks for the kind comment, have a great weekend!

Expand full comment

Yes, there is no second chance when sketching with a pen. Except for more paper and a trash can you can play basketball with! My dad always swore by doing crosswords with a pen. I liked only oil paints because I could mess with it til I got it right. Acrylics are different. I hated them at first but now, I kind of like them because I can dry it and sand it down if I don't like it and gesso it again. Learning is good. Teaching is better cause you do both at the same time. I like that you make it a point to do art every day!

Expand full comment
author

Yes, you’ve got to live with it and not be too concerned with perfection…. And really pay attention to what you see! I like oils for that reason, too. If I use acrylic I like to go fast and small so I can paint wet on wet!

Expand full comment

I'm a novice in acrylics, and I learn by mistakes I make. I haven't been too happy with what I make but I like the process for sure!

Expand full comment
author

There is something that I like in trying something new, though. At least for me, I set the bar so low that having almost no expectations frees me up a bit. But that may be my own weird way of coming at things 😂. I hope you get figured out with the acrylics soon ❤️

Expand full comment

I'm the same. New things and not expecting much. My son is a stiff critic though. Sometimes it is discouraging but I know he's just trying to push me into trying harder. Then when I get it right and he approves, it's a better feeling than having just stayed in my comfort zone.

Expand full comment
author

Everybody needs at least one stiff critic, I think. It’s wonderful to feel that he’s honest and you can trust his opinion! But definitely the stiff critics can be frustrating, too.

Expand full comment

Love this: "The above drawing is a bid to find beauty in a thing that’s had its life force consumed; a search for meaning in the things that still remain. It’s making a record of darkness defining light. It’s a memento mori; a reminder that death is inevitable (so be worthy of this fleeting life)."

I haven't drawn in a long while, but I keep thinking I need to return. For me it was a calm, peaceful, meditative practice that helped me to really see things in a new way. Thanks for the nudge and inspiration.

Expand full comment
author

This makes me so happy, that it’s been a nudge to get you back into drawing and the special gift of seeing that accompanies it ❤️. And thank you so much for the kind words!

Expand full comment
author

Ah. At least having time to sketch is a silver lining. Safe travels and I hope your trip goes well!

Expand full comment