Saturday, June 28, 2008

Day 14 of 21: Japanese doll

Not that I was an ungrateful child (at least I don't think I was), but when my parents gave me this doll, I had no idea what to do with it. I couldn't play with it because she stands in her very own glass case. I vaguely recall wanting a walkman instead. As I got older, I grew to appreciate the things she represented: tradition, humility, gracefulness, skill. Now, I cherish her. She stands about 16 inches tall, including that hair. I painted this tonight, with transparent watercolor on Arches cold press 300 lb paper. Hmmm, I see an Asian theme here ...
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15 comments:

  1. wagonizedJune 28, 2008 at 3:41 AM

    I see the Asian theme here too!
    Whoa, your treatment of watercolors is darn good -- i've been staring at her right sleeve. Beauty.
    Does she have a name?

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  2. A Brush with ColorJune 28, 2008 at 6:12 AM

    This is wonderful. We had a doll collection as children and she resembles one my aunt brought back for us. beautiful!

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  3. Kathleen RietzJune 28, 2008 at 6:17 AM

    She is beautiful Joan!!! Very beautiful, and you did a great job with the paints.

    I remember dolls like this, though...you couldn't do anything with them but place them on a shelf. But I am glad that now she makes you think of your parents.

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  4. Anita DaviesJune 28, 2008 at 6:22 AM

    She's beautiful, as is your painting of her.

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  5. Susan's ScribblesJune 28, 2008 at 2:35 PM

    Beautifully painted Joan. And isn't it true that we don't always appreciate gifts until later, when we've matured, and can see the real value? Nice lesson for us.

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  6. tinkJune 29, 2008 at 6:30 AM

    Very Pretty! Great work Joan. Tina

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  7. SharonJune 30, 2008 at 10:42 AM

    You did a beautiful job on this! I love the faint red shadow at the hemline.

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  8. MayY . C 五月媽媽July 7, 2008 at 6:04 PM

    wow, this is so delicate and beautiful!

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  9. Kathleen RietzJuly 10, 2008 at 5:46 AM

    Joan - you've been awarded! Check out my blog!

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  10. MaureenJuly 12, 2008 at 3:27 AM

    Beautiful sketch. Beautiful doll. Isn't it amazing how our priorities change as we grow up? Ultimately, they knew best when they gave you this wonderful gift.

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  11. mranaJuly 15, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    Lovely, Jo! And yes, an Asian theme ... what's next?

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  12. Julia YuJuly 16, 2008 at 1:56 PM

    Wow! She's beauuuuutiful!

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  13. wagonizedJuly 19, 2008 at 4:00 PM

    Joan, I am going through a bit of a Joan withdrawal here. Help!

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  14. Robyn SinclairJuly 20, 2008 at 9:26 AM

    Beautiful and delicate with her folds and shadows, Joan. I love the way Japanese dolls have cultural relevance. One has to wonder about the cultural relevance of the Cabbage Patch Doll that I bought my daughter!

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  15. TeriJuly 21, 2008 at 4:34 AM

    OMG Joan, this is just stunningly done!!! WOWZER!

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