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 ...

15 comments:

wagonized said...

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?

A Brush with Color said...

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

Kathleen Rietz said...

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.

Anita Davies said...

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

Susan's Scribbles said...

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.

tink said...

Very Pretty! Great work Joan. Tina

Sharon said...

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

MayY . C 五月媽媽 said...

wow, this is so delicate and beautiful!

Kathleen Rietz said...

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

Maureen said...

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.

mrana said...

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

Julia Yu said...

Wow! She's beauuuuutiful!

wagonized said...

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

Robyn Sinclair said...

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!

Teri said...

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