For the Suggestion Box

[David G]

We have in our midst - here in the WBF - a talented artist, whose illustration work I'd love to see used in the magazine. No idea whether he'd be interested, but it'd be nice --

http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthre...9-Boat-Drawing

[amish rob]

OMG! I totally know that guy! He’s weird.

Thanks for the kind words, David.

Truth is, I never knew I liked drawing boats until I was rooting around for some art to post here. Turns out drawing boats is almost as fun as building them.

[Hugh MacD]

OK...weird...but a Helluvan artist! Love your sketches, Rob.

[wizbang 13]

The magazine could use a change of scenery.

[amish rob]

0ED8B97B-D727-4439-9E16-83E87D8C57AA.jpg
Sometimes I finish the whole background, too.

[dwr9]

I would love to have a fraction of your talent. Doug

[amish rob]

AAAE4274-F0C2-43E2-A0F9-DA0C97C09E2B.jpg
What about boats being born?

[Paul Pless]

david g!

a most excellent suggestion

[David Satter]

WOW! Gorgeous

[amish rob]

917436F3-0C2C-4C33-91AC-3D6EE0BC9962.jpg
I’ve posted these all before, somewhere. Probably downstairs, in the mire.

I’m well pleased they’re enjoyed. It’s fun to draw them.

[Hugh MacD]

Thanks! They are definitely ​enjoyed!

[amish rob]

DBEF64FD-6A5C-4B25-9684-588F03EA9989.jpg
This one is not wooden.

[WI-Tom]

DBEF64FD-6A5C-4B25-9684-588F03EA9989.jpg
This one is not wooden.

I find this style really compelling--not so photorealistic that you can't tell it's a drawing. And still amazingly skilled. Seems like a departure from your "realistic" boat drawings and your doodles. Really really cool stuff, Rob.

I suspect that the "talent" people wish they had when they see these is... well...

A woman came up to Vladimir Horowitz after a Carnegie Hall recital, gushing over his talent. "I would give my life to be able to play like that!" she told him.

"Madam," he replied, "I have."

You've put in the time. I've put in enough of the time to begin to understand how much of this talent is hard committed work, and really learning to see. To really see. Not just to let the brain fill in the scene and say "I'm looking at a boat" but to really see the shapes of the lines and light and shadows and contours. Really really neat stuff. And you're really good at it.

Most of us could become competent with enough time invested--that's what I've learned by trying a bit for myself. Totally absorbing stuff just to progress, without worrying about how good I actually get. (Nowhere near as good as these yet, that's for sure!)

You add a LOT to this forum, Rob.

Tom

[amish rob]

Tom, you made my day. I’m so glad you saw the new “style” I’m trying for. I tend to obsess about the realism, and lose the drawing, so I’m trying something new.

I honestly had no idea I’d enjoy drawing boats as much as I do. Something I discovered because of this forum, so we’re probably even? Hahaha.

Thanks for the kind words.

[amish rob]

6DD1476C-FFF5-4D92-B8BB-20FE2647A41D.jpg
I can’t stop!

[Zulu]

Rob, you bring the goods. No question.

[Hugh MacD]

6DD1476C-FFF5-4D92-B8BB-20FE2647A41D.jpg
I can’t stop!

GOOD! Please DON'T!

[amish rob]

Thank you all for the kind words. Before I started this latest jag, it had been so long since I’d seriously drawn, my kids had no idea I even could draw. Hahaha.

Daughter was FLOORED the first time I drew something. Which, it was actually her. She thought I could only draw scribbly things and mechanical drawings.

Anywho.

[Durnik]

AAAE4274-F0C2-43E2-A0F9-DA0C97C09E2B.jpg
What about boats being born?

damn, you caught the 'feel'!

[amish rob]

Thanks, Yo. That’s an amazing project. I threatened to draw another picture of her after she’s been launched. And, they’re getting close!

ETA: I learned that water is hard to draw, whether liquid or solid!

[amish rob]

52BEBDA2-B2BD-4EFB-9E52-F0B8F55B0E6D.jpg
This is from Bruce’s trip a while ago, and he gave me permission to draw from it. I like these quicker, looser drawings. It’s such a lovely image, eh? It’s pretty simple to make good drawings if you just copy an amazing photo.

[John Howland]

Rob,
It would be great to see some of your artwork published in the Wooden Boat Magazine. I always enjoy it when you post one of your pieces of artwork here. They mean a lot to all of us here.
John

[amish rob]

Thanks, Yo. These are done for joy, and it’s nice to have something valuable to offer back to this place. I’ll keep cranking them out and posting them until someone tells me to stop.