The Incandescent Heart
I know they're corny. I know they're overused. Just the same, I am attracted to the heart shape, being attracted to its elegance and symbolism. So, at the risk of being a cornball, I began doing watercolor hearts and giving them away to friends.
They're not as simple or even as easy as they may look. I begin with a vertical line that goes down the middle of it, and draw it out from there. I try for symetry, but invariably fail, which is good since symetry is essentially dull. As I free-hand them, they are all a little different in shape.
Once I get the shape right, I begin painting with a light wash of color, usually a ruby red, but also I've done it in blue. When the light wash is about 80% dry, I begin adding shading, including space for reflected light. I will add two highlights near the two crowns and a spot of ligth color right in the center (this is where the "incandescent" part begins). It takes on the look of a jewel with a light in its center. When I do it right, and with patience, the transluscent quality of the watercolor adds to thie glow I'm going for. It looks alive. And the, I give it away.
I guess I've sent out about 12 or so. The hearts are usually without words, and thus the recipients may project what they want on to them. Most people have been really moved by them, with one or two it probably fell flat. It doesn't matter to me. I'm trying to express love, but also to give something that will give off a feeling when the people look at it.
It would be a good idea to just churn out a bunch of them and keep them on hand, stock piling them for the many people who can use the gesture. But usually I just do one at a time with a particular person in mind. Today's heart will go out to my cousin, Laurie.
They're not as simple or even as easy as they may look. I begin with a vertical line that goes down the middle of it, and draw it out from there. I try for symetry, but invariably fail, which is good since symetry is essentially dull. As I free-hand them, they are all a little different in shape.
Once I get the shape right, I begin painting with a light wash of color, usually a ruby red, but also I've done it in blue. When the light wash is about 80% dry, I begin adding shading, including space for reflected light. I will add two highlights near the two crowns and a spot of ligth color right in the center (this is where the "incandescent" part begins). It takes on the look of a jewel with a light in its center. When I do it right, and with patience, the transluscent quality of the watercolor adds to thie glow I'm going for. It looks alive. And the, I give it away.
I guess I've sent out about 12 or so. The hearts are usually without words, and thus the recipients may project what they want on to them. Most people have been really moved by them, with one or two it probably fell flat. It doesn't matter to me. I'm trying to express love, but also to give something that will give off a feeling when the people look at it.
It would be a good idea to just churn out a bunch of them and keep them on hand, stock piling them for the many people who can use the gesture. But usually I just do one at a time with a particular person in mind. Today's heart will go out to my cousin, Laurie.
posted by Rich Sigberman at
2:43 PM
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