THE BABY
PRINTS AVAILABLE CLICK
http://artzent.dyndns.org/?p=755
An original pencil drawing on linen board 22 x 30′ by June Pauline Zent. Models for this drawing were Adieren: my daughter and Burt Reynolds. This was the first completed original commissioned by Tammy Wynette as a gift to Burt Reynolds.
Viewers kept saying the hand was too strong and hairy. But it was a true to life drawing. Finally years later I printed a limited Edition and took an artist proof back to the easel cropping it and using a soft pasted overlay to soften the hand. That original print is owned by Adieren. Here it is below. Tell me what you think.
THE BABY PASTEL
PRINTS AVAILABLE CLICK
http://artzent.dyndns.org/?p=415
He was thin with his beard and height emphasizing the gauntness. It was clear that he was conflicted and depressed about something. Whatever the problem I felt that malnutrition should not be a part of it so I was determined to make him some beef tea and a loaf of home-made bread.
This old-fashioned remedy is made by finding the leanest big cut of beef, simmering it covered in water for several hours until the meat falls apart. Then you strain it through a cheesecloth removing the fiber and leaving a clear rich liquid. It is chock full of vitamins and iron and is reputed to restore health and vigor very quickly. The bread was just something yummy that you spread with butter and enjoy while adding calories. “only drink about half a glass at a time” I cautioned him because it is very potent and will make things happen.
Off I went to the ranch with a huge jar of beef tea and a freshly made loaf of bread. The gate had been alerted to my arrival so I drove right in and knocked on the back door. His mother opened it surprising me because I had not met her before this. As kids Buddy always came to my home. For one thing his father was the local Chief of Police – a busy man- who was then a little intimidating. In addition his home was way across town while mine was just across the street from the school. It was a natural meeting place for both of our friends. Besides Grandma always had something yummy cooking on the stove.
He called the next day but when I inquired about the tea he said ” It makes things happen alright; I have been running to the bathroom every hour”.Whoops! ” Your drinking too much at once silly; I cautioned you about that.” ” Funny thing though, He answered, I do feel better so like I said: you are a good witch.” Then, “We have been invited to dinner at Jimmy Hick’s house.” Do you remember him?” Oh yeah, I sure did! He was another one of my teenage boy friends. We lived next door to each other for a while. He rigged a rope swing from a huge tree in the yard and we used to swing from roof to roof on it. I was still a tomboy at that time always dressed in blue jeans and that hasn’t changed much.
However, on this date I wore a classic curvy pantsuit, very fashionable at the time. As usual we left from Jupiter Ranch being driven by Jimmy and his wife. Earlier I was taken on a tour of the ranch by a guy that I don’t remember now who was very inquisitive about my connection to Buddy. I had the feeling of being checked out. Strange!
We were in the middle of a steak dinner when the phone rang. Jimmy’s wife said, ” It’s Tammy for you Buddy”. Before I could stop myself I made a disapproving face which was noted by everyone at the table. How embarrassing! I had seen one of Tammy’s gold records hanging on the wall and was already suspicious of the Tammy/Buddy relationship.Later jimmy’s wife pulled me aside under the quise of wanting my advice about re decorating their den. Again I was instead carefully quizzed about our childhood. Red flags were popping up in my head.
We were driven back to the ranch by our host in a very large car with a huge back seat where the two of us had some degree of privacy. Eyes in the front remained forward. He pulled me over to him and for the first time as an adult I discovered just how wonderful his passionate kisses were and how strong yet gentle his touch. He soothed away my suspicions and we were back at the ranch too soon for me. He lifted me off the ground with a huge hug and kiss and as I turned to leave he reached out and whacked me on the behind!
More later on continued seven where I hope to see you!
artzent
zentcreativeblog 
Oh, things are heating up 🙂 I’ll be waiting for more…
I do think the hand looks better in the second print, but the baby is adorable in both. Its a very sweet and tender piece of work.
I see that you like things to heat up Maggie. LOL Yes, Most people do like the pastel hand although he has the pencil one and has not seen the pastel print. In the original it doesn’t look as harsh. It’s frustrating to me going from pencil to ink never is as good. It’s taken me two days to write this post so now I have to catch up on everything that I have missed from blogger friends. Thanks always for your compliments!
You stopped to soon! I was just getting into the story. Guess I will have to wait, just like we used to do at the movies, until the next episode.
I liked the original because it was real……. Love your sister, Marlene
Oh, sorry about that LOL. Yes, This one took me two days and I have to catch up. You do know what an original looks like! Did you miss Symbiosis? I want your opinion of it. No pressure, ha ha.
Thanks for all of your support as usual. Love, and then some!
I like more the colored one, but not for the hair reason. Lines are soft. I like the gesture of the male hand to protect the baby.
Interesting details of your story. Again a new name, for me, in your story, Jimmy Hicks. Is he the one that formed the group called The Voices of Integrity ?
No , Jimmy was just an old friend of Buddy’s and me. Yes, He loved baby’s, one reason why I chose to compose this way. He was very protective of kids and especially this one of mine. He never had a biological child but he adopted one
June, This is one of my favorite prints. I love mine that is hanging in my baby room. I really do like the pencil, I think it is such a good contrast with the tiny baby and the rough looking hand. Keep the stories coming.
You got it right Jane. That’s what I was aiming for. when I got the reference photos from Tammy I said his hand would make a perfect contrast with a baby’s head. And of course I knew that he loved kids. The original pencil is softer though. Thanks for following the story and I am g;ad to have my artwork in your baby room.
I so love your stories! It really does make your beautiful drawings come alive. Your skills and handling of the pencil are amazing…so looking forward to hearing and seeing more.
Thank you so much Mia. It’s always great to have another artist make wonderful comments about your work. I also love your blog and your art. So its a mutual admiration!
Boy oh boy, males have a way of complicating things don’t they? Or if not complicating, then at least making sure the temperature goes up! Typical. 😉
I actually like the original better. There’s more of a contrast between the baby’s head and the hand which I like but of course, to each their own.
Yes, they sure do complicate things! So far the original is winning over the pastel which makes me happy because pencil is my first love. Thanks for the input; its always good to read your opinion Lillian!
I love your stories!Photography opens many new horizons in the application of art modalities
So glad that you enjoy the stories! You do understand that the images are pencil and pastel, not photographs. I did use photographs of Buddy’s hands as reference for the composition much like you would have to have references for a facial portrait otherwise how would I know what his hands or face looked like. My process is to tack photos up on a board and study them until an idea emerges. Then I compose on a board with pencil or paint: actual physical mediums, not electronic equipment. Accurate drawing skills are required for this. It is an old fashioned process but I feel like the result has more feeling.
The pencil sketch is amazing and superb! for it looks so natural even in those black and white shades,as if the real life is being reflected in those two colours,and there’s no need of anything colour to give it a natural look…
Oh, thank you so much for putting it into those very creative words. The black and white audience
is certainly winning here and your compliments lift me up and inspire me to do more drawing.
I gave you Sunshine Blogger Award. Please check it out here:.Maxima.Congratulations to You!
Oh, thank you so much My sweet friend. I am adding this award to my list and will find a way to thank you and congratulations to you too!
The hand looks very delicate to me. 🙂
Thank you, I am glad that you think so and glad that you came here to say it. I hope that you were able to read all eleven chapters. Take care
I enjoyed all eleven chapters and am waiting for the next installment! 🙂
Thank you so much and I will try to get to it soon!
I’ll wait patiently, I promise. (｡◕‿◕｡)