One of my favorite summer amusements is people watching outdoors
at parks, at the beach, at concerts, or anywhere that people gather to relax and play.
As an artist I am endlessly fascinated by the variety of forms that we come in!
Here are a few sketches of women I’ve observed
while sitting on a park bench, or attending an outdoor concert.
These are not the usual women on the cover of a typical magazine.
These are the women we see when we look around us!
Many would not considered “beautiful” in the narrow way we’ve come to define it,
and yet each of these women is incredibly amazing in her own way.
There is the world we see through media images: photos, TV, movies, ads.
And then there is the world we actually live in.Stop comparing everyone to models and stars, and take a minute to really see the women in your world.
Be amazed at the differences, the variety, the interesting way we all look.
Look around you and notice:
No matter what shape we are in, we are in the shape of women!
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Two friends, in their 20’s, waiting in line for the ladies’ room. Each so adorably similar in their fashion choices: short patterned sundresses, big soft bags, flip-flops, long hair casually tied back, one with a tattoo on her shoulder blade, one with a tattoo on her calf. They were talking non-stop the entire time they stood in line! |
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A young mother with a sleeping baby in her arms, and a middle-aged woman standing in line. Each woman is at a different place in her life, |
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The love on each others’ faces as they made slow progress across the park was so visible, and so touching. |
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And finally, Four women share Margaritas at an outdoor cafe. They were laughing hysterically about some crazy story. |
Wonderful sketches, Elizabeth. Women are so beautiful when they are fully engaged and enjoying life!
I love these, Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing your artistic process as well as insights.
Great post. It’s amazing how you process your sketches to real art. Pure art.
Thanks for sharing!
[...] favorite post. “No Matter What Shape You’re In” at Elizabeth Patch’s More to Love [...]
When I see these, for a moment I don’t feel ugly. Thank you for them.
you are welcome! I just draw what I see. Many people only “see” what is on TV or in magazines or advertising, but once we stop comparing ourselves to the glamorous images in the media, and look around at the real people in our lives, we begin to notice how uniquely beautiful we all are.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Elizabeth Patch, Opal Zushaquon. Opal Zushaquon said: Elizabeth Patch's More to Love Sketchbook › No Matter What Shape You’re In http://ping.fm/XI2I5 [...]
Sitsgal. Very, very nice sketches. I liked how you took the everyday and drew it. I think my favorite was the last one where the ‘girls are just havin’ a good time’.:)
Thanks Melanie. they were having so much fun! Isn’t it great to get all giggly with “the girls”?!
Love your sketches…it’s easy to picture what you saw!
Wow!
1) that was a beautiful message and a great reminder to appreciate the beauty of God’s most chosen creation
2) beautiful sketches! Wow, I can’t believe you can sketch these out so quickly and so beautifully!
-Thank you for your these wonderful thoughts,
-CK