This is the second time I've drawn from the TV series Wallander, but this time it's from the original Swedish series. Kenneth Brannagh's portrayal of Wallander was so good I didn't think I was going to enjoy this one so much but it's the one show I don't want to miss each week. It must be because the characters are so well written. The Swedish version has a lot more humour in it and Wallander is very much part of a team, his character doesn't dominate at the expense of the others. Also, Mark speaks fluent Norwegian, and I know a little, so we have fun listening to the language - especially all the swear words! Here I have drawn 'Stefan', top, a character who is quite intense and aggressive but often in inappropriate situations which makes it funny, Wallander, centre, and his daughter 'Linda' below, who has an on-off relationship with Stefan.
Sadly, not many series were made and I learned recently that the actress who plays Linda, Johanna Sällström, is now dead, having committed suicide a couple of years ago. I don't know anything about her except that she was in her 30's, obviously very attractive, and had received awards and recognition for her acting. She left behind a young daughter. She seemed to have everything going for her and it did make me wonder what strange creatures we are, that our perception of our lives can override the reality of it. There was something quite melancholic about her and I tried to capture that in the drawing.
I've started yet another sketchbook with these three drawings - I'm now putting the TV sketches in a rectangular Winsor & Newton journal (similar to these) so I can spread out a bit and work slightly bigger. I have sketchbooks all over the place so I'm now losing track of where everything is! Oh, and I should say, these were intended to be quick sketches to get warmed up for a larger drawing I'm going to do, but I got a bit carried away with the shading! They were a lot of fun to do, so I guess that extended break from drawing had the desired effect!
14 comments:
These are wonderful drawings, Felicity! I haven't heard of the series but I was saddened to read of Johanna's suicide, especially knowing that she had a young daughter. I think emotional trauma, such as the tsunami she experienced, can truly play havoc with the mind. Very sad.
Thanks very much Serena. Yes, I found it terribly sad. No knowing how traumatic that experience was but I imagine it was a big part of it.
These are beautifully drawn, Felicity, with your usual sensitivity and skill. I've not watched this series but twas interesting to read what you've said about the characters/actors.
I am always amazed how you can do these drawings and then say it was for warm up ... makes me feel like a package of deep-frozen fish sticks.
I am glad to see some drawings here again nevertheless :).
Thanks as always Janet!
Martin, I'm amazed! I stopped drawing because *I* was feeling like the package of frozen fish sticks! I could never draw my surroundings as well as you and I'll never paint as well as Serena! As I said, perception is a funny thing! ;)
Felicity, that is such a sweet thing to say and I take that as a very high compliment coming from you who is sooooo talented.
I actually came back over to say that, guess what I saw getting advertised on the TV for the first time last night?! Yes...Wallander (with Kenneth Brannagh). Apparently, it's a new series starting up here so I might get a chance to see it after all. :)
Too long since I visited, Felicity. Great stuff, as always.
I was interested to see if you'd commented on Saatchi's School of Art. Have you seen it?
Hi Felicity!
"Linda's" story is so sad... I had noticed the melancholic look in her face on the other blog, now I know why.
And I wonder, How can you possibly draw from the screen??? Everything moves all the time...!
Best regards,
Carolina
Thanks ladies!
Serena, that's great, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Thanks Andrea! I watched most of one show but found it too depressing! (The one with that magnificent door handle and whistle! ;) )
Hi Carolina, I press pause to draw from TV and Wallander is always recorded as it's on late so I can draw from this one when it suits me.
Hi Felicity!
Dropping by again just to wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I wish you and your loved ones have the best of times...!
Best regards,
Carolina
Great drawings - I recognised them straight away! Like you I wasn't sure if I would take to this version, but now I won't miss it!
I hadn't heard of the death of the actress who plays Linda, and was sad to hear that.
I like listening to the language, too, even though I don't speak it. The one word that stands out for me is "braw" meaning "good" - we use it in a similar way here in Scotland!
I came to wish you a happy Christmas and found these exquisite drawings! I'm not surprised, of course ;D.
Hope you and your family are well and happy.
Xoxo,
Laura
I thought I would leave you a comment with my and Bonny's best wishes for 2010, dear Felicity! Your off-screen sketches are wonderful; I already commented on them on Flickr. We hope that the new year will bring you happiness in your life, accomplishment in your endeavours, and as few headaches (metaphorically and literally) as possible!
How amazing, how humbling. You have a way of conveying skin on paper which blows me away, yet again.
Happy new year, Felicity.
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