Creative Licence

Write Me

Inspirational Journal: Muriel Foster

April 29, 2004

 

foster.jpg
This is one of my prized possessions. In fact, I prize it so much I repeatedly give it away and then go hunt for a new copy.
Muriel Foster(1884-1963) started keeping this diary in 1913 whenever she went fishing and, for the next thirty-five years, filled it with sketches, watercolors, observations and poetry. While she was a professional artist, this little diary was just for her and never intended to be shown. Her grand niece released it for publication as a facsimile decades after her death and it is the work for which she'll always be known (if I have anything to do with it). You can find a copy or two of the book on abebooks.com but act quickly — I may snap it up first.

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Comments

Looks as if there is some truly stunning imagery in Muriel's journal - must go and purchase the book. Everytime I've been fly-fishing (which is not often enough) - it usually ends up being an enjoyable but fishless day. In the end, the greatest satisfaction I derive from fishing is being able to lose oneself in the beautiful and pristine environments. Whilst, my fishing exploits have been curtailed for a number of reasons, they did lead me to take-up drawing again after a 30 year hiatus. Dipping my toes back into the water with several fly-fishing drawings, has now ended up becoming my #1 consuming passion. Danny (and other posters) I really admire your work, especially your capacity to draw so quickly - I am a veritable tortoise (or should that be snail) by comparison!

That's so wonderful!! I absolutely love this kind of thing. And although I've never really enjoyed painting landscapes, her breathtaking work makes me want to pick up the watercolours..umm..I'm going outside now..see ya!!

You've got to stop this! I'm going broke! LOL I'm now in love with diaries. Gee, I wonder who got me started? :-) Thanks, Danny.

Detlef:
In drawing, slow is good.
It means you're seeing deeply and accurately.
I am often hasty in this as in many things and could never achieve the stateliness of your work, the intense detail and the beautiful light you evoke.
Just compare your drawing
with
mine.

Thanks so much for this, I caught one and am looking forward to having it.

Oh, that's a beauty! Thanks for sharing all these fantastic books, Danny - they make my day.

Have you seen the 90 From the 90's artisanal book show at the NYPL yet? It's fun - lots and lots of stuff, something for everyone. Much to drool over, especially just the idea of having that much time and love to spend on making your own books. If you haven't been, you should go - it closes at the end of May.