Malpertuis (04-20-12)

Malpertuis is a 1971 movie based on the novel Malpertuis by Belgian author Jean Ray. A long-time fan of Jean Ray's novels, I saw this movie when it came out, and it was real treat to find it available on Netflix's DVD rental site.

 Ghent, Belgium

"Euryale"

Movie: Dracula (10-14-11)

We watched the Francis Ford Coppola 1992 version of Dracula. Aside from a being pretty bloody, with Keanu Reeves in one of the leading roles, it was altogether creepy.

Movie: The Illusionist (06-20-11)

Even a thoroughly stupid movie like The Illusionist has its rewards: for a few seconds, one could see an old, graceful farm estate at night. Another redeeming value for this movie: it was filmed in the Czech Republic, and a few scenes were even filmed inside the castle at Český Krumlov.

Movie: The Big Lebowski (03-20-11)

A quick sketch done while watching The Big Lebowski, a hilarious movie, which, I must admit, I hated the first time I saw it (just like Animal House).

The Dude Abides!

Anyway, what can I say? I am not going to go into an analysis explaining why and make apologies for now liking this buddy movie about bowling losers.

Movie: "Carlos" (2010) (03-02-11)

We watched "Carlos," a three-part mini-series about terrorist Carlos The Jackal, a totally fascinating story that left me wondering why anyone would engage in terrorist activities.

When I watch a movie, the action is sometime too engrossing and I will put down my pen, and leave the page as is, or pick the pen up again later on, if I see a face or a detail that catches my attention. The pages below from my sketchbook reflect our watching the movie over three nights, as I stopped drawing after the end of each episode of the movie. As you can see, on each subsequent session, I try to fill the space on the page, and to add some new details to some of the previous sketches.

Part one: Basic structure; lay things on the page

Part two: Add details, filler images

Part three: Finish off, more filler and touch-ups

The Man Who Loved Women (01-17-11)

We watched an old French movie, "The Man Who Loved Women." The main character had an unusual, yet somehow appealing face.
I liked this movie. It reflects the world I grew up in and I still remember clearly, when it was not unusual for men to compliment women... I feel invisible in this country; it's like one to go to Europe to get a compliment from a stranger.

Movie: Bluebeard (12-30-10)

I really like this sketch done done while watching the French movie Bluebeard. There is something about the stunned, vacant look in this character's eyes that I find comical.

Bluebeard

The New Harry Potter Movie (11-20-10)

We went to see "The Deathly Hallows" at the cinema, and I did these quick sketches while watching the movie.

The Weasely Burrow.

Movie: Jesse James (07-07-09)

We watched the movie The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and I drew this with a pen that was almost out of ink; yet, there is something about the unusually fine quality of the pen strokes that I find visually pleasant and fitting with the subject matter.

Movie: "Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard" (2005) (ca. 02-09)

Bruce Willis in another stupid movie...

Movie: "Die Hard 3: With a Vengeance" (1995) (ca. 02-09)

Really, the things I do to make my husband happy...even watch this type of formulaic schlock.

Movie: "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" (1966) (ca. 02-09)

We watched "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly," a classic Western with Clint Eastwood.

I remember my French teacher in 6th grade using the soundtrack of this movie as background to teach an elective "Relaxation" class, enthusiastically telling us that Ennio Morricone was a living genius. Anyway, it IS a great movie, and the actors' faces are unforgettable.

Movie: "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" (1990) (02-09)

Another formulatic movie. I miss Alan Rickman as the bad guy, though.

Movie: "Die Hard" (1988) (01-17-09)

I did these sketches while watching the first "Die Hard" (Bruce Willis still had hair!).
It was fun watching this old, yet still pretty cool movie, with Alan Rickman as Head Bad Guy and various terrorists with Rock Star 70s hairstyles.

I often draw while watching a movie, even in a dark theater...