Blackberry Study ©Victoria McCall
My sketch today (charcoal, ink, conte crayon and gouache on paper) is a simple study of a cluster of blackberries with stem and leaves. This image conveys a summery, sunny feel hinting at outdoor walks and gathered things. But it can also be viewed a little more pensively as the cluster contains some lighter colored, sour, unripe fruit along with the dark, sweet, ripe berries – while off to one side a quiet little shell sits alone.
In keeping with that pensive tone (but with an entirely different thought), the following Emily Dickinson poem on the subject of blackberries seemed to be an interesting accompaniment to today’s sketch.
The Black Berry – wears a Thorn in his side –
The Black Berry – wears a Thorn in his side –
But no Man heard Him cry –
He offers His Berry, just the same
To Partridge – and to Boy –
He sometimes holds upon the Fence –
Or struggles to a Tree –
Or clasps a Rock, with both His Hands –
But not for Sympathy –
We – tell a Hurt – to cool it –
This Mourner – to the Sky
A little further reaches – instead –
Brave Black Berry –
Ok so now I need one of Mammy’s coblers!
Totally!! With vanilla ice cream?