"Lords of Tea"
For the last week, I was thinking it would be great to actually show some men drinking tea, and not the landed gentry type might one commonly associate with high tea or such. No, I wanted to depict archetypes of men from American classical culture, to show that real men can enjoy tea as much as anyone. OK, so, admittedly, these aren't your normal sweatshirt wearing sports-buff types, but you will find vague references to even a grandfatherly Santa Clause, Abraham Lincolnish kind of lumberjack/Amish farmer, and a beatnik Professorial type intellectual! You see, Stateside at least, taking time for tea has been far too relegated to little old lady tea parties and such, but, like coffee, it's something to be enjoyed by anyone, alone or even better, among friends! It is the great equalizer of sorts, sophisticated yet understated. To me, its enjoyment defies your classic norm in a most appealing, mellow manner.
My hope is that if I should ever get to retire one day when old and grey, that I could find some kinfolk with whom to engage in stimulating conversation, play the occasional game of chess and perhaps even share portions of the paper with each other at our local coffee/tea shop. As it is, I actually know one retired architect who truly loves tea and might, lo and behold, possess even a better gift of witty banter than I! I know, I know... you must be thinking, that just can't be, right?! Heh. :) Well, regardless, we certainly can laugh and, along with tea, that's good medicine! :D
BTW, I owe this piece of art to my work computer having problems and IT having to sit down to tinker around with it all afternoon. Wanting to remain productive and guessing there might be some down-time, I took the opportunity to start sketching out this idea. Glad I did.
And, finally, speaking of tea time, we had our summer tea a little while ago. If you're at all interested and might enjoy seeing photos of our delightfully fun offerings, you can read more on our couple's blog. :)
I can't even put into words how much I love this image. You have just created some history! Each of the characters and the facial expressions are so cool. And tea drinkers is so manly!!!! My man likes tea too. This was a fun theme and you have brought a whole new perspective it, old man!!! It is good medicine. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHey now, I'm not one of thee old gaffers yet! Haha. So glad you enjoyed it...and that your own hubs enjoys tea too. Now, does he do it with some others as well? :)
Deletethis is so great, lots of detail, and captures a wonderful time of life Michael!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christine!
Deletei really love your drawing!! they look like a fun bunch to drink tea with!!
ReplyDeletemy dad is retired and meets up a few times a week with friends to drink coffee and argue politics! maybe they should switch to tea!! it might calm them down a bit :)
Haha, thanks for sharing that lovely tidbit. Yes, I'm thinking the tea would help keep it marginally more subdued perhaps. As all of my friends are far different to me politically they tend to forget that I don't actually share their views per se, but I try to understand where they are coming from and find common ground as much as able. I love breaking stereotypes, must say.
DeleteI love this Michael! The shading is great, so is the character design, and it looks like a snapshot into a very lively conversation. The man on the far left particularly has an intrigued expression, and I'm very curious to know what he's thinking and feeling. I love the character design and gray scale of this, terrific job!
ReplyDeleteI don;t often do character design but this seemed the perfect opp so you know me, always liking to try new things...
DeleteThank you, Donna.
I don't know why but I am reminded of the strange painting where dogs are playing cards, so it's like the unexpected, something you do not see often. so your piece is like that - unexpected. if you add some books and artist tool, it would be a tea time for creative people, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteit's always interesting how you always interpret the ct theme. you seem to do a lot of thinking while I just sort of wing it.
have a lovely day.
I love this illustration and I'm totally with Lissa here. She's right...unexpected and so works! I think this is what you were going for, too. All of the characters are great...for me, I love seeing Abraham Lincoln drinking tea. hee hee
ReplyDelete