Just before bedtime

I have to work tomorrow so this will have to be short. I did some sketching in the front yard this evening. Completed #22 and #23 of the 3rd scavenger hunt. Still have 3 left to go. The 4th scavenger hunt started today. I just posted my first 6 items. We also received the new weekly challenge reference. It is a pair of worn Doc Marten boots. I worked on a new floral colored pencil/watercolor. I hope to start on the sketch of the boots before I get to bed.

Hubby is starting to complain about housework. I spent some time today cleaning. Tomorrow after the puppy is left in the house, I will probably have to start the cleaning all over again.

Finished Portrait

Portrait

Here is my portrait so far. I decided to go with a tracing of the original picture to get my outline. The sketch I made was off. His nose was too long and that threw the whole face off. For this one, I want it to look as close to him as possible.

My Brother

My Next Portrait Class Project

Now on to another class project. This one we chose our own reference photo.

I have chosen to do my brother. He passed away in 2000. That was a terrible time in my life as he was my baby brother and only 46 years old. I was not prepared to lose him. I guess no one is ever ready to lose a loved one, but his death was senseless and caused by drug use.

Steve was a very sensitive person, but his life got on the wrong path at a very early age. His big problem was, he was on a slow ride down hill, and he wasn't strong enough to get off the ride. As he was dying, he told our mom that there was nothing she could have done. The drugs were just too strong and he was powerless to leave them. He was a guy petrified of catching anything as a child and would never touch you if you had any kind of skin problem, etc. He couldn't even stand to watch me insert my pierced earrings. But in the end he was reduced to sharing a needle for his high. That was his end.

And here is my tribute. I have spent 6 years trying to get the picture of him in the hospital out of my head. And once again it shows thru. I failed in my drawing to get the mischievious look he always had in his eyes. He was always a prankster but always in fun. And since he was the baby of the famly, we always made excuses for him.

My drawing seems to have the eyes I saw at the hospital after he was told he would not make it. I know it is not the last look I saw in his eyes as that one is even more haunting. He was scared out of his mind of dying. The nurses said he was not even closing his eyes at night when asleep. He was afraid he wouldn't wake up. He would nod off and jerk himself out of it afraid it would be his last look at the world.

Such a sad end to a life. This picture will be for his son who was 14 years old when his dad died. He can't remember his dad when he wasn't a drug user. He has listened to answer machine tapes of his "happy-go-lucky" dad and wishes he had known him then. My nephew is like a son to me and my husband, and we both are honored to have been partly responsible for him being the very nice, loving, hard-working young man he is today.

Portrait Class Project 1 Finished

Sketch for Portrait Class

I started the portrait class on Monday. This is the sketch I did from the reference photo. Now I am using the Derwent Drawing Pencils on it. I have the first color of 3 on the paper and working with the second color.

Here are the two views. First my sketch and then what I have done so far.

Another bad self portrait

July 23, 2006

The 2nd Scavenger Hunt has a winner. Rohit. He finished with a marathon run to the end. Submitted about 10 things at once. He will present his 26 item list for the 3rd Scavenger Hunt on July 26. Can't wait to get started. I finished my list this morning.

Tonight we will also get a new ref picture for the Weekly drawing. And in the morning we start our portrait class with Al Jones. Can't wait. I have been wanting to get better at portraits, and his are A-1 prime. I really like his style. And I will learn to use the Derwent Drawing pencils I have had around and never used. His portraits are almost monochromatic in a reddish tint. Very appealing.

I finally opened my new watercolor brushes. I thought you were supposed to fill them with water and use on colored pencils that are for watercolor. Well I used my teeth to open the cap where you put the water and got ink in my mouth. That was really attractive. I kept spitting and brushed my teeth using the tongue cleaning area. I kept gagging. I have a touchy gag reflex and it was all I could do to finish even brushing my teeth. But had to get the ink off. First I don't want to die from it. And second it was all over my tongue, teeth, and in between my teeth. That was real attractive. So far still alive and the inside of my mouth looks ok.

"Get to know God and His purpose for you. Prov. 2:4

Disaster Pictures

Another day, another mess, more pictures

I went to class again today. I thought I had my living room dog safe. Well I got home and had a bigger mess than last time. I hadn't shut one bedroom door completely so she had a picnic in there. My wooden easel was on the floor and attached paper towels were chewed. She got some plastic bags with stuff in them (buttons, etc) and a blouse pattern that she shredded.

In the living room she had the phone on the floor, a pack of batteries chewed on the wrap, about 15 dog toys, a trash can, stuff off of a shelf, the dusting swifter chewed to bits, and my furbies. Some of the dog toys were being unstuffed and one had lost an ear. I don't know why but she is a very destructive dog.

My husband will be dog proofing the back yard and reinforcing the fence so she can't jump over and she will have to be an outide dog when I am gone. She is the one who will not like it as it is about 105 degrees here. Supposed to hit 112 this week (that's degrees F.) Very hot. Can't wait to see what damage she can do outside. The last puppy we raised almost dug up our buried poodle. I hope she leaves the loaded pear tree standing, and I would hate if she ate thru the fence and ended up in someone else's yard.

I have a feeling she is doing the damage because I leave the house. She had been shuffled form house to house before we got her, and I think she is afraid I won't come back. She has gotten terribly attached to me as my hubby is working out of town during the week. She still chews when I am here but not as much as when I am gone. She won't eat unless I am in the room with her, or go outside unless I go too. Right now she is asleep under my chair. I can't even move or would run the chair over her. I thought she would go to bed with hubby but she is waiting for me.

Happiness keeps you sweet
Trials keep you strong
Sorrows keep you human
Failures keep you humble
Success keeps you glowing
But only God keeps you going
Author- Unknown

From my Doorway

This is a picture I took from my front porch this evening. We had a thunder and lightning storm with a few large rain drops today even tho the temperature was 104 degrees F. Whatever the reason, I think this is one of the most beautiful views I have seen.

I spent the day at home. Most of the day on the computer going thru the WC forums and threads. I finished 6 more things for the Scavenger Hunt. Now just 10 more to go.

The dog chewed up another roll of toilet tissue, my house slipper (they cost $20) and a few other things. Luckily I caught her before he chewed up my husbands good shoes, rescued a wet slimy furby, a craft sandpaperer, and some other things. She is really keeping me on my toes. I have to keep my ears tuned up and be conscience of any time she is quiet or out of my site. She is really a handful. Her dad has been out of town so he will get to babysit this weekend. I may just disappear for a few hours and leave him to it.

Busy day at home for Penny

My cute puppy left me a nice little surprise today while I was gone to a class. She chewed up a ton of stuff all over the living room. A whole box of kleenex, half a roll of toilet tissue, a bag of cans and bottles, and about everything that was not nailed down.

She met me at the door with her puppy exuberance. Like she was waiting to be praised for her work. She had no clue that she had done anything wrong.

I had brought lunch home, it was 105 degrees F., and I was tired from class with a headache. I just took one look and sat down to eat. It took me quite a while to get it all picked up. Especially as I wanted to photo it first.

I have another class on Friday. Can't wait to see what she has in store for me that day.

There is a white coverlet on the couch and the stuff piled on it is part of the box of kleenex. She is the one on the chair in the background watching me take the picture.

Tuesday

Today a new scavenger hunt was started. I contributed the list of 26 things to "find" and sketch. I thought about the list carefully. I wanted to make sure it stimulated ideas for "how will I do this one". I also wanted to make sure most of the items were accessible to most everyone, and they would be things that would appeal to men and women alike. I am happy with the list.

I entered my first item today. #1 something green

I decided to have several things that are green. I started with a sewing theme and then couldn't resist my little green pitcher. It has a mama one the same color. They were not a set but they go together. I just didn't want to tackle two of them.

This scavenger hunt, to slow myself down, I will try to do more detailed sketches and/or do several items for one number. That will take me more time. Of course for my next entry, I have 3 things combined and one of them fits two categories. Well there goes my good intention.

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23

The start of a new week.

Today starts another new week. Tax classes are almost finished for this session. I did some more drawings at class. A perfect place to do them. I can listen and sketch at the same time. And no one seems interested in what I am doing.

I finished up my scavenger hunt items tonight for the WetCanvas site. My last one was an egg. I had boiled dry almost a dozen eggs. They are awful but the dogs don't know that. I will eventually feed them to the dogs. As I carried the bowl of eggs to my deks, I had 2 dogs at my heels thinking it was their dinner time.

I still have to start the drawing challenge of the week. It is a ref of a very nice sky. Also need more work on my Toad Hollow challenge list. I think I am finished with the first page and now am skipping around to different letters of the alphabet.

The start of a new week.

The start of a new week.

Addition to the family

Here is our newest "baby". 9 months old, yellow lab named Penny. She has been shuffled a little bit too much in her short life but now will have a stable home. She has already made herself quite at home.

My Saturday

I spent this morning in a make up tax class. I missed one on Friday. We spent Thursday night at the emergency veterinarian. Our dog had an allergic reaction to an insect bite. She looked like something from outer space. Her eyes looked like she had golf balls under the skin. Eyes close almost shut. The top of her nose swelled, her neck, and her ears were about a half inch thick. I have never seen anything like it. She had some shots and visited her regular vet Friday. Swelling is going down. She is on 100 mg of benadryl 3 times a day thru the weekend. Quite a scare for her and us. Left the house too fast and didn't take my sketchbook or her leash.

I did some sketching while in the class this morning. I didn't look to see if anyone was watching. It's like I am in my own little world. I can't believe I didn't even look to see if the lady next to me was watching. And I didn't even try to hide my sketchbook. I even showed the teacher during the break.

After I got home, I did two more sketches for the scavenger hunt and a "from memory" drawing of what the dog looked like swollen. It is not very good but gives you an idea of how bad it was.

"Those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. Titus 3:8

Quick sketch

I did a quick sketch for the composition class. My perspective is way off but it is primarily for a critique on the composition and filling the corners either with or without filled space.

Another 7-11-06

I started participating in the Artwork from Life site of WetCanvas. They are having a scavenger hunt. A list of 26 things we are to find and draw from life. So far I have completed 7 of the items. I cropped this one as it fills both that one and another self portrait. I think this one looks more like me than any I have done. I have so much trouble with my mouth and this one was easier without it.

Another self portrait

These self-portraits are becoming a habit with me. But at least I am doing them faster. Egads I am getting more acquainted with my face. Too bad I don't see it better than it is. I have always said instead of saying I'm 39, I would rather say I am 79. (currently I'm 57). I would look pretty bad if only 39 but I look pretty darn good for 79. hehehe. Makes more sense. Besides when I am having a senior moment, no one would take a second glance.

not my will, but Yours be done. Luke 22:42

My day July 10, 2006

I did quite a lot today. Started my tax classes. I was even able to stay awake. Came home and read all the new posts on WetCanvas. I had uploaded the new weekly "challenge". A metal pot with sunflowers.

New challenge

I worked on a quick sketch for a forum challenge. The challenge was to sketch something in your house from the perspective of an ant. I had the ant on the floor and drew what he would be able to see from down there.

I love challenges. They give me a reason to stretch my ability past my comfort zone. As soon as I read the challenge, my imagination started to fly thinking of how I would handle the challenge. It only took about 10 minutes with a mechanical pencil.

7-9-06

I did some sketching in church today. A nice little couple sat in front of me. I showed them the sketches, and she asked for them. I scanned them and now will send them to her or take to her next week.

Went to an anniversary dinner for my parents yesterday and swore I would never eat again. Well just finished a plate of spaghetti and french bread. Stuffed again. What is it about food that pulls us in until we can't breathe. Now I wait for the relief to set in.

I need to clean my office. May start that tonight. But...will probably draw instead.

7-8-06

It is now the middle of the night. The night will be short for me. I checked out a ton of sites today. The new class at WC will be composition. I looked for information about that. I need to learn about this subject.

I start tax classes next week and also a parttime job. It will cut into the time I can spend on the computer and art but regretfully we need to eat.

I still have not done my Illustration Friday drawing. I don't post them on the site, but I do sketch something for it every week.

I must get back to writing poetry. I miss it. I haven't done any for several weeks, and I need to get back to doing it regularly. I do that in church also, mostly spiritual ones, but have been sketching in church instead. I have to keep my hands busy while I listen to the sermon. Otherwise I fidget too much.

I need to get to bed now and some much needed rest. I tend to burn the candle at both ends and at my age, that is not a good thing. I need all the rest I can get and much beauty sleep.

When I do self portraits, I see myself in the worst possible light. This one was done 7-6-06. It looks similar to me but it looks older and more stern than I really am. But at least I am getting some "from life" drawing done, and I am getting a selection of self portraits stacked up. Nice to be able to compare those for any improvement.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength". Phil 4:13

When one door of happiness closes another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

Helen Keller

July 5, 2006

Well it is a new day today. The sun is shining. I have the whole day to myself. I believe I am in the mood to sketch/draw. As I posted in one of the forums, I can now understand why Katherine T and some others have said sketching from life is addictive. At least it is not a bad habit...unless you think about the housework I still will not be accomplishing.

Yesterday as I watched my husband pick apricots from our tree, I spent some time sketching outside. I had already done a couple things at my desk. I filled about 5 half pages. Seems so natural now. I haven't used a grid much. Maybe once since I started the Sketch from Life Class at WC. Even with the weekly drawing challenge this week, I did not use a grid and even when I do use one, it has become less important. I generally use it just to get a basic start. Before I kept the grid thru the entire picture.

I am not participating in the present WetCanvas class and no new one has been posted. I have finished both the weekly drawing for WetCanvas and the 2-week challenge at the Toad Hollow Forum, so now I am looking for something to inspire me to do a more complete drawing. Usually when I become stuck like this, I do another CP floral collage. It doesn't take a lot of brain work and is relaxing for me. But I do tend to keep working at it until it is finished. For some reason, it keeps calling me if I put it down. I will pick up a pencil and do just a tad more, then another color, then another. I don't know when to quit.

I need and want to work on the tonal values of a face. I tried on a drawing of my cousin's baby last night but just can't seem to get it. I can do the same on wood, metal, etc, but seem to rely on a stump to shade faces. I look at all the portraits the people post and can't imagine 15 layers. I seem to get my darks right away and use the stump to get a medium shade and leave the lights as the white paper. I have a lot of work to do before I get it.

July 5, 2006

Well it is a new day today. The sun is shining. I have the whole day to myself. I believe I am in the mood to sketch/draw. As I posted in one of the forums, I can now understand why Katherine T and some others have said sketching from life is addictive. At least it is not a bad habit...unless you think about the housework I still will not be accomplishing.

Yesterday as I watched my husband pick apricots from our tree, I spent some time sketching outside. I had already done a couple things at my desk. I filled about 5 half pages. Seems so natural now. I haven't used a grid much. Maybe once since I started the Sketch from Life Class at WC. Even with the weekly drawing challenge this week, I did not use a grid and even when I do use one, it has become less important. I generally use it just to get a basic start. Before I kept the grid thru the entire picture.

I am not participating in the present WetCanvas class and no new one has been posted. I have finished both the weekly drawing for WetCanvas and the 2-week challenge at the Toad Hollow Forum, so now I am looking for something to inspire me to do a more complete drawing. Usually when I become stuck like this, I do another CP floral collage. It doesn't take a lot of brain work and is relaxing for me. But I do tend to keep working at it until it is finished. For some reason, it keeps calling me if I put it down. I will pick up a pencil and do just a tad more, then another color, then another. I don't know when to quit.

I need and want to work on the tonal values of a face. I tried on a drawing of my cousin's baby last night but just can't seem to get it. I can do the same on wood, metal, etc, but seem to rely on a stump to shade faces. I look at all the portraits the people post and can't imagine 15 layers. I seem to get my darks right away and use the stump to get a medium shade and leave the lights as the white paper. I have a lot of work to do before I get it.

Watercolor Daisies

Colored Pencil

Floral Collage in WC

Oil Painting

An oil painting I did for my cousin.

New WC weekly challenge

Well another weekly challenge was posted. I was worried about the subject but at least I did try it. I figure each challenge I try will bring me closer to my goal of getting better. I started not to post it but decided it would be too easy not to. Harder to post it and show the world. But the world may not be ready for this one.

Sketches from the sketchcrawl

10th Worldwide Sketchcrawl July 1, 2006

I had a lot of fun today but totally worn to a frazzle. I left the house at 9:30am. Arrived at the museum at 10 and started to sketch while still in the car waiting for the museum to open. We were there until 12 noon. Then to lunch and a nice air conditioned break (weather about 100 degrees F) after walking around for a couple hours outside. Then visited a local park, then ice cream cones, then home by 3pm. Good company (my 2 teen neighbors), good food (yummy), good ice cream (double yummy), and so glad to get home. A much needed nap and now I am good for a few more hours. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. Very few people at the museum and no one even looked my way in the restaurant or the park. No shyness at all. Held my sketchpad the whole time (and my camera, pencil, backpack, camera case, and a cane. Had to check each time I stopped to make sure nothing was left. Next time I go with only the sketchpad and pencil and camera. My shoulders are killing me from the backpack and I never once got anything from it. Of course I would still need the cane...oh well downsizing sounded like a good idea. But as usual I would probably take the kitchen sink again.