Elephant

I haven't used pastels very often and even though I have a lot of animals around me, I haven't drawn or painted very many. So I decided to practice both. This elephant is done in pastels on a 9 x 12 inch sheet of beige pastel paper. It ended up being too close to the edges of the sheet and it doesn't quite fit on the scanner.

Studio Friday: Comfort

This week's topic for Friday November 24th suggested by Lisa: COMFORT!

" I recently splurged on a new office chair, and it is making a huge difference in how my back and neck feel at the end of the day, since I spend a lot of time at my computer. Now that the weather has turned a little chilly in the mornings, I'm using my heated lap blanket on my chair to make my work spot even cozier. I wonder what other artists do to make their studios more comfy. Comfort foods? Family photos on the wall? A cozy spot for an afternoon nap?".
~ Lisa

My major comfort is the day bed that I talked about for Studio Friday Indulgences. Since my studio is also the guest bedroom and home office, it serves a useful purpose but it's also the spot where I can read, nap, and think about my projects. My other comfort, especially on these colder days, is my woven shawl that I keep on my desk chair. It keeps me toasty warm on cold mornings or evenings when I'm writing, reading, or sketching.

See more Studio Friday here.

Tree Bark

Ink and watercolor pencils

I've always been fascinated by tree bark. It forms such complex designs. So yesterday I drew peeling bark from the birch tree in our yard. The colors are brighter than real life but I actually found it to be quite colorful in real life.

Studio Friday: This Is Me!

This week's topic for Friday November 17th suggested by Jill: THIS IS ME!

" How about photographing a collage of the things we work with? An arranged collection of papers and embellishments, or fabrics and trims, or paints and paintbrushes, or whatever it is we do that says "this is me." I know we did tools and supplies already, but I thought it would be fun to create a little collage of all the things we use - tools and supplies both, and even other things like a favorite cd, dvd, cup of coffee, nail polish etc that say "this is me and this is what I do".
~ Jill

This is me, or at least me when I'm painting, drawing, or doing some other creative thing. Starting at the upper left is:

• Coffee
• Fiber for spinning
• Color wheel
• Traveling art supplies
• Sock knitting
• Paint
• My reference books
• A variety of sketchbooks and journals
• Brushes

You can see more Studio Friday here.

Playing with Rainbows

"Rainbow Pumpkins", watercolor on paper, 10 x 7 inches

One of my favorite sites is Wet Canvas. Besides having a lot of good information on the site, they also have a Weekend Drawing Event every weekend. Even though it's called a drawing event, people use painting, collage and other techniques. I haven't participated in a while, so it felt good to play with some new techniques and styles this weekend. This weekend's challenge was to use a not so good photo to make your picture. I haven't participated in a while, so it felt good to just play with some new techniques and styles this weekend.

Studio Friday: Studio Indulgences

This week's topic for Friday November 10th suggested by naomi: STUDIO INDULGENCES!

" What can't you live without in your studio."
~ naomi

My "studio" has always been a multi-purpose room. It's my home office, my studio, and the guest bedroom. But the last purpose, the guest bedroom, has been because it has the daybed in it. In reality though, we have other places guests could sleep. The real reason I have the daybed in this room is because I want it there. It's the place where I relax and take naps. It's the place where I read books and magazines (another indulgence).

Most important, it's the place where I sit down with a cup of coffee (yet another indulgence), spread out books and papers and contemplate where I'm going with my next project.

Read about more studio indulgences at Studio Friday.

Studio Friday: Interconnected

This week's topic for Friday November 3rd suggested by Nancy Bea: I AM INTERCONNECTED!

" I am not thinking of connections one might feel to other "great artists" of the past or inspiring, high-profile contemporaries, but the connections that help keep you happy in the studio. Artist friends you get together with for critiques or just coffee and supportive conversation.
For instance I am in a group of four women who get together for all of that, plus find venues to occasionally show together, and we encourage each other in every possible way. Maybe you are part of a class or group that gets together to try out new techniques once a month. Or do you have a beloved teacher you still talk with on occsaion who helps you feel connected to and strengthened by your past. Isolation can cause fear and despondancy: the artist alone in the ivory tower is often the one who commits suicide or stops working! We are all interconnected and honoring and recognizing that is an immense comfort and inspiration and source of strength for me, and I am sure for others too."
~ Nancy Bea

What an appropriate time for this topic! Lately I've missed my fellow artists and teachers. My interactions with the Internet community have been important to me lately but I've missed flesh and blood people around to discuss art. Last weekend I went to the artists' reception for the Tennessee Valley Art Association member exhibit where I was showing a couple of my pieces. It was so nice just to hang around and talk about art for a while. This is a very welcoming art association and this exhibit is one of my favorites. It's an exhibit where almost anything goes. You can see sculpture, pottery, painting, drawing, photography, collage, and fiberarts. The artists range from high school age to artists in their 80s and 90s. It's a wonderful reminder of the various forms that creativity takes. I had a great time. It was also a reminder that even though I have local friends who are artists, I don't get together with them enough. The interaction renews my inspiration and gives me the courage to try new things. Speaking of which, I think I'll go exercise my creativity a bit.

View more Studio Friday here.