Silver and Lace

(Pastel pencil on Mi Tientes paper)
Object 10 -- the top of a silver coffee service from an estate sale.
Seems like I just want to draw this one at about 300% of it's actual size!

I've been up to my elbows in a watercolor of Queen Anne's Lace (the flower -- not a fabric!) that I've done and re-done several times.
This one was started in WC class two Saturdays ago and I worked on it again this past weekend. WHAT A MESS! No middle values at all -- any that you see are the result of heavy scrubbing out. However, I got a much better feel for what I was aiming for and so, when I got home Saturday evening, started another version ...

This is the newest version in progress -- well, a portion of it (it was too big for the scanner). I totally changed the colors, and am trying to keep some middle values. I also made liberal and frequent use of masking fluid. Now, can I nurture this one on all the way to the end? There's still a lot of work to be done on it, so if not, it will just get done again ... and again ... and again ...

Questions and Caveats

Special thanks to R.Chunn, whose still life paintings are one of the special inspirations for the 500 Object Project.

Laura and Mereth both asked if the bottles in the earlier post counted as one object or three, in my quest for 500 objects. (Did I REALLY say FIVE HUNDRED?) I'd already worked out the "rules" for this very event ...

The bottles, being three entirely different types, count as three separate objects (#7, #8, and #9), even though I obviously drew them at the same time.
(By the way, I'll also clarify that I never promised the drawings would be GOOD drawings, either; this was one of those times that I made myself sit down and draw, with gritted teeth and some unrepeatable muttering!)

The candies, however, are identical objects, so they only count as one, even though there are three of them.

The final caveat, though, is that when an object gets re-drawn (as the Buddha surely will be), it STILL only gets to count as one. (!!!WHAT!!!) Yep. Not being at all hung up on any idea that it will only take a year to draw all 500, there are a lot of things that I'll probably draw over and over again. The good thing about this plan is that if I then work the objects all into an actual still life painting, I get to name it something really artsy and obscure, like "Objects 3, 18, and 32 with White Linen" -- which also solves the whole "what the heck do you name this painting" dilemma. (Personally I thought the idea was brilliant until just now, when I'm suddenly feeling a bit iffy ...)

Did I miss anything? And what was I thinking?!?
:-D

This Weeks Drawings

(Sorry if any of you have had problems with this post earlier! Let's try it again now, shall we ... and thanks to Janie and Annie for pointing out the problems!)

Continuing in the 500 Objects Theme:

... a seashell ...
... and three little bottles.

And Little Watercolor Cards

The spring feeling in the air today inspired me to do these quick notecards based on flower photos from last April. Fast and loose, and very relaxing to do.

(Tulip magnolia blossom and White tulips on an white cloth -- watercolor on Canson WC greeting cards.)

Holiday Inn Sunspree

Even though it was a chilly, overcast, and wintery weekend, I totally forgot to tell about our wonderful stay last weekend in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, and the staff was just fantastic. We had a hard time finding the hotel (since we were busy chattering and not watching), and when we called for better directions, one of the staff members actually came out to the end of the drive to cheerfully wave us in. All the staff were just as cheerful, and the place was clean and well maintained. I was also impressed at how the dunes behind the hotel were the only ones on this section of beach that had been built back up to a good height and well planted to reduce erosion.

If you are planning an off-season trip to the area, I recommend giving this place a try!

Smirking Buddha

Object #5 -- a Buddha statue / votive candle holder (sans candle). Maybe it was the way I was sitting crooked in the chair, but I ended up giving him a very un-Buddah-like smirk, which I have only just noticed, several days later. Maybe he's in transition to being the happy buddha. Who knows?

This was a Christmas gift from my friend Renee -- actually my husband ended up with it when we did a white elephant Christmas. We had the best time, and I was really glad we ended up with this! So -- it also gets to count as EDM challenge #98 (?) -- "draw a gift you received."

Meanwhile -- I think I'm going to have to try a re-draw, but will do it in a different medium!

(The technical bit -- watercolor and ink in Moleskine)

Tassle and Candy

Object 3: An "elephant tassle" that I got this weekend on clearance while in Florida visiting my wonderful daughter. (It was on sale for $3.95 after tax -- I just love it.)
Object 4: (?) Strawberry candies scattered on the table.
(The technical bit -- done with 005 Micron and colored 01 Staedtler pens in Moleskine.)

Artichoke

Just playing around with acrylics. It's harder than it looks!

Seashell

Object Number Two. A grey sea shell with an orange interior -- perched upon a cigar box.
(Technical bit -- Staedtler ink in Moleskine. And the scan made the orange look much darker than in real life.)

Rocking Horse

Object One -- the first of, oh dear, five hundred! :-D

2007 New Year Art Plan

Diahn and I met today at Panera Bread to sketch and catch up and talk about our Art Plans for 2007. We have decided that it's time to get serious -- but still have fun!

The first thing I had to do was look over my last year plan and see JUST WHAT WENT WRONG...

Expecting that NONE of my goals would have been met, (because I'll confess that I haven't reviewed these goals in some time -- Number One Mistake) I was really pleased to see that I'd come a long way on goal #1 (Improve my watercolor technique -- kind of vague, but hey...), was at 90% on goal #5 (Finish the paintings that I start), and had done GREAT on goal #6 (get out there and draw in public -- THANKS Diahn!)

The others, though -- of doing monthly color studies (de-railed in the second month), draw all the plants in my yard, and do one detailed botanical study a month, just didn't happen. They just DIDN'T.

Now, in all fairness, I was sidelined in early February by some health issues that impacted my day to day life for several months, and I can assign part of the blame there, BUT ... really, was that enough to totally de-rail all those good intentions? Nah. It wasn't.

The problem was that the goals I set didn't have a stated purpose, other than I felt like I had to have an art plan. That's okay, but that's where I should have revised them upon review -- um, review which did not happen. Duh.

The color study plan -- great idea, and would have been one for follow through, but my watercolor teacher had different ideas about how to study color, and so, since I'm paying her and she's the teacher, I went with her plan. I still need to work on color studies -- FOR SURE -- but I just don't think I can devote extended uninterrupted time to a particular color. That's just not me. However, this year will be spent on extensive color charts, not just in watercolor, either!

The botanicals and yard drawings -- I just felt like I had to draw something, and that was true. I love botanicals. But, upon reflection, the main reason I chose botanicals was because I didn't know how to compose a complete painting and it felt like a safe bet ... an easy out. It took me nearly a year to realize that.

So. What's up for 2007? I've been thinking about it since November, and here's the beginnings of the plan.

(1) PROJECT -- 500 Objects. I don't know why 500, it just sounded like a good number. I will be drawing 500 objects over the next year and a half or so. I don't know what they will be -- just stuff around the house that appeals to me. There are plenty of bottles and vases and boxes and tassles and THINGS -- enough that no matter what the weather or the amount of time I have, I will be able to draw something. The medium will be pencil, pen, watercolor, pastel, whatever appeals to me. I will also be working these objects into still lifes (because I just find that I really like still life paintings -- who knows why -- very old fashioned, but I do!) PURPOSE of this goal -- to improve my drawing, painting, and seeing -- to improve my concept of form and arrangement and composition -- because drawing is the basis of all painting. It is something that MUST be done -- not just should or ought to -- MUST.

(2) I will be working more in pastels. It is kind of funny, but I had a pastel piece that I was playing on the other day, and my husband said, "I like that!" I answered, "I know -- I'm actually kind of good with pastel, that's why I never use it." It was meant to be a joke, but it turned out to be one of those jokes that had a sad bit of truth to it. I've gotten so accustomed to the idea that art MUST be a challenge, that as soon as I begin to feel comfortable with a medium, I change to something else. I'll never master anything if I keep doing that. So, I'll continue working in watercolor -- nothing looks like it! -- but also will be working in pastel -- because nothing looks like it, either!

(3) I'd like to take an art workshop sometime this year ... I don't know where or in what, but something as a little treat.

(4) I WILL be hanging art for sale at the gallery at the art center. Period. I'm running out of room here...

ACCOUNTABILITY -- Diahn and I decided that we are going to review our 2007 goals with each other on the 17th of every month. That's accountability, right!? So, hopefully in 2 1/2 weeks there will be a more detailed yet less wordy report!

AND -- by the way -- we set a 5 year goal, too. Does this photo give any kind of hint?

(shhhhh.... we haven't told the guys yet)

The Strangest Pencil

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We have been without Internet for a bit, due to a bad cable modem, and are finally getting back up and running. Now I'm busy cleaning up all the holiday mess -- there's a Christmas tree to be hauled out back (when I can finally let it go -- as it gets older it smells more and more wonderful!) and furniture to be returned to it's regular arrangement. Art supplies can be pulled back out and painting resumed. Of course, there is a trip to Florida in the making, so some delays are inevitable.

All the gifts I received were delightful -- just what I wanted! Exercise clothing and gear, computer gadgets, music, and art supplies (or the cash to purchase them!) I just have to show you all the most unusual gift of the year, though! This is a graphite sculpture -- or "graphite object" as you may prefer -- designed by Agelio Batle in San Francisco. It was from my sister in Phoenix, selected on the advice of my thoughtful niece. It can actually be used to write or draw; I may do ONE drawing of a seahorse (from a photo from the Aquarium) with this, but then it will be display only! Pretty neat, huh?

You can see more of this type of graphite sculpture here.

And the end of the year is here -- which means it is time to review last year's plan (and how it did NOT go off as planned!) and make a plan for 2007. I've been mulling a few things over in my head for a few weeks now, and am nearly ready to finalize those goals ... we shall see.

Happy Holidays!

Saturday -- the last watercolor class of the year. I went in with nothing in mind, saw a poinsettia on a table, and, remembering that this week's Everyday Matters challenge was to do a holiday card, vowed to paint the entire thing in one sitting. Well, I didn't quite make it, and now the feeling is gone ... so here's what's left. What to do with that upper right corner, and exactly what was I thinking on the upper left??? If this gets finished it will be next year's Christmas card*.

Of course, we all know what the month of December means, don't we? This is probably the last serious post of the year. Christmas is irresistibly fun, in my book!

*This sketch from last December is what I used for a card this year, in a limited quantity. I ordered them through Qoop (via Flickr) -- and they really turned out nicely.

EDM Apple

This is probably showing up larger than life! It is actually about 2 1/2" x 2 1/2". I was playing around with colored pencils on Colorfix paper (a sanded pastel paper) after seeing Maggie Stiefvater's amazing work in this medium. The whole drawing took 5 minutes or less -- the paper just pulled the color right out of the pencil! It was really like learning colored pencil all over again -- the paper made it a brand new medium! I think I'll grid off this whole sheet and work on all those EDM challenges that I'm behind on...

Note -- I got the paper in a pack from Jerry's Artarama. A full sheet runs about $7 or $8 -- BUT they had warm or cool color sampler packs in quarter sheets for $13!! It was a fun way to try something new. It wouldn't work at all for a sketchbook or journal -- the paper is thick and sanded, but it is a fun surface for colored pencil. I may have to grid off several sheets and do a sheet of veggies ... a sheet of fruits ... a sheet of flowers ... a sheet of leaves ... the list could go on and on! ;-)

And an extra big Happy Blog Birthday to Lin who has drawn every single day for a year. I bow at your feet, oh dedicated one! You are a joy and an inspiration! :-D

Peggy's Cove

Started as a "sketch" in watercolor class while I waited for paper to soak, but I've become rather fond of this. Mostly I'm fond of the idea of going to this gorgeous place -- Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. Anybody been there?

(There's still work to do on the water ... and it photographed terribly!)

Flesh

Still working on planning a painting of people on a beach, when I realized I'd NEVER successfully painted skin with watercolor. So, I found this photo of a boy in the sun and gave it a try. Sadly, this is the best I've ever done with skin tones (the improvement is good -- but where I'm still at is NOT!) Portraits themselves are not the problem -- it is rendering the smooth transitions and varieties of colors in skin that has me stumped.

I tend to dislike being a formula paint-mixer, but if anyone has suggestions for good skin tone mixes, please share! Meanwhile I'll keep working at it.

What I used -- base was a thiiiin mix of raw sienna, cad red, and a little cobalt. Then thin glazes of burnt sienna, some cad red, some cobalt, a quick streak or two of viridian and cerulean (not mixed), a little new gamboge or winsor yellow (can't remember which) to lighten it up in the sunny spots, I think a little indian red, and maybe even some winsor violet in some of the really dark darks. I did it all on 300# hot pressed Arches paper -- expensive paper to be practicing on, but it is what I THINK I'm going to be using. I started out soaking the paper for a LONG time per my WC teacher's instructions, since the very saturated paper helps the colors mingle better.

I'm not looking for critiques of the portrait itself (yep, there are flaws in the upper lip -- big time!) or the background (just a quickie to get it finished) -- I'm looking for ways to make that skin look really sun struck, with a nice deep summer glow in the shadows, and bright highlights, yet still smooth. Maybe I'm looking for too much! :-D PLEASE -- you wonderful portrait painters out there -- share your secrets! 

EDM Wings

A quick little study for a watercolor painting I'm considering. Fits right in with the Everyday Matters Challenge this week for "draw something with wings." All this painting and less drawing is beginning to take it's toll -- I had a tough time sketching a portrait (also as a study for the painting) because my drawing skills have gotten so rusty. Which clinches it for me -- it's important to draw SOMETHING everyday!

(technical stuff: Graphite & Cretacolor AquaMonoliths on Fabriano Studio paper with a litle water added)

Fun Friday in Fall

I took the day off from work today and went to Dollywood to work with my friend Marcia who has a booth there selling jewelry during the Arts and Crafts festival. Since it was raining this morning, with a forecast for rain, high winds, and cold all day, she advised me to bring my sketchbooks along, as business was likely to be slow.

Well, it rained sure enough, and sales were slow to start with, but we had plenty to do, and then it got a little busy, and I never got the chance to sketch a thing. Still, I managed to sneak out and take a couple of photos...

It's been years since I've been to Dollywood -- too many crowds and all that for me, but who can resist a place that has a carousel with a dragon on it?

... or a lovely deer?

...and, of course, I fell in love with this all together different kind of ride!

I know, I have to get back to work painting tonight -- the piece I've been working on for watercolor class is something I'm not real happy with -- it was an exercise in something and served the purpose, but now I'm starting something I really want to do. I promise to faithfully update! And there's STILL Venice .... and carousel horses ... and Diahn and I go to a silk-screening workshop tomorrow, so who knows what will become of that!?!

Wish I Was There

A quickie of the fishing pier on Okaloosa Island in Florida where my daughter lives -- watercolor done a few months ago based on a sketch I did last April. Next time I go to the beach, I really need to look at the waves -- I had the hardest time remembering what they MIGHT look like! :-)

Meanwhile, I got to enjoy my daughter and son-in-law and grandpuppy for a bit last week when they came in for a visit. The week before that, my in-laws were in and we had a great time running around with the neices and nephews. This weekend my parents are in and we've really enjoyed their visit. It's been a busy and fun month -- lots of family, which is great!

Mom tells me I need to update my blog more often -- and she's right. Again, I've let it go too long, although it only feels like last week that I put something up. I'm playing with bigger and bigger pieces, which means fewer things to show -- but still -- stay tuned -- I may be taking a virtual sketch crawl of Venice soon, courtesy of we-all-know-who!

Oh, and I'm going to try and switch over to Blogger Beta, which means this will all republish -- apologies to Blogliners! If anyone knows of any potential BB problems, PLEASE let me know before I switch! :-)

(Technical bit -- watercolor on 140# cold pressed WC paper)

Patrick Sullivans

A quick change from all the watercolor to a small colored pencil sketch of Patrick Sullivan's Saloon in Knoxville's Old City. Inspired by Janey's suggestion to use a 5"x7" Itoya Art Profolio, slipping loose sheets into the pockets. Also inspired by recent comments on the EDM list about a "bonus round" of travel drawings and drawings from your home town. Seems like we also had a challenge to re-do a previous challenge using a different medium? Anyway, this Knoxville landmark is one of my favorites.