Cala Lily Blues

Posted on by

SCAN0101

This was inspired by my father-in-law. Flowers from the day that we celebrated his life. I wasn’t able to seriously draw during this time, but I knew that I would want to capture something to keep the memory of the day. The flowers that were brought back to the house from the church were so beautiful, so I took some photos to do some paintings from. The cala lily has such great curves, the colors seem to set the tone for me.

I liked adding the spirographs…somehow they add some mystical features to the piece. We will keep him with us in our memories.

Multiple Projects

Posted on by
Ball point pen study

Ball point pen study

Time to get something finished! Before I am done anything it seems like I am already on to something new. There is an energy and excitement that draws me over to a new project, but I need to discipline myself to go back and finish the ones I have started. So, today, new painting of a Jack-in-the Pulpit (inspiration for painting is the sketch). The ground is done and ready for the subject. This is huge in terms of scale for me…18″ x 24″, yikes!

Also on the agenda, finish the bug and finish the shell. This should keep me busy. Hopefully I won’t get distracted and start anything else!

ground for jack-the-pulpit painting

ground for jack-the-pulpit painting

Happy Spring!

Posted on by
Water-soluble pen and crayon

Water-soluble pen and crayon

It’s hard to believe that it’s the first day of spring. My walk this morning was kind of spring like…it was sunny and fairly warm, and you can hear the birds chirping away. But, there is a boat load of snow on the ground! And, we might even get some more snow tomorrow. Spring in Maine!

Here is my very first greeting card. I did this as a birthday card for my co-worker, seemed appropriate to “think spring”. We won’t be seeing any daffodil blooms in person for quite awhile. The first card I did didn’t turn out–it’s a little intimidating to do an original card–the paper seems so valuable! So, it’s good practice, just like the 75 days of ink only. I approached the card the same way, no guide lines, just drawn with ink and then colored in. I am looking forward to doing more cards and sending them out.

Think Spring!

Lunch time ink

Posted on by
Warm-up sketch for flower journal

Warm-up sketch for flower journal

Sketching at lunch is great, I have limited time, so I really have to focus quickly. Perfect combination for ink only drawing. I am officially behind in my challenge–yesterday was packed with so much activity I didn’t get a sketch in. That means I have to do two today or three tomorrow! It’s a work day, so I will try to at least get one done. The gladiola is a warm up sketch for my flower journal.

I want to start drawing the same subject several times–just to get to know it better. I always want to move on to something new, but I feel I need to spend more time with the same subject. I think I am ready to do that.

Lunch time sketch

Lunch time sketch

Realistic, but abstract

Posted on by
Bird of Paradise: water soluble crayon and graphite

Bird of Paradise: water soluble crayon and graphite

This turned out pretty much the way I wanted it to. That doesn’t happen often. It was planned…but yet loose. I made myself put the color in loosely knowing that once the color was down, that was it, no going back in color. Just over drawn in graphite. I will try to do more of these, some in graphite some in ink. My goal is for the over drawing to simply have beautiful lines, even if that means changing what is in front of me. I am not exactly happy with the lower right corner, but the rest of it I am pleased with.