Sketchbook
Moving ... But You'll Never Know It.
December 15, 2009 05:08 PM Permalink
Okay,
here's the deal — the company I use for
commenting and RSS feeds has decided to start
charging for their services. If I was 100% happy with
said service, had unlimited funds and no other
options, I wouldn't change a thing — but I'm
not and I don't and there are.
So I'm going to be moving my Sketch Blog page over to Blogger. You'll still come here to visit my blog — it will all be behind-the-scenes magic. (If you use my RSS feed, you will have to update your links to the new page.) If you want to link directly to the new blog page, it's going to be at http://kbladosdesign.blogspot.com/.
Here's the plan ...
In the next day or so, I'll post the new page here as the NEW Sketch Blog.
This page will be renamed Archived Sketch Blog.
All of the current content — except for the comments — will be here, but I won't be posting to this page anymore.
I think that's it for now. Thanks for your patience with my latest technical frustration. Sigh.
So I'm going to be moving my Sketch Blog page over to Blogger. You'll still come here to visit my blog — it will all be behind-the-scenes magic. (If you use my RSS feed, you will have to update your links to the new page.) If you want to link directly to the new blog page, it's going to be at http://kbladosdesign.blogspot.com/.
Here's the plan ...
In the next day or so, I'll post the new page here as the NEW Sketch Blog.
This page will be renamed Archived Sketch Blog.
All of the current content — except for the comments — will be here, but I won't be posting to this page anymore.
I think that's it for now. Thanks for your patience with my latest technical frustration. Sigh.
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Two For One Day.
December 13, 2009 08:59 PM Permalink
Santa(s) Number 1.
December 07, 2009 08:36 PM Permalink
Still Suffering from Drain Bramage.
December 03, 2009 05:00 PM Permalink
Drain Bramage.
November 27, 2009 10:00 PM Permalink
Couldn't Sleep.
November 25, 2009 06:57 AM Permalink
I've been up since about 4:00 — nobody was snoring for a change, but I still couldn't sleep. I've gotten quite a bit of stuff I want to do done, which is good since the rest of the day will be spent getting ready to travel tomorrow. Myabe since the hubster is home I'll be able to sneak in a nap. Here's hoping.
A Picture of the Camera ...
November 13, 2009 10:16 PM Permalink
I'm Old Enough To Have A Seven-Year-Old?
November 10, 2009 09:04 PM Permalink
Muddling Through.
November 09, 2009 02:13 PM Permalink
Not Her First Choice.
October 16, 2009 09:22 PM Permalink
Sort Of Rhymes.
October 16, 2009 09:20 PM Permalink
Nothing To Say.
October 11, 2009 12:34 PM Permalink
I Thought I Liked Them Before.
October 09, 2009 06:46 PM Permalink
NOT What It Looks Like.
October 08, 2009 08:34 AM Permalink
Hey, It's Still Today.
October 06, 2009 08:34 PM Permalink
Been Awhile Again.
October 06, 2009 10:38 AM Permalink
It Wasn't My Idea.
October 02, 2009 09:27 PM Permalink
I've
been getting wonderful comments (thank you!) about
this series of colorful backgrounds in my sketchbook,
but I stole the idea. Here's a quick explanation of
what I'm doing, but if you want the original check
out Aimee at Artsyville. For one thing,
she takes much better photos of her work and hey,
I have to give credit where it's due. Aimee's a
virtual plethora of amazing ideas so CHECK HER OUT
ALREADY!
First
go get some of these stamp pads from your craft store
(for about a $1) and smear a couple around on your
favorite paper. These are Strathmore watercolor
postcards, but I've been doing this technique for a
week in my handbook journal.
Next,
I used my handy-dandy Faber-Castell Pitt artist pens
to ink (the black stuff) over the ink (the blue and
purple stuff).
And
finally, I got a little slap happy with the gouache
and colored me some petals. For what it's worth, I've
been playing with markers and watercolor on top of
the inked background, too, and had no problems.
So go on, try it out. At the very least, it'll get
you past the blank page staring stage to some actual
creating!
Okay, I Missing A Month Here.
October 01, 2009 11:20 AM Permalink
Still Kicking.
September 22, 2009 10:44 AM Permalink
POW! Right In The Kisser.
September 02, 2009 04:03 PM Permalink
Getting Better AND Getting Busy.
September 01, 2009 10:23 AM Permalink
We're
into the second week of school and the kids (and I )
seem to be adjusting. The dog is still confused when
only Sarah gets off the bus at noon. He stands at the
door whining, waiting for the boy to follow. I keep
telling him we'll get Ryan at 3:30 and he looks at me
like I'm crazy. Um ... maybe I am since I'm talking
to the dog.
Anyway, I was hoping to get some drawing in once things settled down, but apparently they aren't going to. I've got a couple design jobs coming in, which is great ... I never turn down a paycheck. But (and you knew there was one) I was kind of looking forward to a few mornings to indulge in stuff I want to do. Well, there's nine more months of school and I suppose I'll have "me time" at some point.
Anyway, I was hoping to get some drawing in once things settled down, but apparently they aren't going to. I've got a couple design jobs coming in, which is great ... I never turn down a paycheck. But (and you knew there was one) I was kind of looking forward to a few mornings to indulge in stuff I want to do. Well, there's nine more months of school and I suppose I'll have "me time" at some point.
Wonky To Say The Least.
August 29, 2009 10:42 AM Permalink
How's It Going?
August 28, 2009 11:01 AM Permalink
It's
going. There wasn't any crying this morning, so I'd
say things are looking up. It'll probably take a week
or two for things to settle down and everyone to get
in a groove.
Next week I have design work coming in, so at least I'll have that as a distraction. I'll crank the tunes and the time will fly.
Next week I have design work coming in, so at least I'll have that as a distraction. I'll crank the tunes and the time will fly.
On My Own.
August 27, 2009 08:33 AM Permalink
Getting Ready ...
August 26, 2009 08:29 AM Permalink
M.I.A.
August 24, 2009 03:04 PM Permalink
Looks
like the last time I posted anything from my
sketchbook was August 6th. I suppose I should post
the drawings in between like I normally do, but I
don't feel like doing all that scanning. So let me
sum up — I've been crocheting, playing,
vacationing, working, getting munchkins ready for
school, drawing every now and then and fixing a huge
screw-up on my part. It's feels good to be back to
normal ...
more or less.
(Note: There were no persons or animals harmed by the aforementioned screw-up [unless you count my frustration and stress]. At some time in the future, I may be willing to admit to what the screw-up [involving artwork] was, but I doubt it.)
more or less.
(Note: There were no persons or animals harmed by the aforementioned screw-up [unless you count my frustration and stress]. At some time in the future, I may be willing to admit to what the screw-up [involving artwork] was, but I doubt it.)
Some Days Are Near Perfect ...
July 29, 2009 12:59 PM Permalink
I headed
downtown yesterday (sans kids) to hang out
with Karen Sandstrom at the Botanical
Gardens. We sat together drawing gladiolus and
chatting for a bit, then moved on to check out the
rest of the gardens. I got some wonderful photos
of – you guessed it — more flowers and
found the perfect new frog for my yard. Okay,
judging by the number of kids sitting on him, he
may have been a little big, but he was still cool.
In the middle of drawing him, I felt the wind stir on my shoulder and had the weirdest sensation I was being watched. Next I felt a tap and Max, who was about four-years-old, introduced himself and informed me that I draw good. He then peppered me with questions in a very Elmer Fudd-esque accent – sorry kid, but I'll probably never meet you again, your mom probably doesn't read my blog and it was just too cute not to mention.
He spent maybe 15 minutes with me while his brothers and cousins climbed all over the rocks and frog. His mother asked me several times if he was bothering me and I said no, he's actually making my day.
In the middle of drawing him, I felt the wind stir on my shoulder and had the weirdest sensation I was being watched. Next I felt a tap and Max, who was about four-years-old, introduced himself and informed me that I draw good. He then peppered me with questions in a very Elmer Fudd-esque accent – sorry kid, but I'll probably never meet you again, your mom probably doesn't read my blog and it was just too cute not to mention.
He spent maybe 15 minutes with me while his brothers and cousins climbed all over the rocks and frog. His mother asked me several times if he was bothering me and I said no, he's actually making my day.
I got
to the Gardens a little early – I wasn't sure
where to park and I wanted time for my warm-up
drawings to get the kinks and
first-drawing-of-the-day fears exorcised. There's no
pressure when drawing a sculpture like this one,
because how the heck will anyone else know if it
looks right or not?
After lunch at Arabica, where I tried my first wrap sandwich and found out what I've been missing, we spent some time in the Art Museum. I haven't gone since they started the renovations and as they aren't done yet, I probably won't be back anytime soon. Sigh. We did find my three favorites — Monet, Van Gogh and Chuck Close – so I was pretty happy.
Some Days Are Tough ...
July 29, 2009 12:55 PM Permalink
I try
not to put pressure on myself to draw — after
all, this is supposed to be fun. Still, there are
days where nothing strikes my fancy and I end up
staring at a blank spread at 9:00 at night, knowing
if I don't get something down I'm not going to sleep.
Not my most original idea, but it got something on the page.
Not my most original idea, but it got something on the page.
Don't Wanna.
July 27, 2009 09:47 AM Permalink
I don't
know why, but the last place I want to be lately is
here in front of my computer. My interest in blogging
tends to wane when the weather is nice and I'd rather
be outside. Plus, there's only four weeks of vacation
left for the kids and we haven't done anything fun
yet. At least that's what they tell me — how
quickly they forget Cedar Point, exploring caves and
driving go-carts. But no, we haven't gone to the
beach yet or played at the big park (playground by
our old house that is still their favorite) or
visited Grandma and Grandpa Graham. Guess I'm going
to have a busy last four weeks.
Harder Than It Looks.
July 23, 2009 09:23 AM Permalink
Insert Title Here.
July 21, 2009 10:43 AM Permalink
Okay, so
I'm sitting here rocking out to Pat Benatar (I love
the 80's) and trying to come up with something really
profound to write and aside from a run-on sentence,
not coming up with much. In fact, my brain's working
so well that I can't even muster up a title for this
post. Sigh.
I'm trying to get everyone back to normal after our vacation (also known as running around trying to cram as much fun into each day as possible and then collapsing on the couch), remember how to cook and remember that the Clorox 2 goes in that big hole on top of the washer and the fabric softener goes in the little one. Sheesh! Aren't I supposed to feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world? Yeah, well, I don't.
Top that off with the fact that the kids are bored (go pull weeds already ... there's enough to keep you busy for at least an hour), it's raining (so you'll get wet ... you aren't made of sugar — believe me, I know — and you won't melt) and I have work coming in (finally) and it's no wonder I'm feeling frazzled 36 hours after the vacation ended.
Now, do I post this little rambling rant or edit? Oh what the heck, it is what it is and I can't be the first one to feel this way. Right?
And btw, I know I suck at keeping up and commenting on all my favorite blogs and Flickr photostreams. I keep waiting to have a few uninterrupted minutes and ... well ... that ain't happening right now. Sigh. So in the meantime, thanks for visiting me and I'll catch up soon, I swear.
I'm trying to get everyone back to normal after our vacation (also known as running around trying to cram as much fun into each day as possible and then collapsing on the couch), remember how to cook and remember that the Clorox 2 goes in that big hole on top of the washer and the fabric softener goes in the little one. Sheesh! Aren't I supposed to feel rested, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world? Yeah, well, I don't.
Top that off with the fact that the kids are bored (go pull weeds already ... there's enough to keep you busy for at least an hour), it's raining (so you'll get wet ... you aren't made of sugar — believe me, I know — and you won't melt) and I have work coming in (finally) and it's no wonder I'm feeling frazzled 36 hours after the vacation ended.
Now, do I post this little rambling rant or edit? Oh what the heck, it is what it is and I can't be the first one to feel this way. Right?
And btw, I know I suck at keeping up and commenting on all my favorite blogs and Flickr photostreams. I keep waiting to have a few uninterrupted minutes and ... well ... that ain't happening right now. Sigh. So in the meantime, thanks for visiting me and I'll catch up soon, I swear.
Tuesday Was Just Plain Long.
July 15, 2009 03:24 PM Permalink
Hit Or Miss.
July 09, 2009 10:15 AM Permalink
I have
some design work in house (yippee!) for the weekend
and we're on vacation next week (double yippee!).
There are big plans involving canoes, zoos and
go-carts, so the posting around here may be a little
haphazard. Have a good weekend and if you're anywhere
around N.E. Ohio, don't forget the sunblock.
Six Of One ...
July 06, 2009 10:12 PM Permalink
The Last Shall Be First.
July 05, 2009 11:45 AM Permalink
Yes, I
just got home from church, but the title actually
refers to how I draw in my sketchbooks. The last two
pages I tackle in each book are actually the opening
spread.
I've started using it as a place to sum up what's in that particular sketchbook and put some actual photos of the kids. I spend so much time drawing (not a bad thing) that my photo albums are suffering. This way I still have a record of how the kids have grown and changed.
(And yeah, I've just started my 19 sketchbook. I'll be coming up on my third anniversary of keeping a sketchbook in mid-August.)
I've started using it as a place to sum up what's in that particular sketchbook and put some actual photos of the kids. I spend so much time drawing (not a bad thing) that my photo albums are suffering. This way I still have a record of how the kids have grown and changed.
(And yeah, I've just started my 19 sketchbook. I'll be coming up on my third anniversary of keeping a sketchbook in mid-August.)
First ... The End Of One Journal.
July 05, 2009 11:41 AM Permalink
I carry
my sketchbook with me everywhere (more or less) and
lately I'm not the only artist marking it's pages.
Whenever a kid gets bored, I've been handing them a
pen and my book. I think I might get a small box of
crayons to throw in my purse, too, and then I'll
always be prepared.
Ryan's ...
Sarah's ...
Ryan's ...
Sarah's ...
I Know ... I'm An Enabler.
July 01, 2009 10:30 PM Permalink
Another Month Bites The Dust.
July 01, 2009 10:49 AM Permalink
This
is going to have to stop. The kids have figured out
that their birthday doesn't always fall on the day of
the birthday party. In the past, before they began to
understand calendars (stupid school and education!),
I got away with making one cake, one special meal and
one celebration. This will be the second year in a
row that Sarah will be having two celebrations, which
of course means Ryan will want two when his birthday
rolls around in November.
So today I'll be icing the butterfly cake (with the
mysterious missing bite out of it), making spaghetti
and meatballs and Sarah will get to open a couple
little things from Tom and I. She already got her BIG
present ... the 20" bicycle ... and on Saturday her
cake will have Ariel (a glorified Barbie doll which
my closet feminist still opposes, but the mom
realizes the girl will love) sitting on it, but we
couldn't not have something for her to open tonight.
Of course, I came to that realization yesterday and
had to run out after they were in bed. I found a cute
pink sundress, a pink top and shorts outfit and a
pair of pink sunglasses. Princess Wears-Pink-A-Lot
will be in heaven.
Coming To The End ...
June 28, 2009 09:04 PM Permalink
... of
my patience, unfortunately. This is the only computer
in the house, so I let the kids have a turn on it
every now and then. Usually on rainy days when I
can't think of anything else. I made the mistake on
Friday of letting them play for a bit more or less
unsupervised. I wasn't sitting in here with them, but
I thought I was checking on them regularly enough.
Normally, they leave my stuff alone, but I've been discovering things that have been messed with ever since. Someone dug in my watercolors with my nail file, swirled a waterbrush in the watercolors and didn't clean the brush and (this is the good one) scraped the painting I'm currently working on with something sharp, probably the aforementioned nail file. Luckily, all of the mischief can and has been fixed, but the kids are still banned from the office for awhile.
I told them I don't care who was responsible, I've been training them pretty much since birth about the difference between mommy's art supplies and every other creative tool in the house. Since I'm in the middle of a couple of projects, they aren't allowed in here at least until those are completed. And then they won't be allowed in here unless I'm with them for probably a very long time. The boy pointed out that will seriously cut into his computer time. Yep, I know. I'm mean like that. Sigh.
Normally, they leave my stuff alone, but I've been discovering things that have been messed with ever since. Someone dug in my watercolors with my nail file, swirled a waterbrush in the watercolors and didn't clean the brush and (this is the good one) scraped the painting I'm currently working on with something sharp, probably the aforementioned nail file. Luckily, all of the mischief can and has been fixed, but the kids are still banned from the office for awhile.
I told them I don't care who was responsible, I've been training them pretty much since birth about the difference between mommy's art supplies and every other creative tool in the house. Since I'm in the middle of a couple of projects, they aren't allowed in here at least until those are completed. And then they won't be allowed in here unless I'm with them for probably a very long time. The boy pointed out that will seriously cut into his computer time. Yep, I know. I'm mean like that. Sigh.
I Have Pages To Post ... Really.
June 23, 2009 10:02 PM Permalink
What Can I Say? It's Summer.
June 19, 2009 09:42 AM Permalink
Playing Catch-Up Yet Again.
June 15, 2009 11:35 PM Permalink
School's Out For Summer!
June 10, 2009 09:00 PM Permalink
Up Early Again.
June 10, 2009 06:29 AM Permalink
Just For Grins And Giggles.
June 09, 2009 07:14 AM Permalink
I've
been recording when I draw/color/write in my
sketchbook over the last week or two and one thing
has become clear. I have a much better chance of
ending up with a more complete spread if I start
early in the day. Furthermore, if I don't start until
after the kids go to bed — read as I'm tired
and want to join them — I'm much less likely to
add color/commentary.
I don't think it really has anything to do with morning being my "best time" to draw. More likely, starting early gives me more five minute intervals throughout the day to sneak in another line or wash of watercolor.
The only problem with deciding on something to draw earlier in the day is the day hasn't happened yet. Usually, something the kids or dog or husband does prompts what I draw — check out the hat and mask from a couple of days ago. My solution? I guess I'll just have to draw two things if something later in the day strikes my fancy.
I don't think it really has anything to do with morning being my "best time" to draw. More likely, starting early gives me more five minute intervals throughout the day to sneak in another line or wash of watercolor.
The only problem with deciding on something to draw earlier in the day is the day hasn't happened yet. Usually, something the kids or dog or husband does prompts what I draw — check out the hat and mask from a couple of days ago. My solution? I guess I'll just have to draw two things if something later in the day strikes my fancy.
Yes,
after being encouraged (nagged) a lot over the last
few days, I've finally drawn one of my boy's shoes.
("It's a sandal, mom," he adds helpfully.)
Saw this flower (and several others, but I just drew this one, okay?) peeking through the neighbor's fence at my in-laws. I think it's a columbine, but I'm not sure. I just thought it was cool and alien looking.
I'm Batman!
June 03, 2009 04:44 PM Permalink
Two For The Price Of One.
June 02, 2009 08:38 AM Permalink
Guess I Slept Funny.
May 01, 2009 07:47 PM Permalink
Wednesday, April 29.
April 29, 2009 08:05 PM Permalink
Not A Clue.
April 28, 2009 08:23 AM Permalink
Stephen Hall asked me recently
how I manage to draw so often. Honestly, it wasn't
that long ago that I didn't see any value in
keeping a sketchbook. Although many instructors
encouraged me to, I've never used a sketchbook for
recording and developing ideas. Watching my kids
with their crayons reminded me that once upon I
time, I liked to draw purely for the sake of
drawing. That thought prompted me to give
sketchbooks a try one more time and that was
almost three years ago.
So what motivates me to pick up a pen (almost) every day? I think the key for me is my sketchbook has morphed into more of a journal. Originally my goal was to get the drawing habit back, but I found myself adding brief explanations of what was on the page. Those explanations have grown into daily anecdotes, usually featuring my kids. What can I say, I'm a stay-at-home-mom and they provide me with good material.
That doesn't mean there aren't days when it feels like more of a chore than a pleasure. Maybe I can't think of anything to draw or I've been on the go, only to realize at 10:00 p.m. that I haven't drawn yet. Sometimes I manage to eke something out and sometimes I don't and I tell myself that's okay, too. Drawing has become too important to me to let one missed day make me stop altogether.
So what motivates me to pick up a pen (almost) every day? I think the key for me is my sketchbook has morphed into more of a journal. Originally my goal was to get the drawing habit back, but I found myself adding brief explanations of what was on the page. Those explanations have grown into daily anecdotes, usually featuring my kids. What can I say, I'm a stay-at-home-mom and they provide me with good material.
That doesn't mean there aren't days when it feels like more of a chore than a pleasure. Maybe I can't think of anything to draw or I've been on the go, only to realize at 10:00 p.m. that I haven't drawn yet. Sometimes I manage to eke something out and sometimes I don't and I tell myself that's okay, too. Drawing has become too important to me to let one missed day make me stop altogether.
I Draw On The Weekends.
April 20, 2009 11:04 AM Permalink
What I
don't do is sit in front of my computer if the
weather is nice and it was gorgeous with a capital G
on Saturday (as evidenced by my burnt-to-a-crisp
neck). Today, however, it's raining and it's slated
to do that all day. Sigh. At least I'll get some work
done on the latest painting.
My latest crochet creation was going to be a one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater, but I'm out of purple.
My latest crochet creation was going to be a one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater, but I'm out of purple.
My
little finger in all it's not tired glory.
A
rabbit still hanging out at my in-laws.
Somebody Stop Me.
April 17, 2009 03:07 PM Permalink
Happy Easter!
April 10, 2009 09:06 AM Permalink
From 70 Degrees And Sunny ...
April 06, 2009 08:47 PM Permalink
Guilty Mommy Moment.
April 01, 2009 08:01 PM Permalink
March Went Where?
April 01, 2009 07:58 PM Permalink
Good Morning My Tuckus!
March 30, 2009 08:27 AM Permalink
Feels Like Spring.
March 29, 2009 11:22 AM Permalink
Got Patience?
March 17, 2009 07:15 PM Permalink
Sushi Anyone (Else)?
March 17, 2009 07:11 PM Permalink
Summary only available
when permalinks are enabled.
This
painting was done from a photograph provided on the
blog Different Strokes From Different
Folks, where artists
are encouraged to paint or draw their own
interpretations.
The original image found on DifferentStrokesFromDifferentFolks.com
Two Of Many.
August 01, 2008 10:21 PM Permalink
Another Month Gone.
July 31, 2008 10:36 PM Permalink
Where exactly
does the time go? I seem to have a break now on a
variety of fronts — the upstairs bath remodel
is complete, all is quiet in the design department
and I've sent off the Sketchbook Project entry. Time
to think about a new painting to work on. Probably
one to go in the middle of the two poppy paintings
I've done as they aren't big enough to fill up the
wall they're intended for. Hmmmmmmm?
Salt Anyone?
July 30, 2008 10:07 PM Permalink
Does Two Equal A Set?
July 27, 2008 09:48 AM Permalink
Nothing To Say Again.
July 25, 2008 04:45 PM Permalink
Finding That Balance Thing.
July 22, 2008 09:37 PM Permalink
The kids were
not particularly happy with me again today because I
had work to do. And I'm not talking laundry, cleaning
or cutting the grass — those things I'll gladly
put off in lieu of something kids like. No, this was
the other kind of work, the kind I get paid for. I
tried to explain that this work helps pay for the fun
stuff, but they just wanted to know when I was going
to be done. Sigh.
We All Survived.
July 19, 2008 11:41 PM Permalink
Summary only available
when permalinks are enabled.
Tom and I
went on a date tonight and left Ryan & Sarah with
a "kid watcher" — for the first time that they
remember. There was a wedding we went to right after
Sarah was born and two of my girlfriends stayed with
them, but that occasion is long forgotten. Other than
that, it's been relatives as babysitters for the last
5-1/2 years. The kids apparently like Cara (and her
younger sister) better than us and she said Ryan and
Sarah were well-behaved and no trouble at all. I
suppose that means we'll have to do this again.
Maybe Mostly Black.
July 18, 2008 03:21 PM Permalink
Fitting It All In.
July 16, 2008 11:03 AM Permalink
Summary only available
when permalinks are enabled.
I'm used to
getting a design project in the afternoon and having
it due the next morning, so I end up working like a
madwoman all night long. I really love my new client,
because they consistently give me more time —
the work I got yesterday isn't due back until EOD
Thursday. Being that I'm used to killing myself to
get the work done, having time to set it aside to do
other things is strange — I feel like I'm
slacking.
I am getting better at it, though. Last night I worked for a couple hours and got all the typesetting done. This morning I spent a few more hours fitting the images in and tweaking the layout. After the kids go to bed tonight, I'll proof everything, make corrections, have my husband proof it, make those corrections and then I can send it back to the client Thursday morning. I'll still get the work back to my client early — always a plus — and I'll have time for the rest of my life too.
In fact, after lunch I think the kids and I are going to the beach.
I am getting better at it, though. Last night I worked for a couple hours and got all the typesetting done. This morning I spent a few more hours fitting the images in and tweaking the layout. After the kids go to bed tonight, I'll proof everything, make corrections, have my husband proof it, make those corrections and then I can send it back to the client Thursday morning. I'll still get the work back to my client early — always a plus — and I'll have time for the rest of my life too.
In fact, after lunch I think the kids and I are going to the beach.
Technical Difficulties.
July 12, 2008 03:20 PM Permalink
New Garden Frog.
July 08, 2008 09:56 PM Permalink
Now We Can Enjoy The Summer.
July 07, 2008 03:38 PM Permalink
We had a lot
of family stuff the last couple of weeks, but now
we're on vacation. In between finishing up our master
bath, we'll be doing fun stuff with the kids. Today,
for instance, we took them canoeing ... I'm still
trying to decide if it was actually fun. Hmmmmm. Or
should I say ouch?
Instead of bubbles or rice, we shook pom-poms as the bride and groom exited the church. First for me, but it looked kind of cool.
Birthday Celebration No. 2
July 05, 2008 09:00 AM Permalink
One of my
best friends is getting married today and we're
having my daughter's birthday party tomorrow. It's
been a little nuts around here for the last two days
even though we're technically on Vay-K. So here I am
playing catch-up yet again and seriously considering
that break from blogdom that I mentioned about a
month ago.
Ryan's
neck is feeling better, but he's still turning his
whole body to look to his right. He hasn't been on
his bike or played basketball for two days, so we
know he's not feeling great.
Struck Mute.
July 02, 2008 08:48 AM Permalink
More Wedding-Related Drawings.
June 30, 2008 05:27 PM Permalink
Survived Another Busy Weekend.
June 29, 2008 07:45 PM Permalink
My youngest
brother-in-law got married yesterday. Between the
late night friday for the rehearsal and the late
night yesterday, I'll need another week to recover.
The kids are acting like it's just a regular day and
asking when we can go dancing again. ERGH! Hopefully,
in 20+ years at one of their weddings.
In Case You Weren't Aware ...
June 26, 2008 06:54 AM Permalink
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Found On Walks.
June 24, 2008 11:38 AM Permalink
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Weird Weekend.
June 22, 2008 08:54 PM Permalink
Yesterday my
son was sick and my daughter was annoyed since she
wasn't getting the attention he was. Today everyone
seemed back to normal. In between taking care of the
sick one and soothing the annoyed one, I got the last
of the wedding stuff done for my brother-in-law (good
since the wedding is next week) and finished three
out of five design jobs (okay since only one of the
five is due tomorrow). I got stuff done, but I don't
feel like I accomplished much. Weird.
Vacation's Over.
June 21, 2008 10:02 AM Permalink
I Really Should Thank My Son.
June 20, 2008 08:01 AM Permalink
Everything And Anything Can Be Pink.
June 18, 2008 04:14 PM Permalink
Welcome To The Fun Factory.
June 17, 2008 08:58 PM Permalink
Sub-Par Effort.
June 14, 2008 09:46 PM Permalink
Fast One.
June 13, 2008 05:13 PM Permalink
Summary only available
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This is from
a photograph I took at the zoo on Wednesday. No idea
what kind of flower it is, but I thought liked it.
The drawing seemed to come together all on it's own.
I love it when they do that.
And this is in my regular sketchbook. It's supposed
to be a rock. It looks like three-day-old gum. Win
some, lose some.
Why I'm Glad I'm Home With My Kids.
June 12, 2008 10:22 PM Permalink
Do you think,
30 or so years from now, my grandkids will be helping
my kids wash a car? Will Ryan and Sarah want to share
experiences and memories we're making right now with
their kids? Picking up sticks, washing the car,
playing in the dirt with worms, stomping in puddles,
going for a drive and stopping for ice cream
somewhere, playing basketball, flying planes and
kites, staying up late in the summer? Is the walking
around I hear upstairs one of them sneaking a look
out the window at lightning bugs?
When I talk about some of the stuff I take the kids to — storytime at the library, open gym at the recreation center, the playland at the mall — my mom has said she wishes those opportunities were available when my brother and I were kids. You know what, though? The silly little things that my mom and dad probably didn't think were such a big deal are the memories that mean the most to me. Sometimes the routine of being a stay-at-home-mom gets to me and I feel like my life is one big series of messes that I have to clean up.
And then there are days like today.
When I talk about some of the stuff I take the kids to — storytime at the library, open gym at the recreation center, the playland at the mall — my mom has said she wishes those opportunities were available when my brother and I were kids. You know what, though? The silly little things that my mom and dad probably didn't think were such a big deal are the memories that mean the most to me. Sometimes the routine of being a stay-at-home-mom gets to me and I feel like my life is one big series of messes that I have to clean up.
And then there are days like today.
Found Objects.
June 12, 2008 08:38 AM Permalink
Missed A Day.
June 10, 2008 12:53 PM Permalink
Beauty Secrets.
June 08, 2008 08:33 PM Permalink
Break's Over.
June 04, 2008 09:39 PM Permalink
Pseudo-Break.
June 03, 2008 09:07 PM Permalink
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With the
plethora of buds, flowers and such outside right now,
I'm finding it really hard to hang around here at my
computer. Working from photos is convenient, but I'd
much rather be sketching in the sunshine while my
kids play — even if I do have to duck balls,
bats and squirts of water to do it. That being said,
I'm going to be taking a pseudo-break from the
wonderful world wide web. I'm still planning to post
my sketches, but it might be more of a weekly thing
instead of daily. (calm down mom — i'll post
pics of the kids more frequently.)
Clapton Is God.
June 01, 2008 08:47 PM Permalink
Working On My Tan.
June 01, 2008 08:43 PM Permalink
In Need of More Time.
May 25, 2008 09:35 PM Permalink
Still Finding Time To Draw.
May 24, 2008 09:07 PM Permalink
What Do Hippos Say?
May 22, 2008 09:16 PM Permalink
I'm pretty
sure they don't laugh like Woody Woodpecker (sometimes I love the
internet) which is what my Hippo flashlight toy
does. This stuffed guy doesn't say much of
anything. Thankfully.
Equal Opportunity Sketcher.
May 22, 2008 07:46 AM Permalink
I managed to
work in both sketchbooks yesterday. My son was at
school and my daughter wanted to draw so I started
the Iris painting below. Finished it after dinner and
then did the muddy buddies. Yummy. Won't have that
much time on my hands after this week — summer
vacation. Although there are a lot of flowers getting
ready to bloom — peonies, lilies, clematis to
name a few. Maybe I'll be able to document their
progress while the kids play in the yard.
Liked the
irises so much, I used them again for my "save the
world" book. I tried a little bit of watercolor, just
enought to stain the page and it worked better than I
expected. Then I went back in with colored pencil to
deepen the colors. I don't work with colored pencils
as much anymore because they take time to develop.
Putting a coat of color underneath does speed the
process up a bit though.
Now You Can Compare.
May 20, 2008 09:13 PM Permalink
My next door
neighbor's irises are in bloom and I'm jealous. I had
some really pretty ones at the old house, but didn't
move them and I haven't planted any bulbs here yet.
Maybe in the fall, but probably more like next
spring. Until then, I suppose I can keep sneaking
over next door.
I only had about 15 minutes to work on this sketch outside — the cracks with the ball in the back of the head let me know someone wanted to play baseball. So before I packed it in for the afternoon, I took a couple of photos to use when I had time to finish. Here's what I ended up with and the photo.
I only had about 15 minutes to work on this sketch outside — the cracks with the ball in the back of the head let me know someone wanted to play baseball. So before I packed it in for the afternoon, I took a couple of photos to use when I had time to finish. Here's what I ended up with and the photo.
Almost Summer Vacation Blues.
May 19, 2008 08:14 PM Permalink
I Miss Stipling.
May 18, 2008 08:39 AM Permalink
Missed A Day.
May 16, 2008 05:35 PM Permalink
I was afraid
I wouldn't sleep last night when I went to bed
without drawing — at 9:00 p.m. Well, I was
tired. So sue me. Long story short, I think I was
snoring before my head hit the pillow and I feel
better today. And I worked on my other sketchbook, so
I don't know why I'm explaining this to you. It's not
like I didn't draw at all yesterday. Okay? Okay.
I Have An Idea ...
May 14, 2008 09:24 PM Permalink
... and no
idea how to introduce it. I've started working on my
book for the Sketchbook Project
and I know
what I want to do. I just don't know how to
explain it at the beginning, so I'm not going to.
At least not right now and you can't make me!
For whatever reason, I'm always mildly freaked out by the first page in a sketchbook. And this is a sketchbook with A THEME that I'm going to send out to sit next to other artists' books. (Would all of my neuroses please line up and no pushing, there's plenty of material to work with for everyone.) So my hope is that if I just get going with the drawing, the right words will come.
For whatever reason, I'm always mildly freaked out by the first page in a sketchbook. And this is a sketchbook with A THEME that I'm going to send out to sit next to other artists' books. (Would all of my neuroses please line up and no pushing, there's plenty of material to work with for everyone.) So my hope is that if I just get going with the drawing, the right words will come.
Take Two and Call Me In The Morning.
May 13, 2008 08:52 PM Permalink
Spent the day
trimming the three monster bushes in front of our
living room window. I was mildly surprised to find
that while I still want to rip them out, I can now
probably live with them until next year. After adding
three kinds of deer resistant flowers, it looks even
better. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, which is
good. It'll water the plants and more importantly,
give me time to recover. I always do too much in one
day, but I get going and I just want to finish. Ergh.
No Clue.
May 12, 2008 09:58 PM Permalink
This is from
the large tree in the backyard. I have no idea what
it is, but it has waxy, shiny leaves that grow in
little groups. It's just starting to fill with leaves
while the maples in the front almost look like it is
mid-summer. If I'm remembering correctly, it gets
berries in the fall and turns a very pretty reddish
gold.
Happy Mother's Day.
May 12, 2008 07:44 AM Permalink
Most of my
Mother's Day was spent in a car, driving back from
visiting my folks and most of that was in the rain.
Pouring rain. Ergh!
Still, the kids and dad did good — I have a new Cleveland Indians shirt and a new frog for the yard. Frogs for in my flowerbeds are what I originally started purchasing for myself a few years ago and then my Uncle unleashed the inside frog plague. Anyway, some of the frogs I've gotten are starting to look a little worse for wear. For instance, one statue with three frogs has only a couple of feet left — most of them have broken off and I usually pile mulch up so they don't fall over. The new one is cute — just a ceramic frog about the size of a small cat with a really cool glaze.
I ended the day (obviously) with a Reese's Pieces sunday from Friendly's. Ah, bliss.
Still, the kids and dad did good — I have a new Cleveland Indians shirt and a new frog for the yard. Frogs for in my flowerbeds are what I originally started purchasing for myself a few years ago and then my Uncle unleashed the inside frog plague. Anyway, some of the frogs I've gotten are starting to look a little worse for wear. For instance, one statue with three frogs has only a couple of feet left — most of them have broken off and I usually pile mulch up so they don't fall over. The new one is cute — just a ceramic frog about the size of a small cat with a really cool glaze.
I ended the day (obviously) with a Reese's Pieces sunday from Friendly's. Ah, bliss.
From My Weekend Away.
May 11, 2008 05:53 PM Permalink
My parents
always have cool things to draw and this tea infuser
(yes, I had to google it to see what it was called.
so what?) is no exception. Unfortunately, I'm not
happy with either attempt — maybe if I'd taken
the time to add watercolor, but I was tired. I
thought about trying to do it now, but it's hard to
make up reflections.
Two Months On Average.
May 08, 2008 09:19 PM Permalink
Must Be The Weather.
May 08, 2008 09:16 PM Permalink
After several
weeks of unseasonably wonderful weather, it's turned
damp, dreary and dismal. It's enough to make anyone
cranky I suppose. But things are looking up —
I'm heading to Centerville with the kids to visit my
folks. I think it's the first time I've been home for
Mother's Day in about 13 years. EEK! Long overdue.
Balls, Bats and Holes in One.
May 06, 2008 05:35 PM Permalink
My daughter's not too interested in her teeth coming out. This one involved a little blood and she is "so not into pain". I have got to stop talking like a teenager in front of my kids. I doubt that particular phrase — so not into — would be in her repertoire if not for me.
Good Thing My Habit Is Legal ...
May 05, 2008 10:01 PM Permalink
A Drawing And A Sunburn.
May 05, 2008 08:17 PM Permalink
My husband
and I went to our first "Cruise-In" yesterday.
Basically — for the non-gearhead — you
park your classic car, walk around and look at other
classic cars, talk to other classic car owners and
sit by your car so you can talk to people walking by.
This one was sponsored by the N.E. Ohio Oldsmobile
Club, so all the cars were Olds. There were quite a
few Cutlasses, but I liked ours the best — it
was the nicest of the "drivers", at least in my
unbiased opinion.
I took a couple of laps around, but obviously spent quite a bit of time in the same place working on this drawing. At least if a nice sunburn is any indication.
I took a couple of laps around, but obviously spent quite a bit of time in the same place working on this drawing. At least if a nice sunburn is any indication.
RSS Feed.
May 04, 2008 05:14 PM Permalink
So here's the
deal. I thought the RSS feed was working, but
apparently it's not. I'm trying very hard to figure
out why that is, but so far I'm just frustrated and
it still doesn't work. I hate being
technically-challenged. I'm sure it's some simple
setting that I don't have set right, but alas, I
haven't found it yet.
If anyone out there has any interest in walking me through setting it up through RapidWeaver, please feel free.
If anyone out there has any interest in walking me through setting it up through RapidWeaver, please feel free.
Of Course There's a Frog.
April 25, 2008 07:14 AM Permalink
Givers, Takers!
April 23, 2008 09:34 PM Permalink
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My
wonderful children brought me
yellow things to draw today — and took them
back right when I was getting out my watercolors.
Little meanies! On the positive side, tomorrow is
green and I won't need any help with that. So
there! (Sticking my tongue out at the ceiling —
well, they're upstairs in bed
already.)
I Thought I Had More Orange Stuff.
April 22, 2008 04:33 PM Permalink
Don't Ask Me Why.
April 21, 2008 10:35 PM Permalink
I had a dream
last night — well, actually this morning since
it woke me up at 3 a.m. — that was even a bit
ridiculous for me. I dreamt I ran out of things to
draw in my sketchbook. Yep, I had literally drawn
everything in the known universe at least once. I
woke up in a panic, but had the thought that I could
do a theme — like drawing the colors of the
rainbow.
Now there are still plenty of things in the universe for me to draw, but it was a scary dream. I figure it's sometimes best to go where your dreams lead you. Maybe then they won't come knocking again, even earlier. Yes, I'm doing orange tomorrow. Leave me alone.
Now there are still plenty of things in the universe for me to draw, but it was a scary dream. I figure it's sometimes best to go where your dreams lead you. Maybe then they won't come knocking again, even earlier. Yes, I'm doing orange tomorrow. Leave me alone.
Work or WORK Next Week?
April 20, 2008 10:22 PM Permalink
I finished up
a design job yesterday, so I might have some
revisions to work on this week. If that falls
through, there's always wood chips to shovel and
truck to the backyard. Eh, at least I'll be outside.
I also have a painting sitting on my desk that I'm
trying to ignore. It's not looking like it does in my
head, so I've been avoiding it. Yeah, like that'll
get it done. And I have this strange habit of not
liking to start new projects when others are
incomplete. Maybe I should just get over that?
Crack That Whip.
April 19, 2008 10:06 PM Permalink
Spent most of
the day digging in the dirt, but somehow it didn't
seem as fun as the kids think it is. My shoulders,
neck and knees are aching, but the neighbors yard is
back to normal. Or at least it will be once the grass
grows. The guys who took the trees down did a number
on their yard — ours too, but it's ... well ...
ours — when they dug the stumps out. We
apologized, said we fix it and after 30 bags of
topsoil and about seven hours of work, it's well on
it's way. Now we just have our own yard to look
forward to. And there are three areas to work on.
Bed. Please. NOW!
I Haven't Gone Anywhere.
April 18, 2008 01:39 PM Permalink
House Projects Galore = Little Blogging.
April 13, 2008 10:31 PM Permalink
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Of Course I Just Started Painting ...
April 08, 2008 08:07 PM Permalink
At Least the Rest of the Week Was Quiet.
April 06, 2008 08:09 AM Permalink
Today Was Less Stressful.
April 01, 2008 05:47 PM Permalink
Houston, We Have A Problem.
March 31, 2008 03:02 PM Permalink
I told Sarah
not to put the beads in her mouth ... so she stuck
one up her nose. She's fine — only slightly
traumatized because I laughed at her. I tried to get
the stupid bead out with a pair of tweezers and then
a pair of needle-nose pliers, but neither worked
(couldn't have had anything to do with the squirming,
crying mass of girl I was trying to "operate" on). So
I called the doctor, which sent Sarah into hysterics.
I told her that if I couldn't get the bead out, we'd
have to go to the doctor to have him do it. She
wanted to know why we couldn't just leave it in
— didn't hurt or anything. Sigh.
I called Tom and he suggested a paper clip, which I'm happy to say worked. Now the beads are put away and that ticked Ryan off. After all, he didn't stick one up his nose. This is one of those kind of entries that I'm going to use to torture her with in about 13 years. Hehehe.
I called Tom and he suggested a paper clip, which I'm happy to say worked. Now the beads are put away and that ticked Ryan off. After all, he didn't stick one up his nose. This is one of those kind of entries that I'm going to use to torture her with in about 13 years. Hehehe.
Shopping Woes and A Baby Step.
March 31, 2008 07:36 AM Permalink
My youngest
brother-in-law is getting married the end of June and
I've decided I need a new dress. I'm not a big dress
person — I've only had three in my closet for
probably ten years and one of them I got married in.
I was reminded again today why I don't like to shop.
Most clothes are made for women 10 years younger,
four inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter than me. I
found one, but let's just say I'm still looking.
The good news is I got started on my next big painting. Layed it out on the canvas and got a base coat of color down. Yippee!
The good news is I got started on my next big painting. Layed it out on the canvas and got a base coat of color down. Yippee!
AND, it's Opening Day!
Do you have your Indians' gear
on?
GO
TRIBE!
Day Off.
March 29, 2008 07:57 AM Permalink
EXCITING NEWS and Another Stinkin' Frog.
February 01, 2008 10:06 AM Permalink
I was
recently contacted by Journal Craft, a web-based company
that sells sketchbook and journaling supplies,
about doing an interview regarding my journaling
habit. I was very honored (not to mention shocked)
to not only have been asked, but to be the first
artist they have interviewed. I actually had a
tough time with it — I've never had to put
the why's and how's of my art into words —
but I muddled through and I don't think I come off
sounding like a complete idiot. Check it out
here.
The frog is actually NOT from my Uncle Mike of the frog plague. This one is a magnet from my mom's collection that was passed to us when she retired — she had enough to cover about a 1.5 foot x 7 foot section of the wall behind her desk at work. Let me tell you, that's a lot of magnets. She actually had a bunch of frogs, so a few more may be hopping up soon. Don't ask me about the way I wrote the anecdote — Ryan decided this morning that it must be a slime trail from the TOAD because he's too ugly to be a frog. Yummy — just what I wanted to think about over breakfast.
The frog is actually NOT from my Uncle Mike of the frog plague. This one is a magnet from my mom's collection that was passed to us when she retired — she had enough to cover about a 1.5 foot x 7 foot section of the wall behind her desk at work. Let me tell you, that's a lot of magnets. She actually had a bunch of frogs, so a few more may be hopping up soon. Don't ask me about the way I wrote the anecdote — Ryan decided this morning that it must be a slime trail from the TOAD because he's too ugly to be a frog. Yummy — just what I wanted to think about over breakfast.
Suddenly, I LOVE Winter.
January 16, 2008 05:37 PM Permalink
When it's
cold out, my kids are just as happy as me to play
inside. Oh, we go out for a little bit, but they
don't last long — not like when the weather is
warmer and we're outside pretty much all day long. So
with this cold snap, we've been playing with playdoh,
painting and drawing. I'm getting more done at my
kitchen table than I have in a long time.
Oi Vey!
January 12, 2008 07:13 PM Permalink
The kids and
Tom are dancing in the other room. I'm in my office,
with the dog under my desk on my feet, trying to hide
from the noise. Normally, I'd jump right in there
with them, but for whatever reason it's making my
head pound this evening. Ugh. Maybe when I figure out
paint for the walls in here, I'll look into
sound-proofing as well. Did I say ugh? Double Ugh.
Who'd a Thunk It?
December 31, 2007 02:11 PM Permalink
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Bad Blogger. Bad, Bad, Bad.
December 17, 2007 09:03 AM Permalink
Summary only available
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I could give
you a list of excuses as to why I haven't updated my
blog in four days. Really, I could, I've got it right
here. But frankly, you probably don't care and I'm
just so happy you came back to see if I'd finally put
something new up, I won't bore you with the list.
Wish I could show what I've been working on, but
there are people out there who are going to get it
for Christmas, so no sneak peeks.
Still Painting.
December 13, 2007 09:13 AM Permalink
It Counts.
November 23, 2007 04:59 PM Permalink
Making Everyone Happy.
November 13, 2007 09:22 PM Permalink
So I drew
Ryan's new car on Saturday, which meant I had to draw
something for Sarah on Sunday. She suggested her new
Hello Kitty even though she needs to be fixed. No,
she wasn't thinking what I thought ... she meant that
the doll doesn't have a mouth. She thought someone
forgot to sew it on the doll and so far, I don't
think I've managed to explain why she's supposed to
be that way. Well, frankly I have no clue, which is
what I think I ended up admitting. It's the tough
questions that always trip you up as a parent.
Complaining Again.
October 25, 2007 08:55 AM Permalink
Okay, I'm Over It.
October 24, 2007 08:46 AM Permalink
I took a
couple of days to wallow after my Indians lost, but
I'm back at it. I won't be watching the World Series,
but I will be rooting for the Rockies. Hey, gotta
hope the team that knocked your's out gets beat,
right?
Had an interview in Akron yesterday that I think went really well, so I've got my fingers crossed that some design work will be coming my way soon. In the meantime, I've decided maybe it's time to send a self-promo piece out and remind everyone I'm still here. I've got a baseball idea, so I'm going to get cracking on that and I'll post it as I go along.
Had an interview in Akron yesterday that I think went really well, so I've got my fingers crossed that some design work will be coming my way soon. In the meantime, I've decided maybe it's time to send a self-promo piece out and remind everyone I'm still here. I've got a baseball idea, so I'm going to get cracking on that and I'll post it as I go along.
I Can't Watch.
October 21, 2007 10:25 PM Permalink
Rough Couple of Days.
October 21, 2007 02:00 PM Permalink
Haven't felt
like doing much of anything for the past week, but
that's tough to manage when you're a mom. Felt bad
enough on Friday that I wanted my mom, but since that
wasn't possible, I settled for making her bean soup.
It's really easy to make and I have no idea why I've
never tried it before. So good and just what I
needed. AND, it gave me something unusual to draw, so
it's good all around.
Looking at Game Seven tonight for the Indians — do or die time. I'm hoping they get their act together because they sure weren't on last night.
Looking at Game Seven tonight for the Indians — do or die time. I'm hoping they get their act together because they sure weren't on last night.
The Drawings Might Be Lame ...
October 17, 2007 08:36 AM Permalink
What To Say?
October 14, 2007 09:34 PM Permalink
I spent about
two hours on Friday afternoon talking to the kids in
the Drawing 3 and Drawing 4 classes at my alma mater,
Centerville High School. Prior to that, I spent the
time between 2:30 and 5:00 that morning and the four
hours driving down trying to figure out what to say
to the aforementioned students. Sure, I suppose I am
a professional artist and designer — I've had
people buy my artwork and I get paid to be a
computer-jockey. Sounds "professional" to me, but I
don't know if that makes me an authority on the
subject of being an artist.
I consoled myself with the thought that by Drawing 3 and 4, the kids in the class are either planning to have careers in art or they like it enough to want more than just the 1/2 credit fine art that's required. Someone would probably get something out of whatever I managed to say. Or at least I hoped so. I took some work I did in high school, similar assignments from college, my design portfolio and some of the "artwork" I've been working on lately. I also took a couple of my sketchbooks.
Then I pretty much just winged it. I showed the similarities in the projects I did in high school and college, trying to make the point that you have to learn the materials, techniques and theories before you can really be creative. I spoke about the career path I've had and showed them my portfolio like I would show it to a potential client. The teacher asked me a few questions about how I draw, the materials I use, where I find inspiration and I tried to answer as best as I could.
Finally, I talked about my sketchbooks and how for the first 30+ years of my artistic life I didn't get the point. Even when keeping a sketchbook was an assignment in college classes, I thought it was a waste of time and took a hit on my grade instead. And now, after keeping at it for a year, I think sketchbooks are the most important tools an artist can have.
More than improving my skills and building my confidence, my sketchbooks have taken me back to that time when I drew because I loved it. Somewhere along the way, amidst all the teachers, clients, critiques and jobs, drawing became work instead of fun. My sketchbook is where I do what I want, draw what I want, use the materials I want — I don't have to create for anyone but me. I so wish I'd figured that out sooner.
I consoled myself with the thought that by Drawing 3 and 4, the kids in the class are either planning to have careers in art or they like it enough to want more than just the 1/2 credit fine art that's required. Someone would probably get something out of whatever I managed to say. Or at least I hoped so. I took some work I did in high school, similar assignments from college, my design portfolio and some of the "artwork" I've been working on lately. I also took a couple of my sketchbooks.
Then I pretty much just winged it. I showed the similarities in the projects I did in high school and college, trying to make the point that you have to learn the materials, techniques and theories before you can really be creative. I spoke about the career path I've had and showed them my portfolio like I would show it to a potential client. The teacher asked me a few questions about how I draw, the materials I use, where I find inspiration and I tried to answer as best as I could.
Finally, I talked about my sketchbooks and how for the first 30+ years of my artistic life I didn't get the point. Even when keeping a sketchbook was an assignment in college classes, I thought it was a waste of time and took a hit on my grade instead. And now, after keeping at it for a year, I think sketchbooks are the most important tools an artist can have.
More than improving my skills and building my confidence, my sketchbooks have taken me back to that time when I drew because I loved it. Somewhere along the way, amidst all the teachers, clients, critiques and jobs, drawing became work instead of fun. My sketchbook is where I do what I want, draw what I want, use the materials I want — I don't have to create for anyone but me. I so wish I'd figured that out sooner.
No Idea.
September 25, 2007 11:20 AM Permalink
I have no
idea what made me decide to grab these trimmers out
of the shed to draw. The kids were playing in the
wading pool for perhaps the last time this year and I
thought hey, I could draw the trimmer thingy. So I
did. Wasn't like I had any intention of actually
trimming something. Weird, huh?
Today has been a little lame so far. We spent the morning waiting for the cable guy to come and luckily, some of the time was also spent waiting for him to fix it. Seems a squirrel or chipmunk decided to sharpen his teeth on the cable coming into the house. The guy spliced in a new piece and now I have a souvenir chewed up cable I'll probably end up drawing. I'm weird like that.
Wow! Two weirds in one post. Weird.
Today has been a little lame so far. We spent the morning waiting for the cable guy to come and luckily, some of the time was also spent waiting for him to fix it. Seems a squirrel or chipmunk decided to sharpen his teeth on the cable coming into the house. The guy spliced in a new piece and now I have a souvenir chewed up cable I'll probably end up drawing. I'm weird like that.
Wow! Two weirds in one post. Weird.
Ouch!
September 24, 2007 03:50 PM Permalink
Happy 10th Anniversary!
September 20, 2007 09:34 AM Permalink
To me and my
husband. This is almost as tough as one of the kids'
birthdays — I've been married for 10 years.
AND, we've been a couple for thirteen!
I wish I had something really wonderful and touching to say, but that'll just make the husband blush — and probably yell at me later. So I'll just say Happy Anniversary. I'm thankful everyday that we got past that second date and ended up married. You're my best friend and I don't tell you often enough that you're also the most important person in my life. Love you! (That wasn't too mushy, was it?)
I wish I had something really wonderful and touching to say, but that'll just make the husband blush — and probably yell at me later. So I'll just say Happy Anniversary. I'm thankful everyday that we got past that second date and ended up married. You're my best friend and I don't tell you often enough that you're also the most important person in my life. Love you! (That wasn't too mushy, was it?)
Frank's the First.
September 20, 2007 08:45 AM Permalink
Give It A Rest.
September 19, 2007 08:45 AM Permalink
Blow-Off Day.
September 16, 2007 10:37 AM Permalink
Ramping Up?
September 11, 2007 05:44 PM Permalink
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Back to the Old Routine.
September 10, 2007 11:53 AM Permalink
Cranking on Painting.
September 04, 2007 10:12 PM Permalink
Watercolor & A Movie.
August 31, 2007 11:40 PM Permalink
Back to the Real World.
August 26, 2007 08:34 PM Permalink
Being on
vacation with two kids isn't much of a vacation, is
it? Actually, it was fun most of the time, even with
the rain. And I got a couple of naps, so that was
very nice. I want to try to get going on a "school
schedule" tomorrow, so I'll have to set my alarm. It
sure has been nice sleeping in until the kids wake up
... even if it is about 7:15 most mornings.
Vacation Time.
August 20, 2007 01:01 PM Permalink
Close to a Meltdown.
August 16, 2007 10:00 PM Permalink
Is It Winter Yet?
August 16, 2007 07:43 AM Permalink
So What?
August 15, 2007 08:52 AM Permalink
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I've almost
been keeping a journal for a year and I've been
surprisingly good with making an entry every day. So
I've missed a couple here and there. So what?
I haven't stopped all together, have I? The only time I've missed more than one day was the week we moved. I got right back into the swing once things settled down. And besides, my goal was to draw "almost every day" and I've more than accomplished that. So why do I feel like I have to explain missing Monday? Darned if I know.
I haven't stopped all together, have I? The only time I've missed more than one day was the week we moved. I got right back into the swing once things settled down. And besides, my goal was to draw "almost every day" and I've more than accomplished that. So why do I feel like I have to explain missing Monday? Darned if I know.
Quiet Time.
August 11, 2007 01:06 PM Permalink
Peanut Butter in my Ears.
August 10, 2007 09:32 AM Permalink
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Feeling
better today. Still a little off balance, but at
least I don't feel like I'm going to fall on my butt
every time I move.
I'm off to build a fort in the living room. It's still raining and the kids are BORED out of their little skulls. Good thing we have a party to go to tomorrow. At least they'll be able to work off some nrg showing off for all of their relatives. he he he!
I'm off to build a fort in the living room. It's still raining and the kids are BORED out of their little skulls. Good thing we have a party to go to tomorrow. At least they'll be able to work off some nrg showing off for all of their relatives. he he he!
Tilt-O-Whirl.
August 09, 2007 04:13 PM Permalink
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I finally
decided that's what I've been feeling like the last
couple of days — like I'm riding on a
Tilt-O-Whirl at the fair. Have kind of a lightheaded
feeling and the world spins if I stand up, sit down,
roll over, turn my head ... okay, pretty much
anything I do that involves moving my head.
It hasn't got worse, but it hasn't gotten better, so I went to see the doctor today. He seems to think it's an inner ear issue that's causing me to experience symptoms of vertigo and according to him, it should work itself out. There's no infection so he just gave me a prescription for a medication to relieve the symptoms.
Here's hoping he's right, because this is not fun. I like a good roller coaster ride, but I also like to get off eventually.
It hasn't got worse, but it hasn't gotten better, so I went to see the doctor today. He seems to think it's an inner ear issue that's causing me to experience symptoms of vertigo and according to him, it should work itself out. There's no infection so he just gave me a prescription for a medication to relieve the symptoms.
Here's hoping he's right, because this is not fun. I like a good roller coaster ride, but I also like to get off eventually.
Still Recovering.
August 08, 2007 07:52 AM Permalink
Vegging Out.
August 05, 2007 07:44 PM Permalink
Visited my
parents this weekend with the kids. The drive back
was actually worse than the drive down. In addition
to being repeatedly asked if we were getting off the
highway yet, it poured down rain. Pretty much the
whole way. Tom took the kids over to his parents'
house to visit for a bit and I've been sitting here
catching up on my blog reading and generally being
lazy.
I really do enjoy taking the two of them down to visit with my family, but man, it wears me out. They are both super excited, there are no naps for anyone and they like to get up at 5:30 in the morning for fear they might miss something fun. This trip was just slightly easier on me because once they got settled a little, it was all "grandma this" and grandma that". I got a break from being the center of their conversational universes. Thanks mom! Hope you had a nice nap this afternoon while I was driving the little motor mouths home. Yeah, I know, they come by it naturally and it is the "Mother's Curse" in all it's glory. Did I say thanks or *Thanks A Lot!*?
I really do enjoy taking the two of them down to visit with my family, but man, it wears me out. They are both super excited, there are no naps for anyone and they like to get up at 5:30 in the morning for fear they might miss something fun. This trip was just slightly easier on me because once they got settled a little, it was all "grandma this" and grandma that". I got a break from being the center of their conversational universes. Thanks mom! Hope you had a nice nap this afternoon while I was driving the little motor mouths home. Yeah, I know, they come by it naturally and it is the "Mother's Curse" in all it's glory. Did I say thanks or *Thanks A Lot!*?
Slowly But Surely.
August 02, 2007 02:13 PM Permalink
Same Old Hand.
July 31, 2007 08:25 AM Permalink
Pizza And Bugs.
July 29, 2007 08:31 PM Permalink
I wanted to
do a drawing on Friday and I wanted to read Harry
Potter, so I drew my dinner. It's not like I was
going to touch the brand new book with pizza hands
anyway. Saturday was just a whirlwind of money
spending activities, so another quick one while the
kids and Tom played ball. What exactly happens to a
locust when it leaves behind it's shell? I'd google,
but Ryan is the one who wanted to know and he's since
forgotten the question. And today, I drew our biggest
looking peach on our little tree and the first tomato
of the season. That's been the extent of my
creativity for this weekend, so now I'm off to
bed.
I'm a Loser, Baby.
July 28, 2007 01:29 AM Permalink
Go Away and Draw!
July 26, 2007 08:26 PM Permalink
Say WHAT?
July 24, 2007 09:02 AM Permalink
I was in the
car yesterday with the kids, driving to the library
with the radio on when a commercial for vacationing
in Canada came on. The main point of the commercial
was to reassure all of us Americans that it is still
easy to cross the border and get into Canada. In
fact, right now you don't even need a passport, just
a photo i.d. and proof of birth.
Now call me crazy, but isn't the fact that I'm standing here "proof of birth"? And even if I did hatch from an egg as some people have accused, I was still born, wasn't I? It wasn't like there was a puff of smoke and suddenly I was lying on my parents' couch. I know, I know, they probably meant a copy of your birth certificate or maybe even a social security card, but then why not say that? Proof of birth indeed!
Now call me crazy, but isn't the fact that I'm standing here "proof of birth"? And even if I did hatch from an egg as some people have accused, I was still born, wasn't I? It wasn't like there was a puff of smoke and suddenly I was lying on my parents' couch. I know, I know, they probably meant a copy of your birth certificate or maybe even a social security card, but then why not say that? Proof of birth indeed!
More Like My Space.
July 22, 2007 09:04 PM Permalink
I finally
have my "inspiration board" back in front of me
again. When I worked for an ad agency, I just tacked
stuff up to my cube walls, but at home, years of
training at my parents' house has always prevented me
from pushing thumbtacks into the wall. And tape? I
don't think so! Not after I just got done painting
those walls, you don't! But I digress.
So I stole a huge bulletin board from my husband ... probably 30" x 20" ... put on some fresh cork and viola! A new home for all of my photos, quotes, project ideas and keystroke command cheat sheets. My favorite is a quote I copied out of Danny Gregory's book The Creative License that's perfect for my insecure artistic soul.
Need to be YELLED at? Read This:
For God's sake, have a little backbone!! Stop indulging your weakest instincts and do the thing you know you want to do. A little short-term sacrifice of time and energy (while doing something that's fun, by the way) will unfetter your life and make you a lot happier. You just have to stick to it, suspend judgment, and keep practicing. Now stop sniffling and give us a hug. Get back to work.
So I stole a huge bulletin board from my husband ... probably 30" x 20" ... put on some fresh cork and viola! A new home for all of my photos, quotes, project ideas and keystroke command cheat sheets. My favorite is a quote I copied out of Danny Gregory's book The Creative License that's perfect for my insecure artistic soul.
Need to be YELLED at? Read This:
For God's sake, have a little backbone!! Stop indulging your weakest instincts and do the thing you know you want to do. A little short-term sacrifice of time and energy (while doing something that's fun, by the way) will unfetter your life and make you a lot happier. You just have to stick to it, suspend judgment, and keep practicing. Now stop sniffling and give us a hug. Get back to work.
Told Ya!
July 21, 2007 09:09 AM Permalink
Short On Time.
July 18, 2007 08:55 PM Permalink
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I've been
pretty busy, but I don't feel like I'm getting much
accomplished. I'm trying to upgrade my website and
having my normal technical difficulties. I have ideas
for paintings, but no furniture in the living room or
dining room to match colors too. I am happy to still
be working in my sketchbook, but I keep running out
of time to do color. When's our vacation again? Not
that I'll have more time to draw.
____________________________________
Just a quick notice that my website and email might
be a little intermittent during the next few weeks.
I'm in the process of upgrading my hosting service.
Thanks for your patience.
I Need A Vacation from my Weekend.
July 15, 2007 09:14 PM Permalink
One of those
kind of weekends where there is so much we want to
accomplish and unfortunately, still only 24 hours in
a day. Ugh. I'm tired.
Everyone got a haircut this weekend, we looked at furniture again, made two trips to Lowe's and one to the Home Depot, went to church and out to dinner (and had a nice time even with the kids ... go figure), got a new lamp for the living room and drapes for our bedroom, caught up putting photos in albums, fixed screens with holes, mom did a little clothes shopping and got in a Starbuck's trip, washed & waxed the car and van, talked to my brother-in-law and almost sister-in-law about invitations for their wedding, did laundry, went for a walk, played basketball, read stories, did a little drawing and (saving the best for last) took a nap.
It would have been perfect if we just would have gone someplace kids like. At least, according to my kids.
Everyone got a haircut this weekend, we looked at furniture again, made two trips to Lowe's and one to the Home Depot, went to church and out to dinner (and had a nice time even with the kids ... go figure), got a new lamp for the living room and drapes for our bedroom, caught up putting photos in albums, fixed screens with holes, mom did a little clothes shopping and got in a Starbuck's trip, washed & waxed the car and van, talked to my brother-in-law and almost sister-in-law about invitations for their wedding, did laundry, went for a walk, played basketball, read stories, did a little drawing and (saving the best for last) took a nap.
It would have been perfect if we just would have gone someplace kids like. At least, according to my kids.
____________________________________
Just a quick notice that my website and email might
be a little intermittent during the next few weeks.
I'm in the process of upgrading my hosting service.
Thanks for your patience.
Kick in the Pants.
July 13, 2007 02:24 PM Permalink
Zero Willpower.
July 11, 2007 09:39 PM Permalink
These Count, Right?
July 10, 2007 09:32 PM Permalink
Ouch.
July 10, 2007 09:15 AM Permalink
Yoga is
weird. I really enjoy it while I'm doing it. Well,
let's be honest and admit there are some poses that
hurt, but for the most part it feels good. I have an
hour and a half to pay attention to me. Anyway, that
was then and pain is now.
I came home feeling pretty good and then pretty much crashed. I wanted to draw something, so I decided to check out Illustration Friday. The word was geeky and that led me to leeky and I ended up with this little guy. I doodled. Yeah for me!
I came home feeling pretty good and then pretty much crashed. I wanted to draw something, so I decided to check out Illustration Friday. The word was geeky and that led me to leeky and I ended up with this little guy. I doodled. Yeah for me!
Next?
July 08, 2007 10:20 PM Permalink
Squeezing In Time.
July 08, 2007 05:25 PM Permalink
When Did I Forget How To Doodle?
July 04, 2007 09:28 PM Permalink
I sat looking at my sketchbook last night, realizing not only hadn't I drawn, but that I really wanted to watch the ball game instead of drawing. So I decided I'd doodle. And then proceeded to obsess about what to doodle and where to doodle and on and on and on. Really ... I need to just carry a plank around in my back pocket to smack myself with occasionally. It'd be more convenient than trying to find a wall. They're doodles already! Lighten up and put the pen on the paper already!
Footloose and Funky Free.
July 02, 2007 03:35 PM Permalink
Well, not
really. I'm still not feeling it with my sketchbook,
but I am still drawing. I don't understand these
little phases I go through, although I'm assured by
other artists that we all have them.
I'm just happy to be working through it this time. I've been doing this sketchbook thing long enough that it is part habit now. I think that's good, even if I have to make myself find something to draw.
Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2 ... Cherries that look A LOT better than they taste.
I'm just happy to be working through it this time. I've been doing this sketchbook thing long enough that it is part habit now. I think that's good, even if I have to make myself find something to draw.
Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2 ... Cherries that look A LOT better than they taste.
Saturday,
June 30 ... drawn while waiting
for my daughter's birthday cake to cook already.
Friday,
June 29 ... Drawn during the
10:00 p.m. news after realizing I hadn't drawn yet.
Quickie.
June 23, 2007 07:01 AM Permalink
Thank You!
June 21, 2007 08:44 PM Permalink
I've had a
lot of positive feedback on my lemon painting from my
blog readers ... hard to believe I have blog readers
... and I really appreciate it. It's hard to judge if
something outside of your normal comfort zone is
working, so I'm very happy to hear that others like
this. Happy enough that I started another one today
featuring a pear. Stay tuned.
Possessed By An Acrylic Painting Demon.
June 20, 2007 03:38 PM Permalink
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NOT Starting a Collection.
June 19, 2007 09:30 PM Permalink
Time to Draw ...
June 19, 2007 04:41 PM Permalink
