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<title>Karen Blados&#x27; Sketch Blog</title><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/index.html</link><description>New posts from Karen&#x27;s sketchbook</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2008 Karen Blados</dc:rights><dc:date>2008-05-13T20:52:41-04:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 21:00:04 -0400</lastBuildDate><item><title>Take Two and Call Me In The Morning.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-13T20:52:41-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-535</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-535</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bought Myself A Dahlia.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-12T22:03:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-534</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-534</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Very pretty flowers on this plant.  They are orange near the veins and darken to a deep red.  Everyone keeps asking me why I drew the back and mainly, I just thought it looked cool.  I'll probably do the front tomorrow.

Back of a Dahlia.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper.  4"x6" postcard.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>No Clue.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-12T21:58:35-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-533</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-533</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Happy Mother&#x27;s Day.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-12T07:44:32-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-532</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-532</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; 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 &mdash; most of them have broken off and I usually pile mulch up so they don't fall over.  The new one is cute &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>From My Weekend Away.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-11T17:53:19-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-531</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-531</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Two Months On Average.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-08T21:19:10-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-530</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-530</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[How long it takes me to get through a sketchbook (128 pages).  Someday, my kids are going to have to clean out boxes upon boxes of sketchbooks if I keep this up.  Below is the opening spread for the book I finished today.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Must Be The Weather.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-08T21:16:26-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-529</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-529</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Feeling Cranky.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-07T22:45:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-527</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-527</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Don't know why.  Even the Heath Bar Blizzard didn't help.  Maybe it's because I feel like those flowers suck?  I think I'll go to bed now.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Eh.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-07T22:40:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-528</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-528</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I feel decidedly out of practice on my flowers.  Guess that means I'll have to do more.

Yellow Magnolia.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper.  4"x6" postcard.

Tulip on Red.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper.  4"x6" postcard.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Balls&#x2c; Bats and Holes in One.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-06T17:35:30-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-526</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-526</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Of my kids, that is.  He looks so proud, doesn't he?  Couldn't resist posting him in all of his toothless glory.  If only something so simple could make my day &mdash; although I have to admit I did get a kick out of him showing everyone we passed his hole and explaining how the tooth came out.  Most people smiled, some obviously thought he was nuts and one kid was very jealous.  "When are my teeth going to fall out," he asked his mother?  She gave me a look that said something similar to thanks a lot.  No problem.  Nice to see someone else getting a turn for a change.

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 &mdash; so not into &mdash; would be in her repertoire if not for me.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Good Thing My Habit Is Legal ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-05T22:01:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-525</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-525</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  because I always seem to be going through withdrawal.  And I'm finding the "draw" in withdrawal kind of funny.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>RSS Update.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-05T20:22:07-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-524</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-524</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I don't know how, I don't know why, but the RSS link seems to be working again.  There are several readers you can subscribe through (NewsGator, Feedburner), but I subscribe through Google Reader.  My images still don't show up in Google Reader, but if you click on the arrow, it does now take you to my webpage.

If it was working for you already and you now have 200+ "new" posts from me, I'm really sorry.  Thanks for bearing with me and I'll try not to screw it up again.  But considering I've no clue what I did or how I fixed it ...  well, just wish me luck.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Drawing And A Sunburn.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-05T20:17:06-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-523</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-523</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My husband and I went to our first "Cruise-In" yesterday.  Basically &mdash; for the non-gearhead &mdash; 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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Baby Moly On It&#x27;s Way.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-05T20:10:55-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-522</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-522</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The inspiration for my theme comes from watching my children.  When the two of them draw and create, there are no insecurities, no rules and no judgments.  They just pick up a crayon and have fun.

Between teachers, grades and responsibilities, my artistic road has been bumpy.  I've spent too much time being practical about my art and too little time just doing it.  I think I'm on the right path now &mdash; I'm back to creating art because it's something I have to do.

I suppose I'm wondering how other artists continue, in spite of having grown up.  Or at least having to act like a grown up.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>RSS Feed.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-04T17:14:46-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-521</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-521</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recovery Time.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-04T09:08:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-519</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-519</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm done playing hostess &mdash; now I just need to catch up on my sleep.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I&#x27;ll Get To You ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-02T20:14:45-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-518</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-518</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The day after tomorrow.  Really.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Last of the Series. For Now.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-05-02T20:13:48-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-517</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/blog.html#unique-entry-id-517</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Couple More Colors.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-30T08:54:42-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-516</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-516</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm busy the rest of this week getting ready for a wedding shower, so I think I'll keep up the color theme a little longer.  When my time is limited, it's nice to not have to think too hard to find something to draw.  AND, a couple more colors lets me stall a little longer on figuring out what to put in baby moly.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>As Per The Three-Year-Old&#x27;s Orders.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-29T07:43:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-515</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-515</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The scary thing is none of this actually belongs to her.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>You Tell Me.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-28T13:12:03-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-514</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-514</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I didn't work on these paintings simultaneously and I had a low contrast reference for the second painting, which meant I had to make up the shadows.  I think they're wrong, but I'm not particularly bothered about it.  More than being "right", I want these to work together.  I think I'm there or pretty darn close.  What do you think?  Suggestions?

Poppy 01.  Acrylic on 17" x 17" Canvas.

Poppy 02.  Acrylic on 17" x 17" Canvas.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>That Looks Awesome ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-27T21:40:01-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-513</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-513</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  if we do say so ourselves.  Now that I have a "studio", I wanted an easy and changeable way to display my artwork.  I asked Tom if he could build me shelves to run most of the length of the two walls without a window or door.  He could.  Yippee!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Next?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-27T21:36:29-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-512</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-512</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Brown?  Black?  Red Ochre?  Nah.  Probably pink or my munchkin will hurt me.  All I've heard since I started this little series is "When is it pink's turn, Mama?"]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Second Poppy Painting.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-27T08:32:54-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-511</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-511</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's not done yet, but it's getting there.  I need to work on getting darker darks in today and then we'll see.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Not As Tough As Anticipated.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-26T17:13:42-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-510</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-510</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>So Far&#x2c; So Good.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-04-25T21:23:45-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-509</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-509</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[But I bet Indigo will be hard.

"Indigo is the color on the electromagnetic spectrum between about 420 and 450 nm in wavelength, placing it between blue and violet.  Color scientists do not usually recognize indigo as a significant color category, and generally classify wavelengths shorter than about 450 nm as violet."

If I were defining it, I'd say indigo is the color of the night sky.  Of course, that might be hard to capture in a sketchbook.  There's always dark-wash jeans I suppose.  Guess we'll all just have to wait and see what I come up with.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Performance Anxiety.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Creativity</category><dc:date>2008-04-25T13:39:47-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-508</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-508</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I got this cute little baby moleskine in the mail today, part of an exchange I'm doing with several other artists (Robert Conley, Lisa Cheney-Jorgensen, Megan Foldenauer, Shane Vorhaben and Kathleen James).  I need to draw something on the first couple of pages and then send Baby Moly on its way to the next artist on the list.  So what's the problem you ask?  Well, now that it's here, what the heck do I draw in it?  Ergh.

The only good news is the other artists seem to be in the same boat I am.  There's something about sending my work out to people who's art I admire &mdash; not to mention then scribbling in their books.  Eeek!

Want more info?  Check it out here <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/moly_x/">www.flickr.com/groups/moly_x/</a> or <a href="http://www.moleskinex23.blogspot.com/">www.moleskinex23.blogspot.com/</a>.

And another thing &mdash; I should be receiving another sketchbook in the mail soon from the Art House gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.  They're sending out 500 sketchbooks as part of the Sketchbook Project to artists all over the world.  We fill them up, send them back to the Art House by August 1st and then the sketchbooks will be in a show August 23.

Sometimes I could kick myself ...  or bang my head on my desk.  It's easier.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Of Course There&#x27;s a Frog.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-25T07:14:13-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-507</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-507</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Kind of a strange collection of items, but hey, it's what I came up with.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Givers&#x2c; Takers&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-23T21:34:50-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-506</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-506</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My wonderful children brought me yellow things to draw today &mdash; 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 &mdash; well, they're upstairs in bed already.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I Thought I Had More Orange Stuff.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-22T16:33:58-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-505</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-505</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[But apparently not.  Of course, I did this while the kids were napping and didn't raid their toy boxes &mdash; bet I could have found more choices there.  And of course, (smack my forehead!)  there's always carrots and oranges, but I didn't think of those when I was collecting objects to draw.  DUH!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Don&#x27;t Ask Me Why.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-21T22:35:28-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-504</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-504</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I had a dream last night &mdash; well, actually this morning since it woke me up at 3 a.m. &mdash; 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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Work.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Design Work</category><dc:date>2008-04-21T22:23:11-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-503</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-503</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Work = revisions on a freelance job.

WORK = heavy lifting.

Luckily, it was a no work morning and only a Work afternoon.  Speaking of which, here's a little of what I've been up to.  Don't ask how long it took to reproduce the starburst from the packaging.  It was frighteningly easy once I figured out how to do it.  The thing that I've always hated about Photoshop is there are probably half a dozen ways to do the same thing and achieve close &mdash; but not quite &mdash; results.  Lets just say I used all six before I hit the jackpot.  My client is Shamrock Companies in Westlake and their client is Travel Centers of America so drop into a truck stop near you in June to see my work up close and personal.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Close&#x2c; But Not Quite.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Creativity</category><dc:date>2008-04-21T22:19:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-502</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-502</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's supposed to be a boat.  See the sail?  Okay, so I work better in two dimensions, but my feeble attempt amused a five- and three-year old for several hours this morning.  For me, that's all that counts.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Work or WORK Next Week?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-20T22:22:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-501</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-501</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Crack That Whip.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-19T22:06:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-500</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-500</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; ours too, but it's ...  well ...  ours &mdash; 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!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I Haven&#x27;t Gone Anywhere.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-18T13:39:53-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-499</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-499</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Spring had finally arrived and I've been outside.  I have flowers to draw ...  oh wait, the stinkin' deer got them.  Well, I can always cut the grass.  Sigh.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I&#x27;m A Little Verklempt.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Creativity</category><dc:date>2008-04-13T22:37:09-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-498</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-498</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Occasionally, I receive emails or comments from people out in the ether.  It's always a little surreal to be contacted by someone I've only met virtually, but I have to admit it's one of the perks of blogging.  I've "met" quite a few artists and in fact feel like I am part of a huge online community, so it's gotten a little less ...  well ...  weird I suppose.  And then I got an email last week from the art teacher at Smith Elementary in North Carolina.  Mrs.  Vickers has left a few comments and emailed me before, but this one was a doozy.

...  I show my kids your site and tell them that even "professional artists" sometimes are nervous about that "first white page" so we leave that one in our little sketchbooks too and come back to it.  I showed them how you decided to put the year's highlights as your cover page so they should think through what they want to do.  So now you are inspiring 650 little people!!!!!  WOW!  Did you ever think about that?!  Just wanted you to know - YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  Mrs.

I'm inspiring people?  Never in my wildest imaginings have I thought that what I'm doing here in my little corner of the world might be inspiring to anyone.  Making art is something I've always done, like eating and breathing, so it doesn't strike me as being very special.  I just do it.  Honestly, I thing Mrs.  Vickers is pretty inspiring &mdash; just check out what she and the students at Smith Elementary are doing.  I wasn't keeping a sketchbook at that age!  I just saw the light regarding sketchbooks two years ago, even though multiple teachers tried to show me the way.

Thank you very much, Mrs.  Vickers.  Although I have to say that I think you make a BIGGER difference.  And, I hope my kids have an art teacher like you.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I&#x27;d Like A Magnolia ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Flowers</category><dc:date>2008-04-13T22:35:18-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-497</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-497</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  as long as someone to clean up the petals comes with the purchase.  Buy one, get one?  My in-laws' neighbor has a magnolia in his yard.  The kids and I will probably be stopping over a couple of times this spring.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>House Projects Galore = Little Blogging.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-13T22:31:01-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-496</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-496</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I finished painting the kitchen in time to probably start on the bathroom tomorrow and we just hired someone today to cut down five white pines (hate them!)  in our yard.  Color me busy.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Of Course I Just Started Painting ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-08T20:07:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-495</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-495</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  the kitchen (yes, again, so what?)  and now I have work.  Aside from the fact that the kitchen is half painted, that's not a bad thing.  It's a very good thing.  And I suppose I had better get to it, hmmm?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>At Least the Rest of the Week Was Quiet.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-06T08:09:01-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-493</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-493</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After Monday, I figured the week couldn't get any worse.  Good news is it didn't.  Sigh.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Filler.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Flowers</category><dc:date>2008-04-04T08:12:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-494</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-494</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm waiting &mdash; not so patiently &mdash; for the crocuses to bloom.  Figured I'd draw these from last year while I wait.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Today Was Less Stressful.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-04-01T17:47:25-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-492</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-11.html#unique-entry-id-492</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Jobs are done, kids left their orifices alone and I've got flowers peeking in the yard.  Dare I say it might be spr ...  Nah.  Better not jinx it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Houston&#x2c; We Have A Problem. </title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-03-31T15:02:56-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-491</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-491</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I told Sarah not to put the beads in her mouth ...  so she stuck one up her nose.  She's fine &mdash; 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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Shopping Woes and A Baby Step.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-03-31T07:36:33-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-490</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-490</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; 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!

AND, it's Opening Day!  Do you have your Indians' gear on?

GO TRIBE!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Day Off.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-03-29T07:57:34-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-489</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-489</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I shouldn't have any work today, so I want to try to start the next big flower painting.  Wish me luck.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I Need Another Fix.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-27T11:03:46-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-488</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-488</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm going crazy with design work right now.  I'd like to complain, but I won't.  I'll just keep typing away.  Soon I'll have time for another flower.  I promise.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Got My Fix.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-22T07:31:28-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-487</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-487</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Red Orchid.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>And The Fun Never Stops ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-21T17:01:19-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-486</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-486</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We're heading to my folks for Easter in the morning &mdash; FINALLY.  The kids packed in late February and now they're busy thinning the herd of egg drawings for Grandma and Grandpa.  I know I'm mean, but give me a break &mdash; if I let them take all that they have amassed over the last few weeks, there'd be no room for luggage.  Not kidding.

I've had design work since Tuesday that I finished up today around lunchtime.  More scheduled for next week already &mdash; bring it on, mommy wants a rain shower head &mdash; so all I plan on doing for the next two days is relaxing.  Seriously looking forward to the four hour nap on the ride down &mdash; talk to dad kids, mommy's sleeping.

(I feel better today &mdash; drugs are my friends.  Um ...  er ...  I mean doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals.  Yeah.  Right.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>This Deserves It&#x27;s Own Post ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-20T09:49:35-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-485</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-485</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  and perhaps I'll blow it up to a poster for my wall.

One of my web-buddies (thanks Wendee!)

&ldquo;What moves men of genius, or rather, what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough.&rdquo;

If I were a more eloquent individual, I'd be able to explain why I am so fascinated by flowers.  Luckily, I have quotes from people like Delacroix to do it for me.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Work&#x2c; Work&#x2c; Work.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-20T09:45:02-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-484</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-484</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Flowers are going to have to take a break for a while.  My design work has picked up again &mdash; not that I'm complaining if you happen to be one of my clients (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).  I'll have the weekend off (Easter don't ya know?)  and hopefully it'll be back to busy next week.  Maybe I should get my mom an Easter lily?  Because they're pretty and it's a nice hostess gift &mdash; has nothing to do with the fact that I might draw it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Just Look at the Pretty Pictures.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-17T20:09:50-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-483</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-483</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The rest is pretty much just whining.  (Sigh.)

Oh, there's one sign I forgot to write &mdash; you hear your mother's words coming out of your own mouth.  (Double sigh followed by a slightly hysterical giggle.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>See. Now It&#x27;s Done.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-15T14:09:16-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-482</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-482</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I especially like the purple bud area near the stem &mdash; it just glows and I'm amazed I did that.  And I think it's cool that gold, orange, purple, pink and green are all in one little flower.  Now I need to figure out what the companion painting will be.  Hmmmmm.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Frustration Is Good For the Soul.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-14T16:40:22-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-481</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-481</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If I keep banging my head against these walls, it will be a race to see if I need ice or plaster first.  The latest concussion is poppy-induced &mdash; no, I haven't been smoking or whatever it is you do with them.  I've just been too busy talking myself out of doing this painting to actually start the darn thing.  I've been surfing the web (not the greatest invention for a neurotic artist) for inspiration and instead have found botanical artists who are so talented, there's no point in my picking up a paintbrush.

Now my husband and mother are probably going to want to add to my concussion, but I did finally pick up a brush today.  And even if I do still have a generous helping of artistic insecurities, the painting is still sitting on my desk.  I didn't toss it (stomp on it, rip it into tiny pieces or have a tantrum) when it didn't seem to be working this morning.  I've resolved some of the problems I was having and now I'm happy enough with the progress I've made to post it.  Finally, I'm excited and anxious to get back at it after the kids are in bed.

Chances are I'll knock out a painting tonight that would have already been in the trash a year or so ago. And I didn't think sketchbooks were good for anything.  Duh!  If nothing else, at least they've taught me that even a bad painting is a chance to learn something.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yeah&#x2c; I&#x27;m Still Alive.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-14T16:20:53-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-480</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-480</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I've been busy with my other job this week &mdash; you know, the mom job &mdash; and I'm feeling exhausted.  My oldest and I are butting heads and he's had priviledges taken away again.  He drew on the wall in his sister's room &mdash; signed his own name which was just brilliant, especially considering she can't write yet.  Then he lied &mdash; something I was often guilty of at his age &mdash; and now he's in double trouble.  Not only has he lost all of his art supplies, pencils, paper, etc. for a week, he has to be where I can either see him or know exactly what he is doing.  Another punishment that is as hard on me as it is on him.

At least I've learned something from this experience.  When I am positive about which child has committed the crime, I will never again ask "who did this"?  I'll just address the culprit and thereby avoid the whole pubishment for lying portion of the program.  Sigh.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Not Bad.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-11T20:37:05-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-479</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-479</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This was one subtle flower and there wasn't a good light source.  I don't think I quite pulled it off.  Maybe I should stay away from pink for a while.

Pink Orchid.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Pinch Me.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-11T20:35:34-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-478</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-478</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I had an interview today that I think went well.  I'm working on some self-promotional postcards &mdash; I figure if I get them printed this job will come through, so I better get them ordered.  Fingers crossed everyone.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Better Draw Fast.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-10T20:30:00-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-477</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-477</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I know lilies don't usually last long, but these are opening very quickly.  If I get some time tomorrow I'm going to have to take some pictures so I'll have references for later.

I really like this spread.  I managed to get the colors almost as vibrant as the real flowers and the layout is kind of cool too.  Yippee!  Not to mention that looking at flowers when there's 15" of snow on the ground is helping me remember that spring will be here soon.  I hope.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>More REAL Flowers to Play With.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-10T09:53:14-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-476</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-476</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Just a small bunch of lilies, but I got them early so I'm hoping I'll have plenty of opportunities to draw them.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Slap-Happy Green.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-10T09:45:26-04:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-475</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-475</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Not exactly what I was going for, but close, so I think I'll try this again.  I got caught up in the green leaves and made them too strong of an element in the painting.  I tried to knock them back, but I ended up with a muddy mess instead.  I think my mistake was in working the background almost to completion before starting on the flower.  All I could do was make the background darker, it got too dark and lifting color out didn't really help.  So back to the drawing board on this one.

Pink Plumeria.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Another Sketchbook Bites The Dust.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-08T19:39:22-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-474</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-474</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Got to the end of the latest journal today which means I go back to the beginning.  I like to leave the first couple of pages blank when I start a journal and then I can create an introduction spread.  The worst snowstorm in years sure makes a heck of a highlight for this one &mdash; not to mention the freakishly warm weather we had to start it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Not As Successful.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-07T20:58:29-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-473</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-473</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Not as happy with these two paintings &mdash; the lily below especially.  It's actually very subtle in it's colors with light pink fading into yellow and white.  Hard to capture, especially with the strong lighting.  Felt like it was out of control from the beginning and everything I tried just made it worse.  Oh well, you have days like that I suppose.

Lily.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.

Red Duo.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rough Week.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-07T20:57:32-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-472</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-472</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Between the weather, falling on my butt and not sleeping well &mdash; sore shoulder and a kid who needs his music turned on at 3:00 in the morning &mdash; I'm pretty much kaput this evening.  As evidenced by the crummy little frog drawing and icky lily mess in the next post.

Well, at least it's the weekend and it's supposed to snow like a blizzard tomorrow, which means I can sit in my pj's and watch videos with the kids all day.  If I get extremely lucky.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>I AM NOT STUPID.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-04T21:55:19-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-471</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-471</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[At least not all of the time.  What, may I ask, was wrong with the punch ballots anyway?  Do we really want someone who can't punch a hole voting for the leaders of our country?  Okay, that's as political as I'm going to get.  Next topic please.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Double Trouble.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-04T21:51:02-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-470</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-470</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Today the art-gene was all fired up.  Maybe it was the trip to the art store &mdash; they moved to a new, bigger location which means more art supplies.  Maybe the fall on the ice knocked something loose &mdash; or some sense into me.  I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope it's back at work tomorrow.

Now if someone could just tell me what these flowers are?  I take pictures of "pretty" flowers without a clue to what they are.

Purple Flower.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.

Pink Flower.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Spring Teaser.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-03T21:10:25-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-469</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-469</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Nice day today and it's back to winter tomorrow.  Sometimes I hate Ohio.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Cha-Cha-Cha&#x21; Hurray&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-02T13:34:18-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-468</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-468</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Just realized my least favorite month is over.  Booo to February.  Hurray for March!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Art Supplies.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-01T08:52:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-467</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-467</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A couple of people have asked what supplies I use for sketching, so here's a quick rundown.

Yarka Professional Watercolor Set &mdash; I have a small Van Gogh pocket set that I use when I'm out and about.

Niji medium Watercolor Brush &mdash; I even use this at home in my sketchbook AND on my flower paintings.

Pitt Artist Pens by Faber-Castell &mdash; These come in a set of four, but I never use the medium &mdash; just superfine, fine and brush.

Pencil & Eraser &mdash; Yes, I usually sketch stuff out first, which I know some will see as "cheating".  But then, it's my sketchbook, right?

All of these products can be found at Dick Blick, although I get them at a local art store.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Joys of Parenting.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-01T08:50:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-466</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-466</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Five-Year-Old Critic.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-03-01T08:46:06-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-465</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-10.html#unique-entry-id-465</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I finished the Racer painting for my son's room.  His comment?  "Race cars don't have door handles, mom.  You climb through the window."  Paint your own picture next time turkey!

The painting that started the whole thing &mdash; I din't like the yellow color, so I slaped the butterfly on it.  Took me about an hour and my daughter was perfectly happy with it, thank you very much.  Although she did want to know what I was doing with it this morning when I took it out of her room.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>To Mail or Not To Mail.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-28T22:05:18-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-464</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-464</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My uncle, the bringer of the frog plague, is at it again.  I figured I'd paint something quick to use as a thank you note for the three new frogs, although as my son pointed out, one is a duplicate.  Well, you have to figure that when you've sent enough frogs that a five-year-old is no longer excited about the UPS man, you're going to have some do-overs.  Anyway, I like this painting and now I don't want to mail it.  Too bad my uncle is techno-challenged or he could just read a nice THANK YOU right here.  Ergh.

Wishing For Spring.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>You Sound Like A Broken Record.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-28T22:01:24-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-463</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-463</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[And now my kids have actually seen one.  And heard one too.  Can you even buy new needles for turntables anymore?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Everyday Matters Challenge #159 AND A Flower.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-27T08:06:55-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-462</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-462</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I didn't feel like thinking too much yesterday, so I went back to the EDM list and took a stab at the latest challenge.  I LOVE my 2 TBSP scoops &mdash; a ton of recipes call for 2TBSP of stuff and it's the perfect size for making meatballs and chocolate chip cookies.  Mmmmmmmmm, c-o-o-k-i-e-s ...  snow day from school ...  must think of way to amuse children ...  chocolate chips, butter, eggs and such on hand ...  er ...  sorry, got distracted there for a minute.

Now where was l?

Darned if I know, so we'll move on to the latest flower.  Sometimes I like painting yellow and sometimes not so much &mdash; I can't figure out why it works sometimes and looks like mud others.  This flower is in the middle somewhere between "I like it" and "it's a muddy mess".

Black Eyed Susan.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bug Me Enough ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-27T08:00:48-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-461</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-461</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  and maybe I'll paint you a picture to.  I was testing some colors on boards recently and got a pale yellow I didn't care for, but figured would work in my daughter's room.  I slapped a pink and purple butterfly on top of the yellow and called it done.  Not a big deal &mdash; unless you have two children and one is feeling decidedly left out.  After much bugging, pouting and whining, I'm finally coming through for my son.  I was looking for ideas online yesterday and my son saw three paintings that he liked, so I did a chinese fire drill as we used to say at the agency where I worked.  In other words, I pulled what he liked from each idea and slapped them together into one picture.  This is almost done and he's still deciding what number he wants the car to be.  He also thinks he'd like the tires to say his name ...  or maybe Goodrich (where daddy works).  Anything for you, your highness.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Just A Flower Today.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-26T11:44:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-460</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-460</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Camellia on Green.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb coldpress.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Passing On The Love ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-24T20:34:45-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-458</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-458</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A couple of wonderful ladies (thank you both very much) whose blogs I visit often recently presented me with a couple of awards.

Joan Yoshioka (whom I'm very jealous of because she lives in Hawaii&mdash; not to mention the fact that she draws a mean plastic bag!)  passed on the You Make My Day award.  Here are a couple of people that I visit for my daily dose of happiness.

Wendee at The Digital Fridge Door &mdash; I think Wendee's a philosopher at heart, as in addition to wowing me with her drawings and making me laugh, she also has the tendency to make me think.

Karen Sandstrom at Pen in Hand &mdash; the other Karen in Cleveland (yes, I'm sure there are more, but she's the only other one I've met), I enjoy seeing sights I recognize through another artist's eyes.  AND, she got me out sketchcrawling.  LOVE her for that.

Angela Fehr &mdash; Her watercolors of flowers are just amazing!  Big, bold and beautiful.

Michelle Abeyta &mdash; whimsical, fun, colorful paintings of animals and hilarious, rolling-on-the-floor posts.

And Sharon at the Flat Sound of Wooden Clogs sent me a great big virtual hug (originated by Emila).  Here are a few more inspiring artists that I try not to miss.

Elizabeth Perry at Woolgathering &mdash; this inspiring woman has posted images from her sketchbook for 1000+ days and counting.  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

France Belleville at Wagonized &mdash; this lady (who happens to love Volvos) can work magic with a simple pencil.  I literally drool.

Suzanne Buchanan at An Open [Sketch]book &mdash; One of the first blogs I started visiting and I keep going back.  There's so much variety in what she can do &mdash; sketch, paint, design &mdash; you name it, she does it and does it well.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yesterday and Today and Probably Tomorrow.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-24T20:30:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-459</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-459</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Tomorrow ...

Today ...

Yesterday ...]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Okay&#x2c; I&#x27;m Done With The Whining.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-22T21:11:08-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-456</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-456</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For today anyway.  This one turned out just like what I was seeing in my head.  Sigh.

Lily on Blue.  pen & ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>More Whining.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-22T21:00:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-457</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-457</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[So don't read it if you don't want to hear it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>One of THOSE Days.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-21T14:35:44-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-455</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-455</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I got back to flowers yesterday with little success as far as I'm concerned.  I worked on two drawings off and on during the day and it felt like pulling teeth.  The last "finished" painting I did was on February 5th, but I managed to squeeze a few flower drawings into my sketchbook after that.  So why do I feel so out of practice?  It's like it's the first time I've ever picked up a pen &mdash; at least it seems that way because I am that frustrated.  Ergh!

Last night was also my first of eight watercolor classes at an adult education center nearby.  After the day I had, I so wasn't looking forward to it &mdash; I drove by Caribou on the way and considered stopping, having a coffee and just drawing in my sketchbook for a couple hours instead.  The main reason I'm taking this class is to get a better handle on how to work with watercolor.  I've enjoyed adding color in my sketchbook enough to start doing these flower paintings, but I think there is more I could be doing.

Anyway, I sucked it up and went to class, but I'm not sure what I think.  The instructor did a couple of demonstrations &mdash; solid color wash, gradated color wash, scraping, using a rigger brush for line work &mdash; and then said okay, go play amongst yourselves.  Um.  Hmmm.  Okay, but I can do that at home for just the cost of a book.  Plus, he's going to miss the next two classes to go to some art fair (glad someone's successful enough to score booth space), so we'll be having substitutes.  It's only an eight week class for pete's sake!  (who is pete by the way?  always wondered.)

So I went back to my desk and played.  Just kind of plopped down color willy-nilly and I managed to pull a couple of things out of the resulting mess.  Can I just say that I can't remember the last time I painted something without it (or a reference photo) right in front of me.  AND I have NEVER painted without at least sketching something out first.  So I'm pretty happy with what I accomplished.  And as for multiple teachers, maybe it will be good &mdash; at the very least I'll be exposed to that many more artists and techniques.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Back to Flowers Soon I Hope.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-19T16:03:22-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-453</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-453</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I've been busy doing some reorganizing around the house.  We've been here about eight months and it takes a while to figure out how you're going to live in a house.  Some of the places where I put things originally don't make sense now, so I tackled some of those items.  And I don't know how it works for you, but after we do a project around the house, it seems like the tools and such have a hard time getting back home.  Sometimes they get close &mdash; like I put all of the paint and supplies downstairs, but not exactly where it should be.  Tripped over something one too many times today, so I expanded my cleaning fit.

And I've had both kids home for several days with President's Day yesterday, so they were less inclined to amuse themselves this afternoon.  Tomorrow R goes back to school and I hoping S and I will get back in our drawing groove.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Busy PINK Day.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-17T13:31:27-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-452</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-452</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Notice I'm actually wearing pink in the photo.  Wonder how that happened?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Selection of Original Watercolors For Sale.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-15T21:52:54-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-451</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-451</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I've placed a small selection of my original watercolors in my shop.  Each original is $25.00 (including shipping and handling) and will come with an acid-free mat and back board, inside a protective plastic envelope.

Glossy postcards are also available for $5.00, perfect for any 4" x 6" frame.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Few Highlights.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-15T18:37:42-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-450</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-450</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I only missed a couple of days when I was sick, but I'm not posting 10 days worth of entries, so a few will just have to suffice.  My next project is to get cracking on a couple of paintings for our family room.  I have a little bit of an idea, but I think I might actually need to do a few sketches.  Yes, I know it's a shock, but the idea isn't the usual picture in my head &mdash; I know I want bright colors and probably flowers for the subject, but other than that I'm at a loss.  So it's back to the old drawing board ...  hee hee hee.  Couldn't resist that one.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Has It Been Ten Days?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-14T22:23:02-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-449</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-449</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Okay, so I didn't think it would take this long to get the office/studio done, and really, it didn't.  Tom got sick and then I got sick and then we started working on it.  I started the trim on Monday, painted the walls yesterday and put the furniture back in today.  I still need to make the shelves (or should I say Tom does) that I want to put my artwork on, but everything else is good to go.

I LOVE THE COLOR.  I don't think I would have been happy with a really bright color &mdash; even if that would have been "artsy-fartsier".  This color is calm and warm, making the space a cozy little hideaway.  I rearranged stuff a bit so that I have room for my big comfy-shmufy chair &mdash; my drafting table had to go, but with the way I put the computer back on the desk, I have that big space on the left to draw on. I figure I'll try it for a bit and if I need the table, I can always boot the dog out.  His spot is about the only one left if I set the table up.

So I'm happy.  Check out the before and afters and let me know what you think.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-05T22:09:36-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-448</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-448</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  So I can paint my studio.  Yes, I finally decided on a color.  Leave me alone already.  You see how hard it is to figure out what you want to do when your significant other says "It's your space.  Do whatever you want".  Thanks a lot, you mean, cold-hearted ...  er ...  I mean wonderful man.

So I leave you with one slightly awful sketch and two that aren't too bad.  I'll see you as soon as I get all the paint scraped off so I can set my computer back up.  Later dudes!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Three for the Price of One.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-05T22:05:16-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-447</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-447</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Not sure I like the background &mdash; I think I'd rather have it ...  well ...  more in the background &mdash; but I wanted to try something different.  Gotta say I'm having fun with these tulips and I haven't killed them yet, which is a bonus.

Three for the Price of One.  pen & ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.

In case you'd like to see some more of the "process".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First&#x2c;  A Little Catch Up.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-05T21:59:18-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-446</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-446</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Too busy entertaining munchkins to post anything.  Good thing they at least like to draw with mommy or I wouldn't get much art done.  Instead it's the laundry that will have to wait until tomorrow.  Darn it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>One Spread Good. One Spread Sucky.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-02T14:55:22-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-445</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-445</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Managed to go to another Cleveland Sketch Crawl today and it was similar to last time.  I got one spread (see below) that I really like and one (that won't be posted) that I really hate.  That's a .500 average, so I guess that's pretty good.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Spring In My Kitchen.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-02T14:52:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-444</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-444</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Picked up a little tulip pot at the grocery store.  I better draw quickly because these little buggars are opening already.  It is nice to draw from life for a change.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>EXCITING NEWS and Another Stinkin&#x27; Frog.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-02-01T10:06:38-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-443</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-443</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; I've never had to put the why's and how's of my art into words &mdash; 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 &mdash; 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 &mdash; Ryan decided this morning that it must be a slime trail from the TOAD because he's too ugly to be a frog.  Yummy &mdash; just what I wanted to think about over breakfast.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Quickie Postcard and A Use For Gouache.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-02-01T10:01:40-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-442</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-9.html#unique-entry-id-442</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[No, really, it was pretty quick.  I drew and inked it last night and then added color this morning.  I started to panic a bit because I did my usual underpainting of blue in the shadows and I couldn't get yellow on top.  (Duh!  Yellow and blue makes green doofus!)  I got out my new palette of gouache and (sigh of relief) I was able to bring the yellow, gold and orange back without losing the shadows.  And it didn't get too muddy.

Sunflower.  ink, watercolor, gouache on 140 lb.  cold press.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Post-arama Today.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Painting</category><dc:date>2008-01-30T20:09:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-441</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-441</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yeah, it's me again.  I'm done with this one and excited.  So sue me.  I just love this painting ...  it was almost like it painted itself.  I didn't really feel like I had to think about what I was doing, it all seemed to come together pretty intuitively.  I think I've hit upon a style that is unique AND that I enjoy it.  Bonus!

More to come &mdash; I've got ideas for a couple of paintings for our family room.  Bigger and maybe square.  This painting seems serious to me and I think I want to do something that is more bright and cheerful.  Stay tuned.

SIDENOTE: Anyone have any suggestions on signing paintings.  I've always just sort of slapped something down somewhere and very few are the same.  Do you put a date on it?  Is my full name better or can I just do initials?  (and no, I'm not going to sign it KGB mom and dad.  My name is Karen L-something Blados, not Karen Graham Blados.  Sorry.)

Mums In Gold Pot.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Why Is This SO HARD?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-30T09:42:17-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-440</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-440</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yes, I'm still struggling with what to do paint-wise in my studio.  I'll probably finish the hallway today and then I want to start in here so that I can get it done before we start on bathroom demolition.  I think the problem is I've never had a space of my own that is for my art &mdash; bedroom, kitchen table, basement, yes, but never a "studio".  Tom's given me the go ahead to do whatever I want in here.  That's way too many options.  UGH!

I think ...  No, wait.  I HAVE narrowed it down to the colors here.  The top one is a no because it's pretty much the same color I've got now &mdash; I call it Boring As All Get Out Eggshell.  I like the middle, but I think it's too light and close to Boring Eggshell.  So I guess it's the Ripe Wheat.  I think it will give me the "color" I want and it's still neutral enough that the artwork can be the focus.  I think.  For now at least.

Help?!!?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Back To School.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-30T08:39:45-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-439</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-439</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I signed up for art classes at Polaris (adult education center).  The first, a jewelry making class, is just one night and it's how to make a bracelet.  I don't know what kind, but I wanted to sign up for something different.

The second is a 10 week watercolor course.  I took one class in college and really didn't care for the medium &mdash; it is hard to control, so you have to be willing to work with what it does.  I'm enjoying it now that I'm back into it, but I also feel like I'm not using all the tricks of the trade.  I don't learn well out of books, so I hope a class will refresh my memory.  At the very least, it'll be fun to get out for a few evenings and talk to other artists.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>We All Know I&#x27;m My Worst Critic.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-30T08:34:40-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-438</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-438</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[But even I'm liking this.  Still need to work on the centers of the flowers and I don't think the light is right in a couple of places.  I think I'm going to need to add a shadow or something to the pot, even though there isn't one on my references.  I hate having to make stuff like that up.  But overall, I'm really happy with it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Nice Buns&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-29T11:49:57-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-437</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-437</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sorry.  I tried to think of something else to call this post, but that just kept bullying it's way to the front.  By now you should know I'm a little warped.  (Thanks mom & dad.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Progress Report.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-29T11:34:57-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-436</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-436</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This is getting to be one of the more ambitious pieces I've done in a long time, so I've been taking scans as I go.  In the back of my mind, it's not so much to document the process as to figure out at which point I screwed up, if I screw up.  (Give me a break, I said if.)  It's just that I REALLY liked the ink drawing and now I'm nervous that I won't like it as well when I'm done with the watercolor.

I stopped last night scared that I'd gotten too blue in some areas, but I've been adding red this morning (it's a bouquet of deep red mums) and it's working well.  In fact, some of the areas are probably going to end up needing more blue.  Go figure.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sometimes This Is Nuts.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-28T09:10:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-435</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-435</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yesterday I worked on my drawing for a couple of hours and when I went to bed, I realized I hadn't made an entry for the day yet.  I thought about doing something really quick, even brought my sketchbook up to bed, but I decided I was too tired and besides, I'd worked on the flower drawing.  Next thing I know, it's about one o'clock in the morning, I'm up and I know I won't be going back to sleep anytime soon.  I finally grabbed my sketchbook from the night-stand, my pillow and headed into the bathroom.  I finished this in about thirty minutes, went downstairs and fell back asleep on the couch.

Told you it was nuts.  I've gone from a person who can't even see the point of keeping a sketchbook to not being able to sleep if I don't get a measly drawing in. I'd probably be happy about that if I wasn't so sleepy.  Ergh.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Complicated.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-26T19:23:50-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-434</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-434</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I got going on a floral piece earlier this week that is larger and more complicated than what I've been doing.  I'm finding that I really enjoy the pen & ink work.  It's very relaxing for me &mdash; I get into it and just zone out.  Pretty completely if how many times my kids have knocked on me is any indication.  I also like the textures that I'm getting and the deeper darks I can achieve with the pen work underneath watercolor.

I guess I'm a bit surprised to still be working on flowers in general.  Maybe I've finally hit on the subject matter that does it for me?  I have ideas swimming around in my head and I even went to the garden center today so I could take reference photos for some of them.  Didn't have a lot of luck finding the flowers I wanted &mdash; it is late January in Ohio after all.  Maybe I'll head to the botanical gardens next weekend.  Hmmmm.  There's an idea.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Been Busy Painting.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-26T18:49:39-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-433</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-433</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[And not the fun kind.  Although the latest room wasn't too bad because there wasn't any molding to paint first.  I think it took me a week just to paint the molding in our living room, but I got the family room sans molding done in two days.  Now I'll take the weekend off and finish with the hallway next week.

The project after that will hopefully be my office/studio &mdash; just as soon as I figure out what I want to do.  I've been looking for inspiration, but most of the studios I've seen have white or cream colored walls.  Boring.

1.  Shelves on one wall that I can use to rotate my artwork without punching a bunch of holes in the wall.

2.  Shelves or a book case so I can get some of my things that I use often out of the closet or off my desk.

3.

4.  Color.  This is where I get stumped.  I'd really like to have a bold color, but I'm afraid of how it will reflect on my artwork.  Like if I use red, is everything I do going to take on a pinkish cast?  I think I've decided on a sand color that goes well with my desk for three of the walls.  And I was looking at a chocolate brown color for the fourth wall, but now I'm thinking maybe a purple in the same shade.

Anyone out there in the ether want to tell me what your dream studio would look like?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Fence.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-23T22:00:12-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-432</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-432</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Why is that?  I'm always lusting after someone else's artwork (and hair &mdash; I'd so love to have long, curly hair &mdash; but that's slightly off topic).  I really like impressionistic pieces where the paint just seems to have been loosely smacked on the canvas.  Then there are images where the artist uses a light touch to achieve an almost ethereal quality.  I do not have a light touch and I wouldn't know loose if it bit me on the nose.  (What did you think I was going to type?  This is a family show people!)  But I still keep trying to get my head between the rails.  Argh!

So.  Now that I'm done with that, here's one of my first tries at using gouache (yes, you do pronounce it something like "go-wash").  It's basically opaque watercolor &mdash; you can get an even field of saturated color or add water to dilute it for a more transparent look.  Which would be just like watercolor.  And that wasn't the point, so I got a little heavier with the paint.  I like it enough to keep working with it, so I guess that's good.

Four Tulips.  ink, gouache on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 4".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How Do You Explain &#x22;Get Smart&#x22; to a Five-Year-Old?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-23T21:56:07-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-431</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-431</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Okay, so I'm aging myself a little &mdash; Watch it!  I saw the reruns on TV Land, not the original airings.  Anyway, had one of those "not the craw, the craw" moments and tried to explain it, but the kids lost interest before I finished.  Which was good, because I had a hard time talking while laughing.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Now It&#x27;s Dots.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-22T11:54:41-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-430</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-430</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Thought I'd try a little stippling.  Looks nice, but I like the lines better.  Mainly because they go a lot faster.

Three Tulips.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.  4" x 6".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Little Furnaces.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-22T11:53:15-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-429</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-429</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[That's what my kids must be &mdash; little furnaces.  They never get cold.  I'm always cold.  Now if I could just get them to sit still so I could warm my hands on them.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Can&#x27;t Draw in a Car ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-22T11:51:16-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-428</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-428</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  if you're the one driving, so I missed a couple of days.  Too busy yakking with my folks.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Some More Experimenting.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-18T09:55:54-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-427</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-427</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm trying to do something a little different with each flower &mdash; I'm working on developing not so much a formula as a unique style.  In this one, I wanted to vary the lights and darks in the background to create a sense of depth.  I think it works &mdash; the flower looks like it's sitting at the top of a rose bush instead of everything being on the same plane.

Orange Rose.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.  4" x 6".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Just Plain Weird.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-18T09:52:46-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-426</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-426</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This little freaky troll was Sarah's toy in her Happy Meal.  Of course, she likes it because it's wearing pink.  Me?  I just think it's weird &mdash; not what I would consider a "toddler toy".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>See What I Mean?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-16T17:40:59-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-425</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-425</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Pink Ladies.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.  4" x 6".

Sunrise.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 9".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Suddenly&#x2c; I LOVE Winter.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-01-16T17:37:45-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-424</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-424</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 &mdash; 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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Anybody Noticed?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Flowers</category><dc:date>2008-01-15T20:08:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-423</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-423</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This makes at least one flower painting a day for a week straight now.  And yet I still want to do more.  Have I found my niche?

One Tulip.  ink, watercolor on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 9".

Two Tulip.  ink, watercolor 140 lb.  cold press.  4" x 6".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Funky Spud.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-15T20:06:46-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-422</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-422</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[When you pull out a potato shaped like a heart, you say "wow, that looks like a heart."  And if you're me, the next step is to draw it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Someone&#x27;s Doing Something Fun.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-15T07:39:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-421</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-421</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[One of my favorite bloggers, Suzanne Buchanan, is having a Valentine's Day Contest.  Just give her a shout out on your blog and leave a comment on her wonderful site.  You could be a proud winner of a "care package" complete with one of her handmade valentine magnets.  I can personally vouch for her workmanship as I ordered some of her notecards for christmas gifts.  Check out her wonderful work on Etsy too.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Very Quick One.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-14T19:30:03-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-420</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-420</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Feeling kind of crummy, spent a couple hours on the previous painting, going to bed.  Catch ya on the flip side.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>An Experiment.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-14T16:54:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-419</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-419</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I saw some small paintings of vegetables at a farmer's market this fall and I've had ideas percolating ever since.  This flower kick I'm on seemed like the perfect excuse to experiment and guess what?  Pen & ink, watercolor and colored pencil work really well on canvas.  I had to be a little more patient than I normally am so that the layers had time to dry, but I'm very happy with this first attempt and am busy planning more ...  as soon as I make a run for more canvas.

Orchid On Blue.  ink, watercolor and colored pencil on gallery-wraped canvas.  5.5" x 5.5".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Paper Run.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-13T21:08:41-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-418</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-418</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Hit the craft store today for more watercolor paper and found something new to try.  I'm having fun &mdash; can you tell?

Bromeliad.  ink, watercolor and colored pencil on 140 lb.  cold press.  9" x 6".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Now I Mean Business.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-13T21:06:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-417</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-417</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I must be into this whole flower kick.  I actually cleaned my technical pens today AND used them.  Since I can't remember the last time I had them in hand, this is a pretty big deal.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yet Another Flower.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-12T19:17:35-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-416</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-416</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If I had anything even remotely resembling a green thumb, I'd try to raise orchids.  Luckily for orchids the world over, I can be just as happy drawing them.

Orchid on Red.  ink, watercolor and colored pencil on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 4".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Oi Vey&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2008-01-12T19:13:44-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-415</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-415</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Can&#x27;t Wait Any Longer.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-11T21:41:39-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-414</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-414</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[First of all, Yupo-Schmupo.  I'll go back to this paper/plastic ...  I really will ...  but I'm not liking it right now and instead of letting it frustrate me until I'm ready to throw in the pen, I'm going to set it aside.  If anyone out there uses it and likes it, shoot me an email and tell me what the heck you're doing.  I've heard such wonderful things, but it just ticks me off.  Argh!

Anyway, between fits of artistic angst, I've gone back to my flowers.  I mentioned I found two new flower books and how I was feeling inspired right?  Well, here's what I've been up to.  The three postcards are en-route to my folks and I haven't wanted to give them a sneak peek, but I'm really happy with the direction I'm going in and I REALLY want to share.  Mom and dad, you're just going to have to deal with seeing your surprises here first.

Magnolias.  ink and watercolor on 140 lb.  cold press.  9" x 6".

Magnolia in the Wind.  ink and watercolor on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 4".

White on Green.  ink and watercolor on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 4".

Pink Cosmos.  ink and watercolor on 140 lb.  cold press.  6" x 4".]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Another Milestone Recorded for Posterity.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-11T15:53:30-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-413</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-413</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's really hard to draw an itty-bitty baby tooth.  How exactly do kids manage to chew with these infantismal little teeth?  I think it's a wonder that the teeth don't just pull out with the first apple they try.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>See The Light ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-10T21:03:56-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-412</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-412</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[...  or bang it against your forehead.  I always thought I was fairly intelligent.  Then I had kids.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Posting Pretty Soon.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-10T14:36:09-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-411</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-411</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I've been trying Yupo paper with watercolor and I HATE IT!  No, really, let me tell you how I feel.  It sucks.  Actually, it doesn't suck exactly &mdash; it's plastic, so the watercolor sits on top of it and all you can really do is push it around until you have a muddy mess.  Now someone who has a loose style and has patience (you have to wait a long time for it to dry, so it better be a lot of patience) might like it.  Me?  Ms. Anal-Retentive / Obsessive-Compulsive / Is-IT-DONE-YET?  Not so much.

BUT, and you were thinking there might be one, I have another idea that seems to be working well.  Stay tuned.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Inspiration.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-09T09:43:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-410</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-410</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It's amazing what a few minutes in a bookstore can do for a person.  The kids and I hit Half-Priced Books yesterday and I found two big, huge, gigantic books of gorgeous photographs of flowers and plants.  Add the fact that both list how to care for them all (and me wanting to landscape in the spring) and it's the best $13.00 I've spent in a while.

It was tough to really explore with the kids in tow, but I still had a wonderful time.  And, while on the subject of books, there's a Borders up the street from us now.  Nothing wrong with hanging out there every now and then to browse, even if I don't buy anything.  So now I'm stoked and ready to draw some more flowers.  Yippee!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Let Go My Lego.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-06T11:10:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-409</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-409</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The New Year has brought on a funk.  A funk that makes me not want to sit here at my computer.  I don't want to update the pages or visit my favorite blogs or read the news or even check email.  I've decided not to worry about it because I still want to draw ...  in fact, I've got one started on my table that I want to work on today.  Just think I'm a little burned out on blogdom.  So ...  I guess I'll see ya when I see ya.  Thanks for your patience.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yet Another Frog.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-05T11:10:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-408</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-408</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hoping These Will Help.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-04T11:10:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-407</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-407</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Happy Birthday&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-03T11:09:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-406</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-406</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recovered From A Snow Pile.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-02T11:09:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-405</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-405</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First Day of 2008&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-02T06:28:34-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-404</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-404</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the first of the series that I didn't see in the movie theater, so I was very excited to get it for Christmas.  Tom and I watched it Saturday night, and I spent the next couple of days re-reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  I have loved this series, probably my all-time favorite books &mdash; and I read a lot of books.  The kids are almost getting to the age where I might be able to read it to them.  I so hope they enjoy it too, because personally, I think it has a wonderful message.  Harry demonstrates that who you are or what you are or where you are from isn't what matters &mdash; it's what you accomplish in spite of it all that is important.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>My Mission&#x2c; Should I Choose To Accept It ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2008-01-01T21:00:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-403</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-8.html#unique-entry-id-403</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The end of another year is fast approaching and I've spent most of the day trying to come up with some artistic goals for next year.

Continue with my illustrated journal &mdash; can't imagine this falling by the wayside, but figured I'd just CMA.

and thereby, paying jobs because I have to buy the art supplies with something.

Can't grow as an artist working all alone in my little corner of the world.

The last is the tricky one &mdash; I want to concentrate on my fine art. How's that for a broad, somewhat indecipherable goal?  Let's see if I can clear it up a bit &mdash; I want to get paid to draw/paint/create full-time.  Or as close to that as I can get while raising two kids and managing our household.  It's time to actually work on building a body of work instead of just talking about it.

1.  Determine a theme/subject/idea to base the work on. 2.  Decide on a style/technique/medium to work in. 3.  And finally, JUST GET GOING ON IT ALREADY!

Wish me luck and &ndash; if it looks like I need it &ndash; give me a kick in the pants!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Who&#x27;d a Thunk It?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2007-12-31T14:11:49-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-402</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-402</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Never really thought people would argue over the things I want to draw, but I get it every now and then.  Apparently, my son thinks I always draw my daughter's things and my daughter thinks I always draw my son's.  I must (as my mother used to say) be very fair since they both think I am unfair.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Getting Ready.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-29T10:23:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-401</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-401</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Why is it I can't go into an art store and get what I need?  I always walk around, look at all the different paints, pencils, papers and drool.  I do a lot of lusting over materials I'd like to try, but think are too expensive.  I wonder about some of the items that I'm not sure how you use.

Anyway, the whole point of this is I treated myself to some new watercolor paper by Yupo.  It's got a very slick surface and I've been hearing a lot about the different looks and techniques it can produce.  Being that there's only 10 sheets in the 11" x 14" pad, I cut the first one into four pieces so I could experiement.  My paints are out, I've got water and now I just have to get to the painting part of the program.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Year Updating.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-27T11:11:47-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-400</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-400</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I was going to say "New Year, New Look", but honestly, do new pictures and a different color really count as a New Look?  Yeah, I don't think so either.  So instead I've "refreshed" the site, taken out some old stuff, added some new stuff.  Basically, I just fiddled around for the past two hours.  So much for staying away from the computer.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Oh&#x2c; What Fun It Is To Ride&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-24T10:01:49-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-399</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-399</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Blados Family!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Suggestions?</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-23T10:40:17-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-398</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-398</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[So I've finally given up on coffee since every stinking single time I drink it, I end up with an upset stomach.  Even my much loved mochas.  Sigh.  I do like tea &mdash; not as much as coffee &mdash; so I thought I'd give some of the different varieties a try.  Gotta say Chai is not for me.  Any tea drinkers out there got recommendations?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hoo Mama&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-22T09:57:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-397</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-397</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Busy, busy, busy, and not just because it's almost Christmas.  I've got WORK (typed in a sing-song voice while dancing a mini jig)!  I was on-site at an agency a couple of days this week, I'll go back a couple of days next week and a friend is giving my name and number to someone she works with.  So maybe MORE WORK (again with the voice and jig)!

AND to top that, drugs are wonderful and whatever it was I ate and had an allergic reaction to, I'm almost back to normal.  Still a little itchy, but no need to sit on my hands to keep from scratching.  It's a Christmas miracle!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Quack&#x2c; Quack&#x21;</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-18T10:55:57-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-396</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-396</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This looked like something I could draw quickly while watching my kids play.  Not so much.  I should know by now that glass is always a bit of a challenge.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bad Blogger. Bad&#x2c; Bad&#x2c; Bad.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2007-12-17T09:03:02-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-395</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-395</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Still Painting.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2007-12-13T09:13:08-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-394</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-394</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Still caught up in making Christmas stuff, so my "free-time" is more limited than normal.  And, I've been banging heads with my Christmas crazy kids, but I didn't want to record that for all time.  Hence drawings without the usual commentary.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sappy Movies Are My Thing.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-11T12:27:51-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-393</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-393</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I probably would have yelled and screamed as a kid if my parents decided to watch White Christmas, but now I like it.  I got to watch it from start to finish last night, which I don't think I've ever done before.  Maybe I like it because I have little kids ...  I don't have to worry about the language or what the characters are going to do.  One or two chaste pecks on the lips are as hot and heavy as it gets.  Of course, the kids were in bed, so I suppose that blows that theory.

AND, Bing Crosby reminds me of my grandpa.  I don't know that he really looks like him all that much, but they had the same hairstyle.  I always thought my grandpa had one line of hair around his forehead that he combed to the back.  Seriously, that's what it looked like to me ...  kind of a strange comb-over.  Bing's looks the same.  And they both had deep voices.  I don't know if my grandpa could sing. Hmmmm?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Slow Going.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-10T13:59:35-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-392</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-392</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My "helpers" would rather crash cars in the basement than watch me paint.  Humph!  Actually, the little Christmas things I got for them to make required more assistance then anticipated.  Foamies just don't want to stay glued together ...  staples work much better.  But I don't suppose that's very child-friendly, huh?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rocky&#x27;s Ball.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-08T08:29:48-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-391</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-391</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This tennis ball is huge, so Rocky really can't catch it.  Instead, he peels all the fuzz off.  I thought it looked kind of cool and it was definitely something different to draw.

As for other creative endeavors, I'm trying to get busy on some handmade gifts, finishing up Christmas cards and making cookies.  Kind of a full plate (get it) right now.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First Cookie of the Season.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-06T17:50:59-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-390</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-390</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[According to my husband, chocolate chip cookies are Christmas cookies.  Just add red and green sprinkles.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Killing Time.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-05T09:35:16-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-389</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-389</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Woke up early again &mdash; darn snowplow &mdash; so I killed a little time painting the clock in the living room.  I like the way the piece of wood turned out, but I'm not happy with the numbers.  Not sure how else I could have done them, since they are gold and I'm too lazy to try and paint brown around a yellowish gold.  Ah well, I think you can still get the idea.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Not M.I.A.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-12-04T05:29:31-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-388</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-7.html#unique-entry-id-388</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Just a little busy with all the holiday preparations.  And keeping two kids distracted while waiting for Santa to show up.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Creative Wimp.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-30T16:53:13-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-387</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-387</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[What is it about creativity and insecurity?  Do they have to go hand in hand?  Why can't I just get over it already and quit being such a wimp?  Why do I keep having to ask these questions?

I think the insecurity stems from the fact that art is personal AND subjective.  It doesn't matter what kind of art &mdash; drawing, painting, singing, acting, writing, crafting &mdash; you still put a piece of yourself on display and people are either going to like it or not.  For whatever reason, the criticisms speak the loudest.

I spent years giving myself reasons not to draw.  I worked all day as a graphic designer and that was creative enough.  I wasn't as good as other artists.  It was just a hobby that cost money instead of making it.  I didn't have time.  As a result, I not only got pretty cranky, I lost confidence in my abilities, which was one more reason not to try.

I'm not sure what made me start a sketchbook a year ago, but at some point it was like a light bulb finally turned on over my head.  I draw, paint and create to make myself happy.  If other people enjoy it, great.  If not, I don't care.  At least not very much.  Now I draw every day &mdash; sometimes at three in the morning just so I can go to sleep.  I'm more confident, more willing to take risks &mdash; I never would have tried to paint a car just one year ago &mdash; and I'm happier.

The point?  I hate to use an advertising cliche, but darn it, it fits perfectly.  Just do it.

Draw, paint, sing, dance, write, act, scrapbook, whatever.

Just do it.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>One Down&#x2c; Four to Go.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-28T10:12:40-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-386</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-386</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about Christmas is watching all the seasonal cartoons and movies.  The shows take me back to my childhood and I know my kids enjoy them too.  So we watched Charlie Brown last night and I still need to see the Grinch (cartoon version), Frosty, Rudolf and the Christmas Story movie.  And maybe Twas the Night Before Christmas with the mice family.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Like Mother&#x2c; Like Daughter.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-26T22:28:00-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-385</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-385</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Oh, I hope not.  I used to cut big chunks of my own hair instead of a doll's.  Usually right before a picture-taking occasion like Easter or dare I say it ...  Christmas.  So far it's just a pair of sweats and a couple of dolls that have suffered.  I don't know if I'll find something else &mdash; told her that now was the time to fess up to everything and she assured me that was it.  We'll see.

I don't even know when she did it!  I didn't hear the cabinet with the kids' art supplies opening and Ryan didn't see her do it &mdash; at least that's the story I'm getting.  Sneaky little devils.  Guess it's time to put the art supplies higher up in the cabinet.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Liking the Layout.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-26T08:42:54-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-384</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-384</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For whatever reason, this layout style is appealing to me of late.  I normally get annoyed when I feel like all of my pages are looking the same, but this isn't bugging me yet.

I had about 20 hours of design work last week, even with the holiday.  I'm as far as I can go with the project and am now waiting for the client to call to figure out what's next.  I hope it's not thanks, you're done and bring me the files.  Extra money this time of year is nice.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>And So It Begins.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-25T12:45:25-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-383</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-383</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Thanksgiving passed by in a blur and now we're a month out from Christmas Day.  Do you know where your gifts are?  EEK!

Anyway, Christmas is my favorite holiday, mainly because I like all the stuff &mdash; ornaments, decorations, the tree &mdash; just makes me happy to have it all out to enjoy.  PLUS, it gives me plenty of things to draw &mdash; ornaments, decorations, the tree, food &mdash; well, you get the idea.  Here's the first few Christmas-y drawings.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>It Counts.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Sketchbook</category><dc:date>2007-11-23T16:59:36-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-382</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-382</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I try to do a drawing a day in my sketchbook, but some days that's a challenge.  We drove down to my folks on Wednesday for Thanksgiving and between talking, eating and so on, I never ended up drawing.  Until a little after midnight Thursday morning.  I say that counts for Wednesday, right?]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Spanish Is Good.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><category>Design Work</category><dc:date>2007-11-20T08:08:58-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-381</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-381</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As I sit here, replacing english copy in a 48 page book with spanish, I keep repeating my mantra &mdash; "Spanish is good".  It also takes more space than english in a book that's already crammed pretty full.  But I'll make it work.  (Spanish is good.  Bang.  Thud.  Spanish is good.  Bang.  Thud.  Spanish is good.)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Okay&#x2c; Okay&#x2c; You Told Me So.</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-16T21:45:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-380</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-380</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[So I crabbed a little bit.  So what?  I still don't particularly like drawing cars.  But ...  and we all knew there'd be one ...  I think the card I just finished with Santa in the Cutlass is my favorite of all the cards I've done.  My husband is gloating right now.  And you?  You're going to have to wait to see it because I want it to be a surprise.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Things Are Looking Up. </title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-15T09:21:33-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-379</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.kbladosdesign.com/blog/files/archive-6.html#unique-entry-id-379</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Had an interview yesterday that I just don't feel good about.  The woman I met with was very nice, but I got the impression she was also very busy.  I totally understood, because I've been there &mdash; some days you get so busy that the last thing you want to do is meet with a freelancer.  I just don't feel like I had time to put my best face out there.  Darn it.

BUT ...  I just got off the phone with a Creative Director at another agency and they have work for me.  YIPPEE!  I've been feeling down on myself because I haven't been busy.  I know sometimes that's just because the agencies I work with aren't busy &mdash; the whole trickle down effect &mdash; but after keeping a pretty full plate for 2-1/2 years, this slump of late has been frustrating.  I keep telling myself the break has given me time to get the family settled in our new home and make some of the changes around here that we wanted, but it's still a little disheartening.

So maybe things are going to be on an upswing now.  Just in time for the holidays.  EEK!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Drawing All This Stuff for Other People ...</title><dc:creator>KBlados</dc:creator><dc:subject>Sketch Blog</dc:subject><dc:date>2007-11-13T2