Everyday Objects....

Everyday Objects
5 ATCs 2.5x3.5"
graphite on white paper

Here are bits and pieces from around my house. These are my ATCs for the Everyday Objects Trade at DS. I'll be sending them out tonight.

Almost There.....

Almost There
8x11-72pixels/inch

Yes I have been playing in the finger paints again....well the virtual ones.

I should be showing you my ATC cards that have to go out in the mail by Monday. My problem is I don't like them. I need to learn how to develop a drawing from life. Not just a sketch, a full drawing. The ATCs for this trade are from life drawings of everyday things. I like working from a photo. I have no problem supplying that photo from my own camera. In which case the work is mine. (as per the debate going on). Yet the camera obviously sees different than me, since I am having such a hard time with this. Which I guess just means I need much more practice drawing from life....so back to the drawing board!

Finger painting....

Spring Pond
11x8-72 pixels/inch

Just doing some finger painting via PhotoFiltre. You can put colour down on the page then use the little hand with the finger sticking out to spread it around. Almost as fun as the real thing. The clean up was definitely better!

Self portrait.....

Jeanette, over at Illustrated Life, set up a portrait challenge with a twist , over at Drawspace. This is my line drawing for it. I know I'm scarier looking than you all thought I would be.LOL The twist was that it should not be the average view of yourself. I think I fulfilled that! I did cheat a bit, I posterized the picture I was working from. My inspiration level has been low so I wanted to just jump in and get going. This was still about an hours worth of work.

Challenge host????

Well maybe not. This is a quick sketch of her baby picture. She posted the picture as part of her challenge at Drawspace.

Yellow Hornbill....

Here is a new sprite that I worked on this week. This guy was part of the weekly challenge at Drawspace. Marisa dragged a camera and zoom lens around Africa to get us this great picture. I am sure it was for us!

I remembered to save this picture as I was working on it. Here is the series.


I work in MS Paint, 100 x100 pixels (about an inch square). I zoom to about 600% and look at the thumbnail at the same time, as it gets very pixelated near the end. This is done with one layer.
One of the members at DS was showing us how to do sprites, I guess they get used in games like Mario Brothers. I found I enjoyed doing them, that they were more fun than playing games on the computer. Whenever I find myself getting into mindlessly playing games, I try to switch over to doing one of these. That way I am still learning about colour, shape and tones.

Interviewed....

I have been talking with Sue Smith of the Ancient Artist:Developing an Art Career Over 50. Today she has posted my interview in her Sunday Salon Series.
In Sue's own words this is what she is setting out to do:

Artists have always come together into groups where they share common passions, philosophies, argue over content and inspire each other into greater accomplishments. Some of the great groups that come to mind were the Impressionists, the Ashcan Painters, the Abstract Expressionists, the Modernists in Taos...the list is endless. I believe that an artist cannot create in isolation, nor can he or she take the necessary risks without the motivations, challenges and inspirations found within these groups. My goal is to create a similar environment here, a virtual salon where each month (or week) I "sit down" and talk to an artist about whatever we want to talk about. My sincere hope is that others will join the conversation through comments left on posts and through future interviews. Using this format instead of a discussion board, my hope is for a more in depth, focused discussion that informs, challenges, and encourages everyone.

Now I had to ask Sue where I fit into this, she has interviewed some amazing artists, ones who are very accomplished. Sue assured me that there are people out there who will want to hear how I have been learning to draw in the last year and a bit.

The Sunday Salons are a great way to get to know some new and wonderful artists. While you are there, Sue is an accomplished artist, well worth checking out her websites. I know you will find favorites as I have. You will also find an abundance of information on developing an art career.