Nancy

Yesterday I missed showing a piece of art I had drawn for Day #10 and that's OK!

I am the only contestant in this competition I created for myself.  My rules, I can break them.

Not to worry!  It just took me several days to complete this custom piece.

Please allow me to introduce you to my friend's mother, Nancy.

She was celebrating her 90th birthday.    Imagine that!

Every time I see this photo it captivates my attention.

It called to me once again so I knew it was time that I painted her.

Thanks, Nancy, for allowing me the honor to try and capture the essence of you.

Nancy is no longer with us on this earth.  I know that she is truly missed, by her daughter,  everyday.

I am on several missions

It would seem that I am on several missions: 

#1.  Would be to create art daily and post it so I can hold myself accountable

#2.  Would be to overcome resistance of what to draw~to stretch my capabilities~to challenge myself

As I entered my studio this morning I knew I wanted to use PanPastels.  That's all I knew.

I've played with them a little and have been wanting to become more familiar.

As usual my kitty cat, Marmalade, jumped upon my lap, it dawned on me to use her as my model.  

I proceeded took a photo of her sitting on my lap. 

I've been asked many times if I draw pets and I never knew if I could or not. 

Now I know!

I was able to "get 'er done"

I helped out with 2 sick GRANDkids yesterday. (they are doing lots better now)

I began to accept the fact I may not get a drawing in for Day #8.  And I was OK with that.

Yet there appeared to be a window of opportunity and I climbed right in.

I was able to "get 'er done".

My oldest GRANDdaughter, Delaina,  said she was in the mood to draw, with charcoal, while Lila slept.

After drawing with the charcoal awhile she said, "This sure is different than using crayons."  

Yes, indeed, it is.

 I was able to"get 'er done"!

Drawing with Palo Santos incense.

This marks Day #7 of a drawing each day.

One of the subjects I have been very hesitant to draw is older women.  That was, until today.

I woke up filled with vim and vigor to overcome this resistance.  

I hopped on the internet and searched goggle images to found this older woman who appears to be European and wearing a babushka.  

(I could be totally wrong about my description of her but that's what I see.)  

What caught my attention was the expressiveness in her eyes.  

She has lived a long life~I could almost feel the depth of that life within her eyes.  

What a feat it would be to capture that depth!

I started off the initial sketch by using the end of my Palo Santos incense stick.  

I'd burn it for a while then after it cooled I drew with it.

Secretly I was hoping for some mystical assistance as I began my drawing.

I, also, used charcoal pencil and water color pencil is what I used for the babushka.

I thought you might like to see the reference photo.

                                                    

Thank You for your support & encouragement.

when the student is ready...

When the student is ready the teacher will appear.

This is how I felt this morning when I entered my studio.

Checking FaceBook and e-mails before drawing another face for today (Day #6)

In my mailbox was Joanie Springer's newsletter that I subscribe to.

Needless to say, I watched it and was totally inspired by it.

Take a moment and watch this short video.

         

After I watched this video I knew what I was going to do.

I went outside to find a stick to draw with.  I whittled a point on one end.

Got out my black and sepia India ink.

Sat outside on my patio in the backyard and drew this faces.

I had the best time!  

It brought back memories when I used to paint with odd instruments.  

Haven't done it in awhile.

That is going to change.

I finished these pieces in my studio using acrylic paint and pastels.

Thank You, Picasso

The first time I heard this quote by Picasso I knew it to be true.

Sorry if I seem to repeat myself but this quote resonates deeply within my soul.

Here is another portrait I did today. This marks 5 days in a row.  

I think I'll keep going...

Wanna see how far I can go?

Better yet... let's do it together. 

Create something every day.  Large or small.  It doesn't matter the size.  Just begin.

Message me if you want to play along.  I'd LOVE to see what you create.

girlfriends

I had set an intention to draw a girl per day,  in one hour,  and add her to this journal spread.  

one girl in one hour-four days

I have been one very busy lady.  

Along with all my other items on my agenda I will admit to being a little hesitant to commit to this.

Yet I am so glad I did!

I have stretched myself creatively.

Which stirred my juices to learn other things.

Like encaustics...  I had taken a class with Crystal Neubauer several years ago.  She was an excellent teacher.  I love the whole process.  Bought some supplies then never bothered to use them.  

That was until recently.  

I did a loose drawing of a woman face with charcoal.  Applied joint compound around her face-oil painted on top of the joint compound

charcoal drawing
joint compound
oil painted
layer of encaustic wax
scrapping away
more layers of encaustic wax

collage
layer of encaustic wax
stamping flowers and adding color with PanPastel
scrapping away
more layers of encaustic wax
more stamping more Pan Pastels

The point I am making (for myself and you, too,  if it applies) is to continue to challenge myself to creatively grow!