So much shopping ....

and so little time. I got alot of gift cards this year! Yea!! However, since the weather is cooperating I am not shopping, but working on the studio.

We got alot done yesterday. All the to donate stuff out, swept the floor, laid down the "dumpster" rug... yes, we got a wonderful like new, 8x12, rug out of the dumpster where I work, shelves moved around, and more stuff tossed out.

Today, after a brief, at least I hope it will be brief, bout of food poisoning we will be sorting out books and getting them set up in bookcases.

I need a tattoo to remind me not to eat Chinese food, it doesn't like me....ever!

Photos later today!!! Of course, I again failed to take before photos.

To One and All

Black & White Swap

This is the first in a series of "The Jesters" that I am doing to sell on eBay. This one however was for the Swap done in October. Mine was sent to an Artist in Brazil.

The jester, itself, is a print of my original drawing. Each jester will be hand colored or hand painted then glued to an original background. Each different in it's own way.

No two alike.

It's sure been a long week

I made it to work everyday, but Tuesday. I was just plain worn out from all the walking , with a walker, that is hard work I tell you. Plus I pulled a muscle or whatever in the middle of my back on my third trip to the Ladies Room, 4 floors down, as the building management chose to tear up and redo our 5th floor one, 2 weeks before we moved to our new building. Jerks!!! Anyway, I ended up having to use the wheelchair to get back and forth to the Ladies Room and walker walked everywhere else for the rest of the week.

On Tuesday afternoon I created 2 more ACEO's...

This one was for "theme week" What I am afraid of"

I am really not afraid of spiders, well, those fast brown ones I don't like. I am really afraid of rodents... rats, mice... EEeeeeCKKK!!! But I am so afraid of them I can't draw them either. Can we say phobia?

I didn't get it listed on eBay though. By the time I finished it and the other my daughter was home.... dinner, a chat, and a pain pill left me ready for a evening nap.

Right, those pain pills knock me out. SO I didn't wake up until minutes before the cut off time for posting "Theme week" ACEO's and it takes me forever to post a listing. Hopefully, I will be faster today when I list this one.

Isn't he the cutest thing! This one will be hard to part with. I really like scarecrows.

If you want to keep an eye on my eBay listings here is the link.

We moved in to our new building Friday. It is awesome. Today, I am going to go buy a few small art supplies to keep there in my drawer so I don't have to lug things in and out everyday.

Yes, I am fortunate to work at a place where I can draw/color while I wait for calls. This is where I "color" all my stamped greeting cards and Christmas cards. Now, I plan on doing ACEO's there as well. Except for any watercoloring. I think that is where the boss would draw the line.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Where Have I Been????

Spending a whole lot of time in the Doctor's Office. I am now happily recovering from knee surgery, not a replacement.

I did alot of sketching in a small spiral notebook. On a forum somewhere, probably on yahoo I stated that I had not used a lined notebook before and didn't know if I would like to sketch with all those lines. Well since I was spending so much time in waitng rooms and only had a lined notebook and a ink pen. I thought what the heck...



As always click on photos to enlarge.

Here is a close up of the Doc's Office... didn't matter which side of the hall you are on the office stays the same, just switched/flipped, as in a mirror image... right down to the soap dispensers.




I have also been lurking in eBay in the ACEO group. Art Cards, Editions, and Originals... I have bought 3 now and I am addicted.

I am listing my first one today.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7358582176

It is only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Check it out and check out all the other artists that do these incredible mini pieces. Search for ACEO.

Looking forward to getting back to participating in Illo Friday, EDM, and Studio Friday. I have missed y'all.

Mother and Child #1

a series of Mother and Child inspired doodles

Mother and Child #3

A series of Mother and Child inspired doodles

Wisdom

n. accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment...




The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
William Shakespeare
"As You Like It", Act 5 scene 1

Submission for Illustration Friday
8/11/05
sketchbook and colored pencil

Empty

Submission for Illustration Friday



8/05/05 Empty
medium: paper and colored pencil

Ever have one of those days? A day full of empty?

Sketchbooks

Submission for Studio Friday



I draw, doodle, sketch, glue cut-outs from magazines, doodle, and draw some more.

I doodle when I don't have anything exactly in mind to draw. I have been quite pleased with a couple of them.

I even convince co-workers to doodle when they comment on my "art". The sketchbook page on the right was doodled by Diana, who said "Oh I can't do those. I am not that creative" ... she doodled, I colored them in. I think the fish came out quite well.

I am a firm believer that if you just DO it, you will be amazed at what you can DO.

Every child is an artist. It's when we grow up that we forget that.

And it's fun. It sure helps the day at work go faster that's for sure.

The sketchbook with the field and bugs is full.

The one standing up is one that I am doing my collage stuff in and I am now using it for Illustration Friday, too.

For the collages I paste interesting images cut from old magazines, well some aren't to old, I have been known to come close to snatching a current magazine from a co-worker when I see something that I just have to have for a collage. They humor me quite well.

The cut-outs serve as inspiration for me to draw something to go with them.

Somewhere packed away I have many other sketchbooks from years gone by. Eventually as I fix up my studio area and unpack all those boxes I will find my old "friends" again.

Sketchbook Pages

pages from my collage sketchbook

I like to cut and paste interesting images in the pages then come back later and sketch in drawings to go with the cut-outs.

The Horse on the left wanted to be a giraffe, with a long tongue flicking out to get the offered bunch of whatever, alas he became a horse, almost an anime looking horse.

Who knows tomorrow he could become a unicorn.

Aging

Submission for Illustration Friday: Aging
7/29/05

*(added this note 8/05/05 due to comment: Academie Sketchbook, Crayola Colored Pencils, Prang Watercolor wash as background... I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to use computer/illustrator :) (I'm a single mom. I buy lots of my supplies during back to school sales... this week is a big sale week here!!! Yea!!! )

I originally thought about doing strawberries because I had just thrown out about 1/2 a carton. Such a waste of goodness.

Bananas were easier to do than fuzzy strawberries.

I am sad to say I also have had more than one banana age to ooze liquid.

I really need to freeze them when they get too ripe so that I can thaw them and make banana bread.

Now if I can just convince my daughter to do that as well.

Where does the time go?

We are still busy working on the studio. I haven't had much time to do any Illo Fridays. I have had the ideas, just no time.

I have been cutting out images from magazines to do compositions for cards for my mother, who had knee replacement surgery.

I love doing collages anyway. It is relaxing and sure makes the time go faster at work. I am always amazed when someone comments on how talented or how good a collage looks.

I mean it's just cutting and pasting. Everyone can do that.



Just do it. Try it. It's only old magazines. Supplies consist of scissors and a glue stick. Card Stock, if you like or just glue cut-outs on top of old cards. Recycle.
Let your inner child, artist out. Have fun.

Well, no wonder

Apparently I am not the only one having trouble with this particular template.

I finally had time to see if I could reload it or get a different blogger template.

And the one I had been using wasn't even a choice anymore.

So this looks much better.

Been to busy to draw a thing. I have been working on a stamped cross-stitch sampler while at work but, since July 1st I have been working on the garage to studio/game room conversion.



Painting is almost finished. Most of the floor is stained.

Can't wait to get all my various art/craft supplies in one place instead of all over the house and packed away in boxes.

Template Test

okay so is this working???? Now????

IF:Black and White

Okay, something is screwy with my blog today... Sorry you had to scroll down to see illo. If perhaps you didn't have to scroll down, please leave in comments what browser and screen setting you are using. Thanks



I had originally thought of drawing an escaped prisoner, black and white striped, prison garb caught in the guard's spotlight, against the prison wall with barbed wire on top...

but this is what I sketched in a hurry while working at "my day job" yesterday and then was too darn tired to post it last night.

Hopefully, I will make it in time to post for this illo, Black and White, ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY subject for 6/17/05.

IF:Summer

Submission for Illustration Friday: Summer
8/10/05

I didn't have time to do "digital" from last week and with my mom and aunt here I wouldn't have had time to do this week's "Summer" if I wouldn't have already had a summer type sketch done already.

As I drove home yesterday the farmers were harvesting the wheat fields already and the corn field across the road from the farm will be ready next month.

I have been in Texas 25 years and my "farm clock" is still off from the growing and harvest schedule of growing up in Iowa.

It always seems to soon!!

IF: Envy

Submission for Illustration Friday: Envy
5/27/05

This is by no means a "self portrait". My legs are not that skinny.

Cleaning house

but I would rather be finishing my submission for Illustration Friday. It's all drawn. Just need to finish the coloring.

Stumbled in to a fun blog... she does a weekend meet and greet. Snagged this meme as well, three daily things.

1. This weekend I have already
2. This weekend I plan to
3. This weekend I have no intention of

My answers....

1. This weekend I have already planted flowers in the rain
2. This weekend I plan to give my dobie a bath.
3. This weekend I have no intention of eating liver and onions.

Well, back to the laundry room.

Manipulated Doodle

I fanagled the heart. Otherwise it was all subconsious doodle.



Madonna and Child

New Cards

This one was made especially for my niece's birthday.

I made a total of three of this type of card while working yesterday. Great way to pass the time while waiting for a call. I just had to be careful not to get to much glue on my fingers. :)



I lost all of my sidebar info, links, etc... due to a accidental template change. I was using a different blog, one set up for trying out new templates before I use them. And poof, this site changed. That was odd. But now I have to put everything back. Bah.

IF: Aquatic

Submission for Illustration Friday
Just happened to have this one done.

"Fish"

Doodle
Look at Doodle
Long enough...
Image emerges
Color
Voila

Fun... easy to do at work. Coloring relieves tension, stress, etc. And keeps that side of the brain working.

IF: Nourishment

First entry for Illustration Friday

Time for Me

I have been spending a lot of time working on a girlfriend's site to help her get her business up and going... Anointed Jewelry

Today is her birthday.... So I put up a photoblog for her ~ Ginger Snaps

So Happy Birthday Ginger.

Today, I started on a colored pencil drawing for the illustration challenge called Nutrition for Illustration Friday. I probably won't finish it in time to post it before this Friday... Maybe.

I have found some absolutely awesome Colored Pencil Artists. I am rethinking Crayola versus the pro type of pencils. And I have a lot to learn about this medium. This site has alot of information, lessons, etc.

Of course I would have more time for drawing if I would stay off the computer.

I have been knitting scarves. Finished three since I posted on this blog.

I am aggravated with Polaroid. I bought a digital camera PDC 3035. Not only can I not get it to hook up with my computer neither can their tech support. It looks like it takes great photos but if I can't get them on my computer who cares... So I guess it is back to Target and a refund. I will try tech support again on Friday or Saturday as their offices closes before I get home from work on the other days. Sigh, I really took some great photos.

This is enough for now. I'm off to color for a bit.

I Adore Sunflowers. Don't you?

I had not used colored pencils for many years and then only to color in maps and graphs in school.

Last year I started carrying a sketchbook with me to draw and doodle during the "slow" times at work. I can't stand to sit and not be doing something.

Colored pencils were the only medium I could think to use besides crayons.

Portable and blendable.

I was hooked.

I use Crayola brand, started with the 12 pack, then quickly progressed to the 50 pack.

Then I found real "artist" kind of colored pencils... at $3 or more a stick.

Guess what? The expensive kind didn't blend as well and the Crayola Brand.

It's All About Me

I am a single mom of a teenage daughter. I have had a passion for drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. Do you remember the ads for "Draw this picture" in magazines and matchbooks? I was drawing those in the 1st and 2nd grade. My mother brought me a learn to draw kit around that time, using charcoal. I can still see that stilllife I copied. Pumpkins, gourds, etc. all in shades of black, white, and gray.

Victor Ward was my first "real" art teacher. That was in Junior High, 7th thru 9th grade. With Sylvia Potter, a wonderful enigma artist, who pushed and challenged me from 10th grade through graduation. It was in High School I discovered oils. Oh how I love that medium.

During my years in High School I was fortunate enough to explore many mediums... watercolor, pottery, jewelry making, but not beading... silver pendants and copper based Cloisonne. I still have many pieces from that time.

Then on to the big wide world of college. I attended the University of Northern Iowa. An Art Major.

What a shock that was. I was a painter of "what you see is what you get" well, at least my view of it.

One professor for drawing and painting in my sophomore year was only interested in Abstracts... Abstracts got the A's. I still heard my own drummer. Didn't get A's. Although I did some awesome night lightning scapes....black, white, and grays. 36x36 acrylic.

Gave it away. Turned down $350. The guy I gave it too designed his living room around that piece. Then he married and last time I saw it... it was in his parent's basement, not hung, leaning against a wall. Probably sold at a yard sale. Sigh.

But I do have a sketch around here somewhere.

I didn't graduate. No bachelor of fine arts, even though I spent 3 years, well technically 2 1/2 years years there as a student.

As a sophomore I was a Resident Advisor, as a junior I moved off campus and the second semester of that year I toured the US and Mexico with "Campus On Wheels". I did have a soft sculpture piece hung in the student union the summer between sophomore and junior year, "Ode to Jim's Comb"... Black silk comb, with many teeth missing... 4 feet x 2 feet... With wide and narrow teeth. I got an A. I loved that professor. I can see his face I just can't remember his name.

I lived in Cedar Falls for what would have been my senior year, moved back to my hometown and started working on a "real" life of the working girl while going to rodeos on the weekends camera and sketchbook never to far away.

Worked for THE phone company inside and outside. Yep, I was a Installer/Repairman and climbed telephone poles. I was also an operator and a bartender, but not at the same time.

Moved to Texas, went to rodeos, learned to team rope, worked the bucking chutes and stripping chute, got married, lived & worked on a Dairy, operated a horse boarding and training stable, drove a school bus, had a darling daughter, sold Tri-Chem craft paint and taught many classes of fabric and craft painting, showed horses, bought the farm, taught riding lessons, got a divorce, worked from home, got a real job... Lived life and dabbled.

So I might not have the degrees you see on "other" Artists' sites. But I have rappelled in Utah, Mexico, South Texas, rafted the Rio Grande, survived the Santa Elena canyon, ( I rode the raft, didn't do the portage), hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon while a blizzard blanketed the rim, climbed to the top of the Temple of the Sun outside of Mexico City, and way to many other things to list here.

I am an artist, who will always be in transition. I dabbled in a lot of different mediums way back then and I still do ... Always learning... Trying new things... Always have new ideas of something to do. An enigma.

So's here's my list:

Painting~ Oils, Acrylic, Craft Paint

Drawing~ pencil, pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, started using colored pencils in 2004,

Collage~multi medium, even used egg shells a time or two

Pottery~ prefer a kick wheel .... I would have loved to be a potter.

Sculpture~ soft, paper-mache, wax, ... did one clay to plaster bust, very hard work, a long story to go with it

Jewelry~ silver, cloisonne

Watercolor~ used ink, coke, with watercolor paints for a bit... great effects. Painting of Pioneer Seed Corn Company hung in the Toledo, Ia. office for years... Okay, till my Mom retired.

Printing~ carved linoleum block

Batik

Probably others that I am forgeting.


And then I decided Crafts were also an ART form...

Crocheting was first, actually learned how in High School art class. Thank you again, Sylvia Potter.

Counted Cross-stitch

Stamped Cross-stitch

Fabric Painting... sold Tri-Chem and taught classes for a few years

Bisque Ware~ painted with oils...now that's an interesting technique

Stencil

Dry Embossing

Stamping

Scrapbooking

Artcards

Most recently I learned to knit... scarves are all I have done so far...12 done and I am about ready to try hats.

And the list goes on. I am hooked on ART and a lot of it's forms.

Now it's colored pencils and knitting. I just bought new acrylics and got out my brushes. I have canvas stretched and ready. I just want my studio cleaned out and then I'm off to paint. (studio is a converted garage full of stuff)

Oh and I would love to weld junk in to sculptures...someday. But in the mean time I will collect junk.