Ink Stone and Stick

Can’t wait to try this. Just waiting on the brushes to deliver.

Inspiration+Planning+Implementation=Success

Photoshopped Lighthouse Addition

Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration is born when trying to solve a problem. For instance, our house is a very plain split level. It has no exciting architectural features whatsoever, but it does have a limited view of the water. When I stumbled across a house on Zillow, that had a lighthouse attached to it, I was inspired to improve our architecture and our view. Problem solved…almost.

Inspiration + Planning

When there is no plan, inspiration dies. It retreats to the dark forgotten library of our minds, but when there is a plan, we have completed the first step to making something happen.

Inspiration + Planning + Implementation

Inspiration, plus planning, plus implementation does not always guarantee success, but without inspiration, planning, and implementation, failure is guaranteed every single time. But when success is achieved, there is almost nothing more satisfying than seeing an idea turned into reality. Don’t you agree?

 

 

Calligraphy Ink Stone & Ink Stick

I recently discovered a technique using these. I just ordered mine from Amazon, and can’t wait to try it, but it may be awhile before I have anything worth posting. Stay tuned!

Artists Influenced By Other Artists

 

Letting Others Appreciate Your Art

When you’re a perfectionist, it’s easy to see the flaws in every project you take on. I’ve done that with everything from my home renovation projects to my artwork. Somebody gives me a compliment and all I can think of is, “It could be better.”

When is it ever good enough? I’m not sure, but I’ve finally decided to give some of my art to my friends and family, who have asked for it. Why? Because if they like it, and they tell me so, why should I question that? Still, it feels very personal and exposed, but I suppose if art doesn’t have our heart and soul into it, it really isn’t art, is it?

 

 

Using Sketching Exercises for Illustrations

The assignment was to draw a pile of rocks which is nearly all a study in shadowing. Okay, done.

Now What?

How about if I add a lion? Okay, done.

Now What?

Looks like the beginning of another children’s book just happened!

Betty Edwards Drawing Exercise

Students of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain may recognize this exercise. I drew this chubby court jester many years ago, but recently dug him out and added him to my digital collection, so he could get some Pixelmator treatment.

Colored version

Original sketch

 

Asian Girls

Stopped in a Vietnamese restaurant last month, which had a painting similar to this one, hanging on the wall. I loved it, so I decided to create my own version.

The roughed in phase

Build an Arbor This Weekend

Black Arbor House

After our landscaping project was completed last summer, I had all winter to look out the window and decide that, yes, an arbor would be a lovely addition.

I found these plans online. Add a plan and a guy who is handy, and voila! We had it finished before the weekend was over. Chardonnay grapes on each side and some solar lights and we’re good to go. Now we just need that grass to green up again.

 

Poster Paint Fun

I was playing with some poster paint, throwing it on some big pieces of poster board, and it was dripping all over the place so I took it and stood it up in the shower to drain off. I ended up liking the paint in the shower floor, more than what I liked on the paper.