New Projects On the Horizon...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  I was blessed this year with the means to purchase a new camera - nothing too high-tech, but my other camera was completely dead.  So, now I can take pictures of things I've been working on again...

There hasn't been as much time as I'd hoped during this vacation period to pursue any projects - the week before Christmas was spent preparing, baking cookies, etc. and the week after has been recovery of the house and things like that.  But, I have at least given some thought to new projects that I hope to complete in the next several months.  The above picture is a sketch from a photo of my daughter - a pose that I always liked.  It fits well with the concept I have for a painting.  And, it's exciting for me to be going in a different direction than I have in the past - inspirations from the mural project.

Fun with Linoleum

My new round of art classes is underway - a Christmas Keepsakes class and a Intro to Linoleum Block Printing. 


My sample print

 

The Christmas class is a lot of work because I'm doing three projects that I've never done before.  There's a certain degree of invention because I want to offer something that is unique and worthwhile (for parents who are paying for these classes).  Then, there's an element of adaptation because some of my original ideas are just too challenging for the younger members of the class (8 year olds).  I have to find a way to achieve a successful end that's "do-able" with those kids.  And, I've found that that challenge is something I enjoy - gives me something to obsess over, I guess.  And, I've got 2 girls who are all too happy to be my testers at home...



Guess you'll have to wait and see!



What are we doing here?



The block printing class is just fun.  I haven't done this in probably over ten years, and I forgot how much I enjoy it.  I had an uncarved linoleum block from way-back-when and used a sketchbook doodle to make a quick sample (the rocket shown above).

So far, in two classes, my 6 students (junior high and high school age) have practiced using the tools and pulling a print.  I know I'm enjoying it - sure hope they are, too.



Student practice



Another student practice





Goodbye to Christmas - Hello New Year!

The cookies have been baked (and consumed), the presents have been opened (and assembled), and the stockings are now empty (no matter how hopeful the little guy up top may be). And now, I have a day or two that I can do a little bit in the sketchbook before I have to think about school again.

I had the forethought to take my drawing stuff to the doctor's office yesterday as the waiting room was packed and I was able to start the above drawing. I didn't know what it was going to be - it started as a doodle. But, it turned out to be very appropriate for the time of year and my feelings about the season at the moment (funny how those things can come through when you're not actually conscious of it). Christmas was sort of a blur - here and gone - and I feel like I hardly had time to enjoy it. However, I'm ready to put it all away and try again next year. In the meantime, 2009 ought to be interesting - full of changes!

This drawing is a little different for me in that I never do such minimal eyes - little more than dots. I usually draw more detail in the face in general. I'm happy that I came up with the appropriate age - often, my young children look older than I intend them to. I think I achieved the right amount of squat pugginess for a toddler.

This blog needed a little punch of color, too!

Considering becoming a hermit so I can draw and paint again!

I can't believe it's nearly Christmas - I've only done a smidge of Christmas shopping, no Christmas cards mailed out, no cookies made, barely have any decorations up, no tree yet, and soccer tournaments every weekend (whose idea was that??).

On the upside, schooling obligations are ending for the year and a break is coming. The co-op class I was teaching ended this last week and I'm cutting back to just core subjects with my kids. Of course, I still have some grading and some loose ends to tie up before I can put it all aside. I just feel like Christmas is going to fly right by and will not have had time to enjoy any of it. Argh!

I'm really feeling the desire to go someplace where no one can find me and just retreat into "drawing and painting land" - it's always an escape and it's long overdue.

All I have to share is a random page from an older sketchbook (sigh).