Illustration Friday: "Craving"

A portrait of the artist as a multitude of cravings. As the saying goes: you are what you eat.

My effort with acrylic paints were slightly better this time. However, I was rather annoyed with the whole thing for a while into it. I have so much more of a grasp on drawing, but I'm still figuring out a lot of things with acrylics (and painting, in general). I had enough gumption to stick with it and I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

I think acrylics was a good medium to use on this subject, partly because of all the creamy frostings involved. By the end of it, I did have a better understanding of the medium and how I work with it:

1. I much prefer the heavy bodied Liquitex paints I have rather than the Grumbacher tubes which are more "runny." The Liquitex feel more like the thicker oils I was more used to in college.

2. The extender I have is pretty useless.

3. I'm beginning to like the quicker drying time - it serves my impatience well, allowing me to rework areas almost immediately and to utilize dry brush effects that I like.

4. I really need to invest in some better paint brushes.

I also fell back on the "easier for me" expressionistic color palette rather than taking the time to mix more natural colors. But the, sweets tend to be more colorful anyway. So, it works.

Anyway, my family arrived home from camping today. My oldest daughter made me a portrait of her own from nature as a present as today is my birthday.

And now for something completely different...

Well, the family is away camping this weekend - except for the baby and I, of course. I haven't had this kind of free time - after Lindy goes to bed - in a long time! I can actually consider going beyond the quick(er) pencil drawing for Illustration Friday.

I don't have anything to post on the IF theme yet. But, I'm goin' "color" for a change. That's right, stepping out of the old comfort zone and working with paint. My internal debate has been over whether to do an ink drawing filled in with watercolor (not really a step outside the zone as it still relies on drawing), or work completely in acrylic (my nemesis). Funny thing is, there are different parts of the design that would work well with one rather than other.

But, no. It's time to face my demons and do something different. I'm very detail-oriented in drawing (to state the obvious), and painting is a looser medium. I'm actually quite drawn to painterly works, but have a hard time doing them myself. Just...can't...stop...defining.

But, then again, there is such a thing as a fine bristle brush. It may not be popular in these modern times, but who says I can't do something detailed in paint, by golly. I wasted an earlier art life thinking to hard about what was modern and new stylistically. Think I've learned my lesson - my natural tendencies are how God made me unique. I'll just squeeze out the paint colors and see what happens - I've had better results with that approach.

So, the above post is a resurrected painting in acrylic in anticipation of what's to come (sorry if you remember seeing it before).

Illustration Friday: "Adapt"

As it is with many things, flying insects have had to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. This outdated model is rarely seen in the wild anymore, unlike the more modern models.


Also, since this drawing started as a doodle, I had to adapt to the lines and shapes that were present in the beginning.

Illustration Friday: "Cracked"

The baby's sleep patterns are more regular now and several school year obligations have ended. That means I have a teensy bit more time to draw than I used to. So, here's a little something for Illustration Friday (sure to creep-out young children and others with clown phobias).

This started as a doodle. The clown character came through pretty quick. But, then I saw the IF theme and took it in that direction.

It's funny how certain flaws are obvious when you are looking at an uploaded picture! Since it was doodle - not planned out - his closest arm looks shorter in proportion in my attempt to fit it all on the page. I hate cutting off hands; a carry-over from my art education. (The next bit of info should be a new paragraph. HOWEVER, for some reason, Blogger refuses to recognize the multiple times I hit the ENTER key to create space - don't know if anyone else has this problem, but it drives me nuts).

Still in the midst of trying to sell our house and get a 4 bedroom. We have an offer on one which would actually have a detached bachelor house in the backyard that could be used as a studio!!! Don't know if we'll get it...here's hoping.

You know how bunnies multiply...

So, here's another bunny. This idea sort of popped into my head. I'm not sure it's fully resolved to my liking, but it's complete enough for posting. I struggled a little with the feet as I really don't know what the underside of bunny feet look like, and I didn't have any bunnies handy. It was also a lesson in rendering bubbles. Overall, I think I pulled it off.

Birds, Boats, and Bunnies...

A week or so ago I started a little doodle that didn't go anywhere...or so I thought. It was small and was something like a caterpillar if you look at it one way...or was it bunnies in capes (You decide). I was leaning toward the bunnies, but I had no interest (or time) to take it any further.

The other night, I found some time when all the kids were in bed and I still had a little energy to draw. I thought I'd elaborate on the caped bunny, and I was actually quite happy with the character that came out. So, what would a RABBIT pull out of a hat? A magician?

One illustration exercise I'd read about was taking one character and exploring different expressions, scenarios, etc. I haven't really done a lot of that, so I thought I'd do another bunny.

I don't know what it is about this character, but I really like it! There's something a little extra human about it. I really like the facial expression - believable (would any parent say "no" to this face?). I guess it's not exactly the same character as the one in the cape - they seem different in age - perhaps father and son.

While I worked, I also thought about how I really like my 4B pencil (used on the jammies). I don't know why - I just like the the value, and the lead just seems to "flow" smoothly. Maybe it's just this brand of pencil (Staedtler Mars Lumograph - my faves since college).

Anyway, I think I'll work on some more bunnies when I have the chance - a nice change from birds. I started a bunny today at Lake Cachuma while my older girls were on a bird-watching cruise. My son stayed with me on-shore since I had to stay with the baby. I didn't get much drawing done, but we had our own bird encounter. Some Scrub Jays came to visit us, coming VERY close (and they weren't scared off when I moved to get my camera). They're a beautiful blue and they're all over the place around these parts.

So much to do, so little time...

Well, can't say I've had time for any art!!! The baby is starting to settle into some good sleeping patterns (Woohoo). But, she lost a lot of weight and wasn't gaining it back - she dropped a whole pound in her first week of life and then gained only 3 oz. back during her first month. It was very worrisome, to say the least. Nothing can tear you apart like the thought that your baby isn't thriving or is suffering in some way. But, praise God! Combining nursing and formula seemed to solve the issue - she's gained over a pound in the past week! She's got rosey cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes, now. She smiles and coos - so happy!

Another distraction is that we've officially put our house up for sale as of today. That has meant a lot of cleaning (me having to be a drill sargeant in making sure the kids pick up their messes), and finishing a few unfinished projects around the house. I recently repainted all the kitchen cabinets and put new hardware on the doors-n-drawers. So, at least I've gotten to paint something.

Yet another distraction was the recent Jesusita fire down in Santa Barbara. While that was about an hour away and our home was in no danger, it did come within a few miles of my husband's work. He had to be evacuated last Friday. The last thing we need is for him (primary breadwinner) to lose his place of employment. Praises (again) that his workplace was spared.

We'll see what happens as the school year comes to a close here soon. Maybe there'll be time to draw again soon.

Illustration Friday: "Theater"

This is actually several things - it's the result of the bird-like doodle I posted previously, and I had planned to fit it into last week's IF topic of "impossibility." However, it was an impossibility for me to finish it before the end of the week. But, when I saw the theme for this week, I thought it would fit well enough.

I actually struggled a lot with the values in this as I did it. I'm still not sure I'm happy with it - I wonder what it would be like to switch and make the darker flowers light, and the lighter flowers in the foreground darker. But, that will never happen - I was lucky to find the time to do this as it is. It's also not the best quality photograph. One of these days I'll have to hook up the scanner again and see if it still works.

Sneak Preview...What Will It Be?

It's spring break this week, and it was a goal of mine to try and open the sketchbook if I could. Of course, finding the time is difficult. Well, actually, if I could find a way to set-up the sketchbook in a workable position while nursing the baby, I'd have lots of time (she eats all the time).

But, I did start a doodle - something I haven't done in a while. I wrote in the past about how birds often come out of these doodles. As you can see by what I've shown here, some sort of bird seems to be coming through...or is it? I definitely was pursuing the beak and eyeball. However, the fun thing about doing these doodles is that - if I just take my time, playing with lines, shapes, and values - other surprises often materialize. I actually started to see other possibilities that I'd like to explore.

So, I will post the finished product as soon as I can string together some drawing time. You'll just have to check back later and see what became of it.

Illustration Friday: "Fleeting"

Miracle of miracles! Not only did I find a few minutes to draw, but I actually have something to fit the theme!

Fleeting = the time I have to draw.

Fleeting = the time that she will stay asleep.

Fleeting = the time that she will hold this position (hands and head moved several times during this drawing).

Fleeting = the time that she will be this small.

Home from the Hospital...

At last, a moment.

Our 4th child was due March 20th and it just so happened that I went into labor on that evening. But, little Lindy Ann arrived around 2:00 a.m. on March 21st. I spent a couple of days in the hospital and we came home Sunday night.

She actually slept pretty well in the hospital and I took a few minutes to sketch her. I had to share a room, so these were done in very low light as it was the middle of the night. But, I think I captured her pretty well.

Things are going pretty well. Hopefully, I can get a few more sketches done at some point. I have a lot of help - sometimes too much - from her older siblings (who just LOVE her and argue over holding her).

Glass from the Past...

Things are looking up - several work and teaching responsibilities have been set aside, projects around the house are near completion, and it's almost baby time. Could be any day I guess, but I'm hoping to get a little closer to the due date. I have my bags packed for the hospital, including my sketchbook and pencils.

In the meantime, I visited Kathleen Rietz's blog and saw a posting of a glass mosaic that she'd done. That reminded me that in the past I had enjoyed making stained glass panels. HEY! At last, something art-related for me to post about!

These are a few panels I did over 10 years ago, but I've never posted (not the best pictures - poor light - I'll try to remedy that soon). The kids designs (Humpty Dumpty and Counting Sheep) were in their bedroom windows until we moved here - now they're in my kitchen, helping to keep the neighbors from peering straight in.

I always loved glass projects - there was a certain amount of mystery as to how it would actually look once completed. Unless you have a light table (which I don't), you really can't see the full effect until the pieces are soldered together and you can lift the panel off the board. Then, you catch a first glimpse of the colors illuminated.

I always enjoyed the different textures and patterns of glass that you can get, too. Hopefully someday I'll be able to dive into another glass project. However, right now is just tooooooooo busy!

Checking In...

It's been much longer than I thought it would be since I've been able to post. It seems like this year has started out with many losses - which include my dad as well as some other projects/activities that were dear to me, but have been taken away. I have to just find encouragement in knowing that the Lord knows what I don't, and things will ultimately work out for the best (although at the moment, that doesn't soothe the sting of it all - no need to get into it).

Anyway, I'm a month away from what I hope will be a turn for the better - the birth of our 4th child. I'm in that "can't get comfortable in any position" stage, but I am grateful that that's the worst of it - it's been an easy pregnancy.

On top of that, what started as a discussion about refinancing our house has turned into "let's look for a 4 bedroom." Of course, now is not the best time on many levels. And, since we really weren't planning on a move, there are many household projects that need to be finished before we can put our house on the market.

All of this has kept me away from drawing. However, as all these things come to a close as we near baby-day, I hope to have some time to actually do some drawing or painting.

In the meantime, I took my 13 yr old son to see our local theater company's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I didn't think he would like it very much, but wanted to take him to experience Shakespeare. HE LOVED IT. It was all performed in Shakespearean English, but they gave it an Eastern Indian visual twist. It was hilarious and now he wants to take his dad. I really enjoyed it as well - it was good to just laugh!

I don't know if anyone stops by here these days. But, I hope to be back with some art soon.

Tough Start to the New Year

I'm sad to say that tomorrow my family and I will be traveling to the memorial for my dad (Richard L. Ballard) who passed away on Saturday, January 3rd.

While I was expecting this to be a difficult year in terms of my dad's health, I don't think any of us expected for the end to happen as rapidly as it did.

I look forward to being with my family during this difficult time. I'll be away for several days, but will check back as soon as I can and see what everyone's been creating.

So much to do - so little time!

My Christmas vacation time is rapidly coming to a close - we'll start back to schooling stuff next week (ish). We always start back light at first.

There are a million things I'd like to do with my remaining days - walls to paint, pictures to draw, books to read, messes to conquer...oh well. I can't do it all - in fact, I will have time for very little of it. But, I did pick up a couple of used books from Barnes & Noble online that have helped me take a few steps toward an illustration business, starting with a focus on small projects like greeting cards.

I had high hopes for this book - sounds perfect. However, only some of the information has been helpful. I like the personal profiles of some of the illustrators. But, a lot of it seems like "common sense" and I don't really benefit from the drawing and painting how-to's.

This book about the freelance biz has been very insightful. This is the aspect of illustration that frightens me most - I'm not naturally a business person, but I've gotten a lot of great things to think about and act upon from reading this one.

Anyway, I don't think I will have a good grasp on how and when I can make any progress toward my illustration goals until summer - after we've settled in with the new baby and I have time off of schooling to even think about the future. It's hard to think past spring at the moment.