Showing posts with label drawing everyday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drawing everyday. Show all posts

Monday, August 27, 2018

Sharing His Song

"In spite of everything, I shall rise again; 
I will take up my pencil, which I have
forsaken in my great discouragement, 
and I will go on with my drawing."
~ Vincent van Gogh

This drawing is from my Sketching Everyday Blog. It is from a photo taken at Cedar Run, a local wildlife refuge.The owl in the scene is a beloved male barred owl named Squam.


cedarrunwildlife "It is with heavy hearts we share the news of the passing of our great friend, beloved teacher, and loyal ambassador, Squam. For many of the tens of thousands of people who know Cedar Run, chances are, they know Squam. Squam was a true ambassador and educator. He engaged tens of thousands of our members, neighbors, school children, visitors, volunteers, staff and community members with his sense of calm and endearing looks. It was hard not to feel love when looking upon Squam. A true teacher to the end, his lessons will continue on far into the future. Squam first came to us in 2002, when he was about two years old, he packed a lot of living in his 18 years on this earth. He lived a grand life with us, and will be missed by many. One of his favorite things to do was to share his song with us. He loved to sing in auditoriums, where his song would soar and fill the space, or he would sing to the female barred owls in the wild and try to call them to him, sometimes he would sing to the passing fire engine or to the music he heard on the radio. Sometimes it seemed he would sing simply to share his song."

This is a drawing by student and friend, Judy Scott, who worked at the wildlife center
rehabilitating birds and other animals for many years.
 Judy wrote; "  I have access to Squam and I combined two pictures. This is a sketch of Squam and a fledgling Barred Owl. In 2007 Squam was a foster parent to a young Barred Owl that came into the refuge. Although Squam is a male, he was a great surrogate, teaching the young one to eat and fly. Eventually the fledgling was released back into the wild. Thanks for all your support of Cedar Run."
“When the owl sings, the night is silent.” 
 ~ Charles de Leusse
May your spirit continue to soar dear Squamie.

Please add your own recollections about this awesome wildlife ambassador in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week.

X ♥  O


 

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Come Sketch With Me!

"Drawing is the only thing I've found
in which I can lose myself Completely."
~ P. Capaldi


Small objects you love, make great models for quick gesture drawings.
This sketch was done with a quick gesture *holding the pencil like a wand
and then details were added, **holding the pencil like you would to write your name.
*** See Drawing Tips Below

If you are strapped for time, just do one set of 2 minute gestures everyday.
You'll be surprised how much even that little bit will help!

The brain processes 3D objects differently than when viewing flat, 2D reference. Drawing from photos is good practice too, but there are some real benefits to to starting off the summer season with drawing from life!

Here's a photo of the nest which was drawn from life, at a slightly different angle. 


***Some Tips on Drawing two minute gestures from life.

• When drawing small objects, it helps to get the item closer to eye level, so I set them up on a box or a large coffee can.

• It also helps to isolate the subject with a solid colored background.

• Closing one eye often helps if you are having difficulty.

• When drawing, try to keep your body and head in the same position or your view will change.

• Prop your drawing pad up at an angle. Use a Beanie Baby, or something similar.

• Squint to see large shapes as you start to draw quickly.

• Hold your pencil *In Position One - like a wand (*Like you were conducting an orchestra) It's the complete opposite position from **Position Two (**the position we use to write our name).

• Block in large shapes. Use the side of the pencil. Look at negative space. Make comparisons.

• Then, if you still have time, turn the pencil to **Position Two  and add a few details.

• You can see a short video on sketching gestures and how to hold your pencil here.

Follow this link for more tips on how to go about doing quick gestures. http://www.sketchingeveryday.com/…/in-starting-gate-and-the… 



"Sometimes the very best of all summer books is a blank notebook. Get one big enough, and you can practice sketching the lemon slice in your drink, the hot lifeguard on the beach or the
vista down the hill from your cabin." 
~ MM. Dirda

Happy Creating My Friends!


X ♥  O
 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Sketch With Me For FREE!

“The more you express your skills,
the more experienced you become and
the closer you get to excellence.”
~ Israelmore Ayivor
~~~~~~~~~~
 

Come hone your drawing, sketching and watercolor skills with me this summer as I indulge in my 8th Summer of Drawing Everyday from June 1st - August 31st!


Happy Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O
 

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Six Steps to Sensational Sketches

"Draw, as much 
and as often as you can. 
When drawing lies fallow, 
the skill diminishes."
~ Gene Black


Come learn how to draw a hummingbird
in the Six Steps to Sensational Sketches Technique



6 Steps to Sensational Sketches from Sandy Sandy on Vimeo
Happy Father's Day & Summer Solstice!

X ♥  O

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Snowflake the Mother Raccoon is Alive!

About eight to ten years ago, Snowflake the raccoon came into our lives. She was out in broad daylight, up in a tree on the edge of the yard. Jerry thought she was sick, but I knew she wasn't. Just looking at her, you could tell she was the picture of health. She most likely had young ones to feed and was out scouting around for a meal.


A couple of weeks ago, we sadly found a dead momma raccoon on the side of the road, by our driveway. Not wishing to think that it was our own long time resident, Snowflake, we kept hoping for a glimpse of her. She had moved this years' litter out from under the hay shed several weeks ago. We hadn't seen her and the three babies since.


Jerry was working in the yard today when he saw a raccoon out around noon. He called her name several times and each time she paused and looked up, obviously unafraid. We are certain it was her. She is the only raccoon we ever saw out in the middle of the day here. YAY Snowflake! We are both relieved and happy.