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… 

Come Sketch Everyday With Me This Summer From June 1 - August 31st!  

Join our facebook group here.

"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

 

The Drive to Strive and Overcome Struggle

"All artists struggle to some degree with their emotional and creative output."

~  Michael Fantuz

6 x 6" Framed Alcohol Ink Tile ~ $129.

I have heard some instructors state that learning is painful. No pain, no gain and all of that. I have been serious about my art for very long time and know this struggle to be true. There were times when I'd had a bad painting day that I wanted to scream or just rip my hair out. But in hindsight, what did this feeling, this attitude, this anguish accomplish? Very little, I'm afraid. 

Since then, I've learned that struggle needn't be so painful if you adopt the right attitude. I've come a long way since then, and I want to tell you that it just isn't all that serious! Setbacks and throw aways are to be expected in the learning process, especially during the first thousand paintings or so, lol. It usually takes time, and lots of just doing it; again and again and again.

When we are struggling and making mistakes, we need to understand that it is all part of the learning process. I continue to learn so much more from my re-dos than from my keepers. And, we can't be afraid to take risks and "ruin" what we are working on; because that step beyond OK is usually what separates the good from the great. Yes, it's a struggle to get there, but it needn't be painful when the right attitude of accepting the process, experimentation and discovery are in place. Instead of asking; "why didn't this turn out?", it may be more helpful to ask, "what did I learn?".

My philosophy and teaching appeals to people who want to learn new approaches that free them from limiting thoughts, fear of failure and anxiety. Focusing on the process and embracing the joy of creativity, my students move into that happy place where time fades away. Here, we are in touch with a universal spirit, truly living in the moment.  Here there is no struggle, only go with the flow, create and learn.

Without putting too much emphasis on the end product, making mistakes, solving problems and building on positive experiences, the learning process isn't painful or frustrating. With my guidance, I see creativity, achievement and fulfillment blossom. When the right foundation has been laid, living with art and experiencing the joy of creativity can help us to live life now, with more engagement, love and enjoyment. See more ...

Play The Game!

"Art is a game. 

Too bad for them 

who makes a duty of it." 

~ Max Jacob 

Sketching Everyday - Summer 2017 - Day 19

Happy Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

A Loving Embrace

"Drawing is a frame of mind, a loving embrace if you will."

 ~ Susan Avishai

I love this quote about drawing. It is one of my favorites. Ok, I'll admit, I'm a quote junkie and I've got hundreds of favorites! But this one sort of sums up how I feel when I'm drawing something I love and I'm in the *zone (*the place or state of mind you are in when youve made that right brain shift).

Today's little watercolor sketch was done from multiple reference photos and sketches in my many reference folders; collected over the decades; some of which I still have from childhood.  Often when drawing or planning a painting, I use many images to come up with a final design.

We've got hummer action here non-stop now and they are keeping me busy cleaning and filling the feeders. And of course, I'm taking multiple hummingbird breaks during the day, just to indulge in the sheer joy of being in their presence; feeling the rush of air as they zoom by; watching the acrobatic displays, listening to the excited chattering and being enchanted by their never ending magic.

I'm sharing today's post from my summer sketching blog. Why don't you join me there!?

Happy Drawing and Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

With Winged Heart

"Time is too slow for those who wait, 

too swift for those who fear, 

too long for those who grieve, 

too short for those who rejoice, 

but for those who love, time is eternity."

  ~ Henry Van Dyke

~~~

A Winged Heart

Here is my painting for day twenty-six in the 7th 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge, January 2016. I hope you have enjoyed  my collection. Only 3 days left to go! You can see all my black tiles here. This painting is available for a limited time at the special pre-purchase price of $99.99 here.

"A baby is born with a need to be loved

- and never outgrows it."

 ~ Frank A. Clark

Follow me on Facebook  /  Join my Yupo Artists Group    

Again, Wishing You A Wonderful New Year,
Full Of Art and Inspiration!

X ♥  O

 

Art Is A Powerful Gift ~ That Can Outlast And Outshine All Others

"The artist gazes upon a reality 

and creates his own impression. 

 The viewer gazes upon the impression 

and creates his own reality."

 ~ Robert Brault

~~Friendship Feather~~

Alcohol Inks and Watercolor on Yupo paper

See painting specifications and price here.

"While I recognize the necessity 

for a basis of observed reality,

true art lies in a reality that is felt." 

~ Odilon Redon

Last weekend was a huge success despite the 

nasty weather on Saturday. Sunday was sunny and we hung some older work outside.

Everything's looking really good for this weekend's 

(10/18 & 10/19/14)

SANDAROSA STUDIO SUPER SAVINGS EVENT!

Saturday is supposed to be sunny with a high of 70 and Sunday will also be sunny but a bit cooler. Come out to the country and enjoy the giveaways, freebies, food, drinks, incredible discounts and of course the beautiful fall foliage. No purchase is necessary to come and sign up to win an original painting!

I've been busy all week, matting and framing more work to put on display at lower than ever, once a year prices! You know, it's not too early to start thinking of the holidays and some very special one of a kind gifts! (Time is flying by and there are only 68 days until Christmas.)

"Your art was not opened until Chrismas Day 

and they were clearly the most powerful gifts under our tree. 

Again - thanks for sharing your awesome talent."

~ Dean Wasserman

I hope to see many of you come visit us in the Pines this weekend!

X ♥  O

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect (Day 13)

“How you try is more important than
how hard you try.”
― Tim Fargo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Hummingbird Joy~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alcohol Inks and Watercolor on Yupo paper

See painting specifications and price here.

This quote got me thinking about the saying; "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect." I think this is so true, because if you practice doing something inefficiently, you will waste your time and resources. You may never improve your skills. That's why it's important to get qualified guidance right from the start of learning something new. This makes the "trying" much more productive and fulfilling, before bad habits, which are often hard to break, are established and reinforced.

I look forward to seeing some of you at my demo today!

FREE sample packets of Yupo paper  to the first 20 attendees!

X ♥  O

How Sweet It Is ~ Be Here Now ~ SOLD

"All the things that truly matter - 

beauty, love, creativity, joy, inner peace - 

arise from beyond the mind."

"You cannot be both unhappy

and fully present in the Now."

~ Eckhart Tolle

How Sweet it is  • Sold

How Sweet it is

 • Sold 

Limited Supply of Solid Burl-wood Frames

I am now offering this painting framed in a burl-wood frame.

This is the painting I was debating on cropping, but decided to leave it as is.

(And of course, all my paintings come signed by me, with extras!)

The hummingbirds have started to flock in!

Their presence reminds me to "be here now". 

Perhaps that is one of the ways they spread so much joy!

The kittens, Opie and Cutie Pye,

are amazed with the little fellas.

Look how big they've gotten!

I can't believe they will be one year old on May 1st!

My husband Jerry - Ever-Ready Bunny

Since the scare with his high blood pressure and loss of the sight in his right eye, my husband's work schedule has been cut way down. I can't slow him down though. He seems to be working harder than ever getting the place in tip top shape for my parents' visit in about a week.

Alice's Tea Party by Jerry Farley

Jerry got inspired by my YARD ART board on Pinterest

and has been frantically clearing the woods

and adding to his Sculpture Garden.

A Good Day For Fishing by Jerry Farley

He's not done with this one, but I really like it so far.

Mr. McChicken by Jerry Farley

This rooster is another new creation.

Horseshoe Horse by Jerry Farley

This piece stands about 5 ft. high

and weighs over 100 lbs.

Of course, this is my favorite! 

"Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to life 

and see how life suddenly starts working for you 

rather than against you."

~ Eckhart Tolle

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a GREAT DAY!!

X ♥ O

Hummingbirds - More Important Than TV

"Like winds and sunsets,

wild things were taken for granted

until progress began to do away with them.

Now we face the question
whether a still higher 'standard of living' is
worth its cost in things natural, wild and free.
For us of the minority,

the opportunity to see hummingbirds

is more important than television."

~ Aldo Leopold

Little Hummingbird, Wild and Free

7.5" x 5.5" original watercolor on Yupo paper, matted - $85.

acid free, white core mat with a foam core backing in an acetate sleeve

ready to fit into a standard 8" x 10" frame.

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have been reported to be arriving in their summer breeding grounds about two weeks earlier this year. I looked online at the hummingbird migration map and a few early travelers have already been spotted down in Florida and in other states around the Gulf of Mexico. I will keep you updated on their progress. Do you look forward to their arrival too? When do you usually see your first hummingbird?

As always, I'd love to hear from you.

I'm hoping your week is off to a great start!