I'm trying new challenges, pushing the limits of my experience with sketching.  I've upped the ante as it were.  This time, I've attempted to do a 15 minute sketch of a picture of Laurel.  This sketch is SEVERELY lacking, and I only used one color of colored pencil...a.k.a:  no eraser; no blending.  This one is tough, y'all.  The outcome is shoddy at best, but I'm one step closer to gaining some skills.
 

Well, "It's coming on Christmas; they're cutting down trees..."

We finally got a Christmas tree!  I know that some of you are agreeing that we are late to the party this year, and others of you are wondering what's the rush?

Here's our little lovely tree:

 

We made room for it in the corner of the living room, and I made some room for it in my sketch book:

 I think of this as a Christmas tree self-portrait.  ;) 
To repeat a theme:  having fun; playing with lines; avoiding being a slave to perfection.  I have this sketch and a charcoal finger to show for it.

Digital Art/ Bulldog

It may not be for everyone, but I've been interested in playing with lines.  I'm having fun! 

Digital Art/50 States~Idaho Mock Orange Blossom

I'm enjoying some digital art these days.  :)

50 States-Hawaii

Tonight, my husband and I went to Starbucks for a treat and a bit of "out of the house" time.  While he worked on his story, I worked on the 50 States Flower Project!  Tonight's sketch is of Hawaii's Hibiscus.  Enjoy!

Here's the reference photo:

Reference Photo

Time to Finish

I began working on this painting about 6-9 months ago.  I have no idea why I didn't finish it when I started, but I didn't.  

So, here we are.  I finished it today.  I guess I was afraid of how much detail this painting required. 

It was daunting; so much shading and blending to do.

But now that I've made myself stop working on it, I can step back and appreciate it.

I'm honestly, really pleased.  :) 

Georgia Cherokee Rose~50 States Project

Tonight I took the requisite 15 minutes to sketch the Georgia State Flower:  Cherokee Rose.  As with most white flowers, the shading is paramount.  :) 

The most difficult part is finding a adequate photo that doesn't lead me down the labyrinth of what details to include and what details to exclude.  I lucked out with this one...whew!

And there you have it!  Enjoy!!!

Obsessed with White Flowers

In some Asian/East Asian cultures, white is the color for mourning and death...well, even though I've lived in East Asia, I still LOVE white.  Currently, I'm obsessed with white flowers; guess I just feel the need for a clean refreshing take on life these days.  :)

 Maybe because it's been so hot recently, and I'm just tired of sweating it out...

 Perhaps I just couldn't take it anymore and needed to create something beautiful.  :)

Whatever the reason, I'm on the white flower kick!

50 States-Florida

50 States--Delaware