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

50 States--Connecticut

50 States--California

   

Okay, so this one's a bit simple, but hey, so is the poppy :)

I shouldn't have started thinking...

I was listening to Focus on the Family this morning; a past program with Steve & Marybeth Chapman.  The topic was adoption and orphan care.  My heart is broken for orphans, so I'm encouraging anyone who reads this to consider supporting individuals (first) and organizations (second) who are actively working on behalf of orphans.

Here are some personal recommendations:

*The Gwartney Family serving with Good Shepherd's Fold in Uganda. Check out their blog.
http://www.goodshepherdsfold.org/

*Pastors Daniel and Lily with Mercy Homes in India












*Tom & Teresa Stamman with Impact Ministries International

God is a Father to the Fatherless~

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you.

50 State Flowers--Arkansas

Apple Blossom

I like this one too.  It's difficult to get all of the layers of shading in 15 minutes! 

Arizona

Catus Flower

This one was quite challenging, but I'm pleased with how it turned out! :) 

Alaska

This is a little better.

The 50 Flowers Project--Alabama

I will readily admit that I have no formal training in any artistic technique.  I see what I want to draw or paint and then I just work at it until I like what I have.  A couple of months ago it dawned on me that I needed to practice, practice, practice drawing what I see.  I LOVE flowers of all types, so I decided to start there.  My favorite flower is the Gladiolus, and I began searching "The Google" for pictures of Gladiolus.  I came across the 50 States Official Flower page, and I was hooked.  Now I have embarked on a sketch a day (15 minute sketches) to improve my skill and have a designated enjoyment at the end of the day.  I do love sketching! :)

So here we go!

Alabama Camelia

This one is pretty rough, but I know I will improve as I practice.

Dear Blog, how long I have left you!

Wow!  It was February and now it's November!  Here's some of what I've been up to since then:

Tropical Georgia

One for Audrey

Rejoice

Morning by Morning New Mercies I See

Blue Vintage

January--A Poem from October

Perfect end-October evening
passing whisps in clouds under
a spot hot moon full of it's own November wishes

My feet are cold~frigid with tomorrow's thoughts
long before today is resting

I am trapped by distraction
unable to sit still; afraid to go and do

Betrothed to impatience; married to restlessness
pregnant with fuss; nursing dismay

my prayers escape like bright fleck sparks
from the wood fire my neighbors are burning
in warmth and clarity

January--Studies for new paintings

I've had a few sources of inspiration in the form of orders this month...here are a few study sketches in preparation for these works.