Baby Steps to Creativity

2011-07-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

Peppermill

2011-03-07T21:29:00.001-06:00

Peppermill
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

NO one could figure out why the casserole was so peppery.....until I remembered that Jon was asking me how to measure 1/2 tbs. of pepper as I was leaving for work. I guess I should have paid closer attention to what he was saying. We ate it, though. Probably won't repeat the recipe.

Snowman Angel

2010-12-28T12:20:00.001-06:00

Snowman Angel
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This tiny ornament was a gift from Dawn. She gave Emily one too. They actually have our names written just below the mittens. So cute!

Little joys

2010-10-23T01:13:00.003-05:00

It has been a long time since I was able to take a moment to draw. I so enjoyed spending some time with my sketch book today. Feels like therapy!!

Fritz 3

2010-06-15T13:34:00.001-05:00

Fritz 3
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Third drawing of Fritz. 97 to go. Whew.

Drawing Fritz -- the progression

2010-05-20T09:36:00.002-05:00

Here is the drawing at the end of the first night. I was excited to have it looking so good. I am not that great at drawing so it almost felt as if someone else had drawn it.

After another hour or two over a couple of days I am to this point:

Lifesavers tin

2010-05-02T18:09:00.001-05:00

Lifesavers tin
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This little tin has not seen lifesavers in a very long time. It now holds Emily's beads. I just thought it was kind of cute.

flowers

2010-05-02T18:08:00.001-05:00

flowers
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Pencil sketch of flowers brought to me by Jonathan. What a sweet son he is! I didn't mean for this to be pencil, but once I got started I couldn't help myself.

Behold me!

2010-05-02T18:06:00.001-05:00

Behold me!
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This is a quote from the book, Hind's Feet on High Places. The flower (which in the book is yellow) is growing in the desert. It is the only growing thing except for a few straggly cactus and it grows in a place where a pipe drips water every now and then.

Timer

2010-04-15T11:54:00.001-05:00

Timer
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I think this should be an EDM Challenge: Draw something you bought for $1. I have two or three of these timers. It is amazing how many things in life I find to time....

Prayer

2010-04-12T17:52:00.001-05:00

Prayer
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This is a rosary that my husband brought back from Medjugorje in 2001. In the medal on the left side is a small bit of soil from the area. The beads are all hand blown glass.

stained glass box

2010-04-06T10:24:00.001-05:00

stained glass box
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This was created for an ATC swap at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/doodlerssketchpad/. I had to really pay attention to what I was doing! I might have liked it better if I did it with watercolor instead of Pitt pens.

So this is kind of like a puzzle...or atleast it puzzled me. There is only blue and yellow glass. The ends are open or clear as are all the spaces parallel to the ends. Can you tell what color each pane is?

Watch

2010-03-29T23:51:00.001-05:00

Watch
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Had a fun day off today as you can see.

Day off doodle #4

2010-03-13T12:48:00.001-06:00

Beneath
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I like this one but I think it may be too busy.

Day off doodle #3

2010-03-13T12:47:00.001-06:00

Convoluted
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I like this. Only has two different tangles, but simplicity seems to work.

Day off doodle #2

2010-03-13T12:41:00.001-06:00

Egg
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Also not my fav, but it improved over time from "just awful" to "not good"

Day off doodle #1

2010-03-13T12:39:00.001-06:00

Squish
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Not my fav.

Feb07

2010-02-09T10:46:00.001-06:00

Feb07
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

My favorite so far. I like how this one turned out. I am impoving.

Feb06

2010-02-09T10:45:00.003-06:00

Feb06
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Tried a new pattern. Needs more work, but better results than Feb 4.

Feb04

2010-02-09T10:45:00.001-06:00

Feb04
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Started out ok, but killed it midstream. Oh well.

Feb03

2010-02-09T10:44:00.001-06:00

Feb03
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I like a few of the elements in this doodle. I will keep trying.

1/29/10 Zentangle

2010-02-02T00:15:00.003-06:00

Trying to do a Zentangle every day. We'll see how long I last.....
1/29/10 Zentangle
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Rainbow ATC trade

2010-01-24T21:47:00.001-06:00

Rainbow ATC trade
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

These ATM Cards were completed for a trade entitled "Rainbows" at Doodler's Sketchbook. I struggled with them at first, but I kind of like them now. I hope the folks that receive them like them too.

EDM 250 - Something you got for free.

2010-01-24T21:41:00.006-06:00

I had looked around for something that I received for free, but nothing really struck me. Then one day at work there was an item sitting in the back hall way with a "free" tag on it. I didn't need it. I have never used one. I have absolutely no use for it. Whatsoever. But it made me laugh. And it was free. And I couldn't resist....so without further adieu.......

Luxie the hairdryer

Journey page alt_book

2009-12-10T12:51:00.002-06:00

Journey page alt_book
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

My first ever altered book page. I am not even sure it is done but I am afraid to over do it. I tried to do "found poetry" but damaged the pages in the process, so gessoed over them and started again. It was fun though.

I used those little bottles of craft acrylic paint because it is all we have. I don't know how they differ from the tubes that artists use, but the come in some fun colors. I am definitely going out and getting some more colors.

MSP Fountain

2009-12-04T21:58:00.001-06:00

MSP Fountain
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This is my first attempt to do a Monthly Sketch Project drawing. It is also the first time I have used these materials. I think they are conte pencils, but I am not sure. They were harder to work with than I had imagined. It was fun, though. Hoping that I improve as I do more challenges!!!

EDM #249: Draw a coffee pot

2009-11-30T14:45:00.001-06:00

EDM #249: Draw a coffee pot
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This was my grandmother's or great-grandmother's coffee pot. My mother had it made into a lamp. I haven't had much time to draw, so I made myself try to do something tonight. I am making more of an effort to live intentionally these days. Some days I do and some days I don't.

EDM 242

2009-10-04T23:33:00.001-05:00

EDM 242
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I did this with my daughter's Pitt Pens. I should know better. I messed it up trying to shade it. Oh well, it is all I have time for.

Barrel horses

2009-10-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

Barrel horses
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

We had a blast at Bloomsbury Farm. Karla's dad works there and got us in for free. There was a petting zoo, a seed corn box, an inflated trampoline thing, go-kart racing....just a lot of stuff for the kids to do. They took us on a hay ride and fired a pumpkin cannon for us too. Then there were the pig races....it was a perfect day and all of our different aged kids enjoyed their time there (even the teenagers). The drawing is of these cute barrel horses that the little kids really enjoyed riding on. I think we even caught a few teenagers on them!

The View from My Kitchen Window

2009-09-20T20:35:00.004-05:00

I had to do this challenge standing in my kitchen. The window is high and I can only get this view by standing in a certain spot. For the sake of composition, I left out all the pill bottles that sit in the window sill. This is a view of the back of the two other houses on my block. My window faces north. The houses in our neighborhood are old and interesting, and I tried to do this drawing at least four times including once on a white board with a dry-erase marker before I got anything that came together. Sheesh!

EDM 240: Draw a pen

2009-09-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

This is a hand carved pen that the fam got for me as sort of a consolation prize for not being able to go to Rendezvous a couple of years ago. I don't write with it very much, but I admire it all the time. It makes me feel loved

EDM 233

2009-07-23T12:33:00.001-05:00

EDM 233
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

This is my favorite beverage....and it got cold while I drew it. I am happy with the coffee cup, but the border....is too much!

EDM 232

2009-07-16T23:35:00.001-05:00

EDM 232
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

I kind of wish I was drawing a house....or art supplies...maybe a new outfit. But no. The last thing I purchased was a tub stopper

Tent Blockhus

2009-07-14T12:25:00.003-05:00

This is Liz and Aaron's (our daughter and her husband) tent. They have graduated from the intimate little tent they used to take camping and now have a huge tent in order to bring all of the baby accessories that are necessary. Standing in the doorway is our (almost) 5 year old granddaughter (Rachel and Ryan's) who is with us for a visit. Fun times!!

EDM 230 Draw a map

2009-07-14T12:20:00.003-05:00

I have had this challenge in the back of my mind for a week or two and our camping adventure this weekend provided the perfect opportunity. I like the look of cartoon maps and I am working on the ability to make one.

Lantern

2009-07-08T12:56:00.001-05:00

Lantern
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

We were really thankful to have access to our camping lantern and some flashlights last night. We had a sudden downpour with hail and strong wind. The storm drains filled and were overflowing. Huge trees were split in two or hand very large branches ripped off. One very large branch landed on a fairly new truck. I feel bad for the owner! Three power lines were taken down by trees so we had no power from about 9pm until after 1am, then the power went out again at 4:30 for a couple of hours. It was pretty amazing.

Tiger Lily

2009-07-07T15:53:00.001-05:00

Tiger Lily
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Tiger lilies are growing like dandelions in our yard. Once they get started, they are a very hardy plant and you can see them along the road as well. I haven't done it justice, but I hope to improve.

One Fine Day

2009-07-05T13:18:00.001-05:00

One Fine Day
Originally uploaded by Viane2008

Did this at SHINE on Friday. I am torn when we have a park day. I want to socialize with my friends because they are important to me and I enjoy them. I also feel a compelling need to draw when I have some free time and especially if I am outside on a perfect day. On this day, I failed to socialize, but it was partly because I had to rush off to work.

Archie

2009-07-05T01:31:00.003-05:00

This guy came to our house from Texas. My friend Sheila went on a trip to Texas and I told her to bring me back an armadillo. Imagine my surprise when she brought me a box that was taped shut with air holes poke into it. I was just starting my Sunday School class at the time and was kind of scared to open it. Lo and behold, there was Archie. We love him.

Ice Cream!

2009-07-05T01:26:00.003-05:00

We finally got to Coldstone Creamery (which I keep thinking is Cold Cream Bakery). The ice cream was very very rich.....so rich it didn't seem as cold as ice cream usually is. None of us could finish our bowl.

2009-06-27T22:06:00.001-05:00

On my day off, we went out to eat at the Chinese restaurant in West Union. Very good food for a small town restaurant. I couldn't resist keeping the fortunes from our cookies....especially since mine was so bizarre!

EDM 225 "Draw a Screw"

2009-06-27T22:03:00.004-05:00

This was harder than I thought it would be.

EDM 225 "Sticky"

2009-05-26T22:16:00.003-05:00

I asked my friends what to draw for this challenge. I had all kinds of suggestions like gum, gum on the bottom of your shoe, flies on flypaper, peanut butter. I don't have the talent to draw most of that, so I latched on to another idea and I think it makes me happy. Hope it does for someone else too.....

Adrift

2009-05-23T12:33:00.002-05:00

I drew this while I was at home in a totally quiet house. It took an hour or so. I sort of like it, but there are not enough places for your eye to rest (it's too busy). Oh well, atleast I got in some drawing time before work!

Thirsty

2009-05-22T18:10:00.002-05:00

At the critical junction of a day off and interesting subject matter, I have attempted EDM #224: Draw a jug or pitcher. This is either. At the nursing home, we call it a pitcher. At home it is a jug. All I know is that I don't make good enough use of it to stay hydrated!

The latest EDiM efforts....

2009-05-14T13:26:00.004-05:00

These little drawings are what I have been working on the last couple of days....when I should have been working on other things......I need therapy.

Another EDiM entry.....really on a roll yesterday!

2009-05-12T10:13:00.004-05:00

Still working on Celtic knots as a part of a Zentangle. This one worked out better than I thought it would. I used fine sharpies and Pitt brush pens for color.

Almost Every day in May....

2009-05-11T20:39:00.004-05:00

These two drawings really represent about four days of art. I have very little time to draw on the days I work, especially on weekdays. So I did a little each day until they were done. I am trying to get the Celtic knot art down. It is difficult but very rewarding. I zentangled the knots....

From the lips of squirrels to the pages of my journal

2009-05-11T20:34:00.004-05:00

A day off, perfect weather and a surprise visit from my daughter and grandson encouraged us to take a walk on the river trail today. Along the way we found these shells, apparently discarded by the well fed squirrels around here. It was gratifying to be able to devote some time to art and I was pleased with the results.

Every Day in May

2009-05-03T00:13:00.004-05:00

I have joined the Every Day in May challenge that can be seen here: Every Day in May. Here are my first two days.......
I know they are not very good. In fact, the second one is just plain awful. But we have permission to be awful. And it feels good!

A Zen Art card for no reason what so ever....

2009-02-21T21:30:00.002-06:00

It has been a week since I started this card. I am doing it in spare minutes. I enjoyed the process and I think I am getting back to where I was before winter froze the inspiration out of my bones. I will be doing a couple of short art classes for the homeschool kiddos again, so I am starting to feel good about my pens and my hands. sigh.

2009-02-16T20:55:00.003-06:00

I am going to participate in an ATC swap. I haven't done one in a while and I still have one to send that fills me with guilt. I keep losing the third card for the swap that is 3 months late. I told myself that I would not do another swap unless the cards were done before I signed up. So the cards are done and I have signed on the dotted line. I like one more than the other, but I won't tell which.

Hymn

2009-02-14T13:40:00.001-06:00

We sang this in church last week and it really touched me. I don't do it justice...

EDM #209: Draw a Shadow

2009-02-08T18:29:00.004-06:00

After a long hiatus, otherwise known as a creativity slump, I tried the latest challenge. I have tried to express an idea that was floating around in my brain. I don't feel like I have done the idea justice. I know that I have seen this idea somewhere...shadows that don't match up with the real object...I just can't remember where. It was the first time I have used these drawing pencils. Graphite is easier to work with, I think. The best thing about this drawing is that I feel like I am out of my slump. Hooray!

My Own Super Hero

2008-12-15T13:39:00.003-06:00

This is my drawing for Make Believe Monday's Challenge #6: Draw a Super Hero. She is a super cleaner who can clean your house in the blink of an eye. Dirt flees before her. I tried to make her look old, but I was not so successful. I think she looks more like she is melting. Sigh. Maybe next time....

EDM #201

2008-12-08T20:51:00.003-06:00

It has been several weeks since I did an EDM drawing. I enjoyed doing this one. It took a while.... as in hours.... but I think I am learning from the exercise. At least I hope I am! This does get easier, doesn't it?

A Spikey Zentangle

2008-11-11T10:31:00.002-06:00

I did this little doodle for a weekly challenge in the group Zentangle Doodles. I am not sure that this is spikey, but it sure is pointy!

EDM #4: Draw a mug

2008-11-02T17:38:00.003-06:00

Well, I tried. This is my first attempt at a low-lead drawing. I still have to have a framework of pencil, but I tried doing most of the drawing in ink. There are some obvious problems but I won't name them and maybe they will go away. I enjoyed doing this but it took so long (and was interrupted by an errand that took about an hour and a half) that the lighting changed before I was finished. And now I have a headache. Too much staring at coffee mugs, too little drinking of coffee.

In honor of my daughter's 6th Anniversary....

2008-11-02T12:23:00.002-06:00

Here is a drawing that I never finished. It is of my daughter Liz on her wedding day, drawn from a photograph. We went out to lunch yesterday with Liz and Aaron and she mentioned that they had gone out earlier in the week for their anniversary. I had forgotten all about it. I felt bad since Liz is such a thoughtful person and I am not very thoughtful at all. This is one of the things that I don't like about myself, but enough about me. This really doesn't look all that much like Liz, but it is a good drawing for my abilities. I felt like I did communicate the sheer fabric of her veil in a way that worked. Anyway, Happy Anniversary to the happy couple!

EDM Challenge #2

2008-10-28T09:43:00.003-05:00

This is my latest attempt to do an EDM challenge. It was somewhat uncomfortable because I had to sit on the bedframe to do it (We have a waterbed frame with an air mattress right now). I am not sure I will ever get to the point that I can do these drawings "lead free". I had to erase large portions of the drawing a couple of times to get the relationship between the items correct.

Genevieve

2008-10-27T20:07:00.005-05:00

I drew this little lady for the first Make-Believe-Monday challenge. It is a good thing I didn't have to work today because I was so inspired by this group starting up I was pretty much useless. There are things I would change if I were to do it all over again, but in general, it is what I had in mind.

And here is a little poem that Emily challenged me to create about Genevieve:

Genevieve brushed her silken coat,
And curled her lovely tresses.
She shadowed her eyes,
And said her good byes.
Did I mention she never wore dresses?

She waited atleast half an hour,
But no taxi would give her a ride.
Each one sped away
As she stood in dismay,
So she gave up and went back inside.

"Oh why do I always have trouble
Finding rides when I want to go out?
Is my grooming an issue?
Does my nose need a tissue?"
So she sat down to have a long pout.

But before she could ruin her make-up
A clamor arose on the street.
She drew open the curtain
And then knew for certain
She was in for a wonderful treat.

For there stood her special friend Dave
With his shiny red Volkswagen bug.
"Hey, we've got a date.
I don't want to be late"
And he gave her a big hairy hug!

Hands On

2008-10-27T13:19:00.005-05:00

This doodle was inspired the art of Margaret Storer-Roche. (Hi, Margaret, should you ever see this. I am a fan of yours). It took 4 or 5 days to complete and I enjoyed every moment of it. A couple of my friends think I have a future as a tattoo artist. I beg to differ.

Creature from the Blue Lagoon

2008-10-22T11:30:00.004-05:00

I did this little doodle in my pocket sized sketchbook. I kind of creeped out some of my friends (and family). I think I have been watching too much SciFi. Anyway, I did it with my beloved Pitt Pens and put the shadows in with one of those water soluable sketching pencils.

Rend: an opening made by rending or tearing; slit; fissure.

2008-10-16T09:54:00.003-05:00

I thought that my creativity had taken leave of me. Gone on to greener pastures as it were. But I had to make some ATC's for swaps that I had signed up for. So I kept trying. I have thrown away much of what I have made lately, but yesterday I had what I consider to be a bit of success. It just goes to show, never give up. I call it "Rent" as in torn asunder....

While the kids are away, the mom will play

2008-09-19T13:21:00.004-05:00

The kids have gone to the S.H.I.N.E. get together at a campground managed by a friend. It is too far for me to go on a workday, so they are there and I am here. I gave myself permission to not be productive for these last couple of hours. By productive, I mean doing dishes or laundry or something else that sorely needs doing. Instead, I played. I am still working at trying to get 6 art trading cards that have a southwest theme done. Here is another in the series.....

Tore myself away from zen-doodles to do an EDM Challenge!

2008-09-17T19:49:00.005-05:00

This evening the family sat down to have a family drawing session. Some families sing together (we do some of that too). Our family draws together. We started with the first EDM challenge.....Draw a shoe. Here is my effort:

Art Attack of the Day Off

2008-09-17T15:00:00.006-05:00

I have had too much fun today. It is time to get to work. But before I do, here is what I worked on (and I have plans for more later this afternoon):

Working out ideas for the SouthWest Swap

2008-09-13T11:32:00.004-05:00

I have and idea for a Southwest landscape that includes line art (inspired by Zentangles but not Zentanglish). This is my first attempt to work out that idea. On my next day off, I will try again. Which brings to mind the question: Before there were drawing boards, what did people go back to?

Drawing at Beulahland

2008-09-13T10:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday our "S.H.I.N.E." group went to a Christian retreat called Beulahland. It is a beautiful place with a small pond hosting canoes and paddleboats, a covered picnic area and cabins. So while I relaxed and chatted with my friends, and occasionally provided an audience for a recreation of the Battle of Jericho, I drew.

Experimental Idea

2008-09-06T21:15:00.003-05:00

My daughter suggested that we do some of the cartooning techniques that we learned while working through Mark Kistler's book, Draw Squad. This is the result. I call it: Plumber's NightmareThe light was not the best when I drew it, which means that I can't really see the fine lines. In poor light, every thing is a little blurred to me. The scan has kind of muted the colors even more than they are in real life. Oh well. I had fun doing it.

What I did today instead of folding laundry...

2008-08-27T12:17:00.003-05:00

Ok, now. I will go fold laundry. I just had to get this out of my system!

A few more doodles...

2008-08-26T11:01:00.009-05:00

I have been so busy with family and other things lately, I haven't had much time for drawing. I have done a few things though. The Southwest style pots were done for a Southwest swap. I have four more cards to do for this swap.

This odd little drawing I just did today to see if I could still draw something. It has been over a week, I think, since I have picked up my pen. It is interesting at least. (update: someone actually requested that I trade this one with her. How cool! And so is the card she is sending me.)

This drawing was just another practice that I did last week. Wierd, but I kind of like it. Hopefully, I will have a real chance to draw on my next day off. The school year is looming and it will absorb all the time that I am not at work on workdays. I can almost wrap my mind around the start of school now. I was afraid for a while that I would not have the umph to get going. I am trusting the Father for the means this year.....

A Couple of practice cards from last week

2008-08-19T17:13:00.005-05:00

I was just practicing some patterns here and trying to get a 3D look.

This one was done with my new Sharpie markers. I think I need a 12 Step group. I have a pen/marker addiction!

Starting on a set of Southwest cards

2008-08-19T15:16:00.003-05:00

This is the first of six cards I will be doing for the Southwest Swap at DoodlersHaven. I used acrylic paints in the background over dark blue paper. Doodles are done with pitt pens.

Long, long day

2008-08-16T00:00:00.010-05:00

Today Barry flew off to CA for a family renunion. We accidently got up at 4AM because Barry set the alarm clock wrong. Only no one noticed that it was an hour early until we were all up and dressed. Anyway, we went to CR and dropped him off at the airport and then Jon and I hung out and did some shopping. I got a set of 24 fine point Sharpies. I have been playing with them all evening, but my best effort was done without them.
This is my first effort using the Sharpies. I don't like it and I don't think that I can salvage it. I will probably just toss it.
This is my final effort. The second one has disappeared twice from the page while I was formatting things and I am giving up for tonight. Good Grief!!! Anyway, This one I like. It is done on the back of a time card....you know, the ones we used in the dark ages to clock in at work. When my last employer changed time clocks, I got a box of thousands of old timecards. We used to only use them as bookmarks but now I am using them to doodle on.

My Cards for the Quilt Exchange

2008-08-13T11:13:00.007-05:00

These are the cards that I have done for the quilt exchange at DoodlersHaven . The exchange is 2/2, but I kept thinking that the Sue card wasn't going anywhere. Couldn't get the effect I was looking for, but in the end, I think it is ok. I will send it as a hostess gift.

Zen Drawing #2

2008-08-11T13:44:00.002-05:00

Another squiggle traded with my daughter....

All Wrapped Up

2008-08-08T23:07:00.002-05:00

This drawing started out as an experiment with masking fluid. Thus the white dots littered here and there. It ended up to be a sort of sci fi thing. I kind of like it. It is done with Pitt pens and watercolor pencil.

The Pineapple

2008-08-07T12:30:00.006-05:00

This was fun to do. My daughter and I drew a squiggle on an ATC and then traded. This picture developed from a random line that my daughter drew. I had lots of fun figuring it out. It is done with Pitt pens, gel ink pens and sharpies. The the second picture, I have erased out the line that my daughter drew for me. Just so you know, I am left handed and I was erasing with my right hand on the mouse -- thus the jagged line. To see the card my daughter made go to the link for Just stARTing Out.

Another, better card for Watermelon Days

2008-08-05T10:01:00.003-05:00

This is a better (in my opinion) ATC for Watermelon Days. The little people on the other card were just too distracting and, well....just plain annoying. I have no agenda for this card. Mostly I did it to prove that I could do a halfway decent checkered table cloth. But Watermelon Days is (are?) coming up so it was on my mind. I also would like some nice cold watermelon!!

A Nod To Our Town's Yearly Festival

2008-08-04T16:28:00.009-05:00

In rural America every town has its annual fair or festival. It is a lot of fun for most of us. My girls and their families will be here for it this year. I am excited more about that than the goings on. I will be involved in the parade this year with our community puppet group. That should be a bunch of fun. I know the grand kids will be enthralled by the puppets. There is also free watermelon and a seed spitting contest (gross). The University has had carnival-type games for everyone on their campus. One year they had "Human Bowling" where they strapped you into a big metal ball and rolled you towards fluffy bowling pins. Another time they had a game where you were attached to a flexible cord. You were supposed to run as far as you could away from your point of origin and set down a marker where upon you were snapped back to where you started by the cord. I think the participants were being cheered on by the local chiropractors.
This is the last WC card I have done and the fourth one in my set to send in for the trade. It didn't take nearly as long as the watermelon picture to do but I like it better and it fits in more with the traditional Zentangle-type art. So now I have four cards ready to go. Hoping to mail tomorrow!

Rapunzel

2008-08-02T09:45:00.004-05:00

This is a drawing that I started last night and pretty much thought I would toss. I fussed with it a little today and I like it a little better. I may continue to fuss with it, who knows? I have always liked the idea of doing something based on a fairy tale. Can you find Rapunzel? I know she is not in a tower, she is in the Keep. An evil wizard did not put her there, her dad did. And he is going to keep an eye on her until she is atleast 30!

Random Watercolor

2008-08-02T09:25:00.007-05:00

This is my most recent finished ATC for the watercolor swap. I didn't like it at first, but after coming back to it several times, I think it worked out. It was almost a disaster, though. The drafting tape that I used to secure it to a hard surface while I worked on it didn't want to release it. My daughter got it loose, though. I was worried. After all that time spent, I didn't want to ruin it when I had just started to like it.

A First Attempt....

2008-07-27T08:21:00.005-05:00

Here are my first attempts at Zentangles. The first one is done with Pitt pens. It looks to me like Dr. Seuss meets MC Escher. The second one is for a watercolor exchange. I don't think I am brave enough to send that one. It didn't turn out the way I had hoped. But I have time to make something else. These are just for practice.

What happens when you don't get enough sleep...

2008-07-27T08:21:00.004-05:00

I knew I should have gone to bed last night. I was tired all day. But I didn't go to bed. I kept coming back to this silly card. It is done with sharpie markers, pitt pens and watercolor pencils. There are some places that you can really tell that I should have put it away. My hand was none too steady and it is difficult for me to see what I am doing in artificial light. And believe me, the sun was waaayyy gone!

EDM Challenge #3, take 2

2008-07-19T09:07:00.004-05:00

This picture took me all week. I have very little time on week days that are also work days to do anything but homeschool and go to work, but yesterday was a day off so I got to work on it and finish it. This purse is hanging on our front door. Did I say the house was.....worrisome? Anyway, I discovered that I could shade the purse with a watercolor sketching pencil and I was happy about how it worked. So this is a continuation of EDM challenge #3.

EDM Callenge #176 Draw Something Summer

2008-07-13T17:13:00.003-05:00

This isn't such a great drawing, but it sure felt good to be sitting out on the porch drawing it.

E is for Emily

2008-07-13T16:51:00.005-05:00

This is a drawing that I did in ink and watercolor crayon. My daughter collects purses and I may just do a series of drawings of her purses. She is kind of sad because about 2/3 of her collection got ruined in the rains last month. She didn't know there was a leak in her closet and when she discovered it, it was too late to save them. I am sad for her too. And sad for our house as well....Anyway, this is EDM Challenge #3--Purses, Wallets or Bags

2008-07-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

I have been so inspired by the art work posted by the folks at Everyday Matters that I wanted to begin to post some of my own drawings even though I am only a beginner. So this is my new blog.