Steppin in

EDiM 4th and 5th

2011-05-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

These seemed better by the softer light of last evening. Yes, even though I could see the distortions (the too small ear on the attentive one, the imbalances of the grinner with the matted hair) they WERE better by candlelight, trust me. LOL. I need to try them both again but that's ok, they're both fun sketches. Persevere.

Oh yeah. How DO I get a rich lively black again?

Two Years...REALLY?

2011-05-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Time does fly, it's true.

Have been experiencing the odd sketch attack and will get around to posting those bits and bobs eventually. This month however is May and May means EDiM for EDMers. I signed up for EDiM before I realized that I really want to base a collection of sketches on the great photos that my DD and I took in India. So here goes.

EveryDayInMay with an Indian theme.

May 1 My DD took this one and I love it. When I look at this sketch at home that green area is so much more subtle but my scanner isn't working so, 'it is what it is'.

May 2 Again my DD's photo. A little flower selling sweetheart that she and her friends befriended.

May 3 OK DD took this one as well LOL. I will be drawing this youngster again. I have not done his sweet look of concentration justice but I love the drips (As seen in Nina and others work).

More March faces

2009-03-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is my birthday gift to my brother who loves his boat. I like that Calgary -where he lived for years- is on the map, as well as the waters in which he loves to cruise. In the close up you can see that the back windows look like eyes looking forward. They brought a smile to my face but I think I'll change it before I give this to my brother as he may not appreciate the cartoonish look that this gives his gift.

This enchanting young woman represents my darling daughter and she really IS a lovely person...inside and out.

A lot less than one-a-day but so much more than one-a-week. So surprising to me...from me.

Springtime

2009-03-21T19:20:00.001-07:00

Hurrah! a sunny day for beach walks with friends. for visiting elderly friends who've just moved into a Seniors Village. After the driving rain with howling winds we were treated to yesterday (first day of spring, indeed) today was certainly a treat.
The young one is important to another DD, the regal woman...my grandmother from a photo my brother had copied from a slide our dad had.

sisters

2009-03-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know these girls yet but they are important beings in my DD's life so I've attempted these from pictures I was sent. Hopefully they are close enough to be recognized by the girls as I have added names and printed off copies to put on or in scrapbooks as we're having 'camp cousin' at the beginning of spring break and while enjoying our beach holiday/sleepover extravaganza I want the 3 (DGD included) to be drawing, colouring and pasting in their own art journals.

March: Parade of Faces

2009-03-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well. Missed February entirely, did I? I'm not surprised. It is, after all, a very short window of opportunity for the posting disabled.

The winds of March should energize me (though the rain may sodden my ambition) I'll give a go to sketch (not post) each day from photos as otherwise all I'd manage is my sweetheart slouched in front of the TV.

On the left, our DGD. The interesting bit for me with this one was seeing the different sides of her gene pool as I moved a line here or shaded a contour there. Curious as I haven't really captured her to my satisfaction.

The right hand drawing is me as a toddler and yes, my ears were and are that big and I do look cross eyed in the picture but not, thank heaven, in real life. LOL

Pups and shells

2009-01-29T17:07:00.001-08:00

A practice/thumbnail sketch for a larger piece of art I'm doing for a friend. Not certain what medium will suit a blk dog. Maybe acrylics?

I agree with Izzies assessment of my imagination sketch....chew it up and spit it out...but none the less, thoroughly enjoyed the process, so it's all good.

The shell with keys, 2nd bit to fit in with the Still Life Project http://oobos.blogspot.com/ A poor attempt at a shell but that's life, isn't it? Maybe next time.

Live and Learn

2009-01-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

Finally, my focus for 2009. My year to learn. I'm looking to sign up for classes, imitate others sketching styles, read some books. Learn, change, grow, adapt. 2009.

The little girl is done so much better over at http://wagonized.typepad.com/ ,

the crayon (cheap wax borrowed from my GD) with w/c a very interesting learning experience, is based on a beautiful oil painting by BC artist Kathryn Amisson.

The shell sketch is my first time playing along with the Still life Project found while visiting http://oobos.blogspot.com/ (Judy Bec's site 'A drawing a day' and also allows me to participate in EDM's suggestion for last week. Not bad multi-tasking, hey?

Such fun.

president Obama

2009-01-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

I just love how all the collage elements fell into place with my quick sketch. I love the life ring as the 'O' in hope, that all the words I found were red, white or blue, that I'd painted over 'American' with gesso thinking that it would dry clear and having to sand it off when it didn't! Along with oh-so-many here in Canada and around the world we're feeling your renewal of Hope and getting that this historic election is a fulfillment of hope for many. Not shown but the left hand page has "Yes, we can" so I feel this is quite representative of your 44th president.

needle case

2009-01-23T09:45:00.000-08:00

Though I haven't been sketching, I have created in the past few months. My latest sewing is this needle case for Georgie's b'day. Heaven forbid I should just use a pattern and get the dingidy-dang thing done. I kept changing my mind on how this was going to come together. Does that mind changing ever take alot of time. :-) She's got it now and I think we both love it.

odds and sods

2008-11-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

While I did sketch this 'plein air' I didn't stay long enough to splash on some colour. Learned some surprising perspective lessons this day though so this wonderful old church has value to me.

This is my sweet son. From a photo. The strange thing with this one is that in the photo he is a teen (a stage where his wonderful, generous spirit was bent full force on making me realize the limitless powers of a mother's patience) and I've transformed him into his sweet easygoing 10 yr old self. Now 29 he is both neither of these boys and more of each one.

Another oldie never posted. This was done after enjoying Karen Winters portraits with a splash of colour on the page. My DD with her nephew, our adorable grandson. The small in the corner is an overdone drawing of this same DD working hard husking corn on the back step in her soggy cloth diaper.

Incomplete. Loved learning from this but copying a painting in watercolor mag. is probably not worth finishing.

I have not done A THING in FOREVER! Why is that I wonder that business rolls into laziness and before I know it...it's been 4 FREakin' months w/o a look at this spot that I always INtend to post weekly at least. I've FELT like drawing ....OK clearly, not enough so I'll just put up the randomness that I have at some point prepped by resizing for our smaller bandwidth buddies.

sketching from photos

2008-07-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Think I'll try to sketch most nights at work. Lots of sketching before a painting attempt.

Accordian Sketchbook with lightweight paints

2008-07-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

My little 6.5x7" sketchbook opens to about 7' long and proved to be the perfect size for my glorious hiking trek along the extreme northern tip of Vancouver Island.

Using 90lb watercolour paper I simply cut single fold pages and using 1"x7" spines (folded lenthwise) attached one to the other forming my accordian. I chose to position my paper so the the join was in the inner crease of each double page. This resulted in some pooling of paint (see cabin sketch) but I am fine with this and was pleased with having good flow from one day (double fold) to the next.

Because I had my paper glued into a hardcover book I could easily sketch and paint with a firm surface yet had the option of opening up the odd time I was connecting pictures with the next page.

North Coast Trail

2008-07-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to have had the opportunity to hike this trail before it becomes as busy as the West Coast Trail!

The cabins hosted president Teddy Roosevelt back in the day!

NCT hike

2008-07-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Just back from hiking the North Coast Trail. Brand new trail this year across the top of Vancouver Island. What a beauty of a trail it is! Enough hauling oneself up hills (ropes are provided), lowering oneself down the other side (thanks be that ropes are provided) and rolling along rocky shores to be challenging. Enough heavenly scents, awe-inspiring sounds (whales and loons being my favourites) to be mystical. Enough good company to be wonderfully relaxing and entertaining. Our dear 'Coastal Cinder' once again planned and coaxed us through an unforgettable experience.

As for the sketching, folks allowed me my space so that I would not feel intimidated and were very kind with their comments when they did wander over to look.

Included in the photos are 1. the cover of the childrens book that I removed the innards to replace with an accordian of w/c paper . Forgive me whoever you are that showed the method I followed to create accordian pages that don't take lg sheets of paper. The little book is 6.5"x7" and proved to be the perfect size to manage on the trail.

2. Title page. The trail name will end up here.

3. pg 1-2-3 our first campsite at Laura Creek. July 2'08

4. pg 4-5 Irony Creek camp at Shuttleworth Bight July 3

5. pg 6-7 a fern to represent the beautifully lush woods we spent most of this day hiking through

6. pg 8-9 the beach at Nahwitti Camp looking toward Skinner Creek.

7. pg 6 through 9

8. the cabins at Nahwitti Creek.

Hurrah for May

2008-05-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

And actually completing and posting 31 quick sketches IN MAY. Unheard of for me. Nice to know that I can successfully participate in such an event. Nice to know that I CAN find the time for a sketch, even if it means a partial cheat of playing catch up on nights when life has gotten in the way, or I'm just bone weary.
Now a quick post to finish off the month and off we go boating overnight. Yippee!
Yes, of course I'll have my sketch pad along.

Tomorrow one more 3 date spread

2008-05-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

So much posting, so few words but then let's face it, we're all busy sketching and posting so you don't have time to read my ramblings anyway. Thanks for peeking at pictures.

Catching up on my EDinMay posting

2008-05-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

The others I'll load in reverse order.

Catching up on EDinMay

2008-05-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

The 3rd and the 4th were both done on the 4th as Saturday was completely taken up with playing photographer at a workmates DD's wedding. 'Lucky is the bride the sun shines on' could not BE more true. The days leading up to this wedding were WET and COLD then ...whella... beautiful, warm, windless wedding day.
OK. I have no idea why I cannot get the perspective right on any camera I ever attempt. Totally bazarre. As for our sweet granddgtr, She looks sick doesn't she? In part, because she is. Hence the heavy evelids. She was moving all over the place, changing her expressions but the sketch WAS done on the 5th of our dear 5 year old so there you have it.
I'll have to retake Fridays scratches and post them with todays (whatever they may be). Another day full of a granddaughter (who will not nap today) and people popping in and out.

Every Day in May

2008-05-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

One down..30 to go.
The book I've chosen for the Every Day in May fun is a LARGE folding book of poor quality paper my DD picked up in Japan for me. It's actually taking the colour better than I thought and it is great for collage and I love the size and the accordian thing it's got going on. Joy was certain that I would never use it just add it to my collection but I think it's going to be perfect and hopefully it'll be chock-a-block full come May 31'08.

Totally unrelated subjects. Will this theme continue? AHhh, a mystery for May.

month 4, posting 4

2008-04-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Alright! That's the LAST time that I'm going to have my posts match evenly with the month we're in. For my version of 'Every Day in May' I'm going to CREATE each day and POST 2x per week.
"Sure you will Susan ,you under ambitious under achiever you..."
You people think that I can't hear you? Well, now you know

Anyway lets post a sketch or two here to celebrate the monthly post.

'Namaste' was done in response to Anita's postcard swap. Such fun. The coloured one is, of course the actual postcard while the other was my first attempt and though a better sketch was just a wee bit too big. Too exciting to have contact with such an amazingly talented and accomplished artist as Anita. http://artbyanita.blogspot.com

The Raven carving was a wonderfully relaxing family get-away to celebrate our dear daddy's 80th b'day.

The paintbrushes I'm putting up here now so that I won't be tempted to cheat and tell you all that I drew them 'one day in May'. LOL

Month 3, posting 3

2008-03-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic. Throw an extra day into February and STILL I miss it! Old drawings, February drawings but haven't scanned anything more recent. Still have to clear some stuff off my laptop before I can add the printer/scanner to it and avoid completely the achingly slow setup DH deals with on the 'main' computer.

The wonky portrait sketch is from a photo in the dead of night. The reason/excuse I'm offering for those too close wonked eyes is that I was attempting from right to left with no spatial planning. Fun but none to effective.

The blue teapot (a favourite) was a most effective lesson as I kept on adding layers (glazes I suppose) thinking that I was going to end up with an overworked, muddy mess when WHELLA .. lo and behold I quite like the richness that resulted. Who knew? I never would have had the courage to try that on something important/expensive paper.

So, that's that. The weather is sunny-ing up here, I'm walking more so the energy levels are getting up there and I'm starting to see life beyond work. I still pop in at EDM and some crafting sites to be inspired. Lord, I LOVE the blogging world.

Overnight getaway

2008-01-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

How nice to getaway (even though it was actually a return-the- snowshoes that hubby wouldn't consider using) Two little sketches on the road and the leaning tower of wine while at the Keg for our sup.

January 2008

2008-01-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm aware that it's been 2008 for a month already. Yes, I aM slow on the uptake. Yes, being late to post DID stop me from promoting self-deluding statements. Yes, I have done a few sketches this year. Nothing timeconsuming and only 1/2 the amount of sketching days as I'd assumed I'd manage yet...had some fun....putting stuff on my blog. Joining in. STEPPIN' IN...again.

15 min with W/C

2007-10-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking post something old so that you will create something new. I wonder if that stands a chance of working for me? We'll just have to see, won't we?
It's not that I'm not doing anything creative after all. I've had some great fun decorating some shopping bags (thinking ahead for christmas) and I must say that I just LOVE them. Maybe on nights I could do the prelim. sketch for some w/c. At least if the planning was done I could find time for the splashing good fun during my limited home time.

sketch from photo

2007-08-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

I've been attempting the preliminary sketches of our three children hoping to end up with a rather stylized version, not abstract; more interesting-yet-recognizable. I had this attempt of our baby which I thought was somewhat off kilter so thought I'd have some fun with it and try to loosen up and do some almost abstract blocks of colour. When I drew the lines through at the brow and cheekline and down throught the centre of her face, meaning to have obvious colour changes along these demarcations I decided that the face hadn't been wonky after all (aside from the fact that I'd ended up too narrow) and when I started to flow in with the strong colour I ended up tethering the brush and though I was dropping in strong colour it ended up looking rather normal. I think I may have just learned a lot about w/c! This is just in a sketchbook so I must start playing on w/c paper.

West Coast hike

2007-08-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

A rather gruelling 5 day hike. Well, day 3 (hell day) was horrid and day 1 was challenging. As always, when you're done the whole thing it's amazing, rewarding and all a great experience. Days 2 and 5 were easy days so I found time for a quick rendering on each of those. The skull is a seal, the resting woman a fellow hiker relaxing in the sunshine at the end of it all. The spectacular views I have not attempted but would like to one day.

dream cabin

2007-07-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here we have my dream cottage. It sits right on the beach, beside where my grandparents lived. I know it wants me to stay there. I want to stay there. One tiny room. Do you have a potty my sweet dream?

I actually painted this 8x11" sketch to make a small card as my way to ask if I can possibly rent it in the fall. Wish me luck.

Nobody wants me...

2006-11-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not going to eat some worms but man alive! I did without group mail for 3 days, and my comments have been bumped off of many sites as well.

So, did I use that extra time wisely and draw my little heart out? you say. Well no, I did not, I must reply I merely followed my short attention span over to knitting blogs looking for gift ideas for Christmas. After all...Yikes! it's November!

So, I'm going to post a summer sketch, done out in the wilds of Desolation Sound when I realized I'd forgotten to bring my big bro's b'day card/gift with me. Oops!

Lazy days...LOve 'em!

2006-10-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Oh for heavens sake! I have been trying for far too long to line up the pics the way I want them to be but oh no! that just will not be happening here folks.

Back from the dead yet again. Oh but what a lovely cocooning time I've had of it! I just finished 3 days off in which I did nothing that would necessitate removing my flannel pj's for (shudder) day clothes. Oh yes, the sheer luxury of extending that morning feeling of endless possibility! Stranding myself on Wingback Recliner Island with only my coffee, 2 knit projects, my laptop and a few current books for company.

Notably no sketchbook made it onto the island with me. Reached for one once (there were starling feasting on berries right outside my window) but then they were gone. Oh well! Such laziness, such utter lack of guilt.

At any rate, the pics we do have. Knitting project: hat pattern shown on dolly, actually wanted adult size so it has been ripped and recreated, I won't show the other as it's a christmas goodie.

Sketches: sheer crap I know but all I have to remember our short time away this month.

2006-10-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ok I am aware that these colours are mighty intense for a dried old crab shell (and don't you love the barnacles) but honestly I love the over-the-top combinations of puddling, liquid fun. Seems as though I'm getting and looking older but acting may well be another department altogether. Let us hope so.
Well wish me fun and sun and I'll check in with add-ons in a week or so. And for all us Canadians, hope your thanksgiving was wonderful. Cheers, Sue
The park sketches were done quickly and with great enjoyment during a delightful concert in our amazing Filberg Park.
Breakfast with my empty coffee cup was a really quick sketch so that my hot cereal would at least be warm. LOL

I've been long gone. That thread of song just went through my head posting these old sketches. Pensive here is a valiant attempt at a rather forlorn DD gazing through a window screen as we were leaving her house.
This poor w/c sketch is included for it's meaning in the return to taking time for relaxing pursuits.
Here we have a journal entry from early in the summer before the MOB got too caught up in the wedding rush.

hydrangea

2006-07-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Now for a quick little w/c sketch I'm using on tags to beg reception decorations (hydrangea branches everywhere, picture it) for our DD's wedding.

oh help

2006-07-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Night sky. It seemed so easy. Other people made it look quick and easy on their blogs. Hey guys! how do you do it? it's NOT easy! I did the original attempt sitting in comfort out on my back deck after a lovely walk. I did the darkening, or muddying inside last night then darkened the pole with pastel. Not quite the success I envisioned. But learning experiences are all good.

Happy July 1!

2006-07-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dang! This SHOULD have been posted last month (yesterday) and at that it would have been 4days after the fact. It's sOo hot I'm not sure where I will walk/bike for this weeks self energized tour.

This w/c sketch was done during a 10mi/17k bike ride when I sat on a rock on the beach across the street from this lovely old place that I wish was mine. Last night sitting more than half-way up the mountain I added a little w/c pencil to darken up the garden area and provide a stronger contrast to the stone fence in the foreground.

the Garden Gate

2006-06-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love garden gates & arbours & anything secret garden related? This dates back to my childhood, this love of snuggeries. I let my kids make beds in their closets when they were really little because I would have LOvED to have been allowed this cozy alternative. OK I'm now thinking those two are actually completely different topics in any mind but mine. Oh well, gates, garden corners and arbours are going to be my theme for the summer I think. I know that while walking (1.5hrs) the other day I saw a sweet gate that I'd like to sketch next. I was walking with my best bud so could not stop at that time but I'll do it on another day, on another walk.

fire hydrant, of sorts

2006-06-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

This past w/e I bolted out the door from work, hopped into our loaded van and raced off to Quadra for a camping adventure with my DH, DB & DS-I-L. As we travelled the heavy rain clouds thinned and glory be..into the brilliant sunshine we morphed!

After snacking on the BEST fish & chips (available on the dock AND served in the paper cone still) it was onto the ferry for the 10 min crossing and what should we happen to be parked beside but this version of a fire hydrant.

Upon arriving at our campsite we quickly set up, set out our chairs and celebrated our good fortune with a beer while enjoying this amazing and constantly interesting view. Of course this is a highly edited version, it would have taken me the whole w/e to try to depict every single vessel in this busy marina.

Lots of goings on. Oh, by the way, this is going to be my walk for this week as well as we did walk and kayak more than a mile each day.

last weeks main walk

2006-06-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

I was hoping that the walk to the tip of the spit would be a more signifigant one that 20/25 minutes each way but it was a wonderful day as I sat out in the sun with just the sound of the birds and seals breathing for the most part. Nothing startling produced here but a lovely day and each outing is a learning experience to be sure.
Meant to post these two with my last posting but was due to show my face at the workplace so off I harried.

Had a lovely w/e camping with my adorable sib and his charming wife where we kayaked, observed life around the dock, I sketched and we all relaxed and had an absolute blast together. This morning when I got home from work I noticed the power was out. Turned out to be a blown braker. 9hrs and $300-400 later I'm back online. Ahh the joys of being a homeowner!

Tomorrow I'll scan and maybe post w/c efforts from my heavenly w/e. Now back to try to catch up on the wonderful contributers at Everyday Matters.

No challenges yet lots of walking

2006-06-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

We've so many lovely walking/biking routes in my area. Each and every time I take the time to enjoy the area I am absolutely dumbstruck with the delight of our good fortune.

The first sketch is the glorious Filberg house on the park land donated to the city by the family. Now I've nowhere near done it justice but I'm sure you all can understand THAT. The care taker did park in front before I was done my sketch (he did kindly offer to move his truck when he noticed me but I thought I had enough information down to manage, my mistake) and I did the w/c at home but excuses aside I will just need to tackle it again so no harm no foul. Right?

Quick cloud study

2006-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a lovely long wander with just a quick little cloud attempt. While perhaps not the best choice for such a small format (4x6") the conte in my brand new CRETACOLOR ERGONOMIC 430 15 Austria was screaming to be used. What a lovely gift to myself this was. Don't you just love the water soluable ease of it?

I have too been walking

2006-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

not posting, not sketching much of the time but I have been getting out there so I hope Julie, that you will not regret linking me to "http://onemilefromhome.blogspot.com" too much.
This was after the walk as I was with hubby and didn't think loitering would be tolerated in the drizzle.

Me & Molasses

2006-05-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

'As slow as..' is of course, the reference here. It's no bloody wonder I rarely post it is such a arduous proceedure for me no matter how easy the site moderators/creators make the damn things.
OK Susan, deep breath.
I'll start with the angry looking self-portraits and admit that the conte version is accurate in it's sullen look. After 29 years of marriage you'd think a guy would know "I'd like to spend my last hr before eye surgury in the book stores" means exactly that! Drag me away from the books and knitting patterns to sit outside the golf store, why dear God?

River walk

2006-05-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Perhaps creek would better describe this sweet little spot, but river walk has more of a ring to it, don't you think?

This sketch was 20-30mins sitting in the dappled shade with the w/c done at home. I like the coloured version though I'm sure the viaduct should have darker values. I have the sketch in my computer so I can play with the colouring. I will have to wait until I walk this spot again as I simply cannot remember at the time I was really focusing on the very large maple in the top 1/3rd of the page. Nice to be able to rework thanks to ideas from the ever helpful Karen Winters and others over at EDM

By the way, for anyone who can actually read my note on the side. I know the scarey something is not a horsefly, it didn't even look like a fly, it WAS however freakish and frightening with that hypodermic needle sticking out. Overly dramatic? why in the world would you infer such a thing? ^g^

2006-05-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here comes the amazing painting stool, the size of a pencil case when folded yet comfortable enough to use. Too much fun to have found such a cool little art tool for such a tiny little price. OK enough already.
The little backpack which I found at the same time is just the right size to hold everything shown with it as well, of course, as a few drawing impliments.

EDM challenge #41

2006-05-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is the old catholic church in our town now known as the Old Church Theatre as it's thankfully found new life with a reporatorie company.
The ivy has taken over in the most charming fashion and I've always meant to draw it and now I have at least managed this quick sketch.

I was hoping to convey the evening sun highlighting the roof line but surprisingly I'm not finding this experience to be too discouraging (well, except while I'm applying the w/c). It's fun, I'm learning by watching my EDM mentors and by DOING!

I've just noticed how crookedly I've scanned this. C'est la vie.

2006-05-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Blogger seems slow today, or maybe it's just me. At any rate I'd like to put up my first link to Julie's walk&draw blog http://onemilefromhome.blogspot.com/ week 2 is on the home computer so I'll try posting that later.

I'm so enjoying tracking Julie's walks and Julie, I want to let you know that you are an incentive to getting out there both in excercising and plein air art fun. So thank you for that.

This sketch , it's fairly clear, was done May1st during a lovely woodland walk and while sitting on the amazingly small folding stool I'd just found at the thrift store for the perfect price of $2.50. I have a photo showing the amazing small stool but it also unavailable right now. There were plenty of both the pink and the wht trillium but only the pink were by a patch of sunlight and a girl does like to be warm while playing.

2006-05-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

For challenge #59 'sign of spring' and a perfect display of how desperately I need to read the library books I'm taking out on w/c painting, ...

and for challenge #56 self portrait I offer this highly entertaining version of ? I'm quite certain it looks like someone but that someone certainally is not me. I think I'll try a few more, monthly perhaps of this readily available subject. It does make me giggle so I don't hate it, after all.

2006-05-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've visited my own blog and have done very little in the sketching dept. during my long hiatus. Life has such a tendency to get in the way doesn't it? Not that that's a good enough excuse with all the productive folks at EDM but it's my excuse and I'm giving it. ^g^ Right now, of course I ought to be sewing or cleaning my poor neglected house, oh, yes, there's always the garden waiting in the wings..oh my.

So starting with the most recent challenge completed and working my way forward, I have a few VERY quick noses on a piece of paper towel for #65.

EDM # 51, 52

2006-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Whew, took forever to scan this time. With me it's always something it seems. At any rate. The dog sketch is from a few months back when we were last b'sitting my DB's Tessie, or Stinky dog as our DGD refers to her. Yes, she truly was that fat at the time, she's slimming down now that the vet has begun treating her hypothyroidism.
The TV sketch I will add a touch of colour to but wanted to get it up as it was drawn on time and who knows how much longer before I add colour?
The colour version of the view from our entry I'm posting as I feel it adds clarity. Thanks to all who responded with such kindness. You amaze me and I am so grateful.

Learning w/c washes step 1

2006-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is a sketch done from one of my fav photos. The sketch just done the other evening while watching a movie with DH. The photo of my dad cherishing, and being adored by, our DD was snapped abt 23 yrs ago. Of course, it doesn't do them justice but it is just for learning purposes though still I hesitate. Maybe I'll read just a bit more about light washes. Oh my, yes, this is my style, more dither than drive! LOL

EDM challange #50

2006-01-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sat at my front door today and sketched this panaramic view of our living rm, a sliver of the dining rm and the closed door leading to the utility rm (enough is enough after all).

Mini holiday

2006-01-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

Since retired DH would love to be on a relaxing-in-the-tropical-sun type holiday yet married to,I-need-all-my-holidays-to-prepare-for-DD's-wedding, me, we've just returned from our first-of-many 2night getaway w/e's. Yikes, that was a little difficult to follow, wasn't it? Sorry about that. Anyway, while we were relaxing I did a quick sketch with w/c wash of a tiny sliver of our view across the bay. Luckily for me it was pouring rain so I can blame my inacuracies on the droplets I had to peer through rather than my lack of talent and quite frankly that works for me. ;-)

Now to more current concerns

2006-01-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

Well the weather outside is frightful..no, I'm not still thinking it's Christmas but we're enjoying marvelous Winnie-the-Pooh blustery days and nights this week.
In the summer these shutters frame my bit-of-Tuscany back deck. This time of year they make a terrific clothesline to freshen my clothes and pillows. I LOVE that freshly aired scent.

Back in time to Christmas

2006-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

It's clear I haven't posted in a long while so let's just start with a few of the Advent gifts our amazing DD's dreamt up. Their very creative and thoughtful and YIKES expensive gift to their dad &me(OK, mostly me - can I help it that I'm easier to shop for?) this year.

Opps

2006-01-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

wrong pic. Actually the tree trunks behind lovely DD look more like antelope horns, don't they. Trust me, there is a photo that does show my evilness.

Now what?

2006-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

Two wks in, I finally decide I have the time to post some sketches and I can't get Blogger to recognize me on the computer that houses my scans. Now it'll have to wait until I get around to moving the info to my laptop (my current location...well, oK, my current favorite & constant location as I visit all your delightful sketch blogs from the beloved laptop).
So..determined to accomplich the goal set out for the day, she instead puts out to the world a photo of herself with her DD's looking like her devil horns are showing. LOL. Later for artplay, OK? Sue

Steppin in

2006-01-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

Steppin in
A fresh new year. Exciting, yet already I am falling behind in my as yet undeclaired goal of a sketch a day in 2006. Art blog cruising is terrifically inspiring but totally absorbing. Dang.

before supernanny and sketch time..

2005-11-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

I'll post a few from last week.
The darling toddler whose mouth, believe it or not, is dead on (even though I overworked the eye til it was mucked up) Something about it works and it's only a sketch and when you're sketching every day, or even 4Xper wk who cares! This is so free-ing isn't it? Oh, yeah, back to my original statement. The toddler is my grandbaby, asleep while we were babysitting (which also explains the overworked eye - the light was very dim)
The window and the door done way apart in time are of my mom's childhood home which she adores and what I would like to do someday in the not too distant future is to put the entire house together in it's proper order and setting and do a watercolour perhaps with some ribbon embroydery foxgloves in the forground. Anything's possible. Right?!

How Handy; a post for EM#10

2005-11-17T20:23:00.003-08:00

Those are some old looking hands, for sure. Dried up from honest labour but man, don't you hate seeing your mother's hands on your wrists? What's with THAT!? The really bad one is in the cutest little book I've had for ages and use now to be unobtrusive (or sneaky)It's abt 5" by 3.5"

EM challange #'s 8 &23

2005-11-17T20:23:00.002-08:00

These are in a wonderful old psychology text with pages that take watercolour well and don't intimidate the novice. Can't remember where I read this very good advice.

Favorite hiking find.

2005-11-17T20:23:00.001-08:00

Loading loads of sketches

2005-11-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

I'm really trying to emulate the 'sketch a day' folks. I'm sOo glad the internet is a part of our lives. This makes my doodling so much more fun. I LOVE browsing art journal sites.

Hurrah, easy as pie to post!

2005-11-16T18:19:00.001-08:00

Thank you blogger! I love that this is easy enough for Joe Idiot,(yeah, that would be me) to do. The posts below were made on the road in the prairies this fall. One road doodle was coloured on the computer as well as the Lethbridge Catholic church sketch on this post.

the autumn return

2005-11-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

I've been hanging out a lot at Danny Gregory's Everyday Matters (and if I knew what I was doing I would have just been successful pasting in his url) damn, I hate that I find all of this sOo difficult. Any way. . . totally inspired by so many participants of the site I've been sketching so now I'll try posting. I forget how every single time it seems plus I'm trying something different this time. I sure hope it's easy!

sketch of Joya'86

2005-05-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

sketch of Joya'86
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

OK,I know. Old as the hills this one. The dimpled darling pictured here is now 21. Lazy yes, but I figure if I miss one entry I'll start to miss them all and I'm actually doing a quick sketch 2 or 3x per wk which is unheard of for me.
I also need to figure out how to find my password so that I can comment on the creativity of everyone here.
Oh, yeah, this is for IF's "nurishment" as that is a cob of corn the poor waif is husking for herself at 1yr of age.

Kieshia the hunter

2005-05-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Kieshia the hunter
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

I was going to skip this week but being a part of illustration friday has been such a motivator for me that I actually did this sketch in my 'it doesn't matter if it looks like crap, just DO IT' book.
"If you're looking for mischief look at your cat"

File0001

2005-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

File0001
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

for illustration Friday's AMBITION

e-willis island sketch

2005-04-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

e-willis island sketch
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

We were quite DARING when we decided to kayak the Broken Island Group in April expecting strong winds and dumping, driving rain. The fact that we enjoyed calm seas and sunshine was pure bonus and SOo enjoyable...but we were initially quite daring.

reinventing our front yard

2005-04-20T00:42:00.000-07:00

reinventing our front yard
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

I didn't think 'reinventing' was a theme I could participate in until scribbling in my journal/idea repository I realized I'm constantly remodeling and, in fact, reinventing my physical environment.

AAM#1 blog

2005-04-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

AAM#1 blog
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

I wanted to add an image of "alone" to illustration Friday while I figure out this blogging stuff. Hence, a pre-done entry. Still puzzling over the how to post the entire entry. How many wks will it take for me to learn one new thing? Lord, do I feel my age and more! Sue

travel

2005-04-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

File0004
Originally uploaded by bluemoons.

A favorite and dependable way to travel.

Travel sketch

2005-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here's hoping this works out for me. Learn something new each day ..right? Found www.illustrationfriday.com today and in order to participate have (hopefully) created a blog site. Will decorate the site later...I hope.