Day 64, Painting a Day

Apples, 5x7, pencil on paper

Day 63, Painting a Day

More Pears, 9x12, colored pencil on paper

Day 62, Painting a Day

Pears after Matisse, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

Day 61

Pomegranates, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

Day 60, Painting a Day

1776, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

Okay. This would have been much better if I would have worked bigger. I'll chalk another one to experience learning. I will try a variation of this 8x8. It wanted to be bigger and was actually kind of hard to work so tiny. Still it was fun.

Goodbye, Historic Triangle, VA!

Day 59, Painting a Day

(Patriotic) Pomegranate, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

Today, My husband and I went to Colonial Williamsburg (highly recommend). I didn't bring my art things, so I was concerned that this would be another bad art day. Then I saw the beautiful pomegranate tree in one of the colonial fenced gardens. I shot a photo (too hard to do still life when traveling) and just knew what to do once I got home!

Day 58, Painting a Day

Coffee and Creamer, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

This is day 2 of producing work I'm not happy with. I even abandoned one project, because it was really a line drawing that called for a point much finer than my colored pencils could provide. It was becoming an exercise in futility! At least I recognized that and quit knocking my head up against a wall. For that, Yay to me!

Later today, I am going to complete my application to a low-residency MFA program in Boston. It's not an online degree. It's really a cool opportunity offered through Lesley University.

Will post today's (bleak) photo as soon as possible.

Day 57, Painting a Day

Acorns, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

I don't believe in apologizing for the quality of my work when it isn't tops, but I was needed elsewhere, and that's where my creative energy went tonight. Still, It's very important to me to keep this commitment/promise I made to myself, so this represents about an hour's work. If I can think of a way of improving it at a later date, I will.

Love you all.

Day 56, Painting a Day

Fortune Cookie, 5x7, Colored pencil on paper

This girl is exhausted! Maybe it's road trip fatigue or dehydration, but going to bed feels so good tonight!

When I was in California, I got a fortune cookie that said "Friends long absent are coming back to you." Now, I put zero stock in fortune cookies, but this one proved true. I haven't seen my friend, Chris aka T.C., in 31 years. It is so good to see her and meet her family. Her daughter, Alice, suggested I do a fortune cookie, because she knew I needed something that wouldn't be terribly time consuming because I'm tired. Her idea, the fact that we ate yummy Chinese food tonight, and the 'fulfillment' of that California cookie's prediction made me say, "Yes! That is today's subject."

Thanks for checking in.

Blissfully Away From it All

I am so very grateful to a very dear woman in my life who opened her home to us at a time where we have a lot of things we need to sort out. I am now away from it all and so we're hoping to think straighter than we could at home.
I haven't seen my friend in 30 years, and have God and Facebook to thank for this reunion. She may never know the vast impact she's had in my life, but she's someone I love and admire and whom I'm elated to introduce to Michael and vice-versa. I know I wouldn't be who I am today had it not been for the love, guidance and mentoring she provided thirty years ago. I learn just by watching her now. Michael sees how wonderful she is, too.
Those of you who may be reading. Please pray that we have wisdom while we make some huge decisions in this crossroads we find ourselves in. And Thanks.

Day 55, Painting a Day

Burning Cigar, 5x7, colored pencil on paper

Today's work was done in honor of Michael, my husband, who loves a good cigar. He gave input, corrected me on the nuances of my cigar's image and suggested employing the burned match. It's a fun composition, and hopefully, tonight I can catch up with posting my photos. Cheers, all.

Day 54, Painting a Day

Blueberries, 5x7, colored pencil on paper.
Photos to follow.

Day 53, Painting a Day

Day 52, Painting a Day

Three Oranges, 8x8, colored pencil on paper
Photo to follow.

Day 51, Painting a Day

Trois Pêches, 8x8, colored pencil on paper
Photo to follow.

Day 50, Painting a Day

Bell Peppers of Peace, 8x8, colored pencil on paper

Yesterday's sea turtle was a lot of work simply because I chose the wrong paper. So today, I looked for a simple, pleasing subject and had fun with it. I enjoyed almost everything about this drawing. This one took about 3 hours compared to yesterday's six.

I felt relatively peaceful today as I worked on these peppers, thus, the title. Thanks for dropping in.

Day 49, Painting a Day

Sea Turtle, 9"x12", colored pencil on pastel paper

This one is a bit autobiographical. Just keep swimming... What's ahead? Slow and steady wins the race. This was difficult to photograph because of the size.

Next Day: This one took so long and it's only okay. Why? Wrong paper, the colored pencil just couldn't fill the tooth. Note to self: Pastel paper is for pastels,,,maybe charcoal, too.

Day 48, Painting a Day

Lita's Magnolia Tree, 8x8, colored pencil on paper.

I did this one by request. My parents recently bought a home, and my mother particularly loves the Magnolia tree in the front lawn. She asked me to use it as a subject. And here it is!

Leaves, individual leaves that is, drive me crazy. But in a portrait of a tree the most important characteristic is the tree's shape. It would have detracted from the painting to define individual leaves, as you couldn't discern them from the distance from the subject anyways.

I love trees. And am going to hunt down Joyce Kilmer's (1886-1977) poem, Trees and post it.

Trees

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast.

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Day 47, Painting a Day

Coconuts, Fresh and Pure, 8x8, colored pencil on paper.

I am pleased with these results. I could infuse some orange to warm it up, but I am going to try to leave the colors relatively cool for now to see if I like them that way.

Day 47, and what am I learning? I'm learning that practice and perseverance pay off. My vision is getting honed, I can feel it. I can sketch the shapes and position of shapes faster than I used to. I'm learning that a daily discipline like this can be a friend when so many other things around me are unpredictable and in flux. And that is a comfort and a help.

God continues to amaze me more and more. Even when the most trustworthy routine or relationship fails and you become terribly world weary, he never changes. He is always faithful. Never duplistic, more present in our circumstances than even we are. Circumstances can become bewildering, but, if we know who holds our future, we can have peace.

In some ways hard circumstances are like coconuts:
On the outside, they look dry, hairy, woody, uninviting and inedible. But, once you crack one open, you find it is filled with delicious, highly hydrating milk. Nourishment. The simplicity of the brown and white color is soothing, the fruit in it's freshest form tastes great. It is not what it appeared. A deeper look into God's plan through our troubles may yield a similar result.

As an aside, I happen to not be a fan of processed coconut... It's nothing like the freshly split fruit. But if you've ever had the fresh variety... you know your body responds well to what it offers.

This is in no way my best piece of prose, in fact, it's kind of disjointed. But at the moment, so am I. So, I will let this stand. Thanks for checking in.

Day 46, Painting a Day

Fruit at Lita's, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Day 45, Painting a Day

Possibilities, 8x8, colored pencil on paper

Thanks for checking in.

This is the best commencement speech I have ever heard. I think this way...but his results are ever so much more lucrative and public....That's okay. He didn't set out for fame and fortune: He set out to follow his heart, and he got them anyways.
I'm not looking for fame and fortune, either...but to love my life and live as the unique creation I am. I'm glad we live in a time when we get to here this too, not just those fortunate graduates that day.

Here it is:
I am retitling it, "How to Live"

Let me know what you think. Enjoy!!

Day 44, Painting a Day

Another go-go-go day over at cafeglover. Before we knew it, we had run errands and it was 3:00 p.m. already. I spent about 3 hours on this little drawing. It's not particuliarly inspired, but it is practice and perserverance... 3 drops in the bucket of my 10,000 drops to achieve mastery. My mind was unruly throughout the creation of this drawing, but I finally pulled it together in the last hour. I am glad I'm done for the day. Some days are like that.. like going to the gym and getting on the treadmill even though you'd rather not. Overcoming lethargy is a victory in and of itself. Today's drawing? check.

Day 43, Painting a Day

Bonsai Tree, Patience. 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Another one of those long days when I started late. SO much going on, some bewildering changes. The Bonsai tree reminds me that some cutting here, and waiting there leads to exquisite beauty.... We are the same as God trims and prunes us. It takes faith, patience and vision to achieve beauty. I am reminded that it's not all about the result, it's about the journey...The journey itself produces wisdom, insight, faith and even beauty and the appreciation of what a slow process can produce.

Day 42,Painting a Day

Baby Steps, 8x8, pencil and paper.

Remembering my babies on today, Holland's birthday.
We remember Holland and Michael learning to walk in their Stride Rites. Every toddler should wear Stride Rites. They are sturdy, adorable, and make the best little pitter-patter.

This drawing looks nowhere near as good as I wish it did. But, I learned a lot, or rather, relearned a lot. This started out as a graphite drawing, using an HB, which is prudent for a beginning. But then I leapt all the way up to a 7B. It was way too soon, and the drawing never fully recovered from that error. I tried to create balance by back-tracking to a 2B and 4B. Finally, I sprayed the drawing with fixative and treated it as an under-drawing.

That was the right move...but colored pencils can only do so much. The tones had already been compromised. Thankfully colored pencils did indeed improve the drawing tremendously, regardless.

This project is not about reaching perfection each time I touch paper or a canvas. I am very pleased to have made mistakes and learned from them. That brings on growth...and that is the goal. My husband read somewhere that you have to dedicate 10,000 hours to a pursuit to achieve mastery. The dailiness of this project inches me along... I'm not keeping track of the hours, and I pray for success. I think it would be great to achieve mastery.

So, like these Stride Rites, I'm baby stepping until I can run.
Thanks for checking in.

Day 41,Painting a Day

Tomatoes of Tumult, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Day 40,Painting a Day

Papayas of Pensiveness, 8"x8", colored pencils on pencil

Was hit on the head with a falling lawn tool. Face and head hurt, but doggone it, the Papayas wouldn't wait...and I have tomorrow off. This has been a particularly hard week. But, Tomorrow is Sunday. Thank God.

Day 40? This means that if I were on Noah's Ark, I'd have rode out the rain by drawing...

Day 39, Painting a Day

Carrots of Consternation, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Glad to have completed these carrots. Again, I escaped into drawing, communed with God and came to peace again. Life is not without hard times. But relationship with God makes all the difference.

Day 38, Painting a Day

Onions of Optimism, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

So, day 2, after our shock. We are grateful for God's peace; for praying, loving friends, and for the example of those who have gone before us. I drew these while exhausted, but thinking of possibilities. We still need some deep rest, but we know it's a little too soon to feel rested.

Drawing was therapeutic. I think it's a good discipline to force myself into an enthralling practice and out of obsessive feeling!

You'll find this amusing: I drew while watching What About Bob?.... Perfect!

Day 37, Daily Painting

Asparagus of Anxiety, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

And that finished that pad of paper. Every piece was used for a show 'painting', and that gives me a sense of accomplishment and completion.

Yesterday was a very difficult day at cafeglover. We received quite a shock after a life-altering event and some feelings of anxiety ensued. I drew these while I waited. laboring to concentrate. I was amazed that I was able to produce anything, so I do regard these as a sort of triumph.

I do not wish to spread anxiety with this cryptic message. I will say, our faith is being tested, and we do believe that God is still on his throne. As soon as the diminshment of shock allows, we will most likely get excited at new prospects. Hard to tell at this point.

Day 36, Painting a Day

Eggplant, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Day 35, Painting a Day

Origami Crane, 8"x8", pencil on paper

Day 34, Painting a Day

Wine Barrels, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper
Will post Monday

Day 33, Painting a Day

Vineyard Building, Santa Ynez, CA. 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Still drawing, because I'm still traveling. Even after we get home, we'll have another trip almost immediately. It's incredible how many layers it takes to get any depth. This represents 6 hours work! Loving California.

Day 32

Green Lollipop, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper


I must sound like a broken record... But I am too tired to draw right now, so I will take my own advice that I gave my nephew and practice a form, to keep refining my cubes, spheres, etc. Will post later.
Tried to draw in the 14 passenger van our group was using, but I kept spilling my pencil, scribbling my edges, etc. Couldn't be done. Now it's 9:41 and I want to sleep. But, I will honor my commitment, and do something!

(Photo posted after following text)

Day 31

Kiwi and Lime, 8x8", colored pencil on paper (photo to follow)

Did this on airplane. Don't have the heart to refine it any further. Tired. Jet-lagged. Exhausted. Sleepy. Thirsty.
Good night, world.

Painting a Day, Day 30

Lollipop, 8x8", colored pencil on paper
Won't be able to post photos for a few days, maybe.

Painting a Day, Day 29

Cherry Cupcake, 8x8", colored pencil on paper

I'm really having fun with the sweets and the food pictures. I'm particularly enjoying the clean backgrounds and just the treat for the treat's sake. In most cases, I enjoy looking at the treat more than I would eating it. It's interesting just how visually appealing they are. Eye candy.

Today, I had a request to do lollipops... I've been on the search for just the right ones and would gladly receive suggestion photos to my email! Cheers.

Royal decision: Observe the Sabbath. Daily Painting, except Sunday.

I am loving the Daily drawing and painting.
But, throughout my life, I have been inspired by people like Eric Liddell, who had an intimate relationship with God, and out of respect and faith, kept the Sabbath; By Bach, who wrote sdg at the bottom of each compostion (Soli Deo Gloria..to God alone the glory.) and who was not recognized for his genious in his lifetime.
I am not putting myself in their company because of their outstanding giftedness, but I am wanting to follow their example of keeping God first. I'm humbled by it.
On the seventh day, God rested... though he never tires. Later the bible goes on to say that man was not created for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man.
God knows why better than I do, but this decision is a cheerful one. I also think it will keep me from becoming driven.
Thanks for checking in!

Painting a Day, Day 28

Pizza Slice, 9"x12", colored pencil on vellum

Posting difficulties yesterday. Will post my new painting when I get home.

Painting a Day, Day 27

Toast, 8x8 in., colored pencil on paper

Full blown sick today... Toast, for which I normally have an almost inexplicable affinity, is one of my very best friend's today, and about the only food my mind would admit. So, here is it's likeness. Thank you, God, for toast.

Painting a Day, Day 26

Emily's Biscotti, 8x8 in, colored pencil on paper

Today's work was fun for me because it comes from the internet business of a second daughter, Emily, and her husband, Zac. I smiled to myself the whole time I was working and then... well, this biscotti was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend going their shop for your biscotti needs. They also sell cookies and their own roast of coffee.

Painting a Day, Day 25

Three Cheery Cherries 8x8 in, colored pencil on paper

It's days like this that test my fortitude. I don't know if it's viral, or food poisoning, but I am so queasy! I chose cherries for their cheeriness and their relative ease. I wanted to honor my commitment without putting myself under. I truly enjoyed doing this little drawing, and I love this wonderful paper. I ordered 5 more pads while they're still on sale. I was excited to see 2 new members (thanks) to my Art Crowd. Feel free to join you all. I'm happy for your company!

Painting a Day, Day 24

Betty and Perry's Basil Plant, 5"x7", gouache on paper

I was delighted and challenged when Perry sent the photo of their basil plant. Leaves drive me crazy! They are so hard to keep track of when they're up close. I have the same trouble with too many folds on fabric. I'm afraid it uses that part of my brain that's supposed to do Algebra and know direction without a compass... Well...Van Gogh had his problems, too, I always say. :-)

Don't know if I like Gouache. But, I won't give up on it. Will try again in more optimal conditions. I'm not thrilled with today's results, but can be gratified to have fulfilled the commitment.
Peace...and Basil to you all. Thanks for checking in.

Painting a Day, Day 23

Cherry Pie, 8"x8", colored pencil and paper

I am enjoying drawing the sweet treats. I'm choosing the ones that I enjoy looking at almost more than I enjoy eating. Cherry Pie has always looked appealing. But, it happens to taste even better than it looks! Thanks for checking in.

Painting a Day, Day 22

Petit Fours, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

My mother has a painting of petit fours and a tea cup that I've always admired. Here begins my attempt to paint one of my own. Drawings inform paintings wonderfully. One of these days, I'll paint one in oils for myself.

Painting a day, Day 21

A Bowl of Italian 'Tobacco' Peaches, 8"x8", colored pencil on paper

Day 20

Contest winner, 9x12 in, mixed media

Not thrilled.

Oy! I pretty much ruined this one by introducing too dark a blue. It is a cute picture that I'm going to rework soon. I will post the changes sometime this week.

Day 19

Donut Peach, 4x6 in. colored pencil on paper

Day 18

Clementines, 5x7 in, colored pencil on paper

Day 17

Bananas, 5x7", colored pencil on paper

Day 16

Oranges, 5x7 in, colored pencil on paper

Day 15

Avocado Half, 4'x6', pencil on paper

Day 14... Cannot upload on mobile: On the road, without computer

I am going to continue producing a work a day, albeit minor ones. I won't be able to upload and display after the end of this trip. I can post on Facebook, though. And so I will!

Also... I need canvas! Completely forgot to pack some into the car... So I have paints, but no canvas. I'll just keep drawing until I can buy some. Thanks for checking in.