Behold the Mighty Longhorn

Well, mighty might be an overstatement, but they're pretty darn interesting. I was given the idea, or the challenge, of painting a longhorn over dinner Christmas night and have been thinking about it (mostly thinking--can't seem to find time for anything else lately) ever since. I know what it looks like in my head but haven't been able to devote enough time to getting it out on paper. Here is my version of watercolor, trying to stay loose and a tiny bit abstract.

Here is what turned out to be a cartoon version. I'm ok with that, but not to worry, this is not our final direction. Point of note, I used India ink to sketch him in and work the background (which is not at all forgiving, thus the cartoony-ness) which makes it look shiny. No bueno

This is a sketch trying to learn the ways of the cow. Well, at least I got the horns right. Hope to rough in the painting tomorrow. Canvas is prepped and waiting.

Happy First Birthday, Little Blog

I actually started this blog a year ago on Christmas, but that was just the setup and trying to figure out how it works. On December 29th I actually posted my first little painting. My goal was to draw more, paint more, see more, and be more grateful for my wonderful life. I'm going to call this year a success. I've painted more than I ever have, filled sketchbooks and gained enough confidence to want to take on more complicated projects. Now if I could only find a little time.

These two sketches are from earlier this month. The only things I've done this month in fact. Below is a sketch for Christmas ornaments and the only ornament I actually painted. It needs a little finishing but I lost interest. This one will go to my friend Glenda who collects mouse ornaments and gave me the idea.

Happy New Year Friends! I'm so excited to start 2012. Best year yet. Wait and see!

Merry Christmas

I've wanted to make a Christmas card for a long time. Or any card. Still do. I tried to come up with some kind of Christmasy design that wasn't too cheesy and revolting. But no luck. And then I saw a commercial with polar bears on it. (Not the Coke commercials, this was painted way back in Sept.) They were just so lovely, I wanted to make one, so I painted one in the ole' sketchbook and one on canvas paper. I did have them made into cards but the color was horrible and flat. Really disappointing but expensive so I sent them anyway. Here is my little bear. Think I may do more. He was a fun lovely afternoon.

Anyhoo, I want to wish everyone a fun holiday, full of hugs and laughter and food and family. And I hope you didn't get too tangled up in that commercial web they start setting for us in August which nearly ruins Christmas for everyone every year. I hope you remember the reason for the holiday. I hope you go to bed tonight thanking God for the many wonderful blessings in your life. I hope you tell the people you love why you love them. And I hope you have the very merriest of Christmases.

A Word About The BIrd

I posted the raven picture last night. Prematurely. I think a lot of artists fall into the habit of thinking a painting is finished and then coming back and seeing nothing but flaws. Its ok, no big thing. I worked him over again tonight, but I doubt you'll be able to see much difference. I think he's still not right.

But the post was also premature because I wanted to tell the rock and bird story but when there is a 15 year old in the house wanting to use your computer, things sometimes get rushed. I've wanted to paint a picture based on the Cowboy Junkie song Rock and Bird for years now. I tried one other time with a horrible outcome. I think I may have to try it one or two more times still. I love the Junkies, have forever. Love them when I'm happy and things are good, and especially when I'm sad and low. At first Rock and Bird sounds kind of upbeat, and then when you listen to the words, poetic, and eventually kind of sad.

So anyway...here are the lyrics that bounce around in my head when I look at this painting:

She captured both rock and bird

Tied one to the leg of the other

Kept them as prisoners

Until they knew who was master

Then she threw them to the sky.

Bird with unbarred wings disappeared

Rock with weighted heart returned

And rock became her anchor

And bird became her wings.

I'm a rock, but I've always wanted to be a bird. Maybe that's why I keep drawing the stupid creatures. I'm just looking for my wings.

Nevermore...

Stuff and Nonsense

I plan to spend my weekend with this bad boy, or a reasonable likeness of him as I try to lay it on a canvas once and for all. I'm tired of thinking about birds and rocks. Time to exorcise that particular demon. Acrylic in moleskine.

Here are a couple of mediocre and pretty silly sketches from the last week or so.

Trying to draw people. NOT my strength by any means. Poor girl has a chin for days, but I like her foot ok.

Ink and watercolor in watercolor sketchbook

Ok, another trial tonight. A little bit better but still disappointing. You know what really stinks? My sister took up sketching like a month ago and is a hundred times better at drawing faces than I am. Clearly I need some professional help. I think a figure drawing class is in order. Or at least a little more practice. Mechanical pencil in moleskine.

November sketches

From the clothes and closet sketchbook

Sketching things in my room while I was watching the tube. My sweet Gussie...

This is a badly executed sketch. Unfortunately I drew the bird in pen and had a hard time fitting the telephone pole in around him. Hey that's why I sketch things out before slapping paint on a canvas. Usually I use a pencil first and my hands-down-favorite tool, a big pink eraser. Inelegant and poo-pooed by real artists but a true friend to me.