I’ve 
kept up with my drawing for the Every Day in May challenge. I have been like a madwoman with my mannequin drawing this week! I think part of the appeal is being able to pose them - reminds me of playing with Barbie as a kid. Granted, it’s been a long time, and the mannequins are not as disproportionately built as Barbie! 
I don’t really want to post all of the pictures, (you’ll get bored rather quickly, I’m sure, since the subject is the same with just some difference in gestures, but here are a few of the highlights. 
For more, you can go to my Every Day in May set in Flickr. Some are good; some not so much! But it’s all practice and I see the proportions much better.
The hands need much more work, so that’ll be tomorrow’s plan, I think. I just posted here one of the hand pages that includes a full 
mannequin. It’s one of the best. I’m not sure I like the hand mannequins. That may be my problem. But I’ll continue to try and I might get brave and try to draw real hands, too!
Yesterday I arrived at an appointment early. The day was beautiful and I sat in my car blasting Michael Buble on my iPod while I drew the scene right in front of my car. It was the tree, in particular, that caught my eye, but the trash can next to it was an interesting juxtaposition.
I’m sure there will be more drawing tomorrow. Thanks for visiting and have a great day!
May 13th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, art challenge, drawing, sketch |
2 comments
Yesterday I did a lot of drawing, but I can only share
two small drawings with you for yesterday’s Every Day in May challenge. The other is for Sunday’s CreativeTherapy catalyst, which will be revealed on Sunday.
To the right is a drawing of my pencil sharpener. Not a perfect drawing, but a drawing, nonetheless. It’s really rounder at the top than my drawing shows, but I did blind contour drawing and, well, this is how it came out! I used a Pigma Micron and some Albrecht Durer and Lyra watercolor pencils.
To the left is a drawing from the Every Day Matters challenge group - # 91 - Draw an apple. I drew this from a photo, since I’m allergic to apples. Yes, apples. I used a Pigma micron and Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils for this.
Remember how the other day I wasn’t sure whether I liked the paper in the hand*book journal. I’ve now gotten used to working with the paper and I do, indeed like it. I will be happy to take this journal to France when we go. I just need to figure out which watercolor pencils to bring, since I can’t bring all of them with me! That will be part of the process in the next few months.
May 8th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, drawing, sketch, watercolor |
one comment
Today I decided to do some drawing for most of the day. I’m trying to figure out if I really like the feel of the Hand-Book travel journals, since I bought one for my trip to France. I’ll decide after I get some time in with the paper. It’s thinner than what I use when I make the books myself, and that’s a drawback. It means I can’t necessarily use both sides if I’m using watercolor. And, it doesn’t really take watercolor very well. VERY light
washes do OK, so if I decide to bring watercolor pencils, that could work. Today I used some graphite pencils, watercolor pencils and a Pigma Micron .05.
Anyway, here are today’s drawings. I don’t usually draw pictures of men. I decided I should get a sense of the proportions of men’s faces. I did several drawings from photos in a magazine. The drawing of the couple above is loosely based on an ad in a magazine. The man in the picture above I like. The woman’s face however, is a bit off. The drawing to the right is also based on ads in a magazine.
Left is a montage of three different faces from the magazine. I thought it was time to start playing with some color, so I added watercolor pencils for some color. I tried to stay somewhat true to the images in the magazines. 
I got brave from here and started doodling some faces. Those are to the right. The hand on the guy on the left of the page is in great need of some rework, but I decided that I probably just need to spend some time working with hands. I tend to freeze up when I look at them and try to add them. That’s something I want to change. Maybe that’ll be tomorrow’s drawings?
May 6th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, art challenge, drawing, sketch, watercolor |
one comment
The 
past two days have been hard for me physically. Yesterday I spent most of the day in bed with fatigue and vertigo. I did draw yesterday - two things, so I’m going to count them as yesterday’s and today’s in case I can’t get drawing done today (but I’ll still try!).
Today I’m tired and achy. But at least I’m up to posting on my blog! 
To the right is EDM Challenge 23 - Draw your Foot. Since I went and had my manicure and pedicure while Eliana was here, I figured drawing the foot was a good thing to do. I drew the cool little flower and the lines at the top of the big toe - the only one you could really see (I have teensy toes and even more teensy toe nails!). I decided not to use any color in this and to see if I could create it with just the Pigma Micron 02 and 08 pens. I like how the pants leg came out, in particular. I rarely do this kind of shading, so it was a good challenge.
To the left, you see a drawing of my reading glasses. I have several pairs of reading glasses - mostly from Target’s dollar spot! I buy them in bulk when they have them there. I have found that since my 38th birthday (yes, two and a half years ago!) I’ve needed to wear these reading glasses with my contacts to see up close. Reading without the is greatly straining on my eyes. So, I figure some funky glasses should be owned. The pair depicted here is actually black, clear and gray - sort of a plaid.
My husband is just finishing up doing his rounds at the hospital. He’s taking me out to lunch when he gets here. It will be my first time out of the house since last Monday. I’m sure I will be exhausted when we return home, but getting out of the house is really necessary right now. Have a great Sunday, everyone!
May 4th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, art challenge, drawing, journaling, living with chronic illness, sketch |
3 comments
Today I am still feeling fatigued from the treatment. No surprise there… However, I am still challenging myself to keep up with at least one drawing each day. Today I did two challenges from the Every Day Matters Group.
EDM 31 - Draw something you collect.
I brought my grandmother’s vintage train case into the den, where I am sitting in front of the TV. I drew the train case open with the photos in it. My grandmother took very good care of it. Her address from The Bronx is still in it, easy to read! The mirror is still perfect, as well. It’s quite heavy, or I’d use it for travel. For now, however, it will remain in my studio as storage.
While the pictures and the train case were here, I posted more of my vintage photos and cabinet cards for sale on my “Supplies for Sale” page. Take a look. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, send me an email and I will see if I have what you need in my collection!
EDM 164 - Draw your camera.
I also drew my point and shoot Canon Powershot Elph. This camera has been with me for a while. It’s 4 mpx, which was huge a few years ago! It will be coming with me on all my trips, since it fits so easily into a purse or backpack.
Now it’s time to relax and try to keep from getting more fatigued. Hmmm… Perhaps a nap?
May 2nd, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, art challenge, drawing, living with chronic illness, sketch |
4 comments
I’ve decided to participate in the Every Day in May challenge. I’m going to try to create something every day. I already try that, but with family in town and my treatment yesterday, I’ve lagged behind. So, I’m committing to do it this month as much as possible. Some members of the challenge are choosing a theme. For me, the theme will be something from life or from the Every Day Matters challenge list. This morning, I drew a shoe. After the first attempt, I decided I needed to try again. I’ve only posted the second one here.
I had hoped to post more drawings from today, but, as usual, I have some major fatigue from yesterday’s treatment. I’m going to take a nap now…
May 1st, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art challenge, drawing, sketch |
one comment
This week, I joined my husband, Dave, on a trip to Chicago, IL. While Dave was at the annual American Academy of Neurology meeting, I met Joanne in Chicago for a few days of fun. We had a fantastic time time!
First, we met for a great dinner at Lockwood, the restaurant in Joanne’s hotel, The Palmer House. I went up to Joanne’s room and we exchanged gifts. FUN! Joanne loved the tote I made for her and said she would definitely use it! She gave me a fantastic doll pin that represented each of us and a fun tote from Target that features spoons! How apropos! We had a lovely dinner and planned to meet the next morning for breakfast at my hotel.
Tuesday morning we met for a long leisurely breakfast. We talked non-stop! And then we went to the Chicago Art Institute. Because Joanne is a member, we were able to see the Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer exhibits without tickets. I had my walker, so we had to find our way through the maze of elevators and floors. I suppose a map would have helped, but neither of us picked up one. The fabulous docents and guards were very willing to help.
We enjoyed both exhibits, but were both pretty tired from standing so long. And, well, we can both always eat! So, we went to the Garden Cafe in the museum for a lovely lunch. We both splurged and had dessert - I had coconut sorbet (YUMMY!) and Joanne had some fabulous-looking ice cream with chocolate sauce. We sat and talked for quite a while and then both decided we were “museumed out”! So we went to the gift shop. It is always fun to walk through museum gift shops. We had fun, but suddenly, I became quite tired. I purchased my gift for Angie and we headed back outside to catch a taxi to my hotel.
We sat in the hotel and talked, waiting for Dave to complete his day of meetings. He came in around 4:30 and we had 5 pm reservations at a lovely little Italian restaurant within a short walk of the hotel, Volare. It was a great meal and very affordable. I highly recommend it. All three of us enjoyed our food!
From there, we grabbed another taxi and wen to see Wicked. Now, for those of you who don’t know, The Wizard of Oz is my FAVORITE movie of all time. Wicked came to Phoenix, but was completely sold out in a short time, so I didn’t get to go. When I found out it was playing in Chicago, I emailed Joanne from my Palm Centro and asked if she was interested in seeing it with Dave and me. We were so lucky to get Center Orchestra tickets! I got an FM receiver from the Auditorium so I didn’t miss a thing. That, combined with my Baha, made for a great experience! If you get a chance to see the musical, do! It’s funny, filled with lots of great dancing, costumes and satire. And the music is so much fun!
The next morning, I met Joanne at her hotel. Our plan was to have breakfast and then to go to the Blick Art Materials across the street from her hotel. It called to us. We had no choice but to visit this two-story art materials mecca. We had so much fun that an hour quickly passed! Joanne was able to get a bunch of Golden’s products she needed for her Art & Soul classes. I was able to find a few things I couldn’t live without that could easily slip into my suitcase! We went back to her hotel to drop off her bounty, sat in the lobby and talked, and then went to a nice long lunch.
I walked back to her hotel with her and we said our good-byes. It was a lovely time, especially knowing that Joanne is coming to Art Unraveled in August, so we will have more time together soon. It was a fabulous time, as we both knew it would be. I’m still amazed at how friendships can become so incredibly strong over the Internet and then can blossom into “real life” friendships. 
Wednesday evening, Dave and I went to dinner at Shula’s in our hotel. We were both tired and wanted to have a quiet dinner, which we did. We both needed a good night’s sleep, since Thursday was our travel day and Dave had an early breakfast meeting.
Thursday morning, I slept late while Dave went to his meeting, and then I took some time to draw. I hadn’t taken much time to draw while Joanne was there, since we had so much to share!I was definitely ready to return home. The flight was pretty bumpy, but I didn’t get sick - a huge victory!
I added in some pictures I drew while i was in Chicago. They’re really quite simplistic, but it felt good to have a pen in my hands and to truly observe things. I don’t think I’d have noticed the fabulous columns that make up the Wrigley building without observing it to draw.
Today I’m preparing for our family to visit for Passover. My 7-year-old niece, Eliana, is coming to visit with her parents. We’re having two Seders here at the house. We’ll bring my FIL and MIL over for them and for other days during the week. I’ll be doing art with Eliana! She wants me to teach her some things. I’m happy to oblige! Uncle Dave will teach her some magic tricks, too. It will be a fabulous week, if I can keep track of my spoons!
April 18th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Baha Implant, Creative Every Day, EDM, drawing, family, friends, fun day, life, sketch, travel |
6 comments
Today has been a great day! I woke up feeling great and excited for the day. For weeks, Angie and I have been planning to join in the International Sketchcrawl and we did it! We finally got to spend some time together and I was able to get out of the house!
Today was the 18th International Sketchcrawl. We met other sketchcrawlers at the Desert Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix. I think two of us had been there before, so it was a first time for many of us. It was such a beautiful day - bright and sunny and nice and cool with a slight breeze in the morning. Of course, it being the desert and the end of March, it quickly got up to the low 80s and we were all pretty tired. This is probably the last outside sketchcrawl we’ll do until October or November!
There was so much to draw! We all walked off into our own groups and sat and drew and painted. What amazed us all the most was that there were so many people out and about sketching, painting, and photographing. It is like an artist’s heaven there! Angie and I went on our own and 
found some shady spots. I used my walker, knowing that the terrain might be tricky for me. I was glad I had it. It gave me a seat no matter where we were and it did help me keep from falling several times as we moved along. It was nice to bring the walker with the purpose being “just in case” rather than “must use”.
The first subject Angie and I chose was a Dr. Seuss-like tree. There was no marker to tell us the name where we found it, but we knew we’d find it later. Sure enough, we did. It’s a member of the Aloe family. It’s aloe dichotoma, and it’s from South Africa. The bark is very light and at the bottom has bark peeling off of it. It has quite a bit of yellow in it. The leaves looked similar to those of an aloe vera plant, but they wer much more 
wavy and curly. I tried to capture it, but I think I captured the essence of it, not the reality. And that was fine with me!:) The drawing is to the left. Angie did a lot more of a realistic version, so she took a bit longer with her drawing.
So, while Angie finished her drawing, I found I had time in that spot to do one more drawing. I decided to draw a saguaro cactus that was also in my line of vision. I like how this turned out. I used different Pigma Graphic and Micron pens to get the detail. The shape and color really intrigued me. It’s to the right. It seems right that it should be one of the drawings from the Desert Botanical Gardens, don’t you think?
When we finished there, we found we still had time for at least one more drawing. We found a nicely shaded spot with benches and a lovely fountain. The sound of the water was so relaxing that we knew we’d found our second spot. We each chose our subjects. Angie was delighted by a yellow wildflower and chose that. I was staring at some bark that just seemed to scream to be drawn! I didn’t think I was going to add color to it with all the detail in the bark, but I decided it needed some color to show off how much diversity of color there was in the bark and to highlight the peeling bark and what was underneath. I’m really quite happy with this drawing!
We met up at the cafe there and talked about future locations. Since it’s so incredibly hot here in the summer, we all decided the next few sketchcrawl locations would have to be indoors. We’ll be looking at the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and even some malls. There’s always something to sketch, no matter where you go! And nothing beats indoors on those 100+-degree days!
Angie and I saw as much as we could, but there is so much more to see. We are planning to go again this week, while the cactus are blooming. We got several photos, too, but I haven’t had time to get those cleaned up. We’re both convinced we’ll have to become frequent visitors of the Desert Botanical Gardens!
March 29th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, EDM, art, drawing, friends, fun day, journaling, painting, sketch, watercolor |
3 comments
Today I’m in recovery mode, but I was determined to do some art. I was not able to do any yesterday, since we used my dominant hand yesterday for my IV infusion. The infusion went well once we finally got a vein that would take the IV. That took about six tries. Clearly, I was not hydrated enough… But that’s a mistake I won’t make twice!
Today, however, I sat in the studio with my watercolor pencils and some copies of Smithsonian Magazine. I opened to a two-page photo ad of a Tibetan boy. I was immediately compelled to draw him. And this was what I did, to the left. I’m fairly pleased with it. I didn’t want to overwork the face, so I erred on the lighter side with a focus more on the values than the colors that the photo showed. It was more important for me to get the shading and shape of the face right. I also challenged myself to catch the shape of the fringe on his scarf. It was a good challenge. It took about 90 minutes for me to complete.
As you’ve seen the past few weeks, this is part of Cathy Johnson’s watercolor pencil class. We’re already on week 5! I cannot believe how time has flown! I plan to continue to draw regularly to keep my skills up. I’m back in the habit of carrying a journal with me at all times, and that feels great. There’s no such thing as being bored when you have things to observe and draw!
And now I think it’s time for a nap and some more anti-nausea medication!
March 13th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
Creative Every Day, art, classes, drawing, health, living with chronic illness, sketch, watercolor |
5 comments
This morning I am waiting for the visiting nurse to come and start my IV of my monthly treatments. I’m happy to be doing it in the privacy of my own home. I really feel better when I know I don’t have to drive or be driven both ways. We’re also expecting my sister-in-law this morning. She’s in town for a genetics conference and will be staying here.
This week has been pretty good so far. I spent Monday with Angie. I watched as she repainted the hands on her fabulous painting for her church’s prayer week. She’s one of several artists who were asked to work an a 3′ x 3′ canvas. It’s her largest ever and it’s been quite a challenge for her. She hopes to finish it tomorrow, since it’s due on Friday! It was good to catch up and to have a play day together. It has been far too long since we had that much uninterrupted time!
I have been doing more watercolor pencil drawing this week. As you see from the scans of my journal, we’re working on birds and animals this week. I’m using reference photos so I can get an idea of the shapes and colors of the birds. I hope to catch glimpses of some live, but for now, I’m finding the shaping and shading a fun challenge. To the left, I’ve started to move on to owls (I’ve collected owls for most of my life!), ducks and a bonobo (from an image in Smithsonian Magazine). I’m going to continue to draw today, I hope, while I’m having my treatment. That, of course, depends upon which hand will have te IV!
I’ll post more later in the week!
March 12th, 2008
Posted by
Fran |
art, drawing, friends, fun day, living with chronic illness, painting, sketch, watercolor |
2 comments
I don’t really want to post all of the pictures, (you’ll get bored rather quickly, I’m sure, since the subject is the same with just some difference in gestures, but here are a few of the highlights. 
