WISHY-WASHY STRAWBERRY SKETCH

I am still having a bit of a creative block this week, so my strawberries are a bit tepid and lazy.  I used a pen brush for the tinting, thinking that was all the texture that I needed.  It wasn't!  I added a fine tip pen for details, but I can honestly say that I only really like the leaves on the entire picture.  Ahh!!!

OWL FACE

Well, after three days of 'zen'ing out, I am feeling less stressed, and better able to cope.  Now maybe I can get back to creating what I love, which is expression through nature!  This ink sketch is a bizarre little baby owl with a rather prominent nostril area on his beak.  I loved how 'human' it made him look, and decided to emphasize it rather more than it already was.  He is now expressing how I am feeling today...surprise at having survived the week!

ZENTANGLE ROSE

Zentangle rose, and I think it is a good attempt at a drawing, but not a good attempt at Zentangles, which are supposed to have a variety of different patterns and movement throughout.  I may not have what it takes to be a Zentangler!

ZENTANGLE KNOTS

Zentangle sketch number 2 is not free enough in the patterns, but I did find some peace in the continual strands of rope.  It reminded me of when I used to brush and braid my daughters' hair.  It was a labor of love, and time that we both really enjoyed.  I may learn to like this doodling yet!

ZENTANGLE MESS

Well, I promised a sketch.  I didn't promise it would be pretty! A friend introduced me to Zentangles as a way to combat stress, nerves, or just artists' block.  It is a series of doodling with mindless patterns, so as to set your mind free, or occupy it with repetition for a Zen effect.  My first attempt here is not so good.  I think I am doing it wrong!

I WILL PERSERVERE...

 

Sorry, audience...I have been struggling with some seriously depressing depression this month.  I promise that you will see some art coming back online within a few days!  I am even depressed about not creating art!  Statistics tell us (whoever they are) that most artists struggle with depression, so I am sure I am not alone in this.  I will push through it and get something accomplished in the next day.  I saw a glimmer of hope yesterday, when I was inspired by an unusually shaped canvas and an especially funky brush!  Love you all!

FAMILY PICTURES

 

Sorry that I disappeared for a few weeks without an explanation!  Sometimes life, and family gets priority, and I forgot to post my  whereabouts...anyway, I was excited to head to Iowa to our family reunion.  Not being great at getting a likeness, I decided to do a few 'from the back' portraits.  Babies are always the most fun! I also think that these backwards portraits tend to be the most timeless, and not personal enough to be exclusive, so more sale-able.  What do you think? 

FISHING LURES DRAWN IN PENCIL

 It is too hot to fish right now, but the lures are works of art in their own right!

 Some of the hand tied flies are amazing works of art!

I have been inspired lately by several young artist who are making objects leap off the page using a No. 2 pencil.  Talent at such a young age...wow!