Je Dessine: My Office Companion

This painting was the first time that I used small sketches all over the canvas. Also the first time that I removed sketches I didn't like (originally my sleeping kitty was just a cat face).  I just painted right over them and redrew my cat sleeping in the office desk drawer and removed the woman and worked with the paint on the background. It really took a bit of hutzpah for me to do. Sabrina has been encouraging me for a long while to not get stuck on the way things look -- just keep altering and see where it leads me. It certainly freed me up to go exploring!

 

"Je Dessine" ("I Draw") Show-and-Tell Mondays

Emma in the Garden

(acrylics, pencil)

I've been taking a break from blogging, social networking, and being online. I have been spending most of my time in my art studio trying to step up my work discipline by putting in 30-40 hours a week. That's either making jewelry or working on the marketing and business side of things that I am so reluctant to do. As a result a lot of things have been pushed aside, including my daily journal pages. Well, I'll catch up over this month. My drawing practice is nil, too. But I did make my art lesson last Tuesday with Sabrina and I am so glad I did. This is my second painting -- I worked from a photo -- and painted with acrylics on a 2' x 3' canvas board. Again I wasn't sure what I was doing, but Sabrina just kept giving me direction (without looking at what I was doing) as she read her magazine. When I just turned off my n and just layered the color, or scrubbed it or drew with the paint brush -- it all seemed to come out. Actually there was a point where I again experienced the feeling of awe...and gratitude. Makes it all worth the effort, yes it does.

"Je Dessine" (I Draw) Show-and-Tell Mondays

Yes, it's Wednesday. But my excuse is that I've been traveling in Europe (and recovering) for the past 2 weeks! I went with sketchbook and pencils and Aquacolors, and the good intention to draw amidst the hectic, creativity-inducing environment of London and Paris. I did zero -- well maybe not "zero". One afternoon my husband and I revisted the Luxembourg Gardens. This is a beaiful park, very relaxing, with winding paths, statues, fountains, a small vineyard, a sailboat fountain, pony rides, etc. While my husband read the newspaper in a chair, I took some photos of a nearby fountain then quickly sketched a commemorial statue under the trees and some gesture drawings of people on benches. Nothing I'd like to post here, though!
On the transAtlantic flight back from Paris, I was reading in a current favorite book (actually one that has kept my attention for two years) Trust the Process by Shaun McNiff. I've been doodling and drawing in theis book as I go. So I drew an imaginary room. No view out the window though. Just couldn't imagine what might be out there!

"Je Dessine" ("I Draw") Show-and-Tell Mondays

Gesture Drawing: Four Hats 3.1.11

Well, I am very behind on all of my Daily Pages and postings. I have been creating everyday because I have been attending the Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit and doing exercises from The Right Brain Business Plan book by Jennifer Lee, all creatively executed. I'll be posting more about this terrific course this week. But I do have these drawings I made last week. I returned to my weekly drawing lessons with Madame Sabrina TerHeune. The last lesson that I had was in October. I took a long break because of a month-long flue, a heavy dance performance, and the holidays. I took her all of the drawing I had made since I started my commitment to draw every week. She was thrilled with my work and could see what I took away with me from our sessions...she was very, very pleased. We also spoke French in the class -- which was great since I am going to Paris in April with my husband (in April we celebrate out 30th wedding anniversary!. I have been taking les lecons francais for 3 months in preparation for my trip.

Imaginary Drawing: Paris Tea 3.1.11

Here are two drawings from class last week -- I felt awkward but just forged onward -- I seem to be doing that more and more in my life nowadays -- and I am certainly getting more done when I don't tarry on the task at hand! And here is a drawing that I made last September. I like the strength in it, and somehow it speaks of where I am heading.

Pup in Lap 9.21.10