In Again!

"The Aviators"

Saturday I received notification that "The Aviators" was accepted into the CPSA (Colored Pencil Society of America) 15th Annual International Exhibition in Bethesda, Maryland this summer! This is great news if you are a colored pencil artist and I am very excited, happy and proud!

Background

My weekend was primarily devoted to housework (ugh) and family time (fun!)

On Friday night, we attended the Cub Scout banquet for my little guy. Now, I normally am very involved in every aspect of this child's life -- with the exception of Cub Scouts. There are various reasons I am not involved, but let's just narrow it down to the fact that my husband is a wonderful father and he and his son seem to love this group. So, being out of the "loop", I was quite surprised when said son was awarded a card stating that he is now certified to begin carrying a pocket knife! I dutifuly applauded, as a good mother should. Said child just turned 9. He is not a violent or mean kid, so I don't imagine any thuggish behavior, however, I'm sure I will get a phone call from the school anytime soon.....

Anyway, with all the family fun, I could only steal away to the studio for bits of time and decided to work on the backgrounds of both works in progress. These pieces are rather large for colored pencil (around 12 x 16") so, for those of you who work in the medium, you know how long it can take to cover that much ground. And it can be a little boring. My husband says that watching me draw is like watching paint dry anyway.

So, here they are. I've decided to try putting a pattern into the sofa on "Teddy and Me"; maybe I was really bored, but I think it gives the work a little more interest. Both pieces still need much more work. Stay tuned!

Colored Pencil Work in Progress

I started a new piece last Thursday based on a reference photo taken while attending the CPSA show in New Mexico last July. While my sister, Linda, and I were wandering around Sante Fe, we stumbled upon a church where a crowd was waiting for the wedding party. A mariachi band was at the ready.

I loved the interesting clothes, sombreros, and instruments. But, more important, I really liked the way these gentlemen convey the fact that they are professionals and take their jobs very seriously. I respect that in another artist and want to show that in this work.

My plan is to post photos as I am working.

Step 1 - Detailed sketch. I am working on buff colored mat board. It measures 12 x 16". I know this image is difficult to see, but I have made the sketch very light because most of it will be erased once I begin to apply the colored pencil.

Step 2 - Beginning to glaze. I seem to always work from right to left even though I am right handed. I may have done so because I want the gentlemen on the right to be the main focus of the drawing.










Step 3 - More glazing. Had to work around my son's birthday party (little before and a little after). We took four 3rd grade boys to an indoor water park.

Step 4 - More and more glazing!