Spring Fever

Whew! Spring fever has it's hold on me now!

Yesterday, here in Ohio, it was 72 degrees with the sun shining....in March! No one appreciates spring like a midwesterner; we go a little nuts.

So, being a little nuts yesterday, I lowered the top on my VW Bug convertible (I am old enough to have earned it), invited my chocolate lab, Buddy, along for a tool around the town. I swear Buddy smiles when he is in the car, especially with the top down. I've always wondered, though, why a dog loves to have the wind blowing in his face, but if you blow on his face, you risk losing yours!

So with all that wind blowing and sun shining, last night found me in the studio until early this morning. I spent several hours working on trying to complete "The Aviators". I think I'm almost there.

Making an Ugly Sofa Into Art

I spent quite a bit of time this weekend working on "Teddy & Me", with the majority of my focus on the very ugly sofa (my Grandmother would've called it the "davenport"). By the way, this sofa does NOT belong to me; it was in a condo at a vacation location. But, I think I'm on my way to making it work out for the overall piece. I'll keep at it.

Phase 6 - Teddy and Me

I seldom burnish my work, but this piece seemed to call for it to push the darks to where I felt they should be. This time I used a stiff hog bristle brush which allowed me to move the color around more subtly than when I burnish with another pencil or solvents. I am very pleased with it...so far.
I promised myself that when I started this blog I would keep my big mouth shut about anything controversial or political. BUT, I want to share with you something I do feel strongly about - rescuing a pet from your local shelter. We rescued our dog, Buddy Tucker (sounds like a country-western singer doesn't he?), three years ago. He is a full-bred chocoloate lab (according to the vet) and absolutely one of the best dogs I've ever had. The shelters are full of wonderful dogs. Don't worry about which dog to choose; they choose you. Buddy took one look at me and it was all over! I haven't regretted his choice and I don't think he has either.

Phase 5 - Teddy and Me

One of my reasons for starting and maintianing a blog is that I thoroughly enjoy looking at other artists' blogs. I have listed some I check regularly and will continue adding my favorites. Be sure to check them out; they're wonderfully motivating, interesting, educating and many times funny.
Here's a new one I have added to the list. Duane Keiser is one of the pioneers of "daily painting" and has been blogging his work since 2004. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m., he paints a small painting live via webcam. What fun! Be sure to check it out.

http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com

Phase 4 - Teddy and Me

The reference photos I am using for the work are of my youngest son, who, as I told you in a previous post, is much older now (about 2 years). But I've been thinking about this while working on the drawing and looking at his face; he has changed a lot. He recently had another birthday and suddenly, he is not a little boy anymore, but a big boy. I'm not sure exactly what that means, other than he is more aware of his world, his limbs are longer, he is learning so quickly, and he seems to need me less.
I have been a mother for almost 30 years now and it seems I have always taken care of a little person. I'm beginning to see that that phase of my life is winding down which causes me some sadness but also a mixture of excitment and curiousity about what's up next for me.
I'm sure there's much in store for me to become and do, but none of it will be as challenging, fulfilling, heartbreaking or as rewarding as raising a child. What a ride!

Phase 3 - Teddy and Me

Last night I spent several hours in my studio working on "Teddy and Me" and sort of watching/listening to "24".

Is it me, or does that show tend to follow the same outline every year? Also, I personally would not want a role in a TV show where I had to wear the same clothes all season long! I mean, what fun is that? Do they even need a wardrobe department?

All in all, it's still one of my guilty pleasures.

New Work in Progress - Teddy and Me

Today I am starting a new colored pencil drawing, "Teddy and Me". The "Aviators" are still on the board, but I like to start on a new drawing before one is finished; that way I have a seamless transition. I hate the lull between starting another work AFTER one is finished.

So, here it is. Only the preliminary graphite drawing, but check back and I'll show you how it moves along.