Play Retreat: Day Two

Hello!

I got a rough start on the second day of last week’s retreat, and didn’t do anything until after lunch besides go to the art store with my friend Pam and stand at a window… but then I got busy with some transfer drawings (technique borrowed from Paul Klee). Some of them I loved just as they were, and some seemed to need embellishment.

The painterly look on the top and bottom pieces was achieved with a white Daniel Smith watercolor stick that was given to me while at the retreat. (Sarah, who I barely know, is a very generous soul, as I just found out today how expensive they were… thank you, Sarah!) I found them challenging to work with, but the struggle actually showed in the texture, which I really liked in the end, and I will definitely work with them more.

Final Cover Design

… and I love it!!

Play Retreat: 1st Day

I’ll post the art created at the three-day PLAY retreat in three posts, by day.

The first day I got a fairly slow start, not knowing what to draw, what to do, etc. So I got myself started by doing another “boy” piece (above). Once in the groove, I redrew the sidewalk crack guy on two 5″x7″ matte boards (and he kind of became a bird):

But I like to give myself challenges and restrictions (as you know), so I made the piece “work” when positioned all four ways:

Then I painted a painting the same way:

That was fun.

Then I spent the rest of my time chit-chatting!

(PS… I’ve listed the bird and dog paintings on etsy…)

Illustration Friday: Focus

“Careful, Don’t Drop It,” mixed media on matte board.

It’s been ages since I participated in Illustration Friday, so here’s a little drawing…

This past weekend I attended Teesha Moore’s PLAY retreat… I have tons to share, but my camera and downloader and scanner and computer and artwork are split between home and office, and I need to gather all together to properly document! So, tomorrow. A wonderful weekend with wonderful people… worth every penny!!

Tired Today

Kind of sleepy. (Above drawing “sidewalk-crack” inspired. Exercise will be in my book, but you can probably figure it out before that!!!)

California Workshops March 6-7

I’m teaching two classes on Saturday and Sunday, March 6-7, at the Inspirational Retreat in Agora Hills, CA. They are:

Imaginary Creatures

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

This is one of my best classes, I think. EVERYONE I’ve taught it to comes out with the cutest creatures! No drawing experience required… promise. See here for description (scroll down).

Watercolor Transfer Paintings

Sunday, March 7th,2010

Super cool watercolor textures, using nothing but t-shirt transfer paper and watercolor. See here for more (scroll to March 6-7)…

You can just come one day, or sign up for both and get a discount. This is the only time I’ll be in California this year, so I hope to see you March 6-7!

boys2

Photos by Wes.

Boys

Last night I started drawing these boys from a Jr. High School class photo from 1927.

This morning so far I’ve spent my drawing time making more. Two of them are winging their way to Brenda and Kim, who sent me postcards last week (thanks!!). (I’ll post a pic tomorrow when I have my camera with me…)

Here’s one with collage:

Is it too weird? Tell the truth, now.

Journalfest 2010

I’m in!

I am teaching three classes at Teesha Moore’s Journalfest in October. I’m very excited to have gotten in this wonderful venue (remember, Wes and I attended as students in 2009). The new website will go live on March 5th, but as a sneak preview I’m teaching the following classes:

Thursday • Wretched Girl Journaling
Friday • Drawing & Collage
Saturday • Journaler’s Drawing Lab

heh heh.

Crossroads

Figure drawing class again last night. The first hour I did nothing but crap. The second hour I totally gave up, decided to just try to have fun, and came away with three drawings I like.

I’m especially proud of these feet!!

I’m at sort of a crossroads with my art right now. I don’t have a series going (I’m kind of “done” with the girls, though I would always do a commission if one came along!) I just am feeling the need to move on. But to what? It’s not really a question I can answer… the next body of work will find me!

PS… I listed some new journals today on etsy if any of you are interested!