Finally, Spring!

Sunshine is really important to me. I've set up the outside table and chairs and have begun to spruce up the garden. I even made a trip to the nursery before the crowd which will jam the aisles this weekend. Certainly I didn't want to overwork, so I sat at my table and drew this plant which will grace the table and some other spots in the yard.

Saturday is a Sketchcrawl day in Davis, CA under the leadership of Pete Scully. It's probably not the "official" one, but the gardens at the University are just waiting for us.

This was a warm up piece.

Clear day

Oh glorious wonders. We actually woke to a clear sky this morning. After two weeks of rain, spring has finally arrived. As I looked out our upstairs window I saw the moon positioned over this tall cypress tree (bush). A candle for our new day!

Bright Knights

OK, I decided to have some fun and chose to do a piece for the Bright Knights video. This is about one nanosecond of a claim to fame that I have contributed to a video. Now, back to the many other projects that I have going!

Figure drawing

OK, I continue to sew for my grandbabies, but the opportunity for attending figure sessions is one that I don't want to miss.

This first drawing was a 20 minute pose. For these two pieces I used pastel pencils. I continue to learn about the figure as well as the many tools.



This yellow reclining figure was a 30 minute pose. There are hints that I'm getting the idea. However, when I finished, I realized that her head was to small and I added more hair. Ahhh, nice idea, but still off. Yet, I pleased that I learning about shading. Each Friday morning for three hours I get to join some really talented artists. We do work in silence, but many, when asked, will share their knowledge at breaks.

Cute dresses

Being the grandma of twin girls is going to be fun! I've been on a sewing kick and made two dress that are the same pattern, but different color combinations. The mom is not hooked on identical outfits which keeps the projects more fun for me.

OK, I am doing lots of drawing, but some projects a grandma just has to do.

100 Portraits project

Like others in the EveryDay Matters group, I'm challenging myself to complete 100 portraits. Slowly I'm learning. In fact, I'm determined to improve. The more sketching I do, the more I want to do. I jump from making cute clothes for the grandchildren to sketching to quilting. Almost afraid to slow down!

Drawing on Fabric

OK, this is my first attempt, but I'm so excited. I'm so happy to have pushed myself.



This is the first stage in a monochromatic quilt challenge. The whole quilt will be 15 x 24". This piece is 7 x 12". All sketches will  be in this combination of pen and oil paint stick. The couple are my grandparents in their wedding picture from 1907. I see some tweaking that needs to be done, so I'll get to it. I could redo the whole piece, but I only have so much fabric. Part of the challenge! There are several more sketches that will be included. BUT, I have taken the first step and it is big for me.