Bird dog

The story of the birdies is not a happy one. Not only do we have a dog, we have a bird hunting dog. The growing birds were driving him crazy. Despite being dive bombed by both parents, he got two of the three birds. We can only hope that the third got away.

This hunting stuff was serious business. I did put a wire barrier up after this picture was taken, but he probably got to the other side and knocked them out. As much as I enjoyed watching the nest being built and seeing all the food being delivered, I hope that they do not try to build a nest in my yard next year.

Three babies in a bush

We've been watching momma and papa bird going in and out of a 6 ft bush that we have in the backyard. I was able to capture a picture yesterday. Today the babies listened to their parents and would not pop up.

 

Another Concert in the Park

This may become our summer routine. Sunday evening band concerts in the park. Give me a Sousa march anytime! As I drew the tree I realized that sadly, it has very few leaves. Think that comes with old age. I see that I draw older people. The kids are having fun on the play equipment which is behind me and they are to fast to sketch. Nice excuse.

We are family that is interested in the World Cup games. Of course, there is no way that I want to watch 64 games. However, the USA plays tomorrow and I'm hoping for a win. I'll worry until the game is over. Having a son in South Africa at the game, makes me more attentive. At least the boy knew to take two jackets. The temperatures have been around freezing for some of the games.

By the way, I have some comments done in Chinese characters with what, I believe, are not nice messages, so I've changed the way to comment. I have no idea if this is better or worse. I'll find out as the days progress.

Beautiful weather here in California. This is why we put up with the politics.

Band Concert in the Park

One of the joys of summer is the band concert in the park. This first weekend in June is a band festival which gives us two days of music, without charge. You can bring your chairs or blankets and enjoy a picnic while bands give us their finest sounds. Kids are attracted to the play equipment and the rest of us get to relax. I do take my sketch book and this year I'm seeing some improvement in "my people".

 Of course I'm still much more comfortable drawing the backs of people. They are somewhat in proportion which is a big step for me. Wait, just maybe those session of figure drawing are beginning to pay off. The bluish drawings were done with a Sanford Noblot Ink Pencil 705 -"a bottle of ink in a pencil". The color has been darkened in Photoshop so that the images would be easier to see. The gray sketch was done with a Derwent Sketching Light Wash HB pencil. The color did not move a much. I believe that I need to make my marks heavier to get more action with the water. Geez, move out of my comfort zone. What a concept.

Onward

Well, here are the last three challenges for the month of May. I have gotten the feeling that I've bored viewers and almost bored myself. Bigger steps in my artistic journey might be more interesting. Yet, there is a sense of accomplishment. Will I feel lost tomorrow? Who knows?

Thoughts are turning toward the World Cup soccer games in South Africa. We have a son who is a BIG fan and will be attending the first two weeks of the games. All teams start in a group and will play each of the other three teams. USA has England as our first game and that is going to be very tough. Although there is lots to see, as outside the stadiums fans from different countries gather and it is celebration time all day long, I'm happy to be home and watch from my comfy sofa.

 

This trunk was in my grandma's scary basement until I used it to pack my stuff for college. Today it sits in our living room holding the old family photos.

The chair ( I drew the seat to long) was made by my grandfather who worked in the furniture department of a now closed furniture store that made the desks and chairs for the California state legislature. Furniture that is still in use today. This is a big chair because he was tall. I did not know him as he died before I was born, but I keep this as family history. A sense of belonging-a connection with the past..

This is was fun because it is part of my fabric stash. Hey, a quilter has to have a lot of material for the next project. Trust me, I know people who make my two sets of shelves look like a beginners collection. 

Thanks for checking in!

A gift and challenges

First, I'd like you to look at Yevgenia Watts blog Watercolored Hands. She did a portrait of me which I consider a treasured gift. A while back, without knowing her,  I had given Yevgenia an Over the Top award because I so admired her art. At some point she mentioned that she would be in Sacramento and we were able to meet for a short visit. She is so talented. To me, meeting internet friends is another bonus of joining EDM. If anyone else is in this part of the world, let me know.

Here are four challenge with only three more to draw for this month.

A glass and anything I wanted to draw, which was my violet which is blooming again.

 This book is a little tricky to understand. The cover is a quilt block, Quilter's Fan, which is chipboard covered with hand dyed fabric. It opens from from both sides. Insides are pages created by five other artists. This was a round robin project. I chose the subject, Threads, and the layout. Each person added pages that was their interpretation of the topic.

Today I went to my figure drawing session and since I can draw anything I want for the 28th challenge, this is my submission.

Have a pleasant Memorial Weekend. There is finally sunshine here is Northern California. We will enjoy Every Day.

 

Challenges 22, 23 and 24

Oh my, the month is rapidly coming to a close. Will the habit of drawing everyday be instilled in me?

This baby sock was what I found while visiting in Ohio. My daughter in law is going through boxes of baby clothes as she prepares for the twins. Such tiny little pieces of clothing!

Funny, I can sure tell the difference in my drawings when I'm in my own space.

Today I am supposed to draw anything I want. Now there is a challenge!