Sketches and Journal

Pen and ink sketching continues to draw my interest. It's funny because I really like color, but there is something magical about seeing a design appear and actually look like as one envisions.

Looking again at Danny Gregory's blog, I find that reminder to draw everyday. So I added the flower to this page as dinner was cooking. Funny how one can find a few minutes to draw despite the "busyness" of the day.

Quiltation

My art quilt group gave themselves a challenge to create an 18x24 quilt that has lettering. Well, that was pretty easy for me, the one in the group who was a calligrapher. At the moment, I can only present my quilt, but hope to add others later. There was such a terrific variety of work.

I had shown this piece before, but that was before I appliqued it and added embellishments. Again, this was a challenging block.

We each chose our own quote. I was less afraid of lettering on fabric so chattery me, ended up with the longest quote: Art-the expression of a personality in a particular way, through individual creative work, the development of an idea that opens the eyes of others to a different outlook on a subject. Constance Howard

I guess that I do hope that this project has achieved just that!

Pen and Ink Techniques continue

Here are a couple more pictures using the Pen and Ink Techniques that I began to study in the previous post. Funny, I now need to buy a new pen---well, maybe I have another that I can use.

Pen and Ink Techniques

The library is full of gifts. I came upon a book, Pen and Ink Techniques by Frank Lohan. Looking at the Amazon page, it seems that he has several books on drawing. My copy was published in 1978, so he has been teaching drawing for quite a while.
No surprise, I continue to learn.

Naturally, these were done with a tiny .01 pen. Ahh, the struggle that artists face! But, oh, I have learned so much.

Well, the USA is a hot country this year and it's our turn here in California. The temperatures are to be around 104 for the next several days. Stay cool.

Two more pages

Although I'm been working on a lot of projects, these two zentangle pages are finished (I think). There were a few compass guidelines, but most of this is freehand. That is a new experience for me. It's part of the build confidence in yourself that happens with zentangles.

It occurred to me that these designs do not have to be in a circle of square shape. As a reminder to me, there is no wrong in doing these designs. Well, I don't think that someone is going to zap me:)

May we continue to admire the athletes in the Olympics! How do they accomplish those feats?

Zentangle Moleskin 2

Obviously there is something about zentangles that calls to me. I made the pledge (to myself) to do another accordian moleskin. The format will be a mandala followed by a "free motion" design. Yes, it's calming to do, but it also calms the mind and that is good for me. There is an element that helps me to work out of my comfort zone and to learn contrast, color and other arty concepts.

The center circle and the two circles to shape the outer band were done with templates and a compass. All the rest is created freehand. OK, a ruler for the bands on the side.

Each page is an enjoyable lesson. There are so many techniques and designs that can be learned and incorporated. Oh boy, what is next!

Sketchcrawl and fabric

Yesterday I joined others at the Sketchcrawl held in Davis, California. This group was organized by Pete Scully. If you check is website you'll see his terrific work. Yes, he counted the rows of bricks in the building. Pete is the one in the black hat.

My very humble drawing was of the building next to the brick structure which housed the coffee shop.

It was funny, I seemed to find myself alone which is not really the intent of a gathering. But it did help me to gain confidence to sit and draw in public. There were many languages spoken and I could tell when the same set of footfalls changed direction. Davis, which is a small town, is the home of the University of California, Davis campus and it seemed that families were checking out the surroundings. Also, there was a soccer tournament with over 100 teams and players and their parents were strolling through the town.

While walking through the town I visited an artists co-op called The Artery. Currently one of the featured artists is Lillian Grant. Her zentangle type work on huge scrolls of a heavy paper inspired me to pull out my new set of fabric markers and try some designs on a white on white fabric. I have no idea where this project will lead me, but I just had to try it out.

So may toys, so little time!!