Sketchbook Challenge #1...Highly Prized

This is my sketch for the challenge "Highly Prized". I was quite intimidated by the skill of Jill's baby illustration and didn't want to try to sketch Jace, but - what can you do? He is the most highly prized part of my life. I don't think I did him justice. His face isn't dirty. That's my attempt at shadows. He was about 3 months old in the photo I sketched from. He is a rip-roaring ten months old now, and has started walking! And talking! (He said "Bye Bye", and often says "mama" and "dada". He hasn't attempted "Jamma" or "Pappy". Yet.)

Thank you cards

Spurred by a gift of a really cute pad of papers, I made these (and more) thank you cards for my Christmas gifts.

In the Midst of Winter

Started a couple of pieces today. Wasn't feeling very creative, so browsed some saved favorites which jump-started this one. Lots of small and large white lettering in the background for texture.



This one is acrylics on watercolor paper with gesso and inks (McCaffrey's Ivory and Moon Palace Sumi.)

I've signed up for an oil pastel workshop tomorrow. Hopefully it will make me feel creative before I have to return to work from this end of year vacation.

Artkerfuffle

My friend Pat has the coolest blog! Actually, Pat's blog current post is such fun, I think you'd like to visit her blog and see it too. Check this week's post out at http://artkerfuffle.blogspot.com/ Plan to click on every part of the Christmas tree to see cool art stuff. If you have time to spare, visit some of those links too...fun!

Sketchbook Challenge for 2011

2011 - good grief! Wasn't it just yesterday when everyone was scared of Y2K? How can 2011 be coming at us so quickly?

Anyway, Jill Berry posted information about a Sketchbook Challenge on her blog this week, and I've decided that's just what I need to jump start my art journaling. I've started to journal a few times, but never quite got it going on a regular basis. This challenge sounds made to order for me. There will be lots of inspiration from other art journalers, and an assigned theme each month. I will be posting my results. It starts in January. Fingers crossed! (To learn more about it, click on the sketchbook challenge button to the right.)

Calligraphy Birthday Cards, Penman Drive & Nature's Calligraphy

A recent business trip took me to Jacksonville Beach for a week. Below are some photos of observed 'natural calligraphy'. There's also a street sign which I found very apropos - Penman Drive. This was snapped at its intersection with Beach Road. Had I been like my friend Andrew, I'd have taken time to try some beach calligraphy, but with limited beach time I settled for photos of the natural beauty instead.









Wading in the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful beach in mid-November...what a blessing!

Below is a display of the birthday cards I received this year. I did receive one or two after the photo was taken, but this includes all of the calligraphy cards from my wonderful exchange group.

My Birthday

My birthday gift from the sweetest daughter in law, Sandy - She worked for weeks on this gift. It is spectacular and I love it. The colors don't show up as nicely here as in person, but you can get an idea of the detailed work she did. Thank you, Sandy! I feel so special.