When we set out to sketch, we typically draw the positive shapes we see before us...leaves, stems, vase or planter. This is normal and natural and we do well to follow the contours of these things. But we can also look for, and draw, the negative shapes, the space in between all the positive shapes. In … Continue reading Seeing the Negative as Positive
Category: Story behind the art
Master Mallow Roaster
I nearly titled this post "Master Mallow Marsher". Around our house we ask, "Wanna go marsh some mallows?" As if "marsh" was the action of placing a "mallow" into a fire to roast. I looked up the history of this word and discovered that the marshmallow is actually an ancient Egyptian plant from which the … Continue reading Master Mallow Roaster
The Measure of a Life
The true measure of an artist's life is NOT *in how many drawings one makes *nor in how "good" they are *nor how much money they fetch... ...but rather in a stouthearted search for beauty in everything: *in the little as well as the big *in the mundane and the magical *in calm as well … Continue reading The Measure of a Life
Counting Gifts
On my walk, jewels mark my path as if Royalty had just passed by. Gold, ruby, emerald in every shade...pooled under trees, scattered across the sidewalk, huddled in patches along the street. Hovering gray skies served only to heighten their jeweled glow. I genuflect to pick them up, one by one. Each a different shape. … Continue reading Counting Gifts
Walk Together
Life should be lived walking through it together. Burdens are best carried arm in arm with friends. Joy breaks forth when many feet move in a common direction. Love is felt when others choose to walk alongside us. Yes. Yes. and Yes. All of this, and so much more, I experience when we Walk for a Cure … Continue reading Walk Together
A Favorite Barn
At the end of a road down which I walk each day, is a wonderful old barn. This barn sits on Smith land and is a part of Smith Hollow Farm where my artist friend Debbie and I have spent many a happy morning drawing the land, their horses, goats, and donkey named Elvis. As … Continue reading A Favorite Barn
Fear Not
Tomorrow is Halloween. And I'm thinking about spectres. Spooks of a different kind that do not just come out to haunt at Halloween, but which tend to hover and linger all year round. We are a Harry Potter loving family. Would that there was something like chocolate I could eat or do to banish the dementors. … Continue reading Fear Not
One Pane Only
Here's something you can try... Sit next to a window that has panes dividing the glassed viewing area. With pen and sketchbook in hand, draw what you see within only ONE pane. This acts as a viewfinder for you, limiting the scope of what you have to draw. You can keep your lines within the … Continue reading One Pane Only
Harvest
If I look back over this year as if my life were a field that should produce a crop, it appears at first glance to be spare and thin. Surgery in June and its aftermath, from which I'm still recovering, makes me think the bumper crop will be sparse this year and for good reason. Yet … Continue reading Harvest
Dixie Classic Fair!
Just popping in to say HI from the Dixie Classic Fair! I went on Monday to draw the sights at the Fair and had a fantabulous time! I'm planning on going back today to draw more!! I love, LoVe, LOVE the FAIR!!!!! I'm posting as I go over on Instagram, should you wish to follow … Continue reading Dixie Classic Fair!