Zentangle....Whaaaaattt???

My former teacher, Victoria Simpson, mentioned on Facebook that she'd become a certified teacher of "Zentangle." Since she doesn't post often, I decided to give it a click. Suddenly 45 minutes passed. I really like the idea of a purposeful doodle. Doodles that can be art-worthy. There are some rules, which I sleuthed....at least some of them. 

1. Start with NICE 3 1/2 inch by 3 1/2 inch paper.

2. Draw four dots in the corners and loosely connect them (you can do this in pencil)

3. Draw a string aka a random line in the square.

4. Start drawing in INK! no back-sies or erasers. 

I've never felt very confindent creating abstracted patterns, but this has been fun and I'm learning too. This is a low pressure way for me to practice design and art principles like value or balance. You could use these little squares to relax or warm up before tackling an art project. Here is a link to their web page: http://www.zentangle.com/

A Painter's Spat

This one took a little longer than I expected because I did so much background. Its hard for me to keep the character looking consistant too. I suppose I'll learn as I go, right? Post of the actual painting coming soon!

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana again!

This one was a bit of a challenge because the plate was a little reflective, the texture on the oranges and elipses. You know what I'm talking about...dang elipses. I'm having trouble deciding what to do next. Should I try painting people? More complicated Still Life's? Or should I switch to a landscape?

Best V-day ever!

All but the thumbnail was done in photoshop. This is a pretty big step for me. I hope ya'll like it!

Love and Radishes

I had to hold off on posting this one, because my husband actually follows my blog. I gave it to him yesterday and he loved it. I have to admit the pun is not a new one, but that's okay! It was fun. I hope ya'll had a good Valentine's! 

Blogging Bonanza

So, I briefly mentioned one of my new jobs about a week or two ago. So here's the gist: I work as an online advertising-marketing person for my favorite quilt store called Valli & Kim in Dripping Springs, Texas. I've been learning loads, as I research and do the job. The cool part is that I get to write, photograph, interview and illustrate for them. So, if I'm not blogging here, chances are that I'm blogging there.

Here is a link to their blog and website: http://valliandkim.blogspot.com/ & http://www.valliandkim.com/ (website)

More Notes

As I've mentioned once before, I've started taking notes at church more illustratively....because I seem to fall asleep otherwise. It challenges me to pay attention AND and compose images on the go. There is no thumbnailing or reference to look at. I've started doing this note taking method with my scripture study too. Its a lot more fun to look over past entries, that's for sure. I encourage ya'll to try it in your classes or study! I've found my recall is better when I've drawn an image to associate with concepts. If you send me your notes, I'll post 'em here on my blog too!

Cinnamon Rolls

I am finding that the busier I am, the more I accomplish. Isn't it funny how it works out that way. I have two part time jobs, and I'm a housewife and artist. When I had AAAAALLLLL the time in the world, it seemed impossible to finish anything! Now that my personal time is more limited, I feel like I'm cranking out finished stuff! It's so exciting and fulfilling to be working and have deadlines again.

Speaking of finishing stuff... I am 3/4 through that monster quilt! I'll update you more as it draws nearer.  I've got an oil painting in the works, but I think I'll post that Monday and.... I did end up making those cinnamon rolls! I made a huge mess, and they looked ugly, BUT they tasted great!

...we totally ate a couple.....

AAAAWWWWweeeeeee.....

Isn't that sweeeet??? yeaaahhh... This was towards the end of the cards. I was getting a little worn out, but it still works. You should'a seen the ones I did last year! I was crazy! I should go find those pictures.....