Sketchbook Project - Week 34

Since we moved to Northwest Arkansas, I've been able to get on my bike more, and we've been enjoying the greenways and trails here in Fayetteville.  It's also really nice and convenient to have a neighborhood where we can take our pups on long walks, rather than a long farm road with no sidewalks and cars that speed by too quickly.  As the temperature begins to cool off a bit, we've been spending much more time outdoors, which leaves me a little less time for sketching.  So, I'm just trying to be efficient and smart with my drawings and paintings, though there's always one that ends up taking longer than expected. (I'm looking at you, shoes.)

Here's a quick overview of the pages this week: Monday I discovered some morning glories on the fence next to our house.  Tuesday we grabbed Indian takeout for dinner--this is one of the gorgeous lamps in the restaurant. Wednesday and Thursday were quick abstracts filled with color for minimal decision-making. Friday is an ode to my new shoes. Saturday is an appreciation of bikes, plus I wanted to learn how to draw them.  Sunday is a photo from our trip to Italy, since it's been on my mind this week after the earthquake.  It's of a home in Venice.

Enjoy, friends.

Watercolor

Acrylics

Watercolor

Acrylics

Micron Pen

Watercolor

 

Find Weeks 1-33 here.

Sketchbook Project - Week 33

Were you worried that maybe I lost interest in painting food?  Well, don't be.  I haven't lost interest...I've just been holding back. Ha! There are two and a half food inspired pages this week.  The second page of purple lines is an ode to cabbage and then there's the donut.  So that's two food pages.  The 'half' is the watercolor page of horizontal stripes that bleed into one another.  And I say 'half' because it only reminded me of Fruit Stripe gum after I painted it. Once I made the connection, I couldn't look at the page without thinking of the gum.

I am not a fan of the first page of the week.  I took my sketchbook to my last figure drawing class, and this was a ten minute sketch.  That's a quick sketch, sure, but I'm still not very happy with it.  Oh well--not each page needs to be perfect, and frankly, none are.

Thanks for having a look!

Graphite Pencils

Micron Pen

Watercolor

Watercolor

Watercolor

Watercolor

Acrylics

 

Find Weeks 1-32 here.

Sketchbook Project - Week 32

I was busy this week preparing for my shop update, working on commissions and my Crafter's Box project , so I tried to keep the sketchbook pages quick. Speaking of the Crafter's Box, the painted leaves are my colored version of the illustrated patterns that I provided for the kit!  I almost gave them a coral pink background. The rainbow page is a result of just using every Prismacolor colored pencil in my box--it's a nice effect, but tiring for my hand. And as it turns out, I'm a big fan of cow print.  After painting this, I was brainstorming of ways I could decorate with it.  Ha!

Happy viewing!

Acrylic Paint

Watercolor

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint

Left: Fountain Pen             Right: Colored Pencil

Watercolor

 Find Weeks 1-31 here.

Join Me for a Great September Project!

I have some news! You may remember my post last month about collaborating with The Crafter's Box.  Welllll, I'm happy to announce that I will be their Featured Maker for September!  And now I can spill the beans about my project!

In September, we will be needle felting a trendy-but-classic monstera leaf design on a beautiful linen pillow case.  This is the perfect piece to update or add to your home decor!

If you want to participate, you'll get a box filled with everything you'll need to try your hand at needle felting and make this gorgeous pillow case, plus access to a video tutorial that walks you through the whole project.  We'll even have a live Q & A at the end of September! I've carefully sourced all the supplies, supporting small businesses and makers whenever possible. (Seriously, the only thing not provided by a small business is my favorite gel pen that is also included.)

If you want to join me and get this project, the window for subscribing is now through Aug 20.  You can join for just one month or sign on to receive three months of projects (and save a bit, too).  Keep in mind there is a limited number of boxes, so don't wait!

Take a look what we'll be making, and let me know if you have any questions.  If you're ready to join now, just click here. 

 

Sketchbook Project - Week 31

I got to start a brand new sketchbook this week---the fifth one so far this year.  But this week I struggled so much.  I even completely covered the first two-page spread with something entirely different.  However, the week is over and there are seven completed artworks in the book, so I will pat myself on the back and hope that next week is easier. 

The drying rose is part of a huge group of flowers that I brought home from a family wedding the previous weekend, and the feather is one that I found on a weekend hike.  When I was struggling the most, I drew what was directly in front of me: my art supplies.  I actually really like the way that one turned out. The macrame knots are from a project that I experimented with this week--I thought they could make a nice painted pattern. 

Enjoy!

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint

Watercolor and Gel Pen

Acrylic Paint

Watercolor and Gel Pen

Left: Colored Pencil                   Right: Watercolor

 

Catch up here with Weeks 1-30.

Sketchbook Project - Week 30

Finishing Week 30 completed my FOURTH sketchbook!  I struggled finding motivation this week to sketch, but when the sparks of inspiration finally came, I was pleased with the pages I created. I'm glad I got to paint a couple spreads with acrylics, and I'm anxious to start painting outside my sketchbook.

I'm already looking forward to cracking open the next sketchbook today.  But for now...enjoy these pages. #spacekitten

Watercolor

Watercolor

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic Paint

Add caption

Colored Pencil & Watercolor

Check out Weeks 1-29 here.