Bonus as Artist...View from Office

What can I say...brought kids for school Kennywood Amusement Park day. They're at the age I knew they would ditch me...
Seriously though thought we'd get past gate!
But now I'm set up in my "office" ready to sketch. As was my plan all along.;0).
Brought my favorite sketchbook-by Handbook,mechanical pencil- no sharpening required, waterbrush,eraser, watercolor set,head phones,sun glasses,glasses....My little monster case has some dbl sided tape,scissors,sharpener for a few colored pencils,pigma markers...mints, couple dollars
and Coke Zero.
Ready to go!
So easy to through a fee things in a bag. I'll use my phone( which I'm writing this post with) to take photos incase I want for later or move with the kids. More than I bet I use but it's my standard and most important to pack!!
Stop back for sketches...now I'm off to do just that.
Give it a try in your neighborhood sometime.

Lent in the Artful Way You Can Start Anytime

Daily reflecting through miniature pieces of art anybody can do.This Lent I cam across Artful Lent Prompt  by Tamara Paterson. I decided  to try even though I found out about day 8. Better to start somewhere than not at all. Though it is a journal project i applied my twisted line drawings to them, They are black and white art created through, simple, structured patterns in a small size meant to be relaxing and fulfilling.Small in size, 3.5 x 3.5", so it can be completed in a reasonable time= a successful challenge for me.  I thought it would be a great way to better to connect to God. through this gift of creativity and art he gave me. You too can create art for a way to relax and focus.  And to connect to God if you desire. Give it a try.

Day 9: Artful Lent Prompt.
Mark 6:31  Rest

I find much comfort out in nature. The wonder of how things work, grow and work together. I mean there is a full functioning body inside insects smaller than the head of a pin...amazing.

I love trees and what a great place to rest.The sun going down or just coming up at that quiet time. When I can reflect on the day ahead or behind and have a conversation with God.

Day 8: Artful Lent Prompt. 

James 2:17 Matt 5:14.  Comfort

Oh the comfort of my mom./there is nothing like it. She was always there. Now a mother of four, I am often called upon to give comfort. I go to God for wisdom and help with  my kids more often than I bet he wants to hear from me. Comforting is one of the easy parts, the right answers can be the touchy part.

I start with a pencil sketch after I free hand the border. Draw in some of my pattern ideas.Then proceed with putting in the ink lines with a Pigma artist marker, .01 black. 

Day 10: Artful Lent Prompt. 
Matt 11:28. Isaiah 41:3. Isaiah 40:31.  Strength

I get my strength through prayer. I couldn't have gotten through so the many challenges in my life without the strength I get ,conversation,and listening time during my prayers.My patter for the back ground is to lead toward the cross/God. I started with this one pattern inside but ended up not caring for it.

 

The drops right around the center of the cross represent to me the blood God shed,the tears I shed for what he took on at the cross for me. A lowly sinner.The curly 'plant' pattern with in the 'web'-I weave in my days-is how I grow through my prayer life and relationship with God. Oh and the little swirls on the hands: I pray or talk to God a LOT through my swirly crazy day.Right now I am not sure how to finish off the hands. I will wait to see what is revealed.

Day 13: Artful Lent Prompt. 
Daniel 6:10. Luke 22:39. John 18:2.

Here is the beginning of my current one.Stop back to see where it goes. Or sign up above to get the posts directly in your email.

Read more about creating Twisted Line, Zentangle,Tangle doodles go to my post here.

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Mix Media Background-Pushing them Back

Color can be wonderful as well as bold at times. I like to 'push it back' as I call it. keep it from competing with the focal of my mixed media pieces. Each time i do this it is a bit scary as I cover the entire piece with paint.Then begins the process of 'pushing it back.'

Step 1- Cover with acrylic. I like a white or cream color.

Step 2- work it around, covering the sides as well.

Step 3-After letting it dry a bit, I wipe off lightly with a damp 

paper towel or baby wipe. In some areas a tad (a little ) more

to let the bold color pop. (I just can't help myself).

After as I added other elements.

Before I started.

Mono-Chromatic Painting Lesson with High School and All Ages

 

 In celebration of national painting week by Sherwin Williams I thought a painting art project would be in store to go along. And how about monochromic colors as it is one of the best pallets to use in your home too.
 A Monochromatic paint color palette is based on a single color used in varying intensities. This project can be used with a variety of grades/ages and art supplies such as crayon, marker, watercolor and as in these samples the kids used tempera.
Here the students shoes a subject of their liking and sketched it lightly on a medium weight paper. Depending on the medium you are painting with will determine the best surface. After choosing one color they mixed it into several shades of the one color by adding white to the original color. In some cases the compliment to get shades in darker. To help 'see' the shades of grey I made photo copies of there reference to use as an added guide.
 

by Kelly grade 7

 

 

by Autumn grade 8 

  

 by Cassie grade 8

 

by Colton grade 8

 

Ink and Watercolor Pencil Fushia

Ink and watercolor pencil in a Hand Journal sketch book.One of my favorite hanging basket types and two if my favorite colors. Together at that!