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SKETCH
40 60 80 Series: How She Did It
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper and Velum
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
As an art student I understand that academic assignments are intended to develop my skills and deepen my resilience. 40 self-portraits in 4 months forced me to rethink my current process of innovation and to improve my efficiencies of creativity. The 40 60 80 Series began as a single pen & ink drawing on paper of me at 62 years of age. The demand of the assignment forced me to avoid rabbit trails of details in favor of pressing forward with the creative process.
The resulting oversized eyes, asymmetric drooping eyelids, and deep facial creases were a bit severe looking on the paper. Experimenting with the Velum overlay and alcohol markers created a more realistic image. This became the template from which I de-aged (40 y/o) and aged (80 y/o) the hand joints, eyelids, neck lines, and facial creases.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
As an art student I understand that academic assignments are intended to develop my skills and deepen my resilience. 40 self-portraits in 4 months forced me to rethink my current process of innovation and to improve my efficiencies of creativity. The 40 60 80 Series began as a single pen & ink drawing on paper of me at 62 years of age. The demand of the assignment forced me to avoid rabbit trails of details in favor of pressing forward with the creative process.
The resulting oversized eyes, asymmetric drooping eyelids, and deep facial creases were a bit severe looking on the paper. Experimenting with the Velum overlay and alcohol markers created a more realistic image. This became the template from which I de-aged (40 y/o) and aged (80 y/o) the hand joints, eyelids, neck lines, and facial creases.
40 of 40 60 80 Series
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper and Velum
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Using the template created in the 60 of 40 60 80 Series, the 40 version de-aged the image with fewer facial lines, slimmer knuckles, and raised eyelids among other changes. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Using the template created in the 60 of 40 60 80 Series, the 40 version de-aged the image with fewer facial lines, slimmer knuckles, and raised eyelids among other changes. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension.
60 of 40 60 80 Series
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper and Velum
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
A common mistake of developing artists is to create a brand new concept for every drawing. The common wisdom of established artists is to take an idea and develop the core concept in repeated applications to create a collection of work. The 40 60 80 Series began as a line drawing at 60 years of age using pen and ink. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
A common mistake of developing artists is to create a brand new concept for every drawing. The common wisdom of established artists is to take an idea and develop the core concept in repeated applications to create a collection of work. The 40 60 80 Series began as a line drawing at 60 years of age using pen and ink. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension.
80 of 40 60 80 Series
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper and Velum
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Using the template created in the 60 of 40 60 80 Series, the 80 version aged the image with more facial and neck lines, knobbier knuckles, and relaxed eyelids among other changes. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension. With age the essence of our facial images remain unchanged. Imagining then drawing myself at 80 was wonderfully enjoyable.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Using the template created in the 60 of 40 60 80 Series, the 80 version aged the image with more facial and neck lines, knobbier knuckles, and relaxed eyelids among other changes. The Velum overlay with gray tones of alcohol markers created softness and dimension. With age the essence of our facial images remain unchanged. Imagining then drawing myself at 80 was wonderfully enjoyable.
Bedside Reading
Charcoal on paper
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Drawing is to art as ballet is to dance. It is foundational. Skimming over the fundamentals compromises the final product. However working in an art world comprised solely of black and white at times seemed elementary akin to coloring with the oversized 8-pack of crayons when you aspired to get the 64-crayon box complete with pencil sharpener in the back. But the rigor of drawing with charcoal and graphite powerfully impacted my subsequent artwork. Reflecting the diversity of my reading interests, Bedside Reading captures what was on my bedside table at the time of the drawing. Look closely to find the self-images in both the teacup and the lamp base.
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Drawing is to art as ballet is to dance. It is foundational. Skimming over the fundamentals compromises the final product. However working in an art world comprised solely of black and white at times seemed elementary akin to coloring with the oversized 8-pack of crayons when you aspired to get the 64-crayon box complete with pencil sharpener in the back. But the rigor of drawing with charcoal and graphite powerfully impacted my subsequent artwork. Reflecting the diversity of my reading interests, Bedside Reading captures what was on my bedside table at the time of the drawing. Look closely to find the self-images in both the teacup and the lamp base.
Child Sketch
Charcoal and graphite on paper
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
The power of observational drawing is in putting on paper exactly what you see. The ratio of looking up and studying: looking down and drawing is about a 3:1. The discipline of repeating this exercise develops the skill of reproducing what I see versus what I believe something probably looks like. Can one eye actually be bigger than the other eye? Yes if the head is viewed at a slight angle and one eye is closer to the artist than the other eye.
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
The power of observational drawing is in putting on paper exactly what you see. The ratio of looking up and studying: looking down and drawing is about a 3:1. The discipline of repeating this exercise develops the skill of reproducing what I see versus what I believe something probably looks like. Can one eye actually be bigger than the other eye? Yes if the head is viewed at a slight angle and one eye is closer to the artist than the other eye.
Happily Stunned
Pen & ink, graphite, pencil on paper
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Do you occasionally feel over-the-top, ridiculously delighted in the moment? Me too.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Do you occasionally feel over-the-top, ridiculously delighted in the moment? Me too.
My Sister Jean
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Here’s an alternative way to capture family history. Impromptu I phoned my sister Jean and asked if I could interview her for about 30 minutes. The resulting capture of stories was a mixture of both familiar and unfamiliar remembrances of her life. After picking several of her stories to draw and narrate, I selected the Avon lipstick samples as the anchor element including the drawing of my sister at age 8. Not one to be excessive with compliments, my sister really likes the piece.
Part of the artist’s journey is discovering what you genuinely enjoy doing. I genuinely enjoyed the creation of this piece.
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Here’s an alternative way to capture family history. Impromptu I phoned my sister Jean and asked if I could interview her for about 30 minutes. The resulting capture of stories was a mixture of both familiar and unfamiliar remembrances of her life. After picking several of her stories to draw and narrate, I selected the Avon lipstick samples as the anchor element including the drawing of my sister at age 8. Not one to be excessive with compliments, my sister really likes the piece.
Part of the artist’s journey is discovering what you genuinely enjoy doing. I genuinely enjoyed the creation of this piece.
Phases Self Portrait
Pen & ink, alcohol marker, photographic images on paper
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Originally educated as an RN and later as a businesswoman, this mixed media piece combined pen & ink drawing, alcohol marker color, and photographic images adjusted to fit into a checkerboard tile floor.
The 4 phases of my creative journey include 1) my children + hospital caregiving, 2) my children + healthcare business caregiving in a Fortune 50 environment, 3) my children + healthcare business caregiving in Fortune 500 environment, and 4) art & horticulture caregiving after my children have launched. The firm foundation of the floor is unchanged as the life phases progressed.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Originally educated as an RN and later as a businesswoman, this mixed media piece combined pen & ink drawing, alcohol marker color, and photographic images adjusted to fit into a checkerboard tile floor.
The 4 phases of my creative journey include 1) my children + hospital caregiving, 2) my children + healthcare business caregiving in a Fortune 50 environment, 3) my children + healthcare business caregiving in Fortune 500 environment, and 4) art & horticulture caregiving after my children have launched. The firm foundation of the floor is unchanged as the life phases progressed.
Quick Sketch 3 Acorn Caps
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Bicycle Sprocket
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Camellia Bush
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Lantern
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Oak Stick
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Thyme Patch
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the daily discipline of drawing. The time limit helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the daily discipline of drawing. The time limit helped prevent any scope-creep.
Quick Sketch Palm Up Hand
Pen & ink on paper
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
9x12
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Draw, draw, and draw. Everyday draw. These 15-minute sketches helped develop the discipline of drawing and helped prevent any scope-creep.
Shoe and Vase
Charcoal on paper
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Skill and discipline develop slowly over time. Still life drawings completed in charcoal are slow, messy, and enriching. Part of the artist’s way is the critique designed to affirm the strengths of a piece and to challenge the weaknesses. The net result is a stronger piece of work. If you believe you never touch your face during the day, I challenge you to draw in charcoal for 3 hours straight then go look in the mirror. Black charcoal smudges abound everywhere! It’s part of the adventure of creating art in charcoal.
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Skill and discipline develop slowly over time. Still life drawings completed in charcoal are slow, messy, and enriching. Part of the artist’s way is the critique designed to affirm the strengths of a piece and to challenge the weaknesses. The net result is a stronger piece of work. If you believe you never touch your face during the day, I challenge you to draw in charcoal for 3 hours straight then go look in the mirror. Black charcoal smudges abound everywhere! It’s part of the adventure of creating art in charcoal.
Sphinx Praying Mantis
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Inspired by the ancient Egyptian sphinx, the artist’s sphinx is a conglomeration of various human and animal parts placed in the context of its presumed environment. The praying mantis head is attached to a fish torso and tail with a 6-year-old child’s arms and an infant’s thicker legs. And I added a raccoon tail for even more interest.
11x14
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Inspired by the ancient Egyptian sphinx, the artist’s sphinx is a conglomeration of various human and animal parts placed in the context of its presumed environment. The praying mantis head is attached to a fish torso and tail with a 6-year-old child’s arms and an infant’s thicker legs. And I added a raccoon tail for even more interest.
That’s a Funny Hairdo
Pen & ink, newsprint, on paper and Velum
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Striving to learn from more experienced artists, I took an existing transfer template on Velum to create an entirely different piece. Cutting the Velum transfer template into pieces and adding newspaper Sunday comics for the hair generated an entirely different and slightly wacky work.
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Striving to learn from more experienced artists, I took an existing transfer template on Velum to create an entirely different piece. Cutting the Velum transfer template into pieces and adding newspaper Sunday comics for the hair generated an entirely different and slightly wacky work.
Three Places with Rocker
Pen & ink, alcohol marker on paper
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Knitting 3 disparate parts into one drawing can create irony and whimsy. Here the wicker rocker sits atop the koi pond whose fish are swimming toward the vegetable garden. Often the smallest element makes the entire piece work. I give credit to the wicker rocker’s ripples in the water for making this drawing work.
18x24
2020
DESCRIPTION:
Knitting 3 disparate parts into one drawing can create irony and whimsy. Here the wicker rocker sits atop the koi pond whose fish are swimming toward the vegetable garden. Often the smallest element makes the entire piece work. I give credit to the wicker rocker’s ripples in the water for making this drawing work.
Why We Garden
Charcoal on paper
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Sometimes the artist captures an intimate glimpse into her own world. This one is mine. I grow food and create art as a legacy for my beloved 5 grandchildren ages 1-10 years. That faithful Tilley hat which accompanies me on all adventures is present.
The intense darkness of the shirt contrasts the faces of these 5 beautiful children. This single work causes the longest pause/ stare/ ponder moments for guests visiting my home.
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
Sometimes the artist captures an intimate glimpse into her own world. This one is mine. I grow food and create art as a legacy for my beloved 5 grandchildren ages 1-10 years. That faithful Tilley hat which accompanies me on all adventures is present.
The intense darkness of the shirt contrasts the faces of these 5 beautiful children. This single work causes the longest pause/ stare/ ponder moments for guests visiting my home.
Carrot in Hand
Pen & ink on paper
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
The freshly washed carrot was only 5 minutes out of my garden when I captured this image. This drawing was an effort to improve my use of hashing (lines) and stippling (dots) to create values of light and dark. On careful inspection you will see that the top half of the drawing is hashing and the bottom half is stippling. The overall effect creates fairly consistent values. When this piece went through initial critique, I was asked why I did not extend the wrist and arm to the edge of the paper. My response was, “No problem. That’s just another 18,000 dots.” The feedback made this piece more effective and one of my favorites.
18x24
2019
DESCRIPTION:
The freshly washed carrot was only 5 minutes out of my garden when I captured this image. This drawing was an effort to improve my use of hashing (lines) and stippling (dots) to create values of light and dark. On careful inspection you will see that the top half of the drawing is hashing and the bottom half is stippling. The overall effect creates fairly consistent values. When this piece went through initial critique, I was asked why I did not extend the wrist and arm to the edge of the paper. My response was, “No problem. That’s just another 18,000 dots.” The feedback made this piece more effective and one of my favorites.
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