The Daily Sketch

Yesterday I started a new semester at The Des Moines Art Center, teaching teens fantasy art. I've taught there for over a decade now ( O_O ) and I tried something I've never done before! It was super fun too, at least it got more interaction and conversation from the teens than usual.

I made three categories: symbol/animal/fantasy figure

There were ten in each category, folded up and placed in three cups. The kids divided a large sheet of drawing paper into eight sections and then drew whatever I pulled from the cups. Finally they picked one they liked and elaborated for the final.

I didn't draw with them during the eight, but I did sit and draw with them during the final. My personal favorite was

leaf + rabbit + elf

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Although I didn't get to draw this weekend, here are a few highlights from around our home.

Little bird added to our bathroom, next to his new buddy the Goldfinch.

New amazing rug found on craigslist for the living room. In LOVE!

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IF: Rescue

"The Great Rescue"

watercolor in moleskine | 2010

We all need rescuing, whether we're flesh or polyester.  Especially from the neighbor's cat.

To the Moon!

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Welcoming - finished

"Welcoming" | watercolor, ink, acrylic | 2009

As I sat inking and painting this piece I thought of Beatrix Potter. I have always adored her work and her stories. About a year ago I watched the film created to tell her story and fell even more in love with her work. Whether her personality was as whimsical as the movie made it out to be, or not, I like to think it was. It shows in her work, and as one who illustrates the imaginary as well, we tend to be animated and whimsical. I hold her as one of the stars I look up to when created illustrations for children, especially those with animals.

I'm pleased with how this piece turned out. And even tho it's finishing touches weren't done in time for Illustration Friday, I'm glad to have finished it today. :)

Welcome - sketch

The first thing that came to mind was a little old lady letting a stray child into her home. She would be full of warmth and welcome. But as I started on the tracing paper she wasn't an old lady anymore, but an old lady rabbit. I can't remember the last time I painted an animal. As I redrew this on the tracing paper a few things changed. The main one being the direction of the wind is now going right...which to me just works better.

Before I go into nothingness rambles, I look forward to posting the final piece. I started painting it last night, but alas last night was the beginning of a new season for "The Office", and it couldn't be missed. "Community" wasn't too bad following either. :)

IF Parade - Sketch

Forest Parade | graphite sketch

Yay! I have something to show! Well...okay, I have other things I could show, but I'm really excited about this piece for two reasons. One, it's an Illustration Friday piece (been awhile), and two, it's all about children's book illustration! When I did "The Talisman" I had children's book in mind, but didn't get what I wanted out of it. I didn't know how much time it would take to paint it if I started submitting the more elegant style. This piece I plan on applying the same techniques and detail, but gonna time myself finally.

I love this piece, it's fun, enjoyable to draw, and cute (of course :P). Can't wait to paint it. Oh man...gotta focus on actual work, gonna be so hard!