"First Round" week 1

Just finished this week's work. Pretty happy with the results so far. A little nervous about starting the water glass.

"First Round" sketch

The sketch, which is usually the hardest part, went pretty well. It's a direct size transfer so i didn't have to mess around too much with magnification.

New Project: "First Round"

Took this photo one day during my lunch break. I was struck by the awesomely beautiful colors of the wood grain, the reflective play of lights in the water glass and the eerie ghost of the rolled up napkin. I knew I had to draw it.

I'm DONE!

Just completed my second intensive colored pencil drawing last week. It took about six months of off-and-on working, but it's finally done. Again, not thrilled with my composition for this piece either. Need to put more thought into the reference photos for future works.


Here's the soundtrack for this piece:

Lush Life: A Novel by Richard Price
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee
A Mercy by Toni Morrison
"One Cell in the Sea" by A Fine Frenzy

IF: Unbalanced

IF: Wrapped

Did this piece during my brief visit to art school. I was, and still am a bit, obsessed with drawing fabric. The inspiration for this was a statue of a Muslim woman I saw in one of my art history books. I loved the graceful lines of the piece and wanted to emulate it. It's all done in pencil, mostly 9B of course.

IF: Cracked

Ah, my return to IF after a brief departure.  It feels good to be back!

Shying away from colored pencils for the moment and exploring new tools and techniques.  Been playing around with Adobe Illustrator so decided to do this week's challenge using the software. Very pleased how quick I whipped this out.  Instantly saw this little guy in my head when I saw the challenge title.  I like the fact that he still seems happy even though he's cracking up.  I can definitely relate!

IF: Fleeting

Just sneaking this one in under the deadline.  Had trouble visualizing a "fleeting" image.  Even the hubby was clueless.  I finally found inspiration on Wednesday when I made pancakes for my son and myself.  I try to make us pancakes at least once a week.  It is a very special time just between the two of us.  I don't know why but this pancake-eating event brings pure peace to my soul, and I always think about the preciousness of it and how one day we won't share these moments.  So, I think this image symbolizes many "fleeting" moments: the joys of childhood, simple pleasures, a mom's special pancake time with her son...  Of course, later that same week, the kid was driving me crazy and so I was having trouble sustaining the inspiration and thus felt no desire to draw our special moment.  But, he went to bed early tonight and so I was able to finish.

IF: Poise

A throwback to my earlier years, for this week's challenge, when I practically lived in a dance studio.  

IF: Legendary

No one ever believed him, but his fascinating stories about beautiful fish that always managed to get away were legendary.

IF: Intricate

Like an intricately knitted scarf...

Christmas Amaryllis

Here is my completed (yes!) colored pencil painting.  It is my first earnest effort with this medium.  I discovered the breadth of colored pencils a couple of years ago and have been studying them since then.  I love how "easy" colored pencils are.  There's no mess or set-up to deal with.  With that said, however, it's one of the more exhaustive art tools I've ever used.  This 8 x 10 painting took me four months to complete.  But I think the color that's achievable is so beautiful.  And the tediousness of CPs allow me to be so painstakingly exact, which I totally love.  I am pleased with this result, although I see soooo many mistakes.  The poor composition, for instance, just glares at me.  And the base of the bowl is a little wobbly.  All and all, I'm happy with it and can't wait to start the next one!  After a week of rest though.

IF: Breezy

Did this painting a couple of months ago and thought it would be suitable for this week's challenge.  It's my little one's favorite painting.  

IF: Instinct

Here's my first contribution to Illustration Friday.  I first discovered this communal site last summer and instantly became a fan.  I've been longing to participate ever since.  Not overjoyed by this piece; feel it's a little too literal, but I am glad it's done.  Looking forward to next week!

Hello!  This is a test to see if I'm actually doing this right.  This is my first time blogging.  Welcome to all who have so bravely ventured on this journey with me. My main intent for this thing is to showcase my artwork in progress and to talk about it. Hope it works!