Is anyone like me? Do you pick up interesting and sometimes dead things to take a closer look later? When I saw this while walking around the neighborhood, the biologist in me instantly thought, "Oh goodie!" I also picked up a fluorescent blue fly and a penny! I'm such a nerd and I can't help it!
Thanks for stopping by folks! I finally have a post after what seems like FOREVER! :)
I've been savoring my last pieces of Godiva chocolate that my friends Leon and sweet Sunshine sent me. Yummm, creamy dark chocolate! This is the very last piece of my stash and while I held off biting off pieces so I could draw it, it is now safely tucked away in my belly. LOL
Sorry I haven't been drawing much these days. But if you stand by ... I have a drawing to share soon ... But for now, you're stuck with this. When I was in college, I owned a bubble-eyed goldfish. You know the ones that have transparent water balloons for eyes? (Stay with me, this is going somewhere). Well, I needed a backdrop for my aquarium and because I was a struggling student, I created my own with my number 2 pencil and some typing paper. So, this is the drawing I did for my goldfish, Bubbles. May he/she rest in peace. (PS: Can you believe I still have this? I amaze myself sometime).
Hmmm ... what to choose. I'm in a bit of a quandry. If you felt that you deserved a valentine gift and you know no one is going to buy it for you, would you choose a Hovabator incubator (for chicken eggs and mind you, it comes with an egg turner AND is air-circulated!) or a new light blue satchel that will go so so so well with my dress? Or maybe a bright red umbrella (because it is dumping right now and I need a proper one)? I doodled tonight as I contemplated. I still haven't decided.
I live on the "Orchid Isle". At least that's what the tourism authority says. To tell you the truth, there are only three native orchids in Hawaii and all of them are pretty rare and not very showy. So, I suspect we're called that because orchids from all over the world grow really well here.
I was feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. This type of cymbidium flowers grew in the front lawn of a house I rented in Volcano and they always take me back to a simple time. What better medium to capture their simplicity than a plain ole pencil.
More cymbidiums here.
I added to my menagerie this weekend! Lily, a white Japanese Silkie Bantam chick, is just over 3 mos old and already showing off her spiffy doo! Isn't she beautiful, ... in a Solid Gold dancer kind of way?!
While sitting at the kitchen table with Kate on my last night in Illinois, we began drawing potatoes and garlic that we had saved just for the occasion. It was fun but also bittersweet, knowing I had to leave bright and early the next day. I finished up the drawing on the plane back to Hawaii and you can see what Kate finished later, here. This special time was such a nice way to cap a very, very special trip.
I was able to capture Sunshine's sweet repose with this quick sketch as she lay at Kate's feet while Kate worked on her latest illustration project late one night.
Just a quick Saturday morning sketch of my friend's pup. I love his shape ... such a cute, compact dog that followed me around when I was at her house. I hope she recognizes him. :)
Ah, I've missed the smell of a newly sharpened pencil! It felt so good to have a pencil in my hand the past couple days! Drawing this plant from my front yard has done wonders for my spirit and disposition. Goodness knows what the name is tho' ... but I'm pretty sure it is in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). In times like this, a botany degree comes in handy. It's good to be back folks! I look forward to continuing and completing my 21-day creative drawing challenge!
Whew, I was beginning to think my drawing bug hitched a ride on the last boat off the island! This is the beginnings of my first drawing in my new moleskine. Thought I should post "something" so you knew she arrived home safely. Thanks everyone for being SO patient!
And what a way to celebrate! No sooner had my drawing bug returned that I received the Brillante Weblog award from Kate! Now, I have the honor of picking 7 other blogs that, in my opinion, are PRIMO! I am going to spread my wings and bestow the award on my newly discovered blogs. So, here goes ... in no particular order:
1. Susan Rudat - Art, Illustrations, and Other Musings. Oh goodness, her artwork is addictive!
2. May's Illustrations and Pictures. Pull up a chair and kick your shoes off and relax as you enjoy her work and a pretty French song in the background.
3. rue Manuel bis. Ok, I've known about Casey's work for awhile bit I just think you need to see her work. I think "happy" every time I visit.
4. Enigma. I wish I could draw like her! I really do!
5. Bobo's Fun Place. Julia's style is darling. Plus, check out the video of Bobo's tricks. Now THAT's one smart cat!
6. Free[k]hand. Not a stranger, but I just love the way Miguel thinks. He makes my brain kink.
7. Kathleen Rietz - Artist. One of the most talented artists I know. Thanks again for the award Kate!
If you decide to participate, the rules of accepting are as follows:
1) Put the logo on your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on yours.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.
LOL. I'll have to leave a note for the awardees tomorrow cuz I'm ready to fall asleep at my desk! Thanks for visiting! :)
Another quickie ...
After my drawing yesterday, I wondered what is absolutely the most ridiculous thing that "corn boy" could ever do? My guess was high fashion! LOL. This is my beloved corn boy wearing the brilliant designs of Christian Siriano, who was the winner of Project Runway, Season 4. Hahahahahahaha. Sometimes I crack myself up!
Finally, a post after over a week! Thanks everyone for being so patient and many hugs to those who have sent me emails wondering if I'm okay. I've been out of commission ... sick with the flu with barely enough energy for my "real" job! But, I'm healthy and happy now and aching to draw! After the hiatus, putting pencil to paper felt like quenching an intolerable thirst with an ice cold Corona ... with a lime twist!
Special thanks to Ali Stewart from Scotland who graciously allowed me to use a photo from his amazing collection. Thanks Ali!
We got a reprieve from the rain today long enough to draw some rain drops still clinging to leaves of my Surinam cherry plant. I drew this with a 2B and 6B Faber-Castell graphite pencil on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper.
"Life is like an onion; you peel it off one layer at a time. Sometimes you weep .... and sometimes you make soup." Carl Sandburg, as modified by Joan Y.
There is a lesson in there.
Like a rain forest that is comprised of multiple vegetative layers, each comprising its own microcosm, so does my purse. (And yes, I'm a biologist so bear with me :) ). I've removed the "canopy layer" of papers and wallet to reveal my "subcanopy" of a mix of half-used gift cards, prescriptions, keys, cell phone, nail file, and compact. Oh, in case you're wondering, the groundcover ... the stuff at the very bottom that never sees the light of day ... is comprised of loose coins, a couple paperclips, and bits of paper. Fortunately, nothing too exciting. A woman's purse is very revealing, don't you think?
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