Day 13 of 21: Contentment

Believe me, the concept of a DAILY drawing challenge has not been lost on me. I mean, the fact that my 13th daily drawing (of 21) is going on its 52nd day, has left me quite embarrassed, really. The intent of the drawing challenge that Gina and Alicia started way back in April was for folks to spend just 15 minutes a day drawing something ... anything! Although I have not lived up to that expectation, I can honestly say without a doubt, that I've been *thinking* about drawing at least 15 min each day!!! LOL

Tonight, I challenged myself to draw the negative and positive of my Buddha sculpture. It was challenging but totally fun.

Day 12 of 21: Boy's Day doll

We've had this Japanese warrior doll in our family for as long as I can remember. It's usually set out on Boy's Day, which falls on May 5th every year. It's supposed to teach boys about strength and ward off evil. I dunno, with a warrior outfit like that, a boy would HAVE to be pretty strong to fend off other boys who just wanna kick his butt.

Day 11 of 21: Garden guardian

At this very moment, I am staring at a mynah bird nest about 4 ft from me, just outside my window. As I sit and write this, a pair is setting up home, happily gurgling, screeching, warbling, and making all kinds of kooky noises. I thought about dismantling the nest but I'm afraid I'll suffer the karmic consequences! Although I now know I have to tolerate their incessant racket, I can't complain. They will have to tolerate my repeated playing of James Blunt's newest CD long into the night! I figure we're even.

This is my entry for the International Moleskine Exchange with my group (Moly_x_9). I'm including the cover of Stephanie Sicore's moleskine cuz I think it's just FAB! This one is off to Laura (Laurelines) tomorrow. Oh, if you want a better scan of my drawing, you can check it out here.

Day 10 of 21: Speak no evil ...

Kate did a great drawing awhile back, which was one of a series for "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil", which inspired this drawing. I thought it would be a good reminder for myself. Plus, I had to redeem myself after that last spooky drawing! This is a tribute to Garth Williams, the illustrator of my favorite childhood book by Margaret Wise Brown (The Whispering Rabbit and Other Stories). He also illustrated Charlotte's Web, the Little House on the Prairie series, and others. I adore his style and I think I subconsciously incorporated his style into my drawings. I remember staring at his illustrations as a child, having fun discovering the details in each. Still, I find characters in his drawings that I've never seen before! I still read the book, now 40-something years later! Now that's longevity!

Day 9 of 21: "Corbit"

Introducing "Corbit" ... the progeny of Corn Boy and Miss Rabbit. Do you realize how scary it is to share this 15-min doodle with you all? You get a glimpse into my warped mind! Enjoy! :)

Day 8 of 21: Father's shoes

I spent my adult life living on different islands and would visit my parents from time to time. But I have to admit, that the worse part of trips back home was leaving. It was really, really stressful to me. But, my dad, who was the one that drove me to the airport always made it a little easier. As he hugged me goodbye, he always slipped some money into my hand and would say, "Don't tell Mom. It's your hamburger money" with tears in his eyes. You see, my dad would save his cigarette allowance so he could give me something during our "special" time. The money really was not the issue cuz he knew I could buy my own food. But, still, it was his way of showing me how much he loved me, even when he couldn't say it. I love you Dad.

Thanks for your comments on my last post everyone! I've decided I'll hang on to Dad's shoes. For me, they represent hard work, dedication to a family, and lots and lots of love.

Day 7 of 21: Father's shoes

I spent about 20 min on this ... a drawing of my dad's work shoes. Actually, my dad passed 11 years ago and his shoes have sat on a shelf downstairs since. I've been cleaning everywhere around it but couldn't bring myself to toss it out. Before I do, I thought I'd sketch it and perhaps take this opportunity to share my favorite memories of him.

My dad was a happy kind of guy. In fact, he was unusually friendly and as children, my brothers and I would never know who would be waiting at our dinner table when we got home. Often, we'd find that my dad had befriended tourists that had arrived on cruise ships and invited them home, especially if they didn't know their way around our town. And of course, they never left empty-handed. :) People in Hawaii are known for their "aloha" spirit and I believe my dad lived it every day. I really miss his laugh.

Without a word ...

A poem by Yosano Akiko, a Japanese female poet from the 19th century. I really wish I had something new to post but I've been so tired! Thanks everyone for visiting.

Thanks for visiting!

Aloha everyone! I'm really sorry I haven't posted anything recently. I've been feeling a bit under the weather and will hopefully get back to my usual level of energy soon! Thanks so much for visiting and for writing me with your concern (and in the case of my younger brother, lecturing me for not posting. heh). I leave you with a pretty picture of an ohia blossom that I took on my recent trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I promise I'll be back to drawing soon!

Moly_x_9: She's gonna blow! (Day 6 of 21)

I'm finally finished with my first 4.5 panels for the Moleskine 9 Exchange! It's ready for its maiden voyage around the US, with its first stop with Laura of Laurelines. This Japanese accordion moleskine will travel from Hawaii all the way to North Carolina. That's a lot of miles! 4,667 miles, to be exact! If you wanna see a closeup and the spread, check out our joint moly_x_9 blog. While you're there, check out my teammate's drawings. They are wicked!

A little "bonus track" on the inside cover ...
Hiya 21 Creative Exercise buddies! I think this will have to be my day 6 post. I'm all drawn out! *wink*

Day 5 of 21: Rock Star!

(15-min sketch) Corn Boy, after his jump from an airplane, knew that only two things could top that, being a runway model and a rock star. He wonders, what else is in store .... hmmm ...

Day 4 of 21: Corn boy does fashion

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!

Day 3 of 21: Flying friends

As I was driving home from a dinner party last night, an image of a parachuting corn-shaped "person" with red shoes and a really fat bird popped into my head. I dunno if artists have spontaneous, strange thoughts like that but I did. I added a couple of other flying friends for company.

Day 2 of 21: Camera neurosis

Another 15 min ...

You all HAVE to visit the other artists that are part of this 21-day exercise because they are all kick butt (check out yesterday's post with links to Alicia and Gina who have lists of the buddies on their blogs ... this will have to do until I can link with my exercise buddies. Ah, so much to do, so little time). Anyhoo, I am sending you there cuz they are my definition of creativity and the level to which I aspire. But, as you can see ... I am up to my old ways. In my mind, I have characters, fun and colorful characters that dance and move and have emotions ... and then I sit down and I have a camera. This exercise is fun but omg, it is making me realize I have been more than in a rut. I've been buried! Thank goodness for this exercise. I think you may be seeing more of "Joan" in the next 21 days! We can only hope. :)

Day 1 of 21: Every which way

Just tonight, I joined a 21-day creative exercise to draw for 15 min each day thanks to Kate Rietz who told me about the challenge and Alicia Padron and Gina Kelly for inviting all of us to join in. Thanks Kate, Alicia, and Gina!

For my very first exercise, I decided I wanted to watch watercolors. Not paint mind you, just watch. I am deathly afraid of letting my watercolors do what they are supposed to do, like move and flow and blend. So, I quickly drew out an iris and dabbed watercolor ... a little blue there, a little red there, a little yellow and green ... some water ... and watched the orchestra of colors converge, mesh, blend, muddy, diverge! Wow! It was better than the movies!

Of course, my retentive side got the best of me and I busted out my black pen and drew in the outlines after it dried as if to confine the colors again. I have issues. LOL. I guess that's something I'll have to work on and this exercise will undoubtedly help. Wish me luck! :)

Mesa Panayia, Milos Island, Greece

Ok, ok, I have this thing for Greece. Whilst cleaning the extra room downstairs, I found this painting I did a number of years ago in a bin of illustration board. It's of a church on, yes, my favorite island in Greece! *Sigh* I need to make it out there again someday. *dreaming on ...* Anyone wanna go with me?

Speechless ...

Ok, this is an art blog. But it is also a place that I've shared my heart and soul. I was touched by this beautiful voice on YouTube. This young boy reminds me that we all have wonderful talent even when we are told otherwise or when we don't think we do. Enjoy!

Snippets

Is it sacrilegious to tear out a page of a moleskine? I can think of at least three occasions that is should be totally acceptable. 1. You are stuck on a mountain and about to die of hypothermia and you need something to burn to start a fire that will save your life, 2. You haven't had a date in 9 mos, 12 days, 3 hrs, and 51 min. and you want, errr, NEED to give someone your phone number, and finally 3. .... uh .... I'll let you guess what the third reason is (heh heh) and the reason I HAD to tear out my page.

What better way to end my moleskine than with snippets of my home life ... stuff I look at everyday while sitting in my favorite chair.

Hippos in graphite

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!

My blog birthday

I celebrated my blog birthday on March 26th! Yay blog!!! I was sick then and the day sorta came and went with little fanfare. So, I'm taking this opportunity to reflect on the past year. In fact, the last drawing I did represents for me a culmination of a year of practice, using different media, trying to find my groove, trying to find myself ...

In the past year, I've met some pretty incredible people and a few have become dear, dear friends. Everyone that I've met along the way has influenced my growth as a creator of art but also as a person. Thank you all for that. I thought about all of you as I sat outside this afternoon, drawing my favorite daisies with Kanoe at my side. Sketching the simplicity of nature around me reminded me of why I started my blog ... to reconnect with the creative side of me that I felt was buried for too long. Now that it's been released, there is no going back!

I'm pretty excited about this next year. I don't know what it will hold ... but I kinda like where it's heading.

*hugs to you all*