Blog Posts

Vacation Time Again

10/2/2016

It was vacation time again. This time I took a new toy with me. An iPad. I've never worked on any Apple devices before and there's a real learning curve, but I've been having a lot of fun exploring the art apps. One really nice aspect is that I can successfully use watercolor on the computer. My actual watercolor skills aren't very good. It allows me to capture things quickly with minimal tools.

Landscape I

Landscape II

Sunset sketches

Wind Blown

Kisa - sketch

Kisa - color

From the Train

Coat Rack

Hands

Gus

Gus Laying Down

Madie

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A Change in Subject

9/11/2016

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When I was a kid, I had a book called "Pants with Nobody Inside Them". To be honest that book freaked me out a little. So it's a little odd that when I was looking for a change of subject matter that I should come up with "Sweaters with Nobody Inside Them". Still the change was fun.

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Now at Zak's Cafe

9/4/2016

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Exciting news! A number of my paintings are now on display at Zak's Cafe in Milwaukee. Zak's is in a beautiful old brick building in the Walker's Point area. They serve an excellent brunch, so stop by have something to eat and enjoy the variety of art on display.

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Today is Brought to You by the Color Yellow

8/21/2016

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What a great late summer day. Perfect here in the north. Bright, sunny, and 73. And very yellow. My neighbors shared some of their golden tomatoes. Delicious. I also made two batches of ice cream. An annual favorite - bright, tangy sea buckthorn berry sorbet and new flavor - mango lassi fro yo. All in my yellow kitchen.

Thanks San Pasqual, it was nice day.

Golden Treasure

Tomato Salad

Sunny Frozen Treats

Sea Buckthorn Sorbet

Mango Lassi Fro Yo

Thanks San Pasqual

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Raspberries are Coming

8/14/2016

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I've gotten my computer issues straightened out and am back with a post about my raspberry patch. I've been fascinated with the constant motion around them. Bumble bees, wasps, mud daubers, flies, and more that I just don't what they are. Unfortunately there are Japanese beetles too, but let's stick to the more beneficial insects.

The fruit is still forming. I wanted a closer look at just how they form, so I took my camera out to the patch and then got out the sketch pad. Here are the results.

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Be Back Soon

8/8/2016

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Oh no! Unexpected repairs have my blog temporarily out of service. I'll be back soon. Please be sure to check back shortly.

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The Week That Was

7/31/2016

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There were no big projects, no special drawings, just practice. Not every week can be special. My cat is getting old and it's nice to spend a little time hanging out and drawing her.

We also watched a few movies. Hayao Miyazaki movies to be exact. I'd seen Spirited Away, but caught up with Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Tortoro, and Howl's Moving Castle. They're so much fun and the animation can be amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing some more.

Kisa

Kodama (Tree Spirits) - Princess Mononoke

Satsuki and Mei - My Neighbor Tortoro

Dog Rose

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Translating Mucha

7/18/2016

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So I tried my hand at translating one of my flower drawings through the inspiration of Alphonse Mucha. It was an fun exercise and it isn't until I was into my interpretation that I realized just how difficult a task I'd set myself. Still I think it's a good start. I can't wait for the next one.

Oh, I've added a few other drawings I've done. Just mine, no translation.

Mucha Inspired Roses

Poppies

Clematis

Fading Magnolia

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Alphonse Mucha

7/10/2016

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Mucha is an all time favorite and at the recommendation of my sister, I've been looking at his flowers. He has such beautiful lines and forms. There is so much to learn here.

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Roses and More to Come...

6/26/2016

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I've continued working on my flower drawings this week. Roses and mock orange. Nothing smells as sweet as the mock orange! Not from my garden but just as wonderful.

I've been wanting to add more design to my flower drawings. My sister suggested looking at Mucha and Sullivan for inspiration. I think that is a wonderful excuse to visit the University arts library. I'm not sure how quickly I can get there, but the idea is compelling. I'll let you know how it goes.

More to come...