Getting my craft fix

I was unable to craft most of the weekend since I was not feeling well.  I had it in my mind that I would work on some projects all weekend.  Therefore I HAD to go into the art studio before church on Sunday morning.  It was a NEED-lol.  I made this card. You'll be happy to know that I was not late for church, but the card was finished a bit later teee hee.  Priorities you know-lol I was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest a few days ago.

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Submitted: SOC Blogger challenge: Embossing.
                Word Art Wednesday #119

Building Character

Journal52 prompt #4: Building character.  

Sentiment: Romans 5:3-4
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces CHARACTER...and character produces HOPE.

Entered:
Word Art Wednesday Challenge # 119
Journal52 prompt #4

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Abstract Watercolor

This was done for a art journaling prompt to make an abstract inspired piece.

Watercolor pencils and black MS marker on watercolor paper.

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You always make me smile

The week #3 Journal52 prompt:  what makes you smile

A lot make s me smile.  When my dog, Dugan curled up on the bed to take a nap I decided that folding laundry could wait while I sketched him (ROTFLOL).  I wish I could skip housework and do art without the guilt.  But I digress...here is the page:








I was surprised that it sorta looks like Dugan







I did some doodling and tried some different lettering.  BUT THE WHITE SPACE NEAR ABOUT KILLED ME! rotflol
Sentiments: It is very hard to embrace the white space.  Look it's here too! Grrr...Seriously this is stressful...White Space.  More white space.  DUGAN MAKES ME SMILE. STOP...embrace the space..STOP.

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Another Sketch

Here I am working on hair.

My little elf- lol

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Catching up on Journal52

My online buddy added me to a FB page.  Thanks Tiare!  The page is Journal52 where there is a art journaling prompt each week.  I didn't originally plan to participate with the prompts.  Here I am (LOL).  I am not sure if I am really following the prompts all year...I think I am more just plugging in wherever I can.  And really enjoying the art work of others and the unveiled sharing that goes on in the group.  My emotions and pages do not always come in pretty packaging tied up with a bow.  As demonstrated with this first page.

The first prompt was Up, up and away to represent  'taking off' into the new year.  I used a technique I learned from watching Sundays with Sandee  A part of the process was to include some white space.  Ha! I so did not like my white space so I doodled around the tissue paper, wax paper transfer and image.  I so desperately want to 'embrace the space'  LOL.

Here is my page:

Sentiment: Sometimes I am 2 chicken to fly...So I stand here frozen watching my dreams go up, up and away. 

Submitted: Word Art Wednesday #118

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Sketches

I used to draw when I was a child.  My mother taught me how to trace an elephant in a coloring book and before long I was drawing elephants free hand.  I drew animals from pictures I saw in books.  I really enjoyed drawing.  Now my brother took art classes and developed his natural propensity for drawing.  In art classes he learned about the tools, shading, contour, depth, color mixing and all the technical stuff about drawing and painting.  While I was told "...go to school, excel at that, you are smart, get a good paying job..."  So, I stopped drawing.  Art classes were not a part of the college prep curriculum.

I can actually recall my last art class in sixth grade.  I loved the projects.  We were in the middle of learning to carve designs on tiles for printing when teachers went on strike and there was no more art class.  I still created and did some type of arts and crafts for the rest of my school years and into adulthood.   I would made sketches from time to time.  It wasn't until a few years ago that I recognized that final art project I did was called a soft block carving.  And that it was a really popular artform. 

So, here I am trying to learn how to draw faces.  I really want to use faces in my mixed media pieces.  I am truly self taught.  I can't afford to take classes.  Instead I connect with other artists and practice, practice, practice.  Recently,  I have  been sketching more consistently.  I hope the routine lasts.  I am starting to carry a sketchbook again.  I am a little eager to be good, but I keep telling myself to relax. I may not become good, but I at least want to be comfortable and confident.  Here are some of my practice faces:

This was done last year

This was done last year

drawn from a photograph

 

 

 

inspired by  Pinterest

inspired by Pinterest

drawn the other day

It is so hard not to comment on all the flaws.  I will say that I do not see a progressive improvement.  Some of the older faces are better than the more recent ones.  IMO  I can see how my pain level, mood, sitting position all play a part in the outcome.  I am beginning to play in my sketchbook whenever I am stuck in bed and immobile.  

I am glad that even when I draw wonky faces they can work well in art journaling or mixed media pieces.  For now it is about practicing, learning and not comparing myself to other FABULOUS artists.

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