Winona and the owl

I have been working working working trying to teach myself how to better use color pencils. After working in the world of super heroes, I decided to draw someone whom I considered a classic beauty. Being a 90's girl it seemed obvious to draw the flawless Winona Ryder. I also chose a picture of her with her classic pixie cut, since I am a bit obsessed with short hair at the moment. 😉. My first attempt was sabotaged by my rookie mistake of not cleaning my electric eraser (boo); however, my second attempt was much more successful. I am pleased as punch. I will be posting it for sale soon. 

Once I completed Ms Ryder, a student challenged me to draw an owl. That is what I am working on now. I am waffling a bit about the background, but am pretty pleased with the owl itself. As soon as I decide on a proper venue, I will be putting him up for sale as well. 

As for my next adventure in color pencil, it may be abstract, though The Man wants a portrait of our son. Maybe I will work on both at the same time. I am unpredictable like that. ✌🏻️

Writing, Law of Attraction, and Color Pencils

Howdy! As usual, I have fifty-eleven projects going on at any specific time. I have been writing a book. I love listening to audio books when I am on my daily commute. Most recently, I have been reading or listening to the Pendergast series by Preston and Child. I love great stories like this, because they really make me think. Of course, the plot and the character development are engaging, but  what would turn my brain the most was the amount of research they must do to create such a believable story! I mean all those authors out there can't be experts on EVERYTHING, right?
I decided to put myself to the test. I love stories with a supernatural or paranormal theme, so that needs to be a part of my book. I am an artist, so there will also be an art element. I know a little about a lot of "New Age" culture, so I decided to make that part the research.
The first several pages came rather easily. It was when I needed to delve into the research that I got "stuck". I let the whole working mom of three thing and multiple other projects get in the way. I started knitting a blanket for my son. I decided to teach myself how to do color pencil portraits. The list goes on...
I am a firm believer in the law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction states that when you have an inspired thought you should follow through, so I am! Which means, I am getting back to my writing. I am thinking about posting excerpts on here. I am not quite decided on that yet!




Color Pencil Portraits. It makes so much freaking sense!!! As an oil painter, I never get to paint with little kids running around the house because it is just not safe. Honestly, I never gave CP's the credit they deserve! Now that I have had some success with the medium, I have decided to make some YouTube time-lapse videos of my work. :)




As for the blanket I am knitting for my son...Well it may end up for my GRANDSON before I get finished at this rate! Just kidding! I need to set a date to be finished and make it work. Period!


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The "Someone" Inside

Well, well,well.  What was I saying about Time?? It's only been two years since my last post.


I have been searching, journeying and experimenting in life. I'm almost 40! Yes, 40!!! And what I am finding is that all those things I wanted to be when I was 20, are still inside me somewhere. I call her "Someone".
When I was 20, I new I wanted to be a mom. Check. I wanted to find love. Check. I want to be an ethical person. Check? I wanted to be an artist. (We'll get back to that one). I wanted to be fit and healthy and beautiful. Ummmm...


Mostly, I wanted to be happy. Certainly, I have been happy. I would guess happier than most. I am extremely lucky. The Man and I have been married longer than most people we know. I have three amazing, funny, beautiful and healthy children. I have wonderfully supportive family. I have had a pretty successful career where I have helped bring art to many.


 So why is Someone nagging me constantly? Why does she make me feel like a failure? I mean, I have done pretty well by her. I have kept her safe. I think of her frequently. But she is always there, reminding me that I have not lived up to all she wanted me to be.


She gives me a lot of crap about not making time for art. I give my days to helping other people develop their art. I give them all my creative ideas. I inspire them. But what happens when I get inspired? Someone gets very excited. We head to the art supply store, grab some supplies and head home. As soon as we get home, it's time for dinner, then homework, bath time and putting the kids to bed---oh, and I have to make sure there are enough clean towels and lunches packed. THEN, I am tired. But, what about the art Someone was so excited about? Sorry, Someone. Sometimes being a grown up sucks.


I always tell my students that Art is your best friend and it will never leave you. It will always be there for you when you need it.


Someone and Art are ganging up on me. I am feeling the pull back to my easel like a magnetic force. I want to post videos to my YouTube channel and Instagram more often. I would love to create a following and supplement my income through art making. Someone may be taking over. We will see!


I can only focus on one thing at a time, Someone. So, I will post about all your other "wants" another time. For now, be patient with me? I will be back. I promise.