Endearing Young Charms

Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.  

 ~Pablo Picasso

I recently had occasion to step back and review the pieces of artwork I've done in the last few years, and I noticed something.  I don't incorporate kids into my work nearly enough.  Perhaps it's because I haven't interacted with that many children recently; maybe I've become bitter and jaded in my old age..?  Whatever the reason, I think kids' endearing young charms justify a bit more artistic attention.

"Young Artist"

"Centaur Lord", in which an intruder is brought before the Master of the Forest.

Palindrome illustration, "Lonely Tylenol©"

"Artichoke Heart"

Gabriel's Power, Satchmo's Grace

"The trumpet child will blow his horn
Will blast the sky till it’s reborn
With Gabriel’s power and Satchmo’s grace
He will surprise the human race."

 ~ Over the Rhine, "Trumpet Child"

So, remember in my last post, how I was all whiny about having to seek my fortune in the world?  If you're under the impression that I'm a lazy, spoiled good-for-nothing... well, two outta three ain't bad.  Today's been a day of counting my (plenteous!) blessings.  There's so much for which to be thankful.  For instance, I discovered Over the Rhine's album "Trumpet Child" today.  And because I'm a sucker for a good hook, the phrase "Gabriel's power and Satchmo's grace" struck a chord with me.  I love when that happens!

"Trumpet Child"

"Earl Grey" -- viva LolCats!

"Love", an idea for a poster.

"Baby Saint", another team spirit sketch.

Roses & Cabbage

"The question of common sense is always 'what is it good for?', a question which would abolish the rose and be answered triumphantly by the cabbage."

  ~James Russell Lowell

I love roses.  Back home, my 'antique' rose blooms for me every year around Mother's Day; it's a lovely, delicately pink flower called "Marchioness of Londonderry".  I also enjoy figurative roses, as in the things one does just for the heck of it, rather than out of necessity.   Unfortunately, I've noticed that my tastes consistently run toward things (roses, even) that require "cabbage".  Which is all to say that it's a shame that nearly everything we want to do, possess or give requires a steady job and a paycheck. 

Pretty soon, I'm going to have to give up roses for cabbage.  (Pouts.)

A green jay, whose coloring was inspired by the song "Green Jay".

My rather Mucha-esque "Ghost Girl".

A rough, dragony kind of sketch.

Inspired by a baby shower I attended this weekend...

Clean Slate

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.

~Pablo Picasso

It's 2010, and it's been a good year so far.  After ringing out '09 with fireworks, Martini & Rossi Asti and (our) traditional year-end cocktail shrimp, I spent today internetzing, drawing and chilling with my husband and cats.  Can't beat that with a stick, as they say. 

Happy New Year!

"Katana"

"Headdress", a study; photographer unknown.

"Rocker Boi", a very sketchy WIP (work-in-progress)

"Rainbow Hair", a study; photographer unknown.

... And to All, a Good Night!

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

~ Luke 2:10-14

Merry Christmas to everyone!  I wish you a Christmas and New Year's filled with peace and love.

"Lovebirds", this year's Christmas card (that actually went out on time!)

"Red Tide", a study.

A quick sketch from life of my husband sleeping.

Faces...

Krampus, stealing away naughty children on Christmas morning.  I did this for the Krampus Challenge on ArtOrder.

Drawing the Line

"Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere."

 ~ GK Chesterton

Dear readers: the next time you decide to draw someone (be it friend, lover, family member or perfect stranger) while they are cooking a meal, DON'T DO IT.  IT'S A TRAP!

I love my husband, and he insists that he tried to stay still for me.  However, when we agreed to a sketching session in the kitchen, I had no idea how hard it was going to be to capture his likeness while he worked.  It was a good challenge, though, I must say -- especially for someone who hasn't sketched from life in some time.  But still... save yourself some grief and just pose your subject holding a spatula or something.

... just for future reference.

My wonderful man, making me his Famous Spaghetti.

My sleepy cat, Simone.

A Santa sketch with an Old World, "Father Christmas" feel.

A sassy lil' pinecone.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet.

  ~Kojiro Tomita

     "It's  beginning to look a lot like Christmas", as the song says.  There's certainly no snow outside; it's a sunshiny 70 degrees out there.  Nor is my little Christmas tree up yet.. because I'm lazy, let's be honest.  To top it all off, I have contracted the obligatory winter malaise.  I am one with the Kleenex box.  

     Most of the house is decorated, however, and having stockings by the chimney, a wreath at the front door, Christmas carols on my playlist and steaming mugs of hot chocolate with mini-marshmallows at the ready helps a lot.  Snow, schmow.  Sick, schmick.  Let us make merry!

This persistent Yuletide cheer has started to seep into my art, too, oddly enough.

Cover art for the Great Basset Hound Project.

A pen-and-ink Grover Cleveland sketch.

"Little Monarch", inspired by Little Monarch.

"Snow Faery" 

"The World in Solemn Stillness Lay"