Rainbow Bisque

I am using this sketch as a background for some invitations I am working on. Not much else to say here.

I went searching for more pipes this morning. I wasn't disappointed to find this gem. The challenge of drawing discs, cylinders and protruded hexagons in my short, self-imposed time limit made for a fun experience. Tonight's lesson involves triangulation and enveloping - which I believe are techniques for getting more accurate proportions in drawing. I hope to return to doing more long form drawings soon. And painting ... I miss my office.

I found this crazy pipe structure on the side of a building. It seemed too good to pass up. I really enjoyed the change of subject matter these man-made objects provided me. I'll be keeping an eye out for more things like this. I recently had some family in town for a few days - that would have been a great excuse to stop drawing for a bit. Luckily, I was able to keep drawing. I may have missed out on some blog posts, but I've almost filled my small sketchbook. Seeing the last few blank pages of this 100 page sketchbook makes me really happy - I am excited to fill up several more!

I wanted to make another attempt at measuring and getting the correct curves. This time I used a decorative vase and an orange peel. I may need to do this a dozen or so more times before I finally get it. At least I'm willing to put in that kind of time. I'm having trouble finding the right way to hold my pencil. Embarrassing - but this is where it starts.

I've noticed some things with my drawings - areas that could use some improvement. With that in mind, I decided to seek out some help . Here are the results from the first lesson. It's not perfect (I wouldn't even call it that great), but I learned a lot from this drawing. The primary technique here focuses on construction lines. It's all about being patient, creating a very light outline or the major areas, and getting more specific as you go. I still don't quite have a handle on it yet. One thing I observed during this drawing is how uncomfortably I tend to work. I should probably use an easel and stand for these longer drawings - it really shows in my line work.

These interesting plants were growing just outside the property my employer occupies. I was drawn to their color, and I stayed for their shape. I'm pretty sure I drew pea pods. There is an art show around the corner: December, to be exact. A few months seems like plenty of time to come up with something to show, but I don't know where to start. What would the subject matter be? What do I have to say? I've really enjoyed these quick drawings and paintings. Without the pressure of producing a masterpiece, my mind is free to create without worry. How do I transition to creating a "finished" piece? Hopefully, the ideas will come - I have a notebook full of plants and flowers that may guide my decision.

I bought this gargoyle for my mom, but I had a couple minutes to draw it before delivery. Using a pen, I was unable to fix any mistakes. I experimented with a lot of different kinds of marks - which makes it a little too chaotic for my taste. But  there are some areas (near the eye on the right) that I really like.

I did a lot of drawing today. All of my recent drawings have been a record of the places I've been and things I have seen. Unfortunately, today I saw dead Jay on my front porch. I'm not sure why I was compelled to draw this scene, to take it all in. A lot of different thoughts kept running through my mind - I'm having trouble untangling them all right now.

There are so many bushes, flowers and trees around the places I now inhabit - every time I think I've found them all, a new one suddenly appears. Each new plant features endless combinations of leaf shapes, colors, textures and sizes. This particular bush caught my eye with its bands of multi-colored leaves. There are a lot of plants left to draw, but I think I need to expand into other subject matter before things become a little too stale. 

I've driven by this sign a million times - I don't think I ever considered drawing it. The neon glow effect was created by laying in the basic shapes of the neon lights with watercolor pencil and bleeding the lines with a mop brush. I think the effect was successful, but I may want to think of ways to push it even further.

There was a fire at my house recently. I'm typing this post from a makeshift computer desk in the hotel I'm staying at. So the updates can now continue. I'm happy to say I never stopped my daily drawings. Some drawings looked better than other drawings, of course. I'm beginning to notice some improvements here and there. When I create something that I view as less than successful, I ask myself what could be improved. The above piece took a couple hours to put together. It is based on some fake flowers from a centerpiece in the dining room of this hotel. I can't wait to get back to my art room at home, but this unexpected trip has given me some new sights and experiences to look forward to.