kbladosdesign

The Punks Are Otherwise Occupied.

2012-02-01T15:35:00.002-05:00

Today is spring conferences at school, so the Punks were off. They each invited a friend over – the girls are playing school and the boys are busy smacking light sabers together. As a result, I've had time to enjoy a cup of tea outside in the sunshine and get a little bit of work done on the tulips. Yay.

February 1st and 50 Degrees?

2012-02-01T13:50:00.002-05:00

I'll take it!!!

It's been warm-ish for several days now. The Punks have been riding their green/pink machines, shooting hoops and practicing roller-skating. They think it's spring.

The crocuses are poking through the mulch. They think it's spring.

The dog is laying in the backyard enjoying the sunshine. He thinks it's spring.

I, being older and wiser, remember this – March 8, 2008.

All I have to say is we live in Ohio. Enjoy the weather while you can ...

in 10 minutes it will change.

Hello Old Friend ...

2012-01-30T21:28:00.001-05:00

I started this illustration back in November. I got as far as inking the outlines and it's sat on my desk, lonely and forgotten, ever since. Now I've got a break in my work schedule and I'm feeling pretty good, so I got the colored pencils out today.

Life is pretty good.

Something New!

2012-01-28T16:10:00.000-05:00

This little guy has been hanging out on one of our bookcases, but I think he could use a friend. Someone to love him and hug him and squeeze him and call him George.

Or something like that.

So he's hanging out in my Etsy Shop hoping to find a new home.

Weird Crafts

2012-01-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

Punkette likes to work on crafts. In fact, I might change her moniker to Crafty Girl or some such nonsense. I saw a book recently called 365 Things To Make And Do and finally picked it up a few weeks ago.

Both of the kids have thumbed through it several times and marked the pages with things they want to try. Punkette and I got busy on stuffed felt creations last night and next she wants to make paper mache keepsake boxes for Valentine's Day. We'll be busy if we ever get a snow day.

He Doesn't Pull Any Punches.

2012-01-25T19:23:00.001-05:00

Nothing keeps you honest like your kids.

Proof I'll Draw Anything.

2012-01-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

I grabbed the Punkette's latest pair of shoes and she yelled,

"Do you have to draw everything?"

Obviously, the answer to that is, "Pretty much, yeah."

Whine, Whine, Blah, Blah, Blah.

2012-01-20T16:49:00.001-05:00

I don't seem to have much to say that doesn't end in a whine.

So thank you for the well wishes. I'll be back when I feel more like myself.

Not a Fun Friday.

2012-01-14T20:19:00.001-05:00

Not sure how they determined I was a fall risk before I even saw a nurse.

Do I look klutzy?

Baby, It's Cold Outside.

2012-01-13T13:33:00.003-05:00

After a week of temperatures hovering in the mid-forties, waking up to 17 degrees was a bit of a shock. Add in snow and blustery winds and I was ready to crawl back under the covers. Unfortunately, the Punks wishes for a snow day went unheeded, so I had to get up. And then I had to get them up.

Oy.

Slightly Distracted.

2012-01-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking ... dreaming ... hoping ... I'll get back on my regular schedule for about six months now. Instead of continuing with the waiting game, maybe it's time to devise a new schedule?

I have to do something because I have several ideas running around in my head and no time to develop them. It's driving me slightly crazy.

Okay, fine.

Crazier.

Weird Santa Ramblings.

2012-01-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

What's Been Going On.

2012-01-08T12:20:00.000-05:00

1. Checked out the simulator ride at Freaky Family Fun.

2. Two basketball games in one day, both in the WIN column.

3. Watched The Smurfs with a gym full of elementary school kids
and parents at Family Movie Night.

4. Played in the snow ... while it lasted.

5. Celebrated a birthday.

6. Played with toys from Christmas.

What's going on with you?

Two in One Day?!

2012-01-06T23:08:00.001-05:00

Yep, I'm liking the new Fabriano Venezia Art Book.

A lot.

The Latest.

2012-01-06T17:01:00.002-05:00

In August, I found out the paper in the Hand•Book Journals had changed. I adjusted, albeit slowly. For the most part, I quit using watercolor because the new paper doesn't handle even the lightest wash well. As a result, I've been on the lookout for new sketchbooks ever since.

I've been using a Canson Mix Media Journal for about a month now.

The paper's not bad – smooth on one side with a bit of texture on the other. It's bright white and thick enough that my pen work doesn't bleed through. With watercolor, I run into the same problem I have with the Hand•Books. It responds fairly well on the side with texture, but bleeds quickly into the smooth side. I have trouble coloring large areas because by the time I reload my brush, there's already a line where the first application has started to dry.

Also, it's a softcover. I like the flexibility a hardcover book gives me, but I was hoping I'd like the paper enough to overlook that issue. I'm don't.

Elaine Magliacane, an artist I follow on Flickr, recently mentioned trying a Fabriano sketchbook she saw in Danny Gregory's video, The Art of Breakfast. I'd noticed the book in the video, but I figured it was one Danny made himself. Turns out you can get them at Cheap Joe's for the very reasonable price of about $15! How could I resist?

I got it yesterday and have only one complaint so far – it's a little too big to fit my scanner. To get these images, I scanned each side and put them together in photoshop. I don't know if I'll keep hassling with that, but who cares? The paper is wonderful!

Cheap Joe's describes it as, "... an upscale European sketchbook/journal perfect for writing, drawing, and even light water media." It has a subtle texture on both sides and is bright white. I had no trouble working wet in wet and I'm very impressed with how saturated the colors look.

I'm excited about drawing in it, which is a wonderful feeling to have again. I'll keep you posted as I get more drawings done in it, but for now I'm very happy with it.

(Y)esterday ...

2012-01-04T20:01:00.002-05:00

... I was cranky.

Today I'm just sleepy.

Proof I Love My Dog ...

2012-01-03T11:27:00.001-05:00

... or that he's the boss of me. You decide.

E(x)asperated ...

2012-01-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

... with the fact that x words are all pretty weird.

And The First for 2012 ...

2012-01-01T21:57:00.002-05:00

Last Drawing for 2011

2011-12-31T20:11:00.002-05:00

Best Wishes to You and Yours for 2012!

Countdown To Midnight.

2011-12-31T11:36:00.003-05:00

TODAY I'm Going To Relax.

2011-12-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

I've had the punks and the husband home this week on vacation. We didn't have any big plans ... play with new toys, visit with family, catch up on reading, maybe hit the zoo and just be lazy in general.

Instead, I've been working, which is a good thing, don't get me wrong. It's just that fitting family time in is tough when mom is glued to the chair in front of the computer for hours on end.

So I've made an executive decision (with very little arm-twisiting by the hubster) to kick off early today – as in now since I've been up since 5am again working. I'll eat some breakfast, have a cup of tea and then head out for fun & excitement with the family.

Hope you have enjoy the last few days of 2011, too!

.......................................................................................................
BTW, I took the photo above yesterday because I saw my buddy Rocky in the clouds. When I showed it to the family and asked, "What do you see?" they all answered clouds.

Twerps.

A Little Birdie ...

2011-12-28T06:48:00.000-05:00

... told me this Christmas gift would be fun to draw.

She was right.

That's More Like It.

2011-12-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

Got Snow?

2011-12-26T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is as close as we're getting for the foreseeable future, and surprisingly, I kind of miss it. What's Christmas vacation without a snowball fight or an afternoon on the sledding hill? Maybe we'll drag the punks to the zoo tomorrow.

Update on Tuesday Morning...........................................................................

IT WORKED!
New forecast calls for rain changing to snow throughout the day with 3 to 5 inches of snow tomorrow. We even have a winter weather advisory starting at 4:00pm today!

Yippee!

(What? The hubster is home to shovel anything ... I can just play with the punks!)

There Are Consequences.

2011-12-24T05:32:00.000-05:00

The Punk yelled for me at 2:30 this morning to ask if Santa had come yet. Nope, it's Christmas Eve morning. Barely.

I tried to go back to sleep, but between the snoring and random mutterings I found myself wide awake.

With a holiday classic running through my head.

Only it seemed to need some modernizing. Or maybe I should say punkifying.

What can I say? Wake mama up and sometimes there are consequences. Especially when she considers the aforementioned Punk fell right back to sleep and probably won't remember a thing.

Finally ... A Day To Relax.

2011-12-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

I know.

With two punks under 10 in the house, who am I kidding?

I'm Confused.

2011-12-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

I used the same recipe, ingredients, cookie sheets and oven to make these cookies.

The one on the left is from a batch the Punks and I made on Saturday. They helped, but I supervised and I'm 99.99999% sure we didn't leave anything out or put too much of something in.

The one on the right is from a batch I made today all by my lonesome.

I've been assured that the first batch tasted fine, and obviously, since I'm making more five days later they've been thoroughly tested. Still, I think the ones from today look ever so much more appetizing. And personally, they taste better, too, but I don't have the research to back that up as yet.

What gives?

Quality Assurance.

2011-12-21T17:46:00.001-05:00

Nothing gets by this inspector.

Nothing.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T14:09:00.002-05:00

I made these coloring sheets for my Punks and I thought I'd share with my Blogging Friends. Just click on each image and you'll be able to download the PDF.

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to Look AND FEEL Like Christmas. Finally.

2011-12-18T21:30:00.002-05:00

New Cards!

2011-12-16T17:21:00.001-05:00

I finally made Christmas cards with the illustrations I did this fall.

You can get them on Greeting Card Universe if you're interested.

New Acquisition.

2011-12-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

The latest in my growing collection of Punk Art, this one from the Punkette.

(R)eally should go to bed.

2011-12-14T00:34:00.001-05:00

(Q)uiet!

2011-12-11T23:03:00.001-05:00

Yeah.

Not getting a lot of that around here lately.

In fact, I'm pretty sure the boy doesn't even realize he's making noise. Earlier today he was reading the fourth Harry Potter Book.

And singing what I'm pretty sure was Deck The Halls.

At the same time.

Help.

I think I'm finally catching up.

2011-12-10T18:30:00.001-05:00

Oh wait.

No, I'm not.

Sigh.

Crazy Mutt.

2011-12-08T21:23:00.001-05:00

There's nothing like taking the dog for a walk.

In the dark.

By myself.

And having him repeatedly turn around to look at something behind us that I can't see.

And then, to make it really interesting, he started dragging me as fast as he could towards home.

I still don't know what he saw, but at least whatever it was never caught up with us.

That wasn't TOO painful.

2011-12-07T21:18:00.001-05:00

It just involved braving the dark, rain and cold for three 90 minute trips to the Apple store with two bored punks, dealing with a techno-geek who insisted on explaining my mac's issues to my PC-preferring husband and getting through a day while all of my important photos, artwork and other miscellaneous data was in the store's back room instead of on my desk at home.

Yeah.

Easy-peasy.

Popcorn Santa!!!

2011-12-06T16:37:00.001-05:00

Yes, I successfully brought Popcorn Santa back to life – twice actually and gave the second to my mom and dad. I won't have to kill my furry little sister after all.

................................................................

My mac is going in for repairs tonight – it's in need of a new optical drive – so I'll be incommunicado for a few days. Have fun while I'm gone and hopefully I'll see you soon.

Tree Today.

2011-12-04T21:54:00.001-05:00

Work tomorrow. More when I find a minute or two.

(N)ew Book

2011-12-03T23:19:00.001-05:00

(M)aybe.

2011-12-02T14:56:00.001-05:00

The punks hate that word.

They rate it right up there with we'll see, probably and I don't know.

In other words, things mom says that eventually translate into no.

As (l)uck would have it ...

2011-11-30T19:14:00.001-05:00

... I've already done K, so I'm moving on.

Does it say "J" to you?

2011-11-30T11:23:00.001-05:00

THIS I'm not ready for.

2011-11-30T08:03:00.001-05:00

A slight departure.

2011-11-28T21:09:00.001-05:00

I know his arms look freakishly long, but they are true to life.

And then there's the Dumbo ears. Again, drawing what I see here.

Okay, mom, you asked for it.

2011-11-28T21:03:00.001-05:00

This is what the sheep my mom painted looked like when she got done with it.

This is what it looked like when I got done with it.

And this is what it looked like when my husband got done with it.

Boys will be boys, I suppose.

Now I'm in the Christmas Spirit!

2011-11-27T21:57:00.001-05:00

(H)appy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:07:00.001-05:00

(G)et To Work.

2011-11-21T21:39:00.001-05:00

And I will now that my drawing break is over.

Hey, That's 3-Dimensional!

2011-11-17T20:12:00.001-05:00

I've often said I don't work well in three dimensions. I took a pottery class in high school and a sculpture class in college and struggled through both of them.

Punk has heard it enough that he occasionally asks me to help with his Lego creations and then laughs hysterically. He noticed, however, that the mug is 3-dimensional and it turned out pretty well. I told him the difference is I didn't make the mug and spoon – I just painted them. That I can handle.

F is for ...

2011-11-17T10:48:00.001-05:00

Really, was there any other choice for me?

E is for "Eh".

2011-11-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

The bad news is it's a wet, rainy, ugly day and I have a cold.

The good news is I've decided not to feel guilty about curling up under an afghan and sleeping the ugly day away.

Celebrating My 40th ...

2011-11-16T09:27:00.001-05:00

... or channeling my inner rock star.

I would have thought this was cool in high school or college, but wouldn't have had the guts to it. Now I'm old enough to not care so much about what other people think.

It's a nice place to be.

What's Up With The Hands Anyway?

2011-11-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

You can blame this hand series on Punkette. She saw the drawings I recently did – starting with the one I drew at the craft fair – and told me I should draw the ABC's in sign language. I like to draw hands – they're so convenient there at the end of my arm – so I though I'd give it a go. At the very least, I can throw one in when I can't think of anything else to draw.

I've Been Bit By the Holiday Bug!

2011-11-14T13:50:00.001-05:00

I may not be ready for jingle bells, Christmas carols and Santa ho, ho, ho-ing in the mall, but that doesn't mean I don't have gifts on my mind. In between searching for unique things for my family and friends, I've posted a few new items in my shop. More to come ... just as soon as the sun stays out long enough for me to get decent photos!

C is for ...

2011-11-13T19:47:00.001-05:00

... cookie. Really, is there any other choice?

B is for ...

2011-11-12T07:58:00.001-05:00

... Birthday Party, which I better go get ready for since my parents are probably on the road already.

Next Year?

2011-11-11T06:14:00.001-05:00

Double Digits!

Birthday Boy.

2011-11-10T07:26:00.002-05:00

From sweet little boy ...

... to sweet-loving kid ...

... and everywhere in between, I love you.

Happy 9th Birthday, Punk!

K

2011-11-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

Could You Lend Me A Hand?

2011-11-06T22:09:00.001-05:00

Preferably a right hand? It's tough to draw my right hand and hold the pen doing the drawing at the same time.

Actually, I think it's probably impossible.

Time To Breathe ... Finally.

2011-11-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

"Crazy Busy" doesn't even begin to describe how I've felt the last few weeks. Let's just say juggling life in general, planning a major school event and getting ready for a craft fair all at the same time makes the hustle and bustle of the holidays look relaxing.

And speaking of the craft fair, it didn't go as well as I'd hoped. First, it didn't seem as busy as it was last year. I had several lookee-loos, but they didn't translate into sales this year. I am learning, though. My pendants, ornaments and magnets did well again this year, but I still haven't sold any prints. And I got a lot of compliments on my originals – especially the Santa and Snowman – but that didn't seem to be what people were looking for.

The good news is the hubster stayed with me all day and we haven't had that much uninterrupted time to talk in ages!

Taking Halloween Costumes to a Whole Other Level

2011-10-31T21:43:00.001-04:00

A turtle costume ... or is it tortoise? Whatever it was, it was VERY cool!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T21:21:00.003-04:00

Early Morning

2011-10-29T11:39:00.000-04:00

The dog and I are in the habit of taking a walk each morning – either with the Punks to school or after I get back from taking them. When the first snow arrives, I probably won't be as enthused to brave the outdoors, but right now I don't mind so much.

Mmmm ... Donuts.

2011-10-27T19:54:00.000-04:00

Busy As A ...

2011-10-27T17:47:00.001-04:00

It's amazing how fast the 6-1/2 hours the Punks are in school can fly by!
I spent the day framing drawings ...

... and making necklaces ...

... and putting together card and postcard sets.

This has been the kind of day that makes me glad my watch has an alarm. Otherwise 3:30 would have come and gone without me leaving to pick the Punks back up from school.

Ooops.

Blinders.

2011-10-26T20:27:00.000-04:00

There was a time when I could find a place in the house to set up a still life. Then the Punk got tall enough to reach the tabletop – mind you, he was about 10-months-old at the time.

Now the Punk and Punkette are older and you'd think I'd be safe. I can't tell you the number of times I've said, "Don't mess with mom's art stuff" or "Don't touch that, I'm drawing it." You'd think they would have heard it enough for it to sink into their hard little heads.

Yeah. Not so much. And since my studio is also our home office where the computer resides, I can't really make it a Punk-Free Zone.

Instead, when I'm doing an illustration like this I work from photographs. The problem with that is sometimes I get locked into trying to recreate the image exactly rather than just using it for reference. The leaf and acorns look like the two photos I was using, but the drawing wasn't working for me.

I hung it up on the wall, took a step back and tried to figure out what was bugging me. My frustration level was reaching an all-time high when the Punkette walked in and said, "Mom, why'd you hang it up sideways?"

It's amazing what a different perspective can do.

Hi. Remember Me?

2011-10-26T00:14:00.001-04:00

I'm still here.

Ever see the light at the end of the tunnel, only to realize it must be a reflection off your watch or something because you are nowhere near the exit?

Yeah. That's where I'm at.

I figure things will calm down by January ...

... when I plan to make like a bear and hibernate.

My Kind Of Color.

2011-10-23T19:56:00.001-04:00

There are many reasons why Fall is my favorite season, but the gorgeous colors top the list. The trees are almost done around here, but the mums were practically glowing in the sunshine today. I enjoyed myself snapping photographs and dodging bumblebees.

Between painting the Punks' rooms and finishing a big illustration project, I've found myself wanting to avoid anything resembling a paintbrush. Instead I've been reading and putting together card sets for the upcoming craft fair. These flowers, though, are making me itch to pick up a pencil again.

The Good News Is SHE Likes It.

2011-10-20T11:32:00.002-04:00

I've been busy painting the Punks' bedrooms this week. They both picked colors very different from their usual choices, so I'l admit to feeling a little trepidation as they scrambled up the stairs after school.

Punkette squealed and jumped up and down and told me she loved it. That's good, because when I look at her room I can't help but think of this...

and this...

and this.

In my head, I've started referring to it as The Grape Room. Honestly, purple is not one of my favorite colors, but I am happy it's not bubblegum pink.

The Punk doesn't squeal much anymore – it wouldn't be cool. (Sigh.) He did smile and tell me it looks good. His room puts me in the mind of this...

... but it's really more this color.

As long as they're happy, I can concentrate on other things ... like why colors make me think of muppets and cartoon characters.

It's Still A Costume!

2011-10-17T21:23:00.001-04:00

I don't know why I argue with them. It's not like I've even been able to coerce them over to my side of the fence.

Oh My Gourd!

2011-10-17T21:21:00.003-04:00

Halfway Through October

2011-10-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

Started Early.

2011-10-12T22:32:00.002-04:00

I'm still going through the slides my parents took when I was a kid. Today we were going through 1975 when we came across these gems. I was four and these are the first ones I've seen of myself drawing.

Not, however, the first picture of my dear twin bugging me.

Long Time No Talk To.

2011-10-11T14:59:00.000-04:00

I'm still in Christmas mode around here. The Christmas Craft Fair is in a little over three weeks and I'm in pretty good shape. I still have some inventory from last year and I'm busy working on new items. This latest repurposed sketchbook page will go with the earlier three to make a set of holiday cards.

Now I'm trying to decide if I should do one more ... maybe a tree? Is a set of eight – two of each illustration – enough or would 10 cards be better? I might have the last year's experience under my belt, but apparently it hasn't alleviated much of my nerves.

I Survived a Mani/Pedi.

2011-10-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

I've never had a pedicure before and the only manicure was right before my wedding. I like to consider myself more of a medium-maintenance kind of gal and I'd rather spend the money friends drop at nail salons in the art store.

If anyone asks, Punkette had fun and that was the whole point, but ... um ... I kind of enjoyed it, too. It was nice, if a bit surreal, to be fussed over.

And aside from taking the occasional breath, the girl never stopped talking! We talked about what's going on in her life, who her friends are, how she likes her teachers and what clothes are cool. She also tried to convince me feathers are the most perfect accessory ever. That I still don't get, but it was entertaining to see how her mind works.

I wonder if next weekend is too soon to schedule another Girls' Day Out?

Surprisingly Quiet.

2011-10-07T22:55:00.001-04:00

Now I know it's the boys that make all the noise.

Noisy Boys!

Time Keeps On Slippin' ...

2011-10-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

I've been holed up in my studio working on versions one, two, three and finally four of an illustration for a good friend of mine. I don't know about you, but I always struggle with projects for people I'm close to. This one was especially difficult because it's very emotional and meaningful to my friend. Luckily, she's as happy with this latest round as I am, so I'm feeling pretty good tonight.

In between the time at my desk, I've been going to birthday parties ... running Punks to school, cross country, gymnastics, girl scouts and PSR ... the usual shopping, laundry, cooking and house cleaning ... cleaning out flower beds ... and last, but not least, getting ready for a job interview tomorrow.

When I get home from that, I'm putting on this shirt and hopefully enjoying a little sunny fall weather.

Here's hoping you see some sun tomorrow, too.

The Fashion Report and Restaurant Review

2011-09-30T22:18:00.000-04:00

If you ask the Punks what they did in school, you invariably get the same answer — boring stuff.

Sometimes they go into a little bit more detail. Did Punkette mention the 100% she got on her reading test or the fact that she spelled appreciation right on her spelling test?

Nope.

Instead I got a four minute dissertation on why her best friend's boots are cool. The gist of which was they have a zipper and a pink plaid lining.

The Punk ran to the car and immediately instructed me to guess what.

Did he get a good grade on his math test or do 100 sit-ups in gym?

Nope.

There is some strange new candy on sale in the snack line at lunch.

I suppose it's all about priorities, huh?

In Progress

2011-09-28T21:25:00.002-04:00

After a day of second guessing myself over an illustration for a friend, I'm done with art. I'll get to the details and color tomorrow.

Seen Around Town

2011-09-28T21:16:00.002-04:00

Blue

2011-09-26T21:39:00.001-04:00

It's Not A Fungus

2011-09-26T08:17:00.002-04:00

There's a post title you don't see every day, but it seemed appropriate when I looked at this drawing again. I was trying to show the shadow between my toes, but instead I made them look hairy. In addition to not being fungus, it's also not hair.

Darn it.

I was going to write a little blurb about the Punk, but he told me I couldn't post it on my blog. OR put it in my sketchbook. OR tell anyone about it.

Darn it again.

Buried Treasure

2011-09-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

I don't remember what I was looking for in the closet yesterday. I was interrupted in my search when I discovered my watercolor palette from college! As much as I enjoy using watercolors now, I hated the class in college. It was a new medium for me and I found it extremely frustrating. So when the class ended, I taped the palette up and packed it away.

I don't know what the expiration date is on watercolors, but 18 years later most of these paints are still wonderful. A couple spritzes of water and I was able to slop paint around on these leaves.

I recently purchased a book – Water Paper Paint by Heather Smith Jones. I've worked out my own methods for using watercolors, but I thought it might be fun to explore different techniques now that I've mellowed.

Slightly.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Ahh, Autumn ...

2011-09-24T10:32:00.000-04:00

... How I love thee. Let me count the ways.

jewel-toned leaves blowing in the breeze
sweatshirts, sweaters and fuzzy socks
carmel apples, apple crisp and apple cider
pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns
mums in bloom
chili and corn bread
punks jumping in leaf piles
halloween
snuggling under an afghan
football season (aka guaranteed naps on sunday afternoons)

Is It Just Me ...

2011-09-23T14:34:00.002-04:00

... or does he have a "deer in the headlights" look about him?

Some Days Are Better Than Others.

2011-09-23T12:26:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, I get the impression today's going to be one of the others.

Especially since the trip to the apple orchard is cancelled due to rain so the whole boot fiasco is moot anyway.

Figures.

Rock With Me.

2011-09-22T01:18:00.002-04:00

What? I thought it was a funny title.

Of course, it's 1:15ish in the morning. Right now I would probably find just about anything funny.

14 years ...

2011-09-20T21:48:00.001-04:00

... and counting.

And Now ... The Rest of the Story.

2011-09-20T16:52:00.001-04:00

You're looking at nearly five years worth of completed sketchbooks. It's no wonder I'm familiar with the paper and quickly realized it had changed. After emailing the manufacturer, Global Arts Materials, I received samples of the other products they make specifically for use with wet media. I've been working with them for several weeks now and I'd like to share my thoughts.

Handmade Watercolor Book

This 8x8 inch book has a natural hand painted leatherette paper cover.

The 48 handmade pages are archival quality, acid free, 140lb and made of

100% cotton fiber.

Unfortunately, the paper has a very bumpy, rough texture that makes it difficult to draw on. My lines get wonky as my pen skips and bounces along the paper.

I haven't gotten past my initial reaction – it's beautiful – too beautiful to mess up with my drawings of everyday objects and ramblings about the Punks. And that was before I checked to see how much one of these beauties go for. Let's just say I tend to gravitate towards more affordable art supplies.

Trav•e•logue Series of Watercolor Sketchbooks

The books are bound in natural linen with 60 pages of acid free, 95lb cold press watercolor paper. There is a larger format portrait book and two smaller sizes in the landscape format.

The long format might be perfect for landscapes, but it's awkward for the kind of work I do. The larger book is the portrait format I like, but it's 8.5x11 inches and that makes it difficult to carry with me all the time.

As for the paper, I'm getting accustomed to it. I've found I have an easier time getting the results I want with traditional watercolor brushes instead of the Niji Waterbrushes I usually favor. The paper doesn't seem to absorb as much water or dry as quickly, so the waterbrushes tend to muddy up the color.

Hand•Book Journal Sketch Series

The cloth bound book has 128 pages of buff colored acid free, 90lb drawing paper. These are available in square, landscape and portrait formats in medium and pocket sizes.

I'm finding that one side of the paper is smooth and the other has a light, toothy surface. That means I get spreads with three different combinations of paper — both smooth, both textured or one of each. The smooth side doesn't accept watercolor well at all, but the textured side is almost as good as the original paper. The colors don't seem as saturated, but then the paper can't handle as much water and paint as I used to apply without buckling.

So what does all of this mean?

Honestly, the Handmade Watercolor Books intimidate me. I'm afraid to use it when I think of how much it costs, not to mention that I found the paper difficult to draw on.

I like the paper in the watercolor Trav•e•logue Series Watercolor Journals and have enjoyed experimenting in it. If there was no alternative, I'd get used to the 8x5 inch landscape format or buy a bigger purse to carry the larger 8.5 x 11 inch portrait size.

The new paper in the Hand•Book Journals Sketch Series performs the most like the old paper that I fell in love with. It's also the most affordable of the three books. After all the drama of finding an alternative, I'll be sticking with these for my sketchbooks — just remembering to work with the textural differences in each side of the paper.

My Advice ...

If you're looking for a sketchbook for yourself, try as many different sizes, formats and paper types as possible. Cheap Joe's offers sample packs of watercolor paper so you can try different brands and finishes (rough, hot press, cold press) without making a large investment.

Hope some of this helps you in your search.

Rainy Monday.

2011-09-19T21:28:00.002-04:00

Kind of reminded me of the day before our wedding 14 years ago.

Hopefully the water won't come pouring in the kitchen tonight.

Ah, the memories.

Summer ... Good To The Last Drop.

2011-09-18T21:29:00.000-04:00

Mmmmm ... Cheesecake.

2011-09-17T19:56:00.002-04:00

Busy saturday so hopefully tomorrow will be more relaxing.

Not Bad ...

2011-09-16T20:03:00.001-04:00

... for someone who's not fond of sewing.

In fact, I'm fairly impressed I figured out how to sew the cord to hang them on the inside. Like Popcorn Santa, these are just prototypes and I'm learning as I go.

I picked up a couple other fabrics to try printing on — I think the texture of the canvas is too bumpy.

For the shaped one, I need to cut out the shape first. Someone who can't sew shouldn't attempt to do it freehand. It just doesn't work out well.

Finally, I probably shouldn't start a project like this an hour before I need to pick up the Punks. Rushing doesn't help a non-sewer sew better.

There's a reason why it's calleda HOT glue gun.

2011-09-16T19:10:00.002-04:00

I had yet another hot glue gun incident, but otherwise I think this Popcorn Santa prototype turned out better than expected.

I have a couple of details to figure out before I try again, such as how do I get the hair on without burning my fingers on the glue. Also, I need to find a bigger hat or determine how attach it without ripping it. And a way to hang it other than holding it myself would be good, too.

Another Then and Now.

2011-09-16T07:25:00.000-04:00

I had to raid the archives to find the Red Nosed Deer Dude. I could remember drawing him, but I didn't realize it was four years ago! The good news is I started scanning my sketchbook pages in April of 2007. Instead of flipping through books, I only had to scroll through the December scans in each year.

If I survive helping at pictures today, I'll be back to work on this guy later.

My Mom Got Off SO EASY!

2011-09-15T22:41:00.002-04:00

I know there were times I stressed about school pictures. In particular, speaking of curlers, I remember the year I got my first perm. (Excuse me while I flashback and shudder in horror!) Still, most of the time I was and still am the kind of person whose wardrobe choices are determined by what's on top in the drawer.

I'm pretty sure my daughter gave herself an upset stomach worrying about what she should wear for pictures tomorrow. I'm helping out, so I've already been instructed to bring a brush just in case I need to fix her hair. (Yes, I'm currently rolling my eyes and cringing.)

Go Ahead ... You Can Say, "Well Duh!"

2011-09-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

I've been experimenting with the toys that came in the big box.

I used this paper ...

... and these brushes to paint ...

... this floral illustration.

Did you know if you use better quality brushes, you get amazing results? Now's the part where you all say, "Well Duh!"

I've never actually purchased good brushes for myself. I started out with student grade and by the time I could afford to buy better quality supplies, I had two Punks and cheaper options seemed the smarter way to go.

Anyway, I like the Fluid Watercolor Block. The ink went on very smoothly — sometimes paper with a bit of texture makes the pen skip and this didn't. It stood up well to my heavy-handed methods as I lost count of the coats of watercolor I applied to get that deep, dark green. On top of that, it's reasonably priced and I just saw it at the local art store, so I'll be getting more.

I'll share my experiences with a couple of the other products tomorrow.