Will You Marry Me?

This was the very first time I participated in an online challenge and sent a picture of my painting in.

Prince Charming

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah

I tried to copy another artist work here. I will try to find the name and update this post.

Style-eye

Take a Load Off

Last week I went to the library to spend a little time looking at art books. I found some great ones that show beautiful examples of drawing the human form. As you might expect, they are drawings of nudes. Now, our library has a rather large reading area with lots of comfortable chairs. It probably seats about 20, spaced out with tables and lamps. I was there, and one other person... about 10 feet away. In comes a nice older gentleman... he grabs a magazine and where do you suppose he sits? Yep... right smack dab next to me! I don't usually mind people in "my bubble" but I did feel a little awkward "studying" nudes with grandpa looking over my shoulder!

I drew this man with pencil, from a photo taken by Karin Jurick. Karin is the creator of an artists' challenge website called, Different Strokes from Different Folks. Every couple of weeks, she posts a photograph and challenges "folks" to paint or draw from it. The idea is to motivate you to try new things. The artists send their drawings or paintings by email to Karin and she posts them. It is absolutely amazing to see all the ways one picture is interpreted. To see the refernce photo and everyone's submissions, click here: Different Strokes

Who Remembers Commander Mark?

Back in the 80's, PBS carried a show called, "The Secret City," hosted by a fabulously energetic, and extremely gifted artist/art teacher, Mark Kistler. He was Commander Mark!! He drew these great, whimsical, alien cities while he taught the basics of drawing. Lucky for me, I had two little boys that liked watching "Secret City." Now, fast forward with me, and here I am, ready to draw and paint. I've dusted off an art journal/sketchbook that I bought in 2000 (and only used a dozen pages). Also collecting dust on the shelf is a drawing book by Mark Kistler from 1988. It's called, Draw Squad, and it's 30 drawing lessons... just like the ones from "Secret City."

Here's my Lesson One...

Let the fun begin!

I thought I would invite "Mahi" and "Bankie" to help me with my art bloggity debut. They symbolize a new adventure for me. I've given myself "permission" to take the time to paint, to make art, to learn as I go, and most importantly, to thoroughly enjoy the process. I found some great fish pictures on the Florida Fish and Wildlife website and decided to try painting a few. Fun, fun, fun!

I'm looking for, asking for, lots and lots of critiquing. All tips, hints, pointers, tricks, etc. are welcome!