BACK TO DOWNSTAIRS THINGS

Procrastination...what evil you are! I have been avoiding a linocut that I started a number of week ago, but finally put in back on my work bench so I couldn't ignore it. Pulled the second run over the weekend and now only need to complete the dark detail run. I feel so productive!!

Also pulled a proof from a copper etching I work on when I need to just draw on something.

LOOSE STYLE

I still don't get it. I marvel at artist who can sit down and, in just a short time, create a beautiful watercolor painting. Trevor Lingard is another internet find that has that kind of talent. A visit to his webpage will show some of his wonderful paintings plus four demos that make it seem so easy.

http://www.trevorlingart.co.uk/

DISCOVERING OTHER ARTISTS

My little Blog continues to provide me with access to interesting and talented people all over the planet. It really helps me get outside of my small world of Big Bear Lake and exposes me to other art and thoughts. Yesterday I found a comment on my blog from a man in Baltimore, Maryland and I followed it up with a visit to his website. Wm 'Bill' Cook is new to blogging but I think he found his niche. Not only is his art enjoyable...he also has a story teller's way of putting his thoughts out in cyberspace. Well worth a visit or two!
http://wmcookfineart.blogspot.com/

WHERE WILL THIS END UP

Well....here I go again. I'm going to launch another attempt at a watercolor. I'm going to start out with a positive mind set, but other attempts have not ended well! Every adventure begins with the first step. Try not to fall on your butt John.

A FEW MORE FROM 2010

2010

Last night I was sorting and cleaning things in my studio and realized that I did a lot of different art projects last year. I'm not sure what was good or bad in other's eyes, but I found a few that I was happy with.

Funny how my grandson pops up a lot in my favorites!

YELLOW BIKE FINISHED

I finished the new pastel painting/drawing last night. Working on the yellow pastel paper sure helps make this a brighter piece. I've enjoyed doing the pastel drawings but i really need to challenge myself again. Need to finish the linos I have in process and really want to make another watercolor attempt.

WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING

...and another website featuring a good section on woodblock printmaking. Information on the history of the art both in China and Europe and then information on the techniques including types of wood, steps involved and design. There are links to other types of printmaking such as intaglio and screen printing in the index.

http://www.druckstelle.info/en/holzschnitt.aspx

On a different note, I am working on one more pastel before I get back to the Linocut I started. This one on yellow Canson paper so, hopefully, a little brighter than my last attempt.

GRAY PASTEL

Just as expected, the gray Canson paper has made this a very dark pastel painting. I may spend a little more time with it to see if I can bring a bit of brightness in.

TRY, TRY AGAIN

Starting a new monoprint was very tempting. I never have any preconceived idea of how they will look when pulled from the press. Though tempting, I'm going to try another pastel painting instead. Keeping this attempt small (4X14) on a piece of gray Canson paper. The gray will probably mute the painting, but it's from a photograph of a gray day in the Bay area, so should work.

DIDN'T MAKE THE FINAL CUT

This seems to be happening a lot lately. Started a pastel, worked on it a few nights, and then just grew tired of it. I had something pictured in my mind but the actual drawing wasn't even close! Need to do another monoprint to free up my brain. No expectations with monoprints!!

PASTEL BECAUSE I CAN

I've been working on a new watercolor which, as usual, isn't going very well. As a backup, I'm also working on a new pastel. So much easier to correct when I screw up!

FINDING FRIENDS

Again I have found a great benefit to my blogging. I find people that have similar interests! Yesterday I had a new follower to my blog and when I checked out his website, I was excited with what I found. Tito Rho is an artist in Italy who works mostly with my nemesis, watercolor. I haven't had time to look at his site as much as I want to, but like what I've seen so far.

http://bluoltremare.blogspot.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Spent a completely lazy day yesterday. Only taking down holiday decorations was productive. Watched football, a bit of time with a new pastel and food...how decadent!