Christmas is over, back to the drawing board

It was lovely, but I'm glad it's over so I can start to look forward to other things, like art and gardening, and some little trips.       For now, it's drawing.       I was checking back thru my database of collected images from all kinds of sources, from books, films, online, family photos, etc.      The first one is a Parisian.     He's long been a favorite of mine.  I cut him out of a book and have used his silhouette in collages and paintings, but most of the time he stands in a little birdhouse on my desk.       Now, I tried to capture his scowl in my drawing journal.       These are all done with #2.5 pencil and a smudge stick.   Plus an eraser.   Thank goodness for erasers.  

Next is a photo I saw for sale on ebay some years ago.       I liked his open expression and who can resist a cowboy with blue eyes?  

 Next are two drawings I did before Christmas.     First is Picasso from a self portrait he did.   

And last, is the 2nd drawing I've done of Gianlorenzo Bernini from his self portrait done in 1635.

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I'll soon be getting out the paints again with the next 30day challenge starting next week.    See you then. 

Christmas eve posting

I just posted some of my december activites and decorations on my family blog.   Here is the link in case you'd like to see my little house decorated for the holiday.   Most of the holiday decor homes I've seen on line are all in white. White walls, white trees, white everywhere.    They make me shiver they look so cold.     My house looks warm.    And cosy, and cluttered, and inviting.  At least it does to me.    Come on over and have a little visit.

Merry Christmas Past

Here is a scan of a Christmas Card my dad sent to his dad from Alaska in 1923. I believe it is printed directly on a piece of thin bark which has been pressed flat.     Maybe my brother can use it in the video he is preparing on Alaska using photos from Dad's time and also from his trip there.      

Pitt Pastel Pencils

Once I had the Pitt pencils out, I decided to do another face.    Giovanni.      Pitt pastel pencils and other colored pencils.     The Pitt's are so chalky I rubbed it with a dry bit of paper towel which blended the colors together more.  Actually doing that muddied the colors, and I don't like the look.      I'll know better next time.

Face with Pitt Pastel Pencil

If I didn't read the label, I would think I was drawing with charcoal.     Here is a quick sketch.

Winter's Child

Here is a quick sketch I did this morning - where the weather today at 11 a.m. is up to a grand 42 degrees.      Lately it's been in low to mid 20s at night and daytimes may reach as high as mid 50s.      California Central Valley is not used to this cold.    Icy railings and steps outside.     Birdbath frozen solid.     Many succulents have taken the cold bite and are drooping and turning to mush.     Geraniums!   Poor things.    I'm glad I have some inside for new starters in the spring.       Even some in my solarium, next to the walls, got frostbitten.      Anyhow, here is the sketch.

No fancy tools for quick sketches.   A number 2 pencil and my sketchbook, followed with colored pencil accents.    

30 paintings in 30 days - starting again in January

Here is the link to Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge.   I'm signing up again.      I must be a glutton for taking on another challenge in January.   This is one of the paintings I did during the last challenge.   

A face that I've been saving

During Project Runway Season 2, I was fascinated by three faces.      The most expressive face was that of Santino Rice.   I wanted to draw him for a long time and finally today I decided to give it a try.   Santino was not my favorite designer that season, but I loved when he emoted on camera, because his facial structure fascinated me.      It's like from another era.    He was the bad boy that season and he was brilliant at it.     I kept rooting for him so he would be there to the end, and fortunatley he was.     He presented a beautiful show at fashion week, although as Heidi pointed out, the clothes looked like he had not tried them on models.  They had been constructed on a dress form, so the fit was not perfect.   But, he had ideas and really delivered despite that.        Here is his face.  These are quick studies I did today.  

Now if I want to see him on TV, I have to watch RuPaul's drag race.  Santino is one of the favorite judges.     

One of these days I'm going to try harder and maybe even paint him.

 

Give a gal a pencil

I  had not drawn anything for several days.   It's been too hectic around here.    And I was starting to get interested in altering a book so that took me astray.        Well, the book can wait another day, I just had to pick up a pencil and do a couple quick studies from pics online.      

The first one is Ingrid.     The second is Serena.    They just look like Ingrid and Serena to me.   

I sure wish I could make eyes look right.   I almost always like the eye on the right side of the drawing, but not the left one.   Maybe I need to get out the eraser too.    LOL