Michaela and Kirby

Tonight I return to my old friend graphite, to capture this moment forever.  Our newest grandbaby, Kirby, was born last night to Michaela and Cooper.  It is very special to share the birth of a grandchild with my daughters.  This is the second birth I've shared with Michaela, and everything about it will forever be engraved in my mind.  Life is so fragile, and such strength is required to bring that life into the world, it is truly a miracle.  I found myself reliving my own experiences in the moment, knowing exactly what she was going through, and so proud of her strength, control and focus.  The pain fades away, soon replaced by the joy brought to us by little Kirby, and this sweet moment will live on forever. It feels good to return to my first beloved medium at such a time.  Painting number 4313 in 4313 days. 

Sweet Kitty

Oh, I love drawing a sweet kitty face after such a busy day!  I've been making and writing cards for hours, so unwinding with a little drawing is so relaxing!  Graphite is my first art love, the first thing my little hands picked up from a child's desk my Grandma Frank had loaded with supplies at a north window in her kitchen.  I remember the color of the light, the smell of the old pencils when I sharpened them, and the way their marks spread across a paper.  I remember the tactile feel of the lead on that thick, yellowed paper.  That desk was tiny and I wasn't in school yet, and those memories are embedded in my soul. I even remember a black and red diamond checkered box that all the writing supplies and antique child's scissors were kept in, inside the desk.  I haven't thought of these things for years, but drawing takes me right back to that joyful time.  Painting number 2901 in 2901 days. 

In the Boat

This commission piece has been a difficult one. Working from an old dark 4x6 photograph, it was hard for me to see any detail on the tiny faces.  So, I approached those areas as masses of light and dark.  Adding more of the boat and water at the bottom edge, aided the composition in bringing the focus up a little.  I've used my water soluble 8B graphite for most of the work, but have also used a mechanical pencil and a dark black ink pencil, too.  I seldom use a mechanical pencil, but felt I had to just to define the woman's face.  Additionally, I graphed this one out due to the small size of both reference and finished portrait size.  This is about as small as I'll work with graphite on portraits.  Larger is definitely easier to attain a good likeness.  So, I'm letting this one rest to look with fresh eyes in the morning!  Painting number 2745 in 2745 days.

Mother and Child

I love the feel of graphite pencils in my hand.  The smell of them takes me back to my childhood and the sheer joy of mark making.  The tactile way they glide over the surface of my paper, meeting resistance with the vellum texture of my Bristol board.  With stumps I blend my masses now, where once I used little fingers for this job.  I have quite a selection of pencils and tools, but I only use the 8B.  I love the softness, and rarely choose another.  The pink eraser from childhood is still my favorite, those other fancy ones are just not for me.  I really love spending time with my old friend graphite, especially when a mother's love is my subject!  Painting number 2719 in 2719 days.

First Mate

I love the sound of graphite skimming over paper.  The soft way it glides over the surface with just enough resistance to leave a mark, is so natural, it is a part of me.  I can almost do it with my eyes closed, the very act of drawing is so ingrained.  I'm very particular about my drawing tools.  For graphite, I only like the 8b, water soluble, by Derwent. I have all the various sizes and kinds of pencils, but this is the only one I use except for the rare mechanical pencil.  I only like a pink eraser, though I have many other fancy ones, the 50 cent one is my favorite by far.  I've tried many papers over the years, but for drawing in graphite, I only use vellum bristol board.  I love the torn edges of my handmade papers, so I very carefully applied that edge to the bristol.  A little more trouble, but SO worth it!  My pressed paper blending stubs are also pictured, a must have!  No touching the paper with fingers!  It will not accept the graphite correctly if you do.  This tiny bag of drawing tools has been many places with me, and is like an old friend.  Painting number 2037 in 2037 days.

sold

Atalanta and Meleager study

Today was Art Mob day at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  I LOVE that place!  It is so unbelievably inspiring to walk the halls, surrounded by masterpieces.  This very moving sculpture of Atalanta and Meleager grabbed me right at the start.  They have these little folding stools in every wing, which you can set up wherever you want.  This allowed me to get the best vantage, and I started sketching.  This is a wonderful way to study figures!  Only pencils are allowed in the museum, so this is my medium today.  I think I need to do this over in paint!  Drawing number 1330 in 1330 days, and then a delicious lunch was enjoyed by all in Rozelle Court :)

A Father's Love

A Father's Love
graphite on bristol, 11x14
sold

This drawing has been a labor of love.  Tyler is our second child, our first son, and this little darling is the first Dickerson grandson.  Little Nolan has had a challenging start in this world, and I have drawn this from a photo taken in the NICU at Children's Mercy in Kansas City.  So many hours we spent here, with the turmoil of the unknown around us, and the very real joy of a new little life filling our hearts to the brim.  Life is sweet, and these special moments are to be cherished and clung to.  Every day is special, and each child is a gift.  I pray that we have a lifetime to shower little Nolan with love.  Drawing number 1292 in 1292 days.

Saundra and Grandbaby

Saundra and Grandbaby
Graphite on bristol, 11x14
sold

Some pieces of artwork are sheer joy to complete, and this is one of those pieces.  During the very hectic holiday rush, picking up my pencils is like escaping from reality.  Deadlines loom, family heads my way, and the graphites are there to offer sweet release from real life.  Drawing this for a very special friend, it made the joy all the sweeter.  The love between grandmother and baby is so special, and with wisdom comes the knowledge of how short this time truly is.  It was a little tricky to get this drawing finished and delivered - without Saundra's knowledge!  But, the stars were aligned, and all worked out perfectly!  Using my favorite 8B watersoluable graphite, all is sketched, and filled in with just this one pencil.  Being watersoluable, I can take a gently wet brush and darken the areas I want. Once this is done, it is very hard to erase, so one must make sure you use this tool sparingly and with a steady hand.  Pressed paper tortillions are the finishing touch for smooth blending of all skin areas.  This drawing makes 756 in as many days, and Day 25 of the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Sweet Baby

Sweet Baby
Graphite on bristol, 14x11
sold

This time of year finds me very busy finishing up those projects for everyone else!  I think my favorite subject matter for graphite is babies - or mother/father/grandparent with babies!  Their skin is so soft - and beautifully rendered with the graphite on the vellum surface of the bristol.  To work in this very traditional medium is a joy indeed! I start with an overall light line drawing, and then move right to the eyes.  I will finish them completely before touching another feature - and I will work out from there.  The hair and clothing come last, as the real importance lies in the lifelike portrayal of the face.  Artwork number 713 in 713 days.

The Sax

The Sax
Graphite on bristol, 11x14
purchase here

Well, this is really getting back to my roots!  This traditional drawing in graphite is in the very exact style that comes so natural to me.  With all of the highlights and shadows on the shiny brass - there is an abundance of detail work on this instrument!  I love music of all kinds, playing the piano from early grade school on.  My children have all played something - guitar, clarinets, electric guitar, violin, and I have probably left something out!  Drawing and painting musical instruments is also very appealing to me.  It is the very act of looking so closely to an object, then transferring that to paper or panel.  This is completely done with the softest of pencils - the 8B, which is also water-soluable.  This piece makes 711 in 711 days!

Sleeping Kitten

Sleeping Kitten
Graphite on bristol, 6.5x10
purchase here

Yesterday,  I mentioned how I thought smooth bristol paper was not worthy of graphite - or medium I have yet found.  Today, I found myself out of bristol vellum - and I had to use the smooth finish bristol.  Well, it worked out all right.  I like the texture of the vellum, as it lends a bit of tooth and interest to the paper itself.  There is no texture to the smooth, so the strokes carry the weight of all interest.  While the vellum is my favorite still, this smooth bristol will do in a pinch.  I have used three pencils on this rendering - 8B watersoluable, mechanical, and Derwent black inktense pencil (also watersoluable).  Most of the work is done with my trusty 8B - which is super soft for those of you who don't know this.  I pull out the mechanical when I want superfine lines - like the whiskers or fine hair detail.  The mechanical pencil is harder, and therefore grayer in shade.  The black inktense pencil is a special jewel which I bring out only where I want the blackest black.  I can deepen that black with a damp brush, but this is an ink pencil, so once it is dampened, it becomes ink that can not be removed.  As with all drawing, I reserve the whites, only using a pink eraser sparingly - if at all.  Once finished, I squint to make sure the masses all make sense, and the flow of the work is harmonious.  It is so easy to get caught up in the lines and lose track of the big picture.  This kitten piece is my 696th in 696 days.

Little Captain

Little Captain
Graphite on bristol, 6x9

I have drawn on many types of paper, but I keep returning to bristol in a vellum finish.  I don't like the smooth bristol at all - I simply will not use it for graphite, and I haven't found a medium I would use on it - yet.  The vellum texture grabs the graphite in a special, predictable way that I love.  My favorite pencils are 8B watersoluables.  I first draw in the shading and color as with normal pencils.  The paper stubs in various sizes are a "must have" for blending and giving the shading that life-like appearance.  Next, to the very darkest areas, I can pull a damp brush across - and the color gets darker.  This is the magic of the watersoluable graphites!  I apply this water very lightly, as this is not watercolor paper, and too much water will cause the paper to buckle in an unattractive way.  Once water has been added, the marks will no longer be easy to remove, if required.  So, be sure there will be no lifting before taking a brush to it.  I   My subject du jour is our youngest cat, Captain.  He gets a lot of extra attention, and is spoiled shamelessly by my daughter!  This little darling is my 695th artwork in 695 days.  It feels good to be in the graphites again :)

Charlie in Graphite

Charlie in Graphite
Graphite on bristol, 9x6
purchase here

Graphite and paper are, perhaps, my first artistic love.  I remember picking out pencils from a small cardboard box on the little child's desk at my grandma's house.  It was right beside the large antique white stove in the kitchen, looking out of one of the windows.  There was always a Big Chief pad of paper inside that desk - waiting for me to create my childish masterpieces.  Grandma loved everything I drew, from little "Snoopy" cartoons to the old barn in the side yard.  When I pick up a pencil, it is as if my mind disengages, and the drawing materializes without thought.  I love the very act of drawing, it is so personal, so intimate......like my very soul is pouring out onto the paper.  Reveling in my roots today, this is artwork number 694 in as many days.

Indian Maiden at Lover's Leap

Indian Maiden at Lover's Leap
Graphite on bristol, 11x14

Plague in Hannibal, Missouri

Today's work is a tribute to the legend of the star-crossed indian lovers at Lover's Leap in Hannibal, Missouri.  This one is drawn in graphite on bristol. When I was doing so much graphite work while my dad was in the hospital, I had chosen my very favorite tools - putting them all in a narrow little zip-up bag I could keep in a tote with my bristol pad.  Having my supplies with me, I could then work whenever the opportunity presented itself.  Well, I have since unloaded that tote, and I can not find my little bag of supplies!  While it is true, I have many supplies......I totally miss my favs!  One thing I must replace is a black inktense watersoluable pencil for those absolutely black details that simply can't be attained with only graphite.  And, there is nothing like well-worn tortillions already loaded with gaphite for that great shading.  I know they will turn up somewhere......I probably unpacked and repacked that tote for a school field trip, laying the bag aside in a remote place!  This piece makes 451 in as many days.....now on to the next with only a little time before the kids come home!

Joy

Joy
Graphite on bristol, 8x10

Just a quick post for tonight - as I am ready to drop!  Such a busy few days with the engineering expo at KU and the robotics tournament today - with a basketball game thrown in for good measure!  Michaela's team won an award for excellence and will be headed to California for the World Competition, in addition to winning 2 silver medals at the KU Expo.  Michael had a fabulous game with many buckets and so many rebounds that we lost count at 20 in the second quarter.  His robotics team also made it to the semi-finals - and it was their first time at a tournament!  Big weekend for our household.  This little darling is drawn in a sepia graphite on bristol - my favorite paper for drawing.  This is a good study for blending out soft baby skin and the shadow detail of the hands.  I used a wonderful water soluable tinted graphite for this one.  I have a set of 24 different tints, each one lending a specific tone and mood to a drawing.  With just a bit of water on a brush, the darks can be deepened for that extra pop.  This is artwork number 418 in as many days.

Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes
Graphite on bristol, 12x9

Today, I am counting my blessings.  Dad is making baby steps in the right direction - more lucid today, and he has been moved out of ICU and into the step down unit.  I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  My dad is SO good at beating the odds - I just hope that will always be the case!  This drawing is high key - lots of light with just a bit of dark to delineate the face.  What shows more promise for the future than the bright eyes of a babe?  This is the 417th artwork in as many days :)

In Your Arms

In Your Arms
Graphite on bristol, 4x6

This has been a super long day, so tonight's post will be short and sweet.  Here is a small rendering of arms tangled in a hug.  A great subject to study for hand work, I again get into the graphite tonight.  The vellum texture of the bristol can easily be seen in the darkly shaded areas.  Today finds my dad the same as yesterday, and at least he's not backsliding.  The confusion continues, which is truly the hardest part of it all.  It is very hard to see such a brilliant man in such confusion.  This has all cleared before, and I am praying for healing with each coming day.  This is artwork number 416 in as many days.

Exploring Fingers

Exploring Fingers
Graphite on Bristol, 9x12

Picking up my pencils again is like returning to an old friend.  Each stroke soothing and comforting.  Smudging out the skin tones, and using the rolled tortillions to blend, acts like a balm to my spirit.  I can remember the small cardboard box of old wooden pencils waiting for me at my Grandma'a house.  Sitting at a child's desk in the kitchen by a north facing window, the space seemed set up just for me.  I never failed to sift through the little box, choosing my tools carefully.  Inside the desk, there was always paper and a Big Chief tablet at my disposal.  It didn't matter what I drew, Grandma loved it all!  I still remember the absolute joy I felt whenever I created.  When I pick up a pencil now, all those memories return.  Even the smell of the old paper and the wood from the pencils.  This is a good place to go for a little art therapy.  I can control my pencils when I cannot control the circumstances around me.  Today was not so good for my dad, he has been confused the whole day.  Still in the ICU, I am praying for improvement with the coming day.  This makes artwork number 415 in as many days.

Michaela and her Guitar

Michaela and her Guitar
Graphite on bristol, 9x12

Just a quick post for today, as I am headed out for the annual "Shroedderfest" celebration in minutes!  This is a more classic rendering of one of my favorite photos of my youngest daughter, playing her guitar, with one of my favorite mediums - graphite!  This is artwork number 288 in as many days :)

The Walking Stick

The Walking Stick
Graphite on bristol, 9x11

Michael was walking along a deserted stretch of Lake Eerie, where the once beautiful Maggie Marsh wildlife sanctuary is in Ohio. With limited funds, the park is now just a shadow of it's former self.  The last time we visited, it was full of visitors and people enjoying the beach and boardwalks. This more rustic, untouched area held it's own charm - more natural.  I was able to snap a photo and have kept it in mind for drawing or painting one day.  So, today I draw as Dad rests comfortably.  This is the 273rd artwork in 273 days.  I do wish I'd brought my paints.  The leaves are starting to change, and graphite simply does not do justice to the colors of fall!