Sleeping Nolan

This little darling reminds me so much of his daddy!  Tonight, pen and ink are my medium on this handmade cotton paper.  I'm using one of my favorite pens, loaded with cosmic black, which is wonderful to manipulate with pen or brush.  A little water moves the ink, I just need to be careful.  Ink is permanent, so there can be no false marks.  If I'm in doubt, I lay down very light marks until I'm sure of my footing.  This is only my second ink portrait, so in exploring with the marks, perhaps a little looser on this one.  I'm thinking of dropping some lines completely.  There's something to be said for drawing only what is important.  I'll keep playing until I find my way!  Painting number 1836 in 1836 days.

Impressions of Nolan

I spent some time cooing over Nolan last night, and today he is on my mind.  His big, blue eyes seem to grow larger every day!  His cheeks and thighs are filling out - and are so squeezable now, I can hardly resist them!  Working from photos I took yesterday, I am using my acrylics and short, impressionistic strokes on this one. Using a dry brush technique, I only go to the water to wash my brush.  No thinning of the heavy body paints, and no mediums.  I am using a Zorn limited palette, and keeping the paint fresh on my small stay wet palette.  I've not used the acrylics for a while, so I am getting reacquainted with my old friend tonight, and of course it is taking a little longer than it should.  It is all about the process, after all.  Am I finished?  I'm not sure, but I'm letting this one rest for now.  Painting number 1315 in 1315 days.

Impressions of Nolan
Acrylic on masonite, 6x6
sold

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.