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.

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!

Cat and Lollipop

Dad has come home from the hospital today - and we are all so relieved!   Mom is out running errands,  so I am sitting with dad as he sleeps.  The Internet is out, possibly due to a failing router, so I am posting entirely from my phone.   This crazy cat is our little "Wesson".  We had a piñata for little Alastair's birthday,  and once open, Wesson grabbed one of the lollipops.   He then proceeded to pull the paper off and lick it!  I think he is more human than cat!  He also likes to jump on the shoulders and head of everyone,  paws repeatedly at the eyes of sleepers, and generally causes mayhem wherever he goes!   I never know what he will do next!   This is artwork number 272 in as many days.  This piece is graphite on bristol and measures 8x10. With all this peace and quiet,  I may just start on tomorrow's piece :)

Horses at Play

Horses at Play
Graphite on Bristol, 10x8

Today has been a MUCH better day while at the bedside of my father, in the hospital.  The pronounced improvement in Dad's health has us all letting out a sigh of relief.  These two arabians were in the front pasture nuzzling when I was able to take this photo.  Drawing with graphite is so therapeutic to me.  I can just sit and relax, letting the pencils do all the work - while my mind wanders.  It is so natural, that I don't even think about what I am doing, I simply do it.  This is artwork number 271 in 271 days.

Picking Pumpkins

Picking Pumpkins
Graphite on bristol, 8x9

Today, as I wait in my dad's hospital room, I have my paper and a few graphite tools in my lap.  I brought a few printed photos to work from, in case I had the time or inclination to get to it.  Many artists work well under duress, but that has never been me.  After driving all night, arriving at 3:30am, I only slept a couple hours.  As I began to struggle to keep my eyes open, I pulled out my paper and started to work.  The process helped to revive me.  I was more alert, and could easily visit with my mom and staff - all the while, accomplishing something.  I really didn't feel like drawing when I started, but the process became soothing.  I didn't bring my paints with me on this trip - the hospital frowns on such things in the rooms, and I don't expect to have any daylight hours to spend outdoors.   So, I will be drawing for the next few days.  This is my 270th artwork in as many days, and Day 30 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge - the final day :)

Falling Asleep - in progress

Falling Asleep
Graphite & ink on bristol, 14x18

I started this today for an upcoming drawing competition.  I found this photo on my son's old ipod - which he gave to me to use.  Instantly, I knew I must draw it!  I want to do this one in oils at a later date, too.  This is my youngest daughter putting little Alastair (my second grandson) to sleep.  I love the peaceful expressions and the natural positions of both.  I still have some work to do on this, but am posting this one for today's work.  The shadows are very dark in my reference photo, and I still have a ways to go on that.  My 8b water-soluable graphite was not getting the job done, so I added a black intense pencil to the mix.  These pencils work well for small dark areas, but are hard to get even in a large shaded area.  So, in just a while, I will add black charcoal in the deepest shaded areas - hoping to bring them to the desired depth.  This is my 265th artwork in as many days, and Day 25 in Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Tenor Sax

Tenor Sax
Graphite on bristol, 12x16

Music has always been a big part of my life.  When I was only in second grade, I started piano lessons.  I continued them for many years, finally able to play many of the classics by Bach, Beethoven, Clementi - my all time favorite, and Mozart.  I loved the music, and loved the way it made me feel to hear the notes rise up from the piano my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother had played.  My husband, oldest son and youngest daughter play classical guitar, all three sons played the clarinet, oldest daughter first played the electric guitar and now plays the violin.  My Aunt Diana can play any instrument, my father played the organ (under duress), and many more relatives with various other instruments.  This sax was a very complicated thing to draw.  Shadows and highlights defined the surfaces - and there are SO many different planes!  This is the 612th artwork in as many days :)

Kitten Perch

Kitten Perch
Colored Pencil on paper, 12x9

This is one of the darling little kittens in the crotch of our Bradford Pear tree!  I almost never use those waxy colored pencils - but here is another drawing done with just that!  I started this with tinted graphite, but the color just wasn't strong enough.  So, switching to the waxy pencils - there is no going back.  The wax would resist the graphites completely.  The bark on this tree was challenging - but I am happy with how it turned out.  I have seen some amazing artwork done solely with colored pencils, so I am willing to keep giving them chances - but I think it is far more time consuming than just stroking on some paint!  This artwork is the 201st one in a row :)

Will

Will
Graphite on bristol, 14x11

Working again with one of my first loves, graphite!  This medium will just do anything I ask of it, stay where I put it, and shade like charcoal never will.  I have little need for any but the 8B, perhaps a little mechanical pencil for eyelash and brow work, but all else is 8B all the way.  I can not get the deep, dark depth I want from anything harder.  I just love intense subject matter, it draws me in every time.  This is artwork number 200 in 200 days!!!  Time for a glass of wine, or two :)

Undiluted Love

Undiluted Love
Graphite on bristol, 12x16
not for sale

What is more sacred than the love for a child?  This drawing is of my oldest daughter with her first child, Alan.  Drawn from photo reference, this was truly a labor of love.  I can feel the warmth of those chubby little arms and the baby softness of those sweet little cheeks as I laid kisses upon them.  It is something one never forgets.  The smell of their skin, the wisp of their hair against the face as they are drawn near, each sweet moment is unforgettable.  When I work on something like this, time just fades away.  I lose track of all things around me, my focus is on the paper alone.  I could simply get lost in the work - and not resurface for days!  Well, I guess the kids would be bothering me for food - eventually.  Why does everyone expect to be fed?  This is my 198th artwork in 198 days.

A Father's Love

A Father's Love
Graphite on bristol, 16x20
sold

Once in a while, I will be given a photo to work from that completely takes my breath away.  This is such a piece.  From the moment I first saw it, I knew this one could really be amazing.  The light was perfect, a single moment in time captured flawlessly, and such a peaceful, tender moment between father and baby!  With graphite portraits, I often work in stages.  Especially with this one, it took time and patience to get all of the angles just right.  At each step, I would set it up on a separate easel (as I am constantly painting on my normal one), and live with it - to see what needed my attention.  Tonight, I will let it rest.  I will look it over in the morning with "fresh eyes" - just to make sure it is finished.  I love this intimate scene.  I have truly loved working on it.  Nothing is as grounding to me as putting pencil to paper.  It is such a true representation of fatherhood.  This is my 153rd artwork in 153 days (although this has been in progress for many days!).  I think this is one of my all time favorites :)

Baby Alan

Baby Alan
Graphite on bristol

Just arrived home from Colorado, getting ready for a workshop in the morning, and doing a little graphite work to unwind.  Working with pencil and paper helps me unwind like no other medium.  I can just let the graphite work it's magic, blending as needed with the paper stumps.  I lay a fresh piece of paper down for my right hand to rest on as I work.  This prevents the oil from my skin from getting onto the paper, changing the way the paper accepts the graphite.  I am almost finished with this one, only a couple of shadows to deepen.  I am also working on another graphite piece, which just may be one of my favorites, yet.  Can't wait to get back to it.  And yes, I have MANY more Colorado paintings to paint in the days to come.  This makes the 127th artwork completed in 127 days.

Precious Bundle

Precious Bundle
Graphite on bristol, 16x20
sold

Graphite on vellum bristol is one of my very favorite mediums.  The first medium I can ever remember using was little old pencils kept in a waxy old cardboard box about the size of a double card deck.  My Grandma Frank had these and a large tablet of Big Chief writing paper - red with a black line drawing of the profile of a chief - majestic with his feather headdress.  There was a small child size desk and chair in the northwest corner of the kitchen, my own personal cubbie for drawing and creating anything I could imagine.  I could look right out of the big window as I worked, listening to the cheerful voices of my mom and grandma talking.  So many happy memories of childhood. With the little art supplies always at the ready, my family was fostering a love of creating for me that has lasted a lifetime.  Life is all about the ties of family and I absolutely love capturing these moments in graphite.  This portrait of mother and baby is my 57th artwork in 57 days (although I have worked on this for several days and have only finished today) :)

Newest Work in Progress

New Work in Progress
Graphite on Bristol

Today I am posting a commission that is in progress.  This is one of my very favorite subjects to draw - mother and baby.  I absolutely love the photo reference - so sweet!  When I start the drawing process, I first sketch out the composition. When I am happy with this, I start with the eyes, followed by noses, and then the lips.  Once I have brought the facial features up to the same level of finish, I move outward from there.  As I work, I will dot back and forth from details, adding depth and shadow while trying to leave the lights.  Here, I have only begun the hair, lightly shading in where needed as a background for the work to follow.  The blanket is hardly begun - there is a lot left to add.  I still have overall polish to do on both faces, and neck - although the fingers are getting close.  I was thinking I would start with a painting today, but maybe I'll get back to work on this - it is calling my name!

New Work - Day 2

New Work - Day 2
Graphite on Bristol

Here, I have started to fill in the shading on the clothing using the side of my graphite lightly.  I will next use a pressed blending tool to smooth out the fabric.  I never touch the paper with my hands.  I lay clean paper over the area I have already worked to ensure that the oils from my hands don't get onto the paper.  If this does happen, it changes the way the paper accepts the graphite - making it very hard to get even coloration.  Though, I started out by smudging with my fingers - I haven't done that now for years.  This way is much cleaner, and the end product is much nicer.