Last bird posting

I finished off my Buildings sketchbook and Nesting sketchbook. That leaves only one unfinished general sketchbook for the year. This is the last bird in my Nesting sketchbook.

Duck

Rather colorless duck. I sketched him in pencil first then add gray watercolor for shading and dull plumage. Not exciting but an exercise in value.

Sunbathing

My old gray goose sunbathing on a rock shelf by the pond. This is in my Nesting sketchbook. Only 3 more spread to finish it off. Not sure I will make my self imposed deadline. I caught a cold and have had very little energy.

Review of 2016 Goals

Here are the Goals I set for this past year.

1.     Fills my Walls Journal, maybe using wall graffiti  for spiritual quotes. I didn't touch this journal.

2.     Bind more sketchbooks using the paper that is already torn and binding repurpose $1 library books. I was able to bind 4 books from this paper.

3.     Paint in acrylics & watercolour. In the past I have felt that I should specialize in one medium, mainly at the advise and urging of others. But that really isn't who I am. I get bored and some subject cry out to painted in a certain medium. I painted watercolour, acrylic, and oriental brush paintings.

4.     Revisit Roz’s drawing practice workshop (ie. continue sketching every day). Never got around to doing this but I did sketch alot.

5.     Continue doing oriental brush paintings. This I did do.

6.     Try plein air painting. I only went out once but hope to go out regularly in 2017.

7.     Get more active in LSC and LRA, shows, paint outs, workshops. I was only active in the LCS and rejoined for the coming year.

8.     Continuing working on lettering skills to add to my sketchbooks and maybe make some greeting cards. This I did do.

9.     Log my art hours with categories for creating, medium, exhibiting, club work, reading/research, play. I started this but didn't continue.

10.  Adding a spiritual component to my sketchbooks. I didn't do this in my sketchbooks but did do it in my planner.

11.  Painting from life using my still life set up. This I did do.

12.  Blog This I did do.

13.  Try Gelli printing. This I did do. And had a fun time.

14.  Experiment with different acrylics (soft body, high flow etc).This I did do some and discovered I really prefer heavy body acrylics.

15.  Set up a blog just for IFJM or one that is dedicated to just play and experimentation. It would provide a safe place free from the judgment, comments and criticism from those familiar with my “serious” art. This I did do.

Duck, Goose, Turtles

More from my Hill Top Inn photos to fill my "Nesting" sketchbook.

Yes, it's the old gray goose again

I have really enjoyed sketching from the photos I took at the Hill Top Inn in the fall. I think it may be because I really connected with these guys. They weren't just photos but I was there long enough for them to share their personalities with me.

Waiter

This is in my buildings sketchbook that I am trying to fill before the end of the year. Granted this isn't about a building but the waiter is in a building. I really enjoy working with these gray markers. Sorry you can't read my notes on the left but the spiral binding didn't allow me to get the whole book on the scanner.

One Year Blog Anniversary

Exactly one year ago today I started this blog. This isn't my first blog. I had one for several years but decided to stop and take it down. I felt I was spending too much time posting when I should have been painting and sketching. Of course that wasn't true. I can always find time to do what I really want to do. 

No painting or sketching today. I spent the day cleaning and cooking then enjoying company.

Three Little Birds

Another page closer to filling this sketchbook, "Nesting".

Bluebird

My last "framed" posting. This is the first frame I created over a month ago and just got around to filling it. We have lots of Eastern Bluebird around out house.

Poppies and a blue jay

Thanksgiving and preparations for Christmas have taken most of my time, leaving little for art. But I have started playing with frames. I like the way Leslie Fehling uses frames in her sketches so I decided to copy some of her designs and place my own sketches inside. First my frames are too large for the interior sketches. Also I prefer my simple line or no frame on my sketches. Yet I still like and admire Leslie's work. I have made 4 frames and filled two. Will try to fill the remaining two but don't think this is a style I will incorporate into my sketchbook. It just isn't me.