Art "To Do" List

Today I allowed 3 hours for my art time because I had a list of things I wanted to work on:

1. Touch up flamingo card
2. Work on sea turtle design
3. Do right-brain exercises
4. Work on Dad picture

Because I am working without a class or an instructor, I am trying to give myself a little structure and direction.  Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a book suggested by a friend.  I found it at the library, and I am using its exercises.   My first exercise was to do 3 drawings: a self-portrait using a mirror, a portrait of someone from memory, and a drawing of my hand.

I am also working on a series of Florida designs--sea turtle, fish, alligator, and conch--for my brother's wine-amals business.  He makes holders for winebottles and wine glasses in the shape of animals to sell in tourist traps.

Beginnings and Endings

Last Friday I worked on my watercolor notecards and today I finished them.  I plan to make color copies of the ones I like to use on other types of cards as well.  The good thing about doing these cards is that I am learning to work quickly and to be more minimalist.  I did not have time to write in my Art Journal last week as we were heading out of town for the fourth weekend in a row.

Today I started working on a sketch of my father based on a photo taken in 1962.  He would have been 43 at the time.  He is sitting on the dock at his camp in the sun, looking very relaxed.  I hope to make a water color painting of this sketch one day. This is my first attempt at painting a person.

My other beginning is designing some Florida critters for my brother Ted's wine and glass holders in the shape of animals.  I am working on a sea turtle, a fish, an alligator, and a lizard--all done to his specific measurements.

Drawing of Dad on the Dock

Three Weeks Later

So....the purpose of this blog is to make me accountable for the time I devote to art. It has been three weeks since I have done anything. On Friday, April 12, Catherine and Eli were staying with us, and we went to visit her friend Meghan and the enchanting Quinn and baby Will. On Friday, April 19, I made a sour cream coffee cake and packed to go to visit friends in Lewes, Delaware that afternoon and over the weekend. All good things. Perhaps I should have a back-up time if Friday morning doesn't work. Hmmm...

Today I finished painting the iguana sculpture as a green iguana. I plan to take it back to Florida with me. I also worked on some watercolor notecards which I had already finished drawing. I think these are a great way to experiment with new techniques before I try them on actual paintings. My new painting spot is the kitchen table with its sunny bay window overlooking the back yard.  It is just a pain to get everything out and put it all back.

Just getting started

I decided that I would never evolve as an artist if I did not keep painting and doing other art work on a regular basis all year round. So today I set up a corner table in my dining room because it is far too cold and dark in the cellar. I started with an easy project: painting a plaster iguana given to me by my friend Mary Anne. I think it will be fun to try painting something in 3-D for a change. Sad discovery--many of my acrylic paints have gone bad. Happy discovery--I like painting in the sunny and warm dining room while listening to music. I have created this blog in an attempt to keep myself on task.