Art Happens (Painting & Sketching)

Internet Art Class - Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner

2012-01-13T23:37:00.000-05:00

I am taking a four week internet class through Artists Network University, instructor Susan Semenick. These are the exercises for Session Two. I did not post a value scale here, but I had to do it four times. Much tougher than I thought it would be. The shapes below we wee to suggest shadow and light.

The color wheel was something I have NEVER taken the time to do. But I think it is invaluable as a first step for the beginner painter. I had no idea I had this range of colors. Of course, different primary colors will have different results.

And the last lesson was atmospheric perspective. Red added to blue green with a lot of water is a nice soft grey. I didn't know that.

My session three assignment is drying. It was a study in Positive and Negative painting and suggesting distance.

A Friesian Face

2011-09-14T11:45:00.000-04:00

Another quick 5 minute horse sketch. I like to draw very quickly and then transfer them onto watercolor paper. I like to see the lines and movement in a pen and ink painting - This one I will be trying next. The rest of this month I am sharing my numerous sketches of horses I have piled up.

Horse sketches: A Friesian

2011-09-12T07:28:00.002-04:00

I have about a month of horse sketches I will be posting here. I am currently experimenting with watercolors and ink. My plan is to have a giveaway a month on my horse blog, "Just Horses" starting with the month of October. If you are interested, please visit me there.

If I recall, the sketch above was purposefully fast, about 10 minutes.

horse sketches (2)

2011-09-02T09:29:00.001-04:00

I drew this over a month ago and am working on a watercolor version of this. The eye has changed a bit, but this was just a fast, 3 minute drawing...

Horse Sketches, my first attempts (1)

2011-09-01T08:27:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I started sketching and drawing horses. I have been the typical artist, finding EVERYTHING wrong with my attempts. Looking back on my journey on drawing the horse, I still see what is wrong, but I see other things that aren't so bad. I have improved and am looking forward to drawing them plein air as I now have my own horse (actually I just purchased a second one, but I won't have him here in NC for a month or so.

So, for the next few weeks, I will be sharing my earliest attempts at drawing what I consider one of the most difficult animals to draw.

I do have a horse blog... Just Horses - follow along if you are interested.

My daughter's painting

2011-06-19T14:32:00.001-04:00

This is a palette painting my daughter did this past year and I am in search of a frame so I can proudly hang it up at our home. She used a photo of mine as a reference of a scene not far from our house:

Her blog is "Artistic Adventures". My fingers are itching to start drawing again, to paint! I have taken a lot of photos that I would love to attempt this summer.

Mare and Foal II, A Picasso Inspired Journey

2011-05-10T13:08:00.000-04:00

I am having fun with a used Picasso book I purchased a few weeks ago. He had SO many styles - Some of his work is Van Gogh in style, Cezanne, a few in his early years were Impressionistic. Few realize he had a classical side to him. Cubism and a surrealist style are what he is probably best known for (and my least favorite). I hope to explore all these avenues a bit over the next couple of months.

The above painting was done with a too-thick micron pen and I am out to purchase one with a smaller tip as I want it to be a bit less bold. I just LOVE the painting below. Mine above was done with watercolor but I think the painting below just might be pastel. Does anyone know?

Painting by Picasso

Mare and Foal, a Picasso Inspired Journey

2011-05-06T20:31:00.001-04:00

This is a painting I did inspired by "The Cock" by Picasso (see below). I would have liked to have had a smaller tipped brush and will change the background to a more gray tone.

I'm currently doing the same painting, but with oil pastels and a slightly different layering of the colors. This next month or so I am studying Picasso and his various styles. I purchased a used art book and was really surprised at his diversity.

Blogger Break

2011-04-16T19:47:00.001-04:00

Isn't this adorable? Please go to my Art Happens 365 blog HERE to see more photos of this place. I will be taking a BLOGGER BREAK and be back April 24th. I wish you all a Happy "Spring Break" and/or Happy Easter.

"The Pond"

2011-04-06T15:12:00.000-04:00

This was my one of my first oil pastels. I almost threw it away and then thought, "Oh, just play with it". So I scratched into it and loved the colors that came through. I believe now, a few years later I can do much better, but I framed this as it was my first "finished" piece of artwork. And I learned that an experimental attitude is one of the best frames of mind to be in when creating artwork.

One mistake I made here is when painting from a photograph to correct the too-deep shadows. I hope to find the time to repaint this scene or a similar scene with what I know now.

A Pair of Pears

2011-04-04T19:01:00.001-04:00

Broke out the acrylics again today and had some fun. I should have waited for a the layers to dry a bit more, but this was a fun warm up. I didn't realize the stems almost form a heart until after it was done. Hope everyone is enjoying the colors that are popping up everywhere!

My son performing "Laura", An Irish-American Celtic punk song

2011-03-17T00:16:00.003-04:00

Flogging Molly is a seven-piece Irish-American Celtic punk band. My son loves the band and has been singing this song for years. Happy St. Patrick's Day! My son has his own writing and poetry blog "HERE".

Laura

Feel the words from my lips

To your harsh finger tips

Then you know where I come from

Cause I know, yes I know

Cause I lost everything I had

See, I could have danced on the sun

But my world came undone

Laura!!!!!!

There's no need for tears

Cause there's no need to cry

The love that you leave

Will never be denied

This pain in my head escaped from my heart

No woman alive can touch who you were

So bye bye, Laura

Cause no one could take your place

Bye bye Laura

Your beauty will never fade

The seed that you've sewn

Will reach for the sky

This love that you leave

Will never be denied

And after this song, her spirit lives on

Though you're not around you'll never be gone

So bye bye Laura

Cause no one can take your place

Bye bye Laura

Your beauty will never fade

Well I... I could have danced on the sun

But the world came undone

Laura

Yeah I... I could have danced on the sun

But my world came undone

So Bye Bye Laura

Bye Bye Laura

So bye bye, Laura

Bye bye Laura

This pain in my head escaped from my heart

No woman alive could touch who you were

So bye bye Laura

Cause no one could take your place

Bye bye Laura

Your beauty will never fade

So bye bye Laura

Cause no one can take your place

Bye bye Laura

Your beauty will never fade

FADE!

15 Minute Horse Sketch

2011-02-28T13:03:00.001-05:00

Scrunched up in the car behind the wheel is not the best condition in which to draw horses, but if that is the only time I can find, I will grab it. These are grand creatures, one of natures most majestic. I plan on sketching horses for the next few weeks to really get a feel for them.

Acrylic "Spring's Trillium", Mtn Chickadee in Progress & Foral Sketch

2011-02-23T13:10:00.001-05:00

I might someday go back and add a bit more texture and shadow to the leaves, but for now I am calling it finished. This was a really fun painting process - quite different from watercolor. I really like both and am glad I can go back and forth between the two.

* * * * *

Here is my next painting in progress. It is of a Mountain Chickadee for the "Wilderness Art Challenge". I am using acrylics with this as well. I encourage you to click on the Wilderness blog and check the other amazing paintings done by an array of artists.

* * * * *

The following sketch is for Blue Chair Diary's "Sunday Sketches".

My husband loves gardening and when we lived in Michigan he really outdid himself with our front lawns flower garden. We have moved and now live in North Carolina and he has not had a chance to get one going here. My idea is to do this in watercolor and give it to him for Father's Day.

Adirondack Chair

2011-02-16T14:51:00.001-05:00

This is an acrylic I quickly did today. Used a rather big brush as I am not trying to go for too much detail. I also put in the most minimum of lines for the chair. I had a watercolor of this in my sketchbook and after I completed this painting, realized that it is not my composition. So I posted a "detail" of my complete painting here.

The original composition I must credit Catherine Carey with. She is a instructor for Crooked Tree Arts Center and conducts summer painting classes on the beautiful grounds of Bay View Association next to Petoskey, Michigan. She has a blog, HERE and a book entitled "A Petoskey Watercolor Journal".

I was fortunate enough to take a few of her classes when we lived in Petoskey. I highly recommend these fun learning sessions if you are in the area.

Trillium

2011-02-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

The above acrylic painting is not finished. It is really a warm up piece as I haven't touched acrylics in almost 2 years. I had to let this dry and will finish it tomorrow. I plan on doing another one but including the tree and fallen log as they do grow on the forest floor. The initial sketch is from a few years ago while hiking in Petoskey, Michigan. I have isolated a single trillium, but to see the whole forest floor blanketed with these is truly beautiful and a lovely welcome to the arrival of spring!

Finally - painting!

2011-01-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

The above poster is my daughter Chelsea's artwork for the local community theatre! The whole season her work will grace the programs and posters! Click on the link below to see all the shows she did.

http://www.osctheatre.com/2011-season/

I am in the art room today - after 2 months - and painting! Don't know how it will turn out, but it sure feels GREAT!

Wouldn't this be fun to paint?

2011-01-22T16:00:00.004-05:00

Really am just posting this so that you know I haven't faded away. I am totally "itching" to paint - but the holidays swamped me and then my daughter had an appendectomy and now I am dealing with a child with strep. We also had company. I still have the "Wilderness" Bear to do - he has been staring up at me for over a month and many other projects I will get to very soon. I will be visiting my blogging friends soon - I truly have missed all the amazing fantastic work you do!

But tonight, I have a date with my 18 year old son! I'm paying but that's OK. I have been busy with poetry and photography lately (easy to squeeze in while waiting for children and walking the dogs, etc.) Please feel free to check my other blogs out - (click on the bright green titles on my side bar).

I will be visiting you soon!

Starry Starry Night

2011-01-07T21:32:00.000-05:00

"Inspiration" Wilderness Art Challenge

2010-12-20T14:12:00.002-05:00

Sketched this grizzly sow out quickly in order to inspire me to get my "chores" done today. I want to do this in watercolor and acrylics in a very contemporary bold style. The reference photo (which I cropped) is below (taken by Gary Keimig) and is the monthly challenge for The Wilderness Art Challenge.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

2010-12-17T12:58:00.001-05:00

Not bad considering this comes from a group of drama students. Although my son, Will (red scarf) has been singing and taking voice lessons for years.

A Winter Scene & A Poem, "Life's Run"

2010-12-08T16:33:00.009-05:00

This charming painting was done by my daughter Jeanette in 3rd (?) grade. Finished in less than a class period, the paper is folded over upon itself to give us the reflection on the ice. I marvel at how much joy radiates from this artwork and how quickly it was executed.

Below is a poem I did over on my poetry/photography blog, but I thought I would repost it here as it is kind of related. The photograph is Tess Kincaid's and a prompt for this Magpie Tale.

Life's Run
Grant me a moment to indulge in reminiscence, of

An earlier time displayed by this fading image of youth.

A last moment to relive the joy of exuberant bumps,

Unexpected bounces, graceful glides and surprising finishes.

Vigor slowly seeping from these hands of mine, I

Fondly recall their firmness and courage as they

grasped the Roman shield of life and descended

Life's hill, engaging in battle, in search of just rewards.

My heart faintly beats with fond recollection of

Youthful force careening and bold.

Strength of convictions and destiny held the

Keys to reason, untutored but sure.

I preferred the path of a clipper, sporting and fearless

No dainty cutter, I. Cherubs and beauty no lure, that is

Until knocked off, tumbling and lost half way in life.

Grasping for a hold, seeking a descent, controlled and safe.

Steadying and slowing the pace of life, your
sweetness and joy created newfound momentum.

As unique a design hand-painted on dear Rosebud, you

A cutter after all I rode, with new precious cargo aboard.

A twisting of the previously "foreseen" path, I proudly

Showcased you, my "top-of-the-line" model, steerable by small degree.

A bit of a wild ride ensued on your very own red painted Flyer

Gradually my own runners worn, I watched you speed ahead.

Gliding towards the finish line, heart-bounty secured,

My life's force grateful and content, with

Vintage paint crackling, vibrant no longer, I

Resplendently slide to a stop, anticipating the ascent.

by Margaret Bednar

When researching for the above poem, I learned that Roman soldiers used their shields to sled down hills during battle. In the late 1800's and early - mid 1900's, sleds were designed specifically for boys (clippers) low slung and fast, and for girls (cutters) dainty and "safer". "Rosebud" is a reference to the movie "Citizen Kane" ... many say it is the best movie of all time. Before mass production, many sleds had hand-painted designs - and this is what makes them highly collectible today. The "Flexible Flyer" was one of the first sleds that touted some control with steering. The above poem is my first "free-form" attempt - no rhyming, no counting syllables.

The two photos above are from my photo albums. The top is my husband with two of his brothers - he is sandwiched in between. The bottom photo is of my oldest sister who died when I was two years old. The poem is obviously not about her, nor anyone actually - just made up in my head.

Santa Portrait by my daughter

2010-12-05T22:07:00.001-05:00

This is a Santa Portrait done by my daughter, Chelsea. To go to her art blog, click HERE. I am very happy to be using this for our Christmas cards this year.

Matisse-style Bull Elk

2010-11-26T16:31:00.001-05:00

My matisse-style bull elk for the Wilderness Art Challenge. The photo I used was provided by Gary Keimig who hikes over his beloved mountains capturing beautiful snapshots of life in the Rockies. The size of the antlers on this grand fellow captivated me. Hence, my devotion of almost half the page to them! I would not want to see them mounted on a wall, though.

Bull Elk Sketch

2010-11-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

This is a quick sketch of a bull elk. The challenge for the Wilderness Art Challenge is painting this handsome creature. Gary is an artist from Wyoming and he has his own website that he posts beautiful photographs of his beloved Rocky Mountains and "chats" about it. It is called Outdoor Adventures.

I plan on watercoloring this bull elk, but I really feel acrylic would lend itself better to the solidness of this grand fellow.

Sketching & Preparing for a Painting

2010-11-19T13:08:00.003-05:00

When I am preparing to paint something, I have usually sketched it out a number of times quite hastily before attempting the final version. The finished pieces often look a bit different and that is OK. But I often find my initial sketches have more energy. What I am striving to do with my next few paintings is not worry about every detail, keep some lines and movement in the final version that I have in my initial composition. I have at times sketched the initial piece on to the canvas, but I find composition is often lacking when I do that. (The above piece was finished a while back - click HERE to see it). I am curious as to what others do to prepare for a painting. Do you go to all the trouble of transferring a drawing onto the canvas/paper or do you just draw it freehand, or do you just start painting with no sketch at all?

The Pear, The Apple.

2010-11-13T01:28:00.004-05:00

I wrote a little poem about a pear and an apple competing for popularity. If you are interested in reading the poem (A Pear's Lament) please click HERE. These two paintings were done about a year ago and I thought it would be fun to resurrect them.

"Mother's Pearls Remembered" poem & Judy Garland-A True Gem

2010-11-10T13:44:00.010-05:00

Judy Garland was gifted with talent. Everything I have read about her indicates she had low self-esteem regarding her looks and talent. MGM wanted to squeeze her into their very narrow "mold" of what they wanted their stars to be. They didn't realize she was a precious gem, one that really should have been a pendant, not another pearl on a string.

The above is drawn from one of the few glamour shots I like of her. It looks a bit more like her, not all glamorized up" looking like another, same-old, same-old MGM starlet. It is one of my early attempts at sketching portraits, which I posted months ago. I recall reading that wads of gauze (or something similar) were stuffed up her nostril so her nose would be straighter, more "acceptable".

I have always been drawn to her - in movies and music. I remember as a little girl singing along with the record albums until I scratched them. Oh, how I cried. Now, of course, I have them all on my I-Pod. Her song, Let's Get Happy, is a particular favorite.

Below is a poem I wrote on my photography/poetry blog (see my top sidebar). It doesn't really relate to Judy Garland, but I am loosely linking them here by the thought that "pearls" aren't just jewelry. It is what makes us reflect, feel beautiful, connected to something old, something treasured. (Oh, and my mother is alive and well. But I do think she is elegant and wise)

Mother’s Pearls Remembered

by Margaret Bednar

Memories come flooding back

On the anniversary of my Mother’s death

Today as I place these gems around my neck

Hoping to feel her presence

Entertaining the idea of

Replicating her elegance in me

Stillness envelopes my soul

Perhaps it will be enough that they remind me of her

Enhanced by her inner beauty am I

As her physical beauty faded with time

Resplendent these icons stood guard

Lustrously gracing my mother’s neck

Standing watch as she breathed her last

Reflecting her eyes, their bluish tinge

Every shimmer adding beauty to

My appearance this day

Enormous love floods my being

Memory recalling her wisdom and

Bright engaging laughter

Every life lesson learned I from her

Recalled in this ornament which surrounds my neck

Eagerly I approach this day, celebrating

Desiring the true beauty these pearls represent

"An American Spirit" poem & illustration

2010-11-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

This is my daughters illustration for my son, Will's, epic poem "An American Spirit". This poem is highlighted over at my photography and poetry blog Art Happens 365. Please click HERE to be transported to that blog post and to read an excerpt from Chapter 10. I would love to print out the whole story (with Chelsea's illustrations) that was created last year if there is enough interest. Will says the whole concept needs further massaging, and that is probably true. But I would love to "light a fire" under his desire to do so. Maybe your comments will be that spark.

My daughter's art for the Imaginary Paris Trip

2010-11-09T01:26:00.001-05:00

Chelsea and I are both painting for the "Imaginary Trip to Paris" class, but she has been much more diligent and gotten her work done. I have a lot of ground to make up as we only have one more assignment... So much for laundry and dishes, right?! To see more of her lovely Paris paintings please click HERE to go to my daughter's blog.

Fashion as Art & My Son's Poem "Across the Skies"

2010-11-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Who would think that a cardigan sweater, red bandana, black leather jacket, striped skinny jeans, long olive trench coat, black combat boots, and black & white scarf could be worn together? But I think my son actually pulls it off.

I remember when he was in the 7th grade, his father and I begged him to wear t-shirts and jeans like everyone else. He refused and said he wanted to wear his shirt & tie and fedora hat. As parents we compromised. He had to wear "normal" clothes twice a week.

He has continued to carve out his own path in fashion and the world. He is also a budding young poet, and he has his own blog: songsforanewmillennium.blogspot.com I highlighted both my blogs today with his poems and photos... it was so good to have him home. My photography and poetry blog is Art Happens 365 and if you click on my blog name you will arrive at my specific post of November 7, 2010 which highlights another one of the poems he recently wrote.

Across the Skies

by William R. Bednar

First, my brilliant muse, I would you know,

Through any drought or coyness, my commitment wouldn’t falter

Through any fires or storms, unfailingly I will follow

But for the moment to stop at your soul’s altar.

No desert, no barren wasteland, with perils, rife

Can keep me from your eyes.

If never again could I hold you, for some awful strife,

The simple thought of you is ample prize.

I would you care but half my strength, given moment’s chance,

And if you do please let it ring,

If only in a touch or kiss or caring glance.

For one simple instance of your love, I’d gladly sing

Unto the world my soul

And shout the color of your lips,

Your eyes I’d praise to all the world

And send my love with foreign ships

To carry my passion through the seas,

Across the skies,

Around the Earth, the trees,

And all my life would sacrifice,

Simply for your smile.

Let me dote, and pine,

And travel every mile.

Let you rest, but for some assurance you are mine.

Epic Bravery Poem by Will Bednar 2006

2010-11-06T18:33:00.002-04:00

My son says he is a terrible artist, but maybe because I am his mom, have kept all his art work. This one I found while going through a box of school work. He drew it back in 2007 and below is a poem he wrote in 2006. He is a senior in high school now and has his own poetry blog Songs for a New Millennium.

I posted other poems and pictures from my children on my photo/poetry blog, Art Happens 365

Epic Bravery Poem

by a 13 year old Will Bednar

A lonesome knight dressed all in black

Fear and cowardice he doth lack

A damsel fair

In dragon's lair

Here is the point to run, turn back

But drop his sword does not this knight

Takes on with pride this hopeless plight

The dragon's fire

To devour, it's desire

It soon might know an endless night

A dragon green with mighty fire

It knows that it will never tire

Dragon's gnashing teeth

Sword drawn from sheath

The knight, he knows his plight is dire

The damsel fair with golden hair

Her fear appears to make her care

A burst of flame

A thud then came

More brave men will come, if they should dare

The Visitation -

2010-10-27T08:16:00.002-04:00

I apologize for the poor quality of these photos. This is most likely a 17th century painting by Massimo Stanzione (1585-1656) (most likely) I love this rare painting depicting a pregnant Mary. This painting is displayed in the St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, NC. Please click HERE for more photos & info.

The Blue Ridge Parkway 2010

2010-10-25T12:39:00.002-04:00

"The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC"

My oldest two girls and I visited the Blue Ridge Mountains this past weekend and I thought I would give you an opportunity to check out more photos of our weekend trip at my other blog Art Happens 365

Please click on the above link. I hope to get time to paint a few of these scenes, but today I am doing laundry and making up for such a fun weekend!

I would also like to help promote my son's blog "Songs for a New Millennium"
He is a budding young poet, among other things, and he has many poems and thoughts to share. Enjoy!

Imaginary Trip to Paris - Cafe De Flores

2010-10-20T14:34:00.006-04:00

This is my watercolor sketch for Laure Ferlita's Trip to Paris Class (Imaginary Trips). I kept under the "watercolor journal" time frame of 30 minutes/painting, 8 minutes/drawing. It helped that I used a big brush which didn't allow me to put in the fine details. I used Google Maps and selected the image below of Cafe De Flores :

I am sure one of my favorite things to do in Paris would be to sit and eat the fabulous food at an outdoor cafe. It is expensive, but I was told to think of it as "renting prime real estate in the heart of Paris for one hour". Click on the following for a fun introduction of history, art and the menu (all in french - but I just learned a tip from my daughter. Go to another tab, google translate (make sure it is set French to English, copy and paste in the box and presto!) for the Cafe De Flore.

Cafes & Tea Salons are so much a part of the Parisian experience. One such tea salon is Angelina's, experienced by my blog friend, Ruth, on her blog Paris Deconstructed. Her other blog is Synchronizing. I trust you will enjoy them both immensely.

Silk Paintings

2010-10-18T19:21:00.005-04:00

The two silk paintings above were done over the weekend by my daughter, Chelsea. The fairy is her own design, the flower below a stencil she used for practice. Obviously, they both still need to be "ironed" out. She took the class with Deborah Younglao who does beautiful silk paintings herself.

My daughter's ability to create, and not be afraid to just jump in and try something new, always amazes me. I wrote my first poem on my blog Art Happens 365. It was in response to a child's ability to live in the moment, to be free and bendable... Something most adults forget how to be.

My Son's Poetry Blog

2010-10-17T01:02:00.018-04:00

My son has started his own poetry blog. I am trying to learn the fine ART of poetry and I am coming along s-l-o-w-l-y. Will is very proud of me when a light bulb goes on in my brain and I get a line or two!

His blog is Songs For a New Millennium. The first poem he posted is copied below. Please feel free to follow his blog.

Resonances

Tis not in commitment
To love that warrants beauty,
For fickle a girl beauty is indeed, not to be bent
By sorrow and pain filled gazers and dandies,
Eyes gleaming in fleeting hope, without sense,
That their smiles, enwrapped and dependent,
Will have recompense
By her gaze, resplendent,
And perhaps, if in good favor,
Have admiration bestowed on them amorously.
But nay, beauty is a fickle girl. Alas, we love her.
So as the breeze sings melancholy,
And the leaves reflect her lips of flame,
As milky clouds remind of her skin,
When her hair is night, dark and sleek, putting others to shame,
Filled with expectation
And apparitions of loveliness,
I think of the sweet longing,
Hoping for the moment not to pass.
The sweet longing
I loved then,
For a moment,
Lingering in the agony of emotion,
In a short eternity that I underwent.

I then found beauty.
But then the lights were no longer low,
The emotions, so resplendent in ardor, escaped me.
The façade was gone after the show.
Nay tis not in commitment to serve
Love that hold beauty.
Tis in the memory of nerve,
Tumultuous as a stormy sea.
Tis in the very slow-grown enthrallment
Of her melodious voice.
Tis in the memory of through what my heart went
When I told it to her by my choice.
When I told how it was stolen by her raven hair,
By her star-drenched skin,
By her cherry lips at which I’d stare,
And the voice so in apprehension, rife with emotion from within.
Tis not in the resolution itself
Of intricate harmonies and dissonances,
So pleasing to the ear in their discord and wealth,
But in the expectations and resonances
Of this ecstasy,
That resides beauty,
Which is why I told her my love and melancholy,
Letting her forget, and proceeding to flee.
For the wonderful nostalgic memory
Of the shortness of breath,
Would by intimacy,
Certainly be put to death.

By William Bednar

Journal Entry 3 - Luxembourg Gardens

2010-10-13T20:47:00.004-04:00

What an amazing place this is - fit for a queen! I read a description: "Luxembourg is one of the most captivating places in the city of Paris. Its charm is in its old gateways and streets, its bookstores, and in the sumptuous yet intimate gardens."

Sail boats can be rented and old and young children can sail them in the grand bassin (ornamental pond).

Click on the following to see a fantastic photo of the grand bassin: photo: http://outintheparkinglot.blogspot.com/2007/05/luxembourg-gardens-paris-ptanque.html

Paris Journal Entry #2

2010-10-12T13:35:00.002-04:00

Class assignment #2 for the "Imaginary Trip to Paris". The flowers got away from me and they aren't as "contained" as I had planned - a bit too "rambling" for a neat and tidy Paris balcony. I might try this again.

I had planned on creating a pretend "story" to go along with these "journal sketches", but I have been too busy lately. So I am just taking the class and reading all my Paris books and blogs. Fascinating history. Napoleon Bonaparte's nephew (the III), after being elected, hijacked the republic and declared himself Emperor of France. He chose Georges-Eugene Haussmann to "remodel" medieval Paris, which was busting at its seams. Whole neighborhoods were wiped out in order for wider streets (the city was a tangle of narrow, twisting streets) and other updates (new sewer system, & water supply).

One such charming area that almost did not avoid demolition is the Cour du Rohan. If you click on the site below, you will see photos of this quaint, old courtyard - is that what it would be called? The 3-story Renaissance building (I believe the image of the stairs is the one) was originally built for the mistress of Henri II (husband to Catherine de Medici), Diane de Poitiers, in the 16th century, which is also when a street was built through here.
http://parisavant.com/index.php?showimage=530

Also, just because I am a proud mother (and to show you one of the reasons I am SO busy lately), if you click on the attached link, you will see my daughter sing a part of a duet for "The Little Princess". She is the lead, Sarah, and this was on our morning news channel Fox 8 http://www.myfox8.com/news/morningnews/wghp-story-little-princess-101012,0,5347774.story

Imaginary Trip to Paris - Early morning, Hotel Ritz

2010-10-09T11:08:00.003-04:00

Beautiful link for the Hotel Ritz Paris - http://www.ritzparis.com/home_ritz/home.asp?show_all=1

I am on an "Imaginary Trip to Paris" with instructor, Laure Ferlita . My daughter,Chelsea, is on it too and you can see her watercolor journal & sketches if you click on her name. We really do hope to do this for real some day. For now, this is it.

Please keep in mind, this is mostly a lesson in watercolor sketching, and I am a beginner! I tend to treat watercolors like acrylics - thinking I can just keep on painting over everything! I will not bother to critique my own art work further on this trip - I will find fault with much of it and it is hard for me to put them up on the site at times. But I will put them all up and hopefully learn from my mistakes.

Beautiful 100 year old illustrations below...

2010-10-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

I am copying my post from my photography blog (Art Happens 365) as there are beautiful 100 year old + illustrations below. (also a video of my son performing:)

The Sunday Creative Challenge prompt this week is "Nostalgia".

I believe the Tales from Shakespeare book was published no later than 1912, and written by Charles & Mary Lamb (brother & sister) and published by (NY) Gilbert H. McKibbin. It is a retelling of Shakespeare - a version I am very much appreciative of as it isn't the easiest of reading for me - however - I do love the stories. The Macbeth book was published 1907.

My grandmother was a school teacher before she was married. I love this book as it has her handwriting in it and notes she took for class.

Below are a few beautiful illustrations from the book:

King Lear - Lear Banishes Cordelia

As You Like It - Orlando & Rosalind

Romeo & Juliet - The Parting

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Titania & Bottom the Weaver

My son played not only Bottom but also Puck when he was younger. Great memories of him quoting Shakespeare (with an accent!) at such a young age. Below is a You-Tube video of him this past year performing a song from "Hair". Video was from my little camera, so the visual isn't that great, but the sound is good. Not exactly Shakespeare - but he is definitely a performer. click here to see. (or go to a later post on this blog - I had trouble loading it inside of this post)

"Daily Practice"

2010-10-03T01:32:00.001-04:00

I could sit all day and watch horses. I took a photo of this young lady during her riding lesson and they both worked quite hard. Practice may not make you perfect, but it will make you better. Even 20 minutes a day while waiting for my kids during practice and only a #2 pencil. And with that said, this is my entry for the Twenty Minute challenge.

So much fun, I had to post this on BOTH of my blogs. 3rd Annual Willow Manor Ball

2010-09-30T10:59:00.015-04:00

All are invited to the third annual "Willow Manor Ball"

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Third Annual Willow Manor Ball! The festivities will begin at 12:00 a.m. EST, this Thursday, September 30. Everyone who leaves a comment on Thursday, will be included in the drawing for two elegant door prizes. A Mr. Linky widget will be provided if you would like others to visit your blog, to see your special date and elegant attire. I can't wait to see what you creative bloggers do with this!

The above invitation is from Willow of Willow Manor. (click to see her blog) Everyone is invited. I'm looking forward to a most magnificent ball ... actually, my first EVER Ball! I feel a bit like Cinderella. And did I mention that ANYONE can view all the festivities that are going on by visiting Willow's site? There is even a "Linky" available to easily see who is wearing what and WHAT is going on!

At first I didn't think I would be able to attend - very busy with kids and all. But once my girls heard of the event, they got busy and helped me with my wardrobe. Of course, once I received word that my youthful fantasy of dancing with Patrick Swazey on the dance floor was about to come true as he accepted my invitation (he has had enough of sadness and sorrow and wants to return to this realm just for The Willow Ball), how could I not join in the revelry? My husband must work, but he has informed me he will be waiting up for my return.

But what to wear? Well, My girls found a number of worthy (and some not so worthy) works of art... Here were a few of the contenders... (oh, and all photos are from Google images)

After a lot of nail biting (no, my nails are all beautifully polished), I mean deliberating on my part, the girls defending their picks, and my husband (after drooling after the gold concoction), we "somewhat" unanimously selected this one:

I liked the soft material and the image of the folds as I am tossed and twirled by Patrick, well I just can't wait! I arranged for the designers to make my dress in a deep red - very much like dress #1 (above).

My shoes, no problem. If I'm going to dance, then I am going to be practical! I was lucky to be able to get these shoes in silver... all the better to match my diamonds necklace and earrings. These are dance shoes with a flexible sole (and my legs, of course!)

Many hairstyles were considered. But after many oohs and aahs, my girls and I decided an up-do wouldn't be sensible - not with the way Patrick Swazey dances. So it was a fierce battle between 3 styles...

One that is pretty close to what I have now...

Well, this one I couldn't get past the cleavage...

And this one my oldest daughter and I thought was charming and befitting of the event. My diamond clip is a bit smaller in order to not compete with my jewelry. But, really, can one honestly have too many diamonds adorning their body? I did need to go in for a few hair extensions, but the result has been well worth it...

And last, but not least, by any means... the jewelry. I fell in love with this little number. I also slipped the photo of it into my husbands wallet... :)

Well, there you have it. I am giddy with anticipation and waiting for the car to pick me up... Oh, I almost forgot... my mode of transportation. This one was quite easy. My favorite, sexy little car is a jag, but for this evening I added a little twist...

A vintage Jaguar...

So, ladies, get ready to be dipped and whirled by Patrick, as only he knows how. After all, I'm sure I will need a few breathers!

It's about time to leave and I am trying to finish folding the last of my laundry and I'm worrying about how will all these chores get done.. Oh, look - Patrick has arrived. "Oh sweetie, I'm just not sure I can make it ... there is ... so much ... to do... What's that?" Patrick has leaned over and his lips are an inch from my ear (that is why I am so flustered - wouldn't you be?) He is whispering...

"And the night shall be filled with music,

And the cares, that infest the day,

Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs,

And as silently steal away."

Oh my, I think that might be from "A Day is Done" by Longfellow (or edited by him, not sure which). Either way, I was not aware that Patrick, along with his obvious talents, was a poet as well!

As I collect my wrap (and my heartbeat gets a chance to slow down a bit), Patrick is bowing low over each of my daughters hands (insert lots of giggling) and saying goodnight. He places my hand in the crook of his elbow (and oh, my ... these amazing arms of his), and my cares really have slipped away...

Don't forget to go to Willow's blog and check the event out for yourself. And if you couldn't make it this year, maybe you should pencil it in for next.

And remember, if you are able to make it - wall flowers, beware! Nobody is safe sitting in a corner when Patrick is around...

"Red Barns"

2010-09-29T14:59:00.012-04:00

A few months back, in order to not waste expensive watercolor paper, I threw this painting in the drawer for reuse on the back side. I was quite discouraged with this attempt for the "Virtual Paintout". I realize now I should have kept trying and I am going to take this further. I might mess it up, but that is the learning process.

It is so frustrating for me because I am teaching myself watercolor ... oh the BOOKS I have... and I KNOW I need color theory and so much more...

Can you even imagine what wonderful works of art Van Gogh, (and all the greats) THREW away or painted over because they weren't happy with their efforts. Please don't think I am comparing myself to them, (insert hysterical laughing!)

Thank you, all my blog artist friends, who really do inspire me as I do study your techniques and artwork.

By the way, if you are interested in joining a new art challenge, I have started one ... "In the Moment Art". Please check it out and see if you are interested.

"Charleston Laborer"

2010-09-27T19:33:00.005-04:00

This is my submission for the "In the Moment" challenge. The challenge word for October is "Labor".

This Charleston Carriage Horse is actually from my sketching archives. It was a hot and sweaty day, but this fellow was very patient and kind.

"Blast from the Past"

2010-09-22T11:37:00.003-04:00

I found a number of sketches I did from a watercolor journal class taught by Catherine Carey. These must have been painted 4 years ago...? They were done during the summer at Bay View, Michigan. I remember at the time I just thought they were awful and almost threw them out. I am so glad I shoved them to the bottom of the box because I see a number of things I like about them. I was never able to take many more classes as I had my 6th child and then we moved. These are the only group lessons I had in watercolor and I really enjoyed them.

I also practiced a bit on my own during this time. All of these watercolor sketches (above and below) were done plein air.

Baby # six came along and I have been a bit busy. Obviously, there is room for improvement, but one has to start somewhere! I am glad I didn't throw these away.

"Enjoying Retirement" Watercolor & Sketch

2010-09-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

"Enjoying Retirement"

This is my sketch for a watercolor I will do for the Inspiration All Around Us Challenge. The theme is "silhouette".

"Under the Moonlight"

2010-09-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

This is my submission for Inspiration All Around Us. The challenge had to do with a photograph of a young woman in the moonlight. It was titled "Glow". I took the inspiration and applied it to a photo shoot I did of my son a few years back. He was in a "garage" band and he wanted to take some pictures in the moonlight with his guitar. This painting is in response to that photo.

Downtown Side Walk Community Paint-out

2010-09-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

City Arts offered blank panels for "community" painting

My girls created this "Tree" and the "CREATE" piece below ...

Other honorable mentions in my mind were:

Sketches from Pond Hill Farm

2010-09-10T13:24:00.006-04:00

"The Piglets"

"Sheep in the Pasture"

"Bursting with Flowers"

"The Lilly Pond"

Pond Hill Farm is an amazingly fun place the kids used to like to visit when we lived in Northern Michigan. We even planted a small garden one year and I was thrilled with the beans and tomatoes I grew. Now that I think of it, I will have to dig up those photos and share them - we were all so proud! For charity, I also "sold" three paintings based off photos I took of a rooster, pig and a sheep - they were very simple and designed for a child's room. I have them posted on this blog - February 14, 2010. They sold for $100 - my first "non-profit" sale.

When I find the time, I plan to sit down and watercolor these as well... I'm developing quite a back log of paintings to do!

Oh, and I almost forgot. I have another blog now. I do believe it compliments this one and will definitely help me "hone" my artistic eye. It is a blog devoted to my amateur interest in photography: margaretbednar365.blogspot.com (Art Happens 365) Please, feel free to check it out - I would love to hear your feedback.

My Great Great (Great?) Aunt Augusta's Watercolor

2010-09-09T01:10:00.001-04:00

This painting was done over 100 yeas ago. This red brick house was where my Grandmother, Marguerite Hutchins Beckington, was born (late 1800's). It was (and still is) a mere 1/2 mile from where I was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. My sketch is below and I do plan on painting it in the very near future.

I know from reference photos that there was a picket fence, windmill and a road to the left and a barn and detached kitchen behind the house. I might add a hint of those and maybe even a little girl and a dog as I have a number of pictures of my grandmother and the family dog as well. Below are some photos I have of that time in the late 1800 - early 1900's.

Obviously they shaved the dog during the hot summer months - he looks like a lion here. This photo was taken in the backyard of the "Red Brick House".

My grandmother's mother died when she was a little girl. (My grandmother, Marguerite, is in the back row, farthest left). Her father never remarried and farmed his whole life. Her Aunts helped raise all the girls (especially during the farming season) and I believe the house in the background is one in which she spent a lot of time. Just imagine what they would think of today's technology and that the above photo of the five of them could travel around the world. My Great Grandfather Hutchins was always thrilled with transportation - be it a new horse and buggy or the above new car! So maybe he would be thrilled.

"Peek-a-Boo"

2010-09-07T10:45:00.007-04:00

While I was busy doing household chores over Labor Day weekend, Wesley "catnapped" upon my clean laundry atop the dining room table...

and I tip-toed around not wanting to wake him because I thought he looked so cute.

My daughter "squeezed the stuffing" out of him ... but he was able to "refocus" and give himself a quick bath (or was he sticking his tongue out at me and giving me "the paw"?)...

... hmm. I will give Wesley the benefit of the doubt. But he was able to rally...

and was able to get back into "the zone", so to speak. Well, not to be outdone, our other cat,

Gabriella, (who NEVER seems to sleep) wanted to be front and center. So she got up on the table and posed for a portrait.

Well, "HRH" finally opened his eyes. Probably smelled the dinner preparation in the kitchen as he had slept ALL day.

So, with a yawn and a final courtesy of allowing me to get a handsome portrait...

( and by the way, doesn't his look say "This is the only one I will cooperate for" - I am known for long photo sessions!), Wesley went to eat his dinner. By the way, if you are a lover of cats, here is an artist's blog that you might truly enjoy: Cat Claws Studio. Wonderful artwork and inspiring rescue stories. Enjoy!

"Taking the Time"

2010-09-06T17:17:00.008-04:00

trying to decide on a composition format. I zoomed in closer...

and changed to horizontal...

Maybe I will take Laurie Pace's advice (click on her name & check out her beautiful blog!) and try a series of the same painting, but use three different styles.

This is a new sketch of an "older" Elise. The reference photo I used is below. I remember this chilly summer day - it was in Cross Village, Michigan (just north of Petoskey where we used to live) and everyone had just filled their bellies with wonderful Polish cooking and we were looking at the beautiful Lake Michigan view on the back lawn of Legs Inn Restaurant. Elise paused to "smell the flowers". I plan on continuing my "journey" with watercolor portraits.

Elise & the Red Dress (2)

2010-09-05T23:53:00.003-04:00

My second attempt at trying to figure out watercolor portraits. I put more shadowing in which I like, but what a guessing game for me this was! It is about 4 x 6 inches. Can't leave my pen out of it, though - I need that structure, I guess.

Elise had a blast posing for this photo session - All four of my girls have always been able to strike a pose and smile for the camera. Will, her older brother, looked ridiculous in our annual family Christmas portraits for the longest time because he couldn't fake a smile to save his life - he always looked so "cheese-y". Why is it that girls just seem to be born to "flirt" with the camera?

Elise & the Red Dress

2010-09-05T01:47:00.002-04:00

This is actually only 3x5 but it is my first watercolor portrait! I have NO idea if blue is acceptable for skin shadows... I purposely did not look at any art books to study what colors to use. I will do that for my next attempt with this subject. Just wanted to explore on my own a bit.

This little red dress was one of her favorites. It is a halter with little white & pink flowers all over it. Such a little girls dress and she wore it all the time - until it was practically improper for her to wear it anymore - it was so short! Today I gave it away to the Salvation Army. I hope some other little girl enjoys it as much as she did.

Elise Outline and "walking photos"

2010-09-03T15:40:00.001-04:00

The above is an outline I drew and transferred to watercolor paper. Quite hesitant about this as I drew it a tad too big and I prefer to paint smaller watercolors. So, we will see how it turns out - I will try to keep it very simple and soft - I won't try for "realism". Tomorrow I might try something a little easier with this subject - like a continuous line drawing and paint it "Picasso" style!

The photos below I took while on my "doggie and toddler" walk. Everything was vibrant blues and greens! (The last two weren't from today, but they fit the theme.)

"Love's Messengers"

2010-09-01T01:21:00.003-04:00

This month's "Inspiration All Around Us" challenge. My watercolors are still quite simple and I use the ink as a crutch, I am sure. I guess it is the "drawer" in me. I seldom receive flowers, but my husband shows his love in many ways - flowers aren't the only messengers of love. Sometimes it is a man behind a vacuum or in front of the kitchen sink!

"Hello There"

2010-08-30T13:38:00.005-04:00

I drew this in November 1992. My firstborn son, William. This is also the first drawing I every really did and even though it is very simplistic, it holds so much emotion for me. Just last week we dropped him off at boarding school for his senior year in high school. He is studying drama. In all intense and purposes, I guess he has been "launched" ... he will never be home for a whole year again - just holidays and vacations.

Guitar, cable tv, dvd player, laptop & printer, mini fridge & microwave. What more do you need at school? OH yeah. "Hey, mom. I forgot my calculator for math class. Can you bring it, please." (it feels good to still be needed :)

Unfinished Challenges

2010-08-29T11:51:00.000-04:00

I don't always finish what I start. Imagine that! The beginning of this school year has kept me busy. Hope to get these two sketches transferred to watercolor paper soon. These were challenges from Studio Atelier and Inspiration All Around Us.

A Plateful of Lemons

2010-08-19T15:29:00.002-04:00

The most recent "Inspiration All Around Us" Challenge. The photo reference was Van Gogh - I hope I captured the style a bit with watercolor! I had a lot of fun playing with this one - although I regret not reserving some white space in the lemons. My favorite part of this painting is the tablecloth.

Hong Kong Watercolor

2010-08-18T23:50:00.000-04:00

This was supposed to be for the Virtual Paintout Challenge but I was on vacation and because I had limited access to a computer, I was unable to post it on time. I plan on going back and throwing in a few darker shadows but wanted to publish this as I haven't posted in a while. I have been gone for a month and have a lot of catching up to do on all the blogs I follow!

Little Traverse Bay Sketch

2010-08-06T23:30:00.000-04:00

One of my last days in Petoskey, Michigan and I was able to enjoy an evening of drawing at the beach. The ski resorts can be seen in the hills - Nubs Nob on the right and Boyne Highlands on the left. The break wall is actually under repair right now due to a break in it a couple of years ago. The kids were jumping off of a dock which I did draw but didn't capture in this photo. Can't wait to play with my watercolors using this composition. Not home yet, though. Also am using my son's MacBook Pro that I just bought for him. We are in a hotel right now and FINALLY have internet access.

View of the Mountain

2010-08-03T22:45:00.000-04:00

Enjoying our family vacation but really, REALLY miss having a computer! I have been drawing but only have minutes at a computer once a week! It is killing me and I miss looking at the other artists blogs! Can't wait to catch up - in the mean time, enjoy the summer! The above pen & ink sketch with watercolor is for Inspiration All Around Us challenge.

"Cheeky"

2010-07-28T15:50:00.000-04:00

Have had limited time available to blog and paint as we are visiting with family and friends, however, I did squeeze in time to complete this watercolor sketch for the Wilderness Challenge.

Antique Flower Cart -

2010-07-24T17:26:00.000-04:00

My first attempt at this...

"Splash of Purple"

2010-07-18T15:30:00.007-04:00

This is my watercolor & ink sketch for this month's challenge for Inspiration All Around Us Please click on the site to see the many beautiful paintings. The reference photo is below.

Daughter's Portrait

2010-07-17T12:06:00.003-04:00

My daughter painted her self-portrait while at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Camp. She is home now and I am happy to have her back.

If you haven't already, please visit her blog: chelseabednar.blogspot.com (Artistic Adventures)

Mother and Foal

2010-07-16T16:48:00.000-04:00

Had very little time today so I sketched for 20 minutes. This isn't very detailed but I struggled with the foals face a bit - I love drawing horses but they are challenging for me.

"The Performer"

2010-07-14T03:34:00.011-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCI28-xLBIc

Click on the above youtube link if you would like to see my son's vocal performance that the above drawing is based upon.

This was done in the car (behind the steering wheel) while I waited for my daughter to get done with math tutoring - she is trying to skip pre-algebra and go directly into algebra - so I had about 45 minutes to do this. I was proud that I did not graph this out at all and I think the proportions are pretty decent. I realize the likeness to my son isn't spot on, but I think this would be a fun piece to do in the impressionistic style.

I did delete my original effort and replaced the above sketch. I made his skull bigger - I have a tendency to make the heads too small. I also changed the tip of his nose a bit.

Will Bednar as Marius in "Les Miserables"

2010-07-12T20:08:00.009-04:00

"Empty Chairs & Empty Tables" - My son is Marius in the musical "Les Miserables" (set during the French Revolution) which runs this week and through the weekend. If you don't like musicals ("gasp") you can Netflix the movie version with Liam Neesan. The idea for this sketch was based off a photo taken during rehearsal (you can see it two posts down in my "Ten things about me". I also have a You-Tube video of him posted there singing "Going Down" from the musical "Hair".

Immediately below is a very short "You-Tube" video of Will in a rehearsal scene of Les Mis)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3qHi22HPlw

I don't think I was very successful capturing Will's likeness- but I think it has a lot of passion and I love the red! Someday I hope to create a finished piece of artwork based on this idea.

Horse Sketches

2010-07-11T17:51:00.006-04:00

When I was a young girl I had a pony named Velvet. She was perfect and I literally spent my summers on her back and I rode her until my feet practically dragged on the ground. We kept her until she died of old age. My mom often said that pony was the best babysitter and she really trusted us in her care!

I have enjoyed sketching horses this weekend. The last drawing (which was one of my first "successful" attempts of the day!) I submitted to The Twenty Minute Challenge blog. (click on it to go to the site)

Ten Things About Me...

2010-07-10T17:44:00.016-04:00

1) The early bird catches the worm. I will never "catch the worm" as I am lucky to arrive on time to my destinations!

Why am I doing a "top 10". Well, Angela Sullivan's blog, Through the Eyes of an Artist (click to see her blog) honored me with a Beautiful Blogger Award. I selected 10 blogs I enjoy and they are listed on the right. Now I need to come up with 9 more random things that make me ME!

2) I really, really, really HATE snakes. Look carefully ... I never realized I had been so close until I uploaded and took a look at the photo. I only noticed the leaves!

3) My favorite music channel is Sirius XM radio On Broadway! I sing in the car all the time. My whole family has an amazing singing voice...except me. But I don't let THAT stop me! The following is a clip of my son competing in the local "Triad Idol" singing "Going Down from "Hair". He is pursuing drama and musical theatre. The photo is Will as Marius in "Les Miserables" which is running this week and through the weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCI28-xLBIc

Will Bednar as Marius in "Les Miserables" at Open Space Cafe Theatre, Greensboro, NC

4) Love the color green - but seldom wear it.

5) I am a "GLEEK". And shame on you if you don't know what that means! :)

6) I think horses are one of God's most beautiful creations.

7) I can spend HOURS in a used book store searching for those amazing finds...

1607 Battleground, Greensboro, NC = my favorite used bookstore to-date

8) Love wine and enjoy visiting wineries and "tasting" the local favorites...

9) My favorite season is Fall

10) Asked my kids for help for this last one. Just one word to describe ME. They thought for a while, put their heads together and finally came up with the word... "Determined". I guess I will go with that. Both the positive and negative connotations of the word fit.

The Shade Tree (photos)

2010-07-09T09:40:00.003-04:00

Art Happens just outside my door - I see multiple horses every day at the end of our short street. We have had some hot weather in NC (95 degrees) and we tried to tempt these horses from under the tree - they weren't budging and I can't blame them.

I'm going to take a break from the "Antique Flower Cart" watercolor (post below - I need to look at it for a few days and make sure the final version is done) and start drawing and painting these horses. I might even go and do a few "live" sketches. Horses are quite intimidating to draw but are poetry in motion and I will try and capture that.

Can't you just hear this horse saying "It is too hot, leave me alone!"

And here is a photo of one of our dogs (a Schnoodle), Mojo, who loves to take a walk with me and see the horses. I will post my artistic attempts of the horses on Monday. I hope these HOT summer days are as beautiful for you as they are for us in NC - under the shade trees, that is.

Karla's Antique Flower Cart Sketch

2010-07-05T18:14:00.006-04:00

This is the first time I ever watercolored on non-watercolor paper and the paper did ok - just buckled at the top a bit. I thought I would do a quick composition study prior to trying the real thing. I cropped the top off as I think this horizontal version works better. The vertical is below...

I would like to paint this for my friend, Karla, who lives in Petoskey, Michigan. It will be a bit more carefully drawn (I like the detailing on the flowers hanging below the tray) and the wrought iron needs highlights and dimension, for example. I added the "bright blue" (I really need to learn the names of my colors) at the last minute to represent depth and shadows - "blobs" that I think actually work! Surprise, surprise. Gives it a sunny feeling - I do remember the day was warm and bright. Or maybe it is just the feelings I associate with my friend. :)

This is the photo that inspired me.

Peaches, Cherries & Ice Cream Watercolor

2010-07-04T20:01:00.004-04:00

Finished the Inspiration All Around Us Challenge for the month of June. Or at least I thought I was... now I see I need a few more dark shadows - especially on the whole peach and on the cherry in the bowl. I already submitted this, but I will still go in and work a little more and post it here. I'm not sure I like the blue in the white ice cream, but couldn't figure out how to do shadows otherwise. Had a great fourth of July and LOVED the matinee show of the musical "1776". What a wonderfully written show and musical. Neflix it or rent the movie version = you will enjoy meeting America's Founding Fathers!

I think this is an improvement ... I do like the cherries a bit darker red. Lost most of my white reflection on the peach and the shadow is too dark & "big" now and the peach probably looks more like an orange... I see a few more things I could do, but I learned with this exercise and I am calling it done.

A "Fruity" Evening

2010-07-01T22:19:00.000-04:00

This is my composition for the Inspiration All Around Us June challenge. (deadline is July 5, thank goodness) (inspirationallaroundus.blogspot.com) This month's photo is below and we are free to interpret it any way we like. What goes better with fruit than a little ice cream? Well, maybe a bit of chocolate, but I'm on a diet.

Every time my 2nd oldest daughter catches me (almost) eating something bad she hums the tune of "..she wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka dot bikini ..." So, no chocolate syrup. I plan on water coloring this tomorrow.

And now I am off to play Apples to Apples with the family. And maybe a little wine to keep with the theme - after all, it is made from grapes, right?

"Matisse" Mule Deer

2010-06-29T15:52:00.003-04:00

I struggled with this - would never have submitted this one for the Wilderness Challenge (wildernessartchallenge.blogspot.com) if the deadline wasn't today. But I have "stepped-out" and am experimenting with painting. If left in my comfort zone, I would only sketch and draw. So, like I said in my post below, this is a start. I wanted to embrace the "Matisse Style" and there are elements I like here. I guess I want more bold color, but that will probably come with more confidence and practice. I tend to want to put it all on at once, but I think the key is letting the layers dry and then going back in. I also realize the colors in the distance should be duller, but I was afraid to mix the paint too much. That will be something I can work on next time. See, I think I did learn something! ;)

I revisited this "Matisse" deer and tried it again. I'm not giving it a post by itself because I'm afraid it might be a "garish" mess (I did this July 1st and I do like this "bold" painting better than the deer I did for my June 21 post) ...At times I think I like it and then I almost throw it away. I plan on revisiting this composition in about a month after I have practiced with watercolor a bit more. I do like some of the soft blending that is going on here, but I want to give the shadows and light sources a bit more consideration.

Hawaii

2010-06-29T10:20:00.001-04:00

This month's location for the virtual paintout is Hawaii. (virtualpaintout.blogspot.com) I have been struggling with watercolors - most likely because I want to treat them like acrylics (I know very little about both). Late last night after several failures, I gave myself 20 minutes to paint directly onto the paper with no pencil sketch. Went to bed disgusted as I hated this. In the morning, although I am not in love with this, I feel it is a good "study" and I am eager to try it again. It looks more "watercolorish" than most of my other attempts. I will not have time today to attempt another one and as this is the end of the month, I will submit it. And be happy with it. ...kind of. :) The image was from Google maps.

The Monster

2010-06-27T14:37:00.003-04:00

My youngest daughter (7 when she drew this) read "Where the Wild Things Are" and this is her monster after reading the story. I just love it! I'm going to frame it and hang it on my 2-1/2 year old son's bedroom wall. It is quite appropriate for him! :)

The Umbrella

2010-06-26T16:44:00.006-04:00

Mid 90's today in central North Carolina. I sat in the shade today and watched the kids swim while I sketched. Had no interest in laying out in the sun or going in the lukewarm pool! Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter. I will give the open umbrella another try this week - tricky little bugger to draw!

Power went out around 5pm and it was still 90 degrees So we made a second trip to the pool and I got a quick sketch in. Submitted this sketch to the Twenty Minute Challenge (twentyminutechallenge.blogspot.com) I went in the pool this time! Thank goodness the power came back on and we can sleep comfortably tonight.

Girl holding goat

2010-06-25T01:56:00.006-04:00

Just love the colors and the pure sweetness of this painting. I remember when my oldest son was four years old and he was holding a baby goat and looking at me with the sweetest expression - almost had a goat to go along with our 3 dogs and 2 cats! I hope to paint a similar picture (using the photo of my son holding the baby goat) with acrylics some day. The painting was done by Bridget Griffith Evans. I don't mean to copy her or steal her ideas - but I do like her use of color and line and her brushwork.

Still struggling with my watercolor of the deer. Will keep trying over the weekend.

A colorful mess!

2010-06-21T14:50:00.009-04:00

Believe me, no one needs to tell me how horrible this is. I do like my underline drawing, but the initial "realistic" colors turned to mud and so I just had "fun". I probably have no right painting in watercolors as I really don't think out my white spaces. I should probably pursue my acrylics as I love to saturate and layer with color - something I obviously like to do. With this said, I am going to attempt using watercolor again for this composition (and exclusively for another month) - maybe I will do a light underwash, let it dry, and then go back with my bold colors and let my strokes just BE and not mess with them. I do think the bold, unrealistic colors are fun here instead of all beige and browns, but I would like the colors to be a bit more subtle and blended. The background is way too "solid" and heavy. I just need to do it correctly (and for me, therein lies the mystery!)

Mule Deer Buck

2010-06-18T00:05:00.001-04:00

This is my initial sketch for the Wilderness Art Challenge for the month of June. I am happy with the sketch - and have started adding some watercolor. I am such a "baby" when it comes to painting - totally "trial by error". I am reading a watercolor book and I understand there are many approaches - some layer the colors, some don't at all, wet on wet, "dry"... I plan on doing this same picture at least three times and hope the last one shows improvement! Critiques are very helpful to me and don't worry about hurting my feelings - I 'm probably thinking much worse things than you are. ha ha. I need all the advice I can get :)

Emma's Green Apple

2010-06-16T13:51:00.002-04:00

This is one of my first acrylic paintings and I did a pear on that day as well (see blog archive March 5). My daughter always claims the green apples as she loves their tart taste - the rest of us prefer sweet. I am currently working on a few watercolors - which is a difficult medium for me because I like to be in control!

Poster for Gershwin Concert

2010-06-15T16:34:00.003-04:00

A couple of years ago I drew three different versions for a poster for the Northern Michigan Chorale's ""The Music of Gershwin" Concert. The first design was selected and I spent a ridiculous amount of time on the computer learning how to fill in the color. I learned a lot and it was fun. Busy doing laundry today - can't wait to use my new watercolors!

Five Old Sketches

2010-06-14T10:56:00.023-04:00

Five old sketches that I am going to do in watercolors (the 5th sketch is from a magazine picture I found but I did change the composition a bit). I need to tweak the face of the dog & the boy, but other than that I am posting these all at once in the hopes it gives me the incentive to work quickly in order to keep it loose and not "labor" over every brush stroke. Wish me luck!

"Finishing Touches" watercolor

2010-06-08T15:54:00.001-04:00

My ink / watercolor for the challenge Inspiration All Around Us. It is totally amateur, I know, but I finally broke out the paints! Sat for a LONG time before I actually touched the brush to the paper ... I feel a huge sense of satisfaction. WHY is painting so scary? I think I held my breath half the time! ha ha

"Finishing Touches" Sketch

2010-06-06T10:54:00.005-04:00

This is a practice sketch for the Inspiration All Around Us monthly challenge. I plan on water coloring this. (I used the markers I happened to have in my purse) Participating artists are free to "interpret" the photo - my daughter is going to try and make jewelry (chelseabednar.blogspot.com). If you haven't done so, check her blog out, I think you will enjoy it.

Bison

2010-06-01T23:37:00.002-04:00

This is my May submission for http://wildernessartchallenge.blogspot.com If you get a chance, take a look at the website. I don't think you will be disappointed.

My Daughter's Blog

2010-05-30T23:16:00.005-04:00

My daughter, Chelsea, just started an art blog. She has so much talent and is eager to learn and explore all aspects of art. She is excited to get feedback and also follow and learn from other art bloggers. her blog "address" is chelseabednar.blogspot.com (Artistic Adventures)

Carriage Horse

2010-05-28T22:26:00.007-04:00

This handsome fellow was so sweet. We did eventually take a ride around historic Charleston, SC, but not with this guy. The photos of my drawing are interesting because I didn't use a flash with one and I think the "sepia" image that resulted works well with this subject matter. I will have to start thinking about my paper color and how that affects the overall feeling of the artwork.

Czech Republic - May

2010-05-25T23:54:00.006-04:00

The Czech Republic was the location for the virtual paintout monthly challenge. I had hoped to break out my watercolors, but ended up with sharpie w/ colored pencil sketch due to time constraints. My actual drawing is the top horizontal photo, but to make the edges "neat & clean" for the challenge I submitted the bottom cropped photo also. I will let Bill Guffey decide which one he would like to use. Can't decide which I like better - horizontal or vertical...?

Preliminary sketch

2010-05-19T21:14:00.013-04:00

This was my first sketch for the Virtual Paintout's May challenge = Czech Republic. As usual, done "on the run" while waiting for my kids after school activities. I will make a few tweaks and maybe watercolor this if I have time.

Magnolia Plantation Bridge

2010-05-18T21:14:00.006-04:00

First quick sketch while in the car waiting for my kids to finish dance. Would love to do this in the impression style of Monet's bridge paintings.

Charleston, SC

2010-05-14T15:01:00.010-04:00

Art Happens all around Charleston, SC - everywhere one looks! I took so may pictures. I can't say enough about the beauty of the historic district, Island of Palms, the plantations... My first sketch & color study of a Living Oak tree at Magnolia Plantation. I used colored pencils and plan on doing a watercolor. I have NOT been trained at all in color theory or painting and I was surprised how little brown I actually ended up using on the tree bark! But then, I tend to love color and overdue it at times.

Motorcycle

2010-05-10T14:54:00.007-04:00

This month's challenge for studioatelier.blogspot.com was difficult as I at first found little about this photo to inspire me. After numerous attempts at sketching, I found I liked the curved lines of the motorcycle. So I focused on the "line" of the bike, the shiny chrome, and the spots where the light hit the bike. I played with charcoal pencils for the first time.

"Riding Lessons"

2010-05-04T14:09:00.004-04:00

My "inspiration" was a poto I tore out of a magazine. I loved the way the shadows were cast on the path. Not a whole lot of color as the leaves have already fallen from the trees. The horse is white and the only color were the sweaters, hat and blue jeans, with the sun filtering through the trees. I would love to do a more detailed, careful pen, ink & a touch of watercolor of this. Hope to find the time.

Canary Islands

2010-04-30T18:04:00.005-04:00

This is my drawing for the Virtual Paintout challenge (see blogs I follow) This is located in the Canary Islands and I did a quick pen & ink study with colored pencil.

Study of a Girl

2010-04-28T15:03:00.011-04:00

This is not my composition but a copy of the photo below. Can't wait to participate in this monthly challenge - Following the Masters (see blogs I follow). Right now it is on a "spring break" -curve of cheek, forehead and expression are off and the ear gave me trouble the whole time... but not bad for being cramped in the car for most of this drawing... I realize how important it is to walk away from what you are working on and look at it from a distance. Can't wait to try this one again.

Chick

2010-04-25T13:14:00.011-04:00

This was done with a permanent black ink pen. Transporting the kids to after school activities gives me ample time to sketch & draw (and listen to my Broadway XM channel!) This was an exercise for the monthly challenge for Studio Artelier (see blogs I follow)