excuses, excuses

just wanted to write *something* since i havent put anything up in a while. im working on the memory drawing and the surreal painting at the same time and both are taking a while and almost done. ive also been reeeeeally busy because i *finally* got a job! just wanted to update and let y'all know im not totally ignoring the summer assignments.

another : )

this is the ink drawing piece. this is in my sketchbook and it started out as a thumbnail but i really liked how it turned out. could it be my final piece or do i need to have it on a separate piece of paper?

finito

its a little dark..but it is finished. i really need to get photoshop

My face...

This is one of my projects that i've done over the summer. its me in sunglasses. some of it is done with ink and some is with paint.

A Word to the Wise....

I would like to take a few minutes to point out something. You all know quite a bit about art. How could you NOT???!!!!
But you forget to USE what you know. You get so wrapped up in following rules, and trying to please the teacher you forget to THINK! You just do. You do something, anything. But does it have meaning to you? Have you made it relevant? Have you pushed the boundaries of what the material can do? Are you having fun? Do you know what you want your work to say?
Think about the tools you are using. Think about what makes them different from other media. Think about what makes watercolor, or charcoal, or whatever so special. How is it different from other stuff you use? Then push it.
Use those characteristics to the breaking point. For example: because charcoal is "movable" use that quality, when you use charcoal. Put it on the paper and allow it to move; force it to move. Don't try to make it look so perfect. The ability to show fingerprints and smearing can make your drawing look more emotional, more expressive, and your own mark making makes it so much more personal!
When painting, don't always blend everything perfectly. Being able to see brush marks is exciting in a painting. That's what keeps us so interested in the Impressionists' work.
Play with your materials. See what they can do. Experiment, enjoy, think!!!!

I'm Baaaaaaaaack

Okay. I'm back from traveling. I'm in Cin'ti now, for tonight. I have driven for about 10 1/2 hours today and am mentally fried. I hope to get up tomorrow and put some comments on here for the ones who have posted. Stay tuned.....

Nouns and Verbs

I Spy: Think, Love, Adore, Laugh, Jump, Music, Car, Waterfall, Flip flop, Smile, Heels, Nail polish.

Acrylic on Canvas.

I LOVE PAINTING!!

A Big Thank You

Thanks to the two of you for posting.

I'm sorry it may take me a few days to answer because I am off for Memphis tomorrow morning - EARLY!!!!

I want to give you a thoughtful answer so I will wait until I get back. Keep making good art!

What should i do?!

This is the self-portrait assignment. I think it does sort of look like me, but I feel like something looks funny about it and I'm not sure what to do to make it better... any suggestions?

Now Hear This!

My Mom's ear! I don't know if I'm done yet?

Any suggestions?

The Ear is a hard body part to draw!!!!!

Jackie and I went to the Art Museum today.  I think we were expecting something totally different.  We wanted to see more modern art? We got bored with the portraits. But we both ended up finding something  interesting to draw!

Ummm... where am I? Really!

Starting on Sunday I will be out of town and even far from Columbus.
I am going to a class for experienced AP teachers in Austin, Texas. I will return on Saturday the 18th, only to leave again on the 19th for a computer class in Memphis.
Although I am away I will have my tablet and will be able to check what's going on with you. So... be sure to work and post what you have done for all of us to see and share.
I too will be working and may even post some things once I get a chance to sit still long enough.

I look forward to seeing your work!!! Hope your summer is going well.

Ink Still Life

This still life is set up on my kitchen counter.  The ink was hard to work with because you can't erase your mistakes.  I didn't understand how to make the ink a lighter gray.  I think I did the best on the spatula. Ink is not my speciality but I would like to experiment more. 

need help

This is the oil pastel assignment..i cant tell if the image is blurry or not but i need help!! its from a picture of a lake and trees..i know were not suppossed to worry about small details but it just seems unfinished and i dont know what else to do.