Sketchbook blog

I recently sent a new batch of updated Endearing Young Charms to Art-o-mat . Fall and winter berries and leaves feature prominently in this small ornament series of Endearing Young Charms.

The Rest of my Tiny Sketchbook Earlier, I posted the first few pages of my little book that I completed for the The Sketchbook Project . Working on a silhouette was new to me.  I really enjoyed learning about the basic distinguishing characteristics of specific trees from this exercise. True Confession:  I love blueberries so much that I eat them every day! Another confession:  I have tried to keep alive an echeveria bluebird alive for some years.  Let's just say some years are better than others. Fun fact:  My Dad used to build log homes out of Western and Eastern Red Cedar. I used to get weeping junipers mixed up with cedar trees until I did this exercise. Study nature,  Love nature,  Stay close to nature.   It will never fail you.  - Frank Lloyd Wright Originally, I was going to draw more birds (a favorite subject) in this sketchbook, but I probably needed a larger format book....

Lately, I have decided to use a gridded sketchbook to work on my draftsmanship.  I picked up this fun Fabriano notebook at Hobby Lobby. Metal engraving has fascinated me for some time.  I have enjoyed discovering some antique patterns on Zippo lighters and Colt revolvers. I respect the artisans who blended organic delicacy with such a solid, hard ground (metal).

I have enjoyed (another!) of Amarilys Henderson 's online classes -- this one is called Expressive Little Faces .  (You, too, can take her class and try out Skillshare for $0.99 for 3 months by clicking here .) I always have my pen and sketchbook with me.  Earlier this summer, I sketched each child in Vacation Bible School group so that I could remember them and their names better.  I had the youngest age group (5 year olds). They were a hoot!  ;) Unfortunately, I had to stop drawing faces and loves because the kids were becoming too interested in seeing themselves drawn.  (I needed them to pay attention to the lesson being taught by our speaker!) I hope to be able to do this again soon so I can learn more about each child while practicing my sketching skills.  It was a great, improvisational activity to develop my sketching abilities. Hope you enjoy,