Reading and doodling

I did a quick sketch of my daughter while she read- and included one of her sketches too. A pencil, some paper, a good book.. the simple things in life. Have a great thursday- for those in a work week, you're almost there!

All in the family

Charles and Ralph Keeling- two scientists of note when it comes to our awareness of global warming, and more notably the
human impact. The late Charles David Keeling was able to measure the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over time- known as the Keeling Curve, it showed that fossil fuel burning has steadily increased the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,adding to the global warming effect. His son Ralph has been measuring the levels of oxygen, conversely seeing a drop in oxygen levels over time. An amazing duo whose studies have helped bring home the message. Go green.

Football!

This is an illustration I did earlier in the year about the Patriots rebuilding.. and here they are again in the Superbowl. Perhaps I should have modified the art and had the ANKLE being worked on, as rumor has it Tom Brady may have an ankle injury. I hope not- if the Giants win I'd like it to be fair and square, no excuses.

Electricity, electricity

This morning I had no electricity for a few hours- power had gone out in my town. Luckily, it was fixed- but during the time it was out I realized how much I depend on electricity. Here's to you, Ben Franklin! And maybe it's time to get some solar panels just in case..

Finished bear

Okay, as promised here's the finished bear. Since this was going into a tight layout and possibly with a chart, I kept the elements flexible and in layers; bear, and arrows. As I've mentioned before, the technique is to bring in a charcoal line drawing using photoshop, and then creating several multiplied layers to add color. The final layer is normal, therefore opaque, to highlight fur and other little things to finish and pop.If any of this does not make sense feel free to drop me a line for clarification. TGIF!

Bear in mind- progress

This is a project currently in progress about the bear market defending itself. I provided two sketches; the first, a stoic bear, and the second a more freaked-out version. We went with stoic. I'll be posting the piece in progress later. Press on and stand tall today. Stoic!

Taking the plunge

This is an older piece of mine, and one of my favorites. Inspired by a Kate Bush song entitled 'Under Ice' from her Hounds of Love album. The song felt to me, like a rebirth of sorts- holding close the past but taking the plunge and strength to let go and release. I'm currently reading 'Eat, Love, Pray' - read it! You'll be glad you did. Go forth and be fearless today!

Around the world

Today I read that that state of our economy in the U.S. has rippled across the world and impacted China's markets, said to be stemming from the many failed loans in the U.S. housing market- and now many buyers are going after the realtors that arranged the loans in the first place. One big financial loop. Money makes the world go round!

Limitless boundaries

This is a piece on pictures in all shapes and sizes, how we frame them and how we make them- digitally, traditionally, through a window, a lens, or a monitor. Options abound and really, an artist can create his or her own boundaries- literally or figuratively.
Wishing everyone a lovely friday, and as always, a warm thanks for stopping by.

Prop talk

Today Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, is going to speak today about ways to prop up our economy here in the U.S.- here's hoping that the solutions subtract rather than add and defibrillate the economy into an upright position. Thinking positive and wishing you all a good day- thanks for swinging by.

All natural

Today's NY Times has an Op-Ed by a former pro baseball player, speaking about the use of steroids in baseball. He himself did not use, and as a result had a short-lived career, one year on top, the next mentoring rookies who would replace him. To paraphrase, he said you quickly age in the sports world and find yourself 'not chasing the dream, but running from the nightmare' trying to explain sense of the despair and desperation that would lead athletes to seek other means to avoid failure. As an homage to honesty, talent and 100 hundred percent all-natural, here's Hank.

breaking ground

The Delany sisters lived to tell their tales for quite some time before passing on.
Check out 'Having Our Say' at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadie_and_Bessie_Delany

The blues

I did this for Jazziz magazine to go with a feature on saxophonists. The mixed media technique is simple, beginning with a base drawing in charcoal, fixed with workable fixative- always in a ventilated area. Then I layered with washes of acrylic, and mixed blues into all the colors introduced into the painting to keep the color harmony. Cel vinyl paint was used for the accent marks, using a toothbrush to spatter, and the handle to draw through and push the strokes to get that movement.

Fully completed

I've finished the piece and placed it in the frame, which is a cigar box. I just love cigar boxes, as they are an art form in and of themselves. With this one I took the decorative trim from the bottom of the box, cut and collaged it to the trim to 'frame' the painting. Items that belonged to heavenly BooBoo can go inside the box underneath the painting, or placed in front. Yesterday I entered a painting into a gallery show, NYC W 4th, using a cigar box as frame, and it got some positive attention, due in part to the unique frame. So give those cigar boxes a try sometime!

Final piece

Here it is nearly finished.. just a few touch ups and then placing it in the frame box.

Personal work in progress

I'm laying in washes of acrylic, building up the color and making decisions with value, hue, etc. When it is completed I plan
to cut it out and place it in a box that I am painting and collaging to 'frame'. I"ll be returning again with a new scan as
the art evolves. Wednesday already! Halfway there..

work in progress

I'm swinging off to more lighthearted topics today, and getting away from the sturm and drang. Here is a personal piece I'm
working on, and for fun I will post each step as I work on it so you can see the creative process. Step one, graphite drawing on bristol paper. I sprayed with workable fixative, and then brushed on clear matte medium to prep surface to accept paint
but be wipeable and workable as I build it up. Be back later with the next step..

Elusive Osama

On the front page of the New York Times today we see that Bagram military base holds more than twice the amount of detainees, or prisoners, are being held at Guanatanamo- with the ranks growing rather than shrinking. And where, oh where, one wonders, is Osama, the man who symbolizes the root of terrorism in the U.S.
As I watch the candidates speak, I'm hoping that all of America wakes up and watches too, and gets involved. Our next president has a herculean task ahead- to focus, direct and sort out this mess. We are fortunate to have the ability to vote and make an informed choice- let's make the most of it.

Having a dream

Paying an homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, who had a dream...

Healthy resolutions

With the new year now firmly on a roll, comes the resolutions for health- happiness naturally follows that.
Back tomorrow-
Janet

A healthy and happy 2008!

Back after a break during the holidays to wish you all a healthy and happy new year!