A Day in The Life

Illustration Friday - Separated

2011-12-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

Here's this week's Illustration Friday theme - Separated.

Illustration Friday ~ "Round"

2011-11-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

This weeks' Illustration Friday challenge = "Round"
From pencil sketch on paper to computer.

Illustration Friday - "Cultivate"

2011-03-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

I wanted to do a quickie for this week's Illustration Friday theme, "Cultivate", and of course it took a LONG time. Not because I got caught up in the fun of it but because I was fighting battles with my computer and Photoshop. :-(

Hopefully next week will be a little less trying.

Stir

2011-03-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

This week's Illustration Friday theme is "stir". I went pretty literal and very graphic. I'm having so much fun thinking about how to illustrate these themes and then creating the art.

Illustration Friday - "Warning"

2011-03-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

This week's Illustration Friday theme is "warning". For this, I decided to upload my Bike Geek drawing which, I actually did some time back. It seems so fitting to upload now.

Outside

2011-02-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

It's been raining and gray and I can feel it. After finishing this morning's drawing/painting, it became clear to me, I need to get outside and let my inner kid play.

Illustration Friday - Reverse

2011-02-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be back! I haven't posted my art in a long time but I am inspired to do so, once again.
This is my first Illustration Friday submission. The theme is Reverse.

Carrying the weight of the day

2009-06-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep well the night before I drew this. My cats kept me awake. I think this drawing is very revealing of the way I was feeling without my 8 hours, or even 7, or 6, for that matter.

Timbuk2 Highlights One of My Tees

2009-06-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am happy the folks at Timbuk2 included my Peace Love and Bikes tee on their blog. Yahooey!

New challenge

2009-05-28T16:55:00.001-07:00

I decided to participate in a biweekly challenge on the Different Strokes blog. This is my submission for this period.

acrylic on canvas paper

The shift happened

2009-05-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in the last post a shift was about to happen. It was a real premonition, unbeknownst to me. A shift happened outside of my blog, in my real life. The change is not tangible but I felt it more than I care to go into. The last month has been difficult.... I am hoping the transition is behind me. I am looking forward - toward more creativity and more exercise and more life.
I started a new sketchbook this morning. I finished the last one yesterday and was so excited to buy myself a new book. I think I was even more thrilled to open my new hard-bound book this morning and get started on the new chapter. The blank pages can sometimes be daunting but this time I was ready.
This self-portrait was the result. It was not planned but it is what developed.

Worries

2009-04-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

This blog is about to go through a shift. Actually, I guess it is shifting, right now. Everything is shifting. Change is constant. Sometimes it is a relief to know that.
As I go through my days, weeks, years, and decades I carry with me a bucket of worries. I am looking forward to leaving this bucket in a field and walking away from it.
Thank goodness change is constant.

More Characters from an Imaginative world

2009-03-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Not sure where these friendly little critters are coming from, but the cool thing is they are friendly.
Maybe they will appear in some graphic narrative soon. Hhmmm.

New T-shirt Design

2009-03-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

I rolled out a new t-shirt design last week. It is getting a thumbs up from the Etsy community. I only know that because it was added to a treasury and it has received a few hearts. (A way for people to mark their favorite items or sellers on Etsy).

Catching up

2009-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have been lagging on the blog posts lately. I am consumed with my Etsy shop and I work best doing one thing at a time. I am still getting up in my loft most mornings and drawing but I am certainly distracted with things I need to get done to continue selling my tees.
Here are a few characters I drew in the last week or so.
Have a great weekend.

Tree Love

2009-02-16T10:45:00.001-08:00

I like the idea of conceptual art. It can make one stop and look a little longer in order to make sense of the concept presented. Sometimes there is no sense, sometimes the perceived message is far from the artist's intent, sometimes it is clear, simple and straight to the point. Does the artist always know the concept before or even after the creation happens?

Go Out and Play

2009-02-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

I love computers. I confess, I enjoy sitting and getting lost in the inner workings of this little machine. And then there is the internet.... One, me, can get so lost out there. Yesterday, I could not pull myself away from this little keyboard and flashing screen. I mean really. I was trapped, sucked in, stuck. And it didn't feel very good after a while. But I kept hacking away and going nowhere. Isn't this a classic example of addiction?
Today, I will go outside and play.

Have a Seat

2009-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Maybe I could try printing some rendition of this on t-shirts. That is what I think about these days. How would that look on a tee? What if I wrote this on a tee?

Eco Finds Blog Feature

2009-02-04T13:16:00.001-08:00

My T-shirts are featured on My Eco Finds today. I even got to do a little interview. Very fun. Thanks My Eco Finds.

New T-shirt Design

2009-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am excited about my new t-shirt design. I will be posting more colors on Etsy soon.

Abstraction

2009-01-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

When I was young I used to spend hours coloring in a specific style of coloring book. The pages were filled with large angular shapes which were then split off into lots and lots of smaller angular shapes. So ultimately, you were left to create your own image, using color to separate the shapes. I find myself thinking a lot about these coloring books, lately. And wondering if I could design a coloring book for kids in which the lines or picture did not dictate the color. How can I design a coloring book which encourages creativity, thinking outside the box and making it your own.

Pigma pen, Prismacolor markers and digital color.

Balance Again

2009-01-28T10:18:00.001-08:00

This is not the first time I have posted about balance. It is a recurring need in my life. I think many of us are challenged with keeping some sort of cohesive balance in our lives. And so, I keep working on it and drawing it. Someday, I'll get there. I am getting closer, I know I am. Are you?

Inauguration Day Doodle

2009-01-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

I was sucked in by the tv coverage of Barack Obama's Inauguration coverage yesterday. At least I looked away from the tv for a short bit to doodle this while just listening to the excitment.

Obama Doodlerama

2009-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

I jotted down a few doodles while waiting for Obama to take the oath. It is a fabulous day for the U.S. and hopefully for the world!

The Devil Makes me Giggle

2009-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Danny Gregory, author/compiler of a new book titled An Illustrated Life says in his introduction, "A sketchbook is a great, nonthreatening place to begin to draw." I couldn't agree more. One of the fabulous things about having a sketchbook is the place it provides for you to be you, without any judgment, whatsoever, from anybody else. You can do whatever you want, however you want. This is your own, private space to just be. Try it. Sure we are our own worst critic so part of the trick is getting that nasty voice out of our own heads and returning to our book and pens/pencils/collage materials to try again. It might feel a little uncomfortable at first. I remember saying over and over and over. I suck. My art is stupid. I can't draw. But I kept at it and to my surprise I started to like my little creations. I am not one to come up with a concept then illustrate it. Rather, I just sit with my sketchbook, put pen or pencil to paper and just let things flow as they will. This is called process art by some. You don't have to go to school to learn how to do it. There are no rules - thank goodness. There are no critics waiting to tell you how you could have done it better. This is between you and your new friend, the sketchbook. I encourage everyone to try it. You don't even have to have a big block of time to get into it. You can do a quickie two minute little thing. I think the important part is doing it with some sort of consistency. I will sometimes take weeks off but I always get back to it. I have been doing my sketches for about ten years now. I love looking back in the books and seeing the patterns, the moods, the silly drawings and the straight up emotions that come through the ink and land so appropriately on the page.
Treat yourself to a trip to your local art store, buy a notebook/sketchbook you love and some pens or pencils and give it a try. Find your own time and space to explore your marks and lines and shapes.
This writing was inspired by this drawing. I drew it two days ago. I thought, I cannot post that! It is so ugly. But while drawing it and when I looked at it today, I giggled. I love it. I can just hear the horrified critics - but it doesn't matter. This drawing gives me joy! That is all that matters.
I hope you will give it a try.
(the link above goes to Amazon. As much as I like the prices at Amazon, and the convenience, I encourage you to shop locally and pick this and other books up at your favorite local bookshop)

New Tshirt Design

2009-01-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

I designed and printed a new tshirt which you can find on my Etsy.com store. Check it out if you have a minute. More colors will follow. Yahooey!

Killer Mouse

2009-01-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

... now go take on the day. Confront it and conquer it with goodness and kindness in heart.

Bird in a Tree

2009-01-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

I drew this little design yesterday and was very excited with the evolution of the marks. And now I am excited to make it into a tshirt design. It will change a little to fit a shirt.

Crab

2009-01-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

I guess this is a crab, tied up in chains, being pulled from the water. Ouch! Maybe it is just being saved? Maybe it is suffering in confinement? I look forward to the happier drawings which, I hope, will surface soon.

Growing, growing, growing

2009-01-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my subconscious seems so much healthier than my conscious mind. I am not sure where the break happens but I am hoping to sever the ties very soon.

New Year

2009-01-07T11:22:00.001-08:00

I'm back. It's a new year and with that comes a chance at a new start and new ideas and new goals.
Here's to change and freeing oneself to take hold of the infinite number of possibilities waiting to be explored.

Thinking Out Loud

2008-11-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Art school (short for going to school for art), is a trying experience. Some days I just want to keep doodling in my own naive, un-teacher-influenced way. Other days I get excited about the new stuff I am learning.
I think having a teacher who grades you based on the work of others makes things a little difficult. Because to achieve an A, you have to be more like the artist who is getting an 'A'. I prefer a teacher who grades you based on your performance compared to your own skills.
If I am ever an art teacher, I will praise and push and appreciate each artist for who they are. My goal would be to encourage each student to expand on what they are expressing and to do it in a way they love.
Creating art can be a vulnerable experience. When we are feeling vulnerable, I think we need support and encouragement. This is the gift I like to share with anyone brave enough to express themselves in any sort of creative way.

School - Time management

2008-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned I have a little problem with time management and I can only seem to focus on one thing at a time? School has my complete attention. Just ask when the last time was that I pulled out the lawn mower or went for a long bike ride. And as for my blog, I am sad to say it too, has been neglected by my inability to multitask.
I am posting a photo I just used in a project for my Digital Media class. The assignment was - create a 10 page website documenting something out of your ordinary world. I decided to be like a bug and to record what a bug might see in the garden.
Here is my favorite photo from that assignment. And the whole project, though it could use some more love, is here.

A theme is forming

2008-10-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Another boat/paddle/stressful water scenario thing going on....

"Stress"

Pigma pen, prismacolor markers
10/7/08

Eye

2008-10-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

"Eye"
Pigma pen, Prismacolor markers
10/10/08

Up A Creek...

2008-10-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Up a creek without a paddle.
Sure, it's a cliche but when looking at this drawing, I can't get that phrase out of my head.
Got ideas for a better title? I'm open.

"Up a Creek"

Pigma pen, Prismacolor markers
10/08/08

Unconditional Love

2008-10-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

This elephant isn't perfect. It is disproportionate and half-colored. I guess that makes it imperfect. But I love it, even with its flaws. Perhaps, I just love what it represents.

"Unconditional Love"
Pigma pen, Prismacolor markers, Photoshop.
10/7/2008

Farewell to Bush

2008-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is a first on my blog. Never, have I posted another person's work. Being at San Jose State in the art program allows me the opportunity to see different approaches to different projects on a daily basis. I want to show you some of the talent.
This screen print is titled "Farewell to Bush." The artist, Chantrelle, is majoring in illustration. I just love the concept and her execution drew me right in.

Tshirts are rolling out

2008-09-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

I mentioned them weeks back and they are starting to hit my Etsy store. I am designing and printing tshirts between school work and life work.

Art School

2008-08-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

I took this photo yesterday while attending my first day at San Jose State Univ. I am going for a degree in art so why not take an "Art"sy photo.

Sculpture outside of the art building at SJSU.

New Medium

2008-08-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am on to a new medium. Prismacolor markers. I love the saturation and rich colors.
I think of this doodle as a rising above.

Rainbow

2008-08-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a weather-filled weekend in Colorado. Sun, rain, snow, sun, clouds, wind, rainbow, sun. The annual Folks Fest in Lyons Colorado was a bit messier this year than last but the music and the company were great.
This trip winds up summer 2008. I start school Aug 26th. I hope the routine school brings will also get me into the groove of posting to my blog.
I hope you all had a fabulous summer -

Rainbow seen from the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado.

Hard Work

2008-07-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

I am working on tshirt designs which I plan to rollout very soon. It is much harder than I expected. I should be screen printing at least one of the designs this week. Clearly, this is exhausting my support group.

Emmy sleeps on my sketchbooks.

Livestrong

2008-07-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

I participated in my first Livestrong event this weekend. Livestrong, a non-profit organization started by Lance Armstrong, is on a mission to raise as much money as is needed to win the battle we are all fighting - Cancer. It has, directly or indirectly, touched just about every American and Livestrong is working hard to do their part to win this fight.
I signed up late - a couple of weeks before the ride. I had my doubts about being able to raise the required $250 to ride, but my friends and family showed up big time and supported the cause in a way that has both inspired and motivated me. I rode 50 miles with two names on my back, which belong to friends who are surviving the battle. I pushed hard, harder than I have ever ridden, for these fighters and for everyone who is working so hard to overcome the challenges cancer unfairly forces on them. Thank you to my friends, family, the riders, Livestrong and the Livestrong volunteers for caring. Thank you for reminding me what it really means to live on this earth and to share all things good.

Lance Armstrong waits to speak to the crowd
after the San Jose, CA Livestrong ride.

Riders wait for the start of the Livestrong ride in San Jose, CA.

Disconnect

2008-07-11T10:53:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I think of my blog often. I want to update it and add new creative pieces but the truth is, I have lost the flow. I guess I am experiencing a creative block. This drawing portrays why the pens, pencils, pastels and paints have been collecting dust. I am feeling disconnected.

Summer

2008-06-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

I guess I needed a break from life since school ended. I am still here. I still think about my blog. And now that I have had some time to do whatever, whenever I am ready to get back into some sort of a routine which will include my blog.
Stay tuned.

Finals!

2008-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

No more classes - just finals. I am looking forward to wrapping up this semester and enjoying my summer. I expect to post to my blog more frequently in the next couple of months. Until then -

Wrentit

2008-05-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

(Edited: It has come to my attention that these birds are actually bushtits, not wrentits. As with anything, the more you look the better you become at deciphering differences. In this case the bushtit is smaller and more grey than a wrentit which has more brown on it.)

A couple of months ago I uploaded a photo of a nest which, a little bird had meticulously crafted in a Parrot's Beak (a hanging plant) on my patio. I thought at the time, in all my bird ignorance, that it must have belonged to the House Finches who were eating from the feeder on the patio. Since then, I have learned a few things about this nest and the craftsmen or craftsbirds. The little abode belongs to a pair of Wrentits. I see them several times a day scattering to and from the nest. In fact, they have recently been going in and out much more frequently.
I had some friends over Saturday and one of them said - "listen to the baby birds!" That was the first time I heard them. We have babies!! I was so excited. I didn't see any but I heard the little babies chattering away. Presumably talking to mom and dad who sent instructions from the Abutilon just outside the nest. I figured babies were on the way but I didn't realize, until that moment, that the little fluff balls had already been born.
Here is a couple of photos of mom or dad or as we just learned, helper birds, delivering food to the waiting babies. According to Audubon, the babies diet consists solely of insects. I know there are a lot of bugs in this world but I cannot believe the success these little insect hunters have. Every few minutes a wrinkled up, gnarled insect or worm is carried to the nest.
I also added a little sound bite I recorded today, which may take a while to load. You can hear the little baby squeaks and the louder, more dominant commands from the parents.

Whales

2008-04-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Some days aren't so great, some are good, and some days are just magical! I have had a few magical days recently and today was one of them. I arranged for a group of friends to go on a whale watching trip out of Moss Landing. I didn't know it would be 75 degrees (perfection in this area), nor did I know we would see so many whales that the captain would later say "if this is your first whale watching trip, don't do another one!" We were blessed with the majesty you only see in the open waters. What a treat!

Humpback whale

Killer whales

Killer whale

Branch with Nest

2008-04-24T17:11:00.000-07:00

This was an intermediate drawing class exercise in rendering skills.

Graphite on bristol paper

My Bedroom

2008-04-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Another painting assignment. The mission here was to paint an interior with exit views. This is my bedroom with a little morning light shining through.

Acrylic on canvas board

Broken Mannequin

2008-04-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted anything. I am just trying not to fall too far behind in school. I am constantly doing school work or at least thinking about it.
Anyway - I plan to post a few pieces, in the next few days, that I have recently completed.
Here is one from my painting class. I set up this wacky little still life at school and finished it at home.

Acrylic on canvas board

Out of Shape

2008-04-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

It seems, for me, photography is like exercise. If I don't do it regularly I get out of shape quickly. My photos are lacking the spark I had found when I was doing it daily. I guess there is only one way to get back in shape....

Quick Watercolor from Mendocino

2008-03-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

In addition to carrying my point and shoot and snapping a few photos in Mendocino, I also toted the pencils, watercolors and a little notebook. I, for my first time ever, sat at a restaurant and did a sketch which, I painted when I got back to our room. It's a little scary drawing in public because what if people want to see what you are doing and your kind of a beginner and what if they think your art is terrible. I was brave. It was fun!

A Few Days in Mendocino

2008-03-31T20:00:00.001-07:00

I spent the last few days of my spring break in Mendocino, CA. I love Mendocino. It is beautiful and small and cozy and sweet and for me, the list goes on and on. Here are a few shots from my weekend in this special, little coastal town.

PMS

2008-03-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to practice balance on a conscious level when your hormones go into wild swirls of imbalance on a subconscious level.
The title of this drawing is "PMS with Chicken Legs". Because that is what I see when I look at it. :-)

Balance

2008-03-19T09:01:00.001-07:00

A life-long lesson.

Life's Wonders

2008-03-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

This may very well be one of those photos that is better left on my hard drive or memory card but I am just so excited about the nest, I want to show/tell everyone about it. I have a Lotus vine (also known as parrots beak) that is quite happy after the winter rains, growing as a hanging plant on my patio. A few days ago I noticed some stuff was coagulating in the leaves - I checked it out and figured it was probably an abandoned nest with engineering malfunctions. But I left it alone. I went out again today to look closer after watching a bird poking around at it. It is a full blown, beautifully built nest. Not the sit-on-top type. It is more like a sac. A perfectly round hole, aka doorway, was built right into the top third of the little palace. It is so cool! It is made of feathers, reindeer moss, leaves, fur and all kinds of other stuff. I guess I should take a macro shot so you can see the mastery weaving. It's truly amazing. I believe it is a house finch nest mainly because that is what I see feasting most often on a feeder I have on the other side of my patio. I am so excited to see what comes of it - maybe there are already little eggs in there. I am not sure, I can't see down through the hole and I don't want to upset my new house mates.

House Morph

2008-03-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with school. I think I am learning more about time management than the topics I signed up for. Crazy. I'll get through it but time for art - even the art classes I am registered in - is limited.
Here is a morph series I did in ink for my intermediate drawing class. It is a house morphing into a barn. It looks better when the drawings are side by side but space is tight here on Blogger.

Waves

2008-02-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

We had some ginormous waves pass through beautiful Santa Cruz this week. When the winter storms blow through this area, the Monterey Bay crashes into the receding cliffs, sprays salt into the air, and inevitably brings pent up Santa Cruzans out in hords to experience the energy and see the beauty Mother Nature left in her path. It is a magical time for all.

Etsy Store

2008-02-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

I decided to try something new. I have created a new store called Lofty Mornings. It is located within the walls of Etsy. You can check my little widget on the right of this page. It is a fun new adventure and a good way to get feedback on my drawings.
I will be creating and listing teeshirts soon too. Check back often to see what's happening.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5569373

Tints, tones and shades

2008-02-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

I am taking a painting class. Our first assignment was to mix primary colors to make secondary colors. Then mix the secondary colors with white, grey and black to make tints, tones and shades. Also, mix the primaries with their compliments. Apply the mixed - aka muted - colors to paper or canvas. This is when we were allowed to be creative if we wanted - go abstract, he said, if you want. I did - it was fun - this is what I got.

acrylic on watercolor paper. 12x17

Sunglasses

2008-02-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

I tried for three mornings to get this to look like what I wanted it to look like but I just couldn't get it. If I had been using acrylic paints I could have painted over it until I got the look I wanted. Not the case with colored pencils. "Painting" over it with the pencils would have made it look more and more muddy. So it's done. Oh well. Lessons learned.
By the way - Blogger.com really drags these colored drawings and photos out. They suck the colors out. I try to over-saturate the colors in photoshop but still the colors appear flat. Not sure how to fix that yet.

Silly Guy

2008-02-10T11:34:00.001-08:00

He makes me smile.

Fox

2008-02-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

My friend and I went for a walk in Quail Hollow Ranch today. For the first time in my life I saw a fox in its natural habitat. I got a few shots of it with my new point and shoot. They are from very far away so the photos aren't great. We watched as the fox hunted down a gopher. I have pictures of the fox with the gopher but I will spare you the realities of natural selection.

Hanging Shapes

2008-02-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

I usually begin and finish a drawing in one morning. I spent three mornings on this one. I just liked playing with it and didn't want it to end.

Emmy Paints, Sort of

2008-01-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is my helper, Emmy. Well, actually, I think I am her helper. I am to play with her and entertain her when she wants. Painting happens to be very fun for her. A little peek-a-boo, tag and jungle gym acrobats all on the easel while mom paints.

Hawk in the Evening Sun

2008-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

I was stepping outside to grab some firewood when a hawk sitting on my neighbor's chimney caught my attention. There he was taking in the last warmth of the day's sun. It was business as usual for him/her - looking around, presumably for vulnerable gophers or other delicasies. The golden light on his strong body and his majestic style inspired me to pull out the "big" camera. It isn't a fantastic photo but you get the idea of the beauty I saw before me.

Ball Splat

2008-01-14T14:15:00.001-08:00

This painting came out relatively quickly. Relative to the time it normally takes me to finish a painting. I haven't done many of them but when I do paint it seems like I drag it out - sometimes for months on end.

Acrylic on canvas board

Swimmer

2008-01-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful day here in Santa Cruz - it must be about 68 degrees - clear skies. In a word - Gorgeous!

Acrylic painting on canvas board.

New Year

2008-01-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2008. May it be full of happiness, good health, creativity, peace and positive energy for all.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

This was not taken with my new camera, it was taken with the big one I spoke of in the last post. The new one arrived and I am very excited to use it but I need a card reader for sd memory before posting any photos to my blog.
This photo was taken at a friend's house on this Christmas day. The little statue resting among the cactus struck me when I walked by.

Christmas Present

2007-12-23T07:16:00.001-08:00

I have been without a point and shoot camera for several months and as a result I have very few photos of this time past. I just don't get excited about pulling out the big, heavy camera so I don't. I guess that is silly but it's true.
Anyway - I found just the camera I want. It is a fixed lens Canon which includes options for full manual settings. I won't have to rely on the little digital wonder to set my shutter speed and aperture - I can do it myself. This feature is key for me. I will have full control of the outcome of my photos. I can even buy accessories to widen the lens or to give it more telefoto range.
I am so excited to get the new toy - I even payed a little more to have it shipped overnight. Yahooey!

Dad

2007-12-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

My father passed away this weekend. None of us expected this.
I had an amazing dream Friday night... In the dream my dad and I were having a casual conversation but a really nice one. It was adult to adult, calm, enjoyable, enlightening. We were both just comfortable, sharing. This was a milestone. When I awoke I decided I would write to my dad and tell him about this dream. I thought he would appreciate it. Why didn't I just phone him to tell him? Because his hearing was shot and he couldn't hear me. We communicated in letters.
I received a phone call Sunday morning from my brother telling me my father had died. It appears from all indications he died Friday night.
Was it a dream or was it a real conversation? I believe it was real - I believe he and I openly communicated, finally, as he was moving to the next level. Thank you dad for all your love and effort. You are a good man.
This photo was taken circa 1990 when my dad visited me in Santa Cruz. He liked this area a lot. And I like this photo, a lot.

Hat #2

2007-12-09T08:25:00.001-08:00

Ok, so this one is VERY different than the last. I like it more. It has way more personality. I drew it in ink on the bus on the way to school. Then, at home, I scanned it, enlarged it and transferred it to watercolor paper. Then I played with the paint - watercolor. Fun.

What do college students do at this time of year?

2007-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

...STRESS! or in my case - stress and draw hats. But rather than go into the mundane stresses of finals and upcoming semester project due dates I will share a drawing, the first of several to come, of hats. Yes, hats. This is the motif I chose for my final Art project. They will be very different from one another, well, I think they will be. I am still creating them and really, who knows what will come of the whole concept. I am working on the 2nd one and 6 are due on the 13th.
This particular hat was done with prismacolor pencils. It is 8"x10".

Checking In

2007-11-28T06:16:00.001-08:00

This is just a quickie to say I am still here. Life feels so good right now - I am busy with school and friends and cats and the approaching holidays. I will post more soon -

New kid

2007-11-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

I decided right after Bean died to get a new kitten so A.J. would have some company when nobody else was home. It can take cats some time to warm up to one another, if they do at all, which is one reason I chose a kitten. Kittens, like young children, are less judgemental and more open to meeting others. I figured there would be a better chance of a connection if at least one of the parties started out open and willing.
It was a rough start. I kept the kitten in her own bedroom for a couple of days and for the first four nights so A.J. would have some time to sniff her out through the door. And so A.J. would not feel too threatened by the new kid on the block. When I let the kitten check out the rest of the house, A.J. took off to her safe place - under my bed. She was afraid of her for a few days. It has been a week now. The kitten has free roam and A.J. has already learned to trust and even play chase with her new sister. I am so happy they already worked things out. After just a few hisses and one swat, that I saw, they are friends. Our new girl's name is Emmy. Note the 'M' on her forehead.

Amen

2007-11-10T17:31:00.001-08:00

I came across this great Taylor Mali clip when perusing this great artist's blog - Everything is Contextual.
Oh and yea, things look a little different. I decided to play with my blog colors instead of writing an Art History paper.

Sad

2007-11-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

This is the drawing I came up with this morning - No plans, no goal - just from within - my pen, pencils and me.
My cat "Bean" - aka "Señor Guapo", "Mean Bean Green Machine", "Man of the house", "Beanie", and a few more endearing names we came up with during our 2 1/2 years together, was killed Tuesday night by a car.
His sister A.J. and I miss him terribly. He was a class act - always doing something to make me laugh.

Second Grade Teacher

2007-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your second grade teacher? Remember what he/she looked like? Ever tried to draw him/her? I went for the challenge and though it looks nothing like her, it was fun trying.

Blast from the Past

2007-10-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

I was going through my morning doodle sketchbooks - looking for ideas for a Color and Design project for school. I ran across this drawing I like - I did it in 2005. Though it is a woman on a bench it was inspired by the Mexican gentlemen who sit and chat with friends on the Watsonville City Park benches every day.

Breakthrough?

2007-10-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

This morning's doodle. From nowhere (must be somewhere) comes this breakthrough of sorts.

I'm Here

2007-10-01T06:51:00.000-07:00

...Well maybe not here. But I am around - in school - so busy. I hope to have something to post soon.
Until then ...

Everyday Suprises

2007-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Every morning (I miss one here and there) I climb up to my loft and push out a drawing. I may spend one minute or two hours with the ink and colored pencils - it just depends on the variables I am faced with on that morning. Though the mood, amount of detail and the subject matter change - the surprise and excitement I feel when I see the completed drawing rarely waivers. The joy comes not from - hey, that's a great drawing, but from the wow of where did that come from? How did nothingness turn into those lines and those shapes? In the beginning I face the empty page with no conscious thought, no stress about how it should look, no concern about judgment from myself or others. In the end I am rewarded with a little expression of myself I didn't know existed. I find this space a special place to be whether drawing, painting, photographing, writing, sculpting - whatever art form you choose. Do you feel it too?

Going, going, going

2007-09-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

I took this photo at least a month ago but it just occurred to me right now that I like it. The contradiction between relaxation and going, going, going (by foot and plane) is appealing to me.

MIA

2007-09-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to take a certain photograph for the last two weeks but I haven't been able to find my point and shoot which I think is the ideal camera for this photo. It tends to be a little more subtle than my slr. I can't find my little buddy. It seems to be gone. I consider myself fairly organized. Even when my home gets a little messy I know things like my keys, wallet and my point and shoot are in one of three or four places. I have looked in those places at least 4 times now in hopes I missed it the first, second and third times. I can't find it. It's gone. Am I going to have to take my polaroid with me to get this photo? Hmmm. That might actually be the best way to capture the moment.
We'll see.
All I know is I want my point and shoot to come home now.

Shadows

2007-09-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

The title of this post reminds me of the John Prine song called "Lake Marie". He asks in the song "...you know what blood looks like in a black and white video? Shadows. Shadows!"
This photo has nothing to do with blood, thank goodness, but it is all about shadows cast on my hallway wall this morning. The sun was dancing on the leaves of a potted palm which left beautiful shapes and lines swirling along the empty canvas. The wall is red, well more like brick, which I think detracted from the light and dark so I converted the photo to black and white to make more of an impression. Though I think more shadows in the lower right corner of the photo would make the image too busy, I don't like the empty space.
If you have time have a listen to the John Prine song I mentioned above. (the song is large in terms of file size and this is my first time experimenting with posting music on my blog so my apologies if it causes problems.)

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

2007-09-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I firmly believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder (though I failed miserably at proving that in a college paper back in the mid-eighties). I am sure the cliche is true because I know this drawing will not appeal to many of you. I, on the other hand, like it a lot. I prefer the actual drawing over the scan but you get the idea.
I spent a couple of hours on it - shading and doodling. I doodle almost every day, in the morning.

Switching it Up

2007-09-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

I decided this morning when I was doing my daily drawing to switch up the visuals on my blog. Since I am in school now, pursuing a major in art, why not post some of my drawings. Eek. Scary. Here is a drawing I finished a short time ago. It is from a photo I took in Provincetown this summer. The drawing is done with Prismacolor pencils.

(The shadow in the upper right corner is due to a poor scan.)

Low Light Effect

2007-09-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

My point and shoot camera limits the amount of control I have over exposure. I can make a few adjustments but when I get into a low-light situation such as a Lucinda Williams concert at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz, I just have to hope for the best. That is when I have to try to be a little more open minded and appreciate the effects a long exposure in a dark room. Or not.

Colorado Bliss

2007-08-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

It has taken me some time to get back to my blog - Losing my kid was rough but the support I received from my friends and family was powerful. Thank you to all who stood by and to those of you who sent kind words. Lucy and I felt the warmth and love.
I think leaving for a vacation was the best thing I could do for myself last week. So I did. Thank you to Kathy and Michael for organizing an amazing adventure in Colorado. We spent two days touring Boulder, Lyons and Estes Park and three days listening to music at the 2007 Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado. We had a great time indulging in the beauty only the Rocky Mountains can offer. The music at the festival was fun and inspiring. The weather was refreshing. The food - Yum! The friends - amazing. I guess the only thing I could have done without was the noises in our cabin on Sunday night - I was so sure there was a bear in our kitchen that I awoke Kathy and Michael so they could save my life. Kathy got up, marched right into the kitchen without any weapons - she didn't find a bear and assured me the newsflash I dreamed up while lying stiff as a board in bed - "tourist eaten by a bear while friends sleep in bedroom" - would not be seen flashing on tv screens across the nation.
I am looking forward to next year's festival.

David Rawlings and Gillian Welch at the
2007 Folks Festival in Lyons, CO.

Lucy 1993-2007

2007-08-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

I will love you forever Lucy. Thank you for all the warmth, laughs, romps, love, licks and for cleaning up after the cats. I miss you, my girl!

Backyard Art

2007-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

One of my many favorite things about my home is my backyard. I have always wanted to learn about gardening. I am not a natural gardener so I learn by looking at other gardens and magazines and reading information found on websites like Gardenweb. I was able to create a garden from scratch when I bought this home. It will be a work in progress as long as I am here which is part of the fun of it.
Another cool thing about my home is the really nice light in the backyard in the early evening.
This is an echinacea I grew from seed. I just love looking a little deeper into and under flowers. There is so much to see when you look for more.

Game? What game?

2007-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

I went to the women's U.S. vs. Japan Send-off Series soccer match at San Jose State University with a few friends Saturday night. I was enthralled with the light coming into the stadium. It was gorgeous and made for beautiful shadows on the field. It wasn't until the second half of the game, when the sun set behind the stadium, that I could focus on what I had paid the big bucks to see.
U.S. 4 - Japan 1.

Lucy

2007-07-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

My dog Lucy and I have been best friends for 14 years. She has been my one constant through some difficult times. We have had an amazing relationship and I am so thankful for all the good times we shared. We have enjoyed countless visits to the beach and romps in the snow - she has been canoeing and she even skim boarded for about 10 seconds. She was an artist at heart - drawing massive designs in the sand while dragging her favorite toy, a Frisbee, through tangles, turns and weaves in the sand. She has touched many hearts and won over many a meat filled hand. She traveled to San Felipe, Mexico twice.
Lucy has been a great dog - I can take her anywhere and she will hang by my side - no leash required. She has been so easy - we just click and work well together.
My girl is declining. She is blind now and mostly deaf. I carry her outside every few hours to do her thing and then I take her to her food bowl and water and then, wrapped securely in my arms, we walk to her bed where she settles in for another long nap. Lucy has cancer and is suffering from Cushings disease. She is exhibiting signs of pain around her eye which is where the cancer is so I am giving her pain meds twice a day.
My first reaction to all of this aging was fear and denial. Now I am trying to embrace her and love her and comfort her through the changes. She, as she has since day one, is being a trooper. She constantly walks into things but she perseveres and keeps going.
My girl is one of a kind and I will love her through this difficult time. I don't know if I can ever repay her the amount of love and support she has provided me the last 14 years but I sure as hell am trying.
Here's to my girl. Lucy Ball Falconer.

No photo

2007-07-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

I don't have a photo to post today. I snapped a few of the morning light coming into my house this morning but they didn't excite me. I would rather show no photo than upload something forced.
I am in a transitional time right now. Drifting away from photography and more into drawing. A friend and I are in talks about a new creative business adventure. I will leave it at that until I am certain we are both in it 100%.
I know someday I will return to my camera but for now I need something different.

Algebra flashbacks

2007-07-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have some time on my hands to figure out what I want to do with my life. I go in and out of wanting to go back to school to get a degree in something. I haven't made the leap yet because I haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up. Now is a good time to do just that.
So, back to school I go. My plan right now is to major in studio art. I am no master at art but I do enjoy it and I love drawing and doodling and sculpting so why not delve into some classes that will teach me more about those topics.
Not so fast. First - Math, science and communications classes. I really just want to play with clay and wire and concrete and paint and draw but I will have to wait to get to those classes.
I spent the last three days studying algebra so I could pass the assessment test at the local community college. I took the test today and passed. Intermediate Algebra - here I come.

Free Time

2007-07-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

What does one do when they are laid off? Well, relax, play with the camera in the evening sun, relax.

Dog Dialog

2007-07-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Actually, it was more like a dog monologue. Beagle gets bossy about a stick he/she doesn't own.