Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Reflection

Why do I Paint? I came across an old sketch book of mine the other day. I started flipping through the pages, curious to see if I had in fact progressed in my drawing skills after a few years. There were a couple of drawings I was quite impressed with, considering how long ago they were done, and others, well lets just say they were "nice" if you know what I mean.

Amongst the sketches were a few notes to myself. Several quick little phrases and some lengthy entries of inner thoughts and reflection. Reading over these notes triggered something in me that I may have lost over some time. I paint because I have to, it is in me. Life is too beautiful to let it slip by without even noticing. I was given this gift, this sensitivity to life and its my job to take what was given and invest, cause it to grow.

At the time I had written one of my little entries, I was sitting on a bed of rocks on the shore of a little island off the coast of Maine. No one was on this island but a small group of students and the owner of the island. I began to take in the beauty of such a place, the awesome peacefulness, the tranquility of creation. As my eyes wondered around the panoramic view of ocean and sky, as the crisp, clean scent known only to this little island began to embrace my senses I started to write. My words expressed my awe in this creation and praise to The Creator of life. I was so thankful to be blessed to see this world in a unique way. It is an honor to me to be able to paint, to explore the world around me in its intricate detail and vast wonder. To God be the Glory.

The photo was taken from where I sat, writing and relfecting.

Sunday, January 22, 2006


Contour drawings from Clayton Becks hand painting workshop last week. This was just one of the ways we focused on approaching the hands. More images to come.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Happy New Year


New years resolutions anyone?

Although I'm not one to make resolutions, this year I decided it would be a year to really developing my drawing skills. I know I will still paint but realized that my drawing skills are so important. As many instructors have said and I totally agree, You can have all the paint on your canvas, thin and thick strokes, lots of color and temperature, but if the drawing is off all the paint in the world can't save it. So here begins my journey of strengthening my drawing skills.

This drawing was done in paint. Learning to draw with a pencil is one thing, drawing with a paint brush it quite another.