Fun and Flirty (and 800)

8 1/2"x 11"

Watercolor and ink on cardstock

I found a photo of this dress in a book recently, and fell in love with it. It is from the 1920's, and seems to have an elegance, combined with the fun loving flapper attitude. I imagine this little gal is going to a fancy party that will dissolve into a bit of mischief as the evening wears on.

Oh, and yesterday's post was my 800th. That seemed worth noting.

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Walking Away

8 1/2"x 11"

Watercolor and ink on cardstock

I don't know why anyone decided that a big pouffy extension to a woman's backside would be attractive, but it sure does make for a dramatic exit, doesn't it?

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A Dress just for Walking

8 1/2"x 11"

Ink and Watercolor on cardstock

It's too bad we don't have things like walking dresses any more. We just have "jogging clothes" which are not nearly as glamorous. Imagine having a dress specifically for walking around town, perhaps doing some shopping, and calling on your neighbors. I imagine the motion of this skirt around your legs as you strolled through the streets was beautiful.

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Bonnie's Big Night Out

Bonnie just had an hour before Robert was coming to pick her up for the party. She had to pick out just  the right outfit, because Margaret had spent the week bragging about her new dress AND her new boyfriend. Just wait until Margaret got a look at Bonnie in this purple number as Robert swung her around the dance floor. This would be a night to remember.

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Sketching and Sunburn

I spent today lying on a sunny patch of grass, sketching, reading, doing business-type stuff, and most likely burning in the hot sun, but it was totally worth it. I don't draw that often, typically because I prefer the fluidity of paint, but sometimes it feels good to just sit down with a pencil and a piece of paper and create something with it. This piece is done on watercolor paper with colored pencil. Thanks to my friend Sara for lending me the photo from her family pics.


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All Aboard!

I recently signed up for a project with The Art House Gallery in Atlanta, called the Sketchbook Project. Basically, they send you a blank sketchbook and a randomly assigned theme. You fill it up, send it back, and it becomes a part of their sketchbook exhibit. Visitors can search through the books by theme, artist location, or name. A couple of days ago, I received my blank book and the theme "The other side of the tracks."

In keeping with my recent vintage work, I decided to base the book around vintage train and travel photos. I don't draw often, not that I don't like to, but the lazy side of me usually thinks how much easier and better the piece would be in paint. So, I am not sure what possessed me to decide to fill my book with sepia toned drawings. I am really happy with this first one, but let's see how I feel once I am near the back of the book!

"Sitting on the Steps"

10"x 15"
Pen and ink on Mat board
$175

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

As predicted, this piece took a while, but I am very happy with the result!

"Standing With Pride"

4"x8"
Graphite on Mat board
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

I love this picture. It just seems so classically American.

"Gather Out Front"

4"x6"
Graphite on Mat Board
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

I have been doing several of these drawings recently, and they are quite a fun challenge. I mostly enjoyed capturing the interactions between the children in this one.

"With Open Hands"

12"x14"
Graphite on Masonite

I am not sure this one is finished yet. I like the drawing, but would like to add some color to it as well.

Congratulations Donna & Drew!

10"x 12"
Graphite on Masonite

In celebration of their wedding this weekend. Congrats!

"In the Arms of a Mother"

6"x 6"
Graphite on Mat board
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

This is just such a sweet, tender moment. I don't think it reads as well on the computer, but there is quite a bit of texture in that deep black background. I left the border on this one so you could see my fingerprint smudges and where I scribbled down the title so that I wouldn't forget it by the time I finished.

"To Be So Innocent"

6"x 6"
Graphite on Mat board
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

I haven't really sat and drawn much recently, but I spent much of the weekend working on a drawing for a friend and really enjoyed it. That prompted me to do this piece. This was done from a very tiny picture of my mom as a little girl. I love the massive size of the bed as compared to her. I also love the fact that she is about the same size as the teddy bear!

"Shall We Dance"

6" x 6"
Pencil on Masonite
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

This piece is from one of my favorite pictures of me and my dad. We are dancing at my friend's wedding. I think I prefer doing portraits of the people I love the most, because then I am able to capture a bit of their personality along with their likeness.

"Perk Up"

6" x 6"
Pencil on Masonite
$80

To purchase, email me with the title in the subject line.

This is an antique coffee pot from my collection. A conversation with some friends this evening has really gotten me thinking about the purpose of pieces like this one. I don't think anyone would argue that this piece is particularly thought provoking, meaningful, or "spiritual" in any sense. Often times, because of this I am tempted to dismiss these pieces as mere exercises, with no real purpose. However, if I devote myself fully to Christ and to the work that he has given me to do, then whatever I create, no matter how trivial it may seem, will be a reflection of Him. It is a thought I need to constantly remind myself of as I am dashing off a quick painting between work and all the other things I am committed to.

"Cookie Monster"

6" x 6"
Pencil on Masonite

This guy is absolutely my favorite model! This is another one of my nephew, this time wearing a pair of Cookie Monster glasses. I never run out of fun things to draw or paint with this little guy around.