Iris Painting

In hearing a friend talk of his mother who is spending her last days in a nursing home I really wished there was something I could do. He was dismayed about her having to move there from assisted living due to insurance and money and was concerned about her fragile health with the move to a less supportive, welcoming environment. It has been on my mind in the last week since hearing all of this. I decided to do a painting for him to hang in her room - something bright, colorful, and positive. I'm pleased with how it came out. I've always loved creating images of purple/blue iris'. I think the first one I did was in high school in watercolor. I'm always amazed at how much better student behavior is when I sit at one of the tables, demo there and working along with the kids. I hope he doesn't see this blog before I can give the painting to him tomorrow! :)

"Iris For Jay's Mother" 16" X 18", acrylic on thick tagboard.

It felt so good to paint today. I think I'll drag a canvas or two in to work. Right now the kids are bursting with energy due to sitting silent during testing. It was so quiet in the room after school let out. I sat painting and telling a student the story of why I was creating it. She shared about an aunt who passed some time ago and I talked of my grandfather. At one point she was very anxious and said "I think I'm partly insane". I replied "Sane people are boring" and she told me "that's why I love you". It was a good moment.

First Sketch relating to the move

I'm posting another sketchbook drawing. This one was done yesterday and was originally a plan for an art quilt that is yet to come. I probably won't be able to create the quilt until after the move, more than likely. It is in ball point pen and is me up at the new house, looking at the lake, meditating and at peace. :)

I hope to spend a good bit of time up there asap!

Sketchbook work!

Hello everyone. :) Just sharing a couple of sketchbook drawings. I'll be sharing some photos from the International Quilt Festival soon, which was amazing! For now though, here are my drawings. Have a great week!

A recent inking of Mollycat. Simply Sharpie. 

I just couldn't stop drawing today. I really love drawing with just a ball point pen. I always have. It was great to show my students how to create value in a drawing with just a pen. This is one thing that I did. This drawing began with the recent endeavor - my morning coffee addiction. :) 

I hope to work on the blog this next week and get it all straighted out! Thanks for your patience as I learn to develop this! Peace to you all.