Life gets in the way of art

I haven't posted or worked on anything since school started after Labor Day.  This often happens to me as I put all my effort into starting the school year off right.  I also have been taking classes toward a Reading License.  These classes have been intensive and use all my free time in order for me to do well.  I am looking forward for a break between classes, beginning in 4 weeks.  In the meantime, I have been running, drawing when I can, taking care of my son, and husband (who spent a week in the hospital recently)!

Shaded Flower Style Drawing

I used Ebony pencil and Sharpie.  I utilized my compass for this one!  I limited the use of the stark black and white. 

Gears

I like the intricacy of gears, the overlapping complexity.  I used an Ebony pencil and Sharpie.

Paisley Doodle Completed

Completed Paisley doodle.  I added some color to the shaded areas for depth.  I am really happy with the result.  The media I used was Sharpie, Ebony Pencil and Colored Pencils.

2007 Trip to England

I like searching and finding different patterns that come from nature, art and architecture. The crescent buildings in Bath are fantastic.  The windows an chimneys create a wonderful repeating cadence.       

This was a beautiful garden with all sorts of creatures created from  flowers.  The colors were fantastic.  It was like walking through a fantasy.                    

The Roman Baths in the three photos below were a testament to enduring civilizations.  The incredible head with flowing hair, the medallion around it, the columns were all beautifully shaped and felt eternal.

This beautiful fountain is located in the Pump Room, in Bath.  

 The two door frames are not only beautiful in design and pattern, but are also the former residence's of Jane Austen, another love of mine.

The architecture of Bath Abbey is very Gothic and I use the repeating pointed arches frequently in my art.

 The Gardens in England are very lovingly cared for.  These are just two of the photos I have from the trip of the foliage.  It is an endless inspiration.

My friend, Cheryl and I, spent a couple of days on the Chatsworth Estate in central England.  It was the highlight of our trip.  The archway here frames a majestic view of the country side.

The entryway with the checkered floor makes a frequent appearance in my art.

Entryway to Kensington Palace in London. Ornate Spirals...need I say anything else!

Ceiling of the British Museum....fantastic. A simple repeating pattern that creates an optical illusion.  

The Tower of London.  

Mandala Completed

I've spent approximately 7 days working on the drawing and I really like how it turned out.  I like that while the shape is symmetrical, the parts are each individual drawings that coexist in one piece.  The media I used was a Sharpie and Ebony pencil.

Teaching my son to draw

We are working on keeping our drawings on the paper and not on the floor or couch!  So far, he is doing great!  He loves to get out the markers and crayons when I get out my supplies.

Paisley doodle in progress

Not sure how many days I've worked on this particular doodle.  I've had it for awhile and I keep coming back to it.  

Mandala doodle in progress Days 4-5

I like the value so far.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the empty circles that repeat.

Mandala doodle in progress Day 3

I've added some value to my design.  I'm really liking how different it looks from when I started.  

Mandala doodle in progress Day 2

Paisley doodle in progress

Teaching my son to draw

Mandala doodle in progress