Art Gallery

As you already know, I'm planning to participate in the Sketchbook Project 2011.  I am stoked!  Creativity is flooding back into my conscious thoughts.  My brushes, pens, and pencils are calling to me.  A reassuring feeling has come over me, "I am still an artist, despite my busy, busy life as a parent, teacher, wife, homemaker..."  Is it me or does that word, "homemaker" still have negative connotations?  Being one, I realize how incredibly hectic it is, and how well equipped we women are to handle the multitasking workload that comes with being a parent at home.  Sure, I can't finish a thought, a sentence or speak coherently like I used to, but I am one of the legions of dedicated women who has their hands on the cradle of our future society.  Pretty important responsibility.  I take it seriously.  Which explains why I have dedicated myself to the temporary task of parenting and education instead of pursuing my career as an artist.  All in good time.

So I would love to share with you a sampling of my artwork, what I have managed to accomplish before the adventure of starting a family, and what I look forward to engaging in once that chapter has come to a close.

Colored pencil with gold leafing, approx. 11" x 11."  I took this photo of it before framing it to avoid any extra glare I would get off the glass.  As it is, it was very hard to photograph with the reflective gold leaf.  This piece, I am happy to say, sold.  It means someone loved the very unique blend of pencil and gold leafing in the same piece.

Watercolor and a touch of pastel, 22" x 30."  This piece almost sold several times.  I'm glad to still have it, because it is extremely inspiring.

This is a simple charcoal sketch.  Approx. 3" x 6 1/2."  It's the simple ones that have such a special charm about them.

Another one of the same dimensions.  So fun.

This was one of my commissions.  Approx. 12" x 12" if memory serves (I don't have access to my information, which is packed away.)

Colored pencil.  Approx. 9" x 12"  Loved this piece...it sold too.  It's a happy thing and a sad thing to see your work sell.  Weird, I know.

This was one of my commissions as well.  A watercolor, 18" x 24."

I had so much fun doing this pen and ink.  It's about 4" x 4."

This one is my last serious watercolor painting, 18" x 24."  It was inspired by an Arizona Highways Magazine photo.  Since the composition and subject matter are too close to the photograph, I would never try to sell it.  Even though I pumped up the color to a high degree and interpreted the texture myself, it is still too close and would probably violate copyright laws.  So (exaggerated sigh...), I have to keep it for my own viewing pleasure.

Doing the sketchbook project will be a welcome change of pace.  A return to my creative side.  And during my parenting years, I will pass along as best I can, a love of artwork.