Photographs

I just had to share these wonderful photographs from my eldest son's wedding. The photographer, John Valentine, is a professional photographer in K-Town. He is also a good friend. I cannot thank him enough for helping a mother of three grown sons look better than real life! I will share photos of the lovely bride as soon as I get her permission.
Please note: I have altered the quality from the originals so they don't take up too much space. The originals are marvelous. Crisp and clear. If you need a photographer and you are from this area, John is your man.
I'm currently working on several projects that will show up here soon. I'm also still working on imagery for my Cafepress shop. It has been a busy winter, which is good for me, but not so good for blogging. And most of my client work I cannot post. So hang with me, we'll get more new stuff up soon.

Gestural Thumbnails on a Bumpy Ride

A few drawings from my sketchbook. These were done a very long time ago during a bus trip to Alabama's Space Museum. I don't remember the names of these handsome boys. They are now grown. Each one asked me to draw him while they tried to sit still as the other boys teased and joked. It was also a bumpy ride.

Even though my concentration in college was declared as watercolor ( I chose watercolor because it is the hardest and most unforgiving of the media), drawing was always my first love. Hope you enjoy these.

Alchemy Box & Book

Sorry I have not updated in a few days. I've been working on a very interesting project and as soon as I can I'll try to share it with you. My client has to make his presentation first and then I need permission to use the images here.

For now, a photo from my archives:

Another image from my altered book series from several years ago.

Pigg Politics

I was going through some of my older sketch books the other day and came across several pages of pig sketches. I had a commission for a "pig painting" and did a lot of research on pigs. During this time my sons were young. They were also unorganized. Very unorganized at times.

I'm partially to blame. I allowed them to be very creative. I let them leave giant wooden block towers until their vision was complete. Later we had amazing Lego creations. We walked around them in the den until they were rearranged and reconfigured to the satisfaction of the inventor. I believed the power of creation outweighed the desire to be always tidy.

However, there were limits. I can abide creative mess. How could I tell them they could not exercise this right when I was doing the same thing? But I cannot stand dirty mess. Dirty clothes, food in the bed rooms, etc. So I created this series of drawings based on pigs. Yes, yes...I know...pigs are not naturally dirty or filthy creatures. No, I never made these into posters or cards for the boys. They were stress relievers for me. I could get all my frustrations out by focusing my attention on drawing these characters before I went in to oversee my sons room cleaning.

In light of the present political circus...umm...campaigning I thought I would give you Philth D. Pigg. We know what he stands for. We know how he will make good on his promises. And we know he is the poster child for chaos everywhere. Enjoy. Go Pigg. A pig of the people, for the people...

Whatever Happened to February Snow?

It is still early to write off snow this year, but this photo was taken on February 26, 2004. Sigh...I remember even more snows from my youth. Heck, we even had snow for Christmas way back then in the dark ages.



I know. A lot of you hate snow, especially if it comes with regularity. Some of you even moved here to avoid those long snowy winters. I miss having those occasional white quiet days when the world seems to slow down enough to think.



So here's to snow. May we get at least one really great one this winter.

Banana, Pear, Apple

Today is going to be a busy one, but I wanted to post something. Next week I will be getting back to real business. The last few days my down time has been spent in much needed organizing, purging of stuff, musings and contemplation.

This is pastel on paper. I did this one to show students (high school) how to use pastel to achieve a sense of form. It isn't much, just a quick sketch, unfinished. The students got the idea and went off to do their own works. Which turned out amazing. I love teaching art.

Take time today to create your own amazing works. Even if it is just a doodle or a gestural sketch, put it down. Enjoy the act of creating. Savor the satisfaction of accomplishment. Get lost in the process. Magic happens while you are there. Allow it.

Wishing you Magic!

-Sandi