Face #23

14X17"
Pen and ink

I love vacation time--it gives me an opportunity to finish projects like this one. This face has been sitting in the studio for a couple of months now, waiting for those rare moments when I have a chance to do something with it. This past week I had two entire days to spend in the studio--yeah!!! Now, some people out there may wonder why I would spend hours "working" on a drawing like this when I'm on vacation. It IS work, but somehow it doesn't feel the same as sitting at my desk and working on the computer. There's an incredible sense of energy I get by bringing something to life, by taking a blank piece of paper and transforming it into something else. Does it take time and mental energy? Yes. Do I feel tired at the end of the day? Usually. But it's a worthwhile venture to me.

Card Games (continued)

"Card Games"
6X9"
Watercolor and ink

I just couldn't leave "Card Games" alone. Since it made such a nice black-and-white drawing, I had to experiment with color. After all, love and jealousy are very colorful emotions. I'm not sure which of these versions I like better, so I'm hoping that other people out there in cyberspace will contribute their opinions.

Card Games

5 1/2X8 1/2"

Pen and ink

Talk about your unplanned projects...

This image started out as a simple sketch for a painting idea. I started with the outline of the cards. Inspired by the designs on the face cards, I started messing around with the background. Then a happy little accident occurred and took things in a completely different direction. Well, it wasn't really an accident, but it was certainly unplanned.

When I finished drawing the Jack of Diamonds, it looked to me like he was scowling. Now, why would the Jack of Diamonds be scowling, I wondered. It must be because he noticed something going on between the Queen of Clubs and the King of Hearts. In fact, he must be insanely jealous. He's gripping his sword, and I'm wondering if he isn't about to use it on the King of Hearts. Hmm...

A New Yorkie

"Yorkie"
8X10"
Pencil

I must confess that I am more of a cat person than a dog person. However, when I came across a picture of two beautiful Yorkshire terriers recently, I fell in love. No, I did not immediately run out and get a dog, but I did spend some time drawing one. For me, that is a much more rewarding experience than actually owning a dog. After all, I don't have to feed the drawing or take the drawing for a walk or let it outside to do its "duty". Plus, I don't have to hear any barking...except for the neighbor's chihuahuas.