Art/Hobbies

I’m sitting here at my computer trying to focus and write a post but mentally unable to do so.

If you could see me, I’m happily sipping a glass of wine and gaily browsing the internet…visiting blogs I enjoy to read ..some known and familiar, …and some new and unexplored.

Finding contentment and pleasure in this luxury of reading, I ‘m enjoying the minds and musings of others while my own remains blank and unoccupied. I’m absorbing every detail of every written word and pondering every thought-provoking statement.

I enjoy reading blogs of all types of nature…similar… or different to my own. Contemplating and examining others opinions and experiences of life opens all kinds of doors and viewpoints into worlds that might otherwise remain unexplored.

I marvel at the inspirations, photography, humor, sensitivity, passions, loves and kinships they have to offer, and come away each and every time feeling satisfied and accomplished in understanding.

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Would we listen to what they had to say??

Being a Pencil Artist, my inspiration to draw comes directly from the Wildlife of the World. I find every creature to be beautiful and inspiring to me in their own unique way.

When I choose an animal as my subject, there is a connection that slowly develops …an intimate bonding and understanding of each creature as my mind works my pencils to desperately try to capture its essence. As I educate myself to the behaviors and characteristics of this animal, I develop an affinity with it. I come to understand it’s nature and identify with it’s characteristics, values, and the instinctive laws it adheres to for it’s well being and survival.

I have found that much in the Animal World is similar to ours…lending lessons and advice to life as we know it.

So journey with me now, into a world that I love, …a world coexisting with our own… similar yet different. It teaches and enlightens without intention. It is harsh and brutal yet balanced and serene …sound without interference…

..Welcome to the World of Wildlife…

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The Female Form…

A timeless inspiration for Sculptors, Painters, and the like, the female form remains indisputably beautiful.

Curvaceous at almost any angle,..she is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Her intricate anatomy, …flawless in design, ..is both appreciated and admired.

For centuries, Artists have aspired to capture the beauty of a woman. Stunningly portrayed in various interpretations, ..be it voluptuously ‘plump’, or svelte and slender, …either rendition complimenting her shapely composition. …Unable to deny her allure.

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(..And always view it through rose-colored glasses…)

My daughter, Jen, in her newly acquired collegiate wisdom, called to offer me some advice the other day after attending her Art History class. Upon viewing the ‘products’ (on-line) of my newly-discovered-sculpting-addiction, she suggested I should, perhaps, add a little ‘color’ to my ‘work’..

“You know, Mom, …you draw in pencil, ya’ know…gray scales ..You tend to like things pretty much in their natural state.. like the clay of the sculptures… I think you should think about painting one your sculptures…you know..challenge yourself. …You seem to avoid color.”

“Hmmmm…interesting. I’ll think about it…” (Whatisshekiddingme?challengemyself?..) “..ok…well…thanks for your opinion, Jen.” (…yikes.)

I know she means well….

..and I also know what she means.

The power of color can dazzle the eye, evoke emotion, create a mood, or simply calm the spirit.

It is, however, something I struggle with.

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“Mom, why are you still writing that? Nobody is reading it, ya’ know.” …A question (../statement) two out of my three children have asked me.

“Yeah… I know…”

Hmmm… I wonder for a moment.

Why do I continue to write these blog posts?

Yes, it’s true my visitors are few..(A moment of thanks here for the three that continually do visit..) I would love to attract more, but that does not seem to be an easy task.

Nonetheless, ..I keep writing.

As I ponder this, I come to the realization that writing this blog has become yet another means of creativity for me…a forum to express my thoughts and ideas through the written word. I have come to depend on all of my ‘creative avenues’ more than I had previously realized, …(especially this time of year)….for my complete and utter sanity.

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Block of Clay: $15.00

Sculpting Tools: $16.75

Armature Wire: $10.00

Discovering an Unknown Skill: Priceless

It just goes to show…you’re never too old to learn……either something new…

or something new…about yourself.

I’m experiencing that very thing. A new ability which I was unaware of and never thought to examine before now. …I’m so tickled that I just have to share it.

As noted in an earlier post, I received a block of clay for Christmas from my children. Having never sculpted before, (with the exception of snow), I eagerly wanted to try my hand. Much to my surprise, (and delight), things just seemed to ‘click’. I’m so excited about this new hobby (..and blossoming passion) that I have discovered. …It occupies my every free moment.

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Television.

America’s favorite pastime.

I’m not one to sit endlessly in front of the TV. Hour after hour of constant television drives me crazy.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do have a few favorite shows that I simply won’t miss. But for the most part, I’d rather keep busy..Reading, Drawing, and I’ve recently taken up Sculpting. I love to work with my hands.

But drawing remains my passion. I love the ’smoothness’ of the graphite on the pad and the ability to create textures with various strokes. I draw only wildlife, no pets or people. I drew my daughters’ portraits’ when they were younger and they didn’t come half bad..It’s just that ‘people’ are not where my interests lie….at least not now.

There is an intimacy in drawing that’s not mentioned often …if at all. I experience it with all my pieces… a kind of connection in a way. It’s like I come to know the spirit of each animal I draw. I imagine portrait artists must experience it as well.

Remember that movie “Titanic”? The most intimate part of that film, to me, was when Leonardo Di Caprio sketched the picture of what’s her name. ( I really forgot … you know who I mean). (OK, she was naked as well but that really is beside the point) An artist studies, really ’sees’ his subject. ..Every line, every contour, ..as if he sees deep into her soul. She becomes etched in his mind…He sees her while he sleeps.

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…Creativity and You.

Today I’d like to talk about Creativity.

We all have it…it’s in there.. it’s just a matter of tapping into it. It could be drawing, painting, sculpting, writing or any of the usual artistic categories. But sometimes creativity can be seen elsewhere… in clothing style, hair style, a flower garden, how your home is decorated, how pretty you wrap Birthday & Christmas presents, or maybe you’re able to give your poodle the best haircut in town. Creativity can be seen everywhere and I think it’s important to nourish it. So today, for all of you out there who think you may like to try your hand at drawing, I’d like to offer you a few tips to start.

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