DC: Crystal

Our wonderful Norma, The Fairy Yellow Bug Queen, is the mastermind behind the Drawing Challenge this time, with 'crystal'.

One of our more prominent landmarks in the area is called Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain reflects beautifully in Blind Slough, right above the rapids.  On Thursday after work, we encountered a nice flock of trumpeter swans gliding around on those glassy waters.

On Friday, we took the afternoon off to enjoy a rare crystal clear day for a winter picnic out at Green's Camp.

The Sailor built us a great beach fire.  Flossy helped, of course.

 The sun set was spectacular.

 We lingered until the stars started to come out.

Later, in my sketch book, this drawing appeared:

I advise heading over to The Fairy Yellow Bug Queen's lovely place for links to other wonderful artists' interpretation of this theme.

Ghosts!

'Shroud 1' - tea-dyed vintage table linen, acrylic emulsion, plaster cast

'Shroud 2' - tea-dyed vintage table linen, acrylic emulsion, plaster cast

'Shrouds'

Norma is our gracious hostess - ghostess? - for the drawing challenge this time.  I present to you three spirits from the afterlife, which are on display as part of the Clausen Museum's 'Day of the Dead' art show.  I helped hang the work yesterday and can't wait to share the opening with you on Halloween!  Make sure to pay a visit to Norma's haunted blog to commune with more spirits.

Some Small Books - Drawing Challenge

Norma set us a daring challenge this week: make a small book.  Long a lover of books and book making, I dived right in despite a busy week of house guests and deadlines.

Fortunately for my loaded schedule, I had some months ago acquired and gessoed three tiny board books which had been languishing on my widow sill ever since.  Painting them was pure pleasure.

Set of three board books, each 2.25"x2.25"x1"

Acrylic paint and paper collage on each leaf

Cover, Book 1

Cover, Book 2

 

Cover, Book 3

 

Thank you to Norma for this most helpful challenge, which spurred me on to more painting.  Please stop by Norma's wonderful blog for more small books from exceptional artists.