Spring Equinox Greetings

Mid-last-week, clouds shrouded town.  An eagle stood sentry outside the Mighty Mighty Day Job. 

Thursday, back in the studio, we got into some real 'Bluebird Days' - complete with temperatures in the mid 40's F.  I went walking on the floats at the South Harbor with Flossy.   

 The rigging caught my eye - lots of lines and textures...

 

 

 Just below the surface of the water, sea anemones...

Happy first day of Spring, Northern Hemisphere-dwellers!

daily drawing

sketchbook page - prismacolor & pigma pen, 9x12

Praying

Why some catastrophes strike me deeper I don’t know.  Heaven knows there are disasters aplenty all around the globe on any given day.  Perhaps because I have been lucky enough to spend a wonderful week in Japan (Kyushu) myself or the fact that the Sailor often ships there, the recent natural disasters affecting this beautiful, amazingly civilized country have got me praying hard.  Rick, I read your volcano is erupting again.  May you and your family be kept safe.

 sketchbook page, prismacolor and pigma pen, 9"x12"

blueberry twigs

Scene, Recently #4

Daily Drawing

I've heard it said that if you are able to repeat an action for thirty days, you will form a habit.
So it has been with my New Year's Resolution to draw every day.  Thanks to participating in  the Sketchbook Project, I am hooked on drawing each evening, and find it a most excellent way to relax before sleep.  Even my dreams seem to be benefitting from daily drawing.
Here a few recent pages from my sketchbook using pigma pen, prismacolor pencils, Inktense pencils by Derwent, and casein paint (white) as an alternative to an eraser.

I took my sketchbook to Juneau where it was a sort of security blanket for me the two evenings I was there, a stabilizing connection to home.
Do you have a daily activity that grounds you? 

I am off to Juneau today - very exciting to be getting 'off the rock' at last - I have not traveled further than 10 miles from home since September!  Yesterday I finished up some projects in the studio, always a good feeling.  Here is the jacket for the local wearable art extravaganza next month:

Jacket - front

Jacket - back

Jacket - lining

I must say I am disappointed with the fit - it 'swims' on me, as my grandmother would have said - but think I can correct this with clever addition of ties at the sides somehow.

Detail - I had to figure out my own construction method to line this unlined pattern (a 'Park Bench' design), which was a fun challenge and allowed for adding a bit of interest with covered seams inside the garment (gold and black check).  I loved the pattern maker's 'permission slip' which was included in the envelope, encouraging freedom to alter the construction at will!

I will see you when I get back to the island on Sunday (if the jet makes it in)!  Happy weekend to you.

Scene, Recently #3