Catching up!

 I got behind on my daily drawing/sketching challenge, so last night I did three.  I proclaim that it is NOT cheating to "catch up."  I'm still trying to get more disciplined.

Above is a "be nice to myself" purchase.  An 8 inch sized doll that is part of a Storybook Series (from China, to be sure) that enchanted me.  Believe it or not I did NOT get either of the ones with sheep!  This one reminds me of myself and the many times I've been called "contrary."  The best part though?  She has a music box that plays "You are my sunshine." 

 This is a rendering of a pickelhaube (spiked helmet) from the NY Times magazine.  Considering I was using a simple ball point pen, I'm quite pleased with the results.  I have an increased sense of why my European relatives immigrated then the Prussians were expanding their domain.

Another rendering of a scene in Great Britain.  Trying to capture values, textures, contours from a grainy color photograph was a challenge.  I am happy with the contrast between organic tree shapes and geometric building shapes.  Might be worth an attempt at an abstracted painting.

Illustration Friday: Imagination

Illustration Friday: Imagination, a photo by Sultry: New in New Hampshire! on Flickr.

I have often heard a reference to "The Lady and the Tiger." Mistakenly, I thought the question was which one of THOSE survived. But when I thought maybe they would both like to "fly away," I researched the reference. You can find it
here.

Illustration Friday: Teacher

Illustration Friday: Twirl, a photo by Sultry on Flickr.

Years ago, there was no better Disneyland adventure than the Tilt-a-Whirl Teacups twirling and making me dizzy. These days, I'm happy to twirl a spoonful of cream or sweetener into my latte, mocha, green tea or espresso.

Boundaries, a photo by Sultry on Flickr.

I liked the Cicero Quote... but then realized that what I was thinking (and what crept into the illustration) had more to do with my own words.
Digitally drawn with Sketchup and Photoshop and clip art inserts.

As usual, you can click on the image to see it bigger at Flickr.

Sunshine, a photo by Sultry on Flickr.

This is my response on the tenth anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.

(Click on the image to see it larger at Flickr.

Illustration Friday: Shadows

What we ignore (deliberately, accidentally or unconsciously lives on in our shadow. The prim may be promiscuous, the brash may be bashful. Recognizing that what we love or hate in the world is only a projection of our shadow is the beginning of peace.

Illustration Friday: Asleep
Originally uploaded by Sultry

Hubby and the cat were, at one point, in almost the exact same positions, sleeping in front of the television. When I went to get the camera (to use in Photoshop and thus avoid the risks of a "figurative drawing," the cat followed me. Curiosity!
So. I sketched in my sketched pad, once, and then free-hand re-sketched withthe mouse. THEN I fiddled with layers and colors to get the result above.

I'm sure there will be ample opportunities to try again!

Illustration Friday: Soaked
Originally uploaded by Sultry

Illustration Friday: Beginner
Originally uploaded by Sultry

Home interprets heaven.
Home is heaven for beginners."
Charles Henry Parkhurst.

I think heaven might be a house decorated by Matisse... or the Eames's.
Comments and feedback welcome.

Illustration Friday - Bottled Originally uploaded by Sultry

If only they could bottle it... or in another way of saying: CORK IT!

Illustration Friday: Cultivate
Originally uploaded by Sultry

(Click on the orange words above to see the bigger version.)

When taken out of context, even wrong-headed people can say the right thing... and right-minded people can sound ridiculous.
Words are tools just as much as shears, hoes and rakes. Let's be careful how we use them AND how we judge others who may mis-use them.

Illustration Friday: Stir
Originally uploaded by Sultry

After watching videos of the tsunami in Centai, the ocean looked like a big stew being stirred. Greeks knew better than to assume that their Gods were benevolent or even all powerful (because they fought amongst themselves. Hecate is only one of the Goddesses to whom orderliness and domestic tranquility was delegated.

Etiquette matters at any type of tea party, don't you think?

WARNING
Originally uploaded by Sultry


For Illustration Friday.

The news from Libya, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and even WikiLeaks and Wisconsin make me think that we should all remember that we and our actions are visible to others. Watching (whether by us or by others) has a value. What is done as a result of what is seen also has a value, whether it be positive or negative.

Lots of Layers
Originally uploaded by Sultry

....lost count of how many....

click on the image to see it bigger at Flickr!

Illustration Friday - Sweater
Originally uploaded by Sultry


I went and re-read the story of the Six Swans.. I'd always so identified with the sister "making" shirts that would break a spell of enchantment which entrapped her brothers. I had totally garbled the story... but I still think that knitting for loved ones will keep them from bad things!

So far, it is working. :-)

Illustration Friday: Reverse

Librarians, former librarians, and those who know them, have always known the first part was true. Any parent who has had a teenager has known at least the partial truth about the second... since EVERY child is extraordinary in his/her own way.

(Click on image to embiggen.)

Illustration Friday: Surrender
Originally uploaded by Sultry

It is very unusual for us Texans to have "snow" days. We have, however, had 3 "ice" days so far this week. My cat has been very happy.

There is something amazing about how much light snow can reflect, don't you think?

And thanks fo "Elsie" whose photograph gave me the inspiration for this illustration.

Illustration Friday: Chicken

Uploaded by Sultry

My family was way too uptight for "group dances." My ex-laws, however, weren't. At my sister-in-law's wedding (after several trips to the beer and/or Old Fashioned "fountain"), EVERYBODY of every age did The Chicken Dance, The Hokey Pokey, and The Bunny Hop. The parents also did The Tarentella and The Polka. WHAT FUN! If you want to have fun, check out Brave Combo's version. (I have an old CD with a heavy metal version of Hokey Pokey that is better than Prozac if I'm having a gray day.)

IF Deja Vu
Originally uploaded by Sultry

Repetition and similarity (not to mention brain snags) give one a sense of deja vu.
(Click on image to get to larger versions.)