Christmas Cards in Watercolor 2016

Several months ago I bought watercolor cards, thinking I'd make some personalized cards for friends.    Like a lot of things I never got around to it.    While volunteering at the Cultural Arts Center last week I had time on my hands so I sketched a few scenes.    Yesterday I was so sick.   One of those sick, sick sick days.   I decided it was a good time to get my mind off being sick so I did a few quick watercolors for cards for each of my granddaughters for Christmas.     Love the medium and will definitely do more.    I think in the future I'll do graphite pencil sketches of detail and then apply watercolor washes and end with pen.    I sorta did that on these but not necessarily in that order.    How soon we forget!!   I just complete a drawing class where we worked on shape and shadow.    I have 6 more cards in the package so I'll work on something with more detail in future.    This is a great way for artist at any level to enjoy painting and to use their art to share with family and friends. Think I'll try a few botanical drawings!!

Finishing Up With Drawing I at UWG

"The Thinker" - graphite, ebony pencil and paper - December 2016 - Janet Deal

Our final assignment in Drawing I was to stage a photo and make a 8x10 BW print.   We then were charged to do a realistic representation using a grid.   We basically did a 1/2 inch square grid over the entire 8x10 and then transferred the grid to a 1 inch to create a 16 x 20 drawing.    I enjoyed the 1 inch square drawing approach.    The only issues I ran into was the lack of clarity in the photo around the eyes.    Next time I will be more careful with the focus on the important facial features.      My pouting "thinker" pose with the fireplace broom was designed to add some humor to my portfolio!    I'm anxious to try this technique on a photo of my granddaughter.