After working too hard on the painting for The Californian and having only mediocre satisfaction, I delved back into charcoal. I bought some cheap ($4) canvasses at my new favorite early morning shop (not saying which) and began to try out something new - making sure not to stray too far away from the basics. Those aren't quite ready for their blog debut, but here's something new, still in progress:



And the sweater:

We were sitting at the dinner table. My dad has always intrigued me as to how he is able to consume his meal with such facial hair. Not that his facial hair is normally out of control, but consuming food with facial of any kind seems quite a feat to me. But on this particular night I was distracted more so than other nights. His mustache had grown out unevenly and the hairs on his chin seemed to grasp at my meal. When he talked his mustache danced up and down pausing for a quick break every now and then. So, I offered my services. My hair cutting scissors have been neglected as I have been letting my hair grow long and wild. They sit collecting the usual bits of bathroom dust: tissue fibers, hairspray, toothpaste. They come out about once a month to trim Grandma's locks, but other than that short trip, they remain unused. I do feel bad. But on this night I felt my duty was to pull out the ole' scissor friends and trim up Dad's wavy facial locks. Nobody but my grandma and dad let me near them with the scissors; not since Ashleigh's makeover. So, here is my handy work with the shears:


before


and after





And... the progress on my sweater (and Violet's paw):



I'm rinky-dinking it up with some spacers. I've seen this effect a few times before, but I haven't felt the need or desire to actually seek out how it is done. So, I came up with my own solution. Spacers. We'll see how this develops.

And, just in time for fall, I'm knitting a sweater.

The almost finished piece for the Californian.







Just after I finished this piece and was only mildly happy with myself I delved into the charcoal for a pile of hours. I was reminded that prefer my hands covered in charcoal.

THE BEGINNING. I guess I've been looking for some space to show the work I've been doing. Maybe this will keep me motivated to finish projects. I'm preparing to knit a sweater (ready by Fall) and in the process of various paintings, drawings and sewing projects. So here. Here it is.

The latest project: I was asked to create a piece of art for the Bakersfield Californian. This piece will be featured along with various other young artists the fancy Eye Street section. I'll tell you more later, but here's the beginning...


I've never drawn children successfully. They have different proportions and wierd angles. Their bodies are short and chubby and warped. I think I did pretty well, but the kid still looks a little off.

Another recent piece. This is one of two I entered into a local show. They didn't get in. I'm still minorly bitter, but proud of my pieces.