A birthday gift

EDM Challenge #97 is to draw a present. This lovely cast iron Japanese teapot was a birthday gift from my daughter Kate. It came with a request to draw and post it on this blog. So here you go, Kate. Thank you for the beautiful gift. I enjoyed the drawing, and now I think I'll go make a cup of tea.

#2 pencil in my sketchbook

Art Room Sketches

From early mornings in my art room this week

Downward Glance

Ink and acrylic on yellow post-it note.

Sometimes a little doodle begs for more. Asks for color.

Easter cactus

EDM challenge 76 is draw some flowers. With a nod to Teri I'm submitting my Easter cactus, which is just beginning to bloom.



Pen, marker and colored pencil in my journal.

New Mexico sketches

This conquistador helmet was one of several on display at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. This particular style is called a burgonet. Pencil in moleskine sketchbook.

The other sketch is of a wooden carving in the courtyard of Church Street Cafe. It's an example of the folk art called Santo, ie. wooden carving of saints or other religious figures. This one is Saint Francis, I believe. Pen and ink in moleskine.

A Sign of Spring

What better sign of spring (EDM challenge # 59) than the humble, persistent, ubiquitous dandelion? Bane to gardeners, but one can't help but admire the indomitable life force.

Hanuman the Monkey King

EDM challenge 36 is "Draw out in public." This rod puppet from Indonesia is on display at the Burke Museum as part of the Pacific Voices exhibit. In the stories often enacted with these puppets Hanuman the Monkey King is beloved for his courage and humility.

Drawing in public, I was struck by how the museum visitors seemed to lower their voices as they approaced the display where I was working. It was as if they respected and did not want to disturb my concentration.