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"Everyone has the same look. We're all 'get this over with' and tired and 'done' and burned out with all this virus stuff," was what Andy yelled at me when I asked him the 1000th time if I was normal with how I feel.
Good to know, Andy. I needed that.
So...maybe YOU are one of those "taking advantage" of being home?
Maybe YOU are someone who needs help to entertain some kiddos?
I've been collecting stuff for you, posted by others.
Cathy Johnson is a superstar sketching artist. She has a seriously FUN website. She's an inspiration to me. I often thumb through her book that I bought years ago about Pocket Sketching. She has videos, gives workshops, and blogs. Her style is light, textured, and bright. She posts a few things you can try, FREE, during this time.
The following are links to Cathy's blog posts. She really has some great links in each, so please click over there! These are listed "in order" of how she posted the lessons. She's a seriously hard working lady artist and I know you'll enjoy all of these, with or without your children.
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free_22.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-importance-of-sketching-in.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free-lesson-3.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free-lesson-4.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/keeping-artists-journal-class-free.html
Good to know, Andy. I needed that.
So...maybe YOU are one of those "taking advantage" of being home?
Maybe YOU are someone who needs help to entertain some kiddos?
I've been collecting stuff for you, posted by others.
Cathy Johnson is a superstar sketching artist. She has a seriously FUN website. She's an inspiration to me. I often thumb through her book that I bought years ago about Pocket Sketching. She has videos, gives workshops, and blogs. Her style is light, textured, and bright. She posts a few things you can try, FREE, during this time.
The following are links to Cathy's blog posts. She really has some great links in each, so please click over there! These are listed "in order" of how she posted the lessons. She's a seriously hard working lady artist and I know you'll enjoy all of these, with or without your children.
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free_22.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-importance-of-sketching-in.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free-lesson-3.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/reviving-strathmore-class-free-lesson-4.html
https://cathyjohnsonart.blogspot.com/2020/03/keeping-artists-journal-class-free.html
Collage of some of the sun designs made using my iPad, March, 2020, digital art, ©Angeline Marie Martinez
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I have many reasons why I'm grateful to be part of Generation X, one of them being posters.
I had access to posters for my bedroom, pre-printed, ready to roll up and stick on my doors or walls. Between the department stores and the mall kitzy stores, posters were everywhere. There were posters from magazines, from records (oh those 33s!), really big posters from the stores.
Current generations of kids have to print or make their posters.
Hmm...it would be cool if you bought original paintings for the next generations to put up in their rooms. LOL Almost joke - but there seems to be more access to original artwork than pin ups now.
Want more info on how posters may be making a small return? Here ya go: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/4/22/18485878/poster-industry-analog-renaissance-teen-bedroom-decor
I had access to posters for my bedroom, pre-printed, ready to roll up and stick on my doors or walls. Between the department stores and the mall kitzy stores, posters were everywhere. There were posters from magazines, from records (oh those 33s!), really big posters from the stores.
Current generations of kids have to print or make their posters.
Hmm...it would be cool if you bought original paintings for the next generations to put up in their rooms. LOL Almost joke - but there seems to be more access to original artwork than pin ups now.
Want more info on how posters may be making a small return? Here ya go: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/4/22/18485878/poster-industry-analog-renaissance-teen-bedroom-decor
Circles, Mountains, and Clouds (Alaska y Yukon Inspired), 8 by 6inches, collage and acrylics on paper, ©2018
Unmounted and unframed, $150; mounted onto canvas, $200 plus S&H
Unmounted and unframed, $150; mounted onto canvas, $200 plus S&H
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Easter this year falls on the 12th. There is so much more to April than bunnies and chicks!
Here is the list for April for holidays concerning pets and animals.
Here is the list for April for holidays concerning pets and animals.
- Heartworm Awareness Month
- National Adopt a Greyhound Month
- National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
- Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
- National Frog Month
- National Pet Month (UK)
- April 1–7: International Pooper Scooper Week; National Raw Feeding Week
- April 2: Ferret Day
- April 6: National Siamese Cat Day; Every Day Is Tag Day
- April 7–13: National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week; National Dog Bite Prevention Week
- April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
- April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
- April 11: National Pet Day; Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
- April 14–20: National Pet ID Week; Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week
- April 18: Pet Owners Independence Day
- April 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
- April 22: Earth Day
- April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
- April 25: International Guide Dog Day
- April 26: National Kids and Pets Day; Hairball Awareness Day
- April 27: World Veterinary Day
- April 28: National Pet Parents Day
- April 30: National Tabby Day; Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Therapy Animal Day
Happy Cat with Hearts in Flowers, acrylics on paper, 14 by 11 inches ©2018
Available for $150 unmounted and gently rolled or $210 mounted on gallery wrapped canvas. Shipping/handling extra
Available for $150 unmounted and gently rolled or $210 mounted on gallery wrapped canvas. Shipping/handling extra
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There's been a few articles I've read during the last few years about researchers connecting a longer, healthier life to seeing, experiencing, and enjoying art.
I can attest to it! I LOVE seeing art by other people. I try to do this often, whether online or in person.
I also have noticed a direct connection between my happiness and my making paintings and studio messes. Andy, my husband, has noticed the same. He pushes me into my sketchbooks and studio almost as soon as he notices I'm super sad, frustrated, or just overall down.
One article can be found here: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/art-longevity-wellness/index.html
I can attest to it! I LOVE seeing art by other people. I try to do this often, whether online or in person.
I also have noticed a direct connection between my happiness and my making paintings and studio messes. Andy, my husband, has noticed the same. He pushes me into my sketchbooks and studio almost as soon as he notices I'm super sad, frustrated, or just overall down.
One article can be found here: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/art-longevity-wellness/index.html
Sprinkle Only Joy Siennas and Yellows Girl Against Muted Blue Flowers, 13 by 11 inches, collage, acrylics, vintage paper, ©2019. This one is part of a private collection.
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"Figure painting" is another way of saying "paintings or drawings of humans."
This find is really important, because most cave paintings show animals or hand prints, but not actual fully drawn humans or as more formally called, "figures."
Even if you consider that you can barely draw a stick figure, it's so cool that someone 44,000 years ago drew stick figures. You can see some photos here: http://hilltopmonitor.com/2019/12/oldest-cave-painting-in-world-suggests-religion-began-in/
Below is a page from one of my sketchbooks. I take paper and pen with me to every Marlins game that Andy and I attend. I make sure to get the Marlins Park date stamp, as you can tell. These are stick figures that help me get the gesture of each player. I love trying to get the movements of starting pitchers and batters, but I stick to just Marlins. Late in the 2019 season, I decided to add gestures of the in and out fielders once I'm "done" with the Marlins starting pitcher.
This find is really important, because most cave paintings show animals or hand prints, but not actual fully drawn humans or as more formally called, "figures."
Even if you consider that you can barely draw a stick figure, it's so cool that someone 44,000 years ago drew stick figures. You can see some photos here: http://hilltopmonitor.com/2019/12/oldest-cave-painting-in-world-suggests-religion-began-in/
Below is a page from one of my sketchbooks. I take paper and pen with me to every Marlins game that Andy and I attend. I make sure to get the Marlins Park date stamp, as you can tell. These are stick figures that help me get the gesture of each player. I love trying to get the movements of starting pitchers and batters, but I stick to just Marlins. Late in the 2019 season, I decided to add gestures of the in and out fielders once I'm "done" with the Marlins starting pitcher.
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All the animals come Marching in...sorry...had to write that...
For your social media posting pleasure, here are the March dates for different animals!
For your social media posting pleasure, here are the March dates for different animals!
- Poison Prevention Awareness Month
- Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
- March 1: National Pig Day
- March 3: If Pets Had Thumbs Day
- March 3–10: Professional Pet Sitters Week
- March 7–10: Crufts Dog Show
- March 13: K-9 Veterans Day
- March 14: National Spider Day
- March 17–23: National Poison Prevention Week
- March 23: National Puppy Day; Cuddly Kitten Day
- March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
- March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day
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2020 is about IMPROVING my art tools as well as using what I already have.
The top tool is a color wheel from Bob Burridge that I purchased in early 2016. I really love it. It helps me figure out focus points and color combinations.
The big color chart is totally new for me. I wonder how I figured things out before I bought it! It's helping me figure out how to QUICKLY mix a color, add it to my painting, and MOVE ON! Oh YEAH! I've so many paintings in Stuck Mode that are coming to life with this new tool!
See the top two flowery paintings? I'm using both color tools to figure those out. Both paintings have been hanging out on my truly messy studio table, tossed from one side to the other, until now. So far, so fun!
I'm keeping both color tools on my easel itself, using velcro tape. Before the velcro tape, I kept losing the wheel, lol!
What's your favorite tool?
The top tool is a color wheel from Bob Burridge that I purchased in early 2016. I really love it. It helps me figure out focus points and color combinations.
The big color chart is totally new for me. I wonder how I figured things out before I bought it! It's helping me figure out how to QUICKLY mix a color, add it to my painting, and MOVE ON! Oh YEAH! I've so many paintings in Stuck Mode that are coming to life with this new tool!
See the top two flowery paintings? I'm using both color tools to figure those out. Both paintings have been hanging out on my truly messy studio table, tossed from one side to the other, until now. So far, so fun!
I'm keeping both color tools on my easel itself, using velcro tape. Before the velcro tape, I kept losing the wheel, lol!
What's your favorite tool?
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I enjoy many science fiction and fantasy books, ever since I could read chapter books. The idea of animals as spies isn’t new as many magical and non magical animals are part of many plots as spies in these books.
I thought it was mostly fiction until I saw this article! What did you think?
To read article: Cats, dolphins and one smart raven: the CIA's secret animal spies
I thought it was mostly fiction until I saw this article! What did you think?
To read article: Cats, dolphins and one smart raven: the CIA's secret animal spies
This cat learned to fetch by watching her doggy housemate!
Topaz, Fetching Cat, 6 by 6 inches, acrylics on wood panel, commissioned pet painting
Topaz, Fetching Cat, 6 by 6 inches, acrylics on wood panel, commissioned pet painting
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This month has quite a number of happy holidays for pets and animals.
To give you a heads up, here they are for loving on social media and elsewhere!
To give you a heads up, here they are for loving on social media and elsewhere!
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Dog Training Education Month
- National Cat Health Month
- Responsible Pet Owners Month
- National Prevent a Litter Month
- Spay/Neuter Awareness Month (also known as “Beat the Heat” month)
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
- Feb. 2: Hedgehog Day
- Feb. 3–9ish: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
- Feb. 11–12ish: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- Feb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
- Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day
- Feb. 22: National Walk Your Dog Day
- Feb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
- Feb. 24–March 2: National Justice for Animals Week
- Feb. 26: Spay Day USA/World Spay Day
- Feb. 27: Polar Bear Day
In honor of National Cat Health Month, this is Shadow Cat on Graffiti Wall, 11 x 8 inches, acrylics on vintage paper, mounted to paper. It's available for $150 as is, $210 mounted on gallery canvas. Shipping/handling extra.
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ack at the iPad 2, I thought I was going to try digital art: draw, manipulate photos, all kinds of things.
My fantasy lasted about a year. The apps I could find where clumsy, boring, and limited. No one around me wanted to do the same things...so I had only myself to teach me. My iPad became a more portable laptop...with great video and books.
Fast forward a few years later...when I meet artist and quilter Susie Monday in Lisa Call's Master Class. This artist has some seriously cool, colorful, wacky, quirky, serious artworks in digital formats...AND SHE TEACHES HOW!
I'm so excited and scared but I'm going to give this a go. It's time. I WILL continue to use paper sketchbooks, but I'm excited about the new tools and apps that will push me into different designs and colors.
Artist Danny Gregory is a serious sketcher with published drawing books. He explains and shows why he's using his iPad so much here: https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-inspiration/me-myself-and-ipad-art/
If you're interested in learning more about art on the iPad, go here: http://susiemonday.com/online-courses
In the meantime, I'm trying to using only Susie's "tease list" of apps before class starts. That means I'm actually painting more, lol!!!!
My fantasy lasted about a year. The apps I could find where clumsy, boring, and limited. No one around me wanted to do the same things...so I had only myself to teach me. My iPad became a more portable laptop...with great video and books.
Fast forward a few years later...when I meet artist and quilter Susie Monday in Lisa Call's Master Class. This artist has some seriously cool, colorful, wacky, quirky, serious artworks in digital formats...AND SHE TEACHES HOW!
I'm so excited and scared but I'm going to give this a go. It's time. I WILL continue to use paper sketchbooks, but I'm excited about the new tools and apps that will push me into different designs and colors.
Artist Danny Gregory is a serious sketcher with published drawing books. He explains and shows why he's using his iPad so much here: https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-inspiration/me-myself-and-ipad-art/
If you're interested in learning more about art on the iPad, go here: http://susiemonday.com/online-courses
In the meantime, I'm trying to using only Susie's "tease list" of apps before class starts. That means I'm actually painting more, lol!!!!
A sketchbook and a couple of pens I use. More traditional and way less expensive supplies that I love!
