Illustration

Delicate steps. The Holidays were difficult. We're still dancing around the protocols for living through a pandemic. There's living, and there's thriving. It is hard to thrive when the dance requires delicate steps so as not to impose on another dancer's space. But if the ensemble is to have an air of gracefulness, great care must be given when individual dancers weave between and amongst each other. It is a delicate balance indeed. Rowdy Steps. Balance always requires … [Read more...] about Dancing

Layers. I've been flexing my muscles in a new venture in illustration. Layers of cut papers as well as sections enhanced by painting in gouache or adding depth with colored pencil has been fun as well as challenging. It makes me have to think ahead, which is really good for me in this time where I feel like I'm coming out of the brain fog of the whole COVID situation. We could all do with a bit of focus in moving forward in each new layer of our life. Depth. After recently having … [Read more...] about Paper Art

Wrinkles and Walkers. My Dad's home from California for a visit. With him all checked in to a senior residence, I get to visit and observe the body language and wit of another generation. He's only been there a few days and I've already heard a story about a corn field and an unwelcomed manure spreader ride from a couple other residents, my kinda people. This kind of information will come in handy for a story I'm finalizing now. I'd feel awkward staring at them and sketching, but I try to … [Read more...] about Old People and Toddlers

Paper. The amazing thing about paper is all that you can do with it. It also comes in wonderful colors, thicknesses, and textures. Another wonderful thing about it is that it can be recycled to become something new and beautiful again. What a precious resource. The hard thing about that, is that it can become so precious that it paralyzes your willingness to make free and loose markings on it. Fear of wasting expensive paper can inhibit creativity. It's hard to find just the right … [Read more...] about Layered Paper Art

This phrase always makes me think of the song by Peter Paul and Mary of the same title. Home. A house is the physical building a person lives in. Home is a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and cared for. While I can find those things in the presence of people I love, whether it be at their homes or at public venues, I am fortunate to feel them in the place where I live as well. My house. My home. Perhaps it is because I have put so much into this dwelling and property, or it could … [Read more...] about Home Is Where The Heart Is