Reading Wishlist

Artistic Anatomy by Dr. Paul Richer
An Atlas of Anatomy for Artists by Schider, Fritz

Happy Birthday to me...Happy Birthday to me....

My birthday plans went a bit awry. DH has the flu, and chances are he'll have to work tomorrow and won't be able to work on my car. :(

I made myself a schedule for drawing everyday. Yesterday was the first day, and it went just fine. This morning I started on the next step, but was having a bad-angle day...nothing went very well. :( Later this afternoon I'll work on it some more.

Posemaniacs.com

Here's a great resource for artists everywhere. Pose Maniacs is a flash-driven site with at least a couple thousand individual poses of flayed humans. Although the private bits have been removed, there's no ugly air-brushing (like those expensive Pose books), so it's the next best thing to a life drawing class.

One of my favorite features is the timed pose function. Just choose a time, and it will give you three seconds to pick up your pencil, then display a random pose for the amount of time you chose.

More time with Lucky Journal

I made a couple more drawings in my "lucky journal" and used it for a whole bunch of notes from a book I have to return to the library.

I've discovered a Micron pen #3 is excellent for writing in it. There is a little ghosting on back of the page, but very little. The size #4 bled through quite a bit, though.

I'll post some pictures, if I ever get my scanner to work. :(

I've been drawing and writing in the little "Lucky Journal" with the Lotka paper from Nepal.



Overall, it's a beautiful little thing. I love the texture of the binding and the little elephant button. It has a pencil loop too -always a good thing for absent-minded me. :) The oatmeal-colored paper is very thin, and apparently doesn't have any sizing in it.

I started with a simple sketch, but then decided I didn't like it. Erasing was bad news -even my softest gray kneaded eraser scuffed the paper's surface. I made a tiny hole when I made the second drawing.

My first attempt to paint in it -even using an almost completely dry brush was a mistake. The paint feathered and made a real mess.

Next, I tried the Coloursoft pencils, and that worked just great. I got nice, rich tones and am happy as clams with the results.

Overall, the journal is intended for writing. I haven't tried any ink yet, but I'm guessing that a plain ball point pen will work fine. I intend to try a Micron pen later this evening, and see how that turns out.

The journal was easily worth the $12.00 or so, and I intend to buy more of them when I use this one up. The tactile experience alone spoils me and makes me want to hurry up and write in it some more...it's just a lovely, sensual texture that draws me and holds my attention.

Handmade Lotka Paper

I've been drawing and writing in the little Lotka journal with

WTF???

hhhhhh

"Thursday and Friday take too long...

and before I know it, Saturday's gone".

So Thursday I let the DS drive the car a bit. This tickled him clear through, and he wasted no time calling his best friends to let them know. 15 minutes later the whole neighborhood showed up at my house, asking questions about the car and wanting to know all about it. Turns out, DS had told them it was his car!
I set everyone straight right away, but since have told him it's okay to tell people that -just to give him a bit more 'street cred'. As long as he absolutely realizes that he is not, in fact, actually getting the car.

Friday...my art supplies arrived!!! Yippeee! I unpacked the boxes, and had just carted everything into my room when I was suddenly compelled to take DS into town. Seems one of his girlfriends was having a major life crises. So, we drove in and I dropped him off...then had to find ways to keep myself occupied for over three hours. I was buzzing 'round -went to the library, went to apply for a job...was on my way to pick him up when DH noticed a cloud of white smoke from my tailpipe. ;(

I don't get it. The car is driving just fine. It's not heating up, it's not making any funny noises. The oil looks fine. But I was followed by a cloud at least halfway home.

I can't stand the thought of a blown head gasket or worse. :( I've been needing this car so badly for so long, and now I have it I just cringe at the thought of spending all that money to have it repaired -money I just don't have. But I can't have another yard ornament either, and I absolutely must be able to get around. I've been trapped in this house for years, and just can't take it anymore. :(

I guess I'll know more about it later today when DH gives it a more thorough inspection. I can't say how much I hope it's just a modulator or something similiar.

But for now...I'm back to my lovely new stuff. So far, I'm loving the Coloursoft pencils! I did a slap-happy coloring job on a simple sketch last night, and just loved the way they layer and blend. I intend to spend a whole bunch of time playing with them. :)

I have a car!!!

Yes; I'm excited about it. I put it on the insurance, and will get new plates either later today or tomorrow. :)

DS jokingly asked if he could drive it sometimes, and just about went nuts when I said "Yes." Apparently he really hadn't considered the fact that in just a few months he'll be old enough to get his permit.

It's nice knowing my car is teenager approved. :) I can't deny the fact I don't really feel very grown up sometimes, and it's validating to be made to feel I'm still "with it." It's nice on some level to know that being married and raising four kids and being swamped for years under endless piles of laundry, dishes, and medical bills hasn't killed me. Or even made me into some kind of crone that couldn't score a date without a major credit card and a paper bag to hide under.

So yeah, I feel good today. :)

And...it gets even better! My art supplies are on the UPS truck and are on time. Last I checked they were in Texas, and scheduled to arrive here on Friday. :) :) :)

Introducing Brug

Yesterday, I became the happy new owner of a '91 Camaro. I'm naming it "Brug" for a turquoise Tibetan thunder dragon.

He's a joy to drive, and I'm so happy to finally have a car I could just cry. I couldn't stop wandering out on the porch to look at him parked there, just waiting to carry me wherever I should want to go. :) He doesn't have plates yet, but as soon as he does he and I have a date on the open road. :)

post toasties

asdfghijklmnop

post

blah blah blah

[sigh] I'm impatient

I want my new stuff to get here already! I know I only ordered it Thursday, and had it shipped ground...but still. This is the era of the internet, and I want it NOW. :)

I wish I could just have one of those pneumatic tube systems they used to use at banks installed from my favorite stores to my door. :) Groceries, books, art supplies, fabric and sewing supplies could just be tossed in the tube the moment my check arrives. A few minutes later I could be happily enjoying my new treasures, even if they came from Burma or Wales.

Color Schemes

I'm hoping to do some work with color schemes this month.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_monochromatic_scheme.jpg Monochromatic Color SchemeConsists of one hue (color)Can also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_analogous_scheme.jpg Analogous Color SchemeConsists of any three hues next to each other on the color wheelCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_analogous_complement_scheme.jpg Analogous Complement Color SchemeConsists of any three hues next to each other on the color wheel and the complement of the center hueCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_complement_scheme.jpg Complement Color SchemeConsists of any hue and its complementCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_split_complement_scheme.jpg Split Complement Color SchemeConsists of any hue and the colors on each side of its complementCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_double_complement_scheme.jpg Double Complement Color SchemeConsists of any two hues and their complementsCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it downhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2008/54420-a_triadic_scheme.jpg Triadic Color SchemeConsists of any three hues of equal distance from each on the color wheelCan also include all tints made from adding water And all shades made from adding its complement to gray it down

Contrast of Saturation The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values and their relative saturation

Contrast of Complements The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of the color wheel or perceptual opposites

Contrast of Value The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values. This could be a monochromatic composition. Intensity or saturation of hue is not the issue.Contrast of TemperatureThe contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of hues considered warm and cool.Contrast of ExtensionAlso know as the contrast of proportions. The contrast is formed by assigning proportional field sizes is relation to the visual weight of the color. Mine was ¾ to ¼. The yellow being the ¼.Contrast of HueThe contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of different hues. The great the distance between hues on the color wheel the great the contrast.Simultaneous ContrastThe contrast is formed when the boundaries between colors perceptually vibrate. Some interesting illusions are formed with this contrast. Basically this is putting hues against gray or black. How many times have we heard "that really pops".

The best way to explain these is to use Johannes Itten’s own words from his book on color. His work was the basis for the study.

Contrast of Saturation
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values and their relative saturation

Contrast of Complements
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of the color wheel or perceptual opposites

Contrast of Value
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of light and dark values. This could be a monochromatic composition. Intensity or saturation of hue is not the issue.

Contrast of Temperature
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of hues considered warm and cool.

Contrast of Extension
Also know as the contrast of proportions. The contrast is formed by assigning proportional field sizes is relation to the visual weight of the color. Mine was ¾ to ¼. The yellow being the ¼.

Contrast of Hue
The contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of different hues. The great the distance between hues on the color wheel the great the contrast.

Simultaneous Contrast
The contrast is formed when the boundaries between colors perceptually vibrate. Some interesting illusions are formed with this contrast. Basically this is putting hues against gray or black. How many times have we heard "that really pops".

May Day

I want to make myself a larger sketchbag. I love the one I have, but want another that will hold a larger sketchbook. I don't like the cramped feeling I get using tiny little sheets of paper. I keep buying the smaller ones, because they're so cute and portable. But...when I want to draw I find myself hindered by the lack of usable space.
I have a stack of old denim jeans just taking up precious room, so I hope to sit down this month and design something that will be the best of both worlds -light, easy to use, durable, and roomy. :) Fashionable would be nice, but I'll worry about that last.
I finally did some sketching today. Nothing worth posting or even keeping, but it was nice to lose myself in the work once I got over that feeling of complete incompetence that always haunts me.
I want to do some work with color schemes and alternative palettes. I saw the results of someone else's experiements at WetCanvas! and now I'm doubly certain I want to try it. But...first I have to find the patience and motivation to sit down and do it. I need to make a simple drawing with two or three elements and then copy it for each different color scheme. I love painting, but painting the same subject over and over is really not my cup of tea. :(




http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Oreo-Cheesecake-from-Scratch