Sketch book re-intro

Reposting, just as a back-up of my reglar site. If you are seeing this, you need to come on over to the Home page. :-)

During that period of over-activity, I neglected my sketchbook (and my downtime.)

For the last few nights, I've been happily penning away before bed, just drawing anything that comes to mind, or any object that strikes me as inspiration.

It feels good to have a pen in my hand again.

These are the latest (click to enlarge):

Building on the Rock

My coffee press (which, yes, deserves its own picture.

I plan on adding watercolor to this one soon.)

I truly believe...

Just draw. Paint. Sew. Make music. Cook. Create. We were made to.

Sketchbook

Basic, quick "from-life" sketches with the kids today. I'd like to start adding watercolor to pictures, as time allows.
We've been working on mini-books and homemade tags, cards, too.

Stay tuned for more art and activities.

This is a double-post. Blogging on the Main Site now, with this only as a back-up.

Poetree

The kids and I have been working on "poetrees" to aid our writing on certain subjects. It's a fun way to encourage artistic brainstorming, for kids who aren't old enough (or excited about) outlining or list-making.

Choose your topic, which can be written on the tree trunk, and brainstorm on the leaves or branches.

The Artist-child decided to write a poem about herself. Her leaves were descriptions about her appearance, personality and interests: natural, horsey, artistic, and so forth.

For our sketchbook work, we did "free draw." The Artist chose horses. Again. NatureMan and Dash drew monsters, using a library book as a guide. They claimed their pictures are not yet ready to be "published." I worked on the human body.

"Cold" Sketchbook Prompt

Nature Man's "cold"

The Artist's "cold"

My "cold" prompt

I find it funny that The Artist and I both drew a "cold" woman. ;-)

Two -faced Sketchbook Prompt

One of the latest Sketchbook Prompts was "Two-faced."

Nature Man's artwork below:

and flipped:

Another of his:

The Artist's picture:

And hers flipped:

My artwork:

Mine flipped:

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying these afternoon art sessions with the kids!!

Art Prompts

The kids and I have started The Sketch Book. Every afternoon (after schoolwork, so we don't become consumed,) we'll do artwork, using different prompts. It may be an artist study, word, photo. Most recently we did the word "stretch." Whatever they wanted.

I did a freaky stretchy face. Trying to get back into art, and think outside the box. If I do these lessons with them, it holds me accountable to my art time, and encourages them as well. And it helps me let go of perfectionism. I'm not exactly a perfectionist type person anyway, but I often hesitate sharing my art because there are so many dang-good artists in my family, and I feel my stuff pales in comparison. That's the point, though, isn't it. I'm wondering if I measure up... and that's not what it's about.

The artist drew a "limo car," and even used "stretched letters" to label it. hee.

Nature Man drew people stretching out rubber bands.
Dash decided not to participate. No pressure on him. I want him to love art, not think of it as a chore.

Sticker Art/ Writing prompts

Lapbooks? Well, no. Folder games? Well, no. More like a paper game. Still counts.