Burning up the Library Card

I was in the library recently researching a new project. My friend Sarah was with me and at first was quite helpful. As I continued to work my way from the children's section to the Alaska room her enthusiasm was fading. Her look threathened, " Give me a coffee and I might overlook your obsessive behavior".

I know to her it seemed like I had more than enough information. "How many pictures of a wolf do you need?" her eyes screamed as she glared at me over her glasses. She said she was sure no artist did as much research as me. I felt a bit shamed at this comment since I knew she couldn't be further from the truth.


Here is a sample of one of MANY sketches Degas did of his famous ballerinas. If you Google his sketches on this subject your screen will fill with images. He did his homework and became a brilliant artist because of it. No one would stand in front of his work and tilt their head to the right or left wondering if the leg was long enough, the profile in proportion or the ankle twist accurate. His work is spot on.

I am trying to become a better artist. I am forcing myself to take more time to sketch and yes, do research. I can't help but feel it is a waste of time. I KNOW it isn't but the gremlin in my head is squeaking, "Have you looked at your to-do list? Move on to real art!" But on this project I am going to give each and every piece the right amount of attention BEFORE I get started.

Sarah will most likely never join me at the library again. But if she does I will be smuggling in a thermos of coffee.

A Moment at the Museum

I had 45 minutes between appointments. That is like gold to me. I can be MIA for 45 minutes! No one can fill the gap because it is only 45 minutes and yet it is 45 WHOLE MINUTES! With sketchbook in hand I headed to the museum.

There was an exhibit that I wanted to see. The Museum was quiet, just the way I like it, and I exhaled a happy breath as I stepped into the exhibit. About 30 seconds later two women came in......talking. You know those guards that have the insufferable job of wandering the rooms to be sure no one is harming the art? They should be the Guido's of the loud talkers. You know, it would look like, "YOU, loud talker, on floor! Your museum entry ticket has been revoked." Chuckle....that would make me happy. Anyway, back to my story.

This forced me into the Native glass exhibit that I wasn't that interested in. Don't get me wrong, the items were amazing but living here you have LOTS of encounters with Native art. But I did some sketching that really paid off.




I am working on my next book and I needed some strange, prehistoric flowers. These two sketches were of glass bottles that were on display. They had flower written all over them! I hadn't expected to see anything like this in the Native show. That's what I get for mentally writing of the show. Note to self, all art is worth seeing.

Here are the finished flowers. I decided to take off the 'mustache' on the cone flowers. It didn't seem like facial hair until I started to paint it. Instead I added the blue stems. I think they came out great.

So I learned a few things. First, always wander through an exhibit even if you think you're not interested. There could be something fantastic you're missing. Two, always have your sketch book to record an idea. And three, loud talkers can be beneficial but I might drop the Guido idea in the suggestion box.

Cute Factor

I often search photos on Google for reference. When this photo came up I almost laughed myself into a hernia. Even now when I look at it I laugh.

I read a quote from an artist once that said don't paint 'cute'. He was a wildlife artist and was making reference to the adorableness of animals and how your work can become...well, cute. I get it and at the same time I don't.

Is Signore Greve and Celli cute? I think of them as charming but I am aware of how close to the cute range I have wandered. But is cute really so bad? Am I less talented because my art makes people laugh, smile and tell stories? I have heard so many stories from people who come up Greve and me at shows, smile to themselves and then share an awesome adventure they once enjoyed.

LOOK AT THIS KITTEN! You laughed again didn't you? You felt good! That's right, you for a moment forgot about the dishes and the report that's due and your sick friend and laughed at the cute (maybe slightly tortured) kitten.

I want people to see my work and smile. Cute SCHMUTE, I am from now on and ever forward adding kittens to all my paintings. The solution to world peace? More kittens in frog hats!

Now if you'll excuse me I need to Google frog hats to see if they come in my dog's size. heehee