School around the Corner

I spent the morning coating some really nice watercolor paper with studio gesso.  This worked very nicely.  I am running out of canvases.  I also worked up several nude studies in conte in my moleskine notebook and applied new washes to the William Etty copy I am making...my husband says that she is very sexy.
I can't believe how quickly the Summer has gone...two short weeks until I meet my shiny new adolescent WestVirginians.  I have planning and pacing guides to do, but can't seem to get started.  I'm having too much fun making art...ah well...

After Etty

There is an interesting light that emanates from the fleshtones of William Etty.  I have really developed and interest in portrait creation and thought that I would copy the drawings and paintings of William Etty for awhile.  I don't know where this will lead.  I'm currently obsessed with creating a series of portraits of drag kings and queens....hmmm...in the style of Etty.  Could be a real hoot.

Space...finally!

I added more glazes today and verdaccio for the moon's face.  I was told that my imaginary species of fish actually resembles a South American Dorado. If the last week of having an actual space to work is any indication, I am entering a very productive second life.  Possibilities abound.  I had just retread The Tempest when I drew is in my Moleskine art journal several months ago. Perhaps I should do a whole series.

Setting Up My Studio

   My last child has moved into an apartment leaving a very large room empty.  I know he won't be moving back because we actually bought the little house near the campus that he and his older sister are living in.  I am torn between empty nest syndrome and excitement at a new chapter of independence and exploration.
     I have spent the last week turning the room into an art studio.  My husband built me a 3' by 4' desk with an adjustable top and lots of storage underneath. I have room for my oils, pens and inks, brushes, canvases, gesso, etc.  I can see everything and have access like I never have had before.
     Interestingly enough, I thought that I would journal just until I had room for an actual studio. And now wonder if there is art on a larger scale inside me.  Does anyone else ever wonder why we even make art.  What is the compulsion?
    I wish I had a moleskine sketchbook that was poster size.

Summer Break

First layer of Glaze...patience is a virtue.
Windsor and Newton Phthalo Blue glaze over an underpainting of sealed sepia ink and prismacolor watercolor pencils.

Some very old community theatre posters

I spent most of the morning working up a poster for a local community theatre. I didn't have any illustration board and had to work in pen and ink on a rougher surfaced sketch paper.  The surface wasn't quite slick enough, but there appeared to be no bleeding.