Margie

Today I had time only for a quick pencil sketch

and I've decided to name her "Margie".

I'll probably develop the drawing into a painting,

so her story will have to wait until then!

Hope you have enjoyed your day!

Jimmy

I had started this stitched picture a while ago

and decided to finish it for today's "Person of the Day"!

Jimmy

Ever since he was little, Jimmy has collected animals

like some boys collect baseball cards.

His mother has learned to be tolerant, since Jimmy takes

such good care of his creatures.

He reads everything he can find about animals,

watches nature shows on TV,

and plans to study to be a vet.

Animals and their well-being are his passion.

Mother and Child

It is a universal emotion,

the love of a mother for her child.

They could have any names, any racial background, any ethnicity -

but their bond is the same the world over.

It is a powerful thing.

I used micron pen, pan pastels and colored pencil on this quick sketch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great Thursday!!

Jake

Some characters are more likable than others - 

that's the way people are.

But we never know what's beneath the surface

when we first see someone's face.

Jake

Jake has a chip on his shoulder, a big chip.

and his surly attitude turns most people off.

He grew up in a bad neighborhood and has lost 

several friends to drugs and crime and,

much as he tries, he can't seem to free himself 

from the ghosts of his past.

He expects the worst and doesn't trust people.
Recently he has been placed in a mentor program -
if only he can open his heart,
and trust -
if only....

  

Jenny and Bobby

I found a sketch in an old notebook and

developed it into this drawing which I've named

"Young Love"!

I like the retro feel of this one!

Hope you've had a great day!

Thanks for visiting!

Judy

After a beautiful, very busy day,

I got to work on finishing this piece which I had begun earlier.

Yes, it's me, Angus and Rosie!

"This is what happens when you try to sew

with uninvited helpers!"

This little painting needs more work, but I'm happy to have brought it to this point.

I hope everyone has had a good weekend!

Making Faces

Today I didn't get a chance to draw a face, but I thought I would spend a few minutes writing about this "100 Days of Faces" project I'm doing, and what it means to me.
I've been drawing since I was a little girl, but never had any formal art training. Over the years, I've taken a smattering of art courses in various guilds and Adult Ed programs, but never an intensive, truly instructional program. I wish I had some of my earlier artwork now, but I'm sure I must have destroyed it, thinking it was "not good enough". That old inner critic has hounded me my whole life!
Now that I'm getting older, I realize that nothing is accomplished or improved upon without practice, and I really want to practice, make mistakes and learn.

I love faces, expressions on faces, hair styles, accessories, and the stories behind those faces. I frequently doodle faces in the margins of crossword puzzle books, notebooks I carry in my purse or in various sketchbooks. It is from these little doodles that I get inspiration for my drawings, paintings and stitched portraits.

I will be honest and say that it takes courage to put my artwork out on Instagram and my blog, since I usually can find fault with every piece I do. So, thank you, dear readers, for supporting me in my efforts, reading my posts and commenting. I'm hoping to get back to stitched faces soon!