Don't Stop Playing!

"We don't stop playing because we grow old;

we grow old because we stop playing."

~ George Bernard Shaw

Dolphin Spirit ~ Natural Rhythms

Social ~ Relaxation ~ Exercise ~ Exuberance

~  8.5 x 6.5" Hand Painted Watercolor on Yupo Paper

Matted and Framed to 10" x 8"

Here's a few in-progress shots for today's painting.

First Step - Paint the eyes and body.

Because I wanted the dolphin lighter than the

background, I started with light to medium mid-tones.

Second Step -

The background wash and swirls were added.

Third Step -

As in previous posts, the painting was finished

by adding the calligraphy, lifting a little pigment

here and there and adding a few darks and darker mid-tones.

Dolphion Spirit -  Full frame/ Uncropped

Thanks again for all the comments and emails
from old friends and new!

I hope you are having a playful day.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

X ♥  O

Play The Game!

"Art is a game. 

Too bad for them 

who makes a duty of it." 

~ Max Jacob 

Sketching Everyday - Summer 2017 - Day 19

Happy Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

A Loving Embrace

"Drawing is a frame of mind, a loving embrace if you will."

 ~ Susan Avishai

I love this quote about drawing. It is one of my favorites. Ok, I'll admit, I'm a quote junkie and I've got hundreds of favorites! But this one sort of sums up how I feel when I'm drawing something I love and I'm in the *zone (*the place or state of mind you are in when youve made that right brain shift).

Today's little watercolor sketch was done from multiple reference photos and sketches in my many reference folders; collected over the decades; some of which I still have from childhood.  Often when drawing or planning a painting, I use many images to come up with a final design.

We've got hummer action here non-stop now and they are keeping me busy cleaning and filling the feeders. And of course, I'm taking multiple hummingbird breaks during the day, just to indulge in the sheer joy of being in their presence; feeling the rush of air as they zoom by; watching the acrobatic displays, listening to the excited chattering and being enchanted by their never ending magic.

I'm sharing today's post from my summer sketching blog. Why don't you join me there!?

Happy Drawing and Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

Assisting Fellow Travellers on the Dreamway

"Loved ones are released to become travellers

on their own Dreamway."

~ Robert Genn

Woo Hoo! Our July 23rd Watercolor on Yupo Workshop, 

that I just announced two days ago,

is already half filled!

A little note about the art I create for teaching purposes - When I design a theme and a project(s) for one of my workshops, I do lessons with my students in mind. I often teach complete beginners right along side of others who have moderate or even extensive art training. This means keeping steps as simple as possible, going back to basics, stepping back, evaluating, using a more predictable technique(s) and coming up with a subject that most students will have success with. Everybody needs to feel that they learned something and created a beautiful (or at least satisfying) piece. So, for instance, I know everyone loves my loose, white horse, (posted above), but this is not something I would try to teach at a one day workshop! We'd probably have a few disappointed attendees to say the least.

Art is a noble quest with no set in stone, end destination.

I help people just starting out on the path and those who've been on the Dreamway quite a while.

With an art career spanning over four decades, I have a depth of knowledge

and experience that can help guide artists in all phases of the art voyage.

The main thing is to motivate them with love, accomplishment and joy to

just keep taking one step after the other and never give up the dream.

Happy Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

Sketch With Me For FREE!

“The more you express your skills,
the more experienced you become and
the closer you get to excellence.”

~ Israelmore Ayivor

~~~~~~~~~~

 

FUN & FREE!...!http://www.sketchingeveryday.com

Come hone your drawing, sketching and watercolor skills with me this summer as I indulge in my 8th Summer of Drawing Everyday from June 1st - August 31st!

Check it out here!

Happy Creating My Friends!

X ♥  O

 

Yupo Paper Giveaway!

Announcing a Yupo Paper Giveaway Sponsored by Legion Paper! This contest will be open to Yupo Artists in the USA and Canada. Complete details will be released soon. There will be six prizes, each totaling more than $70.USD in retail value! To become eligible and receive all details as they become available, join the YUPO ARTISTS GROUP ON FACEBOOK HERE. #DoItOnYupo  #LegionPaper  #YupoWithSandy

 Good luck and happy creating!

X ♥  O