Pansy

The other day, I was feeling a little out of sorts, so I decided I needed some arty time.  I thought I would do a little doodling with my Copic markers.  I am quite obsessed with Copic markers.  They are alcohol ink artist grade markers and they are blendable and available in over 350 colors.  I have been collecting this a little at a time.  I have even found a few at Hobby Lobby in the clearance bin.

So anyway back to what I was saying about drawing the other day.  So I grab this Watercolor Pad of heavyweight paper.  I am still a beginner with using Copics, but I know that they bleed through many types of paper.  They did not bleed through this paper at all and I did a lot of coloring and many layers of color.  So I was pleased with that.

I wanted it to be somewhat realistic looking.   I mean I want someone to be able to look at it and go, "Yeah that is a pansy".  So I went to Google Images and just typed in "pansy flowers"; and in a second or two there was a page of pansy images.  And since I have more Copic markers in shades of purple AND it is my favorite color I decided that my pansy would be purple.  Then I referred to the Google Images pansies to get the general shape and after that I tried to learn the blend the various shades in a smooth and effortless way (at least that was my goal).

Copic markers are dual tipped with a brush tip on one end and a squarish blunt end.  You can change out the nibs for other shapes and also replace them when they get wore out.  Basically, unless you lose it or the dog eats it, you will have these markers for life and should put in your will who will get them after you go).  I prefer the brush tip for this type of work; and I was trying to improve my "flicking" technique.

Let me know what you think of my afternoon stress reduction session's result.

Emerging ... New Art Doodle

This is my latest Art Journal Doodle. I did this on a legal pad while I was played Rummy with the family.

I am calling this one, Emerging. Since I am allowing my inner artist to have the freedom to begin the process of emerging. Hope you like it.

Butterfly Art Journal Doodle for 17 Jan 2009

I know that I am a few days late in posting this. But here is the next one of my Art Journal Doodles.

I am really getting into this, it is so freeing.

Yesterday I went through my massive pencil, colored pencil, marker, etc. collection and weeded out all the old or used or junky stuff; got all the good stuff in a box and placed it on the side of my desk for when the inspiration to add color hits me.

It's weird how I can be upset and just mindlessly doodling I can feel the relaxing and releasing of tension flowing.

Art Journal Doodle for 15 January 2009

Spurred onward by the success of my first Art Journal Doodle, yesterday I did this one.

I have gained some confidence in my abilities. I just grabbed a pencil and some paper and my clipboard and curled up under a blanket on the couch, and drew whatever came to me. No looking at something or someone else for inspiration.

I am sure I have seen similiar bits and pieces in life somewhere. But I was not looking at something and then trying to draw it.

First Attempt at Art Journal Doodle

I have been looking at a lot of Art Journals online lately. I am so moved by them. I have always saved little bits and pieces of things intending to do something like that with them.

However, I could never seem to start, for one reason or another.

- Fear of failure.

- Fear of being good enough.

And on and on. But I think between going to the quilt museum and the looking at all the art journals, I am allowing myself the freedom to JUST DO IT.

So last night, with some inspiration from Sharon Shamber's amazing Sedona Rose quilt, I did this doodle. My kids swear that I traced it -- that made me smile a lot. Then my son was like, why didn't I inherit this artistic talent?

I have to let myself, just go with it and also I have to realize that art is just is; I don't need to have a reason to do it. It is not a practical need; like I need to do the dishes. But it is a need in my soul.

Let me know what you think of my first Art Doodle, I xeroxed this, in case, I want to color it; if I don't like it, it won't be ruined.