Today I organized my materials and supplies, my knick knacks (mostly gifts from the kiddos) and was determined to find things that I had not seen since we arrived almost eleven months ago. I was looking for something in particular, but ended up coming across the watercolor/sketchbook that I was filling up in 2014.
It was great timing because I started a new piece, a large possible figurative abstract and didn’t realize it was based on a pencil drawing until I found that drawing today in my 2014 sketch journal. The drawing is “Harvesting Oysters by Hand” on 8/22/2014. Geez. It seems like ages ago and I suppose it was.
In 2014, I was 40 years old and probably in the best shape of my life, mentally and physically. I had some of the most “ah-ha” moments as well as some of the most interesting travels. I met my good buddy in her hometown of Bangkok and went snorkeling off islands in a Thailand national wildlife preserve (like Acadia but with more sharks and jellyfish). I was also really in a great flow, creatively, that year...I was drawing, painting, writing stories, and things were really good in every way possible. Many of the pieces I painted were juried into shows, my family was doing well, I had three in school and a little one on my lap most of the day and my fella hadn’t been traveling much for work. I suppose when I think back, 2014 might be one of the best on record as far as i’m concerned.
Anyhow, below is the drawing and then the started canvas. I also threw in a little quick sketch I found— A watercolor of my favorite subjects in general. That is, dogs. I love dogs and cannot get enough snuggles from them. As a matter of fact, we are adding another German Shorthaired Pointer to our brood on Saturday. I think that’s my way of mothering now that it’s been ten years since I had a new little baby to hold. The little male pup will be “Baer" (German spelling for Bear) and I cannot wait to paint him! The watercolor/sketch below is of a French Mastiff, another favorite breed, but a little too big for me to manage, I think. I already trip over my Weimeraner and female GSP as it is…
My Sketch from 2014 that I did on a flight home from Thailand (30 hours!)
New piece that may channel my oysterman from the 2014 sketch…
Another little sketch I found of a French Mastiff face. Squishy dog faces are something I never tire of!
We are still not in our new workspace downtown. Maybe late October? So, the background is of my very small, very dark home studio. It is not exactly what I need but I’m happy to have the space for now. I hope to makeover the room once my piles and piles of stuff are out of there! Then our overnight guests can have a little more privacy.
I appreciate all the visits today from all over the country (and the UK!). Peace to you and thank you for spending some time with me!