Wisconsin autumn

There is a part of me that still lives in Wisconsin, forever schuffling through fallen autumn leaves!

Putting values into practice

Values are critical in creating dynamic graphite drawings, as they help produce the illusion of the 3rd dimension on a 2-dimensional surface. It's one of the most important skills to learn as a realistic pencil artist to bring your drawings to life!

What are values? They are the degrees of lightness and darkness in your drawing.

When you see an egret in nature you know they are white, but they also contain a number of subtle value changes created by the sun and shadows. It's also necessary to understand the light source, taking into consideration what direction the light falls upon the egret because values change according to it's orientation to the light.

Drawing is all about being a sensitive observer. At times values can be very misleading. they can create an optical illusion to an untrained eye. But when you have mastered the value scale and incorporated it into your drawing, your work will be a ginormous success!

confessions of a perfectionist

Before the disaster with the background

Going into my fox drawing, I knew in the back of my head there existed the possibility that I could wreck it...but I really didn't think that would happen, until it did!! :( 

I was SO unhappy (and super grumpy...of course the hundred + weather did not help either) that I put it away in the afternoon and did not draw again that day. I wanted to look at it with fresh eyes this morning...yup I wrecked it alright! 

I've been pretty upset about it until I had a talk with myself and am trying to set myself straight...it's just a drawing, it doesn't have to be perfect, I don't have to be perfect, I don't have to be in a hurry with it (!!!), this is a wonderful opportunity to push my skills, as I feel I am not that good with backgrounds.

My need for perfection is very stifling, boring, kills my creativity, brings down my resonance and throws me out of balance.

"It is also one of the most profound nemeses in the search for the Soul and the Soul's Path."

~Lazaris~

For an artist and person like me it also causes lots of needless suffering. My mind/negative ego just races with very unproductive and down right mean things. I know exactly where this stems from, I've been working on this issue for many, many years as it got so bad for awhile I did not not create any art for almost 7 years!!

I have come a long way with it through the years, I know I am loved and accepted by God even if I create bad art!! In fact they are probably happy this all happened to heal a bit more with it, because it's only a small stupid drawing of a fox...yet...it represents more than that to me. I can take this as an opportunity to heal and grow or continue on this hamster wheel of perfection. 

~My Choice~

**I'm not there enough to show you the disastrous background yet!! Hopefully next week, either way!!**