We would watch for hours as the Cormorants on Block Island would hold their wings out wide to dry them in the sun only to dive right back into the water once accomplished.   We are lucky to have them close by, two New York birds live in the Narrows of New York Harbor.  They are a favorite of mine but not typically the subject of my drawings.  Possibly a future subject of a children’s book…  anyone interested in collaborating?

Thinking about Greece, I stumbled upon a blog I like, and found some great photos…  athensbirds.blogspot.com  Looking forward to being in Athens this June to see my family.

It’s been too long since I posted…  usually I can work through my creative blocks but I am not sure why but this has been a particularly difficult period.  In an effort to be as honest as possible I am posting the piece “the culprit” I have been trying to resolve.  My first instinct is to keep it in my WIP (works in progress) box until I am ready and all has been resolved.  I welcome your insight, wosdom and perspective on working through a creative block.  How do you work through these difficult times?

 

 

 

January 18th Post…

Last night when I finished this piece, I wanted to post it but held off until tonite so that I could participate in the blackout today to protest SOPA & PIPA.

This piece was made with watercolor, that I mixed myself from powdered pigment.  Mixing my own paint is great because I can control the viscosity as well as the intensity of the watercolors- an effect you can’t always get with paint from a tube.  It’s unfortunate that making your own paint from pigment is so much more toxic than just buying it premixed. I don’t like the fact that I need to use such toxic ingredients to make art, but I also love working with the colors they create.

My first drawing for 2012 is a Hooded Crow, one of my favorites, they are stunning, strong and intelligent.  I fell in love with them  on my first trip to India, they are both compelling and intimidating.

Last January I started  the Sketchjay blog, as an art diary, and a daily record of my creative process. I did not know what to expect… It has been such a great experience. I joined  a conversation with a new creative community that was kind,  insightful and supportive.  It was often challenging, and I was often unable to post for periods of time and I can honestly say I missed it dearly. At times I felt reluctant to share my latest sketch as I was still working through the process.  This year I plan to continue with a weekly post of my drawings and paintings.  I have changed the format a bit.  I know 2012 will be a very creative year.  Thanks for visiting Sketchjay and for your great support!