Inktober 2016

A few things I learned from #inktober:
In life there are good days and not such good days. The same is true in art, but when you commit to a drawing everyday there is no time for wallowing around in “inky self pity” because tomorrow is another day…and it could be awesome.
Community—the amazing fellowship with others of sharing interests and goals and great art!
Challenges—they are what makes life interesting, give us meaning, make us stronger and keep us learning.
And finally—that expensive Namiki fountain pen I bought years ago and never used, became my favorite tool as I inked my way through October.
Thank you #inktober You were a very special gift. See you next year!

Sktchy...portrait of a sweet dog

I saw this dog in the #Sktchy app "photos to draw" and saw that the family had to say goodbye to their sweet dog. I took a moment on National Dog Day to sketch him, painted it the following day and posted it today...3 days might be a bit too long to finish a 5"x 8" drawing...probably a lot of procrastinating going on...

Sktchy

Yesterday, I spontaneously decided to download the Sktchy app and had hundreds of photos to choose from. Drawing while continuing to tap my iPhone to keep the app open to see the photo, I took creative license and added a bird to Emily's hat...is that okay? Nervously, I finally hit post. ‪#‎Sktchy‬

Sweet Porter

About 4 feet high, 7 feet long with a foot long nose "Porter" is Mallory's lanky Borzoi who spends his days holding court, sometimes wearing a bowtie, at the Whole Dog Market pet store down the street. Sophie insists on a daily pop-in because she knows Mallory passes out treats and I am fascinated by this sweet model-like graceful dog.

“Camino Withdrawals”

Somewhere in the middle of my latest Camino walk I stopped sketching and painting and haven’t picked it back up since. Finally, last night, with some fresh cut flowers on the table I opened up the paints and broke the spell.

Day 4 Camino Portuguese

Day 4 to Ponte de Lima Portugal 

We wandered through a little town where some local Portuguese women were selling delicious pastries in the town square. The perfect midmorning snack to get us to our destination.

Day 3 Camino Portuguese

Day 3 Barcelos to Lugar do Corgo Portugal

19.1 km/12 miles

A warm sunny walk through picturesque towns and vineyards.  Sitting in the garden at the albergue sketching while pilgrims from Germany, Holland, France, Israel and Canada shared Camino stories over wine, beer and the most delicious olives.

Camino Portuguese Day 2

Vilarinho to Barcelos

28.9 km/18 miles

A long rainy walk on cobblestone streets and muddy dirt roads passing through vineyards, pastures and eucalyptus woods.

Deliriously happy to have a Coca Cola Zero with lunch at mile 12.5. Then on to Barcelos, a town devoted to a medieval legend involving a chicken coming back to life. This is my second Camino and my second encounter with a "chicken town".

Day 1---Porto to Vilarinho

Porto to Vilarinho Portugal

27.3 km/17.0 miles

A long walk through rainy Porto looking for yellow arrows marking the way. The rain finally subsided mid day as we continued on through the commercial and industrial areas of the surrounding towns. After 17 miles on uneven cobblestone streets we ended up in the peaceful gardens of Casa da Laura in Vilarinho Portugal.

Camino Portuguese---Porto Portugal

We arrived in Porto Portugal and slogged through the pouring rain to get our Camino de Santiago pilgrims passports.

The sun came out to reveal the most beautiful, colorful, happy city imaginable. A quick sketch of Porto in between our 6 hour walk exploring the streets of this lively city.

Tomorrow we start walking to Santiago...in the rain...

Packing for the "Camino Portuguese"

Everything I will be carrying on my back for my 150 mile journey on the “Camino Portuguese” are in neat little piles and plastic ziplock bags ready to be stuffed into my backpack. Aware I’m bringing way to many art supplies as I sketched the contents of that plastic bag last night, I ditched the colored pencils and two pens only to put them back in this morning…I still have two days to reconsider…

Walking the Camino de Santiago...again

The Camino de Santiago is a great teacher. There was no exact moment of clarity or understanding, but as I settled back into to my life back home I became aware that I learned a great deal on my 500 mile journey. 
I still have a lot to learn, so in two weeks I am going back!

“My friend George”

George Anderson is an artist and owner of the gallery/studio where I work. He is a painter, entrepreneur, businessman, salesman, husband to Jean, father, mentor and my friend. At 84 years old, he goes to the gallery/studio and paints everyday after he walks three miles. His lust for life comes from family, friends, a great sense of humor and doing what he is passionate about and that is his art. 
He is my hero and I want to be just like him when I grow up…

Fox on the run

Taking a sketching class at Maine College of Art is the perfect solution to a long dark cold winter in Maine. Fun and interesting people to sketch with, share ideas and to get a little weekly inspiration. Accordion sketchbook assignment inspired by seeing a fox run across the road near the beach.

"Gratitude Sketches"—25 days

In mid-January my sister and I decided we should journal and meditate daily and I added daily gratitude sketches. Unfortunately, the journaling and mediation has waned a bit, but I have managed to keep my daily gratitude sketches going. It may eventually go by the wayside along with the meditation and journaling...or they will all come back...maybe...

"Sweet Willy"

I love when I get asked to paint someone's dog. Everyone is so excited and grateful and smiling...and dogs rock!!!