Moleskin Giveaway

I should have more angel pictures to post tomorrow or Tuesday, but I wanted to let you know about the giveaway on Cecilia's blog. You have until midnight to enter her moleskin giveaway and check out her blog!

It's been a while since I have worked in pastel,

and this one really took a long time. I reworked it several times and finished or not, I am ready to move on.

Something to think about...

I am slowly finishing my next angel in my series... it is a pastel this time. I am anticipating having it finished by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.

I think my next angel may have to do with the website I posted, a project by the Holocaust Museum Houston. It should be a fun challenge and something I can give. I actually can't wait to finish this current angel so I can start on the Butterfly! I hope that it's going to always be this easy to find my next "new" way to paint the same thing, but I doubt it. We'll see how I feel about it when I get to the 40's and 50's in the series!

We finally have some sun and I am able to get better pictures of my latest pieces. Hopefully, a little truer to actual color.

I am blessed to be married to my own art instructor/critic/encourager. Clay pointed out that my sketch needed more contrast in some areas and to push back details in others. After making adjustments he suggested, I like the sketch better!

Angel Sketch

I decided to do a sketch for my fourth angel in my series. It was a learning experience as I usually don't do many detailed sketches. It really forced me to pay attention to value.

Aha Moment

I have finally had my "Aha!" moment, although in a few months or weeks I may be questioning my sanity. I have been searching for inspiration and focus in my art and after reading the October issue of Watercolor Artist, I have decided to begin a series based on angels. Specifically, on two angel Christmas ornaments I picked up last year. I have already two paintings done to begin with and have just completed the third. I plan on doing 100 pieces, hoping to stretch myself creatively. If you want to join in this challenge with me, just post a link in the comment section.

Whether you do 5, 10, 50 or 100, challenge yourself!

Rainy Days and Cookies

It seems that some rainy days are just cookie making days! The house is full of the scent of molasses and ginger! We are forecast to get 3-6 inches of rain today! Wow! We may float away! I would usually use a day like this for painting or creating something (in reality, probably reading a book), but I am in the 4th day home with a sick kiddo. She is recovering finally and ready for entertainment. That would be me!

Here is my recipe for when you are in the mood for some yummy Oatmeal Molasses Cookies.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

1/2 C shortening

1/2 C sugar

Cream together until fluffy.

Add:

2 eggs

1/2 unsulphured molasses

Mix together in a seperate bowl:

1 1/4 C all purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp

Add to molasses mixure and mix well.

Stir in:

1 1/2 C quick oats, uncooked

1 C raisins

1 C chopped nuts

Place in heaping teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool for 2 minutes and move to a wire rack until cool.

Enjoy!