sketching in the galleries

I'm taking a Sketching in the Galleries class at the MIA. Here's my first sketch and the object I worked from, a Ruth Duckworth piece called 'Cup and Blade'. I was pleased the sketch particularly the shading. In looking at the 2 next to each other, I now realize I didn't get the graceful curve of the cup.

I'm not going to post the stuff from the 2nd class because it was really pitiful. It was a chair and I spent most of the time fussing around with getting the angles and dimensions correct. At one point the instructor very kindly suggested that I should start over.

Sketching

Weathered by salt water, wind beaten wood
fiber glassed patches, and peeled painted dory

The Turn

Grass crisp and sun chilled
Mold dust hangs, suspended
Rusty bike and squeaky wheels
Maple leaves bathed in gold.
Squirrels dart, scurry and itch
Black liquid eyes searching morsels
Wood smoke and dropped apples- breath
Whilst the sun glints off tractor rims.

A weekend in Maine

Tiny collage

Ok- so I admit it, this one is a little older, but at least I'm thinking about getting back into it.

This morning

Tucked and tired; cat kneads
Wonder and worry; cat curls
Sigh and smile; cat purrs
Cramp and cringe; cat stirs
Shake and shift; cat bites.

- Poem written while sitting in bed with my bad cat, Atticus.

Art by Force- Promoting Artist Health

Welcome to Art by Force; the blog that promotes Artist Health.

Art by Force was born out of a chat with a dear friend. We were discussing the importance of creating art and how, no matter what, we couldn't seem to make time to create. After a recent move to Maine, and finally a little time on my hands after a very demanding job, I realized how it was too important to my health to not create.

It was then that I realized that the only way that I was going to be successful with getting back into art was to be forced to do it. Thus- the Art by Force blog was born.

I challenge myself (and you!) to post a work of art, whether it be poetry, photography, a work in progress, collage, or a painting. Post a small paragraph of sentiment going along with the work and let the critique begin.

We have a schedule for everything else in our life, and rarely take time for art. Create! Post! Critique! Enjoy cheering your friends on and encouraging them to create amazing, personal, works of art. Be a little selfish and indulge!

To your Artist Health- something too valuable to take for granted.