sketching

Stack of Books*

*Day 3 of Everyday Sketching by Jon Stitch on Creativebug.com.

You would think that since books are rectangular, this would be easy. I had to start over three times and I’m still not thrilled with the final result, but I learned that I need to shade the shadows lighter. I really like Jon Stitch’s teaching style – very Zen.

Concept Sketchbook page 4

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One thing I’m learning about myself as I draw is that I often miscalculate the amount of room I will need for something. For example, take this lionfish: His “legs” should be a lot longer. But I was having a lot of fun sketching last night. An hour and a half flew by!

Concept sketchbook: Daily Practice

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I blog daily to hold myself accountable. I have not attended art school and probably never will (although…never say never)!  My primary goal is to exercise creativity in a positive way and in writing my third book I want to try something new. I learned about this from creativebug.com’s Lindsay Stripling’s daily practice lesson.  My subscription to creativebug.com is the BEST $8/month I’ve ever spent.

I’m going to keep a conceptual sketchbook and work on it each day, even if I have a super busy day, I’ll make a simple doodle to keep it going.

 

 

 

Your Checking Account

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The poor, misunderstood ostrich!

The “head in the sand” saying originated as a reference to ostriches hiding their heads in the sand. It alludes to a belief that if you can’t see a predator, they can’t see you. Or, more figuratively, that you refuse to see a problem. However, ostriches do not do that. They lower their heads to eat, but they don’t hide in bushes or in sand.

Another misfortune for the ostrich: though they are birds, they cannot fly.

However, they have such strong legs, that they can kill a lion just by kicking him! (Kids National Geographic) In running, their stride can be as long as 16 feet and – they are the world’s fastest land animal.

Did you know that the ostrich’s eye is the largest of any land animal? (awf.org)

I listened to a podcast the other day. One sentence big takeaway: “If you want to know where your priorities are, take a look at your checking account.”

I realized I spend quite a bit on groceries and dining out. I love animals and I want to help, so I just made a donation to the African Wildlife Foundation. They are accredited by the BBB. I invite you to consider acting on your “priorities.”

Locals: There will be an Ostrich Festival in Chandler, AZ March 9 – 11!