Small But Captivating

Although small in relation to some of our other national parks, Grand Teton National Park encompasses about 484 square miles of striking vistas and historic settings. The earliest archeological findings reveal that indigenous tribes inhabited the area 11,000 years ago. The rich history of the area, now known as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, includes many native tribes, trappers, explorers, homesteaders, and an entirely female town council in the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, by 1920. This unique area inspires the imagination and uplifts the spirit of
 outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

 Day 76 ~ SE-76-25

The Future Without Wilderness?

“I am glad I will not be young in a future without wilderness.”
~ Aldo Leopold

 Day 66 ~ SE-66-25

Hummingbirds and a Bear - Free Coloring Pages

Hummingbird - 4 Ways - #1

5.5 x 7.5" - Colored Pencil on Yupo paper, matted to 8 x 10"

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This was done with Prismacolor pencils on Yupo paper. I have never used pencil on Yupo before, but I liked working on the the super smooth surface which I thought yielded an interesting effect.

Last month's personal challenge doing the sunflowers and hydrangeas four different ways was fun and inspiring, so I thought I'd do the same thing with my hummingbird sketch. I recently took an online photography course with a man who talked about "failing with a purpose". When I go into a project with this in mind, it frees me up to discover new possibilities. All our pieces do NOT have to be keepers! I find that I learn the most from my failures. We have to allow ourselves that freedom and we don't have to show people everything we do! Doing the same composition in various approaches helps me to to play, experiment and go a little crazy.

Hummingbird - 4 Ways - #2

5.5 x 7.5" - Colored Pencil on Yupo paper, matted to 8 x 10"

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This is Bruynweel design black Aquarel (water soluble) pencil on Yupo paper with water applied. I had never used it wet before and was pleased with the soft effect.

Hummingbird - 4 Ways - line drawing

This is the line drawing I used for my hummingbird - four - ways - challenge. I know a lot of people, (myself included) like to color. It's a very relaxing and satisfying pastime.  

Please feel free to print these out for your personal, a friend's, your children's or grandchildren's pleasure. Each line drawing fits nicely on a standard 8.5 x 11" sheet.

If you do print and color any of these, I'd be pleased to hear about it and would love to see a photo of the end result!

I'm still being inspired by the "Spirit Bear".

This is my first rough drawing of a barn/yard commission that I have taken on. The client wants a lot of components in the final painting, including a pond, outhouse and horses. This first draft was just to determine a general composition, size, layout and the relationships of the elements. I think I want to simplify the pond a bit so it doesn't detract from the center of interest (the barn). Also I was thinking it would be nice having the silhouette of a horse's head looking out from the open doors of the barn. Once I get the owner's feedback,  I will proceed with a final drawing (which will also be framed and be part of the final package) before proceeding to the painting. Upon approval of the final drawing, I will give the client a price. I am thinking the size will be 18" x 24" framed.

I spent most of the past week experiencing waves of tears and sadness over the loss of my studio kitty, Princess. I drew this battered old bear on Saturday which in my somewhat depressed state, I could really relate to.

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I've got more art, pictures and some exciting news posted on my web log today! Be sure and check it out here!! 

Thanks for reading! As always, your reactions, opinions and comments on my posts are most appreciated!!

Lions, Tigers and BEARS, Oh My!

There was a large black bear spotted in our area last week. Our neighbor just reported that something got into his trash last night and really made a mess. AND, there were huge claw marks on his garbage can. Awe, I'm sure the poor guy just wandered out of the woods looking for food.

Bear symbolizes an awakening to power and is always a good sign. 

Mostly a shy and solitary creature, the bear teaches us to take time out for ourself, like taking time out for drawing or some other self-improvement activity.

It may be time to step back from the noisy world.

In alone time and through our dreams, we can get in touch with the universal creative mind and our own higher self.

I wanted to use some different mediums on these bear drawings. The first three sketches are done with a Bruynzeel design - Aquarel - 8635 - black watercolor drawing pencil. I only have black and have never used them wet. I did a step by step demo of this last watercolor sketch today. I was not happy with the photos, so I want to reshoot them before I post. If anyone wants a sketching challenge, here is a good shot of a black bear to draw from. Use your imagination! I started out with a bear here last year. You can also type "bear" into my search this blog box in the right column to see more bear exercises and drawings.

You can see the bear painting I did today from this final bear sketch on my web log. 

"If the human race is to survive, then we must respect the rights of other species to survive. Sharing bedroom space with a grizzly bear is not practical but sharing wilderness space is. We must therefore, restrict human activity in spaces where threatened or endangered species live. We must stay out of their bedroom. Set aside some wild spaces while they yet exist. Closing the wild spaces after all of the wild things are gone will not work." - Bob McMeans