Sketchcrawl at Mecca on Main!

Please join us for the 24th Worldwide Sketchcrawl. This is the third one hosted by Mecca on Main!
http://www.meccaonmain.com/

I am so crazily proud of this place, I can barely contain myself most days! Stop by the site for more information on the sketchcrawl, art classes, studio space, yoga classes, MECCA CAFE and and and...!!!

Hope to see you there tomorrow afternoon!
Lisa
meccaonmain@gmail.com

Classes at Mecca on Main

Be sure to follow the progress over at Mecca on Main

If you are in North Texas, you are gooing to want to stroll down Aubrey's Main Street and wander into our place. Take a look at the classes and find one to sign up for!

Hope to see you there!
Lisa

My Baby-Mecca on Main!

I never stop sketching, but have not taken time to post anything due to my latest passion. If you have not seen it already, please stop by to see what has kept me busy lately.
http://meccaonmain.blogspot.com/

Unity Church of New Hope

I call this "Visualize Landscaping". The church has just completed an addition but we have not gotten to the landscaping yet. So I painted some in!

I sketched the picture of our church as white elephant gift for a church Christmas party. I was happy that Reverend Ellen ended up with it. Makes sense, huh?! She has also asked me to turn it into note cards for our bookstore and to be used as thank-you notes. I photoshopped this handlettering out and added some with a lovely font and there ya have it!

I'll post a photo of our little church when we get the real landscaping!

EDM #2 Draw a Lamp

At this rate, I will never get through the Every Day Matters Challenges! I have been doing them, but better get them posted! The long arm lamp is on my art table: the other is headed to the garbage due to a crack in the glass :-( Maybe I will break it into pieces and use the glass for something mosaic-like. Nahhhh. Not likely.

Maira Kalman : The Inauguration. At Last

I know, I have been a bad bad blogger! No excuses, just no posts!

I promise to get some of my January sketches posted and will be back on the blogtrack real soon. Thanks to all of you that sent me notes wondering if I was still among the living!

This beauty was sent to me by my bud TQ and I just loved it. Enjoy!

http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/the-inauguration-at-last/

I WON PURPLE PENS

Since I was reading deprived by the Artist's Way, then distracted by Christmas, I neglected to acknowledge the abundance that came my way!

I was truly "needing" some supplies and got some! My son and DIL got me a great new sketchbook which I am already filling with EDM challenges.

On top of THAT...I was generously rewarded by http://biggaydragon.blogspot.com/ for answering correctly "Purple People Eaters". She sent me 5 awesome new purple pens that I am loving so much! I DO have a Big favorite. Let me know if you simply MUST know the one I love. There is nothing quite like new art supplies, is there??

EDM #1 plus Yao

I am starting from scratch with the Every Day Matters Challenges.
Number one is "Draw a Shoe" (so I drew three!)

Take a look at Yao snuggling with one of them! I sacrificed the goofy comfort so my puppy could have a new "friend"!

Art in 2009 or Never Say Never!

Last January, I had just started sketching and blogging and wrote this:
http://lisalou-graceart.blogspot.com/2008/01/art-goals-i-dont-think-so.html

And this year, I have a list of artistic things I want to do and learn as long as my arm! I am not calling these goals--since I am apt to find more new things I want to try and will abandon some of the below. So be it. The list just gives me a blueprint to follow if I veer too far from feeding my creative spirit. Well...that's the Way I See It

Ideas:
Explore Artist Co-Op idea
Join VAST (Visual Art Society of Texas)
Continue Artist's Way Cluster
Continue in SmartFlix University http://smartflix.com/
SmartFlix.com How-To DVDs
House Portraits
Pay it forward--nieces, church, blog buddies, friends

Journaling topics:
Gratitude
EDM
People
Nature
My homes
Yoga
Texas
Sketchcrawls
Favorite quotes

Practice:
Figures
Faces
Trees
EDM challenges

Take classes:
Photoshop elements
Digital photography
http://smartflix.com/

Experiment with:
Bigger pictures (not just sketchbooks)
Ink
Pens
Brands of paint

Get inspired:
Read art books
Visit museums
Classes from http://smartflix.com/



Spend time with my artist friends learning what they do:
Cyndi and Rachel-quilting
Cyndi-Illustration
Rachel-design
Martha-sketching, journaling
Diane-Glazed Enameled Copper
Cindy-Illustration
Linda-Oil Painting
Gretchen-Watercolor

Art Trips:
Envision 4 a year with Gretchen and Martha and who knows who?!
Participate in Worldwide sketchcrawls http://www.sketchcrawl.com/

Post Reading Deprivation

There are so many things I learn and enjoy from blogging and especially the Every Day Matters group. Thank you for the dozens of passionate responses about whether to read or follow the Artist's Way plan! Your support and kind comments the past year kept me engaged and your talent has taught me so much!

When I decided to follow the Artist's Way Plan, of not reading for one week, I knew that I would NEVER neglect personal emails or my job hunt. Yes, I am a blog lover--addict perhaps....yeah..for sure. But, I just love seeing what the folks in this EDM group are creating and I so enjoy reading about the lives of the bloggers I subscribe to around the globe. What an education it has been for me. Art, geography, history, fantasy, spirituality, politics...you name it.......your sketches feed my heart and soul and I won't ever stop following along with your lives and everything you create.

Sooo...I put the books down after peeking the day I received them. I figured since I am facilitating the Artist's Way Cluster, I should at least follow the program. Although difficult to understand how not reading books on art could help me unleash my creativity, I decided to give it a chance. My nose would grow if I said I stayed completely away from reading my favorite blogs. I scaled back by at least 80% but just couldn't bring myself to abandon the great pleasure of viewing your art every day.

Some things I did this week that may fall under the creativity umbrella:
Took a jewelry making class with my niece (early gift to her)
Bought all the makings for another niece's ballet scrapbook
Made my DIL a necklace and some earrings for me
Painted my bathroom
Replaced outlet covers with something prettier
Mowed the yard;raked the leaves;planted some pansies
Hung new house numbers
Made a pebble mosiac window sill in the shower
Got two pictures framed and hung
Rearranged the Living Room to accommodate the new TV
Bought three new lamps and got rid of one
Finished shopping and wrapped them up
Made huge vat of chicken and dumplins and took some to friends
Made a list of art projects for 2009
Some other terrific things that have happened this past few days--
Got an offer on the California house (after 9 months)
Got two job offers!

Who knows if the above would have happened with or without the rules of the Artist's Way. What do you think?

Now...back to sketching and posting and READING..

Happy New Year!
Lisa

To Read or Not to Read?

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses to my high class dilemna--
whether to read my awesome new books or follow the Artist's Way
direction of "reading deprivation" for one week. Then, read on to see
how I weighed your input and made my decision.

I got many comments on my blog and some direct emails--all strong
opinions from people I honor and respect and much appreciated!

Here is how it shook out:

Take a peek then get back to the Artist's Way Commitment- 2

Just look at the pictures! 2

Do both-read and keep creating- 2

Do the Artist's Way program but don't do the reading deprivation
week. It won't change anything..has no affect (hmmmm..how do you know
if you didn't do it?) 4

Belly Up to the Book Buffet (Peg's words
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/) 17

Stick with the Artist's Way program- the reading deprivation is worth
it.. It's only a week and worth the creative pay-off...major break-
throughs, keep your commitment, follow-through etc. 15
(Most of these comments came directly to my email-concern over it
being the "unpopular" vote)

AND, here is what I did >>>
I PEEKED, I LOOKED AT THE PICTURES, I READ!

Now, in order to keep with my commitment to the program and the
people in my Artist's Way cluster, I start my reading deprivation
week.

Stay tuned. I'll see you in a few days (yes, blogging is reading!)
Lisa

What would you do?

My Artist's Way group is on the chapter that calls for reading deprivation. I am already terrified by this assignment, even though I have no doubt it has value. To add insult to injury I got the most delicious shipment from Amazon today. My California Berkeley Bad Girls Book club friends, Diana, Martha and Cynthia gave me a gift certificate for my birthday and I ordered these books...

An Illustrated Life (of course!)
by Danny Gregory
Where Wanderers Cease To Roam ( A Traveler's Journal of Staying Put)
by Vivian Swift
The Decorated Page
by Gwen Diehn
I am also doing daily drooling over a gift sent to me by my SIL, Gretchen..
True Nature (An Illustrated Journal of Four Seasons of Solitude
by Barbara Bash

So what would you do?
1.Stick with the program and deprive myself of reading to unleash my creativity
2.Postpone this week's Artist's Way assignment for one week so I can devour these books?

Here's another look at my temptations. What's a girl to do??

My Art Space

I always love seeing other people's studios and spaces where they create their art, so I thought I would share mine. This year we did an extreme downsize, so I lost the extra bedrooms (office/studio). Small space living has provided me with it's own creative challenges! This little space is set up at one end of our bedroom and actually works just fine.

With all my brushes, paint, pens and pencils right in front of me in my favorite containers. Three are from my collection of Cowan glazed pottery. I decided to actually use them rather than display them. The crackled glass container belonged to my dad who collected lots of different kinds of glass containers. An antique silver creamer for my favorite brushes was given to me by my antiquing buddy. I love the big yellow cup that contains my markers. My sis in law bought it for me while we wandered Napa wineries. It says "Wild Women on Wine"(yes, we were!) Some of my favorite things contain my other favorite things--my art supplies!

My favorite Director's Chair--a gift from my friend,Michael, when I got promoted to Director in my last life in the corporate world. Now, it is my Art Director's chair!

Thanks for stopping by my little art nook!

Wise Men

I sketched these wise men in church last weekend while Rev. Ellen talked about them. Kathryn played and sang "Try To Remember"....

Take 2 minutes to mellow out and listen to some pretty lyrics and look at some lovely pictures......

Yoga Elf (?)

Namaste and Merry Christmas to all of you!

Yoga in my heart

I do love yoga and so does this yoga girl........

Flowers in her hair...

Flowers Everywhere...I love the Flower Girl...(anyone remember the Cowsills?)
Indulge me by clicking on the photo to enlarge--or you will surely miss the flowers in her hair--and everywhere else :)

Nutcracker Mosaic

I got to see my very talented niece perform in the Nutcracker this weekend. Here is a little mosaic of some of the sketches I did in the very dark theater. I love doing this! Any tendencies toward perfectionism are down the drain! Please do click on the mosaic to see all the wonderful dancers from the incredible http://www.lakecitiesballet.org/

Butterfly Award-Cool Blog :)

Oh my Favorite blog buddy, Peg, honored me with this award! I tuly never miss a post of hers. She is The Most Original artist and inspires me with her art and thought provoking words with every post. Thank you BB (Blog Bud)!
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/

I am going to vary from the rules a bit. Rather than nominate 10 more blogs, with the expectation that they each nominate 10 more and recognize my blog on theirs,
I am going to give high accolades to genius Gabi http://gabicampanario.blogspot.com/
and all of his awe-inspiring Urban Sketchers.
http://www.urbansketchers.com/
To visit this site is to take an intimate tour around the world! I admire each one individually-- and collectively they are blowing the lid off of the world of sketch blogging!

Joey

My girl friend liked my sketches of Yao, so I did some quickly of her Joey. His legs are so short, when he runs he looks like a little bunny hopping along! (A very cute bunny!)

MarieAntoinette Award

It is always an honor to be recognized by one's peers.

Thanks so much Mark at http://paperravenbks.blogspot.com/ for giving me this award described as a "real award for real people"

I saw a debate in blog land that some people consider these awards like chain letters. It is my good intention to pass this on to other bloggers who I am particularly enjoying these days. It is up to you, if you want to also "pay it forward". Just know, I simply want to shine a light on you because I enjoy what you do. And, the way I have found some of my favorite artists is through others bringing blogs to my attention.

Here are a few folks that I am getting to know and appreciate.
Mark at http://paperravenbks.blogspot.com/
John at http://johnwrightart.blogspot.com/
Steve at http://splatpaint1959.blogspot.com/
Carol at http://drawingtelaviv.blogspot.com/
Steven at http://sketchoftheday.blogspot.com/
Timaree at http://freebirddrawing.blogspot.com/
Cris at http://crisinor.blogspot.com/


The instructions are to:
1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.
Again, nothing will happen to you if you simply accept the award and do nothing else!


"As Trevor observes: it doesn't have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for. " From the movie and movement "Pay It Forward"

Christmas Card

You may recognize this house from a post I did on October 5th.
My neighbors liked it so much, they asked me to do a Christmas card for them.

Also, wanted to congratulate them on being recognized in Texas Monthly http://www.texasmonthly.com/. They have a restaurant in Celina that was noticed as one of the top 40 cafes in Texas. I can vouch for that. I love those fried pickles at Lucy's Cafe! Way to go, Krys and Steve!

* my photos are lousy--they really look better in person. Please click on them to enlarge. I really must learn Photoshop!

Yao the Dog

We had our first cold snap today and I got cozy. I listened to the "Disappearance of the Universe" on CD and sketched my crazy puppy dawg before heading to the Denton Artwalk and celebrated church lady, Linda's birthday.

Yao---what an energetic character. I adore him AND he drives me craaazzzy!

Oh yeah---Yao likes to blog, too....can you tell? There he checking out Capt.Elaine on my birthday! http://captelaine.blogspot.com/

November Celebrations

November is probably my favorite month! Besides my own birthday, I can name more than a dozen people that I love who were also born in November! These cakes are for each of you--I sketched them while eating lunch with my Sher and Aunt Janice. The cakes were looking oh so delicious in the case of Creatia's in Duncanville, Texas. Since I have already celebrated with three cakes this year--I passed on these!

Jessica, Gretchen, Aunt Janice, Mikel, Beth, Diane, Linda, Pat, Brian, Donna, Tom, Little Daniel, James, John ...I'll add the rest as I think of them! My 56 year old brain tends to accidently delete important information!

Ohh..and I realized today that I started blogging a year ago, too! Happy birthday to all of us!

Ino'z Where you are

Yes, it's true...that is the name of this place and how it reads on the door. My sister, Nancy and my best sketch bud, Martha, and I started part 2 of the World Wide (Austin) Sketchcrawl in Wimberley, Texas. We had our first meal at Ino'z. It really says on the door "Inoz where you are". Yeah...it says that! The outdoor seating was lovely...by the creek and next door to our B&B.

Quaint yes? AND, Iknoz where you are!

Chick-a-dee in Wimberley Texas

I squatted in the lane to sketch this little shop in the adorable little artist's town, then joined Martha http://www.trumpetvine.com/
while she did her version. (she is working long hours and will post soon) Nothing like a slow day in Wimberely, Texas...eating, shopping, sketching, talking....ahhhhh!

House Portrait

My friend asked me to paint this for a Christmas gift, so I did! I hope the recipient likes it! It is a really lovely home in Krugerville, Texas--a couple of minutes from me.

Southern Sunrise Bakery

We have a new bakery in our little town of Aubrey, Texas. Delicious goodies and a very nice family running the place. It is located right next to the largely abandoned Main Street Building that I previously posted http://lisalou-graceart.blogspot.com/2008/10/aubrey-texas.html We want to make sure these entrepeneurs are a big success!

Santa Fe O'Keefe

Santa Fe OKeefe, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

The museum was closed for renovations when we visited---yeah really, it was---didn't they know we were coming?! But we were able to visit an exhibit about Ms. Okeefe and watch a video. Here is a sketch of the enthralled viewers. I had to post this one, because my friend, Diana--with the spikey hair on the right looks so cute!

Santa Fe-Canyon Road

Santa Fe-Canyon Road, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

This tree was so perfectly trimmed, the trunk looked like a plaster sculpture. After all, it was the grand art street--Canyon Road!

Fall Leaves in Wimberley Creek

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." Stanley Horowitz

These leaves had fallen and floated like a beautiful mosaic in the creek behind the "Salty Chicken" Bed and Breakfast http://www.texasvacation.com/waterprop/34-waterprop/117 (where we stayed following the crawl) the http://www.sketchcrawl.com/ in Austin. I'd like to paint them, but love the photo too much to consider messing it up! I hope you will click on the photo to ENLARGE and see how pretty it really is! The bright blue is the really and truly the reflection of the sky. The bright white light is real sunlight--I did nothing to alter this photo--nature in action!!

I love Autumn SOOOO much--I hate to see it end!

Aubrey Peanut Festival

The Peanut factory closed up in the horribly hot summer of 1980 in Aubrey Texas. There is still a very down-home celebration of the peanut every year, on the grounds of the peanut factory. We live a block from there and it was fun to be a part of such a small town effort. It is like going back to a simpler time...

Here are a few sketches of the Peanut Festival by me (an Aubrey Nut!)

St. Michael's Santa Fe

This sketch had to sit with me awhile! I hated it before Martha gave me a few ideas about how to improve upon it. Isn't it nice when someone cares enough to give critiscim? The end result is that the painting was saved from the recycling bin!

There is something to sketch on every corner in Santa Fe! This is around the corner from Canyon Road.

Martha and Lisa Moleskine Exchange

Here is the second entry in the Martha- Made- Moleskine. We are calling our two person exchange "Our Favorite Things".
She started with the bunny planter http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/07/29/moleskine_exchange_favs/
Then it was my turn. Our Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club went to Ashland, Oregon last fall and ate at the http://www.morninggloryrestaurant.com/(more than once!) It is a scrumptious place to spend a morning--and it became one of my favorite things!

This is a little bit of How I Saw It!

Photo included in Napa Guide!

I am the last person that should be included in this-yet I think it's cool! I am lazy when it comes to Flicker, so it's a fluke this was found by the Schmap Napa Valley Guide. If you want to see the photo- Click on photos at the bottom and you can scroll through the photos until you see the pink tree credited to Lisa Reed (moi!)

Austin Sketchers!

Sketchcrawl Austin Sketchers!, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

Here are some of the sketchers that joined in Austin. My sis, niece, Ed and Janet, Lara and Megan turned out for the first ever Austin sketchcrawl! Martha http://trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/ came all the way from Berkeley! We continued to crawl and I'll get those sketches posted in the days to come. A fun time was had by all!

Long Center-Thrill the World!

Sketchcrawl Austin Long Center, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We were there for the Thrill the World '08: A worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's THRILLER for a Guinness World Record
Hundreds of zombies gathered and danced in front of this building. I guess we weren't the only group gathering around the world! We didn't look as wild and crazy as they did---but we had just as much fun! I sketched the Long Center sans ghouls!

Sketchcrawl Austin Driscoll

Sketchcrawl Austin Driscoll, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We spent some time admiring the beautiful lobby of the Driscol Hotel in downtown Austin. I sketched one of this many gorgeous light fixtures. I seem to have a thing for lamps!

Sketching Stevie Ray

Sketchcrawl Austin Stevie Ray, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

Austin is known for many things, not the least of which is the great music scene. There is a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn on the banks of Lady Bird Lake and we stopped to sketch him. Stevie and I went to Kimball High School at the same time. He played music with some old friends of mine so that gives me less than six degrees of separation from one of the greats!

Sketchcrawl Austin Capital

Sketchcrawl Austin Capital, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

From below looking up at the magnificent rotunda at the Texas State Capital. It is built out of sunset red granite and will take your breath away. Yes, it is true, everything is bigger in Texas!

Sketchcrawl Austin

Sketchcrawl Austin Grid, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We did it! A group of us gathered in Austin for the World Wide sketchcrawl. We started on the steps of the State Capital and sketched for several hours, trekking across this great city, enjoying perfect fall weather. Here is some of what I put on paper that day.

World Wide Sketchcrawl--Austin Texas

A group of us gathered in Austin for the World Wide sketchcrawl. We started on the steps of the State Capital and sketched for several hours, trekking across this great city, enjoying perfect fall weather. Here is some of what I put on paper that day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaloureed/2989006927/

Meet Yao....

Forgive me. This is not a sketch. Indulge me, this is my sweetie pup, Yao (Ming). Yes, there are some insane Houston Rockets fans in my household!

I will certainly sketch him. For now, I just had to share the cutest face I've ever seen.

Airport sketching

I truly love to pass the time in airports and on planes sketching my heart out. This was from DFW to Colorado Springs with a quick stop in Denver. The black and white is from some magazine, while the others are people and things around me.

Donkeys need recognition, too!

So, I spent an entire, wonderful, morning with the miniature animals that call Crystal Mesa Farm, HOME. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the mulitude of sketches I did of them--after all, their porportians are a little "different".

But, I loved them so much, I felt I should at least share them. Most of them moved so much, I just couldn't get them to strike a pose!

Here they are and I just love them!

More from Ghost Ranch

I decided to honor this beautiful place again http://www.ghostranch.org/ , by painting from a photo I took there. Georgia O'Keefe spent many years painting there, being inspired by it's beauty. Who wouldn't be?! I have a goal to attend one of the many workshops offered at this awesome place.

The colors and light in New Mexico are so often indescribable. Capturing it can make a painting look almost fake. Nothing could be that filled with ethereal color! The color of the landscape when I took this was cast with purples of all kinds. The sky, the tree, the mountain--all had a fog of lavenders and plums cast upon them. Still takes my breath away to think of it.

100th Post and Photo Nomination

Today I got a note from the Schmap Napa Valley Guide http://www.schmap.com/ saying I had a photo on the shortlist to appear in their November guide. That's kinda cool, isn't it?! The photo they selected was one taken at the Mumm Sparkling Vineyard. You may recall the previous posts where Martha http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/04/13/napa_sketchbook/ and I sketched at the Sparkling Vineyards in Napa Valley before I moved back to Texas. In fact...the banner at the top of my blog is a sketch I did of the tulips we saw that day! What a great memory!

So, here is the photo that made the shortlist. I'd rather have a sketch nominated, but I still celebrate my 100th post with this nice little bit of recognition!

Living Room

I did this very quick ink sketch in the Living Room of my employer. I just love to move as fast as I can with pen in hand. I usually like the outcome far more than things I deliberate over. Hmmmmm....yet...I will always do both! Can't give up that paint!

World Wide Sketchcrawl in Austin Texas

We are getting geared up for a fun day of sketching in the 24th Worldwide Sketchcrawl! Please join us!

**** Saturday, October 25th, 2008****

10:00 a.m.

Austin Texas--State Capital steps

How will we find each other?
Martha will wear her signtaure blue sketch hat and we will have sketch books in hand.

To learn more about the world wide crawls, check out the below sites and join the forum>

http://www.sketchcrawl.com/blog/

http://www.sketchcrawl.com/forum/

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

I got to spend one night at Ghost Ranch on my recent vacation. I expected to sketch non-stop since I was alone and staying in a stripped down dorm room with no laptop, tv or radio. But, it was the night IKE came through the Houston area and I kept going back and forth to my car to listen to the radio and driving up the road to get cell coverage. I was a little distracted by checking on my kids and other loved ones there, so my creative juices took a back seat.

I usually stick to my little sketch books doing quick ink and washes. But, I did give a full size watercolor a shot that one afternoon. This is the one of the views I saw at Ghost Ranch. Next time, I will be there taking a week long watercolor class. At least, that's the way I see it!

My neighbor's sweet home

This should have been included in my Aubrey, Texas posts--maybe.

But, I really painted this for different reasons. We are new to the area and new dog owners. My neighbors bailed me out by looking after our puppy, Yao (more to come!)

I sketched this and gave it to them when I saw them at the Peanut Festival yesterday--as a thank you for making sure our puppy was okay. They really seemed to like it! And, I really like looking at their place!

What happens in Santa Fe stays...:-)

So, a few of us members of the Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club took a trip to Santa Fe. If you haven't followed along--the Bad Girls Book Club is bad only because we either haven't read the book or we don't show up! I don't even live in the same state with them anymore so my excuses are always valid (now!)

We had a night on the town in New Mexico and after a margarita or three, I did some real fast sketches of the band---yeah...that's right-- on cocktail napkins. The last one, of the Sax player on his break, is clearly at the end of the evening when I sketched his demeaner more rock starish than the more-than-middle-aged dude he was. And, I mean nothing by that---I even have some best friends his age (!)

You will have to wait for Martha's real deal sketches of that night. Guaranteed- hers are far more art worthy than mine! Yet, I wiped up on Scrabble later that night. See what I mean about us not being all that BAD??

Here's to the BADS that were there and those who had FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) YOU DID and we talked about you, too! See you next time??

That's the way I see it!


Lisa

Aubrey, Texas

This weekend is Aubrey's famous Peanut Festival. I thought it was time for me to sketch a few things in my own back yard. We live a block away from these sites on Aubrey's sleepy Main Street. Included is a mostly abandoned strip of stores, the little old church on the corner that is now an event place, the closed down Peanut Factory and how about that quaint Police Station!

An "artist" painting an artist painting an artist

Sitting on a bench in the Santa Fe Plaza provided all the subjects I needed. There was a colorful character posing for a REAL artist. I did a quick sketch of the guy. When I returned to the house we were renting, the owner stopped by and saw what I was painting. He saw this sketch and said, " Oh, that's Don!" He told me that Don is an old prospector from Idaho, who has been in the area for years. Well, Don lit up the Plaza that day and I just had to record the moment.

I also wanted to give a shout out to the very talented Mike Mahon www.mmahon.com . It was pure joy spending some time watching you and your delightful model.

Some love from Waterblossoms!

After neglecting my blog for too long, I finally posted some things yesterday. What a boost, to wake up to this recognition from my very favorite http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Peg, for the inspiration and joy you bring to me (and so many) every day.

A bonus comes with these awards. I am always introduced to new and very talented bloggers. I am honored to be in their company.

Good thoughts,

Lisa

La Fonda Santa Fe

Then, I went crazy and juicy on this familiar place!

St Francis Santa Fe

I sat on a bench and sketched a morsel of this wonderful building....

Sante Fe--vacation

The last phase of my vacation was meeting my Berkeley Bad Girls in Santa Fe for more fun and games! Here is where we stayed or How I see See It! http://www.colorfulsantafe.com/

Stairway to Heaven

Simply a stairway to the meditation loft in the Sunset Room at Crystal Mesa Farm. Try it, you will like it!

Crystal Mesa Farm Vacation

I cannot stop thinking about the wonders of Crystal Mesa Farm. It is magical and spiritual and if you open your hearts to all that it is, you will be transformed. Truly, the vacation of vacations.

My husband told the owner, Marie, that she should be worried about me--"the body snatcher"--since I wanted her life. And, that was before I knew she was married to a hunky soap star!

I was mesmorized by the shrine/chapel that houses and honors Marie's mother's life and ashes. I sketched it from every angle and photographed it in every light and felt the reverance of the consecrated land.

Words do not go far enough to describe the experience I had at Crystal Mesa Farm http://www.crystalmesafarm.com/

Crested Butte Colorado

I had THE BEST vacation ever! Phase one--I met Mark and Gretch in Colorado for a few days of laughing, eating, reminiscing...yoga, world class scenary and well....not too much is better than being with them in our family's beloved Rocky Mountains. I have miles of sketches and start with these.

I sat on a corner and could have sketched all day. I was approached by a really darling girl, Melissa Neuner, curious about what I was up to! She has an art studio/school in Crested Butte We talked about art and everything else (!) and became fast friends. I hope to see you next summer, Melissa! Check out her passion, if you are in the area http://crestedbuttestudio.com/default.asp

The church in the distance is where Charles and I found a minister to marry us on the banks of Spring Creek. It is a different color now, so I painted it the way I remember it back in 1981.

The second sketch is dedicated to my brother, Paul---he would call this "Another Day In Paradise"... in this case Paradise Cafe!


This was a day of bliss.......

Arte y Pico Award

Inspired by Danny Gregory http://www.dannygregory.com/ the Every Day Matters Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/ is an amazingly supportive, talented group of artists. The seasoned professionals are so willing to share advice and provide praise. The newbies are so charged up and willing to put themselves out there for all the world to see. Since I only started this journey a few months ago, I am tickled to be noticed by the legends and the "up and comers" alike. It is so fun to get peer recognition such as the one awarded to me today by http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/ THANK YOU! I am so happy to be in the company of a couple of my favorites (the 2 Magnificent Margarets!)
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/ and http://scquiltaddict.blogspot.com/
Plus, I love being introduced and to artists I had not known before.

This award is described better on the website http://arteypico.blogspot.com/
For now, just know that I am honoring five sites that for me are-- WOW! Participation is optional but here are the guidelines:
1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contrubuites to the blogger community, no matter of language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog thathas given her or him the ward itself.
4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico"blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) To show these rules

This gives me a chance to bring attention to and honor some folks that bring me joy and teach me something every day. And the nominees are>>>

http://gabicampanario.blogspot.com/
A world ahead of most in the blog-o-sphere!

http://www.paperandthreads.com/
I love seeing and reading about Shirley's interesting life, travels and family. Her ideas and style keep MY creative juices flowing!

http://thehappypainter22.blogspot.com/
An example of how trying something new can open up a whole new world!

http://rahkyndl.blogspot.com/
What incredible detail--check out his "organized chaos"! Oh my goodness!

http://john-alookin.blogspot.com/
Even newer to this sketching/blogging world than me! Visiting John's blog is such a fun stop along the way.

Who knew there was such a huge world of like minded individuals out there?!

Martha & Lisa - "Favorite Things"

What a treat to open the mail and see a Reloaded Moleskine
from my dear friend and best sketchbuddy, Martha!

http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/moleskine-reloaded/ (to see how she does it!)

She had sketched a "bunny pot" that I gave her when we left California. She has planted it with some pretty flowers and it appears to be thriving. The sketch is beautiful and warmed my heart when I opened up our new book. We are doing our own exchange and will sketch our "Favorite Things".

I am posting Martha's sketch and will put my contribution in the mail tomorrow.

Thanks, Martha! I miss you! Lisa

House Painting

What REALLY kept me from painting recently was PAINTING! House painting that is! My son and I spent some long Texas HOT days repainting the exterior of our little house. I am so pleased with the outcome. Several people have referred to it as a "doll house" which really makes me happy. It is becoming the cottage I envisioned!
Weird. When I picked the colors and put it on the computerized house, I was not even thinking of the back of the house--which seems to be a lost cause. Look at how similar the Home Depot version is to ours. I love it when things happen like that!
Thanks for following along!
Lisa

"Reclaim Your Life" Sketches

I had the priviledge of attending a two day course " Reclaiming Your Life" this weekend. I am posting these two quick sketches to remind myself of some of the key things I got from it. I am pretty charged up with some tools to help me be the best that I can be and enjoy that journey. Can you tell, I had some housekeeping to do--getting my blog up to date so I can move onto my grander goals? Thanks Lane Pierce http://www.allotime.com/ for a terrific weekend! You are a rock star!

Here is The Chair (a symbol of obstacles I have no use for!) and Lane reminding us all to FOCUS!

More Summer Fun!

We have a Lake very near and it helps keep us cool in this crazy Texas heat. Okay, nothing can really help but we go anyway. Our nephew came to visit from Austin and the kids enjoyed the beach. We have also spent some time there with our old friends, Pat and Joe, kayaking and picnicking. Here are some sketches from adventures on Lake Ray Roberts.

Another Talented Niece!

A great bonus of being back in Texas is being able to enjoy the talents of my nieces and nephews.

Anna is a wonderful musician and I got to see her perform (Oboe) following her Longhorn Band Camp at UT recently. The first group is very quick scribbly contour sketches of the musicians, then some of the audience. The last is a sketch of the concert setting as they played their hearts out.

Award!

I was tickled pink this morning to wake up to this award by EDM peer.

Thank you Starr http://wistex1129.blogspot.com/ ! I have also been in a creative slump, at least when it comes to sketching and actually getting something posted. This is just the shot in the arm I needed!

The rules of acceptance are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 7 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

This is a short list of blogs that I enjoy and inspire me daily:

http://www.trumpetvine.com/ My buddy and the mentor of so many of us!
http://terrybanderas.blogspot.com/ A newer blog to me, but so delightful!
http://bmgarnersketches.blogspot.com/ Just a creative genius, that's all!
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/ A feast of delicious artistic surprises every day!
http://artbyanita.blogspot.com/ I visit multiple times daily and can't wait for Anita's posts!
http://abrushwithcolor.blogspot.com/ Simply wonderful!

http://demibrix.blogspot.com/ I am enjoying your journey so much!

(Of course participation is optional)

Sketching in the dark

My dancing niece had her recital yesterday (she was wonderful!) I sketched in the pitch dark and added some color this afternoon. Martha's sketches in the dark http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/04/20/symphony/ inspired me to try this. What fun!!

Ashland Sketch

This is one of the first sketches I did when I started this sketchaploosa and haven't stopped! I posted it before, but it was too small to see. It is on sketch paper with a really light wash- since the paper wasn't made for water! Don't laugh, I was new and didn't know!

The sketch is my wonky intrepetation of a little restaurant in Main Street in Ashland where I went with my Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club in October. Martha sketched it, too. If you want to take another look at hers, it is here...

http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2007/11/18/ashland_oregon/

Fun to see how different the two sketches are! I love revisiting sketches even more than photos. What vivid memories they bring!

Katie's Art

My 12 year old niece did a montage of my blog and gave it to me yesterday! I LOVE drawing and painting with Katie. She taught me how to use my watercolor pencils and next I hope she will help me with oil pastels. How lucky am I to have such a talented artist in my midst?!

Lil Girl

So, I sketched our lil girl with a dull pencil and no eraser...and this is actually what she looks like.

She has Feline Luekemia and we are happy to have her while we can!

Last Day in May

Sooo....I swore when I started blogging that I would not be setting goals, making big commitments when it comes to something that is 100% for my pleasure. That lasted a a few months! Then, this Every Day in May thing came up and I wanted to join the party! Indulge me while I share the Top Reasons I didn't Post Every Single Day in May:

1. All my sons were born within three weeks of each other this month plus Mother's Day--I've been busy celebrating!
2. I moved cross country at the end of April--I needed to unpack , etc.
3. I got to the end of my moleskine reloaded and haven't filled a new one *wrong paper **wrong sketchbook
4. My sketch buddy (Martha) is 1900 miles away
5. It's too hot to sketch in Texas (my favorite excuse for practically anything!)
6. Our Internet service is circa 1995 so I can't post anyway-no service dozens of times in May
7. I did some montages--so I really DID sketch more than it appears
8. I really don't believe in art goals anyway-this is for fun-what was I thinking??

That's not ten, but give me till midnight, I will come up with more excuses :-)

For now, here is a quick diddy. My sis-in-law included me in an eat and shop trip to the darling town of McKinney with her friends. I sketched the place we ate "Spoons" when I stepped out to answer the phone. I just now added some color to it. It was a fun day!

Alpine Court Patio

I was painting like a fiend before we left California. This was a little painting I started of our patio area. I really hated it, and stopped mid-stream. Today I ran across it and it stirred up some good feelings so I decided to post it. That's what this is all about, isn't it? That's how I see it.

Zentangles (aka Lisa on Dayquil)

I learned something new today-that some of my repetitive scribbling/doodling looks alot like something called Zentangles. I must say this sort of mindless pen to paper does produce a very meditative state. Or, is that the cold medicine??!

Front Porch

What a wonderful Saturday morning sketching on my front porch. One son preparing ribs for a cook-out later while another is using his plumbing expertise to get our house up to speed. My daughter-in law was napping cozily, so I sketched porchy things!

May Magnolia

We have an enormous Magnolia tree blooming like crazy in our front yard. It has been fun to watch the activities in this tree since we got here. We had a huge nest filled with baby Blue Jays the day we moved in, lots of squirrels and the blossoms themselves provide us with great entertainment!

As I sit and sip my mint julip on the front porch...that's the way I see it!
Lisa

Texas Pre-paid Envelope "Art"

This is more Texas-like than the previous Tex-Zen posting!

test test test

Tex Zen

This may not look like Texas, but it is! I found a very cool place in Denton, the Yoga Hut, that has wonderful Meditation Gardens suurounding it. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Or, maybe I was in such pain from the kick-tail yoga class!

Texan Scribblin' in Church

I have scribbled/doodled my entire life, whether in class, on a conference call or in church. (It just means I am concentrating on what is being said---REALLY!)
It may appear I am not sticking with the Texas flavored theme..but I am. This is what THIS Texan was doing on the back of the program at 11 a.m. today!

Villa Grande

Something we missed in the past 4 years was good Mexican food! Texas has plenty of it and we are working our way through the Mex restaurants testing their Grita's, hot sauce, chips, queso and well...everything! One of the older restaurants relocated from their run-down (quaint) building to a fancier (not as interesting) building. I did this little sketch in front of the old building-- Fun Texas setting--they should have stayed where they were! At least, that's the way I see it!

Every Day in May--Texan Sketchin'

Hi ya'll :-)

I said I would resume sketching once I got unpacked in Texas and we are real close! My hand and brain are not communicating after a just a couple of weeks! My intent is to participate in the "Every Day in May" Sketch Group. Mine will have a twist as I start my Texas Sketches.

I am getting warmed up with a quick sketch on our little Aubrey Cottage.

A Fork in the Road

I had some health problems over the past few months that required frequent visits to my doctor's office. As I sat on the examining table, I looked out the window at a beautiful view of the hills and the highway as it disappears into the tunnel headed to San Francisco. I really wanted to paint this picture and give it to my doctor, who is really an angel named Elizabeth. Little did I know that I was at a major fork in my own road, as I painted this one. Rather than obsessing over painting the perfect picture, I simply framed it, with it's many imperfections, and gave it to her, as an expression of my gratitide for her gentle care of my health. I am still not sure which way the road is taking me, but I know it is in the right direction!

No painting can express my gratitude for a Doctor that has taken so much interest in helping me re-gain my health. Thank you, Dr. Elizabeth Maier, in Orinda, California.
You are one of a kind.

Lisa

Naples Palm Trees

I am playing around with Palm Trees! These trees are at my brother's house in Florida. I tried sketching them a couple of ways, including just outlining the shapes. Fun!

Lucky Fish

This weeks EDM challenge is to draw a fish. One of the few things that is not yet packed is this little hinged metal fish sitting on my art table. Charles gave him to me when I was jabbering about Feng Shui and the fact that Fish symbolize abundance, prosperity, wealth. Also, Carp swim upstream and are known for their strength. I know there's more to it in the Chinese culture, but that's how I see it. I focused on abundance and strength while painting the little guy, so I expect plenty of both in the days to come--and hope you have enough, too!

Our house

So, I see everyone in the EDM (Every Day Matters) group is drawing their houses, so I joined in. It is fun seeing paintings of so many homes around the world! The first one is a re-post from November, soon after I started sketching and blogging. It was done on very thin paper (not watercolor paper) with my "little kid's" box of paints. I didn't dare use much water, and whatever paint I did lay down, dried instantly. Now, I am almost at the end of my first Moleskin= that I re-bound with Fabriana hot press paper. I used mostly Windsor Newton paints. I sat in a different spot this time, so I could paint the whole house. This would be a fun exercise to do every few months, but this is my last painting of this house since we are moving very soon. Next house painting will be of our new place in Texas!

Spring has sprung!

There is so much blooming in our yard...well.. actually all over the Bay Area. I will never get over how gorgeous it is here! I played around a little and painted a sampling of some of the "show-offs" in my yard right now. It smells FANTASTIC, too!

Farmer's Market

I will surely miss the many Farmer's Markets in California. You can find one pretty much any day of the week, in several communities, within a 20 minute drive of our house. Today I stopped by the one in Concord on the Todos Santos Plaza. I listened to the lady play the harp, watched an artist paint portraits, smelled the fresh flowers and brought home some beautiful artichokes and kettle corn. The colors of the tents, flowers and the sky were all so vivid, I really should have painted straight out of the tube. The way I see it, the scenary on a Tuesday afternoon doesn't get much better than that!

Sketchcrawl #18

I went on my second Worldwide Sketchcrawl yesterday http://www.sketchcrawl.com/. Can you imagine people in 50 cities all mobilized at the same time to sketch the world as they see it? I am so priviledged to have had the chance to enjoy sketching in the glorious city of San Francisco. And, WOW, the number of talented and experienced artists that show up is incredible! Me, I just bumble along with my amateur sketches, enjoying the heck out of it!

Martha http://www.trumpetvine.com/ and I could have spent all day in the lobby of the charming Argonaut Hotel http://www.argonauthotel.com/index.html I am glad I got to see it again, as it was the first hotel that Charles and I stayed in when we began the process of moving to the Bay area, fours years ago. We are moving back to Texas in April so it was nice to have a little farewell sketching of the hotel and the city. The lobby is a design feast--every detail is impeccable. The furniture is all oversized and makes the place feel fantasy-like.

Stop by every now and then. My sketches will surely change flavor, as I start sketching my home state of Texas. Plus, Martha and I plan to meet around the globe for our own mini-crawls. How lucky I am to have made such a good friend in this world of sketching!

These sketches are just a tiny bit of how I saw San Francisco ...

Krissy-My Dancer

I have the most incredible nieces and nephews. This is Krissy, my unbelievably talented dancing niece! I had the chance to see her perform recently and she took my breath away. Her hard work has paid off and her passion for dancing fills the room.

Fast Flowers!

I did this as fast as my fingers would move! It was fun doing it on the bright colored paper and barely hitting it with my water brush.

Napa Tulips

Martha and I designed our own sketchcrawl, visiting some Sparkling Vineyards in the Napa area. We got a real bonus on the way to Mumm. There was a private home that had thousands of bulbs in full bloom! Boy, did we want to trespass! We got pretty darned close, peeking in the gate--we could not believe our eyes! This is my only painting of the flowers, but I intend to try some more and can't wait to see Martha's sketches posted. Sketching and sipping in Napa--that's the life--that's HOW I SEE IT!

EDM #160 Trophy

Since I submitted EDM #160 "draw a trophy", I guess I need to participate! If you have followed some of my life via this blog lately, you know that I am currently unemployed. I am also relocating/downsizing...therefore cleaning/clearing. I have liberated myself of boxes of awards and trophies and decided to draw some of them.
They have already been collected by Waste Management, and I must say THAT was liberating. Here are some of the shapes, and they will continue to have names on them, just not mine...that's the way I see it!

Airport Sketching

Sketching is survival in airplanes, airports and BART! It turns mass transportation into massive fun. I hadn't sketched people before, but tried it on a recent trip. I sketched fast (for the fidgeters!) and didn't worry about details --like faces! I'll get to that someday--at least...that's the way I see it!

Aubrey Adams Abode

My sister in law wanted my brother to have a painting of their house for his office so I did this little ink and watercolor for him. He seemed to really like it! It is a delightful home and I will be spending lots of time there very soon!

Heather and Jay's Place

A crazy year for my niece landed her and hubby "back home"! A darling place where they can settle in!

Ferry Building Views

My son, Chase, and I spent the afternoon at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. We had to eat at Taylor's Refresher one more time before heading back to Texas. Two words, Garlic Fries!

These are really quick sketches of what we were looking at from the sidewalk while eating. I wanted to remember a really fun day with my son in a wonderful place!

More from Naples

I sketched this building while eating sushi with Gretchen and Heather in Naples. What a relaxing time with my sister-in-law and niece!

For my friend, Ralph Trask

Ralph was my friend. We met as partners in business, but quickly became partners in the more important business of friendship. Ralph often said that I was the female version of him. We had the same thought processes, believed in the same things...we often completed each other's sentences or had the same ideas at the same moment. He shared his work stories with his kids --instilling in them his own passion for excellence and the fun he had getting his job done. And, he told stories of Abby and Mitch at work, because they WERE his life. A prouder father does not exist. He talked about his parents, his siblings and he valued the closeness of his family.

Ralph and I talked about life, right and wrong, good and bad. We talked about the kind of people we wanted to be and the positive impact we wanted to have on others, in business and in our personal lives. He let me know that I was valued. What more can anyone want from a friend? When our business relationship ended we still communicated almost every day. He cared about my health and my personal worries and even amidst business chaos included me in his life and in his prayers. On Friday, he told me to buy a St Jospeph's statue, plant it in my yard and pray for success in selling our home. I am not even Catholic! But, because Ralph told me to do it, we did it right away. He sent me a note on Saturday saying "I have prayed for you every day and will continue to do so".

Ralph and I loved to play jokes on each other, laugh at absurdities and often laughed until we cried! We shared a passion for living a quality life to the fullest. He made some big tracks on this world and it feels like there is a big gaping hole in my heart. God must have needed someone to lead and motivate the angels.

Ralph offered to send me a piece of his birthday cake just a couple of weeks ago when he turned just 42. His mom made his favorite pineapple upside downcake and I had told him my mom used to make it for me, too. He took an interest in my art and checked my blog almost every day. I painted this Pineapple Upside Down Cake to celebrate Ralph Trask. I miss you, friend.

"You'll be on my mind forever"...

Lisa (Nora to you, Ralph)

Never Say Never!

When I first saw Martha's instructions http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/moleskine-reloaded/ I thought she surely must be crazy! I would never, ever have the time or take the time to do such a thing just to get the right paper in the right book! Ha! Soon after catching the sketching bug, I wanted one of these of my very own! What a priviledge to spend the day making this with THE TEACHER. The sunny day, champagne, strawberries and chocolate cookies topped off a delightful day! I am so proud of the pretty stitching, I haven't inserted it into the Moleskine just yet. I want to admire my handiwork before covering it up. Then, I have to make my first marks in it! EEEEKK! Sure hate to mess this beauty up!