Sketching Faces . . . Its Been Awhile

I don't quite know why or how I got so far away from sketching . . . anything . . .

The other day I was watching reading through Misty Mawn's book Unfurling (amazing book, a must read!! )and felt inspired to sketch a face.  It was so long since I had sketched that I feared I couldn't do it.  I used charcoal and white pastel which is new for me.  Typically my sketches were only graphite.  I used the eraser to pull out the light areas.  I found this way a bit trickier, adding the light with the pastel.  Despite the fact it blended like a dream with the charcoal I found myself annoyed with the dust.  And then there were too many layers to erase.  Don't worry, there is a happy ending to this rant!  

The moment I began writing the word love all over her I finally fell in love with the sketch . . . 

Sharing with Sunday Sketches

My First Image Transfer . . . And A Cookbook Giveaway!

It is no secret that I love photography and I am always excited with new ways to incorporate it into my art. I have tried image transfers a few times before with no luck. And with my low frustration tolerance I tend to easily give up!

I just received Misty Mawn's new book Unfurling in the mail last week and dove right in. I missed getting into her most recent online workshop back in the winter so I knew I would be purchasing her book when it came out. And I am so glad I did! It is like a workshop in a book! If you love her work you will not be disappointed with this book. I read the section on image transfers and it looked easy so I decided to give it another whirl. Surprisingly enough I was able to have some success! As you can see from the photo above it is no where near perfect but I am pleased with how I did for my first attempt.

I used my tree photo posted from this weeks Wordless Wednesday post and an old poem I wrote. I found a stack of poetry the other day that I wrote about 10 years ago. I hope to share more of that with you. I did the transfers above on 140 lb canvas paper. Not sure what I am going to do next but boy I am excited!

And speaking of books I wanted to let you guys know that I am hosting a book giveaway on my other blog "In My Life". I will be giving away a copy of Sheryl Crow's new cookbook If It Makes You Healthy! All you have to do is leave a comment! I will be announcing the winner on June 1st. Check out that post HERE!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful start to the holiday weekend! xo