Patty Tait sent me this photo she took of female elephant seals lying on the beach on the coast of California on a short trip last week. I have never seen anything like this. Wow. Just wow. Thank you, Patty!
______________
Women’s Health
A big shout-out and THANK YOU to my wonderful sister-in-law, Mary Lou Lewis, who took us with her this past week for a vicarious trip to a beach on the coast of North Carolina – and not only that – but sent terrific pictures that made us feel we were there with her. Many of you wrote nice comments about both her photos and the fact that she let us come with her. I forwarded them to her so that she could read first-hand how what she did was appreciated. :0)
____________________
I’m just back home from spending some time at the cafe and sketching. I got my favorite spot this time and was very comfy with my pillow to sit on, my mocha to drink, and my supplies ready at hand. I did several sketches. I’m in the process of painting several of them and will probably start posting some of them tomorrow.
___________________
Meanwhile, I’ve been working on my Cheetah puzzle. I have the border done and the cheetah is emerging!
_______________
I got the idea of drawing some of my husband’s favorite old school cartoon characters – like some of the ones we did for our mailbox decorations – to paint and add to his ‘happy wall.’ I’ll see what I can come up with. I hope he’ll be happy to see them.
_____________________
Wisdom Quotes
creativeartworksblog 
Wow! I thought those were huge stones on the beach! But seals? I never would’ve guessed!
I’m glad you let Mary Lou know how much we all appreciated her photos. I can recall several now in my mind’s eye just writing this!
Glad to hear you snagged your favorite spot at the cafe too, Linda!
I managed to do a bit of sketching yesterday and have more planned for today. So, tomorrow I will post an article of them, tagging your blog posts where folks can see each model I used as a reference/drew inspiration from.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think I’ve ever seen an elephant seal before, just the sleek black one I saw in a zoo in Tulsa, so my mouth dropped open when I saw this photo. I’m so happy you’re finding fun in drawing, Sheila. I’m discovering that it doesn’t really matter how it turns out (though it’s more satisfying if it’s close to what I was trying to do) but the joy is in the PROCESS – the losing myself in the challenge of trying to get what zI’m seeing down on paper, and then the complete freedom to paint the sketch. I look forward to seeing your sketches – and hope you had a blast doing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure I’d say I am having a blast drawing yet, Linda. Maybe I’ll need paint! Ha!
I have the bunny done now and working on another… it’s a beautiful sunny day out today (finally!) so I have been sitting outside and taking it all in. I will post two sketches and some of the plant photos I took out in the yard. I used Google images to check out what one of the weeds , but not too confident as to the accuracy of the results!
LikeLike
You sound as if you’re still judging your efforts too much. The whole point is to keep sketching. And keep at it, regardless of the outcome. What I’m finding is that I’m gradually choosing images that are more difficult as time goes on, feeling a tad more confident that maybe I can capture what I’m seeing a bit better now. I keep all of the drawings – only having torn one out of the first sketchbook – learning as much or more from the ones that didn’t turn out as I had hoped. I’m learning to SEE more now, I think. Anyway, I think you’re doing great. I love your experimentation with various techniques, tools, and supplies. By all means, get some paint. I just have one step up from a kid’s beginning watercolor sets, and, though I would like to have fancier, it does the job until I feel I warrant a more expensive set. :0)
LikeLike
You’re right, Linda. I am still judging my efforts—mostly because I am married to a lifelong artist AND because I have your wonderful inspiration. I know I am beginning and that “there’s no perfection in art.” But yes, still judging.
I also judge others when they say they have been drawing for years and their illustrations look like a child drew it. So, this whole judging thing is a block I need to release.
LikeLike
Please give yourself permission to just paint for YOU. Don’t show it to your husband if he is very critical, though I think YOU may be projecting a possible critique rather than him giving it to you. After all, HE’S the one getting you supplies and encouraging you to experiment with them… Art is very personal. What one person likes, another doesn’t. What grabs one person leaves another cold. We do it because their is a little person inside that wants to draw and paint. If we give ourselves permission to ‘come out and play,’ the joy comes with it. The JOY is what is important.
LikeLike
He loves everything I have done so far, Linda.
I am the critical one.
LikeLike
I figured it was something like that. Try to give yourself a break and enjoy the learning process. Hooray for Richard!
LikeLike
Oh wow. You are coming on quick with the cheetah jigsaw. I doubt I would have progressed that much myself if I was doing it.
The ideas you have for art to create sound a good idea. Have fun with that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Liz. This puzzle is coming together so much more easily than the wonderful turtle. I may get stuck yet, but so far, it’s a joy. I’m glad you think the art ideas might be good.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Those elephant seals look so comfy. Family/friends sticking together for warmth.
Your Cheetah puzzle is coming together nicely. I will look forward to seeing the finished puzzle, as I am sure it is going to be beautiful.
That is a great idea to draw your Harvey’s favorite cartoon characters. I bet he will be very happy to have them on his happy wall. I also look forward to seeing the drawings and find out his reaction to each one. (Donna)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m amazed at the elephant seals. I’m glad no one is bothering them. The cheetah puzzle so far is a joy, coming together much more easily than the terrific turtle. I hope Harvey likes the idea of the cartoon characters. I’ll do one, take it to him, and see how he reacts. Fingers crossed.
LikeLiked by 1 person