Creative Playgrounds Dr Sketchy Anti-Art School

Inspired by the founders of They Draw And Cook and They Draw And Travel, Salli and Nate's concept of Creative Playgrounds I decided to attend an in person event call Dr Sketchy Anti-Art School. It is an event that is held all around the US and as luck would have it we have a local Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School here in Bellingham WA.  Held once a month at an intimate informal cafe/bar with wicked red velvet damask walls and gold gilded mirrors, models pose using an array of props, and back drops. This months theme was Film Noir and the model donned a Casablanca white jacket and black bowtie for the first half of the  session then became more scantily clad as the night progressed. Poses start off short, a couple of minutes each, then five minutes then 10 minutes then 15 minutes. It is fun to watch the progress of illustrations as the night carries on and the poses get longer and the more sips of wine one has time for. The organizers of the event hand out prizes for their favorites ranging from the silly to the best interpretation of the theme. At the end the model picks his or her favorite and then everyone shares the work they have done. The great thing about this is it for professionals and amateurs and those with no previous drawing experience so you get a whole range of loose and fun drawings.

Here is selection of my favorite drawings from the night and if you wish to see more work check out the Facebook Page for the Bellingham Dr. Sketchy and if you are in the area come one come all, it is fun night! 

Sense of Community

I belong to a Community Facebook page for Bellingham Artists (if you are one you should be too!). It is a great place to see what others are working on, what they are inspired by and what drives them. There are good discussions, feedback and suggestions.

original sketch

Flowers in Vase 

Last week I posted a picture from my sketchbook on a random doodle that I was working on and the reaction I got was so encouraging one person wanted to see it on a Throw Pillow and well why not? These days you can easily use something like Society 6  to create art prints, home decor, phone cases and a few other random things so I coloured it in and went for it!

I used Adobe Illustrator to colour it in. Live paint is my new favorite tool and my palette is from a photo I took in the Desert of flowering cacti.

Finally what the print looks like on a pillow... I'm in love with it, and just may order one for my chair. 

Friday Finds

I have a favourite shop and I have to show incredible restraint when there.... but some times I give in and I am usually right about it... So please Husband forgive me. 

Here are my Friday Finds!

If you are ever in Bellingham WA check out Penny Lane Antique Mall! I walked away with the mid-century modern bar cart.

I am an..... Artist

I am an Artist

This is a proclamation. I don't say this very often though it is probably known by those that know me but what about those that don't? How do I introduce myself? How do I answer that question: "what do you do?"

Up until know I have been saying "well you know (because first comes the excuses), I have kids, I am married... I am a stay at home mum... I do laundry, make meals... and I sew, and I umm... um make art?!" As if it were question, not an ownership.

 Last night was my town's Art Walk. Artists open their studio spaces to the public, local businesses stay open late hang art on their walls to create a rich community vibe. It has to be said my hero of a husband took the kids to a comic book shop (also open late) so that I could wonder.. I first checked out some studios above the Spark Museum- a museum dedicated to radio, that took about 30 minutes or so and I was feeling antsy, like I had to get back to the family (part of my problem about defining myself- who am I if I am not a mother?). The comic book shop was across street and as I was waited for the red the light I checked my phone once more- Husband said:

"Take your time, kids are having fun." 

I suddenly veered left and went into a shop with a thoughtfully scripted sign, it wasn't flashy, it was elegant and simple Red Barn Jewelry... I took the time to go in and I was so glad that I did. I was met with beautiful jewelry and fascinating people. After actually asking questions and being probably annoying I finally said I AM AN ARTIST! I owned the title and even gave away a card.