A sketch today!!

I actually decided to do a quick sketch today - just did it and scanned it in. I am going to do a finished drawing of this same cat. She belongs to a friend who loves her dearly.

Descent

What inspires you? What fulfills you?

I was sitting here thinking about my daily sketch—deliberating whether to take a walk or simply find something around the house to draw—when it occurred to me my sketches are of no particular value. I mean, sure, I think everyone benefits from practice but just drawing a daily sketch in of itself lacks any measurable contribution in life. Is there anything in any of my art that has meaning of any consequence? Why was I given this gift? What have I done with it? What should I be doing with it?

Starting this blog was, I believe, an attempt to validate my work up to this point and provide the impetus to move on. But, I feel I've only been cataloguing past years of jumbled work.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer, then the beginning of last year diagnosed with Leukemia. It hit me-that old cliche-life IS short. What have I done with mine? Miraculously,because God is so awesome, I am still here, at least for now, clear of cancer although still taking a chemo in oral form. God obviously still has purpose for my life. I would like to think the gift of art He has blessed me with plays a major part in that purpose.

Others are always more than willing to push you in one direction or another, but if your heart isn't in it, your work becomes just another technical composition with no feeling, no excitement. I think my illustrated children's book was the closest I have come to reaching personal fulfillment. Because of the desire to eat and keep a roof over my head (and, at that time, my kids' heads) teaching became the direction of choice. Maybe teaching is the important part of the equation—not what I teach. I love my students, and teaching can be very satisfying but something is missing. I seem to be on a restless course, needing to do something more with my art but lacking any real sense of direction or inspiration.

I will keep searching, praying and listening, and for now I will continue to push myself with these sketches, and maybe a painting or two along the way, and see where it takes me—a day at a time.

More pictures?

Fried Green Tomatoes

I just love the farmer's market! I picked up several great veggies this weekend, including green tomatoes. I couldn't believe my eyes-someone actually picked some nice green tomatoes-perfect for frying!! I just had them for lunch today!

Fishing

We were at the lake again. I will run out of things to draw there one of these days-other than outdoors of course!

Sketch 8

Glass

"Coffee again?"

"Love God.."

"Empty"

"Need These"

I liked the shadows.

"Coffee again..."

Again, I thought the shadows were fun.

"Waiting"

This pump sits in front of the trailer and I really like the way it looks. I would like to paint it someday so added it to my sketch collection. It no longer works as you can see by the webs in the handle. Unfortunately it has to be removed but I will probably make up a new little still life with it somewhere else in the yard.

"Yearning"

I was looking at this plant sitting at the kitchen table and, seeing the other trees and plants through the slits of the blind, it almost felt like the plant was yearning to be
out there in the "wild". Hence the title.

"Sugared Coffee"

This was my second sketch this past weekend. I may have spent a little more time on this one-I'm trying to keep it short and sweet!