It’s been a couple of months since I checked in here. The pace of my artmaking has slowed way down as I work on building my drawing skills. I like how nature journaling teacher John Muir Laws refers to intensive drawing practice as pencil miles. Recently, my pencils (and crayons) have visited everything from wonky contour drawings of everyday objects . . .
To perspective challenges in last week’s view from a San Diego hotel room . . .
To this portrait that I wanted to try a year ago but didn’t because it was too intimidating at the time . . .
I’m grateful to have a drawing teacher and art mentor, Carrie, who reminds me that it’s natural to feel discomfort, resistance, and even sluggishness as the brain works hard to see in new ways. Growth efforts can affect mood and mindset, and I’ve been trying to go gently and leave room for play.
Pigeon Portraits at Medical Center for Birds
The big art excitement this month has been hanging my portraits of rescued boys Steve, Lucito, and Jacob in the lobby of The Medical Center for Birds.
I’m honored that these pieces now keep company with MCFB’s fantastic staff and the patients visiting the hospital for bird care. I’ve spent many hours at MCFB with my own birds; sometimes, looking at what’s on the walls is all you can do while waiting for news of your feathered kids. I hope these whimsical boys might bring some comfort at times when it’s needed.
It would be great, too, if they found permanent homes. Each piece is accompanied by a description noting that it is available for purchase, with a significant percentage benefiting Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions. There’s more info on my website and here’s a little video tour, which will play if you’re reading this on the website but not if you’re seeing it in your email inbox (sorry).
End of April Giveaway
This snuck right up! I’ve hardly mentioned the next giveaway for subscribers, so only a few people have signed up. If that’s you, your odds look great! If not, here’s how to enter the upcoming drawing for a set of neato fridge magnets:
- If you’re getting this post in your email inbox, send me a reply.
- If you’re reading this post on my website, subscribe to the blog and then reply to your confirmation email.
I’ll pick a winner on April 30.
I’ll talk to you again in a week or so. Meanwhile, I hope you’re enjoying the beauties of spring!
