Daily Sketching, Drawing Human Head Basics

We have one more sketch class before the Holidays, on December 13th, and the group requested we focused on faces.  In preparation for drawing from a live model I suggest filling some pages with basic head structure... 
the overall shape
the center line (that runs between the eyes and down the nose)
ear placement (between the eye line and the bottom of the nose)
and the lines for the mouth, nose and eyes.
Paying special attention to angle of the head - the way the eye line tips - up, down or straight on.

You can practice in a coffee shop, train station, on a bus, etc or grab a magazine and sketch as many heads as you can fit on a page.
Leave out the details for this assignment - right now you are looking only for the basic structure.  And getting comfortable with the placement and angles.
Have fun!
"You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh.” John Singer Sargent

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Seeing it in Print!

 

I woke up before dawn on Thanksgiving day and had a little time to play with my paints and reflect on all that I am Thankful for... my family, friends, art group, teaching, my students, clients, fans, being able to create my art, my health, opportunities - I know how lucky I am as the list really is endless.

But my cup truly runneth over seeing my husband's book in print! Being able to create the art, and layout the cover, for him was my favorite art assignment of 2016!  I even took the author photo for him.

So, Santa busy as he is in his workshop, made an early trip to our house and dropped off a few copies.

You can find Matters of Convenience on Amazon, or put it on your Christmas list - it's a great read!

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

American Woman

"American Woman" watercolor & ink, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Inspired by the 2016 Presidential election. Women make up half the population, in turn - hold half the votes. 

That power should never be underestimated, ignored or demeaned. 

A special thank you to the American Suffragettes who fought for our right to be heard - and counted!


You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or take a look at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram
 

Eating Chocolate, Drawing Chocolate

Today I am looking for joy and lightness of spirit. The weekend and current election climate and the high level of negativity and pain are weighing heavily on me.
I could stay buried under the covers eating chocolate all day, but not sure how much that would accomplish. 

Instead I am up, painting and preparing to sketch and paint chocolate! Which will bring me longer lasting happiness, and no guilt!

And hopefully shift my overall mood. It also serves to ease me into a productive day. What will you do today to bring joy?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Mushrooms in the Grass, Daily Sketch

 I start my day with an early walk or run, during which I get my thoughts in order.  Foremost in my daily planning is a sketch idea for the day... for me and for my drawing students.
There is no substitute for daily practice of your art. By applying, and challenging, yourself every day there is growth. 

"You can never do too much drawing." 
~Jacopo Tintoretto (Venetian Painter)

Today's drawing idea prompt is to find something that is normally overlooked. Something small and possibly mundane and bring it into the light, and life - on your page.
During my walk yesterday on a murky grey morning I spied 2 mushrooms growing in the grass along the sidewalk. After seeing them, I spotted another dozen mushrooms all along the way.  Taking the time to notice the first 2 triggered all the rest!

I had fun using creative license to create my little mushroom village.  What can you bring to light and life today?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Dragonflies, Daily Sketch

Dragonflies can be found worldwide and symbolize a variety of ideas... prosperity, light, good luck, strength, adaptability, peace, harmony and wisdom. 

Most of all, they represent Change. 
Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation. It always gives me a charge to see one zipping by, and even more of a thrill when I can see the beauty of a dragonfly at rest.

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edgardegas393298.html

“It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.” ~Edgar Degas

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

Looking for Sunshine, Daily Sketch

Day 6 of grey skies. We left summer behind and it seems the sun went with it.  Drags me down when we go this many days in a row without sunshine. Without brightness and sparkling light.  

The smoky cast over everything, the dark mornings,  the misty colorless afternoons.  It starts to wear on me when there is no sun to break it up.
So yesterday's drawing prompt for the sketch group I lead, was to draw something yellow. Look around and find something sunshiny- yellow!  Hoping that maybe as a group we could conjure the sun. And feel it's warmth by focusing and drawing yellow.

During my morning run a bright yellow leaf appeared along a stretch road that was all rust and grey and brown.  She stood out like a beacon of brightness, I knew then what I was going to sketch as I scooped her up.  Yes, she as this leaf had personality, it called out to me, and made me feel bright and happy and sunny.

For the rest of the run dozens of other yellow leaves stood out brightly - begging to be included.  By the time I arrived at home, I was carrying a bouquet of sunshine. 



You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Do You Do What You Love Every Day?

I found this on Awakened Musings instagram page.
It immediately struck me - and I set to making my lists. At first glance I found I was including many of the things on my Happy List every day!  
But then I kept going, digging a little deeper, really thinking about my happiness list... and admitted to letting a lot slide by the wayside. Getting caught up in the daily to-dos and get dones, forever checking the calendar, the time, next, next, next... doesn't leave much space for it.

But this was an excellent reminder to take note of what does bring me happiness - the little things that make me smile, feel connected, content and joyful. 

Some were obvious to me like painting, drawing, mixing paint, walking/running, meditating and hugging my family.
 

But what about wearing beautiful shoes, drinking hot coffee and daydreaming as the sun comes up, deep belly laughs, poking around in a bookstore or antique shop, writing morning pages, and eating dark chocolate, to name a few.
This is certainly a work in progress and I intend to continue listing and adjusting, listing and adjusting. 


Will you take time to make yours today? 
And then, adjust accordingly...

 

Zinnias in Bloom

About 6 weeks ago I stumbled upon zinnia seeds on clearance and couldn't resist them. I knew it was really past their planting season but I bought the box anyway. I had just delivered a house portrait to a client and was captivated by the home directly across the street - with hundreds of zinnias in bloom.
Besides, I couldn't pass up a big box of seed for only 50 cents!  I figured there was enough time before the late fall frost to at least see some bloom.  
That evening my husband came home from work with the same box of seeds!  
Not just more zinnia seeds - but the identical box!

We were clearly of like mind that day so had to check the meaning and symbolism of zinnias and found out they have several meanings including: of the heart, lasting affection, and daily remembrance.
Very apropos!
It is also believed to mean joyous endurance - happy to bloom in the broiling heat of summer. My seeds survived a super hot and dry summer, and even with Fall right around the corner we have lots of joyous buds opening this week! They were my inspiration for my daily watercolor illustration.
Next spring I will be sure to plant loads of them so we can enjoy them all summer long.

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

 

Halfway to 100 Days - of watercolor illustrations

I was enamored with the idea of the 100 Days Project after seeing a friend, and fellow artist, Brooklyn Blue Day posting daily on Instagram.
So I made a decision to create a watercolor illustration for 100 days in a row... The process has had a tremendous impact on my art - and my life, and I will be sharing what I have learned soon.

                           Day 50 - Fresh Juicy Watermelon

Yesterday I celebrated the 50 Day mark!  It went SO fast and yet there were days that I struggled to make the time - or find the inspiration. But each day I persevered, and am looking forward to what comes up over the next 50 days.

Here are some of the crowd favorites from the first fifty....

 You can follow my daily progress on instagram at Erin Go Paint
And you can view my online portfolio at ErinRogersPickering.com

March April Sketch Class

***The first class will be WEDNESDAY MARCH 9TH. 

Regular/daily sketching is a challenge for professional artists, beginners and everyone in between - and yet it is the most recommended practice to: 

Improve your skills

Develop greater focus 

Sharpen observational skills

Experiment with new ideas/concepts.

The next Sketch course of 2016 has been scheduled for the following dates:
WED March 9
Tues March 22
Tues April 5
Tues April 19

7:00 pm - 8:30pm

At Geralyn's Art Studio, 103 Baker Street, Maplewood NJ 07040.

Details:

All levels welcome as everyone will work at their own pace/level.

$50 per person for a total of 4 sessions over a period of 8 weeks

Sketch from life, objects, people at meetings with Drawing exercises at each meeting

Sketch ideas and drawing prompt emails will be emailed every 3 or 4 days to help keep you going.

Shared creative environment

Accountability to help keep you sketching

Encourages daily sketching from life and observation

We are working on securing a clothed model for for two sessions - there will be additional model fee of $5.

Sketchers acquire all their own supplies (small portable sketchbook, pencil, a permanent marker, and a small travel watercolor set if you are interested in watercolor sketches). Choose a sketchbook that is easy to keep with you daily.

Facebook group page for members to share their sketches in between meetings.

To register contact Geralyn's Art Studio at 973-275-1966
Payment will need to be made in advance to reserve your space.  

There is a maximum of 14 students for this course.

Daily Drawing - ginger root

"You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh."   ~John Singer Sargent


May your curiosity, and your ginger, always be fresh!  
Love the knobby, woody crazy shapes of ginger roots.  
Oh, and that divine aroma.
The best cure for the stomach that ails you.

To view my online portfolio visit ErinRogersPickering.com
To view my shop please visit Erin Go Paint 

Daily Drawing - Fresh Limes

"I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have not really seen."
~ Frederick Franck

Limes - fresh, tart, juicy, and bright... using the wedges as I sketch.


To view my online portfolio visit ErinRogersPickering.com
To view my shop  please visit ErinGoPaint

Value and Perception

Anytime you devalue an artist, or a piece of artwork - asking for it to be less, or free - expecting an artist, an illustrator, a designer, a painter to work for nothing - or close to it... 
Just take a moment and think what this world would be like without the artists and creatives that have devoted their time and lives to honing, developing and perfecting their skills, their art and their craft.
Imagine a world without any art museums
or if every children's book was just text
if there were no illustrations in comic books
if every book cover was blank except for a text title, identical to all other books
if every painting in your home was a blank canvas
if every pattern on your linens, dishes, home decor and clothing were just a Blank White Space.

And when you de-value the art teachers that are inspiring and instructing the next generations of creators to reach their potential and use their God-given talent.. what if they weren't there to do their part? 

Imagine what a colorless, dull, uninspiring world we would live in.
Just imagine.


If you would like to see my work that is full of color and life, emotion and feeling please visit ErinGoPaint
 

Spending time contemplating Time

 Spent a little quiet time with my coffee and sketchbook this morning, considering how many of us hurtle through every day in a race against the clock. A race that really can not be won.

"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend."  Theophrastus

"As if you could kill time without injuring eternity." Henry David Thoreau

"Time flies over us, but leaves it shadow behind." Nathaniel Hawthorne

"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right." Nelson Mandela