Moving!

In the interest of organization, focus and in my attempt to stay on top of things I have combined this blog with my GFillustrator blog.  You can find my art, inspiration, drawing tips and foodie stuff all in one place now - come by and say hello.

 

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