The Creative Corner

Watercolor Studies

2012-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Northern Utah farm ground

Watercolor on Cold Press

Echo Canyon #1

Watercolor on Cold Press

Garden wall

2012-01-30T05:22:00.000-08:00

Adobe Wall
Watercolor on cold press

The path ran along this adobe wall which had a wonderful garden on the other side - dropped down about 3 feet to a large patio - yes, I did take a peek - too beautiful to pass up.

I was impressed with the very structured wall and ironwork in contrast to the wild greens of the thick foliage rising up behind it. This would be wonderful retreat on a hot afternoon.

New Scenery = New Creativity

2012-01-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

Small building from back side

Watercolor on Strathmore

I liked the large tree throwing shade on an absolutely bare section of ground.

The small building meshed together - crumbling bricks on the left joined to old adobe which is also merged with newer finished adobe in the one section with the roof covered with palm fronds
gave a history of construction.

Such construction different sensibilities in a hot climate.

Pacific Ocean

Watercolor on Cold Press

Scene looks deceptively small without a point of reference.

The dunes on the front right are about 2 stories high.

Peach colored sand made the water appear silvery blue most days and in most light.

Abandoned building

Colored pencil on Charcoal paper

From the shady side of the building, the view through
to the sunny vegetation out beyond was striking.

I also liked the grand entrance opposed to the crumbling adobe on the back wall.

Reminds me of some people - lots of show up front, but not much on the interior.

We had the opportunity to see some new country in January. It was an enlightening experience and we are grateful for the opportunity. I took 3 sketchbooks (almost my whole carry on) and couldn't wait to get sketching each day. Amazing to me how travel and new sights stir up the creative juices.

Glass Class Shots

2011-11-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

Glass Creations

2011-11-15T11:12:00.001-08:00

Lovely creation by Cassidy for a lattice work assignment, then slumped into a small dish.

Drawing with glass

I can see many of my pencil drawings "going glass"
This is a little demo for the kids.

A mosaic assignment by Lexi slumped into a bowl.
The colors are lovely against the black.

Remembering Grandpa through sketches

2011-11-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

The view with Grandpa in the front seat on one of many trips we enjoyed together.

Grandpa waiting for a flight.

His empty chair when he was in the hospital over Christmas.

After Sunday dinner everyone snuggled on the sofa for a nap (and probably some football game).
I grabbed a scrap of paper and did a quick sketch.

From the Sketch book

2011-11-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of sketches: In pencil, the field across the road in spring before leaves came out. A study in values.

Below: A family visit. Little cousins are playing on the front room floor while adults visit. I was attracted to the close physical proximity of the groups and how absorbed the kids were in their project.

Flat Glass to Slumped Glass

2011-10-29T22:56:00.000-07:00

Showed several kids during the dance and they loved them.

The fired pieces

2011-10-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

They look great! Brice, the fruit is nice and smooth, and Donna, the flowers look so soft with the additional frit. The trees are being slumped and will be out in 24 hours.

Glass Making Weekend

2011-10-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Had an intense weekend with some of our family doing warm glass. We watched movies about glass artists, cut, layered and fused pieces - two shifts on Saturday - Brice was a slave driver. It's so fun to teach someone else how to make those beautiful creations!

Bridger Valley Fall

2011-10-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Taylor Lane
Colored Pencil in Sketchbook

It's been a beautiful fall. This is looking toward the Uintas on my way home from work. The blues of the mountain range behind the golds and yellows of the valley make a delightful drive.

Yupo Paper and Glass at the High School

2011-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Watercolors

2011-10-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Cottonwood Lake Road
- a great little side trip.
The scanner decided to crop an inch all the way around, but the road is the important thing.

Cottonwood Lake
There was a platform over the water in the '30's used for dances, and I believe a sawmill too.
I'm working at getting contrasts. This is a combination of watercolor and w.c. pencils - I feel a real need to control where the color goes. I guess it's the residual effects of years of pen and ink.

By the way - the art show in Cheyenne worked out really well.
Many pieces are now happy in new homes. The majority of the acrylic and colored pencil sold.
I am smiling even though the profits about covered matting and framing costs.
There's just something about knowing people out there will actually buy your work.
I wonder about adding a serious gallery to this blog. Hmmmmmm.

Quaken Aspens

2011-08-31T18:57:00.001-07:00

Quaken Aspens #1
Watercolor
I always go back to my old favorites - quaken aspen trees.

Paris

2011-08-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

Paris Park
Watercolor

Another little ditty playing with the Hot Press Paper and water color pencils. I could help the folks unbend a little - anyway, a memory along the Seine River.

Field in Winter #2

2011-08-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

Field in Winter #2
Water color on Hot Press

A scene from central Utah.
Haven't used Hot Press paper for years until a good friend gave me a few sheets
and I have been experimenting all summer.

Plowed Fields #3

2011-08-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Plowed Fields #3
Acrylic

Another memory of the grain harvest with a bit more realism. Tried to simplify images again to contrast with the sweep of the straw waiting to be bailed. I swore I never wanted to leave the farm, but my father said it was just the scenery I was in love with, not the work. I believe he was right.

Plowed fields #2

2011-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Plowed Fields #2
Acrylic

A sample of what we've tried this summer. Memories of doing farm work come back vividly. The undulating lines are fun to work with and the simplified shapes let me get right into the memory without getting hung up on structure.

The Cheyenne Art Show

2011-06-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

A few shots of the ClayPaperScissors Gallery interior.

The evening was very enjoyable - so nice to see some friends and family. There were enough folks continually dropping by to visit and not feel rushed. The artists working in the studio spaces kept it interesting. We had a tour of the building by the owner. There is an actual church with class rooms and chapel upstairs. Who would have known?!!

We sold several pieces and enjoyed answering questions from the purchasers. Hated to say goodbye to some of the projects, but like children, there comes a time when they must leave home.

D&L Glass in Denver was our next stop. It would be easy to drop a small fortune on their inventory. Can't wait to begin some projects. The next ones will be for sale. I believe we'll find out how to attach a gallery onto this site.

ClayPaperScissors Gallery Show

2011-06-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Superior Mainstreet

The mailer cover advertizing the show.

Check out www.artdesigndine.com for a blip about the Cheyenne art show.
This is fun!

State Art 2011

2011-05-01T19:07:00.001-07:00

This is it!
The results of months of creativity, planning and work by High School Art Students-
the biggest art show in Wyoming!

The crew of dedicated artists: Kyler (Barbie/Marilyn Monroe morphism), Stephen (muscle), Jordan (glass artist), Mason (2-D Realism with a flight into the imagination), Megan (Colored Pencil Pottery & Glass)
and Taylor (Freshman learning the ropes).

Setting up the show in the Casper Events Center

Lots of pegboard to hang; Stephen and Megan prepare a sheet while Taylor and Kyler wait their turn.
The following photos show the setting up process. It took less than 2 hours.

The icy winds and snow of April descended on Casper for 2 of our 3 day visit.
Here the set up crew battles their way to the bus after a hard morning of building an art show.

The gentlemen examine Congressional Award Work during the show.

At the Banquet Friday night.
Mason was recognized for his $500 scholarship from First National Bank (Photo to Follow)

All cleaned up - in record time by the way- and we are ready to leave for home.

A big Thanks to the School District for the opportunity of participating and Thanks to Tressa for a great bus ride.

Our ribbon percentages are up from other years, we brought home 9 ribbons out of 51 entries. Twenty percent of the 4,700 entries ribboned, so we were right on the average!

We garnered 3 raffle prizes - beautiful pottery for the lucky winners.

Kyler's Barbie creation (photos to follow) was a big hit - lots of buzz about it and photos taken.

Congratulations Mason who won a $500 Purchase Award from First National Bank

We visited the Nicolaysen Art gallery where their dedicated instructor (me) again laid down a bit too much money on goodies for class.

At Casper College we had a private tour through the Visual Arts Building, seeing everything from the gallery to the log fired kiln.
I enjoyed the trip because the kids were well behaved and always entertaining. It was the first year off the scholarship committee (3 year appointment), so I was able to spend the days with them and Mike.

Thanks Mike for all the years you have helped chaperon and have donated your time. It's always fun to have a buddy. By the way, he's becoming pretty ruthless in the silent auction....We brought home 3 fine pieces of art this year.

Another black background...

2011-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of new items

2011-04-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tried colored pencil on slate with gold leaf in background. Still learning, but found these cute little squares at Home Depot this weekend and the smooth side works great.

Also trying a black background and an outline technique. Pretty fun. Pulled this from my memories of the Bedford place and the way we would aim for the grove of quaken aspen and then turn uphill, the field was a long rectangle. I liked the idea of the long furrows as a counterpoint to the tall trees. The proportions need "tweeked" a little.

Mike and I took the art pieces to Cheyenne two days ago and having the studio freed up a bit sort of unleashed a day of creativity. We took about 34 items - first time I've ever had an official inventory, etc. Even came up with a bit of a biography and an artist's statement.

Torn paper look

2011-04-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

We're hinging a few little pieces in shadow boxes. I quite like the look, wonder if anyone else will...

Pedigree Charts in 3-D

2011-04-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

OK, I ran these in backwards - again. Work your way up the page to get the idea. Mike twisted about 500 of these little triangles. Then I "diapered" them in mulberry paper coated with watered down Elmer's glue. When it was dry I put the ancestors' names and birth dates on, then Mike hooked them together. After about 2 months we have exhausted our supply of mulberry papers and have called it quits for the time being. It's so light weight and flutters like butterfly wings. By the way, we came up with a few leftovers - still can't believe I wrote the names of "phantom" ancestors, but I truly can't find them...one of life's little mysteries.

A few more snow drifts

2011-04-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wyoming snowdrifts

2011-04-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile...the sites are blocked during the day - a state wide filter for education, so we've been focused in other ways - not on the blog. But, the little art show is in a month - May and June in Cheyenne. We've making an inventory of the pieces - some glass, some chalk, prints, acrylic, a few RedHead books, maybe a history book or two. These two are new - inspired by the great snow this year. Snow fences and willows have certainly done their work this winter.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

Day shot of the Nativity Scene - the wise men and camel look right at home. Hope you all have a happy and safe holiday. We're having a snow day - so it's a good chance to catch up on art!

Eagle on the parking lot

2010-11-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Must give equal time to the three "wise men" in the last post. They did a beautiful job on a parking lot Eagle just a few weeks ago. No, they don't always dress up, but it was Halloween...

The wise men join the community nativity scene

2010-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Nativity scene is about complete. First it was Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus with a shepherd and some lambs. Last year it was the angel and the donkey. This year's new arrivals are the wise men and camel. Here's a couple of shots of the ever dramatic high schoolers working - wait - I only see one actually working... does that mean there were more than three wise men??

From the sketchbook - Sunset on the desert

2010-11-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

The bad lands have some really beautiful colors at sunset (no authority on sunrise). They seem to glow. These quick sketches have translated into a couple of nice colored pencil pieces.

Rusty's visit

2010-10-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Visiting with the Students. Marsipity is sitting to his right.

Showing thumbnails.

Rusty Gregory graciously dropped by to visit with the HS about all things art related. He's promoting the book, Marsipity, which he illustrated. What a great job!

I think he inspired the kids with his fantastic sketchbooks. Some of them started to see the point of thumbnails and growing their ideas through successive stages.

Knowing he was one of my art students years ago is a satisfying feeling - all those kids have gone on to do such wonderful things with their talent. We wish them all the best!

From the sketchbooks...

2010-09-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Top: TA Ranch in northern part of state in fall. (Water color pencils)

Middle: Out north of Rexburg. (Colored Pencil)

Bottom: Looking through shady timber to sunlit meadow and willows. (Water color pencils)

Love the HP scanner - now I'm able to mobilize the sketch books in a whole new way - making thumbnails for larger studies, portfolio use and possibly making prints on heavier paper to which I'll add a little more brush or colored pencil work. One friend sells his raw prints for $25 each and they look great - each is unique.

Latest installment of the Parade

2010-09-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lightened the distant shadows a bit, added a few more high lights, etc. Changed the road a bit. Give me some ideas what to do next.
Andrea said Corbin had just given her his soggy rice crispy treat - strange that the whole picture hangs on something so trivial. I thought she was eating one herself all this time.

More refinement on the parade scene

2010-08-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Narrows

2010-08-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

This is a quick acrylic study for a larger painting on down the road. The Narrows is the link between the Upper and Lower Valleys in Star Valley. The Salt River meanders through and the hills seem to come close to the banks. There was a herd of buffalo pasturing in there when I was a kid. In high school I worked at the Silver Stream Lodge just to the left out of the shot. The Cafe burned down a few years ago, but the cabins are still there. To the right was the neatest short cut to Turnerville. We found that it's now closed- another casualty to wealth.

Painting -Step 7

2010-07-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

A few more highlights and low-lights added. I'm satisfied with the sky and most leaves, sunlight on road... Now working my way down the painting adding more layers. Funny how you start to make judgments as the project ages. It's always rolling around in the back of my brain while I do other things. Makes me think a lot about the kids and their families etc. Almost like having company. This represents the end of 2 days work. I hope it will feel finished in 2 more days.

Painting Step 6 Are we there yet?

2010-07-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's starting to take shape - really a life of it's own. Several corrections to make even though it was gridded out, the flag, for instance is lining up with the tree trunk - very bad - no tangents allowed. The skin is coming - but needs more work, etc. How much expression do I work in? I want to keep it loose....hang on for the ride...what do I tell my kids? Acrylics are very forgiving - paint over it!

Painting Step 4: Whites and warms

2010-07-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Painting Step3: Add the color

2010-07-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

Like I said before, this is where I hang on for the ride. Adding the blues and cool pinks.

Painting Step 2: Transferring to canvas

2010-07-30T16:58:00.001-07:00

I gave an old canvas a coat of burnt umber for the under-painting then used white transfer paper to trace the image - and we're ready to paint! Got a little ahead of myself with the blues - my personal favorite.

Painting - Step 1: Contour drawing

2010-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

One never knows where a painting will end up. You sort of hang on for the ride. First step after deciding on the subject is rendering a rough draft in the size you want. A contour drawing works for me. It's based on the family watching a parade. Lots of action and almost a confetti of colors and actions. I liked the idea of light and shadow - cool and warm colors.

Art show in Cheyenne

2010-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

We're pulling together a few pieces for a show in Cheyenne this fall.

I've been intrigued with the effects of colored pencil on dark charcoal paper.

Here's a great little home in Evanston. The sun was catching it just right, accenting the clean lines against the dark trees.

The other is on the Bear River outside of Cokeville.

A couple of projects

2010-07-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the products. The bottom one is mine, partially completed. Some projects took all week as with the city scape, others took a few hours. Just depended on the artist's vision.

Dangerous Class

2010-07-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

Class work involves glass work- lots of sharp shards. The scraps are stored in large bins according to color. So you put on leather gloves and go searching for just the right piece to complete your pattern. The colors are wonderful together, but just like pottery glazes, they don't always fire in the same color.

The Sinks

2010-07-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Mid week we visited the Sinks west of Lander. The river had flooded just a week or two earlier and sandbags were still in place at the mouth of the canyon. Water just boiled into the mouth of the cave - just a little clearance. Here the class is at the overlook where the water reappears. The trout below were huge.

Riverton Glass Class

2010-07-10T16:41:00.001-07:00

We had the opportunity to attend a wonderful glass art class this past week.

The instructor is a master at warm glass fusing techniques, so we learned so much about firing to get different effects, etc.

The scenery around Riverton and Red Canyon was wonderful, the weather just a touch on the cool side, which made it very nice and the company (Mike) was fun.

Mike is so good with the glass tools -saws, grinders, etc. He makes a plan and really develops it. He picked up the name "Psychadelic [sic] Mike" because he let the class talk him into using really bright happy colors on this train. His first choice was always in the browns, blacks and reds. But now he's looking at oranges, blues, pinks, yellows, etc. You can see the periwinkle blue glass waiting to be cut.

Pumpkin head

2010-03-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

As a term of endearment, we often called the little kids "punkin". So it was natural to have the line, "I can understand pumpkin head, but carrot tops are green!" The drawing took on a life of its own. In fact it ballooned up till I'm not so sure the little arm can support all that weight.

finally some action!

2009-05-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the new project at mommasaysbook.blogspot.com.

Tis the Season

2008-12-18T08:13:00.001-08:00

After school art lessons:
Tori, Alexis and Jace made clay snowmen in assorted fashion colors. Jace was just a little hesitant to get right up there between the girls. That'll change in a few years won't it?

Autobiographical drawings

2008-11-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

Real experiences are great fun. Took Andrea to the airport in a horrendous blizzard one year. Spent the rest of the day holed up in a hotel. Everything in the city was shut down. My sketches made good reference material for the perspective piece. Note the polka dots on the curtains. The buildings across the street have now been cleared away for redevelopment projects.

From Another Perspective - the Common Element

2008-11-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

I know the suspense must be killing you (kidding). The common element in the perspectives is orange balls. I love the shape, texture and flavor of oranges. Most of these pieces were done during winters. I must have been craving vitamin C. It started with orange trees, then orange balls in the neighborhood piece, morphed itself into Chihuly glass works in the Seattle piece, then showed up as polka dots on curtains, etc. On the newest piece it's the balls atop the brick wall. It keeps the viewer discovering.

Latest Project for High School kids

2008-11-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

The area's Coalition of Churches asked if we'd be interested in helping with a Nativity scene they plan to put up this year. It's been a great project because we've taken it from the idea stage through completion. Kids have learned about design (we combined several nativity ideas) proportion, overlapping, color theory and all the stuff in between. It took about 3 weeks, and three bags of candybars. Congratulations on a job well done girls!

FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE #2

2008-10-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

That is a good guess Brit', but there's another common element I have in mind. Here are two more perspectives. Hint: it has to do with color.

For you west coasters, perhaps you'll recognize all the fun spots in Seattle rolled into one on the top perspective.

The bottom is based on memories from the Wasatch front neighborhood I grew up in during grade school. I was trying to depict that 45 minutes or so around sunset when some kids are called home, but others are still out playing.

FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE...

2008-10-30T08:26:00.001-07:00

From another perspective, featuring other projects demonstrating how to employ the horizon line and vanishing points. They're a little warped because of my camera angle, but you get the idea. Spot the common element yet?

The top was the first I ever did as a teacher. The Hamblin Hotel reflects the situation at home with several teenagers. And the second was after moving over to LHS and the kids were in various stages of leaving home so it's a bit autobiographical.

Day 6 - Perspective Revisited

2008-10-29T14:25:00.001-07:00

Well, we're finished. Most kids made the deadline too! I decided to add rain on the cobblestones and then... perhaps I thought too much and went for the raindrops against the clouds. I sort of painted myself into a corner and had to finish it even if it didn't turn out too great. Another time I would leave the raindrops off. Tried to make the yellow glow in the windows. I may go back in and push the blue a bit more to make that happen. Have you guessed the repeating element?

Day 4 - Perspective Revisited

2008-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Trying to decide the color of cobble - what would it look like in the rain? Decided to be symbolic and make the little girl red headed. (Yes, that was my original color) Now on a symbolic genealogical level I am exploring my "past" much as this little girl is exploring the street she's walking down. Whew, that's a lot of abstract thought. So forget the deeper thinking.
On a lighter note, those of you who have seen my other perspective pieces know that one ingredient is common to most of them. See if you can predict where it'll be. I'll show some others after I finish this one and you can spot the ingredient.

Day 3- 2 Perspective Revisited

2008-10-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Slightly different views of the piece as the color is added. That's the fun part- visualizing how the light and shadow might play together on buildings and through trees etc.

The students are working right along - some with more visiting that others. The deadline is 4 days away, but to some it's in another lifetime in a universe far, far, away.

Day 2 Perspective Review

2008-10-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have all the blue/purple shadows in and now start on the yellow highlights - I believe the sun is just starting to peek out as the clouds roll by.

2 Point Perspective Revisited

2008-10-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

Reviewing 2 point perspective is always fun. I try to do the project with the kids in order to demo the process.
The assignment is to demonstrate knowledge of perspective by working with buildings, cars and people, foreground, middle ground and back ground. Students can go anywhere and any time in their imagination. Ideas can spark from a good book, movie, trip, dream, etc. I tell the kids they can use the opportunity to crawl around in their heads. That seems to be a bizarre idea to some....
Here is mine in process. I settled on a little scene of an English village based on some genealogical research I've been doing and then spiced it a bit with experiences from some trips to London.
After it's done from memory, I then like to compare the actual snapshot at the end of the project. My memory always embellishes the scene. That's the halo effect I believe.
And yes, some of the kids seem to work better with a little competition from me. Our rule is that they get another day after I pull in with mine finished. They're always praying I'll loose my pencils or break my fingers.... We'll see...

Our Tribute to Andy Goldsworthy

2008-09-16T15:42:00.001-07:00

Jackson Arts Festival

2008-09-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

SAMPLING OF THE STUDENT WORK

2008-04-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

LHS PIECES

2008-04-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

More of the kid's work.

State Art in the Events Center at Casper

2008-04-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's the floor of an arena filled with about 4000 pieces of art work from all over the state!

Twelve Lyman students attended and did a great job. They brought back 7 ribbons and a Purchase Award.

The banquet was delicious and a great finish to the trip.

Thanks to all who went. You made it wonderful and fun for your advisors.

And the unofficial group portrait -"do something Chihuly-ish"

2008-02-27T09:09:00.000-08:00

Chihuly Field Trip

2008-02-27T08:26:00.002-08:00

In keeping with our glass working theme this semester, we visited a Chihuly instillation yesterday. It's pretty awsome in person. Pictures show the kids working in their sketchbooks and generally soaking up the atmosphere. We really appreciated the folks at this instillation for taking the time to let is look around. Notice that we have the place all to ourselves! It was a perfect finish to a great field trip.

Glass Fusing 101

2008-02-11T16:32:00.001-08:00

Experimenting in the new glass department. We're loving it and are learning fast - experience is the best teacher if no one else is around to 'larn' you.

It's great fun and I can see we're going to need to spend a lot more money on glass and bandaids.

Glass Fusing

2008-02-11T16:20:00.001-08:00

Trying a new form of art- glass slumping and fusing - involves stacking shapes and cutting pieces, then heating them just enough that they bond. It's been a great follow up project after learning about the famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly.

"If happy little birds fly south, why oh why can't we?"

2008-01-09T08:15:00.001-08:00

Seems like those are the lyrics to some song - aren't they?
I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs, seeing new pictures, and hearing new stories.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped here. I think the sense of community which blogs form is marvelous.

This is a tessellation done in pen and ink and prismacolor pencils. Sometimes I work the kids into it. The stoner is modeled after one of the kids in class. The chirpy cheerleader too. (No offense intended) And not to be left out, I am at the leading right edge with the pencil behind my ear and the "Art is my Life" apron.

A trip down memory lane...

2007-12-31T14:41:00.001-08:00

So as 2007 is winding to a close, think back to what you were doing 10 years ago.
I have evidence here that Dev and Collette were still at home and within range of their mother's pencil. It must have been a slow news day for us all. We look slightly bored.
Ahhh for December in the trailer...

Tessellations by our HS Students

2007-12-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

We studied Escher for Art History this fall and the kids came up with some great tessellations. We've made them into note cards and hope to raise money for the Art Club's Spring Trip.

Leeds Castle in Kent

2007-12-13T08:34:00.002-08:00

Winter's finally here- so let's start dreaming of spring! How hard it is to stay in the moment.

We had the opportunity to visit Leeds Castle on a moist Easter Sunday. It was just like the movies. The air was soft and misty. The castle is about a 3/4 mile walk through meadow ground dotted with huge solitary trees. The daffodils, forsythia and a blue flowers were blooming in drifts. Geese, swans and ducks ruled the place. The walk down around the moat and into the old Norman entrance was magical. Even little purple flowers grew from the rock walls. The entrance led through the wine cellar and then up into the castle.

The Fairfax's who owned the castle were given a huge land grant in the new world - we know it as Virginia.

Back at home we found that Mike had ancestors who lived in the castle and others who were imprisoned there. It's worth a visit.

Looking West along Blacks Fork

2007-12-06T10:57:00.001-08:00

I understand a storm is upon us for the weekend. So, here is a really heavy one rolling in over the western sky. Again, done in colored pencils.
Aren't you glad we're living in warm insulated houses and apartments without the worry of hauling enough coal or wood to keep warm? I sure am.

Along I-80 looking west

2007-11-30T08:39:00.001-08:00

On the subject of snow...
Those of you driving "The Sisters" between Evanston and the Bridger Valley will probably recognize these two ridges from the west bound lane.

To see this side of them would be good news because it would mean the worst was behind you (unless you had to return after a day shopping in the city).

Brrrr...blowing, snow, slushy, icy roads, jack-knifed semi's... and we wonder why people don't come to visit in the winter.

East from Millburne

2007-11-27T08:36:00.001-08:00

OK, we're wishing for snow. This should get us in the mood for a cold, crunchy, icy, January.

Prismacolor Pencils (my favorite)

Teton Park, Signal Overlook

2007-11-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

OK, We're getting in the mood for snow - this was an awesome school trip to catch the art show at Jackson and then the Arts in the Parks show at the Teton Lodge. Lots of moose, elk, great art and even snow as we stood in a dry meadow drawing the ducks swimming on the last of their pond.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The Uintas in fall

2007-11-15T11:02:00.001-08:00

To make up for time away, thought the Uintas in fall and summer would be nice.

The colder sketches will come when it finally turns cold here.

Janet - these are for you...

Freedom, Idaho

2007-11-14T14:02:00.001-08:00

Thought it'd be a drawing didn't you? Well, my machinery is just a little "hay-wire" which means it won't recognize the drawings I've scanned... I hope to work out soon - without violence - but for now, enjoy this great shot of the rolling hills west of Freedom which the machinery has no issue with. My grandmother grew up in the middle house. Those are great sledding hills in the background.

Lonetree Highway

2007-10-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

A little sketch of fall looking north on the Lonetree Highway. The greasewood has all turned that wonderful shade of gold and the blue bentonite strata in the hills becomes the only green we'll see for 5 or 6 months now.

Last week's entry was having issues. The kids are from our art class. They were learning about resist techniques with dye on silk. Could make scarves or panels with this method.

Silk Painting

2007-10-18T11:04:00.001-07:00

Frosty looks into the Dark woods

2007-10-05T11:46:00.001-07:00

In commemoration of my first official rejection letter for Uncle Dick's Cave. Probably the first of many.... Here little Frosty ponders what the dark woods may hold from the comfort of his front gate. Some of you may recognize Swift Creek Canyon.

Anyone know of a good smaller printer or publisher? We might try that avenue for a hundred copies or so.

Hardman Ditch

2007-09-28T07:58:00.001-07:00

Canal which ran just east of the place where I grew up. Did sketches for this on a bleak fall afternoon.

2007-09-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

**This is Collette writing for my mother**
A page from the sketch book. The scan doesn't really do it justice, but we really like the colors. Mom and Dad are on their way to the Wyoming/South Dakota border for the fall art educators conference. They stopped here to visit for a little bit. This is one of my favorite pages from her book. Click on the image to make it larger.

Cousin Camp's Creations

2007-09-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

Spin art until we were all car sick.

What wonderful T-shirts you all have made.

More tiles! What great budding artists.

The placing of the tiles in the patio stepping stones.

Mike helps with the mixing of the cement.

Each summer we get as many of our nieces and nephews together, as we can, to have adventures, make art, play in the dirt and get acquainted with one another again.

Frosty's brothers tell him about bears with glowing red eyes...

2007-09-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks for taking a look.

2007-08-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

We're finally coming up for air after a busy August getting projects finished around the house and getting classrooms organized for school. After viewing some inspirational blogs by famous artists (and not so famous ones), I am making a goal of entering one piece a week-until I figure out how to run this thing.

2007-07-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hello - trying to get to know technology and Blogs...Feel free to leave comments on pieces you like - or dislike - and we'll see where these ideas take us.

Trappers Cabin

2007-07-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

Carrot Top

2007-07-30T10:25:00.001-07:00

2007-07-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

Illustration for McQuade's Parade by V. Sorensen

This is what my life is really about!

2007-01-26T10:57:00.000-08:00