self portrait in pencil

oooh, I'm in a grumpy mood today. A shouty, kick the washing-basket, screech in the kitchen and slump down on the floor kind of day. Hubby suggested I go out on my bike, or go out sketching til I need to get the kids, but I couldn't be bothered to drag myself out of the house. So I hunched down in a corner of the bedroom & drew this self-portrait. Grrrr!
Good news is, hubby has been installinig our new pc, because our old one was full and sluggish. Hmmm. Anyway, after drawing, I mentioned i needed to blog again, so he showed me how to log in (same way as the old one) how to to transfer photos onto it (same as before), and how to mess about with photos on it (ditto again). So now I can sit at our new super duper pc, and play around with adding favorites on google, cos it's lost my old list for some reason.
So now I'm not so grumpy, and this self=portrait makes me chuckle to look at it. Everything changes.

Having fun

Okay, it may not look like I'm enjoying myself but I am. I only went into the studio to get some graphite pencils, caught sight of myself in one of the many mirrors in there, and I just had to stop and draw. Nor perfect, but I caught the moment. I had to squint with one eye closed to see myself clearly as I was stood some way from the mirror. Rembrandt, maybe? I mean the lighting, not the execution, of course.

My sister Mel and I were discussing art the other day and, amongst conceptual art, Hurst, acrylic techniques, still lifes and cats, we chatted about self portraits. So funny that in my first week back, so to speak, I end up doing one. Though if you know my work, they're a pet subject of mine. Always a ready sitter, willing to stay still, and always needs a loo break or a coffee at the same time as I do. How more convenient can you get?

I have done some art every day so far this week , as agreed, and have even taken some photos. Gasp! Dare I mention the glimmer of a possible series in the hatching? Best not for now. But thanks, Mel, for the kick up the bum, just when I was ready for one.

I have a busy week ahead, what with work projects, family events and what not, but I know I can fit in some drawing time, and I'm feeling better for it.

Four faces

These weren't done today as I'm off work poorly. But I promised myself I'd update my blog daily if at all possible, so these are here to keep my promise. I hope to be back to work (paid work) tomorrow, and maybe do some more art soon.

A nice suprise!

My wonderful hubby rung me a few weeks ago whilst he was working in London, sounding very excited, to say he'd visited an art store and had chosen some gifts which he thought I'd love. Being excited about Christmas, or anything else really, is most unlike my hubby in general, so I was curious to find out what he'd bought.

When Christmas day came, I could tell he was excited again as I unwrapped my parcels (taking turn with him and the kids, as is tradition for us), and I found he'd given me a great selection of quality pencils, inks and sketchbooks. I was delighted, and told him as much.

In addition, the kids had given a canvas bag for me to carry my art gear around in, with great big deep pockets to keep things safe, and hubby had also given me a very compact digital camera, as my SLR digital camera is very bulky and, as such, is left at home on most outings, which is a missed opportunity when I come across things I want to make a record of. He is so thoughtful, which I forget sometimes as he's not the most expressive of people. What a gem he is, and how he understands me.

My cousin Amy made me a teeny blue sock monkey, who's job it is now to look after my art bag at all times. I've called him Terry, after the chocolate oranges the kids and hubby got from Santa.

I also got a staple gun from my big sister, so I'm now armed and dangerous. She didn't buy me any elastoplasts or germolene, so they must think I can handle it.

My younger sister gave us a selection of family board games; a superb idea which I hope she'll continue in future years.

So I've spent Boxing Day drawing in my new journal, playing Buckaroo at my auntie & cousins house, and eating lots of cheese that smells like my hubby's feet whilst watching the Doctor Who Christmas Special. Gangan (my dad) arrives tomorrow, so there'll be more present-giving to be done. I hope you all had a great day and are enjoying this holiday as much as we are here in Roker.