Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive day
As I biked to run a few errands yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice all that was around me. Small, metal washers on the ground, flower buds coming up, a man with a thick southern accent talking to an acquaintance. Taking all of this in made me realize how great walking or riding is. The activities allow me to slow down and become distracted by those things I often overlook.
Day 340, 8 x 10″ ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
He’d been accused of being too defensive – unable to handle criticism. He adamantly disagreed. But his attempts to deny such statements were proving to be difficult as the trail of ink that accompanied his less positive reactions stymied his arguments.
Day 336, 4 x 6″ ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
It was the boyfriend’s birthday this weekend. We celebrated with great friends. We also overindulged in food (and maybe drink). One food overindulgence came about from a friend that happens to be an outstanding cook and who loves sharing her culinary skill with us each time we visit. She made incredible Indian dishes that left us stuffed to the gills. Prior to our dinner, she had us taste some fresh lima beans. They were bright green, round, shiny and completely lovely in their simplicity. I knew immediately the little bean would be my subject for day 336.
Day 330, 8 x 10″ ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
The other birds peered at him with dubious curiosity and little respect. One could not be trusted with such unruly, ill-fitted feathers. Such chaos, they thought. And many a peahen turned their regal plumes away.
But the young peacock was undaunted. For in his sporadic feathers lay worlds of energy and stories untold. Curls of tales and circles of adventure offered far more to a young bird than well-coiffed tail feathers.
Day 329, 5 x 7 ” ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
It
Is all connected
Root to tree
Branch to wing
To flight
Nature
Lays down
Chords
For all to hum
Along
Day 327, 5 x 7″ ink on paper
Goal: to create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
I stood in front of a mirror, taking no more than two minutes to do a quick sketch of myself yesterday. The drawing had very little likeness to me – that was not really my aim. I just wanted to draw a face quickly. I walked back into my studio wondering what I was going to do with the thing. I added a few circles above the head and stared. Hmm. I began drawing circles over the face, varying sizes to build form. It was a bit creepy, yet interesting. Strangely enough, I am a fan of the piece.
Day 325, 8 x 10″ ink and watercolor on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Around the time I began drawing orchids, I learned Darwin had done quite a bit of research on the distinct flower. He seemed absolutely fascinated by them. It seems as though Darwin was enthralled with all that he studied, which is probably what made him so successful. Smarts and talent (if there is such a thing) are important, but passion and drive seem to outweigh it all.
Day 323, 3 x 5″ ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Winds have been incredibly forceful over the last few days; blowing tightly through the trees with a high pitched whirr. It’s the kind of wind that has you holding on to doors tightly and makes a flat bicycle ride a major workout. Experiencing this type of wind in Gertie, our RV, is something of an adventure. Drafts creep in and she shakes in response. Sleeping is at times challenging. So is drawing. Yesterday I found myself slightly challenged to put my pen on the spot I was aiming for as I would begin a line. Yet another interesting aspect of RV life.
Day 322, Digital Drawing
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
I’ve never really been into computer drawing. I like the feel of pen on paper, the pushing and pulling of paints. Using a stylus pen on a tablet does not feel smooth. That is not to say I wouldn’t enjoy it with a little practice. I just haven’t allowed myself the chance.
So when the boyfriend brought home his Microsoft Surface Pro and offered to let me draw on it, I had my reservations. But the pen moved smoothly over the screen. It was so much more natural than what I had used in the past and I sat for a long time drawing on the new device. I feel like it is an especially great tool for quick sketches, which is probably how I would most use it. For day 322, I thought I’d share with you a basic drawing I did, along with a second negative version I created while playing around in Photoshop. Enjoy!
Day 317, 5 x 7″ ink on paper (with background smoothing in Photoshop)
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
I was pretty disappointed Saturday, when the winter storm warning that predicted 6-10″ produced hardly a skiff of snow. Forecasters must have gotten their days mixed up, because last night’s possible chance of rain or snow showers resulted in multiple inches of snow.
The great thing about spring storms is that they are here and gone so quickly – 30 degrees one day, 50 the next . The ground gets the moisture it needs. The days get warmer.
Those perennial bulbs lying underground are probably just itching to grow.
Micah Richardson 