Goal: To create a piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Wednesday night we flew into Seattle to meet up with friends and family to run our annual summertime relay race (one of my favorite events of the year). The Pacific Northwest is new to me and, as expected, I have loved the lush, beautiful landscape. That I get to see it with some of my most favorite people ever is a complete bonus.
Day 82’s piece is a small, 4 x 5″ ink drawing of my initial impressions of Seattle. As we descended into Seattle, the mountains peeked out through the woven clouds we were flying above. Upon landing I and walking around, I realized even the weeds are pretty here!
As for the race – team Are We There Yet? is kicking it old school. Only two more legs to run in the next 24 hours. And running at sea level is fabulous!
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Arting for 365 Day 81: Fluorescent Cut Out Abstraction
Goal: To create one work of art each day for 365 consecutive days
I believe it was in the eighth grade that I worked lovingly on a detailed drawing, and halfway through, spilled food on it. I didn’t throw the work away and I actually don’t remember being too upset about it (my parents may remind me otherwise). Instead I simply covered the food stain by drawing an image of some sort over it.
I have held tight to the notion that something is only a “mess up” if you aren’t willing to change course.
Yesterday, a few minor botches in cutting started adding up to big botches. I took my own advice and changed course. Flipping my paper over in order to more easily ignore my original design, I began cutting freestyle. The result is this flowing cut paper design that I feel is a success.
This 8 x 10″ piece (super fluorescent but the pic didn’t capture it) will be available for purchase eventually. Right now I’m running a race in Washington! I’ll put it on Etsy when I get back.
Arting for 365 Day 80: Cut Out for It
11 x 14″ Cut paper
Years back an acquaintance of mine let me know that my ink drawings reminded him a bit of a fantastic artist named Nikki McClure. While her work was cut paper, I think the style of our lines might have been what made a connection for him. I dug that he likened my work to hers, but had no desire to move in the paper cutting direction.
Since that time I have come upon the work of Beatrice Coron and a few others who happen to be amazingly talented cut paper artists. Inspired by the work they do and knowing that I need to push myself to experiment with new processes; I decided to take a crack it.
My initial attempt on this piece was so-so. I was desperately trying for precise, controlled lines with a big ‘ol box cutter like thing (I don’t recommend this but my exacto blade was dull). But after buying new blades to clean up my initial cuts and adding more detail, I found I loved the process. The challenge of manipulating the paper into intricate designs is fantastic! I’m pretty darned sure there will be more of these to come.
This original piece available for purchase.
Arting for 365 Day 79: In Response to Whale Rider
3.5 x 3.5″ Acrylic and ink on Sierra Nevada paper coasters
I have been told that routine is good for getting lots done. While this might be true, I’ve gotta say, some days Box (the cat) and I just need a change of pace. -A change of scenery or sound; something to break up our everyday routine. Day 79 was one of those days, so I decided I’d put on Whale Rider while I worked.
As I listened to the story, I found myself creating these lovely, seemingly simple, yet extremely detailed designs. The format of the pieces is small, 3.5 x 3.5”, but the bold colors and flow of the designs makes them feel full of energy.
In regards to the movie: I loved it, even though I found myself bawling (red, swollen nosed, snot dripping down kind of bawling). Box, on the other hand, lost interest in the movie immediately.
Click for larger images
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- Day 79
Original coasters and printed versions available for purchase.
Arting for 365 Day 78: High on the Hog
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
The other day I heard a news report that is pretty common. It regarded big banks (which to me equals a bunch of super rich men and perhaps a few women) who were acting like jack asses with other people’s money. The amount of money these banks had played with and lost was astonishing.
Shortly after that, another report came on talking about Mitt Romney and some out of touch thing he had said regarding money.
Both of these reports got me thinking about the old saying “high on the hog.” Years ago, I imagine saying such a thing meant someone was doing well for themselves – they bought a new car or house or took a big vacation. But what in the heck does it mean today? Instead of one new car, perhaps a few new jets? Instead of a house a block of buildings? To be high on the hog these days, the hog has got to be sitting pretty high.
P.S. If you don’t want to thi
nk of this adorable pig as social commentary, just think of it as “Babe – Pig in the City.” That’s what the boyfriend says it reminds him of anyway.
Arting for 365 Day 77: Drawing Post Brew Fest and Late Drive Home
Goal: To create one piece of work each day for 365 consecutive days
Yesterday was a jam packed day of visiting with friends and enjoying a brewfest. We had a great time but it also meant I was pushing the envelope to get my daily art piece done.
Nearer to midnight than I am comfortable with, I created this abstracted floral ink piece. Drawing the detailed thick and thin flowing lines was a great way to finish up my day.
Original piece and print both available for purchase.
Arting for 365 Day 76: Glasses
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days (Woo hoo! First post from phone.)
Glasses. Black rimmed, hip and with it. A statement toward youthful intelligence.
Glasses. Thick lenses, wire rimmed. A part of growing older.
Arting for 365 Day 75: Roll With It
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Technically it is called a sphere, but I prefer ball. Either way, the object is such a lovely little thing. It has no top or bottom nor front or back. It presents itself equally to all and – due to its natural form – easily rolls with the punches. A lovely little thing, indeed.
Coasters, both original and as printed versions, will be available shortly on etsy. Until then, if you are interested in them, please email me at micah@azzlsoft.com
Arting for 365 Day 74: Lifetime Performance
11 x 14″ Acrylic on paper
She was born to perform. Give her a song she’ll sing it, a line and she’ll act it. Dress her in a red tutu and watch her flit across the stage. It is something to behold – watching her imagination play out. The world, it is clear, is her stage.
Both a print and original of this piece are available for purchase. Please contact me micah@azzlsoft.com if you’re interested.
Arting for 365 Day 73: In “Loo” of a Toilet
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
There are days when I feel like I’m just spinning in circles. Yesterday, after sitting for hours accomplishing little, and feeling a bit mopey about the situation, I realized I needed a new scene – literally. I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper in which I had glued pieces of floral wrapping paper. I moved from the muggy little room I was attempting to work in to the cool bathroom floor.
The seemingly mundane toilet became a fascinating subject for me. Drawing it I noticed its shadows, shiny spots and designed lines. (I also happened to notice some of the dust and grime – but that’s another project). I was reminded that I should never be stumped as to what to draw. We’re surrounded by all sorts of great stuff if we just take a moment to look at it.
Micah Richardson 