Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
A dot to dot
Connected through lines drawn by a child
Whose carefree hand wobbles upon reaching the next goal
Category Archives: art
Arting for 365 Day 150: Squirrel’s Guide to Attacking Humans
5 x 7″ Ink and watercolor on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Within the past two months or so, for some unknown reason, I have developed a slight fear of squirrels. This is a bit embarrassing for me to admit, as up until that time I found them to be much as I find the rest of the neighborhood animal kingdom – adorable and harmless.
When walking or jogging past them I worry they think I am scheming to steal their acorns. Because I feel rather certain that this is on their minds, my fear is they will turn to chase me in attempt to defend their coveted food. I am working hard to shake this ridiculous fear and even tried to sweet talk a baby squirrel out of the apartment hallway the other day – even though I was pretty certain the mom was probably close by, ready to pounce.
I’m confident that I will once again love the fluffy tailed rodents. I will start by convincing myself that they do not have a shared list expressing the following:
- Look cute and cuddly
- Pretend to be preoccupied with food gathering and playing
- Let them get close
- Attack
If you like squirrel’s or maybe don’t like squirrel’s and so would like to buy this piece, you can do so here.
Arting for 365 Day 149: Chorus of Noises
5 x 7″ Ink and marker on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Horns honking, man yelling, tires screeching
Door slamming, dog barking, sirens screaming
Instruments in a score
Making the music of the day
If you like this colorful piece and want it as your own, you can buy it!
Arting for 365 Day 148: Masking Tape, Cut Outs, and Some Watercolor
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
It’s been awhile since I’ve used my X-acto Knife and so yesterday I decided I was due to re-visit the old friend. This time, though, I wanted to try something a bit different than my traditional approach. Rather than cutting into paper, I thought it could be interesting to cut into masking tape. The shapes created could be peeled off and stuck onto watercolor paper. From that point, I would be able to paint the negative space, ending up with something a bit different from my norm.
I started by laying down strips of tape to a scrap of canvas (the canvas seems to withstand the X-acto Knife cuts pretty decently, which helps in not completely ruining my work table).
After that, I simply began cutting out shapes. As I cut and transferred, I realized that not only would I have a painting created from the cut shapes, but I could create a second painting by cutting around the negative space left by the initial cut shapes.
The cutting of the masking tape was pretty easy. The transferring did get a bit tricky as some of the more delicate pieces tended to come apart at the tape seam or tear, and at times the tape would roll up on itself. But overall, the technique worked pretty darned well.
From here I began painting each 9 x 12″ paper. I finished up the first, peeled the tape off and felt pretty good about the result. I got a bit of extra help from Box, our cat, on the second painting as he spilled a glass of water over the finished piece. I have to say I think it helped it the overall look, but because the paper got so saturated, when I went to peel off the tape, it did take some of the paper with it. A simple solution: Have patience and let the paper dry (something I don’t have and thus did not avoid completely).
I’m pretty happy with this little experiment. I think the color and flow of both pieces are nice and it’s always nice for my brain to try something new.
Blue bird-like piece and red/orange floral piece are both available for purchase.
Arting for 365 Day 147: Abstract Leaves Purple and Yellow
11 x 14″ Watercolor and ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Lines intertwine
Energy growing
Leaves reaching to the morning light
If you really like day 147’s art, you can buy it! (Prints are also available. Email me for details)
Arting for 365 Day 146: Holding on to Summer
~3 x 5″ Ink and Cut paper on
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Things are finally starting to feel a bit more like fall around here and so I’ve really tried to soak up this fantastic weather. During the middle of the day yesterday, I decided the weather was just too gorgeous to not get out and enjoy. I packed up some paper, pens and markers and headed out to do some work in a neighborhood park.
As I sat enjoying the view, I saw one particular tree more majestic and seemingly strong than any around it. The tree had a full head of green leafed hair – not a touch of yellow could be seen. It appeared as though this tree was holding on to summer even as autumn quickly closed in on it.
Arting for 365 Day 145: Cell in Green and Blue
18 x 18″ Acrylic on canvas
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
I’ve created a number of these circle paintings over the last few years (some people call them bubble, but I prefer to think they are just circles). I always enjoy the flow and feel of them, and painting them often helps me process a larger idea I have on my mind.
As much as I enjoy the works though, they are also rather time consuming to paint. Typically, as I’m about 3/4 of the way through and I’ve processed what was rolling around in my head, my attention span withers and I find myself wishing I was done. So this time around, I decided I would approach one of these paintings from a direction that would keep me interested and challenge me – even after my thoughts quieted. In order to accomplish this, I decided I would attempt to create form by building up the flat circles and incorporating a bit of color.
The process went something like this:
After creating a background, I loaded up a small brush and began making lots and lots of circles – combining them in a way to create a larger, circular shape. From there I added a layer of blue circles atop the white, and finished up with thinned layers of paint (glaze) to enhance the form.
I’m quite happy with the result and can report I never got bored. Sure this could be due to the fact that I worked on a smaller scale than I typically do. It could also be due to the fact that I had lots on my mind and so probably wouldn’t have tired of it anyway. Either way, I’ll label it a success!
Arting for 365 Day 144: Microbes
~3 x 5″ Ink and Marker on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Seemingly simple
Unnoticed companions
Controlling the fate of the world
A microscopic band of superheroes and villains
Arting for 365 Day 141: Religion and Morality
9 x 12″ Watercolor and ink on paper
Yesterday I was able to get out and enjoy the amazing fall colors with some really great friends. I’ve always felt that when I am outdoors, especially when I am somewhere that is secluded and away from the buzz of the city, I feel most alive. The experience rejuvenates me and makes me thrilled to be a part of life. I am not at all religious – I’d call myself agnostic actually, but when I’m experiencing nature, I definitely feel I am in a spiritual place.
I began reflecting on spirituality which got me thinking about a conversation I had recently, with a really amazing person, regarding religion and morality. We talked about the fact that you can be moral, work to find good in others, and forgive simply because it is the right thing to do. While religions may promote these things, I believe humans’ moral compasses were around long before our current-day gods. I like to think we as humans will help people and work to be honest and thoughtful because we care about people.
I’m not one to talk about my religion – or lack there of – often, and you’ll probably not hear a peep about it again. But as killings and conflicts and wars erupt over religious beliefs; as gays and lesbians are persecuted for being who they are; as some of you become angry at me, or sad for me for questioning whether God exists; I can’t help but think we all might be better off if we focused on believing in and working for the betterment of each other rather than a god and religion.
If you love this piece, you can buy it! Please contact me if interested in prints.
Arting for 365 Day 140: In Your Wheelhouse
~4 x 6″ Ink on paper
Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Following a very productive day yesterday that involved very little art, I sat down and with no end goal in mind, began drawing. As I progressed on the piece, I was feeling really good about how it was turning out. The detailed lines flowed through the space nicely and I felt good about the amount of contrast of black and white. I showed the little drawing to the boyfriend who noted, “You’re in your wheelhouse.” He was right. I was.
I love creating these organic feeling pieces. But, as I mentioned to him, I almost feel like I’m cheating when I make them. Why you ask? Because they are really easy for me. My goal is to push myself to get better by challenging my skills as I move along in this venture. I know that this type of drawing does not challenge me. But I do love it.
So what’s a girl to do? Well, it’s probably not all bad for me to mix in a little of what is easy – especially because I love creating this type of design. Perhaps the “challenge” I am looking for will be to allow myself not to feel too guilty about it, and appreciate that I’ve got this little drawing technique that I am pretty good at and always enjoy.
This piece will be available for purchase on etsy.com
Micah Richardson 