Anonymous

“Perhaps we are saving our best effort for the “big break.” When such and such happens, then I’ll give it my best shot. What we don’t realize, however, is that success comes from doing a lot of little things well.”
–Anonymous



Anonymous – 5″ x 7″ Watercolor Sketch

Since I haven’t been painting, while I hit the books again, I am having fun trying to find something in my stash that relates to the quote.  Today, I looked for something that fit “anonymous”.  This little sketch seemed to fit the bill.  The reference for it was taped to the back, since at one time I had planned to finish it.  It is really busy.  Lots of doors and windows, signs and people bustling about.

I decided that I’m satisfied with the anonymous phase.   Sometimes a restful, quiet image is enough.   Days like that are good, too.  Restful and quiet.

Father and Daughter - November 9, 2009

Opportunity may knock only once,
But temptation leans on the doorbell.
--Anonymous

Father & Daughter
Atelier Interactive Acrylic
on 4" x 4" Ampersand Aquabord Panel



First, I gave the Aquabord 2 coats of Daniel Smith black gesso. Then I used a pastel to draw the outlines. Then I filled in the sections with gouache, to sortof plan what I was going to do.






I filled it in with Atelier Interactive Acrylics. This is only the second painting I have done with these acrylics, but I really like them! Sorry about the glare, but I was having fun, so I got a little impatient.

After it dried, I wiped off the pastel lines. It was a little tricky because it wasn't all that dry (yeah... my impatience) and these acrylics are reactivated with water. It worked out anyway, because after I wiped off the lines, I saw some things I wanted to change. If you mist these acrylics with a slight spritz of water, you reactivate them and they can be worked some more. I like the way this turned out. It was a lot of fun!

Fishies - July 29, 2009

Love doesn't just sit there like a stone: it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new.

--Ursula K. Le Guin

Everyone could use a new batch of love every day.. Way too often, we forget to make a new batch. Then we end up eating hard, old, crumbly stuff that doesn't even taste good. We forget to talk with the people we love. We tell ourselves that they should "know" we love them, even if we haven't called to connect with them for a long time. So we expect them to live off hard, old, dry crumbs too!

But baking a fresh hatch of love is a lot easier than baking bread. All we have to do is make a phone call, write a letter or an email, or stop by our mom's house. We need to deliver the message that the people we love are important. What could be easier or more rewarding?

Today's Action: I will make it a point to make a fresh batch of love today and deliver it - in person or in a phone call, email, or letter.

.

Anonymous

.

Fishies

Acrylic on 6" x 6" x 1.5" Canvas