"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher

For all those who are creative in art-
Be it painting in acrylics,oils,guache,crayons, pencils,pen,ink or charcoal.
Or any other medium

We would love to see your art!



Disclaimer:It is upto each of you to protect your original works from being copied,please do take the neccessary steps to stop piracy of your work.

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher

We would love to see your art!

Hi Firm,

Well, I already posted some of my stuff to this site but I'll put it up here again, then go look for some new things. First four are paintings: 1) SAHARA - oils, 2) TRANSITION - acrylics , 3) "ZI" a painting done in oils of my daughter-in-law and my grandson - oils, 4) my HEROES painting doen in oils, 5) Beadwork, these are just a few of the dozen or so beaded portraits of the State stamps that are completed, I am doing all the states.

Thanks Chek,
Love to see more of your work!

Say Firm... here's a cool name for this folder, "Wherefore ART thou?" LOL!

Here's a handmade card I did sometime back.

Stick figures is probably the extent of my artistic abilities, but you guys have done some beautiful artwork!

Thanks Erika.
My card is all cut from paper and stuck on a card and some out lines in pen.
Its not even finished well, but that's what I had on the PC at the moment.
Even if it is stick figures, I would love to see them.

Chek, that's a good header for this thread!

A few more beaded state stamps here. There are 24,000 beads in each one. I have some others and will post them here too. That third one is a beaded Woman of the desert. The fourth beaded image is a piece I am doing for my son and his new bride. I worked this pattern up from a photo I took on their wedding day. When it is finished it will contain 47,000 beads. The photo makes the piece look small but that's misleading, because it really is a large work. Those tiny black things next to it, bottom right, are the beads not yet threaded on the needle.

That card is so cool!! I like the clean lines and the colors top it off nicely. I bought a ton of special paper to make cards with. I love cards... I have tons saved.

Proud is very talented in the art department but how can you guarantee that nothing will be copied?

Anyway, Hopefully one day she will actually get her art and talent looked at.

Excellent art so far on this thread. For myself I enjoy drawing buildings and making art with my food. Lol

Joe

You guys should edit your photos with your name or a distinguishing mark, so people know it belongs to you and can't steal it.

[QUOTE=firmbeliever
We would love to see your art!


Ok, here are some of the things I've built. All are life-size.

Photo 1) Turn of the century Double-suspension brougham (horse-drawn carriage)

Photo 2) The drawing I worked from to build it. Got the drawing from the library.

Photo 3) This is a replica of the 1857 Bronze Napoleon 12-pdr (Civil War Cannon)

Those are some wonderful pictures. I've never done anything like that, but I wish I could.
I'd post a picture or two of my few water color paintings, but as I mentioned I gave them away as gifts so I don't have them with me. I do have one or two. I'll take a picture of one which is drawn in pencil, and has water color border. I know, it's not the best art but I try.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/METAPA/1190693149.jpg

Oops I had posted it on the other post. But here it is again. The real thing is more vibrant in color but my cell phone blurred it a little. So as I was saying, I drew the face with a regular pencil and painted the border in water colors.

Once I put a mark or something on the photos ill post mine up, if you guys would like to see them... im not very good though.

once i put a mark or something on the photos ill post mine up, if u guys wud like to see em.....im not very good tho.

I would love to see them! :)

Aaww I hope you guys like them, well until then here's one of them
<<<<<< my dp :) did it with square pastels

You are saying that you created your avatar, cal?

[QUOTE=firmbeliever
We would love to see your art!


Ok, here are some of the things I've built. All are life-size.

photo 1) Turn of the century Double-suspension brougham (horse-drawn carriage)

photo 2) The drawing I worked from to build it. Got the drawing from the library.

photo 3) This is a replica of the 1857 Bronze Napoleon 12-pdr (Civil War Cannon)

What did you use to make the cannon, please?

Yep I created my own avi :) hehe
The pic was part of a pair of pics same size, the other one is a chick with pink/red hair :) lolz

Stick figures is probably the extent of my artistic abilities, but you guys have done some beautiful artwork!


I'm with you nautical :o... no talent in me so far

Meterre,
I loved the border of your painting.

Cal,
Show some more of your art will you:)

Hey Joe,
Would love to see Proud's art.
Put something on the painting (using Photoshop etc)like a signature across the painting before uploading on the net.(maybe someone who knows graphics and such can suggest a way to protect the art?)

Clough,
Wheres your art... I have heard you are an artist ;)

About protection of the art work... all you have to do is make c with a circle around it and your initials... if someone copies it, they would be committing copyright infringement... local copy shops know not to break the copyright law

about protection of the art work...............all you have to do is make c with a circle around it and your initials.......if someone copies it, they would be committing copyright infringement....local copy shops know not to break the copyright law

Does that C represent any legal documents proving it is copyrighted work?
For example, if I copied someone's work and put C on it, how do they prove that it is not my work?

Thanks

Here's just a sketch in pen...

I do not mind these being copied.. :)

:)

That's the best I can do

Simple yet nice. Sometimes art doesn't need to be this really super complex thing, to be beautiful or fine. Sometimes simple means fine, as long as it's neat or has quality or a message... oh you know what I mean.
That sketch can definitely become a good work of art, perhaps if you add a touch of color... not too much, to keep it neat and simple. Or perhaps add something happening around it or just something.
And I'd buy it.

Here's a handmade card I did sometime back.

I LUV this! Your space, colors and lines are dead-on! Wonderful work!! Anymore?

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/METAPA/1190693149.jpg

Oops i had posted it on the other post. But here it is again. The real thing is more vibrant in color but my cell phone blurred it a little. So as I was saying, I drew the face with a regular pencil and painted the border in water colors.

I like this, Met; your colors work well. I would enjoy seeing some more of your stuff. I wish I could keep things simple but I'm not happy unless I spend another sleepless night trying to figure out a way out of the usual corner I painting myself into that day. Some times I just go at things with head down and at break neck speed. Art is thinking. I need to practice that part more.

[QUOTE=chek101]

What did you use to make the cannon, please?

I don't have a metal working shop, only a wood shop (or used to have that is), so everything I built was usually made from 99 % wood. The cannon barrel is wood and only weighed 85 lbs, each wheel weighed 95 lbs. A friend of mine had a cool lathe he built himself and I went over there and we worked together on his lathe till I got the shape I wanted. I was hand-honing it before that, but after 2 weeks and seeing how little progress I was making, I gave my buddy a call. The metal strips around the wheels, I got from an iron smithy who made them to my specs. The rest I did myself.

The coach was real fun to make. I will put up some more pictures of her where you can see the work in progress, also some pics of the other things I built in progress. The hurricane tore the coach up some, but I mended her and she came back together OK.

Thanks,
There's few more, but it needs to uploaded into my PC.
Maybe in a week or so.:)

yep i created my own avi :) hehe
the pic was part of a pair of pics same size, the other one is a chick with pink/red hair :) lolz



LOVE IT!!

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
-
Here are different pics of the coach. I have also included a shot of her in construction. I painted her red just to get a protective layer on her because she has to stay out in the weather while I work on her.

Pic 1) construction of the coach
Pic 2) a bit of the interior visible
Pic 3) that's my boy Drac up top driving his ladies (female vamps inside coach).
Pic 4) this is one of four horses I built the year before to pull the coach

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher


Here's the Sunset picture I loved so much, the one I shot at my son's house on Thanksgiving. I shot several pictures that day. The first 2 look identical but they are shot 20 minutes apart. The others were all shot in the next hour. I don't know if I can post them all in this post might have to put the others in another post. There are 7 photos in all I shot that day of this unbelievable sunset.

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher

For all those who are creative in art-
Be it painting in acrylics,oils,guache,crayons, pencils,pen,ink or charcoal.
Or any other medium

And here's the remaining two shots:

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher


This painting was done on an 4 ft by 8 ft piece of plywood. My union office asked me to paint it for them.

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher


This was a large mural that my boss asked me to do for the lobby on the first anniversary of September 11th. It was roughly 20 ft long. The photo of the painting I put up before showing the firemen/heroes painting... well that picture was actually taken from this mural; it was a close up shot of the one below of the fireman poster that was painted into this mural. The fireman painting is actually 24" x 36" here. This is supposed to depict the ghost of a fireman and a female cop standing beside a postal worker who is looking at the poster on the wall. One of my co-workers asked that I make one of the people in the mural a person of color, so to cover all the bases, I made the policeman a female person of color. Note: the post office cap in the workers hand.

Wow Chek... you art is wonderful... in all its forms:)

Wow Chek.....you art is wonderful........in all its forms:)

Thanks Firm, I guess I'm just a stickler for details is all.

The next couple of photos I am going to put up are of my very favorite thing of all time... Tyrannosaurus Rex!! These first two shots are of the article that I read in my local papers about T-Rex Sue; she's what got me wanting to build her. I feel so sorry for the people who found her and worked on her for 2 YEARS digging her out of the mountain pice by piece only to have the government come and take her from them on some phoney baloney charge. Greed! Anyway, I liked her stance in these pictures they had in the papers. I figure if I build her in that pose, I could keep her height more manageable for me to work with. So, they're the pictures I decided to go buy. The next post will show how far I got on Sue before I had to stop. I just got the inner structure done and that was all.

And here is as far as I got.

Pic 1) what I was striving for in stance.
Pic 2) her head almost 5 ft long, hand carved teeth
Pic 3) had to stand in my neighbor's yard to take this pic... Sue was LONG! 45 feet long.

I like this, Met; your colors work well. I would enjoy seeing some more of your stuff. I wish I could keep things simple but I'm not happy unless I spend another sleepless night trying to figure out a way out of the usual corner I painting myself into that day. Some times I just go at things with head down and at break neck speed. Art is thinking. I need to practice that part more.

Your art is beautiful as it is. Whether it's complicated or simple, so the extra effort and thought is worth a lot and very appreciated. I just meant that a simple sketch like Firmbeliever's also has good potential to become a cool work of art. There are no two artists alike, each is very different so their effort and outcome vary widely.

You are all such fantastic artists!
Lolz, I spent 4 out of 6 lessons of school today in the art room, as well as recess, and half of lunchtime!
Was trying to finish my art studio (when I came up with the design for my studio, which is a series of 7 intaglio prints, I thought "i can finish this on time easy"
Then my art teacher said "oh, id like you to do 3 of each print btw"
Intaglio printing is so time consuming I had already carved them out onto plastic, just had to print them but it takes a long time to do) well I got about half of the prints done today, so I should be fine :)
Lolz, don't worry, ill post my stuff on here soon, when I stop procrastinating (holidays soon, if I haven't done it by then, holiday boredom will drive me to it)
Love too see more of you guys stuff

you are all such fantastic artists!
lolz, i spent 4 out of 6 lessons of school today in the art room, as well as recess, and half of lunchtime!
was trying to finish my art studio (when i came up with the design for my studio, which is a series of 7 intaglio prints, i thought "i can finish this on time easy"
then my art teacher said "oh, id like you to do 3 of each print btw"
intaglio printing is so time consuming i had already carved them out onto plastic, just had to print em but it takes a long time to do) well i got about half of the prints done today, so i should be fine :)
lolz, dont worry, ill post my stuff on here soon, when i stop procrastinating (holidays soon, if i havnt done it by then, holiday boredom will drive me to it)
love too see more of u guys stuff


HOW I ENVY YOU!! Enjoy your time in art school! (isn't it art school?). Anyway, I always wanted to go to an art school, in particular the School of Visual Arts here in NY. But that was/is never to be. Now I no longer have the patients to deal with teachers. I did attend a few private classes given at the home of the instructor, but I couldn't stand her messing with my colors so I never went back. I think there's a point in one's life when "following" ends. I've reached that point. Attending art school had always been a dream of mine. Even today, when I see kids carrying art portfolios when I'm shopping in my favorite art supply store, I just let out this long soulful sigh. So take a tip from me... enjoy your time learning your full potential and work at it till you drop. Squeeze all you can out of it! Good luck hon! So far you are doing grrrreat! :)

Not in art school, just one of my subjects in year 11 is art :)

not in art school, just one of my subjects in year 11 is art :)

Well, your school sounds like they have a pretty decent curriculum in art. Have you ever heard of Albrecht Durer? I have a book showing all his woodcuts. He did the most amazing wood cuts you'll EVER see! Check out this one:

Jeeze... thats an amazing one
We been studying japanese ukiyo-e
My fave artist that we studied for this unit would have to be ando hiroshige :) he's pretty cool, he did mostly landscapes, but he did a lot more depth and perspective than other ukiyo e artists and influenced van gogh (van gogh liked his art so much that he did his own versions of some of hiroshige's art) (hiroshigers versions are much better!)

jeeze.....thats an amazing one
we been studying japanese ukiyo-e
my fave artist that we studied for this unit would have to be ando hiroshige :) hes pretty kewl, he did mostly landscapes, but he did alot more depth and perspective than other ukiyo e artists and influenced van gogh (van gogh liked his art so much that he did his own versions of some of hiroshige's art) (hiroshigers versions are much better!)

I don't particular care for most of the old masters... don't know why, I just never liked them with maybe the exception of Michael Angelo. I do like Miro!! I wish I could paint like Miro! He absolutely delights me. One of my favorites:

Lolz, I always liked salavador dali :)

Yeah, I used to like Dali first till I encountered Miro.

Hello everyone, Love doing art but I have not done it for a while ever since I had a baby.
I love doing art using pens, pastels, art pencils and would love to try to do oil painting. I was going to do it and I finally bought all the supplies but have not done any oil painting.

Proud :)

WOW you guys are all so incredible, I am a little envious myself! LOL
SEriously, what talent you guys have..

hello everyone, Love doing art but I have not done it for a while ever since I had a baby.
I love doing art using pens, pastels, art pencils and would love to try to do oil painting. I was going to do it and i finally bought all the supplies but have not done any oil painting.

Proud :)

Proud,
Do one for us... please:)

Pretty please, with sugar on top... don't leave us in such suspense!

FIRM, I am off for a bit.. I will be back later. DON'T FORGET I LOVE YOU!!

U too... shattered!

Here's two more of my doodling:)

Flowers in colour is done in acrylics.
The roses is just a pencil sketch.

Wow! Firmy! I wouldn't call that doodling! You are an artist!
I'm going to have to go back and look at the rest of this thread!!

Wow! Firmy!! I wouldn't call that doodling!! You are an artist!!
I'm gonna have to go back and look at the rest of this thread!!!


:) Thanks Capt!

Here's some more,
Very different type of art!:D

One is a handbag I made, with handpainted detail in fabric paint(this is what I love doing, fabric paint!).

The other is a painting of sorts with felt pen and beads glued onto it.:p

Proud,
Do one for us...please:)

Hello firm,
I for got your name of the thread:( and my husband found it for me.:) WOOHOO
Witch one do you want me to do I have some on the computer but it has my Name on it.

Proud

Hi Proud!
Your name?Edit it with photoshop or something (add a coloured bar or something instead of your name).
But do it in a way that your art cannot be copied by anyone.:)

I will try to do that some time. Thank you.

[QUOTE=firmbeliever]Here's some more,
Very different type of art!:


Sorry I hadn't gotten around to this till now, but between the new grand daughter and the new job, suddenly time became a rare commodity, here. My grand daughter "Lauren Jessica" is a little doll. See for yourself: picture below.

Regarding your artwork, I have to say I am impressed with your sense of flow and balance. Such gentle creations. I think the art fits the person and that is how I see you. I love it!! Don't ever stop. We need your softness!

Awwww... Chek,
Your Gdaughter Lauren is beautiful!
No wonder we do not hear from you often.
New job and a little new life. Hope it gives new meaning to your life!:)

Thank you...

This little artist was in me 2 and a half years ago.:D
Here is my daughter's attempt at watercolours!

Now you know why we artists are so often starving... the competition keeps getting younger and younger... LOL! The kid's got a good eye, there! Look out Mama!

Now you know why we artists are so often starving ... the competition keeps getting younger and younger ... LOL! The kid's got a good eye, there! Look out Mama!!
:D

Hello Check, Your baby looks so cute.
I got to go my baby is a wake now.
Talk to you all latter.

Proud

Firm and Proud,

:)

Cheeks so soft you can eat 'em with a spoon! She is too adorable.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/spirituality/where-soul-131158.html

Chek,
I wish you would write something here... about how you feel right now, with the birth of Lauren.

Firm,
There are some things I will not speak about even though they may be honest and sincere, and I know that there are many who will not like what I have to say. I view things differently than anyone I have ever met, so I have to assume I stand alone in my thoughts and views and as such am outside looking in. I am trying to fit in here, and it does seem to be working, but you have no idea how quickly I can change all that and it can go very wrong. There are no more curious minds, only angels with broken wings. And I don't have all that much patience anymore to deal with the so-called outraged rightious.

I hear you Chek.

It is all personal choice, you may do as you wish.
I just saw a different side of you when you talked about Lauren and I thought maybe she was what you needed right now.

firmbeliever, those watercolours actually look pretty good lolz!

;)

Firmbeliever, your so-called sketches are a work of art. Keep working at it.

Thanks Met!
I am not much of a finisher... I dabble and if I do not finish it in one sitting, it is hard for me to get back to it and finish it.
I start something new again... :)

I loved the Henry Ward Beecher quote! I am relatively new to this site. I posted an inquiry earlier with great results.

I believe the need to create is innate in all of us whether it be painting, drawing, writing, pottery, metal work, communication, cooking (which is definitely not my forte) or other forms of creating because creating allows us to express what is inside of us, shows what we would like to experience or to get out of us the struggles and frustrations we feel. Creating gives us a way to share love or sometimes just a way to give others joy. Well, I am getting way too philosophical this evening. I paint, draw and write but like was mentioned above, I dabble in a lot of things. I admire those who possess a strong talent in one area and excel, however, I am not one of them. I want to try too many things to ever excel in one area. I enjoyed seeing the art above and appreciate this forum.

I loved the Henry Ward Beecher quote! I am relatively new to this site. I posted an inquiry earlier with great results.

I believe the need to create is innate in all of us whether it be painting, drawing, writing, pottery, metal work, communication, cooking (which is definitely not my forte) or other forms of creating because creating allows us to express what is inside of us, shows what we would like to experience or to get out of us the struggles and frustrations we feel. Creating gives us a way to share love or sometimes just a way to give others joy. Well, I am getting way too philosophical this evening. I paint, draw and write but like was mentioned above, I dabble in a lot of things. I admire those who possess a strong talent in one area and excel, however, I am not one of them. I want to try too many things to ever excel in one area. I enjoyed seeing the art above and appreciate this forum.

I am so glad that you posted! :)

Thank you! I think I am going to enjoy this site very much. As I have scanned through some of the questions and answers, I see it is a diverse sight. Keeps life interesting!

I loved the Henry Ward Beecher quote! I am relatively new to this site. I posted an inquiry earlier with great results.

I believe the need to create is innate in all of us whether it be painting, drawing, writing, pottery, metal work, communication, cooking (which is definitely not my forte) or other forms of creating because creating allows us to express what is inside of us, shows what we would like to experience or to get out of us the struggles and frustrations we feel. Creating gives us a way to share love or sometimes just a way to give others joy. Well, I am getting way too philosophical this evening. I paint, draw and write but like was mentioned above, I dabble in a lot of things. I admire those who possess a strong talent in one area and excel, however, I am not one of them. I want to try too many things to ever excel in one area. I enjoyed seeing the art above and appreciate this forum.

JR,
Would love to see your work... :)
Welcome from one dabbler to another!:p

Good Morning! I love working in pencil but dabbling as I do, I also enjoy painting on Ostrich Eggs, homegrown dipper gourds. I will be happy to post some of my work when I figure out how to do it. I tried the insert image and tried copying and pasting. Be patient with me, I will get it figured out.

;)
You will figure it out JR.

Ostrich eggs and dipper gourd?
Sounds very interesting, please do elaborate on how it is done.

Here are some tips to get the picture uploaded.

First edit the pictures to web page size.
Then click Answer and on the same page a little lower you will find "Additional Options" and "manage attachements".
Click the manage attachments.

Thank you for your direction. Let's see if this works before I go any further! :)

Well, seems my computer skills leave a lot to be desired. I will get back on here sometime and try to do better.

WOW!
You are good.

Love the egg, beautiful...

And the feline,wow, I think the tree it is on is fantastic.

Thank you Firmbeliever for your nice comments. Great way to start my day!

I thought I had also attached an image of a gourd vase. I will try that one later.

I was in the woods one day and came upon a Cougar or it came upon me, I should say. It was gorgeous. We were eye to eye for a few brief moments. It is one of those moments you just want to encapsulate in your mind and never lose.

It not really show me what it was

I thought I would try one more time before getting on with my day, to attach one of the images of a gourd vase I made. I resized it a little differently than the Cougar and Egg.

JR,
You must explain how this gourd vase was made...

And how'd you get the colors to feather/blend. Beautiful!

Jrebel, There is a female artist in Kentucky that works with gourds, the seeds came fom her grandpa when she was younger. Are you her? Not many people work with gourds that I am aware of. The egg and cougar are beautiful as well.
Firm thank you for starting this thread it is so nice to see peoples talent and I also liked the sites/artist that chek mentioned in one of her post. :)

Jrebel, There is a female artist in Kentucky that works with gourds, the seeds came fom her grandpa when she was younger. Are you her? Not many people work with gourds that I am aware of. The egg and cougar are beautiful as well.
Firm thank you for starting this thread it is so nice to see peoples talent and I also liked the sites/artist that chek mentioned in one of her post. :)

I am glad I started this thread too and happy to know you and others are enjoying it as much I am.:p
I like to see other people's art work.

JR,
You must explain how this gourd vase was made....

While you can purchase gourds that have been harvested and dried already, I grow my own, sometimes dipper gourds and sometimes birdhouse gourds. "Warmth", the photo of the red with black gourd I posted is a dipper gourd with a large part of the dipper handle cut off. After the gourds grow and mature, the stems will turn brown and that is when they are ready to be cut. They then have to dry completely which takes several weeks to months. I made the mistake of hanging them in my garage the first time and by the time they were dried, each were covered in a lovely coat of fuzzy mold (LOL) which then had to be scrubbed with a solution of hot soapy water and a little bleach. LOL I have cut them and left them outside since then. They turn color but do not mold. I still scrub them before beginning to work with them but it is not as difficult as getting the mold off. Once cleaned I decide the design and begin cutting with a dremel tool. Inside the gourd is a thick fibrous material and many seeds. I remove all I possibly can and then again using the dremel took, I remove the lining which is fibrous down to the outside shell of the gourd to refine the piece for a clean line look. I use acrylic paint. After painting the gourd, I finish with a coat of Polycrylic clear gloss finish. I use inside and out in case I want to use water for a flower but I wouldn't trust it not to leak if water was kept in it for long periods. I sometimes use sand to weight the vase and use dried flowers or pieces resembling wheat, etc. (Polyurethane will yellow acrylics but I use it if using stains or oil base paints). I tend to be an A to Z person so forgive if I go into too much detail. I will post another gourd I have done showing the use of not only paint but wood burning tool if you would enjoy seeing that. While the gourds are craft more than art, they give me a good feeling when I work with them because they are nature made. My grandfather used dipper gourds on his farm to dip water and grain. Anytime I can create something fun from anything in nature, it gives me a feeling of gratitude and of peace. Seems everything we really need is already in existence through nature!

And how'd you get the colors to feather/blend. Beautiful!


Thank you for your question! I use a "fan" shaped brush made of sable and get just a little paint on the tips. I then use only the short side of the fan then push and pull up as I make the stroke. I hope that answered your inquiry. :)

WOW JR,
Thanks for the explanation.
Next time I find a beautifully shaped gourd, I am going to try this out...

Will it work with pumpkins too?(I have seen some beautifully shaped pumpkins).
And another thing,can I dry them after scooping the insides?

Jrebel, There is a female artist in Kentucky that works with gourds, the seeds came fom her grandpa when she was younger. Are you her? Not many people work with gourds that I am aware of. The egg and cougar are beautiful as well.
Firm thank you for starting this thread it is so nice to see peoples talent and I also liked the sites/artist that chek mentioned in one of her post. :)

No, I am not the Kentucky artist! I wish I had seeds from my grandfather's gourds. What a treasure that would be. Thank you for your kind words.

WOW JR,
Thanks for the explanation.
Next time I find a beautifully shaped gourd, I am going to try this out....

Will it work with pumpkins too?(I have seen some beautifully shaped pumpkins).
And another thing,can I dry them after scooping the insides?

Pumpkins, although in the same family I believe, cannot be done the same way. The outside textures are different. Also, I haven't tried to cut the gourds first before drying but I believe they would shrink at the opening while in the drying process which might make for an interesting look. I can share only from my experience and have not tried this. If you try it, let me know how it does for you. I am always open to new ideas!! :) I know I was not able to fully answer your questions with first hand knowledge but remember, I am a dabbler!! I work with one project then on to another. I am always happy to share what I know from experience, however, anytime!!

I will try it out and let you know JR.
I too dabble in a lot of things... ".jack of "many" trades and master of none";).

And I have tried vegetable carving too,but do not have any samples.The veggies are good for table décor for one day and either eat them or throw them.
Been a while since I tried them though.

I agree with you JR,
Nature has so many beautiful inspirations and materials available for us to create from.:)

MySpace (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=145268670&albumID=0&imageID=1160354)
Rose

http://www.sapphiresart.50megs.com/photo2.html

MySpace (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=145268670&albumId=0) most of my art

Go ahead use my art (with my signature) but if you make substantial (over $100.00) money on it send some my way :)

I would encourage you to always take photos of any work you do. I use to decorate cakes. If I had not taken photos, I would not be able to relive the memory of the happy moments of those creations as easily. I have seen some photos of vegetable art and am amazed at the creativity it takes. I take my hat off to you. I don't believe I would be able to do that.

MySpace (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=145268670&albumID=0&imageID=1160354)
rose

http://www.sapphiresart.50megs.com/photo2.html

MySpace (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=145268670&albumId=0) most of my art

Go ahead use my art (with my signature) but if you make substantial money on it send some my way :)

I am not in myspace,:( I could not see your work.

The saphiresart link has beautiful work, are they all yours?
I got to go for now,but I will look at my leisure and let you know which are my favourites:)

EDIT:::I read the poem "Boxes of Paradoxes", it is a beautiful piece.Did you write that?


JR,
There must be pics somewhere,but there are loads of photos at my mums and I would not know where it is now.

I just finished viewing all the questions and answers with art work. I am just blown away by all the talent. Each one is as unique as the individual who created each piece. I am just in awe. Seeing all of your work just inspires me! I love it!

I just finished viewing all the questions and answers with art work. I am just blown away by all the talent. Each one is as unique as the individual who created each piece. I am just in awe. Seeing all of your work just inspires me! I love it!

And, I know that we will all be inspired when we see yours!

More gourds. Hope you enjoy them! :)

One is pyrotech with wood burning tool, all are done with acrylic paints with Polycrylic Clear Gloss finish.

I call one a "Gourdtar"! LOL Not too creative with my names! My dad fashioned the wood pieces at the base for the strings and the wood pieces for tuning at the top. After deciding on the outside, the inside was going to look quite unfinished and dull so I painted a little landscape scene inside the gourd. My dad passed away unexpectedly. I feel fortunate that I have these pieces he handcrafted for the "Gourdtar". He was 86 when he made the wood pieces for the "Gourdtar"! He had a stroke in one eye years prior and had vision in only one eye, so anything he handcrafted, to me was amazing. He built wooden airplanes out of wooden tea boxes and I painted them for him. Thanks for letting me share about my dad on this forum.

Do any of you do any gourd art? I would love to see your creativity with them. I am not creative when it comes to the gourds but I do love doing them. They are just fun!!

How about displaying some of your pencil drawings also. Have you mentioned yet about being in shows?

What is it that you do to the gourds to preserve them so that they won't rot, please? I have never been sure about that... :confused:

What a wonderful thought Clough! Thank you!
I just posted a few of the gourds I spoke about earlier and hit submit about the time I received notice of your note. Inspiration is so abstract yet concrete in what it causes as an result. I needed inspired!! It is easy to get complacent and settled in a routine. I may get so inspired, I will have ideas flying wild in my head for the Thumb Pianos!!

How about displaying some of your pencil drawings also. Have you mentioned yet about being in shows?

Clough, I don't recall if I have mentioned the shows or not yet. I have been stumbling around trying to just not get lost in this site. LOL. Thanks to you and Firmbeliever, I may remember now how to post images! I did post one drawing earlier called "Majestic". It is one of a cougar.

Actually, I had a show yesterday. I had a private showing several years ago then got away from it. Just got "inspired" about four years ago to do shows. I love doing the work but don't enjoy the shows too much! I was ill (no, not on purpose! :) LOL) and didn't get to go but family got it taken care of. Several pieces sold, including some prints matted and framed, some in protective sealers also, cards and bookmarks of my work. I will post "House of Wonders" in a bit on this note if I remember. It was a commission piece of a house in the town where I live. A couple came by my display and was looking at my work and the lady gasped and said, "I know that house. I work in that house. I'm the maid." So of course, that stirred conversation. I was told that the house was built in 1898 by a dentist and it remained in his family until the last member of his family passed away. The owner had given his housekeeper the house in his will. She sold it to the current owners who have refurbished it from a home in disarray to one of grandeur. I contacted the current owner after I finished the piece and offered to give her a print from the original drawing. She was very appreciative. Once you present your portfolio to "Utica Square" a panel of judges determine if they accept or reject your application to show. I felt and still feel honored that I was accepted. Once you make this show, you are pretty much accepted to do any surrounding shows without presenting your portfolio. If it had not been for my daughter, I would not have even presented it. She drove from another town, picked it up and took it to the judges. KIDS!! Wonderful, huh?? We all need someone to believe in us.

What is it that you do to the gourds to preserve them so that they won't rot, please? I have never been sure about that... :confused:

Actually, nature does it for you for the most part. The soft outside covering begins to harden after you cut it from the vine. Just one more gift provided for us to use. If my grandfather had seen me painting on one, he would have had a good laugh. He used his to dip water and to dip seeds for planting! LOL

It takes a few months at least or that has been my experience for gourds to dry out. Once it is hardened, the seeds inside and the pulp have also dried. If left out in the weather, they turn darker with aging but are fairly sturdy little things! You can use them for bird houses outside or use them as décor. If I take the time to paint on them, I generally put the polycrylic clear coat on and keep them inside. My sister-in-law was so excited about them, she grew her own and painted them but she has them hanging in her trees (bird house gourds, not dipper gourds) in her back yard.

I am interested in growing some basket gourds but have not been able to locate viable seeds. The ones I have purchased were apparently not mature seeds so didn't produce. Do you have any knowledge of these?

What's this I hear about putting little holes in them to help them to dry out? Is this advisable?

Hmm... I guess it might speed up the process. I have not tried it. The outside is soft when you hang them to dry. I believe there might be a danger of insects invading the gourd and ruining it but this I do not know for sure. Perhaps as it is in the later drying stages, it might not attract insects as easily. If a large hole was cut or the top cut off, it is possible it would curl as it dried and might make for interesting art pieces. I might just have to try that!

A few more beaded state stamps here. There are 24,000 beads in each one. Those tiny black things next to it, bottom right, are the beads not yet threaded on the needle.

I told my niece about your bead work. She is so anxious to see them. She has just begun working with beads and glues them on little wooden eggs. This will just blow her away. How many hours do these take? I know each piece differs but just ball park figure. I am fascinated!! I don't use thread at all even to sew on buttons so this just mystifies me! Beautiful work as well as all your other pieces. I want to see more when you have time to post. :)

Hmm...I guess it might speed up the process. I have not tried it. The outside is soft when you hang them to dry. I believe there might be a danger of insects invading the gourd and ruining it but this I do not know for sure. Perhaps as it is in the later drying stages, it might not attract insects as easily. If a large hole was cut or the top cut off, it is possible it would curl as it dried and might make for interesting art pieces. I might just have to try that!

I didn't know about hanging them to dry. Thanks for the information! I should know better because I do a lot of herb and vegetable gardening though. But, I have been putting small holes in them and just leaving them sitting in my basement. Probably the wrong move there! They have not lasted, I think, because I have put them in my basement!

Do you remove the insides of them somehow before hanging them to dry?

I did post one drawing earlier called "Majestic". It is one of a cougar.

I did finally notice, just today while at a friend's home showing her your work, that you had already posted a pencil drawing of the cougar, before I had inquired about you posting examples of your pencil drawings. Sorry!

Believe me, I just appreciated so much your interest in my work. I thank you and no need to say "sorry"! There is a lot to view on this site. I have gone through several times looking at the art work and seems I see something new I had missed before each time!

I would like to post some photos of some oil paintings that I did but I have no idea how to post a photo. Can someone please advise?

Thank you.

Didi

Here are some tips to get the picture uploaded.

First edit the pictures to web page size.
Then click Answer and on the same page a little lower you will find "Additional Options" and "manage attachements".
Click the manage attachments.

I would like to post some photos of some oil paintings that I did but I have no idea how to post a photo. Can someone please advise?

Thank you.

Didi

In what format are your photos? Do you have them on a CD, diskette, from a digital camera, or will you be scanning them in?

I will look forward to seeing your work grammadidi!

please go to my site and check out my questions. give me your advice! thanks

What is your site, please? Can you provide a link for it? This place doesn't even remotely operate like a chat room.

In what format are your photos? Do you have them on a CD, diskette, from a digital camera, or will you be scanning them in?

They are from a digital camera, are stored on my computer and I have made them smaller and watermarked them. They are in .jpg format. Thanks for your response. I'll check back tomorrow for further information.

Hugs, Didi

just click my name Brooke Leigh and go down to my questions

You're trying to use this place like a chat room. Please don't. It will confuse people if you piggyback your questions on other posts that have nothing to do with your question. If people want to answer the particular question that you have asked, then they will answer it in time. You just have to be patient. It might even take a number of days for someone to answer, though. If you want to chat though, there are any number of teen chatting places available on the Internet. Although, the quality of the answers that you get there will be questionable. This site is extremely well moderated as well as being a magnet for people who are knowledgeable to answer questions who really care about the people for whom they are answering questions.

They are from a digital camera, are stored on my computer and I have made them smaller and watermarked them. They are in .jpg format. Thanks for your response. I'll check back tomorrow for further information.

Hugs, Didi

Okay. Me, too!

If not me, then I am sure there will be someone else to guide you who knows what they are doing!

I am looking forward to seeing your work!

Here are some tips to get the picture uploaded.

First edit the pictures to web page size.
Then click Answer and on the same page a little lower you will find "Additional Options" and "manage attachements".
Click the manage attachments.

Oh! Thank you! I hadn't scrolled down far enough on the page! :)

Okay, here are 2 photos of my very first oils ever. Thanks for looking.

Hugs, Didi

Here is another one... unfortunately, not a very good photo of it. I also tried my hand at watercolour, the flower photo, but I really wasn't happy with it so I have never done another one. A photo of that is attached as well.

Again, thanks for taking the time to look.

Didi

Great art!

Grammadidi,
I love your work.

And the watercolour flowers are wonderful.

[--

--

Photo series- light your way
Was an art studio I did, did it all in one night before it was due
All you guys art is pretty awesome by the way, love the watercolours/paints
Wish I could paint gewd

Cal,
I love the colours in your photos.
Beautifully taken.

Do not get me wrong,but I think if the candles had been the only light(or the brightest), it would be even more beautiful.

Thank you firm :)
I think when I took the photos, I played around with the lights a lot, and without any other lights as well.
I then just picked out which ones looked best
So yer.

Thanks so much for your interest. Beading is a "time" thing, and the bead pieces I do, depending on the size of the finished work, DO take time to complete.
I would like to see what your niece is doing. I can teach her or anyone for that matter to do the same work I do in beads if she is interested; it's really no biggie and a very simple process. I can walk her thru it in no time, or anyone for that matter. Anyone interested just let me know. I enjoy teaching it. You may email privately if you like. ;)

Chek101,
I knew these had to have taken a tremendous amount of time. They just really fascinate me. I have no knowledge of beading so appreciate the information. My niece will be astounded. She is just beginning and we have all been so proud of her for her projects. I had just never seen work like yours. Thanks so much for sharing your work and your information. I will ask my niece what type of beads she uses but I do know she purchases them from a local craft store in her area so they aren't the ones you refer to I'm sure. I will share the information with her. I will be in touch after I visit with her. Have you been doing this for a long time?
jrebel7

Thank you for the nice comments about my paintings. Now, I am not fishing for compliments here, but I really want honest opinions. Do you guys think that oils look like something I should spend more time doing? I feel that I am not very artistic (well, besides in my head), but I was happy with my paintings when I did them. I haven't really shown them to many people besides the people that I painted them for. I just don't know if I like them because they are better than anything that I thought I could do, OR if they really are halfway good and worth spending my time on or maybe pursuing lessons. As I said, I truly don't want 'feel good' answers here. Thank you.

I have seen a lot of talent on these pages - I am truly humbled when I look at the works displayed here. I wish I could be 1/4 as good!

I am very much into photography since my second husband died. I think it helped me to be able to get past the darkness and begin seeing in colour again. That is also when I decided to try my hand at oils.

Anyhow, thanks again for giving me a place to show my paintings and for the comments.

Hugs, Didi

I didn't know about hanging them to dry. Thanks for the information! I should know better because I do a lot of herb and vegetable gardening though. But, I have been putting small holes in them and just leaving them sitting in my basement. Probably the wrong move there! They have not lasted, I think, because I have put them in my basement!

Do you remove the insides of them somehow before hanging them to dry?

Clough, I missed this note from you some way or another. Just found it. Sorry. To answer your question, I do not remove the insides. I hang them just as they are when I cut them off the vine, by the stem with a piece of twine tied to the stem and hang them on a nail from the rafter in the garage. They hang in open air but that is where the mold grew little fur coats for them. The ones I just left laying on the ground or the vine through the winter darkened but if lightly sanded, turn out nicely.

--

Thank you for the nice comments about my paintings. Now, I am not fishing for compliments here, but I really want honest opinions. Do you guys think that oils look like something I should spend more time doing?


Hugs, Didi

Grammadidi,
Your paintings are good and I think you should try both oils and water colours because I liked your water colour flowers too.
The oils you could practice more as I think you have the right techniques and your work is great.(I admire those who use oils as I have not been able to get the technique right yet).

And photographs? Do share some with us please... :)

[--

Grammadidi,
Your paintings are good and I think you should try both oils and water colours because I liked your water colour flowers too.
The oils you could practice more as I think you have the right techniques and your work is great.(I admire those who use oils as I have not been able to get the technique right yet).

And photographs? Do share some with us please....:)

Thanks, firm... I appreciate your input. I will try to post some photos tonight. I will have to shrink them and mark them first. I really want to get into selling my photos when I can get a better camera.

Didi

Hey, chek. I am a grandmother of six as well - one is a 'step', and he's 21. The others are 16, 15, 12, 12 and 7. Now, about my paintings... *blushing here*... Hahaha! Thanks chek! I appreciate your comments too! I use the Bob Ross technique, with a bit of my own thrown in. I use a knife and many different sized brushes, but I had considered using sponges and stuff too. I have done some wall painting and LOVED the results (acrylics) but I was afraid to use similar techniques with the oils. I'll try now! :)
I also prefer the oils, and I use a product to keep them wet. I use a LOT of paint, too, so they stay wet longer than most people's I'm sure! I do NOT paint fast, and believe me... when I'm done I have as much paint on my hands as there is on my canvas! I just hate cleaning the brushes. :) I tell everyone to buy me brushes for my birthday and Christmas so I don't have to keep cleaning them! Hahahaha!
Anyhow, thanks again. I think I will try a few more paintings. I mean, I know beauty is the eye of the beholder, but I hate to waste my time on something if it's really a waste of time.
I LOVE the work I have seen you do and have posted on here. You don't look like you dabble in kleenex! Heehee. You are very good. I would love to use some of your work for signature tags, web sets and other graphics.
Anyhow, thanks for the comments.
Hugs, Didi

Chek101,
I loved reading how this all began with the beading. The information you have provided and your openness to share is appreciated. I will get back with you after I visit with my niece. Thanks again so much!
jrebel7

Oh! Thank you! I hadn't scrolled down far enough on the page! :)

Okay, here are 2 photos of my very first oils ever. Thanks for looking.

Hugs, Didi

Love your use of lights and darks! Evoked feelings upon viewing. The joy of doing a piece is rewarding, when it touches the viewer, that is the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing. :)

I am always looking for new surfaces to paint on. I first painted a Thumb Piano in a class in OKC, OK. I will attach image. I have had requests recently to paint some more. I have been searching for some blank Thumb Pianos to paint on. That is how I first found this site. It has been so helpful.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/crafts/...no-132272.html

This link gives lots of good information on Thumb Pianos if it catches your interest! Thumb Pianos are just fun.

Love your use of lights and darks! Evoked feelings upon viewing. The joy of doing a piece is rewarding, when it touches the viewer, that is the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing. :)

Hmmmm... thank you so much for the feedback! The one with the sunset, etc. I call 'Solitude'. It was my first painting and done as I started coming out of the darkness after my 2nd husband died. I wanted to use colour to show that I was starting to feel alive, yet I wanted darkness to represent my mood.

You're right... I DO feel so good when I see my finished product, but, yes, knowing that someone else might like it inspires me and makes me want to do more.

Hugs, Didi

Here are some of my photos. They really do look better full sized, but you can get the general idea of what I like to take shots of:

... and these are the last one's that I will post! Sorry for doing so many!

Oh, and the last one is one of my dogs - Thunder. He is 2 years old and weighs 125 lbs. I can never resist a shot of him! :) He's a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Didi

Grammadidi,
I love the first three, the frog in clear water is beautiful.
I like the trees against the sky,looks like dark flames of the trees lapping the skies.
The two birds with the wood background is outstanding.

I love the sun in the middle of the clouds with the rays through the clouds, brought back memories of years ago, I used to call these rays "revelations".

Oh do keep posting more... love your work.:)

Thank you firmbeliever. I just love taking shots of the skies and animals. I had some awesome funnel cloud photos (which was a tornado a few miles from her) but my old hard drive crashed before I saved them to disk! I take a lot of shots of flowers, fields and water, too.

Hugs, Didi

I took a deep breathe and looked to the skies,
Through the tears I saw the sun.
A golden light framed in beauty,
Rays filtering through the clouds.
And I knew in my heart of hearts
That this was a moment of pure beauty,
And within my heart I memorized it.
For the days when things aren't right
I will have this golden memory….
-------------------------

I just wrote the above,I am no poet but that sun within the clouds just called to my heart.
Thank you for that Grammadidi!

You are so welcome! It's beautiful! You captured exactly how I feel about it, actually... and you gave me chills.

Didi

I was thinking of you too when I wrote it, how you looked for colours during the sad times..

Gosh! There really are a lot of beautiful things happening here! The repport between the various artistically talented people is fantastic! I love things in the visual arts! Have taught about it, appreciated it, got kids started in it, but never really developed my skills in it to the extent that I would want to display it, except for teaching purposes.

I wish that I had things that could be displayed here, since the original question did say "or any other medium." But alas, the art I am best at is the performing arts. And, that would be mainly in the performance of music and drama. I do like to make things for people to be creative on with decorating using various mediums, though.

Clough,
Do post one of your groups in costume...

We can still get a feel of your art even without sound and movement.

....but never really developed my skills in it to the extent that I would want to display it, except for teaching purposes.

Hmmmm... Clough, that is exactly how I feel about my paintings. Why don't you try us? :) You might be pleasantly surprised.

Here is another medium for me... a combination of my photography and graphic arts:

Here are some of my photos. They really do look better full sized, but you can get the general idea of what I like to take shots of:





All of these are stunning esp. the birds and the dog is great. You are very talented. To all of you I am very excited to be looking at such great art work.

I have been in over 40 musical theater productions, either as an actor or as a musician. But, most of the "pictures" have been in the form of videos that have been made of the performances. There are some still pictures that were taken of the cast in costume after one of the performances of the musical "Cats" as was performed at our local dinner theater. I would have to look real hard for the pictures. I was one of the three keyboardists for the show, however. I am in some of the pictures with the cast. There are also quite a few reviews in local news media about certain shows that may still be available online.

Below, is a link to one of the reviews where I played the string bass for a show and we three musicians were also acting on the stage with the main actors and actresses. No pictures, though. I am referenced towards the bottom of the page. Not the best review of the main actors and actresses... The paper on the other side of the river gave a much better review of the overall show.

QCTimes.com / Theater review "Liebowitz Sisters" provides lovely change (http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2006/09/08/features/weekend/doc450240bdedda1629104166.txt)

I hope the link above works here, because I found it by putting the name Liebowitz in the search function on the site.

>>Edit<< I just tried the link above, and it does work. Although, that site tends to be a little slow in loading overall.

Clough, I read the review! So you tore up the base!! That was great. I am so glad you posted the review. I am sure everyone would like to see you post more of the things you are involved in.

FB, I thoroughly enjoyed your poem. You have a sensitive spirit and it comes through in your writing as well as your art.

Grammadidi, I am enjoying your posts with your photography! I love it! Have you had a book printed with your photographs in them? Keep us posted.

... and these are the last one's that I will post! Sorry for doing so many!

Oh, and the last one is one of my dogs - Thunder. He is 2 years old and weighs 125 lbs. I can never resist a shot of him! :) He's a Bernese Mountain Dog.

Didi


grammadidi, my daughter use to live in New York and purchased Zoe, a Bernese Mt. Dog. She was so beautiful and gentle. When she passed away, my daughter and her husband flew to New York and purchased Zoe's niece. When I saw your photo of your Bernese Mt. Dog, thought you might enjoy seeing the painting I did of Zoe for my son-in-law for Christmas. You may not be able to see a lot of detail. I always resize small to post here. I kept the background simple, which is not my style, generally but seemed Zoe was all that needed to be there this time!

Beautiful painting! You are right, having the simple background was perfect for this gorgeous beauty. You know... I can almost see a little halo above her head. I can tell that you really captured her essence in her expression. I love it! The way she is sitting is just the way Thunder sits... kind of lazy. :) Thanks for sharing this! There must be a huge void in their lives without her.

Hugs, Didi

Didi, thank you for your kind words! We all do still miss Zoe. When I saw your photo of Thunder, I thought you might enjoy seeing Zoe.

Clough, I read the review! So you tore up the base!!!!! That was great. I am so glad you posted the review. I am sure everyone would like to see you post more of the things you are involved in.

Thank you for reading the review!

Yes, I tore up the bass! Almost literally, as a matter of fact. Just kidding! :)

Actually, there was an incident right after we had finished playing our first pre-show tune at a Wednesday matinée, where the "D" string on my bass broke! There was no way out for me - no new or old string available at the theater to replace the missing string! I started sweating bullets! I had to play the whole show on three strings instead of four! It did work out, though. I just had to be a little more creative. Before the evening performance, I got an old "D" string off another bass that is at my home. I know that the reviewer was not referring to this incident.

I did play very hard for the show. So much so, that I would tape the two fingers on my right hand up that I use for pizzicato playing with electrical tape before each performance so that I would not tear the skin on my fingers apart.

Thank you for reading the review!

Yes, I tore up the bass! Almost literally, as a matter of fact.! Just kidding! :)

Actually, there was an incident right after we had finished playing our first pre-show tune at a Wednesday matinee, where the "D" string on my bass broke! There was no way out for me - no new or old string available at the theater to replace the missing string! I started sweating bullets! I had to play the whole show on three strings instead of four! It did work out, though. I just had to be a little more creative. Before the evening performance, I got an old "D" string off of another bass that is at my home. I know that the reviewer was not referring to this incident.

I did play very hard for the show. So much so, that I would tape the two fingers on my right hand up that I use for pizzicato playing with electrical tape before each performance so that I would not tear the skin on my fingers apart.

Clough,
I can't imagine even being in a production like that. Sweating bullets?? I would have been a bullet, right out the door! LOL No, I wouldn't let others down but I can imagine the moment it broke, how fast your mind must have been racing. From your posts, I would imagine you put everything into anything you do. I play "at" the guitar and I know about the skin on the fingers just the little that I play.

Just been thinking about all the kinds of art we see on this site and just am in awe. You, with your musical talent among many other talents, others doing beading, poetry, painting, making carriages, drawing, sewing, dyeing fabric, photography, just to name a few on this thread, not meaning to leave anyone's talent unmentioned. It is just late and I am not thinking clear enough to mention them all. It has been fun to be a part of this art community. I have never been much of a joiner but everyone has sure made me feel welcome and I am thoroughly enjoying all the posts. Clough, keep posting more of your work.

Clough,
I can't imagine even being in a production like that. Sweating bullets????????? I would have been a bullet, right out the door! LOL No, I wouldn't let others down but I can imagine the moment it broke, how fast your mind must have been racing. From your posts, I would imagine you put everything into anything you do. I play "at" the guitar and I know about the skin on the fingers just the little that I play.

Just been thinking about all the kinds of art we see on this site and just am in awe. You, with your musical talent among many other talents, others doing beading, poetry, painting, making carriages, drawing, sewing, dyeing fabric, photography, just to name a few on this thread, not meaning to leave anyone's talent unmentioned. It is just late and I am not thinking clear enough to mention them all. It has been fun to be a part of this art community. I have never been much of a joiner but everyone has sure made me feel welcome and I am thoroughly enjoying all the posts. Clough, keep posting more of your work.

Thank you for your comments!

I did just think of other pictures of things that I might post. That would be pictures of antique furniture or pianos that I have refinished and rebuilt. It is an art if one does it properly. I wonder if people would mind my doing that?

I know that I could also post pictures of the thumb pianos that I have provided to others and that they have decorated. It might give music and art teachers ideas as to what they could do with their students.

Dear jrebel7,

The pictures of things that you have posted here are absolutely beautiful!

You might want to consider putting a watermark of some kind on your work that you post here like grammadidi has done on hers and others have also done. That way your work would be protected. I note that under properties of the original work and photos that you have posted, that certain words might come up in searches on the Internet for people wanting pictures of things like you have done. I would hate to see someone else use your work without your permission.

You have properties on some of your work like the following: artist-you-zoe-bernese-moutain-dog-acrylic-canvas-resized.jpg artist-you-thumb-piano-lighthouse-scene-8-note-resizedjpg.jpg artist-you-pyrotechnicque-acrylic-dipper-gourd-resized.jpg artist-you-gourdtar-magazine-moire-checked-resized.jpg artist-you-gold-black-dipper-gourd-vase-resized.jpg artist-you-example-one-before-being-cut-stained-resized.jpg artist-you-waiting-cougar-resized.jpg

All your art is so amazing!
Love all your art, some of which is almost as beautiful as you people are.
Want to see more of you guys art :)

Here's a pastel artwork that goes with my dp :)

Edit- sorry that its not a very good photo :s

Dear jrebel7,

The pictures of things that you have posted here are absolutely beautiful!

You might want to consider putting a watermark of some kind on your work that you post here like grammadidi has done on hers and others have also done. That way your work would be protected.

Clough,
Thanks for the compliment on my art work. We can all use all the encouragement we can give one another.

I appreciate your suggestions of the watermark and as soon as I figure out how, I will certainly do that. :) I have much to learn! Please post more of your work whether it be news paper articles, Thumb Pianos or furniture you have refinished. I know we would all enjoy it. I still go back through this thread and just absorb all the art everyone has posted.
jrebel7

jrebel7 - What graphics or photo programs do you have on your computer? Do you have PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Digital Image, Paint, etc??

Your art work is definitely worth protecting.

Hugs, Didi

all your art is so amazing!
love all your art, some of which is almost as beautiful as you people are.
wanna see more of you guys art :)

heres a pastel artwork that goes with my dp :)

edit- sorry that its not a very good photo :s

Wow! That's pastel?? Even though the photo quality isn't very good I can see that this is quality work! I can't wait to see more.

Hugs, Didi

jrebel7 - What graphics or photo programs do you have on your computer? Do you have PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Digital Image, Paint, etc???

Your art work is definitely worth protecting.

Hugs, Didi

I am sure that grammadidi, or cal823 could help you with watermarks much better than I could. I have had no experience in putting those sort of things on pictures.

Thank you for your comments!

I did just think of other pictures of things that I might post. That would be pictures of antique furniture or pianos that I have refinished and rebuilt. It is an art if one does it properly. I wonder if people would mind my doing that?

I know that I could also post pictures of the thumb pianos that I have provided to others and that they have decorated. It might give music and art teachers ideas as to what they could do with their students.


Comments on this post
Firmbeliever agrees: I would love to see your work:)
Bushg agrees: please post them, I love refinished furniture. Believe me there is beauty in the grain of wood and how it can be brought out by different methods.

Okay. Thanks for the positive comments! I will post some pictures of pianos and antiques that I have restored, maybe even some pictures concerning thumb pianos. I just have to find the pictures! I do have some on this particular computer right now. Also, others somewhere, where I would have to scan them in because they are so old! It will just take me some time assemble any of the pictures that I have so that I can find them easily on the computer.

So Didi and cal823, just how did you go about adding additional markings to your pictures depending on the individual programs that you use?

Okay, jrebel7 tells me that the graphics program she uses is PSP 8. I don't know how familiar you are with the program, but if you need more information, please ask. I will try to be as basic as possible. As I explained in my PM response, I don't use the actual watermark program as I have found that people have learned how to remove the watermarks. Here is what I find to be the best way.

Open the photo that you wish to mark.

Hit Shift and the D button to create a duplicate.

Close your original so that it remains intact with no changes.

Enter your text using the text tool (usually found on the left hand toolbar as a large letter A). If you don't see it, right click on your toolbar, go to Toolbars, then Tools and it should appear. I use Comic Sans MS most of the time, but use whatever you prefer. To make the copyright symbol (&#169;) hold down your Alt key and type in 0169. Let go, and voilà!

Adjust your text so that it is exactly where you want it on the photo. I like to place mine where it would make the photo invaluable to others.

Now, on the right hand toolbar, if you have it enabled, you will see a Preview. Underneath that is your Layers toolbar. On the left you will see each layer of the photo. Make sure you have the text layer chosen (you will see the little boxes around the text). To the right of that you see an eye, and immediately to the right of that you see the number 100. Click on the number, and move the slider to the desired opacity.

When you are done, Save As (I usually mark mine with the same title as the orig, with a -markd behind it so I can easily find them.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or problems.

Hugs, Didi

Comments on this post
Firmbeliever agrees: I would love to see your work:)
Bushg agrees: please post them, I love refinished furniture. Believe me there is beauty in the grain of wood and how it can be brought out by different methods.
Grammadidi agrees: Definitely consider refinishing antiques an art! Not to mention the other things. Please do post!

Thanks! I will once I have found, assembled, scanned and organized them! There are a lot of pictures...

I would love to discuss the various methods that others have used to put a finish on wood!

Thank you grammadidi :)

I used adobe photoshop to watermark mine, all I did was add text saying its my art and my email address, and then change the opacity of the writing with the little transperancy slider to make it see through :)

Clough, and any others who are good with wood stuff
I have a question
Well I was thinking, is it possible to put like a photograph onto a mannikin?
Like those little wooden mannikins, but make it so the whole mannikins surface is covered in photo?
I been thinking of how cool itd be to get a mannikin that's also a beautiful sunset or sky photo.

thankyou grammadidi :)

i used adobe photoshop to watermark mine, all i did was add text saying its my art and my email adress, and then change the opacity of the writing with the little transperancy slider to make it see thru :)

clough, and any others who are good with wood stuff
i have a question
well i was thinking, is it possible to put like a photograph onto a mannikin?
like those little wooden mannikins, but make it so the whole mannikins surface is covered in photo?
i been thinking of how kewl itd be to get a mannikin thats also a beautiful sunset or sky photo.


Why not have the photo imprinted on cloth, that would make it easier to fix it to the mannikin.

Good idea, chek. I was also thinking... I know they can print onto a thin layer of edible icing (like on those fancy cakes), so I imagine they could print onto almost anything (plastic, different fabrics, thin metals, rubber, etc) and it could be decoupaged onto the mannequin. I think the cloth idea could be expanded upon to include all different kinds of fabrics, which could add to the creativity of the mannequin idea.

Didi

Specialist Media Printing - from Wood to Glass (http://www.dcldigital.co.uk/media_printing.htm)

Here is a link where they do all types of printing.

Good idea, chek. I was also thinking... I know they can print onto a thin layer of edible icing (like on those fancy cakes), so I imagine they could print onto almost anything (plastic, different fabrics, thin metals, rubber, etc) and it could be decoupaged onto the mannequin. I think the cloth idea could be expanded upon to include all different kinds of fabrics, which could add to the creativity of the mannequin idea.

Didi


You're on fire, girl! You go! :D
I use to do some silk screening a ways back screening images onto paper and cloth. Check it out. It is done using a photographic emulsion which I can't remember what the name of that product was... long time ago, hon... but I remember it being real easy do. It involves a hand made frame which has silk screen fabric on it, a squeegee and the emulsion. That's it. The thing needs to perk a bit... sit awhile till the pic developes. That's about all I can remember about the process, sorry... or else I'd detail it here for you.

And hey... you sound like me; I'll jump into anything... including a good fight if I see one.
Btw you said you'd like to use some of my stuff for whatever... please... be my guest. I haven't copy-righted anything, nor will I. What I do is for everyone.

Okay, jrebel7 tells me that the graphics program she uses is PSP 8. I don't know how familiar you are with the program, but if you need more information, please ask.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or problems.

Hugs, Didi

Didi, what a jewel you are for going to the trouble of typing all this out. I will give it a try! I loved the ideas everyone had on the mannequin. With all the ideas everyone is sharing, just gets the creative juices flowing.

Thanks for the ideas and the link for the mannikin stuff :)
Its been an idea that's been floating round my head for a month now :)
Hmmmmm I wish there was like a building or sumting in the local area just full of unlimited supply of art materials/mediums etc, where all the arty people can like meet share ideas and do art together itd be so cool.
Well, least can share ideas with you guys/gals :)

Hey grammadidi!
I am giving this a try! If it doesn't look right, I can delete it I think. If it works, I will say "Thank you" ahead of time... couldn't have done it without you! If I didn't do it right, I will say, "Looking forward to more instruction from you when time allows! LOL" :)

Well, one is grainy, one is not! I will keep working on it!

"Ultimate Trust", (the dog and girl was a commission piece), by couple from KCMO. She worked at the vet clinic where this dog was brought in after it had been tied to a stop sign with rope and shot. It chewed through the rope, fell into a dry creek bed... was found, nursed back to health and developed trust once again with the workers and veterinarian. It made national news and money poured in and offers to adopt "Duncan". My husband did not agree with what I named the piece but trust is such an important issue in anyone's life, whether person or animal, I felt it was appropriate.

"Sweet Memories of Home", the house in which my mother grew up. It is in the country in MO.

Now, I am wondering too about the posting of images on this thread. I intend to do so as I have mentioned previously. But, I would appreciate it if someone would guide me in the way to post images, with text that I might write about them, above them, in-between them and also below them in the same post, please. Is this even possible? Thank you!

Good idea, chek. I was also thinking... I know they can print onto a thin layer of edible icing (like on those fancy cakes), so I imagine they could print onto almost anything (plastic, different fabrics, thin metals, rubber, etc) and it could be decoupaged onto the mannequin. I think the cloth idea could be expanded upon to include all different kinds of fabrics, which could add to the creativity of the mannequin idea.

Didi

Say, Didi,
You know I have boxes of "stuff" all over the place. I collect anything, broken bits of toys (for use on my PM machine) fabric, unusual papers and odd bits of plastic and metal shapes... whatever! I also have a few bags of stuffing or batting lying around somewhere. The reason I got the batting is because once I saw this picture in a book; it was a picture of Bette Midler. To my surprise, I was pleasantly taken aback to find that it was not a picture of Bette Midler, but a picture of a life size doll that looked just like her! Wow! I thought, now how kewel is that? In the picture the lifesize doll of Bette Midler was sitting in a chair with her legs crossed, a cigarette in her hand and her head tipped flirtatiously, back. She looked so real! Then when I read how and what the doll was made of, well, that really blew me away.
It was mostly made of nylon stuffed with batting and sewn up by needle and thread. The nylon, was pinched here and there and stitched in place till the right shape was attained. I tell you, the way they stuffed the legs... well... that was done so well that they perfected a pair of really hot and realistic looking legs! So that's another project I have in mind to undertake... producing lifesize dolls of relatives or famous people. And I think it would be so much fun dressing them up in really sharp, stylish clothes.

My response to you about printing the photo on cloth made me think about that Bette Midler doll. I'm an artist and I can carve or do sculpture so fashioning realistic faces from cloth wouldn't be much of a problem for me. BUT, I'm also a little short on patience so if there's anyway I can cut down on the process, I'm up for that. A face printed on cloth... could turn the trick... don't you think? And don't you think this is such a cool idea? Patty

Now, I am wondering too about the posting of images on this thread. I intend to do so as I have mentioned previously. But, I would appreciate it if someone would guide me in the way to post images, with text that I might write about them, above them, in-between them and also below them in the same post, please. Is this even possible? Thank you!

I don't know about placing text in between each image but would also like to know. When I included the images, I should have put the description in the body of the e-mail in which I sent the images instead of in postings after. The descriptions were an after thought. I'm learning.

Now, I am wondering too about the posting of images on this thread. I intend to do so as I have mentioned previously. But, I would appreciate it if someone would guide me in the way to post images, with text that I might write about them, above them, in-between them and also below them in the same post, please. Is this even possible? Thank you!


Let's see if this works for you!

Now, I am wondering too about the posting of images on this thread. I intend to do so as I have mentioned previously. But, I would appreciate it if someone would guide me in the way to post images, with text that I might write about them, above them, in-between them and also below them in the same post, please. Is this even possible? Thank you!

I was just playing with it to see how it can be done here and the only way I came up with was to do it all in Psp. that's paint shop pro. I have a very old version and refuse to move on to the newer more updated versions that are probably out there (whatever it is now, ver.11?), because I know this program inside and out and don't want to be bothered with learning the newer versions, right now. I'm sure I could refine it more, but I accomplished what I wanted and that was to see if it could be done. Now that I know it can, I'm sure you can make it even better.
I don't see the point right now in detailing exactly how I did it, because I don't know if you even have or use Psp. But seems to me, all graphic programs do pretty much the same thing as far as something like this less complicated procedure, goes.
So know that it can be done. Patty

I was just playing with it to see how it can be done here and the only way I came up with was to do it all in Psp., that's paint shop pro. I have a very old version and refuse to move on to the newer more updated versions that are probably out there (whatever it is now, ver.11?), because I know this program inside and out and don't want to be bothered with learning the newer versions, right now. I'm sure I could refine it more, but I accomplished what I wanted and that was to see if it could be done. Now that I know it can, I'm sure you can make it even better.
I don't see the point right now in detailing exactly how I did it, because I don't know if you even have or use Psp. But seems to me, all graphic programs do pretty much the same thing as far as something like this less complicated procedure, goes.
So know that it can be done. Patty

Thanks for answering my questions, Patty!

So, are the beaded images that you posted with text included, just one, big image, that includes the text?

I don't don't have Paint Shop Pro. But, I do have some simple programs for editing images. I know that I can also add text if I want, on the images, but not above or below them.

>>>Edit<<< I can see now that you have posted two images with text basically above or below the pictures in the images.

Thanks for answering my questions, Patty!

So, are the beaded images that you posted with text included, just one, big picture, that includes the text?

I don't don't have Paint Shop Pro. But, I do have some simple programs for editing images. I know that I can also add text if I want, on the images, but not above or below them.

Here's a brief (hopefully) run down of what I did so you can get an idea where to start using your graphic program.

In PCP, I went to file, clicked "New." This "new" I clicked on was actually asking me for a new "image" setting. But that made no difference to me because I know this will allow me to do what I want to do as far as achieving the paper size I want. When the next window opened, it was labeled "Image Dimensions." Again, I couldn't care less about that word "Image" that keeps coming up. So now this new window requires that I fill in the blanks for "height," resolution and dpi settings. I keyed in 8 and 1/2 " by 11" for the width and height and then keyed in 72 for the resolution. Then I clicked OK. Now, a nice white screen pops all set and ready to go. Here, in this white area is where I am going to paste my small photos. I say small because the size area I have to work with is roughly only an 8 and 1/2 by 11inch area... so logically, how many photos can you paste on a regular sheet of paper that size? After making allowances for text, maybe 3, tops if you go with anything in the neighborhood of 3 by 4". Of course if you use even smaller photos you can fit even more pics on the page if you like. If your photos aren't small enough, just open them up and resize them to a smaller size but save as photo B so you don't ruin your original.
Next find your file where you keep the photo you want to bring into that ". Of course if you use even smaller photos you can fit even more pics on the page if you like. If your photos aren't small enough, just open them up and resize them to a smaller size but save as photo B so you don't ruin your original.
Next find your file where you keep the photo you want to bring into that " image area we set up, up above, open it up, resize it if necessary as the forum won't accept it if it's too big. I resize mine by "pixels" and scroll up or down to around 750 pixels (or under), as that is the size that the "Manage Attachments" section likes working with. If you keep your photos under 750 pixels and resolution down to 72 dpi, they'll always go through.

Once you resize your photo, save it in that new size under the same file name but add a "b" to it so as not to mess up the original photo file. Do this with all the photos you want to put on that one page. Here's how you get the photo's into the new image area (that nice white area mentioned above): open your photo, click "edit", then click "copy." Now forget about that pic for one sec. Move your cursor over to the white image area and click anywhere in there to highlight it, letting the computer know that you are about to work there. Once it is highlighted, go back to "edit" click "paste" then after you click "paste" you need to click on "as new selection." The second you click on "as new selection" you will suddenly find that you have a picture stuck to your cursor that is moving as your cursor moves. DON'T click anymore till AFTER you have that photo sitting in that part of the white image area where you WANT IT! Once you click your mouse; that's where your picture will stay! If you accidentally did click your mouse, and it wound up where you didn't want it on that page... simply go back up top to "edit" and click on "undo paste" and it will be gone. Then click on "redo paste" but ONLY AFTER YOU GET THE PICTURE SITUATED WHERE YOU WANT IT. That's important.
Usually when you paste photos in this way -- "as a new selection" -- a kind of moving outline of dashes wrap around the photo like neons lights which annoy me to no end, so I get rid of that by going up top and opening the "selections" menu and clicking on "hide marquee" and that gets rid of that. I don't know what your setup is or what program you will use to do this, but there must be some way that it will work pretty near the same way as the way PSP works. I certainly hope so. At least you have an idea as to what has to be done.
About the text part: PSP has a text tool. I simply positioned it in that same white area as where I pasted in the photo, and typed in what I wanted to say. I hope this helps in some way. Let me know! Patty

Aren't I good? Only took mr a couple of hours.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5073/mydrawingfk6.png


Nah just joking, I'm actuall pretty good at drawing on paper, and somewhat decent on the computer for making graphics for games

If I can find any or if I can get my scanner working, ill upload them

Aren't i good? only took mr a couple of hours.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5073/mydrawingfk6.png


nah just joking, im actuall pretty good at drawing on paper, and somewhat decent on the computer for making graphics for games

If i can find any or if i can get my scanner working, ill upload them


Hey, don't knock it... that stuff sells big time in museums across America; they call it impressionism... LOL! Nice to to meet you and I :D am looking forward to seeing your stuff!

Yes, you are good! The detail is incredible and there is even a theme to the drawing! What do you call it, please?

:)


Aren't i good? only took mr a couple of hours.

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5073/mydrawingfk6.png


nah just joking, im actuall pretty good at drawing on paper, and somewhat decent on the computer for making graphics for games

If i can find any or if i can get my scanner working, ill upload them

Hey, don't knock it ... that stuff sells big time in museums across America; they call it impressionism ... LOL! Nice to to meet you and I :D am looking forward to seeing your stuff!


Ya I will never understand how like scribbles are so beautiful and stuff but oh well. And nice to meet you too

And Clough, I call it "A Boy and his Rock"

and Clough, i call it "A Boy and his Rock"

That is really catchy, you know? :p

Hey everyone!
Thought I would just post a few pics of a few fun little crafts that I do. My pencil drawings are my passion but I enjoy doing spoons, gourds, plates, glasses, jewelry, etc. I have posted the front and back side of a couple of spoons. They can hang just lay on a table. Because they are finished with polycrylic, they could be used to serve with but would need to be hand washed and dried, not placed in a dishwasher, same with the plates. I will post broaches and other pieces mentioned in this post in following post. The broaches are made from broken pieces of jewelry. The plate with the mother and child was done with a picture from a Victorian Calender, the backing with the thin wrapping tissue paper. The roses came from wrapping paper. The Santa's came from wrapping paper. I hand painted the tropical fish plate and all the trim on the others. They have to be reverse painted. I have done others but have given them as gifts.

These were referred to in earlier post. The broaches are made from broken pieces of jewelry. The plate with the mother and child was done with a picture from a Victorian Calender, the backing with the thin wrapping tissue paper. The roses came from wrapping paper. The Santa's came from wrapping paper.

Your creative ideas seem to be limitless, jrebel7!

What did you use to hold the broken pieces of jewelry together, please?

Clough,
I am wondering that too.

Maybe I will send JR, my broken pieces too and get a new piece done.Lovely work.

And Sgt,
Art is not limited, it can be in any form or texture... etc.

Your creative ideas seem to be limitless, jrebel7!!

What did you use to hold the broken pieces of jewelry together, please?

I would love to take credit for being creative, however I have seen spoons painted at craft shows and just took them to a little different level. For the jewelry, I used a piece of flat wood, sort of half moon shape. I used an adhesive called E6000. It is a clear multi-purpose self-leveling formula. I purchased it at our local craft store. It is the best I have ever used for jewelry. I purchased a little package of pins for such at the local craft store and glued one on the back of the wood piece and had a simple little piece of jewelry that allowed me to still enjoy the memories of the jewelry rather than have pieces laying in a drawer.

Clough,
I am wondering that too.

Maybe I will send JR, my broken pieces too and get a new piece done.Lovely work.

And Sgt,
Art is not limited, it can be in any form or texture...etc.

FB, sounds like a plan!! :) Glad you liked it.

I would love to take credit for being creative, however I have seen spoons painted at craft shows and just took them to a little different level. For the jewelry, I used a piece of flat wood, sort of half moon shape. I used an adhesive called E6000. It is a clear multi-purpose self-leveling formula. I purchased it at our local craft store. It is the best I have ever used for jewelry. I purchased a little package of pins for such at the local craft store and glued one on the back of the wood piece and had a simple little piece of jewelry that allowed me to still enjoy the memories of the jewelry rather than have pieces laying in a drawer.

You mention formula. Is this some kind of epoxy? Would it allow the jewelry to be worn, like maybe as part of a necklace without out the jewelry falling apart?

You mention formula. Is this some kind of epoxy? Would it allow the jewelry to be worn, like maybe as part of a necklace without out the jewelry falling apart?

Clough, the E6000 is not an epoxy that you mix two mixtures together just prior to using. It is a clear gel like substance but a little thick. I have not had any experience with this on a necklace. It seems to be fairly versatile. I believe it would work on a necklace if it has had time to bond. It has a 24 to 72 hour dry time. I have used it on several surfaces with great success. I like it not only for setting up securely but it stays pliable long enough upon application to move items into best position. When I worked on the broaches, I set the pieces into position, moved a few a little higher up here and there to make the piece interesting but once I had them positioned, just left it overnight and it was a done deal! What I purchased is a medium viscosity clear. They may have it in a lighter viscosity if this one is too thick for what you would want. Hope this information helps. :)

jrebel7, I love all the crafty ideas you have. :) Do you sell these pieces? I do a lot of crafts myself. I will post photos in a separate post.

I notice that you placed your copyright on some of your art. Are you happy with your results, or would you still like me to send you each step with a graphic? I'm sorry that I haven't posted or emailed, but I had a rough weekend with some health issues and cluster headaches. (Plus the Nascar races take my attention away from many things quite easily!) Let me know exactly where you are having the problem if you still need guidance.

Hugs, Didi

Here are some of my crafts:

1. Small Christmas broom decoration
2 & 3. Tussie Mussies (little Victorian type decorations which can be put on drawer handles, Christmas trees, etc.)
4. Boutonniere
5. Mini fridge magnet. This one is a bee, but I make them for all kinds of insects and small mushroom birds.

jrebel7, I love all the crafty ideas you have. :) Do you sell these pieces? I do a lot of crafts myself. I will post photos in a separate post.

I notice that you placed your copyright on some of your art. Are you happy with your results, or would you still like me to send you each step with a graphic? I'm sorry that I haven't posted or emailed, but I had a rough weekend with some health issues and cluster headaches. (Plus the Nascar races take my attention away from many things quite easily!) Let me know exactly where you are having the problem if you still need guidance.

Hugs, Didi

Good to see you on here grammadidi! I'm glad you enjoyed the crafts I sent. I am anxious to see some of your crafts! Hope you feel like posting some soon! I am sorry you have had headaches. Those are miserable. Do these affect your vision? Sure hope you feel better. Not a great way to spend your weekend.

My son is an avid Nascar fan. The weekend we were in KCMO a few weekends ago, they were having Nascar races there. The city was jam packed. The tickets had been sold out for over a year, I understand.

No rush on help with the copyright. I can't understand why mine fades from dark to light, left to right. It is good sometimes when I post on the pencils unless I have a lot of dark and you can't view the first part. I didn't quite follow about the 100 and the opacity?? At least now, on the ones I want to copyright, I can do it as far as I took it anyway! Your instructions were of a great help to me. Also, you might have seen the one that looked so grainy. I don't remember if I went into another area and reset some settings without realizing it. I will try later to put the copyright on it again and see if I can fix the grainy look. Thanks so much! I appreciate your help but get over your headache and get to feeling better soon.

I have sold a few crafts but I generally do them for gifts. I sold some spoons and a spool. I will post some spools later. I would like to have information on the wooden spools if anyone could help with that. I think they came out of a factory but found them at a sale and thought they would be interesting to paint on.

Don't forget to post some of your craft items!! :)

I have a deep love for birds and in particular owls. The woodburned owl here was my first attempt. I was so proud of the way it turned out! It is only small (about 5 inches high or so). I wish I had of attempted a large one instead!

The other two 'birdhouses' are my medium and large sized bird fridge magnets. I even cut out all the pieces of wood for the little fences and glued them together... VERY time consuming! :D All of my insect and bird houses are different. No two are alike. Some birds are holding nesting material in their beaks, some are poking their heads (or tails) out of the holes, etc.

Hugs, Didi

Here are some of my crafts:

1. Small Christmas broom decoration
2 & 3. Tussie Mussies (little Victorian type decorations which can be put on drawer handles, Christmas trees, etc.)
4. Boutonniere
5. Mini fridge magnet. This one is a bee, but I make them for all kinds of insects and small mushroom birds.

Grammadidi! I figured you for having a delicate touch... I was right. :) I don't have a delicate bone in my body! One of my instructors told me I had a bold stroke on my pencils. I have tried to be more delicate in my art because I admire it so much but to no avail. Your work is beautiful. Post more!! :)

Grammadidi! I figured you for having a delicate touch....I was right. :) I don't have a delicate bone in my body! One of my instructors told me I had a bold stroke on my pencils. I have tried to be more delicate in my art because I admire it so much but to no avail. Your work is beautiful. Post more!!! :)

Hmmmm... Delicate? That is a real hoot, but thank you! Delicate is NOT at all how I see myself or my touch! Hahaha. Let me describe myself... I am (yes, even at 53 yrs of age) a tomboy. I still climb trees and catch frogs, for Pete's sake! :eek: I am a real kid at heart. In fact, you will usually find me with the elderly trying to stir up trouble, or with the kids having fun. I am EXTREMELY accident prone. I break toes and fall down on a regular basis. I suffer the most UNUSUAL accidents. I am somewhat loud... no, I take that back, I can be very loud. The only time I can remotely consider myself delicate is if I am trying to take a photo of an animal or bird in the wild and I am walking through the woods attempting to not disturb anything.

Many people who know me would laugh so hard hearing your description of me... myself included. :rolleyes: Hmmmm... maybe I need to take a closer look at my clumsy ol' self.

Thanks for the compliment, though. Perhaps there is a softer side of me that I am just beginning to get in touch with?

Hugs, Didi

Some additional great stuff from grammadidi I see! I was wondering where you have been, Didi!

....Let me describe myself... I am (yes, even at 53 yrs of age) a tomboy. I still climb trees and catch frogs, for Pete's sake!

Hugs, Didi

Ahhhh, I see! But, have you ever gone seining for crawdads? :)

Grammadidi, we must be soul mates! LOL I ride a motor cycle, have since I was 14, hunt, fish, am always stirring up trouble around my mother and her friends at the NH. Have been snake bitten while fishing, got hit by a truck while riding my motor cycle (while in college, not my fault... the guy was cited for not yielding!! ), I catch frogs and put them in a terrarium for the grandchildren to watch. I even catch food for them, for the frogs not the grandchildren. LOL Well, a surprise at every turn. When I saw your work on the flowers, it just seemed so delicate. I did remember as I saw those, your other work, and it was bold and introspective. I stand corrected! :) However, anyone who works with flowers, I tend to think of them as having a delicate touch because flowers are so difficult for me to work with whether arranging or painting, much less growing. I loved hearing about your life. I would love hearing more about the other artists also. I love viewing the work but along with that, knowing about the artist, makes the work so much more meaningful to me.

In my younger days, I broke my arm, doing a cart wheel off a fire hydrant, cracked the same foot twice, once trying to jump over a pile of bricks. I didn't make it. I sure thought I could though! LOL I always have taught my chidren to believe they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. I did caution them a few times though. Didn't want them getting hurt like I did. LOL Thanks for sharing a fun note.

Artists, maybe you would share a few things about yourselves? I would love that.

Grammadidi, we must be soul mates! LOL I ride a motor cycle, have since I was 14, hunt, fish, am always stirring up trouble around my mother and her friends at the NH. Have been snake bitten while fishing, got hit by a truck while riding my motor cycle (while in college, not my fault......the guy was cited for not yielding!!!)

Were you hurt when you were hit by the truck?

I'm not a motorcycle rider now. But, when I was in the 5th grade, I was hit by a car while riding on the back of a motor cycle. The car hit me, not the motor cycle! It broke my leg.

Grammadidi, we must be soul mates! LOL

Water seeks it's own level. It is a basic law of physics. It is the same with people. I don't think that there is any accident as to why certain people come together.

Clough, yes, I was hurt but not too badly. I was on the main thoroughfare, the driver of the truck was at a stop sign but tried to get across the street and just as I was about to hit the truck broadside, I turned in with the truck. The bike hooked onto the truck then when he was on his brakes, the bike let go and I slid on the street on my back. I remember thinking, "chin to chest, chin to chest!" to keep from having a head injury. I was taken to the ER and the police called my brother to meet us out there. My parents were out of town. I was in a bit of shock and it pulled the ligaments in my foot, the same foot I had cracked twice before! Just had x-rays and they wrapped the foot and had to keep it that way for weeks. The bike was messed up but got it fixed.

I cringed when I read your post that the car hit you and it broke your leg. OUCH! Did it heal okay? Does it still give you trouble? That must have been traumatic for you at that age. Isn't it amazing how each of us have had such diverse lives, yet similar experiences and now here we are, strangers becoming friends as we share art and life! Life is good!

Ahhhh, I see! But, have you ever gone seining for crawdads? :)

Ummmmm... no... I NEVER use a net! :) Funny you should ask. I used to have an aquarium with 1" rainbow trout and 5 crawdads. The crayfish (crawdads) would climb up on the rocks at night and sing the most unusual songs to me! It was so very beautifully strange!

Didi

Water seeks it's own level. It is a basic law of physics. It is the same with people. I don't think that there is any accident as to why certain people come together.

Interesting thought Clough!

A reason, a season or a lifetime? Friendships!

Grammadidi, we must be soul mates!

Oh, yes, we sure do sound like soul sisters! :) Thank you so much for sharing! It is so much fun to read about each other. Helps to identify people more with their work.

I too, would love to hear more about the artists posting here.

Hugs, Didi

Water seeks it's own level. It is a basic law of physics. It is the same with people. I don't think that there is any accident as to why certain people come together.

Very insightful, Craig. I totally agree.

Hugs, Didi

You gals are getting ahead of me here!

Well Clough, you better hurry and catch up with us!

I just posted a pic of me on my new bike (well it was new four years ago or so). I bought it just before I quit working outside the home. My husband doesn't ride so I figured I better purchase one while I had the money because after being off work, I figured unless I sold a lot of art work, money would not be plentiful in my account. LOL

Thanks for the compliment, though. Perhaps there is a softer side of me that I am just beginning to get in touch with?

Hugs, Didi

I know that there is a softer side to you, Didi! I can tell it by the art in which you express yourself and the things that you say when you post. Just the fact that you end with "Hugs, Didi" speaks volumes in itself!

At one of the grade schools where I was a music teacher, I had to play for all of the children's masses. The priest said that he could tell a lot about what kind of person I was by the way that I played.

We can tell a lot about how you are, Didi, by your art and the things that you say. Artists know how to "read" each other! Oh also, there is an art in the way someone writes things. Maybe writing is something else that should also be included in this thread. But then again, maybe not. There is already a Writing topic section on this site. But, maybe it would work in this thread also.

I am glad that firmbeliever started this thread! It really seems to be a topic in and of itself!

Well Clough, you better hurry and catch up with us!

I just posted a pic of me on my new bike (well it was new four years ago or so). I bought it just before I quit working outside the home. My husband doesn't ride so I figured I better purchase one while I had the money because after being off work, I figured unless I sold a lot of art work, money would not be plentiful in my account. LOL

Where's my bike? It might help me to catch up!

Firmbeliever met a real need I believe in posting this thread. Thank you FB!

Firmbeliever met a real need I believe in posting this thread. Thank you FB!

Firmbeliever is a blessing to have on this site! :)

Clough, I cringed when I read your post that the car hit you and it broke your leg. OUCH! Did it heal okay? Does it still give you trouble? That must have been traumatic for you at that age. Isn't it amazing how each of us have had such diverse lives, yet similar experiences and now here we are, strangers becoming friends as we share art and life! Life is good!

Yes, it did heal okay. It gives me no trouble. A few things about the accident that I vividly remember are that my uncle was driving it and that when the car struck me, my uncle basically "floored" the motor cycle and we ran into the curb. I flew over my uncle. Since I was really into Superman comics at the time, I can remember flying through the air and thinking, "This is what Superman feels like when he is flying!" My uncle's helmet hit the bottom of a sign post. There was a huge dent in his helmet. Had he not been wearing the helmet..!

Hey Superman, glad you survived your encounter with the car!

Where is Chek101? I miss those posts with the life size art. I can't imagine working on something that large. I was a little shy when I first posted and didn't comment on some of the work as much as I should have. So many with so much talent.

I will say goodnight and hope to see more artists post their work tomorrow. Clough, have you found any photos of your furniture you have refinished yet. I will look forward to seeing those. Good night for now!

Maybe Superman wasn't invincible in grade school, eh? :rolleyes:

I too, have been wondering what has been up with Chek101. Don't know.

I wish you a goodnight, also jrebel7. We will be in touch, soon. Just please be patient with me! :)

>>>Edit<<< Oh, I forgot! I do have photos in my computer of furniture work that I have done. I just need to find where exactly they are and do some resizing on them. Will be posting them soon!

Thank you for asking about that!

I know that there is a softer side to you, Didi! I can tell it by the art in which you express yourself and the things that you say when you post. Just the fact that you end with "Hugs, Didi" speaks volumes in itself!

At one of the grade schools where I was a music teacher, I had to play for all of the children's masses. The priest said that he could tell a lot about what kind of person I was by the way that I played.

We can tell a lot about how you are, Didi, by your art and the things that you say. Artists know how to "read" each other! Oh also, there is an art in the way someone writes things. Maybe writing is something else that should also be included in this thread. But then again, maybe not. There is already a Writing topic section on this site. But, maybe it would work in this thread also.

I am glad that firmbeliever started this thread! It really seems to be a topic in and of itself!

*blushing here* Thank you, Craig.

Hugs, Didi

*blushing here* Thank you, Craig.

Hugs, Didi

Hey, you are more than welcome! Just wait 'till you see my next one about you.. I'm just warming up! Your post to that M11 was just outstanding! Getting things done there is like trudging through a 19th century novel! :D (That grins not big enough, by-the-way!)

Hello all,

JR,
Lovely to see you enjoying this thread and making friends.. :)

Grammadid,
What beautiful work... the birds and the what-you-call-them thingies like fridge magnets;).Love the flowers there.

I am loving this thread... awwww you all are welcome.

Do not worry if I go about my day without commenting here, I take a peek and move on.

Beautiful pieces of art
Breathtakingly simple
Yet hard not to admire
Elegant as can be
Words fail me...

Oops! firmbeliever's back! :eek: We'll have to quit talking about her now! :o :D

;)... oh do go on.
I love it when you talk about me... not to mention flattering

;)...oh do go on.
I love it when you talk about me.....not to mention flattering

You'll have to leave the room first, though! :D

How could I leave such wonderful people... I am hooked.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/erlobenauer/drawingerlo-1.jpg


Here is me and my husband, just did this yesterday, its not fantastic by no means, and I am seriously due for taking some art classes. I just spent time teaching myself, so also give me some input on what I shouldv'e done, or should do next time around!

THanks:)

Everyone's ART HERE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q115/erlobenauer/drawingerlo-1.jpg


Here is me and my husband, just did this yesterday, its not fantastic by no means, and I am seriously due for taking some art classes. I just spent time teaching myself, so also give me some input on what I shouldv'e done, or should do next time around!

THanks:)

EVERYONES ART HERE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL

So glad you posted! Great expression in the eyes and the shading was right on. I see a lot of talent here. The first classes I took on pencil drawing, I spent the first four sessions lost as a goose. I finally asked the instructor to please show me how to do a wrinkle. He did just a few strokes and it all clicked and pencils have been my passion since. Looking at your drawing, I would say definitely, without a doubt, move forward with your art and post more of your work please.

I can't see the image in the above two posts. I don't know why. Have seen all the other images on this thread that others have posted. Properties says that it's a jpg. Anyone have any ideas as to why I can't see the image, please? Thank you!

>>>Edit<<< I just clicked back on some other pages of this thread to make sure that the other images were still visible on my computer. When I came back to this page, the images were there! So, no problem!

Here is me and my husband, just did this yesterday, its not fantastic by no means, and I am seriously due for taking some art classes. I just spent time teaching myself, so also give me some input on what I shouldv'e done, or should do next time around!

THanks:)

EVERYONES ART HERE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL

Your work is lovely! I especially like the expression in your eye and the shading on your face. Gosh I wish I could do this!

Hugs, Didi

Hi all! I sure have missed seeing all the activity on this thread. I will post a few more pieces tonight. I am not a writer but do try to write just a one page fictional story for my drawings. I have not written one for all of them but several. I am posting two pencil drawings, "Searching Eyes" and " Quiet Wisdom". If anyone would like to read the stories, I can post those also. I don't know about copyright rules with writings so if someone could help me know the right thing to do, I will post stories later. Most artists that I know, not all, feel things deeply so I imagine a lot of you write either your feelings or stories or poems. I would love to read them. Just the way some of you write your posts, there is an artistic flair with your words. Share please?

This does not happen with all my drawings of people but with "Searching Eyes", no matter where you walk in the room, his eyes seem to follow you. I can't always capture that effect, sometimes it just happens.

I'm back with two more pencil drawings. "Reliance" and "God's Mosaic" (a quail). :)

I had some computer foot stools built and stained and painted the posted one for a friend for her birthday! As I shared in an earlier post, I give most of my crafts away as gifts. As a "dabbler", I like to do a few of each piece and then I don't usually go back to that craft. I just dabble in something else. :)

Grammadidi, I don't think I must be doing the copyright process correctly because my images are not coming out very clear. Maybe it is just from resizing them to a smaller size, you think?

Jrebel - your work is AMAZING! I wish I could do that! Just beautiful!

Hi, jrebel7!

I'm back! Had to conduct a rehearsal of the local Barbershop Chorus group, tonight. It happens every Tuesday night. It is one of the arts in which I am involved.

I would like to see your stories!

As far as your images coming out clear, I would suggest seeing if there is something in your image editing program that can make the images sharper. I have something like that on one of my programs. I know that when I make images lighter or darker on one of the programs that I have, the clarity suffers some. I then sharpen them up.

If you don't mind, I would like to suggest to you not using an email address as your watermark, or whatever it might be called, on your images. Probably isn't going to be a problem on this thread considering the quality of people who are on it. But, you never know who might be looking for a legitimate email address to spam. Just an unsolicited suggestion. I hope that you don't mind my saying that.

Jrebel - your work is AMAZING! I wish I could do that!! Just beautiful!

Yours is beautiful also! Got any more to display?

Thanks much for the kinds words! :) I was just looking back over some of the posts of art work and reread yours. I could view and study art 24/7! You did that yesterday, in one day?? That is amazing girl! I always admire a soft touch like you have. The expression in the eyes capture so much. I have a question. Did you shade the background or is it just the paper you used? It looks so smooth and even. Also, what kind of pencil do you use and do you work in other mediums?? I know, I am full of questions but I am just always interested in technique, experiences, medium, textures, style!! Please keep posting your work.

Hi, jrebel7!

I'm back! Had to conduct a rehearsal of the local Barbershop Chorus group, tonight. It happens every Tuesday night. It is one of the arts in which I am involved.

I would like to see your stories!

As far as your images coming out clear, I would suggest seeing if there is something in your image editing program that can make the images sharper. I have something like that on one of my programs. I know that when I make images lighter or darker on one of the programs that I have, the clarity suffers some. I then sharpen them up.

If you don't mind, I would like to suggest to you not using an email address as your watermark, or whatever it might be called, on your images. Probably isn't going to be a problem on this thread considering the quality of people who are on it. But, you never know who might be looking for a legitimate email address to spam. Just an unsolicited suggestion. I hope that you don't mind my saying that.


Clough, you are one busy guy!! How did the rehearsal go? Looks as if there is not much you can't do! :) I still would like to hear a CD or tape of you playing music.

I will post stories but should I do a copyright like on photos? The printer who does my Giclee prints, scans my original work and makes one a .TIF image for him to use and then makes one a web image. I think that might be part of the clarity problem because I reduce the size so much for this forum, but I can work on that.

Oh, I appreciate so much you making the suggestion regarding the e-mail address! Thank you so much. I never gave that a thought. I will come up with something else. Should I do something about the images I have already posted... have them removed or something. I wouldn't repost them even with different watermark/symbol since they have been viewed already anyway! Let me know please what you think I should do.

Clough, you are one busy guy!!! How did the rehearsal go? Looks as if there is not much you can't do! :) I still would like to hear a CD or tape of you playing music.

I will post stories but should I do a copyright like on photos? The printer who does my Giclee prints, scans my original work and makes one a .TIF image for him to use and then makes one a web image. I think that might be part of the clarity problem because I reduce the size so much for this forum, but I can work on that.

Oh, I appreciate so much you making the suggestion regarding the e-mail address! Thank you so much. I never gave that a thought. I will come up with something else. Should I do something about the images I have already posted....have them removed or something. I wouldn't repost them even with different watermark/symbol since they have been viewed already anyway! Let me know please what you think I should do.

Thanks for the reply!

Rehearsal went just fine! Incredible group of guys! As far as a bunch of men, it would be hard to find a finer kind of group in which to be involved, in my opinion, at least. Singing together, caring about one another, sharing, fellowship, working together towards a common goal, perfecting our art, etc.

I do have recordings that go back many years. But, that is for another time... We both know that we have other things on which to concentrate right now. ;) :)

I believe that if you type Copyright, year and then your first and last name besides your writing then that should cover things in terms of copyright. When I have read what is on the following site, Copyright Office Basics (http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#hsc) it has been my understanding that your photographic or written literary works are automatically copyrighted at the onset of their creation/publication. I may not be totally correct about that, though. I have also read where others, not from the copyright office, say that you have to mail the things that you want copyrighted to yourself in an envelope and then just not open the envelope after you receive it. There may be someone else here who has a better idea as to how all this copyright stuff works, though.

Maybe the problem is in the format of your images as far as the clarity of them is concerned. Anything that I have posted elsewhere on this site is in jpeg format. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the clarity when I have posted them to other threads. By-the-way, the images that I have posted have had nothing to do with art. Usually for the Humor & Comedy section of this site.

I am assuming that some of the images that you have posted here are just pictures that you have taken of your work and then just put into your computer either by scanning or from a CD. Correct?

Are you interested in the free image editor that use? It is pretty good! It is the one that I have used to post images on this site.

I wouldn't do anything about the images that you have already posted. Too much work! I would just be careful about the next ones that you do post from here on out.

Thanks much for the kinds words! :) I was just looking back over some of the posts of art work and reread yours. I could view and study art 24/7! You did that yesterday, in one day??? That is amazing girl! I always admire a soft touch like you have. The expression in the eyes capture so much. I have a question. Did you shade the background or is it just the paper you used? It looks so smooth and even. Also, what kind of pencil do you use and do you work in other mediums??? I know, I am full of questions but I am just always interested in technique, experiences, medium, textures, style!!! Please keep posting your work.


I think this is in reference to me, lol. Well, I did that drawing in about 2 1/2 - 3 hours. I like soft touch as well, but mostly because once I try to shade any other way, it doesn't look right. I need some serious help when it comes to shading, I usually smudge with a Kleenex or Tortillon.

The paper isn't shaded at all, its cheap paper, Premium white medium tooth for charcoal pastel pencil and pen. I couldn't even tell you what paper to use, lol. And as for pencils, I just went to the art store the other day and bought a Graphite Drawing Kit - because I have nothing here. I don't have experience really, other than my doodlings/drawings in which I just teach myself and erase and redo until it looks good enough. I need CLASSES badly! Feel free to HELP :)

I will try to do another today, and post it tonight or so!!

Hey again! I started this after my last post. Please don't mind the backround, I was rushing ( I KNOW BADDDDD thing to do ) but anyhow - I totally messed this up anyway, it was supposed to be Angelina Jolie - and well... it looks nothing like her, I'm lost as of right now, I have no idea what I'm doing or not doing to make a portrait look like the person in the photo. :(

I'll need lots more practice I guess, but here goes:)

Thanks for the reply!

Rehearsal went just fine!

I wouldn't do anything about the images that you have already posted. Too much work! I would just be careful about the next ones that you do post from here on out.



Hey Clough, I started twice to answer his last night and just couldn't put words together! Glad you had a great rehearsal. Sounds like a fun group!

I appreciate your tips on copyrighting the written word. I will probably type something like you stated and not worry about it. One pagers wouldn't be much in demand anyway, especially from someone who writes so elementary in style. LOL When I work on a drawing, I get certain thoughts that come to mind. When I drew the Palmer Chapel, which I will post in a later post, I wrote as if the Chapel was speaking, not me. When I wrote about "Searching Eyes", as if the man were telling the story and so on and so forth!! It may be a bit confusing the way I write. But I enjoy others writings and hope you enjoy the stories also. I keep them one page so I can frame them and hang them next to the drawing at the shows.

To answer your question regarding the images I have posted, most are on a CD taken from scans by the man who does my prints. He can print a canvas or watercolor paper the size of a large living room so I think he uses the .TIF format for clarity. What I posted were .jpg files. I either change them to that format or Dewey has both kinds of files on the CD. The few exceptions are the gourds, computer foot stool, jewelry, three dimensional pieces that I did photograph of then scanned and saved in .jpg format. Dewey keeps my images on his computer plus burns a CD for me when I have work scanned. That way when I want additional prints made, larger prints made, or greeting cards or book marks made, all I have to do is e-mail and place my order then go to Tulsa, and pick them up. I think perhaps when I reduce the size to 750 or actually, I do most at 450 pixels to keep the post from being quite so large, it might make them not as crisp. Would you be able to send a link to the free photo editor you use and I could install it perhaps? That would be great. I use Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8 most of the time but I have three others but seems so far, the Jasc Paint Pro 8 seems to give me the most options for editing.

I will leave the earlier posts then. I wasn't going to redo and repost just remove but I imagine it will be okay anyway but I so much do appreciate you mentioning changing what I put on the copyright! As always, you are right on! Jan

I think this is in reference to me, lol. Well, I did that drawing in about 2 1/2 - 3 hours. I like soft touch as well, but mostly because once I try to shade any other way, it doesn't look right. I need some serious help when it comes to shading, I usually smudge with a Kleenex or Tortillon.

The paper isn't shaded at all, its cheap paper, Premium white medium tooth for charcoal pastel pencil and pen. I couldn't even tell you what paper to use, lol. And as for pencils, I just went to the art store the other day and bought a Graphite Drawing Kit - because I have nothing here. I dont have experience really, other than my doodlings/drawings in which I just teach myself and erase and redo until it looks good enough. I need CLASSES badly! Feel free to HELP :)

I will try to do another today, and post it tonight or so!!!

I apologize! I should have addressed the post to you since I didn't use the "quote" feature. I am fairly new on here so sometimes, I don't do everything as succinctly as I should. :confused: LOL

I use Strathmore Bristol Velum 100 # paper (they also have it in smooth) and the pencils are Design Ebony Jet Black Extra Smooth #14420, and the Design kneaded eraser for smudging, taking out light strokes, highlighting, etc. all are available at craft stores. If you don't use one of those types of erasers, I would encourage you to get one. You just keep working it and working it as you use it. After awhile, you would need to purchase a new one but they last a really long time, through several large drawings. The pencils have different hardnesses of lead but I find this one is usually all I need. I keep a very fine point, using an electric pencil sharpener. I have tried to use several types of sharpeners to keep from eating up the pencils so quickly, shorter length on the lead showing but I like having the long thin tip. I usually get only 4 to 9 strokes to the point then resharpen. Of course, I keep a larger supply of sharpened pencils, go through all of those, then take a break and resharpen all of them. The drawings you see with black backgrounds, I have done that all with pencil. I have done small drawings in three to nine hours. The most hours I have put into a piece is 52 hours. It was larger than most and the complete page was detailed. I will post that one at some time. My nephew died two years ago. He was 37! He called me his "favorite iconoclastic (breaker of images) aunt". I wanted to do a pencil drawing of his cowboy boots. It turned out to be much more than just a drawing. There are a lot of images within the picture that pertains to his life! Well, this is turning into an epic. I am just excited to have someone who enjoys working in pencil to converse with.

I look forward to more postings from you!
Happy Drawing! :)
Jrebel7