school

I Never Leave Home Without my Moleskine

February is an insane month in the Art room, when art shows and registration wreak their havoc.

There are two big local art shows that we submit student artwork to, and of course they both happen within two weeks of each other. My students and I are scrambling to finish up work for submission. At the same time, we are beginning the registration process for the 2010-11 school year. I have to spend part of every class signing students into courses for next year as well as recruiting for my Art History program. I really love teaching Art History, and if I don't get a certain number of students, I can't offer the course. On top all of this I've got to teach.....keep kids making and learning. Can we say stress?

In times of stress, I find myself spending more time in my trusty Moleskine sketchbook. It feels good just to draw, with little thought about what it will be. There is something comforting to me about creating on those 3.5" x 5.5" pages. I steal a few minutes here and there during the school day while my art babies are working and often continue those sketches at home while half-watching TV.
I've now got two Moleskines filled with these organic "doodles" crafted with a black Bic pen. I would like to turn them into a "saleable" product, but am not sure what that will be quite yet. Artists, do you ever sell pages out of your sketchbooks? I don't know if I am willing to do that, but I'm considering making prints and adding hand-colored elements with colored pencil or watercolor.

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Where To Next?


Happy Friday Friends! I was able to survive my second week of school and am looking forward to making some art this weekend.

For quite some time now I have been working on my floral series. I must have done 30 pieces in the last year that had some type of flower in them. Recently, I revisited my chairs, and now have made 5 new pieces in that series. I could still crank out more chairs (and probably will), but I think its time for a new direction. But what?

This is where you come in my loyal blog readers. What type of subject/s would you like to see me tackle next? I'd love to hear what you think. I'm open to any and all suggestions!

To further entice you into responding, I'm giving away an 8" x 10" Red Room print to one lucky person who comments on this post. The winner will be chosen at random on Saturday, September 19th.

Thanks for your help!!

Goodbye Summer Life. Hello Teacher Life

Happy Labor Day friends. I hope that you are enjoying the beautiful summer weather and extra day off.

I am about to start my second week back to school. It went well, but I am still not used for how busy and tired I am when teaching. I came home every day last week and had to nap! When I'm at work there is really no down time (unless you count my 20 minute lunch) and I rarely even have a chance to sit down. My blog may be neglected in the next few weeks as I get back into the swing of things. Sorry, I'll miss you!

I'm trying to get a few more pieces done before my Artscene appearance at Wallblank on October 2nd and 3rd. I will leave you with my newest work in progress, "Stay a While". All the cutting and pasting is complete, now I have to embellish with ink.

Last day for the "Chair Sale". Pick up a print today before prices go up!

Ta Ta for now.