Daily Face: I forgot

Yesterday I woke up, did my regular morning routine which included drawing a portrait. I thought I had posted it until I came to my computer at 10:30 pm wanting to make sure that I posted a daily portrait today before I went to bed only then realized I forgot yesterdays portrait.
I'm over 50 and its funny how you forget things, even my husband who is so meticulous, now forgets things. I told him this could be dangerous because we are both forgetting things.

Daily Face: July 29 and Thrifted Art Supplies

I went to the thrift store today and found this unused art paper. I could not pass it up it is Strathmore 11"x 14" Bristol Vellum, Bristol Smooth, and Tracing Paper, also new markers. I don't know what I will do with the tracing paper, it may come in handy someday. It was cheap.

Daily Face: July 28, Platters and David Driskell

 I'm trying to enjoy my last days before I go back to work. Faculty & Staff go back August 3rd, the students will began August 10th. I really wish they would go back to the old schedule when school starts in September after Labor Day.

Platters

I love to use platters in my centerpieces for my dining room table. I recently picked up this one from a thrift store and could not believe my good fortune of finding Wonki Ware. It's Di Marshall Wonki Ware from South Africa. Check out her video. The wooden platter is from Ikea. The green platter is 1960’s Vintage Italian Green Leaf Majolica Pottery I purchased at an estate sale.

Platter from Ikea

1960’s Vintage Italian Green Leaf Majolica 

My Current Art Read

I came across this book in my husbands collection "Evolution: Five Decades of Printmaking by David C. Driskell. I enjoyed reading it and looking at his artwork. The black and white picture is my favorite.

Daily Face: July 27 & Welcome bike

 We went to our daughters Jack & Jill baby shower this weekend. If you do not know what that is, it is when men are also invited to participate.  They all seem to have a great time including my dad who is 76 years old. It was held in historic Roswell, Georgia. The picture of the welcome bike was in the garden where the shower was held.

Daily Face: July 23 & 24

Daily Face: July 22

I am suppose to be getting ready to leave for College trip instead I'm in my studio drawing a face. I hope I left enough time time get my hair right.

What's Blooming & Garden Tools Hangout

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 I love to garden and play it the dirt. I have not always been a fan of succulents but they are growing on me. My friend gave me a piece of her stick plant. Recently I went to an estate sale and purchased the donkey tail plant. It was calling me to save it.

Stick Plant in the back

Donkeys  Tail

Peppers

So what's blooming? I planted peppers for my husband. I however do not care for my tongue to be on fire, I prefer a little spiciness.
The other day as I was looking out the car window I spotted a beautiful garden. I wondered why my garden did not look like that, then it hit me, they had more vibrant pinks in their garden so I added a new pink perennial and I love it. "Belleza Dark Pink Gaura" also the Mardi Gras Helen's Flower is blooming.

Belleza Dark Pink Gaura

Mardi Gras Helen's Flower

 Garden Tool Hangout

 While at an estate sale I saw a brass fireplace set. I didn't need another for our fireplace, but I really liked the way it look. I was wondering how I could re-purpose it when I had a great idea. I could use it for my garden tool hangout. Also the broom and other accessories could probably also be used some way in my garden. Now whatever area I'm working in I will have tools in reach and I won't have to lay them down and forget where I put them.

Brass Tool Hangout

Cast Iron Tool Hangout

 If you want to find different whimsical garden decor  try estate sales. I purchased this garden planter for $15. It was in a greenhouse. I planted it with different herbs. You can't tell but it has three draws and of course the shelving on the bottom. I decided to place my tin blue and white plates there since I have it outside on my patio. Also the white lace tower is from another estate sale, it was a set of three for $5. The picture below is from a book I'm reading called Passalong Plants by Steve Bender and Felder Rushing. My husband says it looks like trash but I would love to visit this garden.

Daily Face: July 21

Finally I am back on track, but for how long I do not know. We are taking our last child to her College Open House. We will be gone for two days.

Daily Face: Student Portraits July

Getting Back on Track: Daily Face Student Collage

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I've been trying to find the best format to post my illustrations when I'm trying to get back on track. I thought a collage would be good. I really admire artist who can commit to painting daily. I find it a challenge just to draw one illustration  every day. If you wonder why the numbers skip it is because I usually don't draw on the weekend pages of my calendar because of the lines.
 And I found out that I'm an impatient artist, when I start on a piece I would like to be finish the same day.

What's Blooming in my Garden

 This is a Crocosmia "Eva" Lily it requires little care. I love the vibrant color it adds to my garden. I am one of those gardeners who loves to plants perennials.

When I think of enjoying my garden these are the dreams in my head. I would love to build a table around a shady tree or have a sunroom with overgrown plants. How dreamy! 

These photos are from the book by Caroline Seebohm "English Country"

Back from Vacation: Catch up Video

Vacation is over, just tried to relax and read while in Florida. Here are my illustration to catch myself back up. Still behind though and soon it will be time for me to go back to work. I really wish that I was creating something more beautiful.