One Of My Favorite Challenges Is Right Around The Corner!

(Click on the image to learn more.)

See you then...
I can't wait!

To Tracey With Love (And Humor!)

(a page in my sketchbook)

I originally created this drawing for my Clooney-and-tea-loving pal, Tracey, in July.  Then, when EVA & I decided to host a tea party for her, I thought it might be fun to revisit this drawing and play with some new ideas...

It started off pretty harmless.  I printed my drawing and cut it out to try different backgrounds.  But, knowing how much Tracey shares my love of silly (and actually encourages my antics), I couldn't stop there...

So I took George for a ride.

(Yes, that's George Clooney in my passenger seat.)

I brought him with me to the post office.

And, I took him to the grocery store.

(It's pretty appropriate that this photo was taken by the bananas.  Because, if you are taking pictures with a cardstock cut-out of a George Clooney drawing, people are going to look at you like you are... bananas.)

Since George is truly a gentleman, he wouldn't think of attending Tracey's Tea Party without bringing flowers.

Or chocolate!

(I had so much fun with George, I can see why Tracey loves him!)

Out Of My Comfort Zone

A page from my sketchbook.

As a birthday present to myself, I signed up for 
Flora Bowley's Bloom True e-course.

For those of you that have been reading my blog for a while, you probably already know that I am most comfortable painting faces...

And silly things...

"Cinderellephant"

But, the reason I chose to take Flora's class was not do something comfortable and familiar. Or, to have an excuse to clean and organize my studio (although, it was nice to see it that way for a little while)...

The reason I signed up for "Bloom True" was to learn something new.

When I was in art school (many years ago), I was taught to think, plan, explain "why", and then think some more... While I was sketching ideas and carefully planning compositions, there wasn't a whole lot of room left for "go with the flow".

Please don't get me wrong, I learned many valuable things in art school.  But...
I also believe that there are always new lessons to be learned.  And right now, the lesson I need to learn is how to loosen up...

 Luckily for me, Flora is a gentle and encouraging teacher who says, 
"There are no mistakes."

As a recovering perfectionist, letting go is a challenge.
But, if I can get out of my own way, I have a feeling I'll learn a lot about myself (and my art) through this process.

p.s. Even though I work with EVA weekly to make sure Paint Party Friday is up & running, it's been ages since I actually linked a post of my own... I think it's about time!

I'm Back!

A page from my sketchbook in the artsyville style...

(Although, no one doodles like Aimee!)

Recharging My Creative Battery

My original intent for this post was to do an ICAD update, but instead I've come to a pretty big (and pretty scary) decision...

I've decided to "unplug", except for my behind the scenes work with EVA at Paint Party Friday, for the remainder of the summer.

Yesterday was Tyler's 7th birthday... If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then you may remember me mentioning that we celebrate "Birthday Weeks" in the Dudish house.  In the midst of the merriment I became a little bit wistful thinking about how fast time seems to be flying...

I was reminded recently (by a couple of wonderful blog friends) of how truly precious each moment is.  So, as a result, I have decided to enjoy the school-free time I have with Tyler and savor each and every moment!

I'll be back, creative battery recharged, in September...

(I hope you will all still be here!)

Grateful

An amazing paperclay creation
created by the talented and kind
Stephanie Estrin

I received the most wonderful gift in the mail recently and I just had to share! (How lucky am I?!?) 

Stephanie Estrin (from the Creating Flow blog) has been creating some super cool paperclay pieces.  She says she is new to the medium and that she is just playing and "getting her feet wet", but I think she has a real knack and natural gift for sculpting.  (I can't wait to see what else she makes!)

Thank you Stephanie!!!

I feel so, SO grateful for the amazing community of artists I've met online that I now call friends.  Because of that, this week I've decided to share a little blog love.

June Cards Completed!

Daisy Yellow's Index Card A Day Challenge is at the half-way point, and Ello Lovey's Doodle A Day June is complete...

icad #22
doodle a day june: "in your cup"
(eyes cubes)

icad #23
doodle a day june:"circle"
(full circle)

icad #24
doodle a day june: "something new"
(a gnu)

icad #25
doodle a day june: "where you live"
(Gnu York)

icad #26
doodle a day june: "water"

icad #27
doodle a day june: "tree"
(palm tree)

icad #28
doodle a day june: "in the morning"

icad #29
doodle a day june: "cold"
(frostbite)

icad #30
doodle a day june: "gravity"
(full moon...not sure if this is cheating or just "recycling" my ideas!)

Now on to Doodle A Day July!