new things

I've been working on some new items. This is what my desk currently looks like:

Eureka!

I have just discovered the close up feature on my camera! 

In my defense...I have always used the zoom...but now I have found the setting that allows you to play with the focus. I love it!

I can't wait to redo my Etsy photos!

Random sketching

from the past few days. I was playing with some watercolors in a moleskine...

very thin pages...I kind of like the look.

Instagram

I'm so obsessed with this app...

Random beauty

from a recent trip to Charleston, SC.

Peep drawing

My study break....not theirs.

My attempt to secretly draw the people at the table in front of me in Barnes & Noble without them noticing. Good incentive to draw quickly.

Posemaniacs

Several months ago I found this gold mine of a  website called Posemaniacs.

It is for artists, etc to practice drawing people. I am always trying to improve my people drawing skills because some of my favorite sketches are those with people in them...done quickly and loosely. I even started a sketchbook just for this purpose. Practice makes perfect, right?

I'm also testing out the setting on my scanner because it doesn't ever accurately reflect the colors...

fall...ing. a haiku

crisp air...

bubbling creativity

to inspire.

Fall is here! I love the season changes...and I have a crush on fall.

This fall I purpose to:

1. sketch more

2. take more pictures of the changing leaves

3. take more walks in the crisp air 

4. cook more stews

What do you purpose to do more of this season?

five things i love friday

Art print, green abstract, topography, map inspired, Blood Delta by Tahiladay

 

 

rock paper collage desk accessory by RedorGray Art

 

 

moon by permanentmagenta

 

 

Mother and Daughter Lighting Candles by GiliahLitwack

 

 

Sabbath Candles Painting -- mystical artwork with Gold Hebrew lettering by ShirChadash

Shabbat Shalom everyone!

Passion, capitalism, and small bidnesses...

While we were away on our runawayfromhome vacation...we stopped at this hole in the wall (literally, you ordered at a window) hot dog place. Mostly because it was random looking and had a huge line of locals. That's always a good sign. We had a reuben there that was actually pretty good. As usual, I have no pictures of the food. 

BUT. 

While we were waiting for the sandwich, I was captivated by this huge billboard next to the order window that had all kinds of business cards. I  confess I was looking for designs/ideas/geniusness to steal. But I was struck by how they were all small businesses. 

Dog walkers, a/c repair, plumbers, hair stylists, etc. And the cool thing about some of them is that I know the person behind it had a dream or an idea or saw a need and knew they could fill vacant space with their idea or dream or skill. And more than just fill the space...they could pay their bills and feed their families. There was one woman who's card said "Chelsea's Passion." I am not sure what exactly she did...but her business name was so fantastic and said it all. 

I have the utmost respect for hard working people, and I have even more respect for small business owners. I don't think there is another country now or ever where you can so easily imagine something, make it happen, and make money doing it. 

So much opportunity in this country...someone I know (and heart) said one time that if you are willing to work hard enough you can build an empire in this country. 

I say amen to that.

Vacation of sorts

I just returned from a small vacation in Charleston, SC. I feel like a new person.