There is a disastrous under-drawing beneath this collage. Sometimes the road to acceptable takes you on strange detours.

See previous post

Acrylic on canvas 24 x 24 inches. As I struggled to resolve certain problem areas I used my sketch book to make a quick color diagram of what was going on. Then I alternated, back and forth between the sketchbook and the canvas–it was a great call and response activity. I am not sure the sketch is successful as a stand alone piece, but I like it as a reminder of what a great tool it was.

Got a whole box of these irresistable mini oranges at Trader Joe’s today. The kids have already demolished about a third of the supply!

A day where the drawing didn’t happen until LATE….hoping tomorrow I can have more serenity, and more focus.

This is a view from the road near the Arguello Gate in the Presidio–truly spectacular. As I started to make the drawing I felt as if I was making a drawing I had made before. I looked over and saw that the sign said “Inspiration Point” — and from there I was reminded to let the drawing tell me what it needed. When I was finished I felt a huge sense of calm and relaxation…letting go in the process made it so much more enjoyable to draw.

Still rainy and cold here. The daffodils cheer us up. I just bought a new pair of flip flops and can’t wait to start wearing them.

Snow last night. Hail tonight. Still so cold.

It’s eerily cold, the weather reports suggest a high possibilty of snow on Twin Peaks, about a 10 minute drive from here. I am turning up the heat and enjoying this odd time.

Arrived early to meet a friend who is often late…started this drawing and she arrived on time for our walk. I quickly packed up and finished the drawing at home.

This is my neighbor’s yard. Just beautiful. Ours is coming along, but it’s fun to enjoy the view of his thriving lemon tree as I sit at our dining table.

This is the time of year when some sun begins to hit our tiny yard behind our city house. Interesting geometric patches begin to move across the sod and I am reminded of Diebenkorn’s Ocean Park series. I saw a wonderful print of his at a new show of Crown Point Press prints at the De Young Museum this past weekend.

As I was drawing a corner of the living room, the water-soluble oil pastels just sort of took over! The silkiness was irresistable. I am eager to get more colors so I can get some (perhaps any?) subtlety.

On a low-carb diet, bread is the enemy…