Birthdays

Our granddaughters' birthdays are this month and one of the many things they enjoy doing is cooking with their mother. Flour and chocolate do have a way of finding their way out of the bowl, so maybe these will come in handy.

This was an easy apron pattern; the more involved ones will be good for Christmas. And I believe the kerchiefs will fit. When the girls would visit us, they found it humorous to dress up wearing the couch arm-covers as a headpiece. I checked the kerchief measurements against those. Odd reference material, but they sure came in handy.

Partings

We've been spending as much time as we can with our grandchildren and family before they leave New England. Two of our children are moving a distance away: job changes.

One of our daughters has already moved and with her went this study of Saint Michael. She has always had a devotion to him and it occurred to me that the desire to paint him had been placed in my heart for her journey. Knowing the picture was with her gave me peace of mind as it reminded me that God is present no matter where, or how far we venture.

And now our second daughter's move is one that we struggle with. Saint Therese, the Little Flower, so poignantly expressed it when she said that "life is constant partings." In reading scripture this morning I took solace in this verse: "Behold I will send my angel before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring thee into the place that I have prepared."

May God give us the grace we need to understand his Holy will.

Bus Stop

Something about sitting in the coffee shop window on a rainy day and looking out at the bus stop is much like being immersed in a Dickens' novel. And how I would love for him to have been there to tell me the name he would give to each and how all would fit into his novel.

Treetops

Climbing the large firs on the island was a favorite pastime for many of the neighborhood children. If someone was willing to let you stand on his back to reach the bottom limbs, you were on your way to the top.

And being at a level with the church steeple and surveying the neighborhood from such heights changed your perspective of the world. There was a sense of justice about it all--we may not have been given wings for soaring, but did have feet for climbing.

Friend or Foe

I don't mind being a Gulliver when confronting the insect kingdom. Under a microscope, this little creature's red eye appears as ferocious as any dragon's. Must admit, his bubble lair certainly is more approachable than a smoke filled cave.

If he meandered into Lilliput, would he be considered friend or foe?

Another Beginning

I selected one of a number of drawings I worked on of Saint Michael and will copy it to the board. And yes, I've resorted to claybord once again. I seem to be stuck in claybord mode and thought I'd try a head study, such as those you'll see over at Whistling Trains Flicker, before a three-quarter image on gessoed board.

My teacher told our class that he had spent three months practicing the calligraphic-type brushstrokes, integral to icons, before actually being allowed to paint an icon. I couldn't imagine why it would take three months to perfect such strokes, but after watching him freehand a perfect circle, and then trying it myself.... Well, better a humble beginning, than no beginning at all. And if all else fails, there is a compass : )

Time

I made my second trip to the Museum of Russian Icons--this time with a camera and notebook. Fifteen minutes before closing, I realized I hadn't taken any notes, or pictures. Not surprising really, because when you're among icons, time just "is."

An icon is a window where the earthly and the Divine meet. It is not meant to represent an external reality, but a spiritual reality. And maybe that's why I lost track of time, and why I feel the need to return.

A Crown

Dandelions. The perfect flower for fashioning into a crown. And during the grand children's visit, that's just what we did. A few violets for color and the coronation could begin. No matter how rudimentary the crown, when placed on children's heads they immediately don an aura of mystery and majesty.

As I watched the young girls in the parish go up to receive their First Communion, I couldn't help but notice their headpiece and veil. They had that same mystery and majesty about them as my grandchildren did when wearing their crowns.

My prayer at that moment--that their love for Christ increase each time they receive him.

Easter Vigil

Wending their way to the grandchildren.

Happy Easter!

Suppertime

Schedules vary here weekdays and a family sit down dinner isn't always possible. As different ones drift in, I like to sit with them at the kitchen table while they eat. The only problem is there is a temptation to "mange" again while watching them.

Not always foolproof, but worth the try, is doodling with pencils, or crayons as the days events are shared. And it is understood that there is no drawing anyone when they eat. The tulips didn't object to being a model, though these poor things had gone by a day ago. If petals still remain and there's a hint of color, they can stay another day, or two.

And I found crayon artist Tiona Marco has a blog now. I look forward to seeing more of her work.

Coincidences

There are moments when I question if there's any point in drawing or painting when I only find time here and there to work on art. For me I guess, art has to fit into my life, not my life into art.

I received something in the mail recently that was reassuring. I've included a picture of the envelope as well as its contents. My friend always takes the time to paint florals on her envelopes. They're always a joy to receive.

She was leaving for a trip and didn't have time to include a letter. On the back of the envelope was a hastily dashed note: "I just found these while packing. This is the fresco the icon was taken from."

I forgot that earlier this summer I had mentioned to her that I hoped to work on a icon of Saint Michael and was searching for a particular image. She believed she knew just the one I was speaking of and had taken a picture of it on one of her travels to Greece. She said she'd mail me a copy.

A couple of weeks ago I started some preliminary drawings of Saint Michael, but again, wondered if there was any point to all this. When her note and photos arrived, the day after I had started my drawings, I remembered what my RCIA sponsor had shared one evening--"In life, there are no coincidences." Guess I'll take that to mean press on.

Pilgrimage

Today is Our Lady of Lourdes. A pilgrimage I hope our family can make someday.

Those who have gone told me should God want us there, He'll find a way. Our bags can be packed in five!

Light

Studying the way light falls on the face. Know it will help when it comes time to add highlights to an icon's face.

Enjoy looking at these interiors over at Whistling Trains Flicker.

Student Mode

"Googling" Bargue Drawing Course, I have come across a lot of interesting articles about the sight-size method, I especially like Misconception #4. I'm reconciled to being a student for life : ) . Training the eye to see and the hand to record will be new each time, every time.

I've resorted to tracing over the Bargue plates and checking my drawings against them. It's hard to see errors when your eyes tell you differently.

An almost calligraphic line is used in icon writing and knowledge of the contour line is important. There are times when I think I should try drawing with a brush, rather than a pencil. May give it a try.

Little Things

Working on a few little sewing projects around the house. Completed these child-size rosary pockets for the granddaughters.

And speaking of little things, this site will bring a smile.

Bargue Drawing Course

I've been trying to divide my time between the Bargue Drawing Course and drawing icons. There are moments when I'm uncertain if the course is helping me with my icon work, or my icon work is helping me with the course.

Hands are a very important part of an icon, especially where they are always in a position of blessing, praying, or pointing the way. The course plates offer a very dramatic lighting, much like the highlighting found in icons.

My drawings are not as accurate as I would like, but there's a value in the study, even if the results are far from perfect.

Star of Bethlehem

A welcome sight after an afternoon of shoveling. My daughter gave me this beautiful Star of Bethlehem plant for Christmas and it continues to flower. A pleasant reminder that winter won't be forever.

More Snow

Years ago I read an amusing anecdote about a fellow who noted that winter was the one time of year when his lawn looked as good as his neighbor's. Guess that makes snow the great equalizer. And more of that is on its way for tomorrow.

Never thought I'd be saying this, but I sure do miss the lawn mower.

Dozing

Seems hardly fair to draw family members as they start to doze off in front of the television, but think they're relieved to escape my scrutinizing stare.

Oh and fear not. Where you're off to, I can't follow.