Friday, November 5, 2010

Radiance


'Radiance'
pastel on toned paper 11 x 14

I did this piece today just for you. So I hope you like it. :)

I had nothing to post since I'm working on two large paintings that have a lot of detail and they are taking me FOR-E-VER. And I'm still trying to get the colored pencil piece from this post finished and it's slow going too.

But it's good. I don't mean to say that slow is bad. It's therapeutic and meditative and all that. Except for impatient people like me. I have to tell myself every time I put brush to paper "DON'T rush this!" 

That has been one of the most important things for me to learn with the way I like to paint. I don't have to paint fast. There's no hurry. I like to have glowing color and accurate facial features. And for me to do that I have to take my time. It's fine. I've come to grips with this reality. Mostly. :)

I had a few questions from the previous post that I did not get to answer (life is hectic! But what else is new?) I read all of your comments and they really mean a lot to me. Thanks for taking the time to tell me what you think! You guys rock in an all out glorious way.

These are the questions that I can remember. If I forgot yours ask me again okay? I'm having a blonde day.

Where've you been? Here! I promise. Just busy. I'm glad you guys missed me though. And I mean that in a good way. Also in addition to my painting, mommy, wife, and church jobs I've decided to do NaNoWriMo.

What the heck is NaNoWriMo you ask? It's National Novel Writing Month. The idea is you write an entire novel, start to finish, 50,000 words (which ends up being a book about the size of 'The Great Gatsby') in 30 days.

Yes, I agree with you.

I am crazy.

But, it's a lot of fun and I'm totally in love with my story so far. There's a little widget on the side of my blog that shows my progress to the 50,000 word deadline. You can cheer me on if you want! I love cheerleaders!

Do you prefer bristol to regular cartridge paper? Yes, I do. Most of the time. Bristol is very smooth and is great for drawings with lots of detail. I really love it for colored pencil pieces. But it's not so great for work where you want texture and lots of nice line work. At least in my opinion. So when I use charcoal or pastel I don't use bristol. I like a paper that has some tooth or a really great sanded surface.

And, last but not least, tonight is the opening reception for the Carriage House Gallery Holiday Invitational Exhibit. It runs from tonight until December 30. And there are two artist receptions. One is tonight from 6 - 9 and the other one is December 3 from 6 - 9.

If you feel like taking in some art in Ogden stop by and see me! It'll be fun.

Have a great weekend everyone!

11 comments:

  1. Wow! You are busy:) An entire novel in 30 days, that is an accomplishment. Very exciting!! Your drawing is beautiful! That's your niece? I also get very impatient while painting. I just can't wait to see the finished product. Congrats on your show! Wish I was close enough to see more of your work in person.

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  2. Oh Crystal, you are just so full of energy it puts me to shame. I had 4 days off and didn't do much at all. I cleaned house, read a whole book (which I never do any more), cleaned out file drawers and rearranged the studio a bit; but absolutely no paintng. I feel so naughty. Now I have to work three nights in a row so won't get any painting done for three more days. Hopefully next week I can get back in there and pick up a brush. Congratulations on your show. Sending good wishes for lots of success and fun.....:)

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  3. Love your new icon at the top of the blog. What a beautiful young girl. It looks to me like the same girl you drew today?

    Both the drawing and the painting are amazing!

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  4. Gorgeous!
    My friend is also doing a novel for WriMo too... good luck with yours!

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  5. Lovely, just lovely. I cannot imagine trying to write a novel in one month! Ahhh! But I know there are a lot of people out there participating in NaNoWriMo....crazy! But I wish you the best luck with writing every day....that's what, 1,600 words a day?

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  6. Wish I could stop in to see you. Hope it goes great and you meet a lot of wonderful people.

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  7. This is fabulous Crystal :0)
    Like you, I always feel guilty if I don't post for a while and recently I have found myself posting things I am really not happy with, just so I have posted 'something'. Actually I think I'm going to stop doing that so much and try to post with quality in mind rather than quantity!

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  8. Thanks for this post Crystal.. This is your beautiful niece and you have done this portrait with such mastery.

    And when do we get to read your novels?? :)

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  9. So do you ever sleep Crystal? You are one busy lady. The last posted piece is so full of character.
    Good luck on the novel.

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  10. Thanks Carrie! I wish you lived closer too, I'd love to see some of your work in person. :) Yes that's my niece, she's one of my many muses. :)

    Thank you Carol! I hope you're able to get some painting done when you feel up to it. You deserve a break I think. And I'm glad you got to read a book! That's the ultimate treat. :)


    Thank you very much Virginia! And yes it is the same girl. My beautiful niece. :)

    Thanks Pat! And thanks for the luck, I'll need it! :)

    Thanks Rachel! It is kind of crazy isn't it? It's 1,667 words a day. I'm trying to stay ahead of the game and finish before Thanksgiving, so I'm aiming for 2,000 a day. Oh the insanity! Thanks for the luck too!

    Thanks Fay! I wish you could stop in and see me too. :) Hope all's well with you!

    Thank you Sandra! I enjoy all your posts and never think you post anything inferior. But I know the feeling. I think the thing I like about frequent posting is just that it forces me to work regularly. :) I love your shoe piece btw.

    Thank you very much Prabal! :) One day maybe Prabal. When they're fit for the eyes of my good bloggy friends you guys will be some of the first to get a sneak peek. :) Thanks again.

    Not much Gary! But I'm doing what I love. Who needs sleep right? ;) I can say that because my kids are all sleeping through the night now. Thanks for your comments and for the luck!

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  11. Great portrait Crystal, you have a great way with handling the lights and darks. Good luck with the novel, thats a lot of words in a month!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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