Monday, December 27, 2010

Sketchbook Monday


graphite sketch 8"x10"

I hope everyone had a great holiday! Ours was the best, I couldn't have asked for anything better than two full days of just being at home and playing with my little family. I just wish it would have lasted longer.

But, now I'm dying to get out and go running again, to offset all the Christmas candy I've eaten. :)

This sketch is one of the studies for my portrait giveaway winner, Catie. I love her peaceful expression and the soft lighting on her face and hair. I also really like that smile she has, kind of like she has a secret about something.

I may be hit and miss around the blogosphere for the next week as I soak up all the time at home with my family.

Also, I have a large (and I mean LARGE) painting that I'm working on for a cool new exhibit that I must finish up right away! So, stay tuned for that.

It's different from what I've done before. It's a watercolor and it's a portrait, but it's on an entirely new surface for me (it's not watercolor paper).

This has got me thinking about trying new things, and also that I need to do that more.

So, here's a question for you: How often do you shake up your artistic routine? When was the last time you tried something new?

Have a great day everyone!

17 comments:

  1. I always love to try new things - The problem is, I need to master one of them! This looks beautiful! She will surely be utterly thrilled :0D

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  2. Well you know me :) I'm not much of a risk taker or a trier of new things. Although good point, I should!!! I think I'll try something new today. Can't wait for the LARGE reveal :):):) Love ya.

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  3. Glad you're having such a good time with your family! As for trying new things, I suppose quite often; whether it works for me is another question. And I can hardly wait to see your new, big painting!

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  4. Looking forward to seeing the large painting you are doing. As a "new" artist it seems like everything is a change. Sometimes I feel like I am in a giant snow globe and am waiting for the blizzard to settle! Change=Growth.

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  5. Crystal,

    Thank you so much for the lovely comment you left at my blog.

    I feel the same way when I view another gorgeous painting you have created.

    I am happy that you are spending such quality time with your family.

    Have a wonderful week and may the new year bring you happy surprises.

    Michael

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  6. Two years ago after a ten year run, I changed my style from figurative abstract (west coast native american and totem figures) to non figurative abstract expressionism. At first it was scary but now it is fun. The public did not know what to think.

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  7. Hey! I know that girl! ;) It looks SO good! You, as always, are simply amazing!

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  8. Your sketches are just about full fledged drawings :)

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  9. I was not finished but for some reason (multitasking and being absent minded) the comment posted :)

    Glad to know you are having a wonderful time with your family. And you are such a teaser -- now waiting to see your large painting on something that is not paper :) I am always experimenting and trying new things - may be I should stick to one thing and learn it well :(

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  10. very nice Crystal.
    I too have been missing a bit this last few weeks doing the family Christmas thing and just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your wonderful postings of your art this past year. I have enjoyed seeing what you are doing and look forward to the coming year and what is new. You have a great God given talent and it is a pleasure watching your work grow.

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  11. What beautiful portraits you do! Graphite can be so hard to work with sometimes for me. I like to try new things occasionally for variety but I always come back to my old favorites of pastels and acrylics.

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  12. Wow! Beautiful sketch Crystal. I am really looking forward to seeing the large painting you are working on.
    Best wishes,

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  13. Family time is always the higher priority I believe. Have a great last week of 2010, Roland

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  14. Crystal such lovely softness you have captured here in the sketch.Great.

    I love to try something new every time.Recently tried my hands on oils which was a little out of my comfort zone.

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  15. Beautiful sketch. Crystal.

    Since joining a painting forum I've been trying lots of new things! So - frequently - is the answer!

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  16. Crystal, your sketch is fabulous, what a lucky recipient, can't wait to see the painting. I like to change things up and push myself to try new things. I think it really helps to keep my creative batteries charged. Hope you have a fabulous New Year! I left this comment yesterday must have disappeared.

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  17. Beautiful portrait Crystal!! I have a set of oil paints that I've had for the last year..Everyday, I say I'm going to do something "new"...Well let's see! Maybe in 2011. Looking forward to your next post..

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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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