Author: Carolyn A Pappas

February 5, 2016

Variations of Katie

I’m taking part in the Sketchbook Skool Expressing “klass” and one of the assignments this past week was to draw a dog in 1-2 minutes. I did the top sketch (in about 5) using the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen. I’d like to do a proper detailed pen and ink drawing with watercolor wash of Katie in that pose. I did the bottom series of sketches over the course of a quiet Sunday morning while sitting across the living room from Katie lounging on the couch. I am so out of practice at this type of sketching and it was good to exercise myself.

February 1, 2016

Getting into the Valentine’s Spirit

I’ve always wanted to learn how to make an animated GIF in Photoshop. This morning I figured out how by following an online tutorial.

The images are various floral themed artworks I have made over the past few years that I cropped into a heart shape. I also didn’t know how to crop an image into a shape until today, so I’m feeling kind of pleased with myself right now.

January 15, 2016

Winter Atmosphere

This year, it does not feel like a normal winter. It is mid January and we are just starting to get some of the expected winter weather, but we haven’t yet had a proper blizzard. I miss it in a way. Even without the massive piles of snow on the ground, I still find winter beautiful. There is a crispness in the air and a whiteness of the light that I really enjoy. Here is a recent drawing from my sketchbook–thanks for taking a look.

December 31, 2015

2015 in Review

As is my custom, I’m reviewing the past year and looking forward to my goals in 2016. I also want to wish anyone reading this a very happy and fulfilling New Year. Thank you for viewing my work.

Accomplishments:

I put my house plans on hold and decided instead to return to school, which was a really big and risky decision. So far I have completed all of the prerequisites I need for nursing school except for Human Growth and Development (I’m working on that now).
I took an intense four week CNA course and successfully passed my state exam to receive my CNA certification.
I made three illustrations of spinach for Sow True Seed Company. Read their blog post featuring me here.
I participated in Inktober, a pen and ink drawing challenge in the month of October.
I made some handmade Christmas presents—something I have wanted to do in past years but never got around to actually completing.

Challenges

Art making was put on the back burner for most of the year because I was working on school so intensely, which did not leave a lot of energy to focus on much of anything else.
I had a pretty bad injury to my face last January and have had ongoing dental and facial pain for most of the year. Chronic pain can certainly be very wearing.

Goals for 2016

I am participating in the Twitter Art Exhibit, which will take place in March.
For the rest of 2016 I am going to try to focus solely on my own projects and sketchbooks. I’d like to have new work to post to my blog once a week, if possible.
My general intention for 2016 is to start projects instead of just thinking about them. Nothing this year I did was perfect, but I am glad I was able to finish some things that I had the courage to start in the first place.

December 27, 2015

Handmade Christmas

This year I tried out making some small gifts for my daughter and nieces. I am still learning to sew but the kids do not care about the imperfections. Next year I think I will make gifts as well, but I am going to start working on them much earlier to leave myself more time.

Felt chocolate chip cookies, iced sugar cookies with sprinkles, and iced gingerbread heart cookies.

Felt matryoshka dolls in Altoids tin “bed” with a pillow and blanket.

Painted wooden houses with peg dolls.

December 18, 2015

Sketchbook Roundup

Here is a compilation of my recent sketchbooks for your enjoyment. I’ve been really trying to keep a regular sketchbook habit as it is the single best thing I know of for stress relief and relaxation. Plus, I’ve been lucky to have a lot of fresh flowers in the house. Right now I’m really busy with Christmas prep and having a great time with it.

December 1, 2015

At Grandma’s

This painting was a challenge for me, and I almost quit midway through, but I am glad I persisted. Windows and doors have always been an interest of mine, but they certainly take a lot of patience. This particular door is special to me, as it is the entrance to a lovingly hand built house that has been central to many childhood memories — Grandma’s house.

October 27, 2015

From the Garden: squash

These are some old sketches of squash from the garden and CSA.

October 16, 2015

Mini Pen and Ink Picture Book

Sometimes I get little projects in my head that stay there for years and never manage to get out into the real world. This year I have actually finished some of my small projects, like this mini book made with a manila tag. It is filled with small nature vignettes from around my neighborhood. There are a lot of interesting things going on outside right now – things usually look more interesting to me when they are in a state of decay.

October 9, 2015

Howth

These days I am not much of a traveling person, but I know some travelers and made this sketch from someone’s photo after a recent trip to Ireland. I used my Faber Castell PITT pens in assorted colors with the standard size S tips and the brush tips. My goal was to impart a feeling of texture which I think I achieved. In the past, I have traveled with companions who were much too fast paced for me, which took the enjoyment out of it. When I am able to travel again I am going to go strictly for painting, sketching and fine dining, not shopping or bus tours.