"Artistically Inspired Life," 15

Winding up the year with Joanne Sharpe and lettering. Getting into the holiday spirit--there is something so pleasing and reassuring about the seasonal colors of green and red.

A Crane

A crane is a fascinating structure...wish I had had a bit more time to sketch it. So much construction going on all over Tunis. They just never include adequate parking in their plans, consequently adding to the snarls of traffic.

Into Tunis, 3

A gray day in Tunis, with some rain. While waiting in the car, I sketched a small fast food place. Palm trees always make interesting subjects.

Into Tunis, 2

Another errand day in Tunis. The mountain (Boukornine) seems to be a frequent subject. I'm rather fond of it.

I particularly liked the man with the huge beard sitting in a doctor's waiting room.

Into Tunis

He drives, I draw. Errand days are usually enjoyable because of this arrangement. 

Some days, though, I just can't get into drawing another car--I mean, that's what's in front of me when we're in traffic. However, I can usually find something to sketch...

Doodle Alphabet, 3

Whew! Finished up this doodle alphabet. I am intrigued by its complexity...but probably not enough to stitch it on fabric. On the other hand, it would be interesting to see how a letter or two would develop with stitch. Hmmmm....

Doodle Alphabet, 2

Els suggested this lettering would be cool in embroidery. I agree, but it won't get onto my to-do list any time soon. Go for it, Els--be my guest!

Appreciate Today

As I tend to look forward, I'm not even sure this is true. However, it's a good reminder to appreciate the moment, even if it's only errand day.

Doodle Alphabet

Done with a 0.1 and 0.4 Uni pin fine liner, this crazy alphabet is taking a bit of time, but it's oh so fun!

I'll eventually add color...just playing...

A Portrait

Midnight finds me doing homework with grandkids in the States on Skype. Sometimes I try a portrait. The victim was gazing intently at the computer site for her homework, which explains the vague look. Even though I would make no claims to resemblance, this is time well spent for me--I am always entertained...

A Nice Quotation

A thoughtful Georgia O'Keeffe quotation caught my attention so I tried it with a white Uni-Ball Signo pen, which didn't work well at all, probably because I had used salt on the background. 

So I tried a white Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen (which is waterproof) that worked very well except that mine does not have a fine tip. I added ink shading. Turned out ok, but it's a messy process that I probably won't do again--I have enough mess in my life...

"Artistically Inspired Life," 14

For October, Joanne Sharpe proposed an autumn tree theme. Lots of fun.

INSAT

Out and about, I drew the National Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, designed by French architects about ten years ago. An interesting building, it's looking run down as do most public buildings these days.

Nameplate 2

Finished up the "nameplate" for a family member's office door. Done with Prismacolor pencils and a Micron pen. I have a new appreciation for graffiti lettering...

On My Sewing Table

Having fun sewing on the final leaves of the Pomegranate Tree Quilt. Love zooming around on the machine...

Nameplate

A family member needed a "nameplate" for her office door. This is the first version. As I sent a photo by email, she can change the size when she prints it.

Now I'll put in the background. I'm using Prismacolor pencils and Platinum Carbon Ink in my Lamy Joy pen.

Hope this surprises her students and colleagues!

Backgrounds

Playing around with salt and Seran wrap for watercolor backgrounds. I don't really care for the salt as it seems to affect the paper. I might leave the red one as is. It pleases me immensely. Wouldn't it be interesting to interpret this into fabric? Wait, wait...I have to finish the Pomegranate Tree Quilt! Drat!

Errand Day, 2

Traffic jams are not my only subject when going out. We have a few low mountains that I never tire of sketching.

Errand Day

Living on a small farm, I find no particular need to go "out". There's plenty to do. We save up errands for one or two days a week. Then we have an adventure...which usually includes a traffic jam in Tunis. This doesn't bother me since it gives me time to sketch. I have to go faster for people-sketching. It seems that most are leashed to a cellphone these days.

First Pages

The name and title pages of my new journal/sketchbook: 

This will be the place where I finish up my lettering adventures. 

Fabric and thread are calling me...