End of the year

What a fun year to review. I looked back on my posts this year and am delighted to see that I tried so many different things.

First there was 'Mikey' (that's the St Michaels crab on my street banner). He was eating an ice cream cone. By the way, my 2017 banner is finished and will be posted in the near future...what's Mikey doing this year?

I really tried this year to experiment and make myself do new things. That's always risky. It would be really easy to keep doing what works, but I have loved the new challenges. I have been fortunate to substitute in the watercolor class a lot, but have also dabbled a bit with my pastels.

Looking back, I rediscover various class assignments - boat painting, "Painted Ladies - Victorian House;" my rivulet paintings; painting with a matchstick; painted screens; melting crayons with grandchildren; different shape paintings to fit mat cutting practice; painting on a Chesapeake Bay chart with the Jimmy Buffett signature; various sketches; finding common things and turning them into art; and the most fun, doing LOTS of puns.

It was been wonderful to hear comments on all these different things. Thank you all for your supportive observations, critiques and encouragement!

I end the year with New Year wishes. Of course, in keeping with my quirky nature, it's Gnu Year. Does anyone know what a gnu really looks like? Or, more correctly, what a 'happy gnu' looks like?

I offer this quick sketch that I did this afternoon. I don't think his smile is quite the happy one that I wanted, but perhaps...he is a little anxious about what's ahead in 2017!

Best wishes everyone and thanks for following my blog!

Fleece Navidad

It's DECEMBER! Yikes, how did that happen so fast? In speaking with several friends, we are all saying the same thing...this season silently creeps up on us and then WHAM - the holidays are here!

I am now playing Christmas music and writing Christmas cards. There is nothing like singing along to traditional holiday music. In prior years, even though I do most of my shopping on line, I sometimes just sneak away to a mall and walk around to listen to the canned music and get 'in the spirit.'  So, that secret is out...

Last summer I started thinking about this year's card. Yes, I was in a quirky mood and sketching silly puns. I came up with a number of different ideas for the card. Several of them made my smile - some more reverent than than others.

In the end, I decided that at this time of year - especially this year - it would be good to really smile. So I am offering a preview of what goes in the mail this week.

I had such fun drawing all the little sheep - each is its own character. I hope you enjoy.

Merry Christmas and Holiday Blessings to all.