12/1: Monsters

I copied these monsters from a cup belonging to my kids, taking a few liberties with the colors. I like the green guy in the bottom left best. Here’s a photo of the cup from last year’s 365 photo project for reference:

11/5: Works in progress

These pieces are mosaic sketches, small works that allow me to work out a new idea or try out a new material. The top piece is stained glass. At first I thought I might not grout it, but as I work through it, I think grout will enhance the rhythm. The bottom piece is smalti, a handmade opaque glass that is generally left ungrouted. This is my first attempt at working in this material.

I’m also experimenting with photographing my work here. Photographing flat work in an engaging fashion can be a challenge. I made a homemade lightbox from an old cardboard box and some tissue paper, and I’m pretty excited with the results!

11/3, 11/4: Topographic

This started out as a sketch of a sculpture created by my sister, many years ago. Somehow, it became a topographical map. Below is a photo of the sculpture.

11/2: Castle

Something that continues to surprise me is how often I begin a drawing, only to be surprised that the subject I chose is more challenging to sketch than I expected.

11/1: Kitchen sink

View from my usual seat at the dining room table.

10/5: Goose, part II

The watercolor version of yesterday’s goose, and my photograph on which it was based. The goose in the photo is standing on a frozen lake, while I stood on a bridge overhead.

10/4: Goose, part I

This goose is a preparatory sketch of sorts. I haven’t done any watercolor in a while, and I thought I’d like to do one based on one of my photographs. I was pretty pleased with the outline sketch of the goose, but nervous about ruining it with the watercolor. So I thought I’d try it in pencil first.

10/3: Walls

10/2: Mantle

Some of the items on our  mantle: an old milk bottle, a candle cup from a friend’s mother blessing, and a mirror and water pitcher made by my husband.

10/1: Fireplace

Another view of our living room. The hearth and firescreen are the first mosaic/ metalwork collaboration between my husband and myself.