Back to the drawing board

WOW! Where did 6 months go?! I last posted on November 30th last year. YIKES!

Actually, I think it's fair to say that I haven't been a very good blogger over the past few years. I haven't been very productive as an artist in that time either. 

It's always been the way that, when my emotions take a hit, it directly affects my output as an artist. My Dad passing away in 2015 was the start, then estrangement from a couple of my kids in 2016, followed by medical issues requiring surgery, more family members passing away from illness, and chronic pain issues. They have all played their part in keeping me from my art. I have felt great sadness, emotional pain, even depression during those times which can be quite debilitating on its own.

 

I thought I was getting back on track in November when I took up the Art Every Month Challenge and I was so proud of myself for completing it. However, I made the mistake of giving myself a week off and, as things are always hectic for me in December, the art routine got put on the back burner. 

 

I also watched The Social Dilemma on Netflix and became disillusioned with Social Media and took a step back there too. Have you seen it? I recently deleted my Facebook account which I rarely visited anyway. Twitter is one that I don't use often but it comes in handy for local events and traffic reports. Still in two minds about Instagram which I do love for inspiration but it doesn't have the more personal aspect that blogging has. I haven't posted there since October last year. I hate that they track my every move online. I guess Google does the same but I'm fairly reliant on Google.

I started my blog in December 2006 so I doubt I will ever let that go. It has been a joy for me to look back on over the years. A huge Thank You to those of you who have been following my blog long term and have still stayed despite my periods of absence in recent years. You are all treasures and very much appreciated.

I won't list the excuses for my most recent blog absence apart from saying that life got in the way and I took a step back from being online....well, when I have, it's only in very small doses. 

 

I hope to get back to more regular posting as I do miss blogging and my blog family. Sorry for the longer than expected break. 

 

Recently, I came across this amazing artist, Andrew Tischler. His speciality is Oils and his work is so realistic.  Andrew also recommends a regular drawing practice in graphite/charcoal to better your skills as an artist. I've added one of his videos below but, if it doesn't work, here is the direct link - Better Drawing with Andrew Tischler.

 

So, going back to the drawing board and feeling inspired, I got out my graphite pencils and drew this sweet little guinea pig. Graphite is really hard to photograph well so please forgive the image quality.

 

 My thanks and credit for the Reference Image I used goes to 

Pezibear on Pixabay

 

I will be back with more drawings in my next post but I thought you'd get a kick out of this quick, silly but fun, Pen sketch I did of 'me' for New Year. hehe

And an ink and wash sketch celebrating the birth of my nephew and his partner's baby girl. 

 

OH, and you probably already know that Google are stopping their Feedburner Email Subscriptions which means there will be no more Follow by Email options in Blogger. Bummer! The Followers gadget is okay but, as far as I know, you can only follow Blogger blogs? I have implemented Feedly which can follow blogs over various platforms like Wordpress, Squarespace, etc. OR, you could always add my blog to your Blog List on your sidebar if you want to see when I put up a new post. This is what I do also. 

 

I'm looking forward to catching up with you all over the coming weeks.

Take care and Happy Blogging!