February 27, 2013
In
art, books, children's books, creativity, drawing, illustration, imagination, inspiration
Hello Dragon
Another sneak peek of a work-in-progress for the upcoming Book of Dragons.
Gordon / @Patricia Saxton / Pencil on paper
February 11, 2013
In
art, black and white, creativity, drawing, illustration
Taming the Dragon: Drawing Process
First comes the rough sketch. An idea of facial structure, wing positioning, where the horns may go, what kind of tail… all this is given thought, but not fully formulated. Then a tighter sketch and the beginnings of detail, then more, and more, with some touch-ups here and there as the beast emerges and takes on a personality. We become quite fond of one another during the process. He’ll get some color and maybe a few more crags, bumps and scales before all is said and done ~ but I thought some of you’d enjoy seeing the progression to this point. (The rest will have to wait for the finished book!)
January 30, 2013
In
appreciation, art, black and white, craftsmanship, design, fine art, illustration, inspiration, photography, presentation, skill
In Praise of Black and White: Part IV
It’s a black and white world tonight ~ snow is falling against the dark night sky, which seems to take an edge off the bitter of winter’s cold ~ and I’m reminded how every year at this same time I feel this same compulsion to post some great black & white pieces. (It’s starting to feel a little spooky, how this happens, on cue, every January.) Whatever the reason for the timing, I adore black and white; always have. From my life-long love affair with the #2 pencil, to the magnificent drama of a fine black & white photograph, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and emotional breadth that can be so singularly captured without a spot of color. There’s character and grace and strength and guts and mood that seeps into your skin. I’ve written at length about these moods in the past, so will spare you the repetition and get on with the show!
“Oak Tree, Sunset City” / Ansel Adams
Photo by Hegel Jorge
Tattoo
Marilyn
Tea Wisdom / Patricia Saxton
Artist: Jose Ernesto Rodriguez
Boneshaker Zinfandel / Hahn Family Wines
Gia Photography
Lovely
Stair Design at Musee Robert Tatin
Land and Sea Clothing Co.
Eagle / @Patricia Saxton
Black & White Mimi Shoe
Zentangle
Book Cover
J.D. Label
Photo by David Mar Quinto
Photo by Hengki Koentjoro
“Ray” Movie Poster
Vulture / David Lloyd
January 25, 2013
In
appreciation, art, branding, creativity, design, fine art, graphic design, illustration, imagination, inspiration, peace, philosophy
52 Weeks of Peace [squared]: Week #82
“To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
January 7, 2013
In
art, children's books, creativity, design, drawing, graphic design, illustration, imagination, life and the universe, work and play
January + Yellow + Dragons
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a hard time finding my groove this month. And I’m really not sure what the connection is, but I’ve noticed a couple of recurring themes ~ so maybe that’s a start.
First there’s yellow. Not normally a color I’m especially drawn to (I like yellow, don’t get me wrong ~ in fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met a color I didn’t like. Well, that’s not true, but that’s for another time), it’s been popping up and infusing itself into my work as if of its own volition … perhaps forcing cheer, optimism and luminosity into my sub-conscious mind. Or maybe it’s coming from my sub-conscious. Either way, I guess it’s not a bad thing.
So, there’s that. Yellow, welcome to my world.
At the same time, dragons are shrieking. You may (or may not) know that I’ve been working on my Book of Dragons for some time now. There’s just not been enough time in the day to get it done in the timeframe I’d hoped for, and no one has offered an all-expenses-paid art retreat in Tuscany or Fiji, or even North Dakota. As a result, many of them (the dragons) are still in my head instead of freed on paper, and they are restless, let me tell you. It was hard to get this one to calm down from a very fitful slumber long enough to capture the basics.
So the beasts are on the march, and yellow is pervasive. And that is that.
Although somehow it might tie in with having felt overwhelmed with all the various irons in the proverbial fire for so many months, and the so many months before that. And storms, and a holiday, then another, then another. You know how that goes. And then all that non-stopping made my back say “you’ve had enough, but you’re not relenting, so I’ll make you!” So there was that. And then January and the yellow and the dragons started happening. I dunno, maybe it all fits, somehow. And then again, maybe not.
But if one were to portend … maybe there’s a yellow dragon in my future… a happy, luminous beast. Until then, it’s back to work and finding my groove ~ but stay tuned!
January 3, 2013
In
art, books, children's books, creativity, illustration, imagination, inspiration, life and the universe
Book Magic
Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ~ Stephen King
While you won’t get me to admit to their coming off the page and plopping themselves on the chair beside me, I do often feel attached to the illustrations I’m creating. The ones that really speak through me can even have names. (yes, it’s true ~ please don’t judge me).
This little guy, the one in the grass on the book up there, is one of my favorites. He makes me smile. I smiled all the while “bringing him to life” ~ and that’s what happens. There’s some kind of unspoken dialogue that goes on between the artist, the ethers, the pencil and the page. The same when writing ~ characters can feel very much alive. There’s a thin line between real and imagined, and a spark that alights.
It’s that inexplicable sparkle of energy that usually results in the best work. You’re tuned in. Engaged. It flows. That’s the best. Even better … is if that energy translates for the reader. There’s the real magic.
Books open so many doors and windows ~ I can’t fathom a life without them; without stories and all their pains and glories and hilarities and knowledge and mystery. They teach, they excite, they take us to a thousand lands and lead us to wander and wonder and think and feel. They make us richer.
(And who knows if a happy goblin might not spring up from the pages sometime? Or maybe we’ve forgotten how to see them… : ) )
January 1, 2013
In
art, design, graphic design, illustration, inspiration, life and the universe, philosophy
Blank Canvas
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” ~ Neil Gaiman
Ah yes, the start of a new year. A clean slate, a start-over, a re-assess, an uncharted map. It’s a brand new day. It’s a blank canvas ~ your canvas ~ just waiting for some general direction, a lot of spirit and a splash of color.
Happy New Year ~ paint it well!
December 30, 2012
In
appreciation, art, branding, creativity, design, fine art, graphic design, illustration, imagination, inspiration, peace, philosophy
52 Weeks of Peace [squared]: Week #81 / Dreaming Peace in 2013
What are your dreams? What do you really yearn for? What makes your heart smile, your toes tingle, your eyes sparkle, just imagining it were real? What thoughts bring light to your spirit and peace to your mind?
It starts with a single, shiny thought. Maybe just the whisper of an idea; maybe a booming revelation ~ maybe you overhear something on a crowded bus that sparks you to action, maybe it’s a piece of music, a taste of something delicious; maybe it’s a child’s tears or the launch of a rocket; maybe it’s the grace of a winding river or the steady power of a mountain or the freedom of a bird in flight; maybe it’s a flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk. Who knows where the stuff of dreams comes from, but we all have them. Sometimes I think our job is to find the key, unlock the door and venture out towards a path we’ve always known we belonged on but didn’t know was there ~ or didn’t recognize through the bramble of life’s distractions ~ or, yes, even, with a million variations of reasoning, talked ourselves away from.
So maybe this is the year we listen more, with eyes and hearts more open; maybe this is the year we hear the rumblings in our soul with renewed anticipation, renewed interest, renewed commitment to step closer to that stuff of our dreams.
Wishing us all the brightest of dreams, the courage to honor them, and much love, laughter, health, harmony and happiness along the way. Bring it on.
December 22, 2012
In
art, creativity, design, drawing, illustration, imagination, work and play
Cheers
A few ditties to get you in the Christmas spirit.
1. Holiday tea #1: remedy for too much hustle-bustle ~ enjoy liberally whenever peace & calm are needed.
2. Holiday tea #2: when you need a little more pep in your step, and some umph in your ho-ho-ho.
3. A Plethora of P’s / #49: Peppermint: Popular for providing a perky punch to the palette. Also a preferred prescription for various physical predicaments, and provides a sweet emotional pick-me-up when given to the young, then watching their faces light up.
4. Because we all need a little cheer. : )
Cheers!
December 5, 2012
In
art, books, books & stuff, children's books, craftsmanship, creativity, design, drawing, graphic design, illustration, imagination, inspiration, marketing, painting, peace, philosophy, work and play
Creative Holiday Gifts!
The holidays are kicking into gear, and our shop is always open! Please feel free to share with friends interested in something special, good for mind and soul, priced under $25 and created from the heart. ♥
