Peeps!

Emily my broody Silkie

So for approximately three weeks now my Silkie hen "Emily" has been sitting ever so carefully and gently on her poo just waiting for the nuggets to hatch. She didn't eat. She didn't seem to be drinking. All she could think about was hatching those nuggets. Of course, they weren't nuggets to her they were fertilized eggs. She was in full fledged "mama mode".

So when the opportunity came up to obtain two Bantam chicks I took it. I replaced her precious nuggets with two sweet peeping chicks at night and both mamma and babies are happy. Emily seems to be a very careful and loving mamma. She seems to be tolerant of them jumping all over her too. Its been sheer bliss to watch this beautiful interaction of nature. Drawings to come soon, but for right now I'm enjoying this in "real time" without any distractions or thoughts in mind. Its been extremely therapeutic and lovely.

Hop on mom!

Peek-a-boo!

"Paper Trail II"
Decoupage, Graphite, Watercolor, and acrylics on archival bristol
(Im for sale! Email: jenndanza@gmail.com)

"Paper Trail III"
Decoupage,Graphite, Watercolor, and acrylics on archival bristol
(Im for sale! Email: jenndanza@gmail.com)

Detail on illustration reveals....yep, a heart!
Graphite, Watercolor, and acrylics on archival bristol

Have Canvas Will Travel

The tree wanted me to mention
that he practiced all morning for this shot.
He did good for his first photoshoot I think.

I've come to learn that those who are ambidextrous (which I am) probably have some sort of brain damage. Well, that really doesn't surprise me. Neither does the urge to drop everything in the office/studio and pack up a plastic container full of art supplies, including my canvases, and drive onto the backroads till I found the perfect painting spot and set up shop.

Yeah.....I set up a painting station right in my Chrysler on the side of a road in the middle of...I have no idea what country road. Street names and directions hold no weight here. It's about composition, shape, line and color when searching for landscape fodder. I just keep driving till I find the perfect spot that inspires. The cup holders, the arm rest and the passenger seat all proved to be perfect for the session once I found the perfect landscape painting spot and the huge bin I threw everything in was choice. It held everything neatly and cleanly and offered a buffer for spilling paint from the palette.

The entire session took about three hours. Only one person stopped to help the "damsel in distress" and they seemed disappointed I wasn't in need. Sorry dude....move along!

I documented the painting process of this landscape painting done in acrylics. It has approx three more hours until finish which will be completed in my studio using photos taken on site. I've mentally cataloged the entire scene and will use the photos only as back up should I need a bit of reference, in particular with the trees in the foreground.

Huge plastic bin containing
everything I'll need for the adventure.

Cup holders and arm rest
come in hand during the session.

Laying down gesso. Its sorta like
primer for walls and preps the canvas







Then is started to rain
which greatly changed all the colors



After hour three with
three more hours left till finish

"Rain"
Graphite and watercolor on archival bristol

"Rain II"
Graphite and watercolor on arrival brisol.

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about dancing in the rain."

Technically Speaking

Pen & ink and acrylics on Bristol
FS please email: jenndanza@gmail.com

I have a love hate relationship with technology. I love that my computer is always on and instantly connects me with the world and that I can share what I make with everyone in the world. I hate when I can't get online. There is disbelief, then panic, then madness that ensues. How? Why? What? GRRR!! Help!

I've slowly been telling myself that next year I'd probably have to get a new Mac. This old 10.4 was ancient and things weren't running as smoothly as they once were. "Next year," I kept saying, but the old Mac was done. He wanted out and no amount of coaxing or pleading would bring him back, so, out went the old and in came the new. So far Im not totally liking my new Mac "Lion". I miss the familiarity of my old Mac and its lovely 13" screen. Take away 2" and suddenly I feel closed in and can't see. How will I design with less visual space? :/ I can't seem to focus on the type. Its too small which makes me feel old. Where's my glasses? What?

So along with trying to catch up on orders and dealing with Christmas I will have to make some time soon to fiddle with the "Lion".

Teeny tiny drawings
2" x 2 3/8"