learning español

Go ahead. Ask me anything in Spanish...as long as it has to do with numbers or colors. That’s all I know so far ☺

it’s the little things

Sometimes I see things as I go through my day and think, “oh, that’s cute. I should draw that.”

But then I don’t.

Instead of making a huge, detailed drawing or painting, I’ve decided to just make a quick sketch and move on.

Maybe someday I’ll revisit these little sketches and make a bigger, grander, detailed drawing.

Or maybe I won’t. ☺

creative tuesdays :: pond

Pond is the theme this week at Creative Tuesdays. Thanks to Michael for hosting!

I can’t say that I’m a big fan of ponds. Or lakes for that matter. They do look calm and refreshing but I don’t like being in water where I can’t see my feet. If I can’t tell what is lurking beneath the surface, it bothers me.

My last experience…and by last, I mean final experience…was about 25 years ago. I was standing in shallow water waiting to climb into a boat when I felt something brush against by leg. I thought it was a fish but turned to discover a snake had just slithered past me in the water.

I never ran so fast in my life! And that’s why you won’t catch me near a pond or lake!!

However, oceans and sandy beaches are a very different experience ☺

sunday sketches :: thumbelina

Happy Sunday everyone! Here is my Sunday Sketch for this week. As always, thanks to Alexandra for hosting.

This week, I’ve been doodling some fairy tales, fables and nursery rhymes. This one is a drawing of the story Thumbelina.

I tried to capture a look of excitement on their faces. On second glance, it sort of looks like they are just freaked out!! Oh, well ☺

If any of you follow Kathy Temean’s site “Writing and Illustrating,” you will see that I was featured today in the Illustration Critique post. It’s exciting, and a bit scary, to be critiqued by someone but always good feedback.

sunday sketches :: flower faces

You know you’re an illustrator when you see faces on inanimate objects! I was making a sketch of some flowers, and these guys showed up!!

This week, as part of Sunday Sketches, Alexandra is having a contest. She asked last week for us to create a new logo for Sunday Sketches. It will be used while she is away in England.

I borrowed elements from her current logo (below):

and changed them out a bit for something that says British. Hence, the little teapot and cup of tea!

I didn’t have time to color it. But I guess if it gets chosen, I will make the time ☺ Wish me luck!

creative tuesdays :: fish wish

“Fish” is the theme at Creative Tuesdays.

I have a feeling that my cats are ever hopeful that I will one day drop a real fish into the food bowl! Keep dreaming!

Be sure to stop by Creative Tuesdays and see other great interpretations of this theme! Thanks to Michael for hosting!!

sunday sketches :: watermelon

It’s watermelon season here.

That’s something you should know about me. I don’t mark seasons by the change in weather but by food! And I love summer foods especially! (But I’ll say that again when it’s cold and “soup season!”)

In this pic, my little girl is ready for the 4th of July with her Red, White and Blue outfit (and little pup, too!)

Posting this to Sunday Sketches. Be sure to stop by for a visit and see who else is participating this week!

it’s july already!!

Some flowers for you on this hot, sunny weekend!

We are gearing up for Independence Day here.

To most people in the U.S., this means cookouts and picnics and fireworks and a long weekend of fun with friends.

At our house, it is a weekend of cats hiding under the bed and a dog that quivers like a lump of Jell-O every time someone sets off a firecracker.

And our neighborhood has lots of kids (and adults) who love to light firecrackers all weekend long -- even though it is illegal until the 4th.

Oh, well, I remember how fun it was, so I won’t complain. It’s only once a year. We just turn on the TV or radio extra loud and try to drown out the pops from outside.

creative tuesdays :: time for tea

The theme this time at Creative Tuesdays – Time for Tea (or Coffee). So here is my interpretation of the theme.

As a little girl, I had a tea set. I think it was a required that all little girls had tea sets … well, back in the dark ages when I was little!!

I decided to change up my color palette a bit. I’m really into blue, so decided to go with pinks/purples this time. Now I’m going back to blue!! Not a big pink/purple fan!

And my cat on the rug looks like a rat. What’s up with that?

Oh, well. Enough self criticism … it’s time for another cup of tea!

Be sure to stop by Creative Tuesdays and see other great illustrations! Thanks to Michael for hosting!!

sunday sketches :: flowers

For today’s Sunday Sketches, I did a painting of some of the flowers I got at the Farmer’s Market yesterday. Usually, I’m drawn toward bright yellow flowers but the phlox caught my eye this week. And the gladiolus is lovely, too.

I picked up some goodies to eat, too. Strawberries are nearly gone here but I did find some. Now it’s raspberry and blueberry season here! Yum!!