Annie's Basement

Morning Sketches

2011-04-01T11:32:00.003-04:00

So very hard to meditate although I might keep trying. Sketching however seems to provide the same advantages without the angst. Plus I wind up with a bonus and something to focus on being grateful for all day. What could be wrong with that?

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About the Basement

2011-01-30T18:20:00.005-05:00

So It's not just ART that happens in "THE BASEMENT". I thought it might be about time do do a full reveal. Just because there's been no art posted for a while does NOT mean Annie has not been busy. I suddenly remembered the blog just the other day and I wanted to post proof that it's not just about painting. If fact it's about everything else.

So here's the larger version of the capelet I made for little Annie for Christmas. Her mom and dad were very gracious about the first version and even put it on her on Christmas Day. Waaaaaaaaaay too small.

She is not here to try this on but it definitely is larger so I will hope for the best. Perhaps she will be able to wear it to her Auntie's wedding in February.

If not? Hmmmmm. Dog jacket?

Peony Profusion

2010-06-11T14:33:00.001-04:00

So I went ahead and made a drawing whilst having my tea. A happy solution. My goal was to keep it simple. Kind of difficult with this subject matter. What was I thinking?

If you stand REALLY far back, they begin to look like peonies.

I Am Thinking About It

2010-06-11T07:51:00.003-04:00

I truly am. I miss being a blogger and the excitement of 'the post' up there. . . out there for all the world to see.
Maybe all I needed was to take a break and come back refreshed.
I just might wait til I finish my tea. Then I will draw, paint, publish.
Or have another cup.
We'll see.

Just Checking

2010-03-01T09:49:00.001-05:00

New techy toy. Just checking blogging capibilities whilst away from computer. Hopefully a sketch will follow.

Bloglovin

2009-07-16T18:34:00.002-04:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Black Bear, Black Bear What Do You See?

2009-07-15T09:12:00.001-04:00

Not In My Backyard. In someone else's, thank goodness. And not here in N.Y but in Vermont. Drawing done from a photo sent by my daughter. They estimate she is about four hundred pounds. She obviously went to a lot of July Fourth barbecues so she has enough fat on her to last until blueberry season. I hope she doesn't show up on one of my hiking trails. Though it would be interesting to draw her from life I just don't think I am up to the challenge.

Magestic Polar Bear

2009-07-13T08:12:00.001-04:00

The first of many sketches from 'Sketchy Friends' Day at the Central Park Zoo.

I took some photo references and worked a little from them and a little from my actual
drawings.

This is the female and she is absolutely beautiful. We are so lucky to have her here. She cools me off just by looking at her.

Chocolate

2009-07-11T15:32:00.005-04:00

It doesn't matter what time of year it is. 'Chocolate something' is what is in my cup

By The Sea

2009-07-11T08:35:00.004-04:00

It's been such a long time between blogs but I HAVE been busy. This spring at a watermedia class with Carmen Lund I worked out some of the kinks in my technique and actually came up with some work I am proud of. This little guy is enjoying the water as much as I always enjoy being with him. It is watercolor on paper.
I have been re-inspired after spending another day with my sketchy friends for a day at the Central Park Zoo. Sketching animals is not too easy but I did fairly well with the sleeping bear and the preening penguins. Those works will be up on my site soon.

Spring Is Here

2009-05-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

A quick little sketch to

acknowledge Spring. Lots more work to post later when there is more time

Nonie

2009-03-17T13:22:00.002-04:00

So then Nonie asked for one.

The Real Annie

2009-03-17T13:16:00.002-04:00

The real Annie, Day 1

A Hat For Annie

2009-03-17T08:44:00.007-04:00

This is the hat I made for Annie
Make a loop. Six single crochet in center loop. Single crochet around increasing by six every row until you have the circumference you need. Then shell stitch your way down as far as you want. Switch back to single crochet for about an inch for the rolled brim. Crochet a flower and attach.
Watch out! You might get addicted!

PLU Pear

2009-03-16T17:19:00.004-04:00

I almost ate this one with the sticker still on it!

Bernice's Brownies

2009-03-16T16:27:00.007-04:00

Two eggs beaten whole
1 cup sugar
1/2 scant cup flour
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Chopped walnuts (optional)
Melt chocolate and butter together. Let cool. Beat eggs, add sugar, fold in flour, add butter/chocolate mixture, add vanilla and walnuts. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Do NOT eat the whole pan at once. Try to share

Sushi

2009-03-12T10:01:00.004-04:00

Too late to post but I have become interested again in these challenge groups. The sushi photo was from Different Stokes From Different Folks. I don't even like sushi but I got out my watercolors for this one. Guess I will have to work on this skill. The Different Strokes web page is a great one to check out and even if you don't enter a piece there is always a lot to enjoy and learn from

Snow Day

2009-03-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

This was actually done last week .

It was a challenge to limit myself to pen and ink to depict shadows on snow.
Actually the crease in the sketchbook adds a dimension of its own. Happy Accident

Sketchcrawl With Sketchy Friends

2009-03-09T11:38:00.005-04:00

Six new sketchy friends met at the Met to draw and chat.

We drew a little, chatted a lot and had a lovely lunch in Central Park on the first warm day of this (post winter?) season.

Here is my second drawing

from the special exhibition: Drawings From the Collection of Jean Bonna

It seems a bit odd to make a drawing from a drawing. I am not accustomed to copying the style of another artist. As it turns out I needed to finish up this sketch at home where I added my own information in the shading. After all, the original is done in a bright pink gouache and only pencils are allowed to be used in the galleries at the Metropolitan.

Sketchcrawl at the Metropolitan Museum

2009-03-09T11:29:00.001-04:00

Wouldn't you know I would revert back to natural science and botanical images rather than attempt the more daunting faces and bodies that abound there. This was done with plain old graphite and later embellished with carbon pencil at home. I think my birdie came out a bit more plump than the original. Probably has something to do with the fact that I cooked an 'oven stuffer roaster' for dinner last night. What DOES Perdue feed those guys?

Chuck Taylors

2009-01-06T20:09:00.001-05:00

I decided to draw a pair of Chuck Taylors so Lily sent me a photo of hers. Great! Except they were low tops. I had to fudge the extra height and have no idea how many lace holes there are in the high tops. For Christmas I gave each grandchild a framed print of the sneakers as well as an actual pair to wear. Who knew they come in infant sizes? And in PINK!
When Mark asked me what the significance of this gift was I had to remind him that he arrived at his High School graduation in cap, gown and a pair of red Chuck Taylors. When they told him he could not participate in the graduation ceremony dressed like that he went back to the car and changed his shoes. Ready for anything, that boy. Now a man, he is awaiting the birth of his first child, a girl, who already has a pair of Chuck Taylors waiting for her when she comes.

Hand made journals

2009-01-06T16:38:00.002-05:00

Here are two newly bound journals. The smaller one was put together several years ago prior to a trip to Ireland. So unsure of my drawing skills I never even made one entry. The larger one with 140# watercolor paper is new and has one painting in it so far. The covers are made from an old collage that I had done several years ago. It is painted tissue paper on board. It never quite made it as a piece of art but I love it as my journal covers. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Oh! and the signatures are held together with Kettle stitching. They open flat which I forgot to show.

Chickadee

2009-01-06T15:22:00.001-05:00

A drawing from a while ago but I wanted to get it up here before I lose track of it. I have great experience drawing these chickadees as they seem to be everywhere about. Soon I shall practise with a few of the other feeder visiters

2009-01-06T14:41:00.002-05:00

With due respect to Andrea Joseph whose detailed drawings have truly provided an inspiration for me I drew this for my amazing grandson Connor as his Christmas present. He and I have spent a lot of quality time together over the years (all seven of them). Connor has many special interests so it was impossible to cram them all into his backpack but I had to give it a try. Whether or not the drawing is as successful as I would have liked is open to question. No matter. The reaction from Connor was satisfaction enough.
Oh, and I forgot to label the waffle and that would have been important as the drawing doesn't really look like one.

2009-01-06T08:17:00.003-05:00

For the new year I made a watercolor journal as I am not so crazy about the Moleskine ones. Anyway I spent a lot of time at The Center For Book Arts a few years ago and I don't want to waste those skills. Actually at that time I made some lovely journals but never used them as I didn't feel I was worthy to draw in such lovely books. Thanks to encouragement from Danny Gregory I am over that. While still in Stowe I ripped apart an old pad of watercolor paper and folded each sheet. Since it is 140# paper each sheet is it's own signature. Back at home I shall stitch it together and bind it. And USE it with courage. The little angel in the corner is another decoration from the memory box. This one dates way back to the dining room table in Brooklyn (circa 1950) where eight of them circled the centerpiece. Being sentimentally attached to these little cuties I had never really noticed until I started drawing that our little angel actually has a scowl on her face. She just may be upset at the ravages of aging as she has lost her wings. (Maybe I have them:)

2009-01-06T08:05:00.001-05:00

A quick little picture done with brush markers and all out of proportion because I was cozily ensconsed in the corner of the couch covered in blankets to watch the New Year's Eve shows on TV and WAY too lazy to alter my position to do a fine drraing. I had fun though.

2009-01-06T07:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the inspiration I get from the blogs I have been reading lately I decided to start drawing the things of Christmas and try to capture some of the fun decorations. Although this fellow is relatively new I still get that wave of familiar sentimentality when I stand him on the sideboard each year. There are quite a few others I'd like to capture as well. There is something very special about pulling them out each Christmastime and letting the familiar rituals bring back a feeling of stability and continuity. It's a state of mind.

2009-01-06T07:48:00.001-05:00

The condo is too small to have an indoor tree what with all the people and dogs milling about. I love the outdoor tree (this year thanks to Tese, Andrew and Maddy who had it up and lighted when we got there). Finally after a few days of rain the snow came and it looked absolutely beautiful. It's a good thing I get up early to sketch because even at such an early hour I was soon joined by Declan who enjoyed watching the sunrise and the squirrel with me. Thanks for the company, Dec!

The First Day Of Christmas

2009-01-06T07:41:00.002-05:00

There are quite a few drawings done over Christmastime that I will upload today, therefore they will not be sequential or even timely as it is now January 6 (so soon?). Christmas week was spent in Stowe, VT with most of the family, my sketchbook, lots of snow, and internet access but no scanner so there was no opportunity to upload. After finishing Danny Gregory's class I am very excited to explore and open up to using new materials. Having said that this drawing was done with plain old graphite in my Moleskine. Ding A Ling!

Kitchen Door

2008-12-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

Another version of drawing a scene through an opening. This time looking the other way towards the kitchen. Notice sketch book open and always at the ready. Yes, I am a sketcher.

Hallway

2008-12-08T16:03:00.003-05:00

Trying to keep up to date on sketches for the EDM class at the open center. This is one view in my house but I think it is not so interesting. I picked the hallway because there wouldn't be too much detail that I would have to do inside the doorway frame. That is exactly what makes it so boring. If I draw facing the other way I will have to draw the kitchen. We'll see.

Grace's Apple

2008-12-08T07:45:00.000-05:00

Grace's Journal Page

2008-12-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

L'Occitane Cream

2008-12-08T07:43:00.002-05:00

Art Bag?

2008-12-08T07:43:00.000-05:00

Waiting For Lily

2008-12-08T07:42:00.001-05:00

Art Deco Trim Flynn Theater

2008-12-08T07:41:00.000-05:00

The Swimming Hole

2008-12-08T07:39:00.002-05:00

Crafting Time With Maddy

2008-12-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

The Winning Sneaker ( Well Not Really)

2008-12-08T07:38:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-08T07:36:00.000-05:00

Ridgefield Turkey Trot

2008-12-08T07:34:00.001-05:00

Squash Gorgonzola Pizza

2008-12-08T07:33:00.001-05:00

German Chocolate Cake

2008-12-08T07:31:00.001-05:00

EDM # 198 Noodles

2008-11-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

I just did a very quick sketch for this weeks EDM challenge. My first time participating. Nothing special but I wanted to get started. I missed last night's class with Danny Gregory because I was babysitting for my very special little grandaughter, but I was so excited to see what Danny posted about what they did . I have copied down the homework and am ready to work hard this week. Such a fun group! About the drawing...it is actually linguini because that's what I made for dinner last night AND it's thicker and easier to draw.

Christian's Birthday

2008-11-18T08:55:00.002-05:00

Well, well . Another birthday. We will be seeing Chris this weekend. We can celebrate then.

Kara's Rug

2008-11-17T14:22:00.002-05:00

So here is the third entry for the first week. Done hastily. I actually meant to have the carpet cleaner be a stand alone drawing then I went and glommed (word?) it up with the rug and the wall. It takes away the impact from the machine. Hmmmm. Well, anyhow I'm finished!

Bandanas

2008-11-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

I just finished my second entry in my EDM Journal. For the class tomorrow we are supposed to do three pages. Actually I have done quite a few but most of them are rejects...by my own definition. Since these are posted for the whole class to see I feel more vulnerable and very judgmental of my own work...so what else is new? Ordinarily I feel comfortable doodling in pen and ink but for this one I cheated and did some pencil sketching underneath to give myself some guidelines. I could be better but I have to get it posted. I love doing the bandanas and since I have quite a collection I could go on forever.

Every Day Matters At NY Open Center

2008-11-13T08:36:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday I started the Everyday Matters class that Danny Gregory is giving at the Open Center. It should be fun, lot's of folks who like to do what I do. So I went and bought a new journal to keep the assigned entries all together. We will be working in pen and ink. There are a lot of talented folks in the group, I can tell. I hope to learn a lot from them.

Different Strokes

2008-11-10T14:20:00.001-05:00

Here is a small oil I tried for the Different Strokes challenge. Once again I finished too late to upload for the week the photo was posted. I just don't know how some folks can work so fast. Anyhow I am happy with this gal. She seems very sweet.

Car Trouble

2008-11-10T14:09:00.003-05:00

These were done a week or so ago. I am not yet fully in the rhythm of posting daily or even journaling daily but am hoping to improve in both areas.

Illustration Friday 'Repair'

2008-10-31T14:28:00.002-04:00

My first attempt at an Illustration Friday challenge, uploaded a bit too late to be able to post it on the site. Oh well. It forced me to do something anyway. The challenge word was 'repair'. Natural for me to think of all things medical.

Journal October 27

2008-10-28T08:24:00.000-04:00

Journal October 26

2008-10-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

Journal October 25

2008-10-28T08:17:00.000-04:00

Journal October 24

2008-10-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

2008-10-24T09:03:00.001-04:00

This is actually my first drawing for Virtual Sketchdate. The second one is the Pen and Ink with colored pencil.

2008-10-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

My second attempt at October Virtual Sketch date 'Pears'. This will probably look better on the page as I have used the scanner this time instead of taking a photo of the sketchbook. This will all take a little tweaking I can tell.

October Scarecrow

2008-10-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

Finally back to making the Granny cards. In fact there are a few not yet posted. Here is this week's card done with acrylic and colored pencil on watercolor paper. With two more grandchildren bringing the total to seven I no longer make an original 'work of art' for each but make one original, then scan it into my computer. I load it into Picassa where I might crop it or nudge the colors a bit and then print out the color copies. I almost always make 5.5 x 4.25 prints ( four to an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper) because that is a great size for mailing. Most convenient.

February ( And Spring Is Coming I Think)

2008-02-26T07:45:00.002-05:00

I promised myself at least one entry a month to keep going with this new concept. Not being a diary...or in today's vernacular, a journal...person I must push myself to write entries even if I feel I have nothing to share. Not that I don't have a lot going on. I certainly do. However I need some time to decide which direction to take this and which of my numerous crafty/artistic interests should become a focus here.

I promise myself this. By my March entry I will have posted something for sale in my Etsy Shop and even perhaps post something on Flickr.

Yes I Can!

Just The Beginning

2008-01-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

So. Not to be left behind the times, I am jumping into the world of Blogginess just to see if it is a good fit for me AND also to continue my creative journey in a more public environment. Yup, I have spent many years in the basement sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, woodworking, bookbinding, paper crafting, making collages and so much more. The basement has always been the only space I've had to set up my stuff and have fun. Someday I will have a real studio with windows and vast shelves of neatly arranged supplies and enormous clear work tables but until then it's off to the basement with me and my ideas.