practice, practice

Sometimes when I don't know what to paint, I practice things- like blending, or glazing or washes. Whatever floats my boat at that moment. I also did this as part of an online get together that is part of a trip I am taking in February.

For the past few years I've gone to Disney during February to get out of the weather and attend the Arts Festival. The first year I went by myself and enjoyed it but thought there must be other like me- loves to paint and love Disney. And I found my tribe at Art Journaling the Magic with Tangie Baxter. She has retreats where we all meet up in Disney and paint the days away together. I met some great ladies last year and I am returning this year. Looking forward to my time in Disney again.

I was given a wonderful art journal made from a Disney Golden Book and I am finishing it up before the next retreat when I will get a new journal.

Happy painting!

a nod to Mary Blair

For Mary Blair

gouache on watercolor paper

with a die cut carriage

6" x 8"

While I was at Disney World this past February, I learned about Mary Blair. She was a studio artist that Walt Disney used for much of the concept work. She also designed "It's a Small World" and the huge mosaic inside the Contemporary Resort Hotel. I have such respect for her- women artists in the 40's, 50's and 60's were often overlooked. (Still are) 

My painting above is a nod to Mary Blair. She painted a similar concept painting for Cinderella. The carriage is a die cut that a friend gave me in Disney. The rest is a gouache painting in my art journal.

Disney sketching

The Boathouse

8"x 5" in my art journal

Watercolor and Ink

This is the boathouse at the resort I stayed in at Disney World. I stayed at the Riverside Port Orleans Resort and it was great. Loved the vibe of the place- Southern and Slow.  This view is from the restaurant. I parked myself there and drew this. 

The boat that leaves here goes to Disney Springs and the French Quarter. It's very convenient to get to Disney Springs by boat and not the bus. A few days after I drew this, I joined an art group for 5 days of sketching and it was great fun!  I will talk more about that later.

Disney World Art Journaling (the Magic!)

Main Street USA

Walt Disney World

art journal sketch

I went to Disney World last year in February during the Festival of the Arts and loved it. I am planning a trip this year at the same time. Only this time I am meeting up with a group for a 5 day get together called Art Journaling the Magic. I am so excited about it! We will meet up daily in different parks and as a group art journal our way around the park. How cool is that?

I find art journaling a wonderful way to record a trip. They are usually fast sketches with some paint added. Sometimes, if I don't have the time when I am actually there, I use a photo reference for later at home. Either way, it's a fun pursuit.

Happy painting!

Disney World and sketching

I decided to go to Disney world to get out of this cold winter.It was rather spur of the moment and most enjoyable. I flew down for 5 days, which gave me three days at the parks and 2 for travel. Enough time to get away. I stayed at the Disney Beach Resort, in Epcot. I chose there because I wanted to mostly see the annual Festival of the Arts, which is held in Epcot. It's a celebration of the arts, music, food and art. It was a lovely festival. Being at the Beach resort, I could walk to Epcot. I only drew 2 sketches each day. They are rough, but what I was able to do while walking around Disney. I had my 5x8 watercolor sketch book with a Pitt art pen. First I sketched and then painted with my small watercolor box and water brush. I simple, but effective set up.

 A dessert I tried. S'more Tart. Delish!

 Beautiful blue sky looking at the Epcot Earth Ball

 Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. I spent one day in 

the Magic Kingdom and two days in Epcot.

 It started raining and I sat down under a table with an umbrella

and just sketched and painted what was in front of me. I was 

at the world showcase in Epcot. The top is a shopping kiosk and 

the bottom is of an island out in the water.

 Inside the Beach Resort I had breakfast there in

in the Cape May Cafe. The decor was amazing. On 

the walls are colorful croquet sets, the mallets and 

the balls, all attached to the wall. 

In the lobby, which is BEAUTIFUL, I sat in chairs like

these, big and comfy. They were all around the perimeter 

and in the center. 

Sketching is a pastime that I do love. I am not an expert, but I try! 

I always tell my granddaughter, "In order to be a good artist,

 I must be willing to be a bad artist." So here it is...