A Few More Drawings

I'm still trying to keep up with my "52 Weeks of Art" challenge, even if it just mean a quick sketch a few times a week. Here are a few more from my current sketchbook.

 

 

 

 

Bookshelves

Holy cow! I'm blogging!!!

For those of you that still read this blog, I'm sorry I've been so lame at posting. In some ways it feels like Instagram ate my blog- I post over there instead of here. But I don't plan on quitting this blog, hopefully I'll get my grove back.

So anyway...... I bought these bookshelves from a friend about a month ago, which gave me the opportunity to do one of my favorite things: merchandise shelves! I bought a couple new tchotchkes , but everything else I already owned. I love having more space to display pretty things!

 

The modern gray and white sphere is new- it's from West Elm. I love how it contrasts with the more rustic items.

 

The red arrow is also new. I picked it up at Sweet Salvage last month. I have a thing for rusty signs and arrows.

 

The octopus is from Z Gallerie. Love him!

My map jar also got a bit of an update with some new vinyl. I love having a place to put travel paraphernalia: maps, subway tickets, museum passes, etc.

 

More home projects coming soon!

Disneyland 2015

 

It's been a few years since we've taken the kids to Disneyland, and since they were disappointed that Lee and I went without them last May, we promised them a trip this year. We picked the first week of February, which special because we were at the park on my dad's birthday. He loved taking the grand kids to Disney, and we thought of him, and missed him, all throughout the trip.

 

We spent two crazy fun days hopping between Disneyland and California Adventure. The kids were great! It sure is easier doing Disney without strollers, and with kids big enough to enjoy all the rides.

I didn't take my big camera, in fact, I hardly took and pictures at all. It was wonderful to just enjoy every minute with the family. My mom, and my two sisters also came- which was great!

 

So anywho..... here are the few pics I did manage to snap with my phone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of our second night we were doing some shopping on Main Street when we spotted Mickey Mouse. He came up to Abby, took her by the hand, and walked her across Main Street. The funniest part was that she kept looking over her shoulder totally confused as to why she was being abducted by the mouse, and to make sure we were following them.

Once they stopped, he was kind enough to pose with the rest of my girls too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was the perfect trip.

 

 

 

Vintage Typewriter

1950's vintage typewriter + school flashcard = cuteness!

Red and Gray Clock

Thank you, Homegoods, for selling me yet another super cute wall clock.

 

 

There was something about the gray and red combo that just made my heart sing.

 

 

 

Shannon's 52 Weeks of Art

I've challenged myself this year to what I'm calling "Shannon's 52 Weeks of Art". My goal is to complete a drawing or painting (tiny sketches don't count) every week for the whole year. I'm also trying to more fully develop my personal style. I see so much art that I love, and so many artists painting and drawing in so many amazing styles, but I need to be happy with my style, and with the images I create. I need to stop comparing myself to others, and be ok with how I make art.

 

 

I have a whimsical style. Not hyper realism, but not cartoony. Somewhere in between. I like exaggerated outlines, high contrast, vivid colors, and "drawing" with my paintbrush.

 

I'm hoping that after a year of putting more hours into my art, that I'll see an improvement. Not to mention I'll have a pretty good stack of art to show for it.

If you follow my blog, or my Instagram account (smbaker8), you'll notice that I draw and paint girls and women. It's what I am and what I know. There are also reoccurring images that have meaning to me.

 

 

Wish me luck!

 

"Nesting" 16x20 Acrylic on panel

 

Footstool Makeover

 I bought this little footstool at a thrift store months ago, and due to wedding and Christmas activities, it sat in my garage collecting dust. It was really ugly, but I liked the shape of the legs, and knew it could be cute with a little effort.

I bought three bucks worth of fabric to cover the top, and added some extra batting to make it a bit more poufy. I also painted the base in one of my favorite neutrals- Roman Plaster, by Behr.

I'm not sure where it will end up, but I'm kind of digging it.

Drawing

I go through drawing spurts. There are times when I draw daily, and then months go by when I don't pick up a pencil.

I've challenged myself to make 2015 a year of art. I'm going to try to produce a finished drawing or painting every week for the whole year.

Yikes! Wish me luck.

In the meantime, here are a few quick drawings from my sketchbook