But it's hard to live by the rules,

I never could and still never do. This is a line from a song that was popular in the early 1980's. The band was the Pretenders. It spoke to me then and still does now.

I did the following exercise from a book called The Complete Idiot's Guide to Drawing People Illustrated. The exercise called for using pencils in a variety of hardnesses to achieve the desired look. But anyone can do it but following the directions. I need to be different. And, I have the perfect color of Micron Pen for denim. So, here is my take the hem of a pair of jeans:

It looks like the picture, trust me ;-). 

Some More Sketches

Here is a pen and ink of one of my favorite plants. It would be easy for me to point out the glaring errors I see, but I will just say practice makes perfect instead.

This is a cement temple in our garden with a pair of daylilies. You can often find our cat, Poe, hanging out in the shadows. But not the day I sketched this. Isn't that always the way with cats? I took several reference photos and hope to paint this scene later.

Some Sketches

I haven't posted in forever, but that doesn't mean I haven't been sketching. 

Here is my take on a Sunflower. This was done with my Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and Neocolor II crayons. 

Here is a Mother-in-law's tongue. This one is done with Microns and Watercolor. 

EDM # 125--Draw a Bird

This Baltimore Oriole was done using Inktense Pencils. A few details were added with Micron Pens. 

We have had Orioles nest in our yard, and they are so beautiful. Please enjoy my rendition!

EDM # 2--Draw a Lamp

I present Sunday's post on Tuesday, again. Maybe Tuesday works better for me.

Here's a surprise. I am (mostly) happy with this week's effort. Mark this on your calendar, it almost never happens. The symmetry was definitely challenging. I even drew most of it upside down.

I am not as happy with the photo. I really need to get that scanner!

I really enjoyed building up the values. It was relaxing.

I appreciate all who take the time to visit and post. Thank you!

EDM # 14--Draw what you see in the morning when you get up

John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." So, I present my Sunday post on Tuesday. This is the first thing I see in the morning, when I get up. As for the sketch, I remain a humble student of pen and ink, and watercolor.

EDM # 11--Draw your (cheap) sunglasses

Another post from my Florida trip. At some point, I need to start thinking about backgrounds ;-) At least I added a highlight, right?

EDM # 15--Draw a (Palm) Tree

Here is a palm tree from my trip. I am using Student grade watercolors. I want to upgrade after the holidays. I hope it will make a difference in my sketches.

EDM # 185--Draw a Cat

This is our cat (Edgar Allan) Poe. I like the pen and ink cat drawing. Then, I tried to recreate the folds of the blanket on which he slept. I tried to draw what I saw but I think I failed miserably. I need more practice with folds, obviously.

I debated about posting this sketch. I wanted to get a couple of sketches posted this week, as I will be on holiday next week. So I didn't take the time to do it over. We are about learning, right? You win some and you lose some. In this case, all in the same sketch.

EDM # 1--Draw a Shoe

Here is my take on the first challenge. I think the colors are accurate. The photography needs work. A scanner would be even better, but that will have to wait. I am also including the pen and ink drawing before the watercolors were added. I am pleased with the sketch overall. I wish the inside of the shoe had more depth. I am adding the pen and ink drawing before watercolor was added. I wonder if cross-hatching would have added that depth. All advice appreciated.

EDM # 136--Steve's Dracaena

My husband has the greenest of green thumbs. Because of this, we run a plant foster care program of sorts. Friends are given plants or even dish gardens instead of flowers for hospital stays or funerals. The recipient appreciates the gift, but wants it to live. So it comes to live here, where I can draw and paint them!

This sketch is my first attempt at a pen and ink drawing with a watercolor wash.