the art of the dance is like chocolate

what ballerinas dream . . .

2011-08-05T20:04:00.001-05:00

click-o-licious

fun sketch

2011-08-04T17:45:00.001-05:00

click-o-licious

let's just keep it a mystery . . .

2011-08-04T09:34:00.002-05:00

what's the story?

watercolor fun . . .

2011-08-03T14:45:00.001-05:00

click-o-licious . . .

a delicate flight . . .

2011-07-15T14:42:00.004-05:00

An open letter: First I want to thank artists who have followed me through my VARIOUS and I do mean VARIOUS blogs. Artists like Bonnie, Carol, JanettMarie, Catherine, Martine, Helen, Connie and many more whose names I will add later. I feel as if I DO need to ask - nay - beg for your forgiveness because I have started yet another blog. This one is called Myra On Paper. I couldn't resist this blog because for the first time in years my name became available as a blogspot.com and I just had to take advantage of that!! I would like to continue to improve my drawing skills in the hope that one day I will be the artist that I want to be!! If I were a rich person - I would send you a check every time I put you through this. Okay - here's what let's do - call me and I will pay your electric bill for one month . . .
my number is 214/973-10 -- uh - I forgot the rest!

myra on paper . . .

2011-07-09T12:10:00.004-05:00

Remember - I said that this summer I would just 'paint with abandon'? I said that I would forget the 'rules' (I don't know them anyway) and just paint? So here I just 'sme-ke-dy smacked' paint (paint terminology - look it up) in the color of the summer sun all over the canvas and look - this ballerina came on out! Today Tiny is at the groomers until the evening. I have to clean up my studio while he's gone. I see another puddle over there - and it ain't water!

the sweet side . . .

2011-07-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official . . . that fabulous artist JanettMarie has decided that her next series will be coffee cups. As always she is an inspiration for the artist both in creativity and endurance. I am looking forward to her coming series as well as the many new and imaginative works produced by the wonderful artists who blog. I call this drawing 'the sweet side' because of the ballerina's pink tutu and because - this summer I have decided to just have fun - forget 'the rules' - concentrate on the love of color - and paint with abandon - a new subject for me - the ballet. But first - I have to clean up my studio. My dog 'Tiny' got in there - and that puddle ain't water!!

helens heart and bonnie . . .

2011-06-30T20:04:00.001-05:00

I don't know what's happening but ever since blogger crashed I have been having a difficult time leaving comments on some of my favorite blogs. Blogger asks me to 'sign in' again and again and again and then laughs at me as I eventually give up! Oh well, maybe things will improve in the future. I call this painting 'helens heart and bonnie' because I love visiting the inspiring artist helen's blog and I love to sit in my favorite chair and admire the beautiful oil paintings of bonnie. (See - I cut and paste one of her beautiful works and hung it next to my chair!)

revisiting a peaceful place . . .

2011-06-29T15:05:00.000-05:00

franny andahazey

to read more . . .

ballerina colors for carol . . .

2011-06-13T09:24:00.001-05:00

It was quite delightful to paint this little ballerina on 9x12 canvas panel.

that does not compute . . .

2011-06-12T12:52:00.001-05:00

Well, my aging computer threw another mini fit that had to be fixed - so - while I waited for new parts to be installed I comforted myself by looking at great art and by drawing - what else - a ballerina ala degas!

my 'bonnie' lass

2011-05-24T11:13:00.001-05:00

workin' on degas . . .

2011-05-22T10:22:00.039-05:00

what I wear when I draw Degas

shall we begin again . . .

2011-05-21T10:17:00.003-05:00

how I dress to draw the ballet

janettemarie completing painting #100 . . .

2011-05-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

hey janettemarie . . . where did you get that big brush?

JM's apple-licious refreshments . . .

2011-04-29T13:52:00.001-05:00

congratulations janettemarie on your 100th apple painting!

2011-04-29T09:08:00.000-05:00

food coming later!

peanut butter popcorn?

2011-04-28T10:38:00.001-05:00

JM will be posting apple painting #100 soon! Guests are starting to arrive and we are snacking on peanut butter popcorn. http://kokocooks.blogspot.com/2010/10/peanut-butter-popcorn.html

don't be tardy for the party . . .

2011-04-27T13:35:00.002-05:00

When I was gathering my food for the party I came across this while googling 'cute food'. Nowadays - I think it would take me a week to eat all of this icing!! The colors are so cute - they remind me of one of JM's blue apples!

psssst . . .

2011-04-26T13:08:00.006-05:00

Myra: Tiny have you heard? Janettmarie has posted apple #99!

Tiny (also answers to Tiny Man or Mr. Tiny): what's a janettmarie? what's an apple? does it taste anything like beef wellington? or bourbon braised barbecue beef bourguignon?

art - why we . . .

2011-04-25T16:56:00.004-05:00

In this world of both happiness and angst - it is a sweet delight that we will soon see the 100th apple painting of janettmarie. Just like a little wonder woman she has taken a single subject and painted it in so many delicious hues and ways.

Janettmarie: do you remember when and why you chose to paint 100 apples? How do you feel upon completing this task? It is certainly inspiring to see one set a goal that brings delight to many.

So now the question is - what will you do after painting 100 apples? Will you paint 100 more? I'm sure that you have - or will invent -many new ways to portray this - many colored - lip smakin' - doctor keepin' away snack.

And so finally I ponder - it's been 100 - will JM finally name one of her little apple paintings after me? Will she loan me some money from her apple painting sales? Will she give me a percent of her salary when they make a movie with - oh I don't know - julia roberts as janettemarie - angelique jolie as martine - jennifer lopez as bonnie heather - what's her name from that movie 'Speed' as catherine - halle berry as carol blackburn - chuck berry as myra anderson . . . well . . . will she?

ballerina colors for carol . . .

2011-04-19T10:17:00.001-05:00

it's been a year but . . . here it is again . . . apples the movie!

2011-04-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

featuring some daily painters we know and inspired by the apple lady janettmarie!

janettmarie 92 apples!

2011-04-14T19:28:00.004-05:00

These are some of the apples janettmarie painted around the time I first met her. They inspired my block buster film 'apples - the movie'. For those of you who missed this academy award winner I will re-post it soon!

janettmarie 90 apples - 10 more to go . . .

2011-04-13T16:29:00.002-05:00

OMG janettmarie has painted 90 apples and she has only 10 more to go!!!! I'm looking at some virtual recipes to see what I'm bringing to the virtual party! winning!

pan in the can?

2011-04-10T14:56:00.001-05:00

The name of this artist is Stephen Pan. His artwork has helped me to understand why I want to paint the ballet. I love the way he renders the human figure in paint. I love his delicate strokes of light and dark that convey the life - the warmth - the softness of her skin. What I would like to paint is the sweetness, the loveliness, the cuteness of the human figure - especially the ballerina in her tutu. I've done some paintings where I have tried to paint cute - delicate - soft . . . I would say that I have gone from point a to point b - will I make it to z? we shall see!

ballerina colors for carol . . .

2011-04-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

As you know . . . I want to become one of the great painters of the ballet. There was a story on the news the other day about homeless people who were given an opportunity to paint. I believe that a vacant building was converted to an art studio. The artists' works were very, very beautiful! There were beautiful portraits, landscapes, still life, ocean scenes and what's this . . . someone there was a great painter of the ballet! AaRRGH! (I'm jealous of all of the great painters of the ballet). Back to work!

chair de coups de brosse . . .

2011-03-31T10:33:00.003-05:00

chair de coups de brosse

Here is an earlier painting in progress done from the previous sketch. CLUNKY but lovable. So far I just figured out that I could put some touches of blue on the magazine to tie it to the overall painting. It's a sunny day at de coups de brosse . . .

catherine's cozy comfort #2 . . .

2011-03-30T10:10:00.000-05:00

I have some chair paintings that are drying right now. I will post one soon. I was thrilled to draw this wicker chair - with a magazine? Another first for me! I would describe some artists as 'elegant' painters. I have spent time trying to be an elegant painter. Now I am trying to embrace the type of painter I really am. I describe myself as traditional clunky. Hey! Some people Love clunky paintings! (just the facts - more insight and photographic proof to come!)

catherine's cozy comfort . . .

2011-03-28T12:01:00.001-05:00

catherine's cozy comfort

Since I have never drawn one before I wanted to see if I could just sit down and draw what I would call 'a classic chair'. Not a bad job. I have seen some photos of sunlit rooms with comfortable cheerful chairs that I would love to draw. Why not? Challenge! Oh it's 'on' like 'popcorn'.

martine's roses pantoufles #1

2011-03-24T19:32:00.002-05:00

martine's roses pantoufles

french for martine's pink slippers

9x12 oil on canvas panel

I wanted to paint ballerina flats that also had an abstract quality - such as perhaps the inside of the shoe - maybe? (#1 oh no - there are more to come).

bonnie in the summer sun . . .

2011-03-22T08:58:00.003-05:00

'bonnie in the summer sun'

It's been weeks since I have drawn the human figure. Quite frankly I am a little afraid now. I do feel encouraged by artists like Bonnie whose drawings inspire me to sit down, listen to something pleasant and draw. Yes, I drew 'bonnie in the summer sun' a few weeks ago - before the pinched nerve in the arm thingy. I have gone from 'two numb fingers' to 'weird feelings in the fingers'. Now that's progress! It is my doctor's opinion that I got a pinched nerve from eating one too many chocolate cookies combined with constantly sleeping on my hand. What is he trying to say? I need to be like Bonnie - get my little fan - and take plenty of walks in the summer sun!

gracious and tea with janettmarie . . .

2011-03-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

'gracious and tea with janettmarie'

As this sketch shows I have been working on my drawings and paintings of chairs. I asked the modern day master of the impressionist apple JanettMarie if I could borrow her wonderful color palette for some of my pillows and she graciously said yes. Thank you JanettMarie! Paintings to come soon!

the smallest ballerina . . .

2011-03-19T00:51:00.001-05:00

I thought that I would make a cute ballerina doll . . . or is that me on the shirt?

comfort . . .

2011-03-16T12:48:00.003-05:00

comfort

Hello! I have been recovering from a pinched nerve in my arm. Bonnie would remember that I also love to paint chairs. I wanted to do a painting with a place to rest your eyes and as you lower your view you see two fluffy pillows inviting you to sit down and rest your back. This painting is available - for more information please click here.

carol's cutie . . .

2011-02-27T09:45:00.002-06:00

Ballerina (or Myra in Lavender)

by Carol Blackburn

Carol I love her! I was going to take a 'sick day' from drawing today but when I saw your painting it inspired me to draw something new that I have never drawn before - a ballerina!

ps now I will have to post my automobile drawing . . . I saw your wonderful rooster but that's just way out of my league!

QUESTION: Can I draw a ballerina swooping up her hair?

2011-02-21T17:49:00.000-06:00

I wanted to see if I could draw a ballerina with most of her face showing and swooping up her long hair. I am pretty pleased with the result. I didn't know that she would look so much like me (about 100 years ago!)

changing . . .

2011-02-20T17:09:00.003-06:00

I actually did this composition as an oil sketch BEFORE I went back and drew it again with a pencil. The painting does not have as much detail as I would like. Drawing it did help me to make ONE decision that improved the painting. She is chewing gum. After I drew it in pencil I saw that she should blow a bigger bubble in the painting. Not perfect - but better. I will show you the painting when it dries.

(PS I can't wait to see Carol's ballerina when she decides to draw one! Her latest watercolor has encouraged me to try and draw a car. Not much success yet - but I will continue to work on it. It's a Volkswagen beetle and of course it belongs to a ballerina.)

bonnie at the beach . . .

2011-02-19T17:16:00.015-06:00

yike-o-licious?

2011-02-19T09:43:00.002-06:00

You may recall that this was a watercolor I posted some time ago. I looked at it one day and I thought 'YIKES!' I actually say that. I said 'YIKES!' I brought the poor thing into my 'ballerina clinic' and went over it with oil paint. A much more pleasing effect I think. Painting the tutu and adding the violet shadows was like eating a piece of chocolate with creamy caramel inside. In my mind she went from yikes to yike-o-licious!

ballerina with a fan . . .

2011-02-17T19:12:00.004-06:00

I love ballerinas holding a fan. I was so inspired by the bottom image I saw on one of those copyright free photo sites that I got all auto-biographical again with the above pastel! Karen thank you for the tip about the pastel paper and boards - I will be checking it out soon!

pastel colors for carol . . .

2011-02-17T10:00:00.001-06:00

I must admit that I really enjoyed tossing around those pastel sticks! I was actually afraid at first because this drawing was a little larger than normal for me. Afraid? I thought. Of a ballerina?! Get to it girl! I said. And look - another wonderful self portrait (inner self)! I left the arm undone because so doing was so much fun! This is on heavy cardboard but I think that one day I will try pastel board.

ballerina clinic and a question for bonnie . . .

2011-02-16T12:18:00.005-06:00

In this practice sketch I wanted to leave the face of the ballerina undone. With just the hint of a face is it possible that she still looks like someone you may have seen before (or am I just being lazy)? I really enjoyed 'penciling' the skin tone - and - drawing just that little bit of the chair leg was just like having a little piece of chocolate.

QUESTION: Bonnie how did you execute that last drawing? As you can see, I really want to know!

pastel colors 2 for you know who . . .

2011-02-15T15:45:00.003-06:00

Did the previous pastel scare you? Don't feel bad - it scared me a little too! This is another practice pastel on heavy cardboard - warming up for 'a summer of color fun'. Once again I just drew it and without fussing over any details just painted it! She looks like me - if I were 50 - okay - 100 pounds lighter and had long flowing hair! (Okay - maybe the eyes!)

pastel colors for carol . . .

2011-02-15T11:57:00.007-06:00

I threw around some pastels . . .

just to have some fun . . .

a pastel ballerina -

when I was done!

This is pastel on heavy cardboard. I wanted to just 'draw and paint' without trying to 'fix' anything. This was a 'warmup'. As the weather warms up and summer is in the air (we don't really get Spring in Texas do we?) I am starting to look forward to painting with oils again. As a matter of fact I have just completed a painting that I will post when it is dry. I really enjoyed my winter of drawing. I couldn't draw faces before but now you won't run from the room screaming - every time!

francois and me . . .

2011-02-12T12:44:00.003-06:00

Along with Degas I LOVE - - LOVE I tell you - - the paintings of Francois Gall. I wonder why no one has ever written a book about him! He has done many, many paintings of the ballet as well as other subjects that I just absolutely love. If I could I would produce a book filled with pages of full color images of his work - especially the ballet. You know what I think? In this so-called modern age I think that any artist who has produced a great body of work should publish themselves. ( I think that with blurb books anyone can produce at least one copy!) Let's take Catherine Jeffrey or Janett Marie (or you) for example. Each of them has a great body of beautiful work that I think should be published in a book. If someone published a beautiful book featuring my 'homey' Francois Gall - I would scream and laugh and dance and cry and laugh and holler and run and flip . . . I think you get the picture . . .

to the horizon . . .

2011-02-11T13:08:00.000-06:00

Well, everything is still in an unfinished state . . . for example my computer and the plumbing are functional but not 100 percent operational yet. How appropriate that I could not finish this drawing. I could have drawn a simple horizon line - just a line - but I was just plain too lazy! I do like this drawing however - it shows a little improvement in my work - I think. She's looking at the horizon - to the future!

re gards . . .

2011-02-10T11:57:00.000-06:00

I am reposting a painting I did earlier because my computer as well as my plumbing have both broken down. I am in the process of getting them both fixed so that I can totally flush and fully scan again!

Van Gogh

2011-02-07T15:36:00.000-06:00

I wanted to re-post this slide show on the one year anniversary of the date I first posted it. There are a couple of things that I like about it - and - it reminds me that I did want to do all manner of art presentations even if some were a little controversial.

stay safe . . .

2011-02-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

I don't know who the artist is! I've had this on my computer since 2007! Since this will be a 'winter for the history books' - stay safe!

ma ma

2011-01-30T14:56:00.000-06:00

girl with a dog by

Myra Anderson

girl with dog

Milton Avery

The 'ma and ma' stands for myra anderson and milton avery (1885-1965). There was just something that I liked about this painting by milton avery. As in much of his work, I like the seemingly carefree drawing, the vibrant colors, the various textures and in this one - I was especially drawn to the dog. This painting inspired me to do this pencil sketch using my face for the girl (now I'm lying). It was a difficult sketch for me to do but I really like the end result.

some ballerina colors for carol . . .

2011-01-29T13:53:00.005-06:00

some ballerina colors for carol

This practice sketch of a ballerina is in the manner of Dan McCaw. I love his figurative work. (What's with that tutu? I don't know.) One step forward - a thousand miles to go!

workin' with renoir . . .

2011-01-28T09:04:00.015-06:00

I love Renoir's paintings of 'Girls by the Sea'. In my sketch I wanted to see if there was a difference between drawing with a regular #2 pencil and graphite drawing pencils ranging from 2b to f. Of course there's a difference! I wouldn't have nowhere to spend my measly few pennies if there wasn't! The graphite drawing pencil 'smooths' onto the paper like butter compared to a regular pencil. Not that the regular #2 pencil doesn't have it's place. I would use it right along with the drawing pencils - maybe to fill in the hair or non-essential places.

myra like degas . . .

2011-01-26T09:44:00.000-06:00

You may have heard somewhere that I like the ballet paintings and drawings of Degas. I have long loved this Degas sketch (photo #2). What I attempted to do in my sketch was to substitute my face for the face of the ballerina (now I'm lying). I did the best I could with my limited skill set but boy oh boy was it fun!!

Also, I need to go back and number my ballerina series. What number is this one? I think I am going to put numbers on them like JM's apples. Her artistic way of numbering her apple series is just too cute!

Finally, I am thinking about getting one of those art projectors as a learning tool. I would like to use one as an aid to help me 'see' objects better. I would also practice tracing objects in order to learn how to draw them more accurately.

ballerina sketch

2011-01-25T10:34:00.000-06:00

This is another pencil done on watercolor paper. In this sketch I wanted to see if I could bring a little more 'reality' to the figure. I also wanted to see if I could make it look as if the tutu was standing out in the back. You know how we all are at times - so much angst about our work. In this drawing I thought 'Hey, this one ain't so bad!' (I think you get the feeling of charcoal when you take the stump and smooth the pencil lines.)

umbrella . . .

2011-01-24T13:33:00.000-06:00

This one doesn't 'scare me' as much as that last drawing did! I love ballerinas holding umbrellas and fans. This is pencil on watercolor paper.

JanettMarie and me and figurative work makes three part 1. . .

2011-01-14T12:40:00.005-06:00

Helen H. T.

by myra anderson

In my last post I said that I would concentrate on 'capturing the beauty of the human form.' I let that be the motivating force behind this sketch. I kept telling myself 'you MUST capture the beauty of the human form!' Next time I'll fix her hair.

What a beautiful sketch by Janettmarie!

I can't explain it . . .

2011-01-12T22:48:00.002-06:00

I can't explain it but there was something about this video - I just had to watch it and I WILL watch it again!

sketch #3 - you can't un-ring a bell . . .

2011-01-11T16:46:00.001-06:00

jazzy janettmarie at the beach

by myra anderson

Getting close to opening those watercolors! Remember? I ran out of the paper that I like and they didn't have any more at my supply store? I have a few 'to remain unfinished' watercolors that I can post. In this watercolor I say that I can't un-ring a bell. I like the colors and the jazzy little outfit that janettmarie is wearing but I just couldn't make this watercolor work. Sorry janettmarie!

hey bonnie . . .

2011-01-10T11:54:00.005-06:00

I 'painted' these on the computer before I saw your wonderful painting of pansies. Do you have one of those programs where you can draw and paint on the computer? What a wonderful tool to help an artist envision a painting. I used a paintbrush tool for the color. However, I should have used the airbrush tool first because it would lay transparent color over the features rather than cover them. Of course there are some wonderful graphic artists who produce amazing work using the computer. Only now have I discovered how much fun it could be!

eric bowman and me and emotional-lee

2011-01-10T11:06:00.004-06:00

sketch #7 by myra anderson

eric bowman

What a beautiful painting by Eric Bowman! With just the right amount of strokes he has captured the beauty and the emotion of the ballet. I think that my pencil drawing shows a little emotion. She's saying 'I'm young, beautiful and when I'm done dancing I want a small one egg omelet with pepper jack cheese and bacon on a nice piece of hot buttered toast. . . . and coffee'. (Her . . . not me!)

ballerina with a fan . . .

2011-01-08T21:47:00.000-06:00

ballerina with a fan

myra anderson

Sketch #6 of my series 'depending on who you ask - 100 either great - or poorly drawn - sketches of the ballet' is a pencil sketch. As in the previous post, the colorful background and fan were added with photoshop.

no one EYE know . . .

2011-01-07T14:06:00.003-06:00

When you don't know how to do something you have to start somewhere . . .

bonnie paint your pretty pansies and put them in the pot . . .

2011-01-06T08:29:00.001-06:00

Bonnie paint your pretty pansies and put them in the pot

by myra anderson

Congratulations to Bonnie Heather who was able to retire and will have the opportunity to cultivate her love of art! She said that perhaps her first series with be 12 paintings of pansies. When it comes to flowers - she also paints them beautifully! In this drawing I tried to add pansies but they just did not look right. I thought I had better leave the flowers to the experts!

Also, I added the blue sky and the green grass using a photoshop type program.

hips

2011-01-05T14:51:00.003-06:00

at the end of the day I want a cheeseburger

by myra anderson

This is sketch #5 of my dance series. In this particular sketch I wanted to draw a modest pair of hips in a leotard - cause that's just how I roll. I felt that the ballerina was too skinny. But, try as I might I could not add more weight to the drawing. As per usual this made me think about food. I can go many days eating a delicious salad - I make mine with lettuce, tomato, walnuts, cheese, diced chicken, avocado, cranberry-raisins and garlic croutons - sprinkled with garlic powder and pepper - and topped with bacon ranch salad dressing. Then after so many days I just want a cheeseburger. With bacon. And fries. And a strawberry shake. Hips . . .

pink . . . think . . .

2011-01-04T09:38:00.000-06:00

pink! think!

by myra anderson

This is sketch #4 of my series 'depending on who you ask - 100 either great - or poorly drawn - sketches of the ballet'. What's happening with the watercolors you say? Well, I ran out of the paper that I like and they no longer carry it (or anything that compares to it) at my local supply store. Hope to be back on track with that soon!

blue . . . shoe . . .

2011-01-01T21:46:00.004-06:00

blue . . . shoe . . .

by myra anderson

This is charcoal on blue pastel paper. It's sketch #3 of my dance series. For some reason I thought that it would be fun to smear it a little and add those crazy lines. Yup!!

more from the article 'what is art'

Another beautiful photo from Rick Elkins. I think that this is like a beautiful 'modern day' Degas. Yet another reason I love the art of the ballet. I often wonder what makes people love their particular genre. There is actually an artist who paints 'a mule' a day . . . . . . . .

thank you janettmarie . . . how to add texture to your canvas . . .

2010-12-31T17:54:00.002-06:00

What a great video! Looking forward to many more in the coming year (hint, hint)!

interesting drawing video and . . . a question for janettmarie . . .

2010-12-31T11:04:00.006-06:00

This is not how I draw. I don't draw in such a 'civilized' manner. After watching this video several times I think I will try this method 'for the experience' and report back. I wonder how other people draw. I find it fascinating. Also I'm hoping that JanettMarie will one day do some progression shots of her work. Sometimes as I go through the day cooking, cleaning and trying to do good to others I wonder 'how does she get those colors and textures?' 'Does she do workshops?' 'If so will she let me in for free?'

one small step . . . a thousand miles to go . . .

2010-12-30T15:08:00.007-06:00

sketch #2 by myra anderson

First, it was so sweet of Mr. Anderson (that's what I call my husband Harvey sometimes) anyway, it was so sweet of Mr. Anderson to go out and buy me an automatic pencil sharpener. I have many packs of unopened pencils - but no sharpener. Now, armed with newly sharpened pencils I decided to 'lay down some lines' or do some pencil drawings. (I have only done three pencil drawings in my life.)

Well, I rather enjoyed it! But there were areas that I wish I could make darker. Lo and behold I opened up a book! *I found out that there is something called 'a carbon pencil' that gives you darker lines. *The artist also said that he drew the entire figure before he added the clothing. Duh! Why didn't he tell me that before I put her other leg in the wrong place! Off to the store for carbon pencils and other drawing pencils!!

A quote from the web

Photo by Rick Elkins

'the ballet is truly timeless'

It took me a while to 'see' that the two ballerinas in this beautiful photo were in the same pose as the ballerinas in the Degas. This photo by Rick Elkins portrays the kind of beauty I hope to one day bring to my paintings of the ballet. 'A thousand miles to go.'

say what! part 2

2010-12-29T14:17:00.020-06:00

#1 The Girl With the Charcoal Hair

by myra anderson

Part 2 Many modern day painters of the ballet say that their goal is not to copy Degas but to 'bring Degas to the next level'. This is something that I personally think is reflected in many of John Asaro's paintings of the ballet. I think that if Degas were here today, he too would impart a beautiful modern day look to a favorite subject.

John Asaro

Also, I mentioned that I would have to answer the unspoken challenge of John Asaro (see previous post). Since he is doing 100 paintings of the dance - I will do "Depending on who you ask - 100 either great or poorly drawn sketches - of the ballet."

Finally here is a quote from the blog 'Dear Artist'. She encouraged me in this first sketch to try and draw exactly what I wanted to communicate - in this case -a girl with charcoal hair.

say what! part 1

2010-12-28T17:20:00.018-06:00

After I saw the video below and JanettMarie's beautiful acrylic painting I DID get out my brushes and do a black and white acrylic painting of a 'you know what' (ballerina). Now I see that in some way I must rise to the challenge unknowingly presented to me by this John Asaro fellow! I thought Degas calling me all the time to ask how my ballerina paintings were coming along was enough - and now this!! But you know me - I LOVE a challenge!

David Shevlino

2010-12-28T12:26:00.001-06:00

JanettMarie told me about this video. When you see it . . . it makes you want to get out your BIG brushes and paint!

#4 two too 2 tutu green . . .

2010-12-27T10:21:00.002-06:00

#4 two ballerinas with tints of green

by myra anderson

Jerome Greene

'I think that this painting is so wonderfully carefree . . .'

#5 jane and jane and driving you insane . . .

2010-12-26T15:08:00.002-06:00

#5 speckled on the shore of speckled sand and sun

by myra 'jane' anderson

Yes men and women, girls and boys, dudes and dudettes . . . in 5 more posts about watercolor I WILL open that watercolor set!

watercolor by Jane Ferguson

'I just love this composition'

#6 me and ann teigen purrrrrrrrr . . .

2010-12-21T19:15:00.003-06:00

The 10 top reasons I need to open those watercolors

and read that watercolor book -

#6 'If that's how you're going to carry me I'd rather walk'

by myra anderson

and

Cat

by ann teigen

love that pose!

#7 and I imagine that you think I'm going to open those watercolors when I get to #1 ummmm?

2010-12-21T09:44:00.001-06:00

#7 Bonnie lookin' boss on the beach

by myra anderson

and . . .

Carol Blackburn's Bulletin Board of Inspiring Photos

For inspiration Carol Blackburn keeps a bulletin board with photos pinned to it of things that she would like to paint someday (including one of her beloved brother). When she is not particularly inspired to do something special she grabs one of these photos and does a study. This often inspires her to do another piece. What beautiful photos! What a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration Carol.

the 10 top reasons I need to open those watercolors and read that watercolor book #8

2010-12-20T13:00:00.006-06:00

#8 a mingling with a matisse

by myra anderson

the 10 top reasons I need to open those watercolors and read that watercolor book #9

2010-12-19T14:42:00.001-06:00

#9 the little red boat by myra anderson

and . . .

from cristina's blog

a full set of lips and a pizza face . . .

2010-12-19T11:04:00.001-06:00

I SAID A PIECE OF FACE! In order to draw faces I decided that I am going to study my own face in a mirror. This is how I look when I close my eyes and draw myself . . . well, I got the hair right . . . coming next - reason #9 why I should open those watercolors and read that watercolor book!

ballerina sketch and pizza face . . .

2010-12-18T11:33:00.002-06:00

NO I SAID A PIECE OF FACE . . . Yesterday I put on my best leotard and tulle skirt so that I could meditate on how to bring my drawings of the ballet up to the next level. Also, this is as far as I wanted to go on this drawing of a face. I 'checked it before I wrecked it'. Next time I will definitely go for it . . . maybe . . .

the top 10 reasons I need to open those watercolors and read that watercolor book!

2010-12-17T10:25:00.005-06:00

#10 Dancer with the blueberry legs by myra anderson
The top 10 reasons I need to open those watercolors
and read that watercolor book
in paintings, quotes from other artists, and pictures . . .

blue mountain . . .

2010-12-16T17:09:00.029-06:00

What is this . . . day number 30 of me talking about those watercolor paints? You know - the ones that I bought on sale. I AM GETTING VERY CLOSE TO OPENING THE PACKAGE. I am also getting very close to reading that WATERCOLOR BOOK I told you about.

cathy bueti and me . . .

2010-12-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

ocean song by myra anderson

Also, when it comes to mixed media Cathy Bueti is like a mix media encyclopedia! Not only does she share her techniques with you, she also explains the emotions that went into creating each piece. Her technique is a wonder and her thoughts make you ponder . . .

Did you happen to catch my mixed media contribution to ocean song? I added red marker to the skirt! Gotta start somewhere . . .

kim frohsin

2010-12-14T20:40:00.000-06:00

Kim Frohsin is the artist from Sunday's post. Since this is my watercolor winter I was fascinated by her use of so many elements. I am searching for every color pencil, marker, crayon, etc. that I have ever bought from the store so that I can bring it all to the (watercolor) table. Next: What about Cathy Bueti?

dreaming of . . .

2010-12-14T10:57:00.001-06:00

one two cha cha cha

2010-12-13T14:38:00.000-06:00

one day we'll look back at some of these drawing and laugh . . .
three four cha cha cha . . .

too nosey?

2010-12-13T11:56:00.000-06:00

This is the same model from the previous post. She wanted a nose and 'wha-la' here it is! After I went through the whole process of drawing, painting, adding purple lines with a watercolor pencil on the tutu - and giving her a nose - 'what about nostrils!' she said. Back to the drawing board.

who nose? what fun!

2010-12-12T16:07:00.002-06:00

myra anderson 'not so nosey'

If you look back a few months ago, I wanted to learn how to draw faces. As you can see I've done a few side views but yesterday I felt that it was time to go to the next level - the front view. After I did the ballerina with the eyes (closed) and the mouth - there was no room for the nose. Just wait - the next pose - there will be nose! You - being such great artists - may wonder - what takes me so long? Well . . . I'm slow . . . and filled with fear. My name should be Myra SlowFear.

Also, I saw the second painting on the web. If you know the artist let me know. When I looked at the mixed media list I thought 'what fun!' 'Gotta get me a bunch of stuff!' 'What is powdered pigment?' 'Time to google mixed media!' Myra SlowFear signing off for now.

a ballerina sketch . . .

2010-12-11T12:56:00.002-06:00

a ballerina sketch

with enough done

to make you want to come

and dance

with me?

one of my goals is to keep a watercolor sketchbook . . .

2010-12-10T15:57:00.002-06:00

now that's a sketchbook! (click)

blue bodice and . . .

2010-12-10T10:46:00.017-06:00

blue bodice by myra anderson

Carol Blackburn In Her Studio

Thanks for the tip Carol!

You look marvelous!

two ballerinas

2010-12-09T09:50:00.000-06:00

oh four - part one . . .

2010-12-08T20:40:00.001-06:00

I do have a few oil paintings to post. Also, I think I will follow Bonnie's lead and stay with water media over the winter. I'm waiting on her report about the water based oil paints. In the meantime I want to 'conquer' watercolors (and acrylics) like a mountain climber wants to climb to the top of Mount Everest. As I look at the watercolors I have done so far - I think that there is something I need to do that I just don't want to do - READ A BOOK. I have a book I just don't want to read a book! I'll look at Chapter 1 tomorrow.

These paintings represent 4 things that I would like to do with my ballerinas -
1. paint a bold beautiful colorful watercolor Degas (John Nieto and JanettMarie)
2. paint a bold acrylic with two colors - even paint a danseuse! (Mark Adlington)
3. paint a ballerina against a bold abstract (Sylvie Van Hulle)
4. paint a large dynamic painting of a ballerina (Georgianne Fastaia)

dancing with green . . .

2010-12-08T08:53:00.000-06:00

After practicing with just black watercolor I was ready to try all of the watercolors again. Now I feel like dancing on over to the art supply store. I think that for fine detail I need some watercolor sticks and some watercolor pencils. I WONDER IF THEY HAVE ANY ON SALE!

from the coffee blog . . .

2010-12-08T08:43:00.000-06:00

ballerina with a fan . . .

2010-12-07T14:54:00.000-06:00

So, as I mentioned before, this is one of the more serious 'fun' pieces I was working on. Like Degas I want to do a series of ballerinas holding a fan. Also, practicing watercolor with black only is very helpful. After a few of these black and white paintings I was thinking that I just might open that new jumbo watercolor set after all. Hmmmmm . . .

jazzy dancer . . .

2010-12-07T12:40:00.000-06:00

Today I did some very serious fun watercolor sketches of the ballet . . . and then I decided to just have some fun!

from the coffee blog . . .

2010-12-07T09:19:00.000-06:00

mark adlington

2010-12-06T22:25:00.000-06:00

paintings by mark adlington

I have quite a few pieces of art to post up to this point . Starting from this point . I will work to answer the question: Can I bring 'poetry' and 'music' to my art?