pastel on newsprint male model

Decided to sit on the undraped side this week. Used rembrandt pastels.

crocheted socks

Some socks I made a couple weeks ago based on this pattern http://ballhanknskein.blogspot.com/2012/03/knee-high-boot-socks.html from http://theyarnbox.com/article/10-free-crochet-sock-patterns/. However they wouldn't stay up when I walked so I ripped the calves out and made ankle socks. The heel is pretty ingenious. I think double crochet is too loose so redid in half double crochet.

Now working on a plarn http://www.plasticbagcrafts.com/make-plarn/ floor rug for the kitchen. Been going to New Berlin's Crochet club http://www.newberlinlibrary.org/calendar/?view=EVENT&ID=6624 with my cousin.

12x18 pastel princess

results of aborted sketching session

This time I went out in the middle of the day but got called back before I got very far. It was my second attempt to paint today. The first time after being released I got called back before I could start.

I am using an old box of nupastels, probably about 24 colors. It's hard to tell as it's an old box and it's all broken up. I generally have to blend the colors to get the shade and value that I want. For instance to get the sky, I used 3 blues and white. I generally start by sketching in the main shapes with a pastel stick close to the color of the paper. I use a cloth rag to wipe away my mistakes. Once I got the general shapes in I start to put in the darker base color then blend in the lighter colors on top. I like to stop at the top of the paper and work my way down to keep from dragging my jacket sleeve over the paper. I'm just using a drawing board and sitting on the ground. Looks like I'm free this morning so will try again, but now it's early morning so will have to start a new sketch. It looks like it will be sunny again.

9x12 Pastel Sketch of Indy House

Only had an hour before sunset to quick block this in. I think I got the proportions right but I didn't match the roof and green trim colors. I also couldn't see the right side of the building because a truck was parked there so made up something. I could see mountains in the distance. It's nice here, you can see really far. I might work some more on it but didn't bring workable fixative with me which is not available here. Also I think next time I paint this house I might move a little bit to the left. I put my garbage down on a pile of dirt to sit up a little higher. We'll see how much time I have and if the weather cooperates. (Yesterday it snowed.) As soon as it hits 5pm here the wind picks up and my hands get cold and stiff.

 

Also here is a picture my sister took of me. I think the colors in her photo are a bit washed out due to the bright sun. I felt that I got the color of the house walls correct and the intensity of the sky was pretty close too.