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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

This week I drew, and Today We Remember ...


 At Sketchbook Skool we are under the tutelage of Cathy Johnson, a wonderful naturalist artist, writer and teacher. This page is from one of her lessons, plus one of my favorite burrowing owls from a photo I took a while back.


Our lives often include live music. Last Saturday night we went to a local farm in our valley and listened to a fav trio. They had added a bass player for the evening. My husband used to teach with the male guitarist/singer.

Two of the women sitting in front of me turned out to be artists too. One approached me when she saw me sketching.



On Sunday we went to visit Uncle Harry. He has added to his plate of grief, since his dear wife of 69 years, my aunt Mimi, died in May. He's now also lost his two sisters, the youngest, just a few days before we got there. So the visit was a mixture of sad and happy time.
I drew this first drawing after lunch when Harry had fallen asleep in his chair back in his room. He had one eye open and one closed. Tricky, but he can do it.


I love that he lets me draw him. He was wide awake for this one.



Then back in Sketchbook Skool I was still using my owl photos to draw birds, which was part of the homework.



As I said before I love these burrowing owls. Some of you may remember the photo I got of these two, which I called "The Loving Couple". It was in a juried art show last year.
Now I have it on a sketch too. And I've added it to my Zazzle shop where you can put it on a mug or t-shirt or card, etc. Zazzle.com/Lynnc1 is my shop url.


Today I went to Tacos Jalisco for lunch where I drew these two gals. I thought it was funny that one of the women was holding her fork and knife this way. So I turned it into a cartoon.

Woman #1: "I'm ambride-knife and fork-terous!"
Woman #2: "Yeah? Kool!"




It's rare to see people at TJ's on their cell phones. When this couple came in her body language initially was to lean forward toward the guy as if to engage him in conversation, and he reached across the table as if to touch her hand or arm, but before he actually got there she had pulled out her phone and was looking down at it. I could only imagine his disappointment, and after a few minutes, he too pulled out his phone, and before I knew it, both were in other worlds looking at screens, not at each other.



Some of you may recall this portrait I did of my friend Patty. July 31, 2013 was the day she died.
Bringing to an end our 73 year friendship. Well, she is still my best friend.  I think of her every day, and I can be found talking to her too from time to time. I wear a piece of jewelry Patty gave me every day, not always the same one, I mix them up, but always something from her, to keep her close.
Just needed to share that today.

 
"I love you Patty"
"I know you do Lynnie, I love you too!"
"Friends Forever, Today, Tomorrow, Always"

26 comments:

  1. great sketches this week, Lynn. Love your little owls...they are so cute!

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  2. Another great week of fun sketches. Patty would have loved it all. :))

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    1. Thanks Cris. And YES, she would have. She was so encouraging about my art.

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  3. I love the burrowing owls. Those big golden yellow eyes. SWEET. I know you miss your Patty. Big hugs.

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  4. It is so wonderful that you have the picture of Patty. I know she smiles with you. I love all of your art. The birds are amazing. Well done.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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    1. Thanks Nicole, Patty loved all my art. She was my biggest fan from day one. It's because of her belief in me that I keep going!

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  5. Hi Lynn. Sorry about your Uncle Harry's loss. For some reason I can see the sadness in his eyes. You captured him well. Love your owls and all your work. I'm sure your friend Patty would be right at your side rubbing your shoulder and telling you that "Your Art Rocks." Great post, have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Gloria, nice to be told I captured my uncles true feelings. Glad you like my owls and other art too. You are so right about Patty. I miss that! And so much more!

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  6. Owlsome as usual Lynn!!! Great sketches! One day I am going to bring my paints outside and people watch! :^) patsy

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  7. "owl some"! Wonderful!
    Oh please do it, you'll enjoy it so very much! Drawing outside! In public!

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  8. Not just interesting and great pics but moving post too.

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  9. your portraits are always full of character,and sorry for the sadness of the visit, but your owls are just wonderful... full of personality and energy... wonderful

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    1. Thanks Tracey, yes life is both sad at times and joyous. I'm glad I can capture both in my drawings!

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  10. I just love how you keep Patty's spirit alive! She'd be so proud of how much art you have produced this year! I am sure she is up there rooting for you!! She will always be a wonderful part of who you are!! Wonderful work Lynn and I love the owls...so cute!! Those of your uncle are so good too!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  11. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful collection of sketches and paintings. I think if I met your Uncle Harry in the street I would recognise him, in fact I'll say "Hello Uncle Harry" and let you know what he says. I love the second painting of the musical evening, I like the way you have painted the people. Great comment on and painting of cell phones too, and very touching that you wear Patty's jewelry, a lovely idea. What a great post, I could be here all day admiring and commenting on it.

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  12. You've been pretty busy! Love the drawings. They are gorgeous!

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  13. Your post today is one of joy and sorrow, but in every way wonderful to view. I was concerned about Uncle Harry in May when he lost his love-of-his-life. To have all this sorrow within 3 months must be so hard to stand. It's good he has a loving family. And as for Patty, she will always be a part of you.

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  14. I love all the different portraits (characters) you draw. Your uncle reminds me of my granddad. I cannot imagine losing my best friend (since 3rd grade). ((((Hugs)))) Blessings, Janet PPF

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  15. I adore your artwork--I especially love your beautiful owls. The expressions on their faces made me smile this morning. Thank you for that. Wonderful artwork---and such a distinctive style. (grin)

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  16. Wonderful variety! Love the sketchbook entries - especially the trio of owls! The one is front looks a little but sassy! Happy PPF!

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  17. I LOVE your owls!!!! And uncle Harry. The couple on their phones made me giggle, but a sad giggle, for it is a all to common sight around dinner tables in our area. Remembering Patsy... the relationship does continue...it's different, but still there...hug to you!

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  18. These are all so wonderful and so filled with feeling and emotion. Your art really draws me in.
    Julie

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  19. Love your art work. Your owls have such personality. And wonderful tribute to your best friend Patty. My best friend's name is Patty, too.

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Thanks for leaving your comments as I love hearing from you. Your words of encouragement are why I continue to draw!