Its been a busy summer....

Where has the summer gone? I realize that I have not posted since June...have been a bit busy I think:)  Several of my immediate family members moved this summer, one starting university out of town, another a new teaching job (Yay!) in another city,  senior parents moving into a retirement home and one grown child coming home to roost temporarily has occupied me with helping to pack, unpack and physically move multiple possessions.

My days at the new studio have been opportunistic and I have met and chatted with many summer visitors to the market. The opportunity came along to move into a larger unit at the end of August and I have enjoyed having a bit more space to work in.

I have worked on a few pieces over the summer...several entries destined for the fall fair in our town. I was given the use of a wonderful photo of a cheetah taken by a photographer friend, Paul, and thought it would make a great  subject for a black and white drawing.

Here is my finished piece, a fun challenge with a lot of detail in wood and fur;

     "Afternoon Nap" graphite on bristol 18 x 22

As the Fair entry requirements allow 3 entries I also entered "Pretty Lady in a Hat";  I loved working on those sunglasses:) and "Angelic" - my impression of my 2 yr old grandson, Liam.

"Pretty Lady in a Hat" graphite on bristol 16 x 20

 'Angelic' graphite on bristol 9 x 9

I also found the time to do a pair of draught horses; what a great time I had getting all the tack detail sorted out...there were times that I didn't even know what I was drawing...a great exercise for the right brain in only drawing what you see!

     "In Tandem" graphite on bristol 11 x 14

Oh and btw, I came home with first prize from the Western Fair for "Angelic" :)