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Ahhhhh....the Festival of the Arts!

6/4/2016

It's that time of year again...the first full weekend in June. I look forward to the Festival of the Arts all year. The smoke from the grills, and scents of spicy concoctions make my mouth water and my spirit soar. I love walking through the crowds of people and hearing snippets of conversations. The music for each of the stages is as varied as people and food. I enjoy finding a spot to sit, nibbling on a treat, and watching the people go by. This year, I already got an elephant ear slathered in cherry pie filling, and something new called a Polish Burrito. It had kielbasa, kapusta and mashed potatoes all rolled in a flour tortilla. It was MUCH better than it sounded. Yummy.

This Friday night visit, I remembered my sketchbook (but forgot my camera). So here is one sketch I did. I was trying to capture the light and shadow of the skyline view from one stage.

I look forward to my visit today....we're heading back downtown!

View looking up from the City Stage, Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Joy!

7/30/2014

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There is just something so HAPPY about Carrot Cake! It brings joy to me. It is currently the cake of choice on my birthday or on special occasions. I have Ruth and Diane Hogan to thank for giving me my first taste, as well as the recipe, for Carrot Cake.

It makes me even happier when on the day after my birthday, when back to reality and the little bit of the 'specialness' has worn off, I can walk into the kitchen and see that there is STILL enough birthday cake left for breakfast.

So Happy Day-After-My-Birthday to me….it's a happy day…there is still Carrot Cake!

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Student Sketchbook: Love you, Mom!

5/11/2014

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In honor of my Mother, Mary Alice. Thanks for all you've done for your family. I am so honored to have you as my Mom. Happy Mother's Day! I love you lots. The first drawing is of you "just laying down for a few minutes to rest my eyes", and is how I fondly think of you. These were drawings from my sketchbook from 1989.

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Student Sketchbook: Mom

5/10/2014

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In honor and remembrance of upcoming Mother's Day, I am posting a series of drawings from my sketchbook. These drawings were done in 1989. That is when I had a Life Drawing Class, and was busy recording daily life in my Sketchbook.

Above, is my Mom, Mary Alice, typing on her typewriter. It was a fancy electric one that had a memory. It was way before personal computers. Her lumps and bumps are a bit out of proportion, but I like it because it jogs my memory. It makes me smile when I think of my Mom typing away at the kitchen table.

Below, is my Mother-in-law, Rosalie. This is her favorite sitting spot, where she rests and watches her 'shows' on TV. She is the sweetest person, and loves her routine. We all know not to stop in between 1-2 pm, because that is when she eats her lunch and watches her soap opera.

I love them both, dearly, and am blessed to have them in my life.

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Student Sketchbook: Grandma

5/9/2014

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In honor and remembrance of upcoming Mother's Day, I am posting a series of drawings from my sketchbook.

This is a drawing done in 1989. I had no eraser at the time, otherwise I would have cleaned it up a bit more. It is special to me because it is of my Grandmother Dorothy Sedlecky. It was done at her apartment. It has a violet plant in the background, and I always think of her when I see them.

Grandma prayed everyday for her family and others, and I'm sure she is praying as fervently, while in Heaven. I love and miss you Grandma. It is nice to remember the time we've spent together.

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Sketchbook: Jury Duty

5/8/2014

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I was called for jury duty, today. It is not what I was looking forward to, but, I suppose I was pleased to serve to ensure our freedoms.

It was my day off today, and I felt a bit disappointed that the weather was so beautiful, and I had to use up my day in court - but - it all worked out. I was really glad that the number of jurors ahead of me fulfilled their quota, so after a couple of hours, I was free to go home.

Here are some sketches I had done, as I was trying out my new Sailor Calligraphy Pen. I did no pencil preliminary underdrawing; just some scratchy line drawings to engage my mind. The pen has the ability to do thick and thin lines, but takes a little getting used to it since it is not a roller-ball, but an old-fashioned style calligraphy pen. With those types of pens you can't really do circular movements, mostly side to side. The jury is still out……pun intended….whether I like the pen or not.

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Relaxing on Mackinac Island (I wish) - from my sketchbook

2/19/2014

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Here are two sketches from my sketchbook done June 1999 on our family trip to Mackinac Island.

I had glued some dark paper in my sketchbook so I could use chalk pastel. This location is the view from Mission Point beach on Mackinac Island. [Go to the navigation bar at the top of the page 'About. . .' to see more information about Mackinac Island.]

My process: I've used this technique in other drawings on this blog. I use a medium value of paper, then I can add a dark line, and lighter color for highlights, and it hits the whole range of values and makes it feel complete.

Here's my boy! This is a sketch from the same sketchbook, that I didn't complete in color. It is of our son, who was 4 at the time resting in the umbrella stroller, when we were on the same vacation on Mackinac Island. You can see the horse and carriage, and a bike in the background. It must have been at Arch Rock.

There is something about this sketch I like (besides the subject matter), I think it is the varied lines weights on the darker paper. The tone reminds me of old master's drawings.

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We're a little sketchy

2/13/2014

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Just for fun. This is a sketch that makes me laugh. I drew it from memory of posing for a photo at my Mom and Dad's house on their deck in front of a tree. I was just trying to work out shapes and proportions. I was trying to work out traits recognizable. If you know us, maybe you can recognize my husband, son, and me….not flattering in the least of any of us. It's just a sketch, but something about it I like.

Showing this is my way of opening up and building confidence. Ordinarily, I'd NEVER show something like this to anyone. It is just a personal exercise. But I am realizing that I like drawing more when I don't have to be so exact and critical. I like the gestural quality of sketching. So, maybe I'll explore THAT direction. Come along for the journey!

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My sister Linda

2/12/2014

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From my sketchbook: Basking in the warmth of memories of the summer, here is a quick sketch I did of my sister Linda as she was chatting on the phone with her daughters. We were visiting a quaint little nook at an artist's store on Loon Lake while taking advantage of some wi-fi. Linda is currently busy, busy, working on a benefit for her husband. More on that later!

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A respite from Winter - if only in my sketchbook

2/11/2014

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I did this sketch on the shore of Loon Lake, northern Lower Michigan, at Linda and Brian's Cottage.

Over the last few days I've been thinking about the impressive conditions we witnessed when we visited the ice covered pier at Grand Haven, MI. I thought I might do some drawings of that, but couldn't bring myself to work on them. I've had enough of this relentless string of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. I wanted some GREEN to warm the soul. I thought this was fitting to share because we are currently planning a benefit for my Brother-in-Law Brian. Because of his illness he hasn't been able to get up to their cottage.

This is my way of spreading hope and looking forward to the warm days ahead when he'll feel well enough to get back to Loon Lake.

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Hi. I'm Ann.

Welcome to
My Drawing Board Blog.

This is where I post my current thoughts and ideas about the topics that resonate with me, and how I work them out as illustrations. This is my work in progress.

As an artist, I love to see the beauty in the world around me. I enjoy the play of color, patterns, and light. It is a challenge for me to try to capture the thoughts and images that inspire me.

Sometimes, I like to quickly scratch ideas on paper. Other times, I like to take my time and work through images with color.

Each day brings a new perspective. This blog is my opportunity to share my thoughts and drawing process with you.

Thank you for visiting.

You can keep up with me on Facebook, as well:
https://www.facebook.
com/AnnGRusky/
____________

Getting Creative About Functioning with LESS.

Creativity takes on many forms. Currently, I am on a journey to live with LESS and I am trying to Make <LESS> Work for me and my family.

Hopefully my goal will inspire my whole household to make conscious decisions about our home environment and what we REALLY need to own.

My personal goal is to eliminate clutter, and make our surroundings creatively functional and beautiful.

I am grateful to be able to share my thoughts, and illustrations with you.

We'll see where this journey takes me!

Make <Less> Work
< In my Wardrobe
< Household Products
< Processed Food
< Boxes & Stuff
< Getting More Organized

Ahhhhh....the Festival of the Arts!

Joy!

Student Sketchbook: Love you, Mom!

Student Sketchbook: Mom

Student Sketchbook: Grandma

Sketchbook: Jury Duty

Relaxing on Mackinac Island (I wish) - from my sketchbook

We're a little sketchy

My sister Linda

A respite from Winter - if only in my sketchbook

Hi. I'm Ann.

Welcome to
My Drawing Board Blog.

Blog Categories

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Hi. I'm Ann.Welcome to My Drawing Board Blog.

Blog Categories

Archives

Hi. I'm Ann.

Welcome to
My Drawing Board Blog.