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Saturday, July 14, 2012

Where Bloggers Create 2012


This guy's been waiting for me to give him a little canvas
for a long time.  He's a study in patience.
Its a party and you're invited!  Karen Valentine of My Desert Cottage is having a blog party called Where Bloggers Create.  The point is to show off the space where you create and then to visit where other creative bloggers work.  It is great for inspiration, new ideas for decor and for organization, and for meeting new friends.  Come along and join in on the fun.  Bring your cup of tea and a notebook.  You might want to write something down.
Pencils!  Better than eggs in this basket!
I am a pencil artist, so much of my space is dedicated to drawing space and storage to support my pencil addiction.  : )   I use a variety of types of pencils so there is a necessity for a large number of pencils.  Most of the containers they come in are less than ideal.  I'm still waiting for someone to design the perfect pencil box!  And often I purchase my pencils through open stock, buying just a few at a time.  I could toss them all into a box.  But, not only would that be less than creative, it wouldn't be very practical for finding just the right color when I'm using them and in a hurry.  --Here, in the background, you can see a brush display holder that I gleaned from Hobby Lobby.  Years ago I was teaching through the store and they were going to toss this display case out.  I was happy to help them take out the trash.  Then in the front of the picture, I've used tea tins to separate the different kinds of pencils in a basket.  


What?!!  Isn't this what a relish plate is for?
The vintage relish dish was given to me by a friend.  It isn't perfect for the pencils but it is fun, and that counts for something too.  So I use it anyway.  When I do art journaling using only pencils, it takes a variety of kinds.  I like to choose the colors for my palette and then separate the different types of pencils here.




The same friend gave me this "crystal" pencil tray.  Actually, its an old plastic dish, probably meant to be thrown away after serving sandwiches at a party.  But we can pretend, can't we?  I enjoy using it to lay out the pencils I am going to use for a project.  It just feels better when I look at it to gather the next color.  Its all about atmosphere!

My one of a kind crystal pencil dish!


This is where I draw most of the time.  Well, admittedly sometimes I draw using a board on the couch.  But, this is the official location.  The second story windows are usually open and most often there is a cat either in the basket beside me or in my lap trying to catch the pencil.  In the background you can see the wooden file cabinets that I mentioned buying last year.  They have allowed me to streamline some of my storage and I love how they look.  The large school teacher's desk is where I do much of the recording for my online classes.


Animal portraiture is my specialty.  But lately I find myself moving toward a more illustrative type of subject.  This is where the ideas that only live in my head can come to a moment of life on the paper.  I offer no explanation for these pieces.  I like to let the viewer see them in the unique way that touches them.   If you wish you can see more of my work in my Wind and Honey Shop or through my Etsy shop.

I have taught art classes to local students as young as 5 and as old as ...., well, they probably don't want me to tell you how high that goes.  But lets just say some of them are great grandmothers.  Over the years, I've taught a variety of media.  But my favorite is drawing.  I love to do all kinds of art.  But drawing always feels like I've come home. And I love helping new students learn to draw.  My favorites are the ones that have always thought they couldn't do it.  Then they are amazed and delighted at the same time when they find the lessons opening up for them.  Those moments make me smile.

Last year I branched out into teaching online drawing classes through a video format.  It really works well as the camera is just over my shoulder and everything I do shows on the camera.  My classes start at the very beginning for those with no experience.  Then I also have workshops for those who already have some drawing background.  There are classes in both graphite black and white and in colored pencils.  I have taught through Artful Gathering and also through my own site Creative Pencils.



Vintage silverware, little frames, & a nest egg!

Love these shelves!!!
I do still love to play with mixed media collage and with digital collage.  But since I am teaching so much and focusing on drawing, I don't have a whole lot of time to create collages.  But by determination, I still find little ways to work it into my schedule 'just for fun' when I need a break.

 Recently we renovated our kitchen.  There was no longer any place to keep these great stainless steel shelves.  So, they moved to the studio, where everything "stray" ends up.  Wow, all that junk that had been piled on the floor is now stacked in order on these shelves.  What a difference!

My daughter made this cool dish in her first ceramics class in college.
I made a video of my studio recently as a teacher for Artful Gathering.  I am including it here.  It will show the whole room more clearly, should you wish to see it.  





*******************************************************************************

Thank you for joining me today.  I've loved having you here.  I am anxious to see your studio and find wonderful and inspiring ideas.  I'll be there soon.  Put the kettle on.

CAPTURING DREAMS ONE DRAWING AT A TIME










****By the way, my beautiful blog was designed by our own Karen Valentine.  As you can see, she does a great job and she is a delight to work with.****





38 comments:

Marijke van Ooijen said...

Hay Elisabeth,

Ohhh...your space is so peaceful and nice..
And I love your work...you have so much talent!
I love your work...

Thank you for sharing with us...

Please take a look into my world if you like..

Love and I am your newest follower..
Marijke from Holland

Natasha Burns said...

Elizabeth, oh my goodness, your art is so beautiful!!! I wanted to pop over and say thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your input re the copying/image theft. And now I am really happy that I found your beautiful work!
Take care,
Natasha x

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your space....boy would I love to have a drafting table like that...all wood!
but I too take a board to the couch or kitchen table to get my drawing done......

stop by to visit if you like. I'm sharing in WBC for the first time.


ciao bella
creative carmelina

Lorraine said...

A wonderful creative space Elizabeth! Beautiful collection of pencils - a true rainbow of colours.

Terry said...

Your work is absolutely beautiful! I am one of those people who are challenged when drawing a stick figure. You are very talented!

Love,
Terry

deb said...

You are one talented lady! Love your space and drawings. Thanks for the tour!
*hugs*deb

Deb S said...

Wow - you are sooooo talented. I love the colorful basket of pencils. The kettle is on!

Maureen said...

Oh Elizabeth, I love your talent, your room and especially your furry family members! Your work is amazing; and it was such a pleasure to watch the video of your studio! From your newest Follower. ;)

Tamatha said...

I love your studio-especially the wooden drafting table! I'm hoping to keep plugging away in the Session I Artful Gathering class-I bought the video. I've enjoyed watching so far and can't wait to find the time to get the pencils out!

Michele's Treasures, Teacups, and Tumbling Rose Cottage said...

Great spot! Love the basket of pencils. Who needs a basket of flowers when one has such a pretty bouquet of pencils. ; ) Love your work.
~Michele

Robin said...

I love your space and your art is just EXQUISITE!!!! Thanks so much for the tour!

Robin
Soggy Bottoms Baby Duds blog

Chrislyn said...

Your work is wonderful. I used to do pastel on velour (mostly animals of course) and many years ago I tried colored pencil and loved them. My work was even in galleries but to my own regret I stopped drawing for many years. I am now getting started back--(hoping it will come back).
Loved the tour--your new follower!

Chrislyn

Leanne said...

Oh, THE PENCILS!!! THE PENCILS!!! Yes, I admit that my heart skipped a beat when I saw all the colors ! What a wonderful space! Oh, how I love this little look into everyones creative areas, and yours is just great! Thanks for sharing!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your space is wonderful, Elizabeth! I love the drawings that I can see in this post and on your blog page. Just beautiful! I'm going to have to check out your Etsy shop while I'm here. Thanks for sharing your tour!

Louise@ElsieMayandBertha said...

You do have a lotof pencils, but I am sure you buy them in the way I buy fabric, you need them :-) You draw beautifully I especially like the cat as we have two. Your desk is rather nice as well. Thanks for the look around.

Kathleen Conard said...

Your creative space is wonderful and your drawings are AMAZING! Thank you for sharing both with us.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful space to create in and how talented you are. I always have admired people who can draw- one talent I hope to learn in heaven!


I have a new space to share this year too- sure been fun seeing all the great spaces at Karen's party!

bee blessed
mary

fairyrocks said...

Beautiful displays of pencils, all nicely sharpened and just waiting for you. I can see by your work that you have a rare talent. Keep smiling and creating.

Rita Barakat said...

oooh! I love the pencil basket!!!!! You have an amazing talent - great space!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Oh my gosh! Your space is just divine! A pencil artist! How fab is that! I love your pencil basket my friend. BEAUTIFUL work! God given talent.

I would love to meet up with you. I LOVE OKLAHOMA and can't believe we are practically neighbors!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Hugs to you~Rebecca

Susan said...

Wow..what a talent! I love your space and all the wonderful stuff you can do. I want to come to your house.If I teach you how to weave a basket, can you teach me to draw??? Plus I could give you a great book list as I am also a librarian. I love the dog,rabbit,cat blog header. I love love animals. Are you on Pinterest?? My new addiction. Thanks for stopping by, please come back. I am a new follower now. Susan

A China Cupcake said...

Your drawings inspire me to go back for more training.
I was taken by the light lights and darkest darks you used on the adirondack chair. I love the way you left it in process . It's rare these days to see artists do pure drawings it is the most difficult skill in the arts .
I would love to see all the views of your studio in drawings next year !!! Your photos were a delight the basket of colored pencils , pencils everywhere . Doesnt seeing art supplies and studios make your heart race ?thank you U loved your studio . I am going to grab your button and become a follower . Pat Beglin

~Becca~Bluebird Rose said...

What clever arrangements for your pretty pencils!
Thank you for sharing your creative space.
:)
~Becca~

Susan said...

Hello again. I just have to tell you once again how much I love your blog and your blog header. I am a real animal lover. Your Pinterest button didn't work for me but I think I found you anyway. Did you find me?

LiliKrist said...

I love the way you arrange your pencils =)

Helena White said...

Thank you for the tour ~ You create truly amazing images. As I view their little faces, I feel there essence ~ How wonderful.

♥ ஆєℓєηα

Angela Weimer said...

A great space. love all your pencils. I would be in heaven. Your drawings are beautiful and so lifelike. I will be around soon to check out your classes and such. Tahnks for the wonderful tour and have a great day.
Angela

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh my goodness you are so gifted with pencils and they come in a range of the most beautiful shades - I have never seen so many! And all the wonderful storage ideas for them also - that is an art in itself!
This tour is about inspiration and I have been inspired by coming to visit here and would love to see some of your mixed media art as well.
Thank you for sharing.
Suzy

Kathy said...

Your artwork is beautiful - thank you for sharing your creative space!

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

What a wonderful studio space. You do lovely work! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

You have an amazing collection of pens for creating an amazing collection of art.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your comments.
Blessings and Bonjour de France !
Hélène

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Your studio is beautiful as are your drawings. I purchased your Great Pyr reading the newspaper last year for a Christmas gift - looks so much like my departed Ralph. Do you do portraits from photos?

Sandy said...

Your art is exquisite, love seeing where you create, thank you for sharing.

awal.ny said...

Great space to create in. Love all the colors.

Something Special said...

Such a great workspace for an artist. Love your work.

Karen Valentine said...

Elizabeth your space looks perfect for you! I enjoyed seeing more of your work. It always makes me smile. Thank you so much for joining the party and letting us have a peak at your artist's studio!
xo,
Karen

Maureen Hayes said...

Elizabeth,

Hello again dear teacher!! I have been working my slowly through every blog on the hop and have finally reached the end, imagine my surprise to find your wonderful studio here! I could actually eat those beautiful colored pencils, especially the beautiful way you have them displayed, on crystal, in relish dishes, in cans, etc. . . I love everything about your studio, but my favorite part are your animals, your kitties in particular, but your doggies as well!

Thanks for being such an inspiring force to so many, myself included. I hope to be able to take your classes again soon and I highly recommend them to anyone thinking of taking one!

Hugs,
Maureen Hayes

Donna Nowicki French said...

I love your space. I also am a pencil artist and my specialty is animals. I will be checking out your blog often.

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