Black Friday Weekend Sale

In an attempt to do my part to help you avoid the crowds this Black Friday weekend, I am offering my Cat and Dog Portrait Workshops at a one time amazing price.  You can enroll in the Cat Portrait Workshop or you can enroll in the Dog Portrait Workshop.  And if you are really enthusiastic about both, you can enroll in Both of Them! for an even better bundled price.  

These workshops are cram packed with information about how I draw portraits with a simple graphite pencil. 









I include all my special techniques. I will walk you through each and every step from a plain white piece of paper to a splendid portrait created only in graphite. I will teach you the tricks to create a portrait that will come off the page with depth and with personality.

And the icing on the cake is that you can email me with your questions and with pictures of your work so I can help you along the way. These workshops are so much fun and students that have preceded you have had wonderful success. You can see some of the portraits accomplished by my students here in this video.

These workshops are open "forever".  So, if you are a beginner, you can purchase the workshops at this one time amazing price and save them for when you have completed my Pencils Series.  The Pencils Series 101, 201, & 301 will prepare you thoroughly for these Portrait Workshops.

So, hurry over to Creative Workshops for more information and to sign up.

Sign yourself up, sign your friends and family up.

Just think, you could be finished with your shopping with one click. And then you can spend this hectic weekend reading a good book.

Ahhhhhh!!!!!




Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

A Review of the Sanford Tuff Stuff Stick Eraser

It might seem odd to be so excited about an eraser.  But as a pencil artist committed to a particular level of precision in my art, I can't get along without my Tuff Stuff Stick Eraser Stick by Sanford Paper Mate.   The Tuff Stuff Eraser is a quality white plastic eraser.




The eraser stick in the Tuff Stuff is only 3.8 mm wide.  This is narrow enough to be able to erase in the tiniest of spots.  And yet wide enough to not compromise on the ability of the eraser to accomplish its task.

The fact that you can return the eraser stick back into the plastic barrel makes it easy to keep the eraser clean.  You can purchase refills for your Tuff Stuff Eraser making it ecologically friendly.  I use mine all the time but have never actually had to use my refills yet. 


I often use my Tuff Stuff Stick Eraser as a white pencil on my graphite drawings.  And I always encourage my students to own at least one.  They are always as excited about their Tuff Stuff Erasers as I am.  Their comment when first using it is usually, "Wow!"  We just can't get along without it.  I own several, keeping one in every pencil pack and drawing station I have.

 I always keep a small journal and a tiny drawing kit with me wherever I go.  My Tuff Stuff Eraser is an essential part of that drawing kit.  I love my Tuff Stuff Eraser!

Below is a video demonstration I did for Jerry's Artarama using the Tuff Stuff Eraser.

Supplies used in the video:

Conte' Crayons
Derwent Tinted Charcoal
Soho Urban Artist Colored Pencils
Derwent Graphic Pencil
Creative Mark Blending Stump
Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick
Big Triple Sharpener
Reflexions Pocket Journal
Artist Survival Book
Strathmore Bristol Board

I purchase all of my artist's pencils from Jerry's Artarama.  And I'm not telling you that because they asked me to do this review.  It is the truth.  They package those delicate pencils like they are shipping to the moon.  I've not found this to be true of all online art supply companies.   I grew weary of getting packages of broken pencil leads and that is when I discovered Jerry's.

Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

Black Friday News

 

You have the opportunity this weekend to save some money while staying at home in your comfy chair!  Just think... Black Friday savings and no crowds.  You don't even have to get up early.  How fun is that?!

Creative Workshops is having a Black Friday sale.  If you purchase my Pencils 101 workshop, you will get the Pencils 201 workshop for 1/2 price!!  You could buy it for yourself and then again for a gift to a friend.  Then the two of you could work through it together.  That would be lots of fun.  You can inspire each other.

And then at The Graceful Artist, there are 3, count them..., THREE drawings for prizes over the Black Friday weekend.  Each prize is a stash of enticing art supplies.  Oh, the things you could create!  You can find out all about those prizes and how to get your name in the pot several times, by going to the Graceful Artist blog.

Have a very blessed day of thanks whether you are in the USA celebrating the tradition of Thanksgiving or if you are just a person filled with gratitude.

Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

And Now It Can Be Spring!

The girls are up. The turtles, I mean.  It isn't officially Spring at our house until we see the turtles.  We have 3 of them and they live freely in our backyard.  They could leave if they wanted to.  They could easily dig under the fence.  But they choose to live with us.  I like to think they enjoy the tomato and watermelon treats I give to them as much as I enjoy sharing.

The first picture is Cleopatra and the second one is Claudette Colbert.   These pictures were taken today.  I didn't have time to create a reunion picture today as I am supposed to be recording a workshop.  And besides that, Goldie was hiding somewhere this morning.

Cleopatra

Claudette Colbert

A turtle picnic

Here is a picture of Goldie and Cleopatra taken last year.  It was
later in the year, hence the watermelon.  If you find our turtle family interesting, you may read more about them in previous blog posts here and here.

I will be recording a turtle drawing lesson for the new subdivision of Creative Pencils this week.  I might have to bring one of the girls in as a visual aid.

More about the new Creative Pencils project in just a few days.  We are wrapping things up to get it all ready.




Wind and Honey Creations

Its A Lovely Sunny Friday

 

I would love for you to join me for this Siamese Portrait in Tinted Charcoal workshop.  I am teaching this workshop at the One Little House online event.  Enrollment is currently open and the workshop begins March 29, 2013.   The workshop will run through May 24, 2013.  But enrollment will close on April 18.   While a beginning drawing student can accomplish the workshop, it also offers information a more experienced drawing student can glean.  If you have not used the Derwent tinted charcoal pencils yet, you will love using them.  They have such lovely colors and are a dream to work with.

 

Remember you can learn to layer colors and blend them with a blending solvent in this lovely Spring Tulips workshop.  This workshop is offered through my Creative Pencils teaching site.   You will love working with this solvent for your layers.  You will love the rich look it lends to your drawings.  Tulips in Colored Pencils is currently open and will remain so through May 24, 2013.  Enrollment closes May 1.

 

Recently, I won this Lottie pin from Manon of Manonpopje's Art.  We were both participating in the GYB event from 2BagsFull.   It took a while for my pin to arrive as it had to swim the Atlantic Ocean to get here.   I just love Manon's art.  She just makes me smile!  The bonus for me was the card that was included.  How cute!  It will have to be posted in my studio in a spot where I will see it often.  Than you Manon.  

Wind and Honey Creations

On My Worktable Today

Currently I have two projects on my worktable.   I have been working on this lion for a couple of weeks.  He is drawn with Derwent Graphic Pencils on Strathmore Bristol Board.  He has taken so long because I've had other responsibilities that have kept me from working on him as steadily as I'd like.   He and I have to share stolen moments.  : )  I think that just makes our relationship stronger.  I know that sounds a little funny.  But I do feel I know an animal after I've finished studying every nook and cranny of their face and looked deeply into their eyes.  I do feel this particular lion and I are special friends now.   He still needs a few hours of work to be finished.   When he is complete, I'll also share with you the incredible site where I found the photograph.  I do have permission from the photographer to use his work as my model.  It is always better to work from a live subject rather than a photograph.  But I have the hardest time getting those lions to climb the stairs to my studio and lie down so I can draw them!!

 

The other project I've been working on is this workshop example for using Zest-It solvent with colored pencils.  I have used Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils on Strathmore Bristol Board paper.  I will be recording that workshop this week and offering it soon through my online teaching site, CreativePencils.  We are longing for Spring in my part of the world.  These tulips seem a bright promise that there will be color outside my window once again soon.  This will be a fun workshop for those that like to play with colors to create the shading and play of light on a subject.  If you would like to learn more about working with colored pencils, you will love this opportunity.   **More on the workshop in a few days. 

Wind and Honey Creations

Returning to Classes

A bunny in soft pastels by an 8 year old student

Today my local classes resume.

The little ones will be making winter tree sculptures. That will be fun. And the older kids will be drawing again after a short hiatus to design their own pendants.

Clint is a private student who does not like breaks in our weekly meetings. He will be glad to be back.

Clint's interpretation of a lightening storm in watercolor

The adult class will be glad to be back to work as they find it difficult to work drawing time into their busy schedules without class time.

And for those of you who are not close enough to drive over today to join us for class,  Creative Pencils has ongoing workshops.   The Pencils Series 101, 201, & 301 continue providing a solid foundation in graphite skills for drawing, shading, and more. 

Calla lilies - one of the projects for Pencils 201

And Colored Pencils 101 is available for the beginner in colored pencils.  This workshop addresses colored pencil technique, color theory, and a lovely butterfly project.

One of the projects for Colored Pencils 101

New workshops are also coming to Creative Pencils soon!  I am excited about the projects I will be able to offer for 2013.  More information about those is coming....




Wind and Honey Creations

Oh The Things You Could Draw

You know how I love pumpkins.   This one is by Sandy Simpson

Shell from Pencils 201 by Justine Hennessy

Sometimes I wish I had a camera pointed at my face when I open the emails I get from my students.  Occasionally they find some of the exercises to be particularly challenging, and I feel their struggle.  But when it finally clicks and they begin to make real progress, I celebrate with them and the drawings they send to me bring big smiles to my face.

I have to brag on them sometimes because they are just so very good.  I love that they each have their own style and their own interest for drawing subjects.  I love that they are each finding their own unique creativity.

Here are some pieces done recently by a few of my students at Creative Pencils.  Now, when you look at these and are impressed - and of course, you will be impressed - remember that these students started out as beginners.  This is not the level at which they came into class.

Now, doesn't that bring a smile to your face? ....................
Yes, I thought so.....

"Chloe" by Sandra Petersen

Wind and Honey Creations

Its a New Day at Creative Pencils

My dear blogging friends, I apologize for my very long absence.  Life has been full and days have run into weeks.  But I have an exciting announcement that does explain some of my time in the last weeks.  

 

Colored Pencils 101

Pencils 301

Creative Pencils is the site where I offer lessons in pencil art.  In the last year it has been a subscription site with a monthly lesson plan.  But it is a new day at Creative Pencils!  It is now filled with workshops so you may choose what you want to learn.  You can even work on more than one workshop at a time, if you like.  The foundational lessons in basic graphite pencil (Pencils 101, 201, & 301) and colored pencils (101 & the upcoming 201) will remain open for students at all times.   And I will always be available to help and critique your work in those lessons.  I love watching the students blossom and grow as they work through those exercises.

Cat Portraits in Graphite

The other more specialized workshops like cat portraits or the upcoming dog portraits, etc. will be offered for a limited time.   And I am available for every workshop for questions, critique, and even just conversation.                                      You can become a member of Creative Pencils simply by enrolling in a workshop of any size and then signing up.  You may remain a member even when you are in between workshops.   

Art Journaling with Pencils Studio Group

We have Studio Groups where all members may share photos of their work and join in conversations about subjects they enjoy like art journals, especially those created with artist pencils.  Artist Trading Cards is another studio group and there are others including one discussing using your drawings in your mixed media collage work.                                                                                                              

 We are having a lot of fun at Creative Pencils!  Come and join in on the fun. 

 Of course you can do it!  That's what the lessons are for, to teach you.    Pop on over and see our new look!

***Creative Pencils has moved to Creative Workshops.  Come by and see***

Wind and Honey Creations

Sometimes You've Just Gotta Brag

You know, sometimes you've just gotta brag!  And since this bragging is on my students and not on me, I guess its ok.

I have been teaching a workshop in soft pastels during Session 1 of Artful Gathering 2012.  Our subject was a black rabbit but we used layers of colors to create the shape and shading of our rabbit.  This lovely and fuzzy bunny was drawn by Justine.  Isn't he delightful?  He has a perky look in his eyes like he just might do a little skip any minute.

And just about the same time I was getting lovely feedback from my Artful Gathering students, my Creative Pencils students were sending drawings to me that were so nicely done.  They have grown much in their skills.  I am so proud.  What's a teacher to do, but to brag!  LOL!

This is Buddy, drawn by Sherri Fults.  I love how Buddy's tummy looks so real.  I guess its funny that I would notice his tummy.  But it just caught my eye.    Sherri is growing rapidly in her pencil skills and is anxiously awaiting the opening of the animal portrait workshop on Creative Pencils this Fall. 

And this creative composition was drawn by Sandy Simpson who began lessons at Creative Pencils as a beginner late last Fall.  She has progressed nicely in her skills.  This drawing was the result of a lesson prompting creative composition that communicates a feeling.  These items are very personal to Sandy and her family and so they do communicate her intention.  Look at that hat.  Didn't she do an especially nice job on the hat?

And now, what about you?  Yes, you can do it too.  Opening day for Session 2 of Artful Gathering is in 2 days.  I am teaching a workshop using Graphite pencils and Derwent Graphitint pencils.  I have said that this project is for students that have some drawing experience.  Don't let that scare you off.  It you can draw a very simple line drawing and if you have at least a basic idea about shading, then you are ready for this class.  I will walk you through the rest of it one step at a time.  We will be drawing this beautiful barn owl.  

I hope you will join us.  The workshop is $120 for over 4 hours of step by step instruction.  You may enroll by going to Artful Gathering 2012 and click the registration button at the top of the page.  There is a small registration fee of $5 which helps to fund the gynormous amount it takes to run a site this large. Once you are in the site, you can sign up for the workshop by clicking the Workshops tab at the top of the page.  Scroll down to session 2 and you will find Portrait of Beauty and Wisdom there.  You click on that and then can purchase the workshop through paypal.  

Whew!  Its easier to do than it is to type.  LOL!

I hope to see you there.    

****CREATIVE PENCILS HAS MOVED TO CREATIVE WORKSHOPS****


CAPTURING DREAMS ONE DRAWING AT A TIME

Wind and Honey Creations

On My Drawing Table Today

This is the beginning of a piece that has been in my head for a while.  Finally I am getting it down on paper.  There will be a surprise finish to it.

Remember this is the first day of Artful Gathering 2012.  You still have a few days to sign up for classes.  My Hopping Into Soft Pastels workshop is fun and anyone can do it, even if you've never drawn before.  You'll be surprised and delighted with what you learn and accomplish. 

Wind and Honey Creations

This Could Be Yours

Imagine this hanging in your home.  You can draw this beautiful owl when you take my Portraits of Beauty and Wisdom Workshop in Artful Gathering 2012.  This drawing is done in graphite pencil and Derwent Graphitint pencils.  The workshop is being offered during session 2.

Wind and Honey Creations