Winner! We Have a Winner!!!

 

I'm scurrying in here before the day is finished to announce the winner of the free Pencils 101 Workshop on Creative Workshops.  Oh!  I wanted to let you ALL be winners.  You had such lovely and kind comments.  Thank you.

But, alas, there must only be one winner.  I used a random number generator to determine the winner.  And the number chosen was lucky #10.   Which was Shawn.  So, Shawn, you can just pop over and let Gail know that you are a lucky girl and you are ready to have fun with pencils.  I'm sure I will enjoy working with you.

 

For all of you that are interested in getting started with your drawing skills, the Pencils 101 Workshop will open on October 18.  But you can sign up now and be ready to go when that fun day arrives.  Come on over and join Shawn and I in Pencils 101.

Wind and Honey Creations

An Interview with Karen deCordova, Dog Lover, Trainer, Artist

My Sugar

  Currently at Creative Pencils I am teaching a workshop on drawing Dog Portraits in Graphite.  I needed a model for the lessons and for the example I draw in front of the camera.  But what dog would have the physical  characteristics that would teach my students a variety of traits all in one?  Dogs have such varied features.  And then I remembered Karen deCordova.  Karen is one of my local students and is also a member of Creative Pencils.  She has a passion for her dogs and a lot of interesting experience with them.  Karen has Golden Retrievers.  That would be just right because they have short hair, medium hair, and long hair all in one portrait.  And their features are not at one extreme or the other i.e. long pointy nose or flat nose.   I have interviewed Karen and I think you will enjoy getting to know her and Target, my model, a little bit here.   

**Did you have a dog as a child?  If so what breed?  What kind of relationship did you have with that dog? 

I did not have a single dog as a youngster – I had a plethora of varied strays that I would bring home, try to hide from my parents as long as possible and train to do anything I could convince the dog to do for a treat. My father was in the Air Force and we lived overseas for several years of my childhood. Once we returned to the States I begged my parents until they relented and purchased a Shetland Sheepdog. I wanted a bigger dog, but my non-doggie parents couldn’t bear the thought. “Cinnamon” was a stubborn, serious girl that didn’t like to do what she was told. She really was more my parent’s dog than mine and I vowed to someday have my own dog that was sweet and big. 

 

**I know you to be very serious about dog training.  How did you get into dog training?  What preparation have you had? 

A commissioned portrait

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t training a dog. I just always liked the idea of convincing a dog to do what I asked and marveled at how dogs can so easily get past the language barrier! After college, when I finally had my own sweet and big Golden Retriever, I went to a dog training class in Oklahoma City that was held by the Golden Retriever Club. My first class was taught by a woman who became my best friend for the last 30 years! In addition to training my own dogs, I have taught classes for several groups and even worked full-time as a dog trainer for several years in the late 1990s. I honed my craft by reading, attending seminars and working alongside top trainers from California to South Carolina . I even lived in Wisconsin for a summer to work with a field trainer I admired. Mostly the dogs teach me. By watching their demeanor and behavior, I hear them. Every dog speaks in their own language. Paying heed to what they say can lead to a wonderful relationship where I mostly understand them – and they mostly understand me. Helping owners achieve that relationship is always my goal when working with the public. Usually the dog figures out the owner LONG before the owner figures out the dog!

 

**You have also been involved with dog shows on many levels. Can you tell me a little bit about that? 

Dog Shows, Obedience Trials and Field Tests are the proving grounds for any trainer worth their salt. Besides being an opportunity to see what is possible with a good dog and trainer team, pitting my skills and my dog’s talent against other dog/trainer teams sheds light on my weaknesses and highlights my strengths. Training is the cake, but showing is the icing! Exhibiting a dog is a test of the dog’s learning, the handler’s skill and the ability of the dog-handler team to manage stress and work for each other. In addition to showing my dogs, I enjoy getting students ready to show their dogs. I take much pleasure in seeing the handler become confident in their ability and committed to training, although I am always more nervous watching my students compete then when I am in the ring myself! Another area of dog sport that is often ignored are the ring stewards, marshals, and other workers that make events run smoothly. Putting on an event takes a lot of manpower. I enjoy training new stewards and take pride in facilitating the smooth running of an event.

 

**Tell me about Target?  Help us to know him better.  Why was he special?  

My portrait of Target

The litter that Target came from was interesting to me because of the characteristics of individuals in the pedigree. There was a lot of talent evident in many generations and when the breeding was planned I knew I wanted one of the puppies. Target picked me at about 3 weeks old when he was the only one in his litter who woke up and toddled over to me when I spoke a greeting. From that day on, he was responsive to my words, body movements and even eye movements. Every trainer’s dream is to have a dog that is “eager to please”. The ability of a dog to work accurately yet with enthusiasm and love for the job is a difficult combination to come by. Some dogs have enthusiasm but are unable to manage the precision necessary to compete at the top levels of obedience. Some dogs have precision but without the enjoyment that makes working with them (and watching them) such a delight. Target was a wonderful combination of trainability, enthusiasm and desire to please.  “Utmost in willingness” is a phrase in the AKC rules for obedience that epitomized Target’s performances. In addition to obedience, Target was skilled in drug detection, field work, agility and tracking. He excelled at every venue we tried. He was a very flashy working dog, yet was very gentle and loved small children and kittens. Because of his high energy level people often didn’t believe me when I told them what a wonderful dog he was around our home. Other than staring at me until I would finish doing something to play with him, he was a perfect companion. We finished every day with him lying down beside my bed. I would tell him “I’ll love you one more day” and as I drifted off to sleep I would hear his tail thumping his reply.

 

**Karen, you have been in my drawing classes for a while now.  Why did you begin and what is your goal?   How does it make you feel when you accomplish a drawing?  

 I started my drawing classes with you about 3 years ago. I had listened in on your teaching while visiting And Bear Makes Three in Moore for a stamp class. I was drawn to your teaching style. My early experiences with drawing had been with my grandmother who did quite a bit of work in pastel and in oils. I remember her encouragement to try different things and her gentle way of guiding my drawing. However, in Junior High I applied to be in a drawing class by taking my portfolio of drawings to the teacher. Being an impressionable teenager, I was crushed when the young instructor callously told me that I must have traced or plagiarized my work. Despite my tearful protestations, I was told to not come back. So I quit drawing for more than 30 years. I never told my grandmother what had happened as I didn’t want to relive the embarrassing incident. I stopped my after-school drawing sessions with her and put away my sketch books. I deeply regret that I allowed a very young, ignorant art teacher to ruin drawing for me for so long.

When I heard the gentle style of your teaching, I decided to brave rejection and try drawing again. What I found was a welcoming, positive environment where I can push myself without fear of falling off the edge because I have you as a safety net. You help me be brave in trying new techniques and playing with new materials. My goals are to become comfortable with canine portraiture in a variety of mediums. I want to be able to draw my own dogs and those of my friends both as portraits and as the action figures they are!

Finishing a drawing makes me sad. That might not be an expected response, but I think I have PDSS (Post-Drawing-Stress-Syndrome). It often takes me a week or two to recover from one drawing and get excited about another drawing. Although I am always proud of myself for either what I have learned or what I have accomplished with each drawing, I also am always sad when I am finished. Perhaps it is my fear of starting something new? What I love most about drawing is that with just a pencil and a drawing surface I can take what is in my head and translate it onto paper. Lines, shading and shape – such simple concepts can express complex subjects and emotions. I often lose myself in drawing and only come out of my trance when interrupted by a muscle cramp – or the poke of a dog’s demanding nose.

**Thank you, Karen.  I have thoroughly enjoying reading your comments here.  I know others will too.

Enrollment for the Dog Portrait in Graphite workshop is still open.  Come and join us.  You'll be glad you did.   

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

A Commissioned Portrait

 

 
Wind and Honey Creations

Red Means Go and Green Means Stop

Or wait! Is that right? No, it doesn't seem right. It must be wrong. I must be remembering it wrong. Wait a minute. Let me think. Now, I'm confused.

That is a fairly typical conversation that I've had with myself while recording workshops.  When I record, I place the camera on a tripod over my shoulder so that the student can see the drawing happening from my viewpoint.  But as I move the paper around and zoom in sometimes, I can get out of the camera range.  So, I hook my camera up to a small tv that allows me to see what the camera sees.  The screen shows a light when the camera is on and another light when it is off.

The red light is on when the camera is recording and the green light is on when the camera is turned off.  HUH?!!!   This has confused me for a long time and I have to check and recheck myself.  I have tried to rethink it by telling myself the Rrrrreeed means Rrrrreeeecord.   And Green means Ready to Go!  But, alas, that idea has never stuck for more than  the length of time it took me to think of it.  Red for stop and green for go is too deeply embedded into my  brain from those first grade reading lessons about Dick and Jane and Sally.  Jane, watch Sally Go.  Go, Sally, Go!   Go, Go, Go!

Go happens on GREEN!

So, anyway, I've stumbled around with that for all these months of recording workshops.  It has caused me some glitches here and there.  But they were always small and fairly fixable.  .......until this last week.

I don't know what happened that day.  Maybe I didn't eat enough lunch.  Maybe I didn't sleep enough the night before.  Maybe I packed my brain in one of those moving boxes already taped up.  I don't know.  But whatever it was, it wasn't funny!

I recorded for 4 hours working on my upcoming Dog Portrait in Graphite workshop.  But when I started to download from the camera to the computer, there was only about an hour's worth of material.  What?  How could that be?  And then, I began to get nervous.  Surely not.  SURELY NOT!  

I waited patiently (haha!  Yeah, right!) until the downloading was complete.  And when I checked my imovie program, I about cried.  Every time I had stopped the camera to sharpen my pencil or get a drink of water, the camera was on.  And every time I started the camera to teach, I had turned it off!  Sigh..........

I finished checking the download at midnight, went to bed, got up the next morning and promptly made myself a
sign to put on the tv.  And then I recorded the whole thing again.... or for the first time, as the case may be.

Believe me when I say that I checked and rechecked my little sign and the light colors many times during this recording session.

I hope you'll join me for the dog portrait workshop.  It opens April 21 at Creative Pencils.  It comes to you with much effort.  HaHa!  You will learn how to draw the dog portrait of your choice as I teach you the basics for dog features.  There will be lots of instructor help for you.  You can ask questions and show me your work in progress.  It'll be lots of fun and very informative.

So, Go on Green or Go on Red.  But either way, Go to Creative Pencils and sign up.   There are other workshops going on now that you would find enriching too.


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



Wind and Honey Creations

In For A Swim

Me and Thee In for a Swim

Illustration Friday is a weekly event with word prompts. Although I rarely have time to participate, I think its fun when I do. This week's prompt word is "Swim". And, as usual, I do not have time to whip out something for that word. But, as it is, I already have a "Swim" drawing. So, I'm good to go this time. This is one of my favorite illustrative drawings. I had so much fun creating it.   I used graphite pencils, watercolor pencils, Inktense pencils, and Prismacolor pencils.  Whew!

New and exciting things are coming to Creative Pencils....  more information in just a few days.....
Well, I'll give you a hint....   It involves people who love to be truly creative.  




Wind and Honey Creations

I Have the Coolest Students

Sea Turtle by Debra Cox

 Every now and then I've just got to do a little bragging on my students.  I have amazing students in my local classes.  Here is a colored pencil drawing created for Debi's granddaughter.  It took many many patient hours to create.

Vintage aluminum cups by Justine Hennessy

My online students at Creative Pencils are no less amazing.  How proud I am of them as they bravely move forward through the workshops to build their drawing skills.  In the Pencils Series, 101, 201, & 301, the students learn to draw what they see and the basics of shading.  They move forward quickly.  These shiny vintage aluminum cups were drawn as a part of one of those shading exercises.  I love that Justine captured the sheen of the metal. 

Cat portrait by Sandra Petersen

Several of my Creative Pencils students have been studying their way through a workshop on creating cat portraits in graphite.  This is one of the examples of the wonderful work they are producing.  Look at those eyes.  They look right into your soul.   Good job, Sandra.

Dancing Swan by Elizabeth Johnson

And now, as promised, today is the day to announce the winner of my drawing from the GYB event held by Vicki of 2 Bags Full.  Thank you Vicki for this lovely event.  I know you worked many hours to create it.  I promised a drawing for a prize on February 1.  The prize I offered was an 10" x 8"  giclee fine art print of my Dancing Swan drawing.   The name chosen through a random drawing was Patty of Patty's Pretty Things.  Patty, I will be shipping this Dancing Swan off to you in a few days.  I hope you enjoy her.  

   

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

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

Artful Gathering 2012 - Session Two

This summer Artful Gathering will blossom into not one but two wonderful sessions of classes, workshops, and creative fun. I have already shared with you what I will be teaching in session one. In session two I will be giving a workshop on an animal portrait. The subject will be a beautiful Barn Owl. And we will accomplish this portrait using a simple graphite pencil and a touch of Derwent graphitint pencil. This owl portrait was fun to create and will be even more fun to teach I will walk you through one step at a time. You will love drawing him. This workshop entitled A Portrait of Beauty and Wisdom and it is an intermediate to advanced class.

Wind and Honey Creations

Creative Pencils is a Place to Grow

Wind and Honey Classes is an online learning site.  I teach drawing lessons to new pencil artist through a video format.  The camera is situated just behind my shoulder so the student gets a perfect view.  

Come on and join in.  Its fun.  You really can do it.  You'll be glad you tried.

Wind and Honey Creations

On my Worktable today...

Today I am finishing up this leopard portrait. It has taken me longer than usual. It is a special gift for my son. Maybe that is why it has taken so long. I am excited to give it to him. I hope he is pleased.

Wind and Honey Creations

Dancing Swan, Finally Finished

A while back I posted the unfinished version of this Dancing Swan.  At the time I thought I would finish her in the next few days.  However, I've had several curves thrown into my schedule since then.  But she has been gracious and patient as she waited beside the drawing table.  I did hear her feet tapping a few times.  But I don't think that was impatience.  Rather, I think she was longing to get up and dance to the music I was playing that day.  I hope you enjoy her.

Wind and Honey Creations

On My Worktable today...

Here is a glimpse of what I am working on now.  She is being drawn in graphite - Derwent Graphic 8B.  I do almost everything in 8B.  This isn't the best copy of the image but I just took a quick photo rather than a scan.  This swan has a secret.  And her secret will be revealed when she is complete.  I'll post her here when she is ready to share her surprise.  This piece was inspired by a young friend of mine who has overcome difficulties in her life and is moving forward with joy and strength.

And this is what else is on my table.  Kenya thinks swans are boring.  He is quite sure that he should always be the subject of my drawings.  --funny.....he's yawning but really it kind of looks like he's laughing!  Can you hear him?  HaHaHaHaHa!!!!

What is your newest project?

Wind and Honey Creations

Just a Bunny

I've been working on this bunny portrait.  This is a crop of the face area.  I've created him in graphite but added just a touch of watercolor on his ears.  I first learned of this technique of adding just a bit of color to a black and white drawing by studying the works of Clare Turlay Newberry.  She was the artist that first inspired me to begin drawing.  Newberry had a wonderful gift of capturing the softness, the fullness, and the delight of an animal with just a few simple lines drawn usually in charcoal.  Time magazine said of Newberry, "Clare T. Newberry is the best cat artist since the Egyptians."  Marshmallow was my first Newberry book and remains my favorite.  It is the true story of the introduction of a bunny to Newberry's own pet tomcat; and of their eventual warm and loving relationship.

Wind and Honey Creations

Learning to Draw with Wonderful Pencils

This fat little bluebird is the drawing I will be teaching in The Artful Gathering 2011 this summer.  The class is entitled An Enchanting Bluebird.  He was drawn and shaded with a Derwent Graphic pencil and then the color was added with both Derwent Inktense and Derwent Watercolor pencils.  Derwent has left their competition in the dust in recent years as they have repeatedly introduced new and wonderful lines of high quality art pencils.  There seems to be no end to what they imagine you can do with a pencil.  You will find that the Inktense are no exception to this.  The colors are intense and beautiful.  And the possibilities are wide.  I hope you will join me for this Artful Gathering class.  You'll see what I mean about these pencils.  Prepare yourself to fall in love with them!

This little girl and her friend the swan were also done in a combination of Derwent Inktense and Watercolor pencils.

Wind and Honey Creations

Oh The Talent of Youth!

I'm in the midst of teaching kid's daily art classes.  Our focus this year is Animals of the Rainforest.  The younger kids are creating 3-d art and the older kids are drawing animal portraits.  They are working in charcoal, graphite, and colored pencil.  Here are a couple of wonderful examples of Bengal Tigers.  The artist are 8 and 13 respectively.  Don't you just love those unruly whiskers!

I'll be back in a couple of days with more pictures.


Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons