The Hollyhocks

Took these a few weeks back, before rust and Japanese beetle invasion. Didn't get a chance to set and draw in the garden, but I do have these pictures. Maybe next year.

My very first Hollyhock bloom

Hard day, with an open evening considered working but needed breathing space long overdue. Took off on the old Schwin and pumped out a few miles. Rubber legs coming back in, noticed my very first bloom ever... Laura saved me the seeds from her garden and I planted them last year, mighty crop, another photo op when they all open. Forgot to hang the flag this morning, but the garden gloried anyway.

Laura at Naperville Woman's Club

Tuesday Drawing has been hard to make. These were done in May, but decided to wait and photo outdoors instead of uploading poor photos. I've been dealing with some very strong personal issues and lack of drawing time does not help the head at all. I've had other Tuesday commitments and when free, the group is not scheduled. Hopefully soon...

Happy Birthday Rachel!

My kids, Mom and I celebrated Rachel's birthday at Danelli's restaurant again. They really are joyful and the smiles are quite memorable. Of course the great food and phenomenal service help too! We had very few customers, common when tax day looms. Kids reminded me of all the unheard of special pricing at fast food restaurants this week. That gave me time to visit too!

April Fool's Day!

It's finally April and some treasures are showing up among the debris, I watched as these gems stubbornly refused to open the week long, but gloried in the new month and laughed at the April Fool's day snow showers!

Fat Tuesday with Friends

Better late than never! Meant to add a few words as we begin the descent into darkness waiting for Easter, which by the way is rather late this year. But Fat Tuesday seems to be becoming a tradition with the Tuesday night group and was so happy to bring a pot of Jumbo to share. Jennifer brought red beans and rice and what again was the name of the Polish doughnuts that Ronnie supplied? It is so enjoyable to celebrate and draw at the same time. I've since added a lot of layers to this pastel piece and unfortunately did some overworking damage. I hope to get back to resurrecting the beauty I started with here.

Back to Life with Jordan

Two weeks since I'd last drawn, bit rusty with this half hour pose.

A little more time to deepen values in a one and half hour pose. Jordan is just angelic. I haven't been working in a few weeks as I've needed to deal with repressed memories. Yeah, maybe art therapy is the answer, but alone? Safety in numbers, or simply more comfortable with good friends at my side. More sessions prerequisite.