Steel Sky Woman: February 2018

25 February 2018

Portrait 2018.2.21

My co-worker at the art supply store.

oil on paper, 9x12 inches

in this book:

The heavy paper can be gesso'd and then painted on with oils.

It's definitely one of my favourite sketchbooks.

19 February 2018

When the cold I've been fighting for weeks finally hits full force, I cope with feeling lousy by sitting at the kitchen table and making images in a 5x7" sketchbook. Low exertion, excellent healing activity. Thankful for a few days' down time, glad I can do this.

drawings paintings colourful circles sketchbook verna vogel

drawings paintings colourful circles sketchbook verna vogel steel sky woman

15 February 2018

pensive portraits

Yesterday, two portraits made with alcohol-ink markers.

Portrait of R. Statz. green brown pink colourful. Alcohol ink markers in my green portrait book, 9x12 inches

time slowed down

Portrait of JP. blue brown orange grey colourful. Alcohol ink markers in my green portrait book, 9x12 inches

a fleeting moment

My sitters were pensive and so was I, all of us for different reasons.

11 February 2018

"life is but a dream"

Over the last month I've had the honour of making art with students at a primary school. They are creating a Legacy Project in which every student paints a rock with a word or symbol of something that they would like to be remembered by. The rocks will then be permanently installed outdoors on the school grounds.

Legacy Project at the primary school. Painted rocks & canvas pieces

I brought in some canvas pieces as well. This way each student creates two things: the painted rock becomes part of their permanent Legacy at the school, and the painting on canvas is theirs to keep.

Some of the students have not painted on rocks, or on canvas, before this. It's been great fun introducing them to transparent and opaque painting techniques, and talking about what sort of legacy they want to leave at the school.

I wish I'd remembered to take photos of all the classes' work! But I get very involved with the kids and their art, and I forget about these details... ah well, I got a few good ones :)

Below are some of my favourites from the Grade 1 classes:

The wonderful thing about working with kids is that they have no fear, for the most part, about making art. It's very energizing to be immersed in that kind of creative environment.