Lions

This is my second line drawing of a lion. I did the first yesterday morning at 5:30am (time changes screw me up). I taught a class last night and a person needed more paper, so I told them to take it out of my book. Of course too late it was noticed that it was the lion I had drawn and their drawing was on the reverse. I just tell myself that the practice is good for me and besides, I didn't have the heart to not let the person take their drawing efforts home with them.

I've been reflecting on control or lack of it and how it forms around some individuals and not others. There are various forms of control but all are designed to control your environment so that it remains the same and you never go outside your 'safe' zone. Some people control work, some control their immediate living zone, others control people to ensure that they remain in control of any variables in life.

I was listening to a song tonight on the way home by Great Big Sea, a popular Newfoundland music group and the words made me think more about control and how the controller wants life to change but to also remain the same. Consequence Free. Perhaps there's a bit of control in all of us.

The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is taking action to respond to the community of craft artists affected by the Southern California Wildfires. They say:

We are reaching out to artists, arts organizations, galleries, businesses and others in the affected areas to offer assistance and to locate information about the arts community. While it is still too early to know the extent of damage, we do know that the situation is severe as news reports indicate. We also know that this area of California has a significant population of craft artists. We have already heard from a jeweler who lost both her home and studio and CERF Trustee and clay artist, Lana Wilson, had to be evacuated from her Del Mar home.

Please help us spread the word that CERF is available to offer assistance to craft artists in Southern California. Please also be aware that your support of our work during these times is essential so that we can deliver aid quickly and effectively.

Blizzard revisited

Mother Goose
graphite 9 x 12 Bristol smooth
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I came across this drawing while looking for paper in my seemingly bottomless art cupboard and throught it was about time I finished it off and put it to rest.

This drawing was based on the adventures of an orphan gosling - Blizzard - who I become mother to a couple of years ago. This was his sleeping position and I could go around and do what I had to do and this kept him quiet - at least for a short time. I'm still toying with an idea for a background for this, but haven't decided on anything yet. It may be some generic shadowy background unless something else appeals. The inside of the barn might be an option. Or in the case of Blizzard - the sofa!

The red book

No, nothing to do with Canadian car valuations, this red book is a moleskin notebook that I carry in my purse, married to a red pen reserved for sketching while I travel.

These sketches were done on a recent trip to Halifax. Air Canada's lovely scheduling and unavailability of some friends in Halifax meant a long wait at the airport, so I read a little, worked a little and sketched a lot. I'm becoming adept at surreptitiously studying people while drawing. No one accosted me at either the airport or on the plane for drawing them. It occasionally happens, but I've yet to find someone who has been anything but flattered and interested that I would draw them.

Cat update

I've added a bit more fur to the cat face I started in a demo a couple of weeks ago, but things are slow going lately. I'll catch up!

I was asked how I felt about teaching art, as it involves both sides of the brain trying to compete with each other. The right side of the brain is doing a drawing demonstration while the left side is explaining what I'm doing. Well, its a struggle and there are moments when one side or the other take over exclusively, then reverse roles. It becomes a little confusing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it and as long as the gaps aren't too long, no one notices.

I've been playing with a beta version of some software for another online course that I will teach later this year. I'm hoping that course will be delayed a little to allow me time to get up and running with the other courses. I've just submitted my courses for December and now have to create marketing pieces for them as well as the November classes. I have my website in the back of my head and must make some calls this week to find out hosting costs locally. Its not a necessity but is expected by a lot of people to be the calling card and gallery to show my work.

Now back to the drawing board, literally as I need some demos for classes this weekend.

Steps forward and back

Cyclamen seed head

copyright Jeanette Jobson

There is no short-cut to art, one has to work hard, be open and flexible in your mind, keep the child alive inside you, and through a whole lifetime be ready to learn new things and – of course – be mentally prepared for a hard punch on your nose – especially when you think you are doing well. (Bente Borsum)

I have been absent for a few days due to work commitments and travel and more work commitments. Workloads seem to bog me down lately and I haven't had a lot of time to start any new drawings. That is the frustrating part of pushing work, art and life forward at speed. I may need to pull back a little and regroup.

I have one drawing class behind me and it went well, better than anticipated. I got some time management realizations - there is only so much to fit into a two hour period and people like to talk! Also, being accessible, people are prone to stand and watch and listen in which is a little distracting to those creating drawings.

I have received my order from Blick's of 72 Coloursoft pencils and I'm looking forward to trying them out. I also brought in some plate finish Bristol 500 and 400 as I can't find them in Canada. With the higher Canadian dollar (nearly $1.05 today) it makes it a little less painful on the bank balance to order from the USA than it used to.

My daughter sent me a clip of my grand daughter in her Halloween costume tonight - a vampire caterpillar. And to think I had to settle for a crepe paper cowboy outfit when I was a kid! Times change.

Slowing down

There seems to be a silence creeping over blogs lately. The regulars who post constantly are slowing down the flow of words into a trickle. Have the wheels of autumn taken over after a leisurely summer and created a flurry of activity?

I know that my ability to post as regularly as I have has diminished somewhat due to pressure to accomplish a lot more in other areas. I'm sure that is the case for many other artists who I visit also.

I still try to maintain a minimum of three or more posts a week and it leaves me analysing why I do this writing. I started it as an exercise to force me into creating and to be accountable to myself as well. Sometimes it becomes.....not a chore.....but more difficult to find the words and the put experiences into a form that others will find interesting.

I am looking at other blogs and thinking about what it is that attracts me to those writings. There are several things including, familiarity with topics, learning new techniques, inspiration and the general satisfying feeling of having peeked into someone else's life for a brief moment.

I will continue to write and look into the virtual world that has been created by me, for me and around me and continue to enjoy its trials and benefits. Between more substantial drawings, I am playing with sketches for projects for a kids class for Halloween. Black paper always works well to create magic.

Fall shows

I took part in the Art Association's Fall Exhibit on Sunday. There were 38 exhibitors and I had four pieces in the show. I had chosen graphite for all the pieces and in retrospect wish I had put in some more colour as most of the other entries were paintings in one form or another. But you can never anticipate attendance at shows or what will appeal to anyone. Thirteen percent of the pieces sold overall, but none of mine. I don't mind not selling, as I like the chance to put my work into the public eye and get some exposure.

I wasn't organized enough for that show. I had the pieces ready, but I was volunteering to do some shifts to cover the show, the first starting at 8am. Too early to be organized and I had forgotten my business cards, so couldn't put them in place. And it was pouring rain and miserable out, but the trees in fall colours still shined through.

And there will be two more next times this year. There is another show in early December of small works in downtown St. John's and a fundraiser for the Health Care Foundation on November 8 & 9 and 25 & 26 which I will participate in. More details on those later.

Drawing demo

I did a drawing demonstration on Saturday to try to draw interest into some of the drawing classes that I will be starting in November. It was a unique experience with some good and bad aspects and I always learn something new everytime I deal with the public.

Its distracting trying to draw in the middle of a busy store and I could only work in small sections of time between questions, some art related, some general questions. It seems that if you're in the middle of a store and are doing anything, people presume that you work there and know where everything is! Well I did know a lot of the layout of the store, but if I could have gained commission from directing people to Customer Service, then I would have made a lot of money on Saturday.

I did have a number of interesting conversations with individuals and heard a lot of stories from people who said they can't draw, but would always like to. I encouraged them to join the classes, not simply because it would do me good, but also because I love being the enabler for others to understand the process and technique of drawing. I like to take away the mystique and let people realize that they can achieve this if they really want to do so.

This is the cat I chose for the demo and the first image all that I managed to complete in two hours. The interruption factor, new setting and ambient noise were distracting and I found it difficult to lose myself into the image as I usually do. I worked on the image later at home and a little more tonight. I'll add more updates as they come.

Time is becoming more and more limited. I was asked to name a meeting date today and said November 6th 7am or 6pm and after that I've got no spare time til November 20th. It scares me a little, this momentum that my art life has suddenly taken. Yes, I've pushed it there, now I have to peddle fast to keep up.

Tagged again

Sue Smith of Ancient Artist has tagged me to reveal seven little known facts about myself and then tag seven others. I was tagged some time ago by Wendy Prior and dished up some facts, but even then the tag process was in full swing and it was harder to find bloggers who hadn't already been tagged. So this time it may be even harder. But I did say that I would play along and share some more things about myself that people may or may not want to know.

So let's see....

1. I love wearing CROCS. I had an ankle injury a year or so ago and they were the only shoes that were comfortable and that I could get on. So now I'm addicted.

2. My favourite metal for jewellery is silver and my favourite pieces of jewellery are rings.

3. I drink decaf coffee 95% of the time and have never missed the switch from the 'real thing'. My heart doesn't miss it either.

4. I had the right half of my thyroid gland removed in 1999 due to a goitre. I function beautifully on the remaining half without the need for medication.

5. I'm an avid Coronation Street fan and need to wear my glasses to see it properly. I've virtually abandoned contact lenses in favour of glasses which I take on and off continuously, depending on what task I'm involved in.

6. Left to my own devices, I'd happily exist on cheese and crackers and abandon cooking forever, even if I do watch the cooking shows on Saturdays.

7. I hate promoting myself and dealing with finances, but it is a large part of my art life. I want a manager.

I really don't know if I have enough on my list to tag at this point as so many have already done so. However, if anyone is interested in revealing their secrets, let me know and I'll link you to this post.

Meanwhile here are some that I have tagged:

Gina Cuff Gina and I met through an art association and my blog. She does wonderful work and makes beautiful jewellery.

Tracy Hall Tracy's work in watercolour is just amazing. Her ability to depict animals is a delight.

Robin Sinclair's blog is one I frequently visit. Her life, drawings and paintings in Italy are lovely.

On the edge

Wash Day
Graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

This is the third image that I am submitting in the show on Sunday. The difference is that I have added a touch of colour to the ginger fur on his head and some blues and purples into the shadows. I don't seem to have an image of it for some reason. I'll have to take a photo tomorrow in its frame.

I'm standing at the edge of an abyss, throwing little pieces of myself off the edge, hoping that some of them will make a soft landing or that I will at least hear an echo back as they land instead of silence.

That is what it feels like at times when I take on new ventures. I've pushed myself into new experiences to be able to grow my art and make it take on a life of its own. There are nagging doubts that creep into the excitement. 'Who do you think you are?' 'What on earth are you doing at your age?' Sometimes is it very frightening to stand on the edge and see what is in front of me. Sometimes it is awe inspiring to see the potential. The journey to get there is difficult. Taking that big breath and going to see a gallery or to set up drawing classes all have the potential of rejection. Artists tend to take that rejection personally as our skills are bound up in our souls.

For those who believe that they can sit in their corner of the world and make art then expect to be discovered, it won't happen. Marketing, hard work, contacts, networking, putting your reputation, your work and your ego on the line is what it takes. It takes late nights, early mornings, sacrifice and a lot of drawing and experimentation to find the right mix to even begin to make an entry into the art world.

Note to self

Sometimes when I sit down to write my blog post my mind goes blank. So I'm starting little notes to myself that I jot down when a thought strikes me or I come across an image or blog that pushes me off into another realm of possibilities and inspiration. My scribbles include: television test pattern, tesselations, absinthe....see how my mind wanders? There is no logic to it, just thoughts.

I've had little drawing time over the last couple of weeks with people around and I've been trying to fit it all in in snippets here and there. I start a sketch one day, then elaborate on it another. This sketch of mangosteens is one that I'm hoping to turn into an oil painting, provided I can find a block of time to do so, but that's unlikely until next week. I've even gotten as far as to transfer the sketch to a stretched 11 x 14 canvas - I'm making progress!

Meanwhile here are two of the drawings that I will be submitting to the Art Association show on Sunday. I'll show the other two in another later post. I'm ahead of the game on this too, as they are all framed and waiting to go. I just have to wrap them in bubblewrap to transport them there on the day.

Nest Egg
6 x 8 - Graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Moored
9 x 12 graphite
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Bring the bunny back to life

Its a cute little game to amuse you. Yes, I can be silly too. Especially with little time to spare and little drawing to show for it.

You have a minute to bring the bunny back to life. Don't despair if you screw it up. You can try again. Go on, you know you can't resist...

Time

Just in case you wondered where I've gotten, I am here, just up to my eyes in work and with my daughter and grand daughter staying there's not much time for anything, but jiggling and feeding the baby.

Then it was 'Chicken Day'. The broilers (eating) chickens were sent off to the processor then the day after returned and their buyers shortly after, so it was pretty hectic. My sister drove across the island to pick up her year's supply of chicken and turkey so she did the 'chicken run' back across to the western side of the province this morning.

On top of that, I was supposed to take today and tomorrow off. However, my cover obtained another job so couldn't come in so that put those plans on hold. I wanted to spend a little more time with my daughter and the baby before they leave on Thursday, but it may be limited, depending on how much work I can accomplish during the next day or two.

So where does drawing come into all this? It doesn't really. And I'm having withdrawal symptoms. I NEED to draw something. I started a sketch for an oil painting at work at lunch, then got interrupted so that did get too far. I have, however, chosen and prepared my pieces for the exhibition on Sunday so that's out of the way. I also do a drawing demonstration on Saturday in preparation for my first kids class on the 28th, so I need to prepare some promotion pieces for that.

Yawwwwwwwwnnnnn, I need an extra day or two added on to my week I think.

I was going to provide you with a little drawing but it seems Blogger has other ideas at the moment so you'll have to just use your imaginations and fill in this space.

Decisions

Lioness study
4 x 4 coloured pencil on mylar
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Over the last few days I've been trying to make a decision about which pieces I will put in an upcoming show on October 21st. I can put in four pieces, and feel that I should, as I want to get as much exposure as I can for my work and subject matter. But deciding just which ones is always the challenge. I have narrowed down my decision to a firm one for two of my pieces and am considering my options for the other two.

Creativity seems the easy part, decision making the more difficult.

Light

Lightbulb
9 x 12 graphite
Copyright Jeanette Jobson

"It's the night that makes the dawning.
It's the depths that make the heights.
It's the roots that make the branches.
It's the darkness that gives birth to Light."
-- Joel Heathcote (The Architect of Light")

Its difficult to fit in drawing when there is a young child around, in fact, its near impossible. It makes me wonder how I did it when my children were tiny. I did draw then but usually only when they had gone to bed for the night or in snatched moments during naps when I wasn't too tired myself to get on with it.

I guess I know now why people have children when they are young. The energy levels are so much higher. I was up at 3:15 last night feeding the baby. It wasn't a long process before she got back to sleep, but disruptive enough to disturb my sleep pattern and make me now wish for my own bed at 10pm

The Alma Drawings

Some mangosteens were purchased the other day, more because of their shape and colour as potential drawings than to eat. I've never seen them before or tasted them but according to my research they are THE taste sensation in tropical fruit. These are past their best buy date I think and remind me of carved wooden spheres, quite fascinating. One was prised open and that in itself is a challenge as the rind is very thick and hard. The inside was segmented like a tangerine and quite perfect, but a little over ripe. Then again, I haven't had the experience of eating it before to judge by.

Apparently they were banned from entering the USA for a long time due to the potential of harbouring the Asian fruit fly which was feared would damage crops on this side of the Atlantic. That ban has now been lifted and they are once more permitted into the country. The latest price for these little fruits? $45 - $60 per pound in New York. The price for 9 of these fruits in Newfoundland? (albeit well past perfection) .49 cents on the bargain rack in the fruit and veg section. Regularly $8.99 a pound. Perhaps New Yorkers would like to stock up if they're here...

Weighed down with a turkey dinner and between the baby squealing and my mother chattering, I watched a fascinating documentary on television tonight called 'The Alma Drawings'. This woman claimed that 'The Hand' directed her complex, unique pen and ink drawings and colourful, complex images. Whether outside intervention or psychotic wanderings, the end result was stunning. You can find some of her drawings here.

Alma Kate Rumball (1902�1980) was born in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada in 1902. Alma's career began as a school teacher, but that career lasted only four years. Although she had no formal art education, artistic talent ran through both sides of Alma's family; in fact her maternal grandfather, William Morgan, was one of five runners-up in the design of what became the Eiffel Tower. When she became ill as a young woman, she was sent to a tuberculosis sanatorium for four months. She was deeply affected by the experience. She lived in Toronto for a while but after her vision during the 1950's she returned to Huntville. She became reclusive and unsociable and withdrew from life.

Alma's automatic painting began in 1955, after she experienced a "vision" of Jesus, accompanied by a panther. During this event she felt commanded by Jesus to draw and write in order to help "heal humanity". From that time, her hand began to move spontaneously across pages, in swirls and detailed formations, totally unlike anything she had consciously created before. She filled up every available space on paper provided for her by her family, claiming no ownership for the work. She took no credit for the process, saying, "I'm as excited to see what 'the hand' will do as anyone else is".

There was no trance state involved, she simply allowed the creations to come through her. She never claimed to understand the process, she simply marveled at the wonder of her gift. She devoted her lifetime to these drawings and writings. Her work is reminiscent of the theme of Carl Jung's Collective Unconscious as it is viewed.

How's your list coming on?

Rosehips
October 2007
copyright Jeanette Jobson

Early in January this year, I set myself 10 goals to reach and thought it would be interesting to check and see just where I was in terms of reaching them. In the past year, lots has happened in terms of art for me and I think I have made progress. But the proof is in the pudding, so lets go through the list and see.

1. Offer more drawing classes for different levels
I'm just starting to do this now. I will teach a class online in the near future. This month I start with a kids' class in drawing and in November I start in earnest teaching 2 adult and 1 childrens class a week. I am also booked to teach a workshop late this year or early next year for the Art Association.

2. Start a art club locally
I've joined the Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and sit on the Board as Treasurer. I have also joined the Realist Artist Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. As its always said, you have more leverage within than outside, so I have ideas for these art associations to expand and grow to offer modules under their umbrella.
3. Complete a series of drawings or paintings.
I haven't done this yet, but there are many ideas for series that come to me. I seem to get bogged down with practicalities and distractions. I need to commit to a series and just do it!

4. Enter at least 4 art exhibitions
I entered a exhibition in April The piece sold and I received Best of Show for it. A piece has been entered in the Woman in Newfoundland Art show which opens today and runs til October 26th in Corner Brook. I will enter 4 pieces in a show on October 21 and finally another exhibit for a Christmas show on December 2nd. So I guess I will meet my target there. These are all local shows and I would like to try my hand at some national or international shows and be accepted into a juried exhibition.

5. Develop a web site
The concept is in my head, but not on paper. I believe this is a must for the near future and I'll be working on achieving this before the end of the year. I'm not sure about the rate of sales through websites. Some are more successful than others, but I believe that a web presences is crucial. For now, my blog will have to do as my electronic presence.

6. Market and sell my prints
Well, they're still sitting in the cupboard. I have sold some, but I haven't put an active process into place to market them. I see this tied into the website in some ways, but I know there are other more effective ways of marketing them.

7. Rediscover oil painting and do at least one small oil painting a month (I'll never make it into the Painting A Day category)
I have pulled out my oil paints and produced three or four small pieces. I will continue to push myself with that medium.

8. Go to a different art exhibition each month
I haven't done this. Time has been a limiting factor for me. Or maybe that's just an excuse. I hope to go to The Rooms this weekend and see the current Albrecht Dürer exhibition. I really have no excuse for not going to exhibitions, I simply need to make time. They always are a source of inspiration, no mater what the theme.

9. Attend a class in a new medium
I have tried to sign up for several classes, but scheduling conflicts with work or other commitments always come up. I have looked unsuccessfully for life classes and just haven't found any. Its a challenge in a small city to find the services that you need. The Art Association does hold a variety of workshop during the year and I may be able to fulfil my needs through some of them.

10. Develop my market for animal portraiture locally
I have produced marketing brochures and flyers for animal portraiture and distributed them to animal grooming parlours, local stores and some pet stores. Reception for having brochures or flyers in stores has been limited as has been my time for distributing brochures. Working and trying to create and market art is a real challenge. I still need to push this through other sources.

I have just gotten some marketing pieces from the printer promoting animal and people portraiture. I have glossy postcards and magnetic business cards as well as regular business cards. I'll choose wisely where the more expensive marketing pieces go and track results that I get with them.

I've achieved 50% of my goals 9 months into the year with some movement in other areas, but not completion. I don't consider this bad, bearing in mind that I have a full time job as well as producing art. But there is room for improvement. I've learned from writing this down that I procrastinate and I must learn to make time to do what I want and need to do. I need to focus on my priorities and ensure they are taken care of.

So where are you in your list? Do you have a list? If not, why not? Its never too soon to set goals for yourself. Don't wait until January, do it now! A goal for a day, a week or a month can be enough to start your creative juices flowing and push you in the right direction.

Flowers and babies

Cerinthe Kiwi Blue

coloured pencil 9 x 12
copyright Jeanette Jobson

I've finished the cerinthe flower piece and am fairly pleased with it. I really have a block up when it comes to drawing flowers, but I'm trying to push past it. I'll have to try a few other mediums and see if I can get a feel for it. Whatever roads I venture down, I always seem to come back to my comfort zone - portraits of animals and people.

This is a terrible photo, but I was pressed for time and was using artificial light. I will try again in natural light. It looks completely different in real life. Its one of the bears of electronic imaging, the colours and clarity just never are the same unless its professionally done.


24 hours into their visit, I've been left in sole charge of my eight month old grand daughter and she's been very kind to me. Not crying, drinking her bottle then going off to sleep for the night with barely five minutes of squeaking.

So good you get her twice. Yes, grandmothers are allowed to be obnoxious and bombard people with grandchildren photos.

Now I need to get down to the serious stuff. I have a promotion board to complete, flyers for the kids class in October and supply lists for the courses I will teach in November. And a little work for the Art Association. All for tomorrow. No pressure, noooooo, not a bit.

Teaching drawing

I am probably quite certifiable to take on more tasks but I have.

I'll be teaching some drawing classes for adults and children at Michael's starting in November - well one in October - that will take up my Monday nights and most of my Sundays. This is in addition to an online course that I will be teaching for Brenda Hoddinott at Drawspace, when her new website is up and running.

The additional work seems a little daunting at the moment, but once the lesson plans are in place it should be fairly straight forward - touch wood. The kids' classes I haven't done much of before, but 8 - 12 year olds should be focused enough to let them explore some techniques and have fun. They may turn out to be more fun than the adults.

I look forward to some more teaching and the exposure that I wouldn't normally get from passing traffic. It may take me a few lessons to get into my stride, but I'll get there.

Tomorrow my daughter and grand daughter arrive from Calgary for a couple of weeks. Its amazing the amount of 'things' you need to have to accomodate a baby. A crib, a highchair, a bouncer thingy, stroller, diapers, milk, food, etc etc. A small body sure has a lot of needs doesn't it? But I think everything is in place and hopefully she'll settle down and I'll get to know her all over again, as I haven't seen her since she was a month or so old. So I may be absent for a day or two til I get the routine down pat. I will take a few days off next week and the week after, but meetings are so often scheduled into the future for me, a full week at once is always a challenge.

The photo is of some wheat/barley/oats that was grown this summer. So what you say? Well it is Newfoundland and we have a very short season. This was grown from grains taken from some animal feed and planted in the field. I was quite surprised to see that it formed heads at all. The prairie people should be able to identify it more accurately than I can.

Cerinthe

Cerinthe grew this summer in the greenhouse. It was a newcomer to me and I hadn't seen the plant previously but the flowers were enchanting, such lovely shades of blues and purples. I took some photos of it and today thought I'd tackle my arch enemy - drawing flowers. I have to say that I rather enjoyed it so far.

Its coloured pencil, 9 x 12 Canson paper. I've kept it soft and somewhat grainy so far. Just getting the richness of the purple-blues is the challenge.

The flower is cerinthe major pupurescens - Kiwi Blue for those who may want to try their hand at growing it. Its an annual and easy to grow. Its also known as the Blue Shrimp Plant.