Sand Sculpture and Shenanigans by Firelight

Must be because I'm a Pisces Sun with a Leo Moon - I am very drawn to fire and water. Nothing like a good old fashioned bonfire on the beach. And if the beach is in Rhode Island, it sure feels like home to me. Love the orange and blue of these pics. My cousin Kathy and her husband Fred have a gorgeous place on Charlestown Beach, and last weekend my sister Sue and I enjoyed a fun night around the fire with family including some of our double cousins. Our cousin Christopher built this impressive sand pyramid and then he and his brother Jon proceeded to entertain us...

Models and Demos

oil, pastel and charcoal study

oil, turp wash demo (with pastel and charcoal)

charcoal powder demo

oil, turp wash demo (with pastel and charcoal)

One of the toughest things about teaching Life Drawing and Mixed Media Portraiture, the two classes I'm teaching at MECA this summer, is not being able to set up an easel and draw the whole time!!! We have some of the most incredible models. I do set up to do brief demos, and occasional quick studies in between running around helping my students. Funny thing about teaching, though. In standing over my students' shoulders and offering them that second pair of eyeballs, I feel like I am drawing. Air guitar? Air drawing...

Susan's Portrait

Martha, Susan, and Patience Rose.

Started another portrait while at my sister Deb's in R.I. this past weekend. This time my sister Sue sat for me. I did this portrait with my left hand - it's not quite finished yet - I will be resolving it this week, perhaps adding the female hummingbird we saw visiting the bee balm in Deb's garden!

Pregnant Model

Molly with Child, 2009
mixed media on tan Rives BFK, 15" x 22"

One last post before I hit the road. While we're on the topic of baby showers, here's a demo drawing I did for my students at my Monday night Life Drawing class at MECA this week. We had the most beautiful pregnant model who is in her third trimester. What a rare treat!

A Mad Hatter's Tea

temptation...

Some images from my niece's baby shower. We were able to have it at my mom's assisted living facility, where she has a room in the Alzheimer's unit. Having the shower at her place made it easy for her to be there and to enjoy herself - she tires very quickly.

I'm heading to RI again for a few more days after teaching today, where I plan to do a couple of more portraits...

Have a wonderful weekend!