It's time to say more about how I write. Up to now things have been rather hit or miss with the writing, in that I don't write every single day. I'm taking Jeff Goins' 15 Day Writing Challenge so I can show myself the importance of writing daily. How to Form a Daily Writing Habit | You Are a Writer .
Yes, along with being an artist, I am a writer. While I won't at this point write a new blog post every day, I will in a matter of weeks be much more regular with my posting. I'm aiming to post once each week. That gives readers time to see each new post AS new, rather than as an archived post after only one day. People become discouraged when they haven't gotten to the blog as planned, and when they do the post is old already. They feel as though they're missing out, or so I'm told by some professional bloggers.
Jeff's motivating article on forming a daily writing habit, makes sense. I'm enjoying reading it as well as the article for day 4 of the 15 day writing challenge. Obviously, I'm applying it; my butt is in the chair and my short blog got written.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
PROCRASTINATION:WHEN THE CHICKENS COME HOME TO ROOST
Procrastination, with me, for a while now, has been almost a vocation. Probably you could call it a Vacation, as well. (This doesn't include the time, 4 years ago, when I slipped on wet grass and fell, doing something drastic to my right arm in the process. I'm right-handed. Things still aren't quite right, there). Back the actual Vacation from promptly entering and filing:
1. Handwritten notes, on scraps of paper, into the notebook where I record info on favorite writing and artwork sites, blogs of other writers and favorite authors---all that really energizing stuff.
2. Computer education info, on papers large OR small. Research for later art/writing projects. Relevant motivational and inspirational material.
3. The Institute Of Children's Literature's valuable newsletters and their apt, well-written website pieces that buoy me up as I learn more about writing for children.
So. Within these 3 categories we see that, topic by topic, eight binders with dividers are needed if everything were filed logically. Or if the Vacation had, very sensibly, not begun at all. Oh! There's also:
4. A schedule of artwork deadlines: all the work needed for 2 fairs in September and October of the coming year. Here are (always!) notes for drawings and paintings in various media, sized from 4x5" to 18x24", to be finished and framed for exhibition/competition in the exhibition halls of both fairs, plus all that is needed to fill the walls of the space I rent at one fair. A serious matter.Deadlines missed, mean that I go back on my word at one check-in table, as my entry form has been received by them a month ahead of check-in date. It also means disappointingly few pieces to exhibit at the other fair, where I don't need a written document. Either way, it means fewer ribbons and cash prizes. Not good. The only other penalties actually incurred are by me, in my heart. I like to keep my word.
And so: Unfiled papers grow into orderly piles, then become sliding stacks on the computer desk and long, low storage cabinet; the dining room table; the large book case; the so-comfy easy chair and the couch. (In the smaller living room is a second couch. Unfortunately. If I had only one couch, the Procrastination Vacation would possibly be less likely to start, much less continue. Keyword here: Possibly). Fortunately, the middle grade novel has been finished months before this. Actually, completion of the novel and all that it involves, is one very big reason there was a Procrastination Vacation in the first place. But I wouldn't have traded the writing experience for the world! I'll start another, soon.
In late winter, a version of Murphy's Law glides shockingly into the mix---right before I am to begin the Big Paper Organization Push (and we all know Murphy's Law always works like that)! The (not so) simple existence of all this physical and mental disarray immobilizes me. Without the information buried in the sliding stacks, vital computer expertise goes unmastered. Writing projects go unfinished. Not to mention the artwork! A constant lament: "I know I wrote it down. It's around here somewhere..." Yes. Where? Who knows? Not I. Meanwhile, artwork goes undone. The chickens are home to roost. Come September, they appear in my rented fair space as well, when, due to my allowing my stated deadlines to fall on deaf ears in previous months, I have much less inventory than usual. Although giclee' prints of my original art, in all sizes, are abundant, people are wanting small, more affordable art. If their shoes were on my feet, in this economy, so would I. Profits decrease acordingly. Of course! Why not? I'll apply wisdom gained, to next year.
Comes the day---finally, this past December---that I search out every looseleaf binder, in use or not, in this house. I rifle through each, tossing obsolete papers, freeing up great quantities of page protectors. Then, beginning each morning and continuing until mid-afternoon, for over a week, each stack in turn is sorted. Info for each category goes into its own pile. Now needed: big binders. To Staples I go. On sale: big binders.
Filling, indexing and labeling binders, takes the rest of that week. When finally the piles get down to really manageable size, there's room on the large table for a cup of green tea. The filled binders stand side by side with my writing notebooks in their new space, in the base of my six-foot-long book case on one wall of the room where I write. They occupy the right hand side, to the middle. Art/photography binders are nearly completed. They'll fill the left side by the time this is finished. At last count, there are 21 binders, all sizes.
And here is my first longer post in many weeks, spurred on by the Intentional Blogging course I'm taking and which I love. Though a ridiculous amount of time has passed, I can't call this anything but a victory. Considering.
Intentional Blogging students were told, "Write something dangerous." For me, (who loves to be organized--
--is that grammatically correct?) writing about how I allowed such disorganization to whack me upside the head, feels dangerous enough for now. The only thing more dangerous would be if I blamed my secretary, but I don't have one.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't SAY 'I have deadlines.' DO "I have deadlines.' Be responsible.
2. Learn to say, for the day, the week, or whenever it's true, 'I'm working then.'
3. Daily, without fail, place any new information into the binder or notebook already prepared for it.
Leave the entire workspace clean.
Actually, I like chickens. Once we owned some wonderful varieties. I miss them. But, in my life and in my workspace, no chickens home to roost.
1. Handwritten notes, on scraps of paper, into the notebook where I record info on favorite writing and artwork sites, blogs of other writers and favorite authors---all that really energizing stuff.
2. Computer education info, on papers large OR small. Research for later art/writing projects. Relevant motivational and inspirational material.
3. The Institute Of Children's Literature's valuable newsletters and their apt, well-written website pieces that buoy me up as I learn more about writing for children.
So. Within these 3 categories we see that, topic by topic, eight binders with dividers are needed if everything were filed logically. Or if the Vacation had, very sensibly, not begun at all. Oh! There's also:
4. A schedule of artwork deadlines: all the work needed for 2 fairs in September and October of the coming year. Here are (always!) notes for drawings and paintings in various media, sized from 4x5" to 18x24", to be finished and framed for exhibition/competition in the exhibition halls of both fairs, plus all that is needed to fill the walls of the space I rent at one fair. A serious matter.Deadlines missed, mean that I go back on my word at one check-in table, as my entry form has been received by them a month ahead of check-in date. It also means disappointingly few pieces to exhibit at the other fair, where I don't need a written document. Either way, it means fewer ribbons and cash prizes. Not good. The only other penalties actually incurred are by me, in my heart. I like to keep my word.
And so: Unfiled papers grow into orderly piles, then become sliding stacks on the computer desk and long, low storage cabinet; the dining room table; the large book case; the so-comfy easy chair and the couch. (In the smaller living room is a second couch. Unfortunately. If I had only one couch, the Procrastination Vacation would possibly be less likely to start, much less continue. Keyword here: Possibly). Fortunately, the middle grade novel has been finished months before this. Actually, completion of the novel and all that it involves, is one very big reason there was a Procrastination Vacation in the first place. But I wouldn't have traded the writing experience for the world! I'll start another, soon.
In late winter, a version of Murphy's Law glides shockingly into the mix---right before I am to begin the Big Paper Organization Push (and we all know Murphy's Law always works like that)! The (not so) simple existence of all this physical and mental disarray immobilizes me. Without the information buried in the sliding stacks, vital computer expertise goes unmastered. Writing projects go unfinished. Not to mention the artwork! A constant lament: "I know I wrote it down. It's around here somewhere..." Yes. Where? Who knows? Not I. Meanwhile, artwork goes undone. The chickens are home to roost. Come September, they appear in my rented fair space as well, when, due to my allowing my stated deadlines to fall on deaf ears in previous months, I have much less inventory than usual. Although giclee' prints of my original art, in all sizes, are abundant, people are wanting small, more affordable art. If their shoes were on my feet, in this economy, so would I. Profits decrease acordingly. Of course! Why not? I'll apply wisdom gained, to next year.
Comes the day---finally, this past December---that I search out every looseleaf binder, in use or not, in this house. I rifle through each, tossing obsolete papers, freeing up great quantities of page protectors. Then, beginning each morning and continuing until mid-afternoon, for over a week, each stack in turn is sorted. Info for each category goes into its own pile. Now needed: big binders. To Staples I go. On sale: big binders.
Filling, indexing and labeling binders, takes the rest of that week. When finally the piles get down to really manageable size, there's room on the large table for a cup of green tea. The filled binders stand side by side with my writing notebooks in their new space, in the base of my six-foot-long book case on one wall of the room where I write. They occupy the right hand side, to the middle. Art/photography binders are nearly completed. They'll fill the left side by the time this is finished. At last count, there are 21 binders, all sizes.
And here is my first longer post in many weeks, spurred on by the Intentional Blogging course I'm taking and which I love. Though a ridiculous amount of time has passed, I can't call this anything but a victory. Considering.
Intentional Blogging students were told, "Write something dangerous." For me, (who loves to be organized--
--is that grammatically correct?) writing about how I allowed such disorganization to whack me upside the head, feels dangerous enough for now. The only thing more dangerous would be if I blamed my secretary, but I don't have one.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't SAY 'I have deadlines.' DO "I have deadlines.' Be responsible.
2. Learn to say, for the day, the week, or whenever it's true, 'I'm working then.'
3. Daily, without fail, place any new information into the binder or notebook already prepared for it.
Leave the entire workspace clean.
Actually, I like chickens. Once we owned some wonderful varieties. I miss them. But, in my life and in my workspace, no chickens home to roost.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Murphy's Law
With my last War Horse post, I promised more to come in the next post. Murphy's Law went to great lengths to sabotage that idea! And, too, the previous post, the review of Jeff Goins' book, You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One), absolutely had to go onto my blog. As soon as I read it, I knew that! This is one book that no writer ought to be without. The very next post, within-the-Next-Few-Days-I-promise, will deal with Procrastination. Then we'll have more about War Horse. That's a promise too.
A New Book On Writing---Well Worth Reading
No sugarcoating, no wasted words. Tough, yet kind. Tough love, I would have to say. This is the essence of Jeff Goins' book, You Are A Writer (So Start Acting Like One), which is now available on Amazon.com and on youareawriter.com . Jeff has written from the heart, obviously. He shares what it took for him to become a real writer, and shows us that we can do the same. You Are A Writer is a fact as well as a title. We just have to write. Focus. Persevere. By following Jeff's example, putting his book to use, we will surprise ourselves with the progress we will make.
Jeff doesn't tell us to do anything he hasn't already done, himself, and he doesn't hesitate to tell us what it took to get over the obstacles in his way. The same ones we ourselves face each time we sit down to write. By practicing, we will find our voice and more. I can't think of a book I would rate any higher than this one.
Jeff doesn't tell us to do anything he hasn't already done, himself, and he doesn't hesitate to tell us what it took to get over the obstacles in his way. The same ones we ourselves face each time we sit down to write. By practicing, we will find our voice and more. I can't think of a book I would rate any higher than this one.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
War Horse Puppets---Almost More Like Horses Than Horses Are!
Before I go any further, here's a link to a site about the War Horse puppets. There's a videotaped interview on this site. Rather long, but worth the time. Very interesting. Toward the end, Joey the horse (puppet) will be active onstage. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?lid=34726 I went to the site just before posting this to be sure this link is working. And here's another: http://www.performingarts.about.com/od/Costumes/a/Bringing-A-War-Horse-To-Life-Onstage.htm . I checked this link, too, just now. If you scroll to the bottom of page 1 and click on War Horse On Broadway, you'll see an ad for W.H. In a minute, the photo becomes one video clip after another, of bits of action from the play. The horses are great! Almost more like horses than horses are. (Well, you'll see what I mean).
Because it took me so LONG between last post and this one, I included more than one link. There's a lot more about War Horse if you google it.
My apologies for taking so long, due to circumstances. I have another post ready, which will be up in a few days if not sooner.
Because it took me so LONG between last post and this one, I included more than one link. There's a lot more about War Horse if you google it.
My apologies for taking so long, due to circumstances. I have another post ready, which will be up in a few days if not sooner.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
What do you think of the Steven Spielberg movie, 'War Horse'? I think it is now in the U.S. theaters. So far, I have only seen the previews and cannot wait to see that movie!
How about the play by the same name, now in New York and in Europe? Aren't those huge horse puppets wonderful and fascinating? I've been so taken with the very idea of them, that I've been finding film clips of them, seeing what they're all about. (No, I haven't seen the play. But I sure did see a short clip of the puppets on the Today show last Thursday---Dec. 15, right after Al Roker's Kids Book Club). The book was "War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo. Four children, ready with questions, were on the show; so was Mr. Morpurgo, who answered each of them and didn't they all have a good time! Yes, they did.
I'll be saying much more about all of this in my next post. There will be a link to at least one clip. Now I need to learn how to get the link onto my blog. It can't be all that hard. Can it?
It will be good to get your thoughts on War Horse.
How about the play by the same name, now in New York and in Europe? Aren't those huge horse puppets wonderful and fascinating? I've been so taken with the very idea of them, that I've been finding film clips of them, seeing what they're all about. (No, I haven't seen the play. But I sure did see a short clip of the puppets on the Today show last Thursday---Dec. 15, right after Al Roker's Kids Book Club). The book was "War Horse" by Michael Morpurgo. Four children, ready with questions, were on the show; so was Mr. Morpurgo, who answered each of them and didn't they all have a good time! Yes, they did.
I'll be saying much more about all of this in my next post. There will be a link to at least one clip. Now I need to learn how to get the link onto my blog. It can't be all that hard. Can it?
It will be good to get your thoughts on War Horse.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Fryeburg Fair artwork; my article:"Lovebirds; Lovable---Or Not?"; matting/framing: it looks like, for once, several goals at once are being met, and most of them ahead of time. THAT's what I LIKE, and I'm this happy because usually I don't GET to be this happy about Goals.
Many things conspired against these things getting done as soon as they had to be! There's no point in going into that. It's over. Whatever slows us down or works against us to the point of discouragement---if we give in---gives us the chance to get above it all, to do what we've gotta do, (yes, 'gotta'; it fits the situation) and to feel that nice sense of accomplishment at the end of it all.
See? The quote in my previous post: Function in disaster, finish in style (from Lucy Madeira) fits right into everyday life just fine. There's still time for disaster to sneak in again while I'm too busy gloating to pay attention. I'd better keep that in mind. No gloating. Get on with it. So here I am writing this blog when I'm supposed to be doing art. Well, this is the first post since August 6th and writing, too, is an art. I was working in charcoal and thinking of my very tardy blog, which meant I wasn't getting too far with the charcoal, which is too bad since I really like the picture in progress.
My project, the dog's bath earlier this morning, I wouldn't call disaster. The dog has a vet appointment on Friday. It's nicer for the vet to see a clean dog than otherwise--and she really wasn't all that bad to begin with---now she's drying off in the kitchen. Washing the dog means washing the bedding too, for obvious reasons. This is the best day for it all, as tomorrow it's going to rain.
The lovebirds are listening to the radio, which is their third choice of all music forms in this house. CD's are first, records (yes, vinyl, 33 1/3) are second. First thing, they had records, but now the day will become nonstop, so the radio it is. I don't have time to keep turning over the stack of records, and if I don't, and the music stops, they yell in chorus for me to go fix it. Not in so many words, but I know the tone of voice. The light-rock station has a good variety. They squeak in rhythm with whatever happens to be on, knowing almost every tune so well that most of the time they are a beat or two ahead. They do the same thing with the classical music. They'll be fine. So will I, if I go back to the artwork and finish the pieces one at a time, beginning right now.
I wish each of my friends a good day that ends the way you want it to. What methods do you have for getting that to happen?
Many things conspired against these things getting done as soon as they had to be! There's no point in going into that. It's over. Whatever slows us down or works against us to the point of discouragement---if we give in---gives us the chance to get above it all, to do what we've gotta do, (yes, 'gotta'; it fits the situation) and to feel that nice sense of accomplishment at the end of it all.
See? The quote in my previous post: Function in disaster, finish in style (from Lucy Madeira) fits right into everyday life just fine. There's still time for disaster to sneak in again while I'm too busy gloating to pay attention. I'd better keep that in mind. No gloating. Get on with it. So here I am writing this blog when I'm supposed to be doing art. Well, this is the first post since August 6th and writing, too, is an art. I was working in charcoal and thinking of my very tardy blog, which meant I wasn't getting too far with the charcoal, which is too bad since I really like the picture in progress.
My project, the dog's bath earlier this morning, I wouldn't call disaster. The dog has a vet appointment on Friday. It's nicer for the vet to see a clean dog than otherwise--and she really wasn't all that bad to begin with---now she's drying off in the kitchen. Washing the dog means washing the bedding too, for obvious reasons. This is the best day for it all, as tomorrow it's going to rain.
The lovebirds are listening to the radio, which is their third choice of all music forms in this house. CD's are first, records (yes, vinyl, 33 1/3) are second. First thing, they had records, but now the day will become nonstop, so the radio it is. I don't have time to keep turning over the stack of records, and if I don't, and the music stops, they yell in chorus for me to go fix it. Not in so many words, but I know the tone of voice. The light-rock station has a good variety. They squeak in rhythm with whatever happens to be on, knowing almost every tune so well that most of the time they are a beat or two ahead. They do the same thing with the classical music. They'll be fine. So will I, if I go back to the artwork and finish the pieces one at a time, beginning right now.
I wish each of my friends a good day that ends the way you want it to. What methods do you have for getting that to happen?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Artwork for exhibition halls at Fryeburg and Windsor Fairs, and for my Space (7) in Fryeburg Fair's Craft Center, is coming together nicely. Along with horses and dogs, subjects will include barns, assorted farm animals, fishing flies and at least one wagon. Fishing flies are fun to do in watercolor, especially the salmon flies and the various "ghosts", grey and otherwise. Fishermen know what I'm talking about.
"Function in disaster; finish in style." So goes a saying (actually two sayings combined into one) by an educator named Lucy Madeira. From the first time I came across the saying(s), including two more that she was fond of: "Make haste slowly"---which she would quote in Latin---and "Keep calm at the very center of your being", I was intrigued by Lucy Madeira. Who was she? Did she live by the sayings she quoted so often? In my research I found that in the early 1900's she founded a private school for girls, The Madeira School, and was a very exacting teacher. As near as I can tell, she used her sayings to encourage her pupils, and seems to have encouraged herself at the same time.
The portrait photo of Miss Madeira greatly resembles my favorite high school English teacher, Miss Dwelley. I was in her classes I learned so much about, and came to love, creative writing as well as reading. She encouraged us to search out answers in the books and stories we were assigned: why did the main character act in certain ways? What were the results of his actions? How were other people affected by what he did? To this day I remember those questions as I read. The material has so much more meaning that way.
As well, she had wise advice for us. One day in class a student said, "I wish I could know what would happen in all of my life." Miss Dwelley looked at her for a moment and then said, "Oh, my dear, if you knew, you wouldn't be able to stand it." Though I wasn't the student who voiced that thought, life has certainly proved Miss Dwelley to be oh so right.
And so, function in disaster. That has been going on for me, for several weeks now. Various factors spelled disaster, but now I am out of the tunnel. I've figured out all of the artwork for the two Fairs, the reference photos are paired with the paper I'll use, and this afternoon I'll finish the preliminary drawings. Tomorrow I plan to finish a portrait that needs to go out very soon. Then, complete concentration on the Fair artwork---and at that, I'm weeks ahead of my usual schedule at Fair time. "Make haste slowly" applies here, as I haven't rushed until my head is spinning, but have thought out each step, determined to enjoy the process.
Wesley Dennis, who illustrated many of the Marguerite Henry books, used to say, "If it isn't fun, don't do it." I can see exactly what he would have meant---if art stops being fun, quit. That doesn't apply to artwork in its beginning stages, because each piece has to go through an ugly stage when you could cheerfully scrumple it up and THROW it AWAY. That's definitely not a fun stage. We have to work through that stage, and gradually the work comes right and we're happy. We've conquered our doubt by working through. If making art in general has become a chore, though, and the joy has gone out of it, no matter what we've done to work around the negativity, I can't help but think it would be time to stop. Who knows? Maybe after a little break, we'll be ready to give things another try. Who of you has gone through this sort of thing?
"Finish in style"---I very well know that for me THAT won't happen until my space in the Craft Center is completely arranged, furnished, and the pictures fill the walls, and the mugs, matted paintings and prints and the packages of note cards are in their places. Then I can sit down with a cup of tea and contemplate the coming eight days of activity in my booth, where old friends and new will stop to see the latest work and the favorites from another year, and we'll do a little catching up. A quietly stylish finish. How have you felt after working through obstacles and finally coming out on the other side, especially when it looked as though things might not come together?
"Function in disaster; finish in style." So goes a saying (actually two sayings combined into one) by an educator named Lucy Madeira. From the first time I came across the saying(s), including two more that she was fond of: "Make haste slowly"---which she would quote in Latin---and "Keep calm at the very center of your being", I was intrigued by Lucy Madeira. Who was she? Did she live by the sayings she quoted so often? In my research I found that in the early 1900's she founded a private school for girls, The Madeira School, and was a very exacting teacher. As near as I can tell, she used her sayings to encourage her pupils, and seems to have encouraged herself at the same time.
The portrait photo of Miss Madeira greatly resembles my favorite high school English teacher, Miss Dwelley. I was in her classes I learned so much about, and came to love, creative writing as well as reading. She encouraged us to search out answers in the books and stories we were assigned: why did the main character act in certain ways? What were the results of his actions? How were other people affected by what he did? To this day I remember those questions as I read. The material has so much more meaning that way.
As well, she had wise advice for us. One day in class a student said, "I wish I could know what would happen in all of my life." Miss Dwelley looked at her for a moment and then said, "Oh, my dear, if you knew, you wouldn't be able to stand it." Though I wasn't the student who voiced that thought, life has certainly proved Miss Dwelley to be oh so right.
And so, function in disaster. That has been going on for me, for several weeks now. Various factors spelled disaster, but now I am out of the tunnel. I've figured out all of the artwork for the two Fairs, the reference photos are paired with the paper I'll use, and this afternoon I'll finish the preliminary drawings. Tomorrow I plan to finish a portrait that needs to go out very soon. Then, complete concentration on the Fair artwork---and at that, I'm weeks ahead of my usual schedule at Fair time. "Make haste slowly" applies here, as I haven't rushed until my head is spinning, but have thought out each step, determined to enjoy the process.
Wesley Dennis, who illustrated many of the Marguerite Henry books, used to say, "If it isn't fun, don't do it." I can see exactly what he would have meant---if art stops being fun, quit. That doesn't apply to artwork in its beginning stages, because each piece has to go through an ugly stage when you could cheerfully scrumple it up and THROW it AWAY. That's definitely not a fun stage. We have to work through that stage, and gradually the work comes right and we're happy. We've conquered our doubt by working through. If making art in general has become a chore, though, and the joy has gone out of it, no matter what we've done to work around the negativity, I can't help but think it would be time to stop. Who knows? Maybe after a little break, we'll be ready to give things another try. Who of you has gone through this sort of thing?
"Finish in style"---I very well know that for me THAT won't happen until my space in the Craft Center is completely arranged, furnished, and the pictures fill the walls, and the mugs, matted paintings and prints and the packages of note cards are in their places. Then I can sit down with a cup of tea and contemplate the coming eight days of activity in my booth, where old friends and new will stop to see the latest work and the favorites from another year, and we'll do a little catching up. A quietly stylish finish. How have you felt after working through obstacles and finally coming out on the other side, especially when it looked as though things might not come together?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Surprise...Summer Is Under Control
There IS no end to the surprises around here in the past weeks. The illustrations are finished and everything has been sent out. I hope that what I next hear from the publisher about this manuscript will also be an unexpected joy. Considering that I've made a list of publishers to send to---not planning to let this book sit around after any of its return trips to me---obviously the big surprise can only be that this current publisher will send an acceptance letter. Now wouldn't that be nice....
The remaining surprises:(1.) while going through older art magazines I found a reference photo that's been missing for 6 (!) years---oh yes---and what are the chances of that? (I had used it to mark my place). And I even still want to work from it. The way things can go, and usually do, is that I find some (very) long-lost landscape photo and say, "What did I see in that?" Not this time.
(2.) Everything got done---flowers planted in yard and window boxes; screen porch all ready for summer; lawn gets mowed before it starts looking like a horse should graze on it; "Everything" includes the writing assignment I had to finish, then cleanup of writing area and drawing area, and making out my list of entries for the Fryeburg Fair Exhibition Hall art show. Now summer is under control. Remember I said that. I can make art in peace, instead of rushing. Rushing gets old, don't you agree? Of course.
(3.) There have so far been only 2 Driveway Worms to rescue. Well, they're really earthworms. I think I would call them Nightcrawlers. Usually there are many, especially after a rain, and there they are, all stretched out as far as they can go (I THINK; how far CAN they stretch?) and all wishful,"...oh, where's the dirt...this doesn't feel right...need dirt...there's only this hard stuff...", and then there comes morning, and me, and before they know it, they're in the grass. (There, you guys).
Tomorrow afternoon I am to learn how to photograph my artwork and get it onto the computer in an orderly manner. THEN, I'm told, I can do all sorts of things with it. That should be good, technically challenged as I am. I'll have to take notes. The huge surprise here is that, weeks ago, the photographer checked my camera over and said it can do everything needed to get the job done. Who knew? Tomorrow: a very good time to learn a new way of doing. I'm delighted. There are many more happenings, but I'm sure, by now, I've mentioned enough.
This blog, titled Horses & More, has nothing about horses today, but plenty about More. Chickens. A good topic which will be showing up in the artwork before too long.Thinking about a Main Street restaurant, The Golden Rooster, got me to thinking of the big golden chickens we once had. They'd make good subjects, especially the Buff Orpingtons. Cochins of any color are always good, too. Our most memorable ones were the big white one and several gold ones.It's time to make time for them.
The remaining surprises:(1.) while going through older art magazines I found a reference photo that's been missing for 6 (!) years---oh yes---and what are the chances of that? (I had used it to mark my place). And I even still want to work from it. The way things can go, and usually do, is that I find some (very) long-lost landscape photo and say, "What did I see in that?" Not this time.
(2.) Everything got done---flowers planted in yard and window boxes; screen porch all ready for summer; lawn gets mowed before it starts looking like a horse should graze on it; "Everything" includes the writing assignment I had to finish, then cleanup of writing area and drawing area, and making out my list of entries for the Fryeburg Fair Exhibition Hall art show. Now summer is under control. Remember I said that. I can make art in peace, instead of rushing. Rushing gets old, don't you agree? Of course.
(3.) There have so far been only 2 Driveway Worms to rescue. Well, they're really earthworms. I think I would call them Nightcrawlers. Usually there are many, especially after a rain, and there they are, all stretched out as far as they can go (I THINK; how far CAN they stretch?) and all wishful,"...oh, where's the dirt...this doesn't feel right...need dirt...there's only this hard stuff...", and then there comes morning, and me, and before they know it, they're in the grass. (There, you guys).
Tomorrow afternoon I am to learn how to photograph my artwork and get it onto the computer in an orderly manner. THEN, I'm told, I can do all sorts of things with it. That should be good, technically challenged as I am. I'll have to take notes. The huge surprise here is that, weeks ago, the photographer checked my camera over and said it can do everything needed to get the job done. Who knew? Tomorrow: a very good time to learn a new way of doing. I'm delighted. There are many more happenings, but I'm sure, by now, I've mentioned enough.
This blog, titled Horses & More, has nothing about horses today, but plenty about More. Chickens. A good topic which will be showing up in the artwork before too long.Thinking about a Main Street restaurant, The Golden Rooster, got me to thinking of the big golden chickens we once had. They'd make good subjects, especially the Buff Orpingtons. Cochins of any color are always good, too. Our most memorable ones were the big white one and several gold ones.It's time to make time for them.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
It All Began With Walter Farley
Yes, it did. The man who wrote The Black Stallion series, The Island Stallion series.....and more.
My answer to a reader who commented on my blog, got me started on my own start, which was when I was about 7 years old. Each morning before school, I ate breakfast while listening to The Black Stallion, read by Arlen E. Barnard, on the radio. My mother discovered that program one morning, and from then on it was all over. There had to be more horse books. More.
One Saturday---I had to be at least 8 by then---she took me to the public library and got me a card. I asked where the horse books were, and then, it really WAS all over. There they were, a whole long line of them. That's when I discovered the Black Stallion series and The Island Stallion series. At first I only took a couple at a time. As I got to reading better, I took one or two more besides. Just couldn't get enough of them....
All of that just never stopped. My grandmother helped the cause. Except for the beautiful little dresses and colorful shorts, tops and pajamas she made for us, she would give us other gifts too. Most often, books were what she gave me. Very memorable books that still stand on my shelves. Other books have come and gone (but when it comes to horse books they, too, are here. Once they get into my hands they are HOME. Right next to the ones she gave to me).
Throughout school, I hated math. The pad of white typing paper my folks bought me to do math problems on each year, mainly got used for horse drawings. "It's all gone??! How could it be all GONE? That is for MATH. You used it up drawing horses? No wonder you're failing math."
The horse books found their way to school too, making great reading during geography class. And so, came the day I heard: "Yes you can ride your bike to the library with Anna. It won't make much sense, though, because you aren't to take out any books until your grades are where they should be. (Report cards had come out, mine was obviously lacking, to put it mildly).
Okay, so that's where it began, with The Black Stallion. Much later there was The Chestry Oak by Kate Seredy, with such an exquisite rendering, in black and white, of the stallion Midnight--dancing--and his little rider, that I felt I really wanted to draw like that someday. The books by C.W. Anderson affected me the same way. One of them, I took to the weekly art class in high school, and worked endlessly on the head of a thoroughbred in leather halter, facing straight out of the page. That was my first pencil drawing with serious detail in it, and it was difficult. I still have it. (After all that work, I would hope so).
Last summer at the local library's book sale, I found Man o'War by Walter Farley. Had never heard of it. The other day I read it, and it was such a fast, fine read that I almost couldn't put it down.
Now, of all things, it seems that I need to be illustrating the novel I just finished. Someone wants to show the entire package to a publishing house she has worked for, as an editor and illustrator. Rough drafts are in progress. It sure is interesting, pulling the pictures out of one's mind, putting them on paper to match the word pictures already there. I'm off now to do more. There's no telling how all will turn out.....there are always surprises, aren't there!
My answer to a reader who commented on my blog, got me started on my own start, which was when I was about 7 years old. Each morning before school, I ate breakfast while listening to The Black Stallion, read by Arlen E. Barnard, on the radio. My mother discovered that program one morning, and from then on it was all over. There had to be more horse books. More.
One Saturday---I had to be at least 8 by then---she took me to the public library and got me a card. I asked where the horse books were, and then, it really WAS all over. There they were, a whole long line of them. That's when I discovered the Black Stallion series and The Island Stallion series. At first I only took a couple at a time. As I got to reading better, I took one or two more besides. Just couldn't get enough of them....
All of that just never stopped. My grandmother helped the cause. Except for the beautiful little dresses and colorful shorts, tops and pajamas she made for us, she would give us other gifts too. Most often, books were what she gave me. Very memorable books that still stand on my shelves. Other books have come and gone (but when it comes to horse books they, too, are here. Once they get into my hands they are HOME. Right next to the ones she gave to me).
Throughout school, I hated math. The pad of white typing paper my folks bought me to do math problems on each year, mainly got used for horse drawings. "It's all gone??! How could it be all GONE? That is for MATH. You used it up drawing horses? No wonder you're failing math."
The horse books found their way to school too, making great reading during geography class. And so, came the day I heard: "Yes you can ride your bike to the library with Anna. It won't make much sense, though, because you aren't to take out any books until your grades are where they should be. (Report cards had come out, mine was obviously lacking, to put it mildly).
Okay, so that's where it began, with The Black Stallion. Much later there was The Chestry Oak by Kate Seredy, with such an exquisite rendering, in black and white, of the stallion Midnight--dancing--and his little rider, that I felt I really wanted to draw like that someday. The books by C.W. Anderson affected me the same way. One of them, I took to the weekly art class in high school, and worked endlessly on the head of a thoroughbred in leather halter, facing straight out of the page. That was my first pencil drawing with serious detail in it, and it was difficult. I still have it. (After all that work, I would hope so).
Last summer at the local library's book sale, I found Man o'War by Walter Farley. Had never heard of it. The other day I read it, and it was such a fast, fine read that I almost couldn't put it down.
Now, of all things, it seems that I need to be illustrating the novel I just finished. Someone wants to show the entire package to a publishing house she has worked for, as an editor and illustrator. Rough drafts are in progress. It sure is interesting, pulling the pictures out of one's mind, putting them on paper to match the word pictures already there. I'm off now to do more. There's no telling how all will turn out.....there are always surprises, aren't there!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
On Manuscripts and First Impressions
Reading and re-reading of my manuscript of The Sidewalker, has taken up many of the past several days. This morning before getting down to business, I read a post by Writer Beware, dealing with an author who took great exception to a reviewer's opinion of her self-published book. ( I'm mentioning no one's names here.) If I ever thought (which I don't) that proofreading more than twice is not necessary, silly me, this article alone would make me think several times. Reading this, for me, was more than a word to the wise. Anyway, I'm nearly done with the 4th reading of my manuscript, and have found---how did I miss them, 3 times?---several missing commas, two missing quotation marks, and a paragraph that wasn't indented. In the final 4 chapters, how many more errors will I find? I will have to do another reading to see what else is there. My-oh-my. Well, better me, now, and some more, than the public, later. Once the manuscript goes out, it will have to stand on its own. There's only, ever, one first impression. Everyone knows that. It's a good thing I really like the world that is in this book. Going into it again each time is fun. Seriously. The manuscript began its journey to publishing houses more than a month and a half ago. It is in New York. It's good to keep busy while waiting. Obviously, I am. Eventually there will be either a request to see more of the book, or I'll get a rejection notice. In case of rejection I'll immediately send it out to the next name on my list. And keep busy some more. For as long as it takes. I have a lot of names. An outside chore that I was going to do today, has been eliminated by the Dept. of Public Works. Hearing machines outside near the street, I found sidewalk sweepers, the street sweeper, and some other kind of sweeper that cleans the strip of grass between. My lovebirds were thrilled, as they love noise and new sights. Also they love a good mess. The happenings outside, qualified in all ways. Really, the amount of sand and debris on that grass strip, was larger than I've ever seen. Well, we DID get an extra foot of snow here, this year---a drop in the bucket, compared to some places in this country, I know. I was going to rake (and rake and rake) it all into the gutter and hope that was all right to do. From what I saw, it surely is. That's good to remember for the time when possibly the town budget might be cut. There hasn't been anything said about that here, in any way, but I don't mind being ready for ANYTHING. Just Be Ready, have a plan and an alternate plan, is my motto. Today, after I go through a couple more chapters, the alternate plan is: Grab the chance to take my small spaniel, Scarlett, for an extra walk in the sunshine. On Friday we're getting Snow. Here on the coast, we may only get half a foot as we'll be getting rain as well. The farmers have always called snow White Fertilizer. I'll try to look at it that way. :))
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring Fever At Therapeutic Riding Facility
Spring fever has hit the riding community. Students and volunteers at therapeutic riding facilities aren't immune. Today there was a neat post on my Facebook page from one of the facilities I have become acquainted with when doing some research. Titled "Driveway Trail Ride," the 4 photos were posted by Riding To the Top, located in Windham, and show well-bundled-up mounted students and their sidewalkers traveling up and down the long, straight driveway which is still snow covered. RTT is a ways inland from here. We at the coast got rain on Tuesday. They got about 3 inches of snow. I loved seeing this fun-on-horseback, and am sure the students have spent a long, long winter looking forward to the day they could again meet up with a good four-legged friend---and they do indeed form very strong bonds with their horses---and with their volunteers as well.
Today, with temperatures in the low 60's, and 2-inch-high daffodil sprouts in my back yard,we know spring is on the way, even though tomorrow it again will not look that way. The cold will be back for awhile yet. Who cares? We have today. Actually, all we ever have, anyway, is today. Each day is a new Today. Each has something good to offer. Might have to search, some days, but something good is there somewhere.
It won't be long before the screens are again put up, on the screened porch. I won't say I can't wait. Of course I can. Now's the time to complete all possible projects here in the house, and make a list of what I'd like to accomplish, in all ways, once the really nice weather arrives. So, be glad for a little more Inside Time. Look out at the grassy (muddy-grassy?) yard, still too wet to think about raking. Go out and pick up some little branches torn from the maples and the spruce, by the winds of winter. Write to my relatives. Do my volunteer work. Take my little spaniel for a walk on those nice, dry sidewalks she's been waiting for. And aim my mind toward the summer projects that must be planned and finished before the end of September, so my booth at Fryeburg Fair will look as though it has something going for it. That's half the battle.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, there's bound to be time to walk on a beach or two somewhere; to visit a couple of local working harbors with their lobster boats. And put my camera and sketchbook to good use.
Are you forming plans for the summer? For now, do have the best of all possible days.
Today, with temperatures in the low 60's, and 2-inch-high daffodil sprouts in my back yard,we know spring is on the way, even though tomorrow it again will not look that way. The cold will be back for awhile yet. Who cares? We have today. Actually, all we ever have, anyway, is today. Each day is a new Today. Each has something good to offer. Might have to search, some days, but something good is there somewhere.
It won't be long before the screens are again put up, on the screened porch. I won't say I can't wait. Of course I can. Now's the time to complete all possible projects here in the house, and make a list of what I'd like to accomplish, in all ways, once the really nice weather arrives. So, be glad for a little more Inside Time. Look out at the grassy (muddy-grassy?) yard, still too wet to think about raking. Go out and pick up some little branches torn from the maples and the spruce, by the winds of winter. Write to my relatives. Do my volunteer work. Take my little spaniel for a walk on those nice, dry sidewalks she's been waiting for. And aim my mind toward the summer projects that must be planned and finished before the end of September, so my booth at Fryeburg Fair will look as though it has something going for it. That's half the battle.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, there's bound to be time to walk on a beach or two somewhere; to visit a couple of local working harbors with their lobster boats. And put my camera and sketchbook to good use.
Are you forming plans for the summer? For now, do have the best of all possible days.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
First Drafts Are Providing Inspiration
First drafts are providing inspiration today, for what has to come later. And what is that? Two good-size barn paintings, two equine drawings to complete, and an outline and proposal for a nonfiction book about my Great-uncle Byron's farm.
The outline and proposal would come first if I weren't at a loss as to how to begin. What stopped me? The stories of my first horses---all of them---that have clamored for years to be written. There they've been, somewhere in my mind, almost surfacing every time I attempt a new beginning with other material. So. Yesterday I finished an 8 page draft about Chief, the Appaloosa, and began the piece on Rajah, the iron grey Arabian. And, who would guess---early yesterday morning I turned on the bedside lamp, grabbed pen and paper, and the ideas for the beginning of the farm book are down on paper. Funny how that works, isn't it.....
Also funny; here I am---the one who always says a sunny day always makes me ambitious--- tearing up the keyboard, getting all of this stuff down and now really itching to get to some artwork before it just bursts out and goes---where? Mm. Here I am, happy with what got written, on a day when there's nothing but rain.
Well, as I told someone, I'll think about all of it, and think some more, until eventually I can't stand it anymore and out it will all come, and that's exactly what happened. Now, on to the next project. It's best to grab the chance now. Tomorrow is a day of work away from home; can't do any more with anything creative until Friday.
When are you the most energetic? Inspired to finish projects?
The outline and proposal would come first if I weren't at a loss as to how to begin. What stopped me? The stories of my first horses---all of them---that have clamored for years to be written. There they've been, somewhere in my mind, almost surfacing every time I attempt a new beginning with other material. So. Yesterday I finished an 8 page draft about Chief, the Appaloosa, and began the piece on Rajah, the iron grey Arabian. And, who would guess---early yesterday morning I turned on the bedside lamp, grabbed pen and paper, and the ideas for the beginning of the farm book are down on paper. Funny how that works, isn't it.....
Also funny; here I am---the one who always says a sunny day always makes me ambitious--- tearing up the keyboard, getting all of this stuff down and now really itching to get to some artwork before it just bursts out and goes---where? Mm. Here I am, happy with what got written, on a day when there's nothing but rain.
Well, as I told someone, I'll think about all of it, and think some more, until eventually I can't stand it anymore and out it will all come, and that's exactly what happened. Now, on to the next project. It's best to grab the chance now. Tomorrow is a day of work away from home; can't do any more with anything creative until Friday.
When are you the most energetic? Inspired to finish projects?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I See Real Ground Out There!
Yes, I do; some DRY ground, even! The last time I took a good walk around the neighborhood, only one sidewalk was usable. What I thought would be a fast walk---like everyone else, I really needed a Fast Walk after the way this winter has been---turned into more of an endurance hike than anything else. Well, it all worked out after awhile, with no broken bones to speak of. Really, NO broken bones. I have to joke, because although the footing looked pretty good when I drove up my street in the car, and that's what got me so determined and cheerful (deluded, really) about a Fast Walk in the first place, by the time I was on foot it was a whole other story. Hummocks and peaks of ice, then just enough solid ground to keep a person unaware of the little slick spots that came next. Can't call it black ice, as the sidewalk is brick. So is it red ice? Absolutely.
Today is a whole other story. The driving rains on Sunday night into Monday morning, got rid of all the sidewalk treachery. It's enough to make anyone start their blog. Again. This time I'll keep it going. The middle grade novel is finished and beginning its rounds of publishers. Notes for another are sitting in a little stack right here. Artwork projects are nearly finished, then I can start some new ones, including illustrations. The sun is warmer, higher in the sky, and ambition is getting completely out of hand. I'm grabbing it right now and aiming it in the right direction. Toward this spring and summer's goals.
How did the winter treat you? What are your goals now that nice weather is on the way?
Today is a whole other story. The driving rains on Sunday night into Monday morning, got rid of all the sidewalk treachery. It's enough to make anyone start their blog. Again. This time I'll keep it going. The middle grade novel is finished and beginning its rounds of publishers. Notes for another are sitting in a little stack right here. Artwork projects are nearly finished, then I can start some new ones, including illustrations. The sun is warmer, higher in the sky, and ambition is getting completely out of hand. I'm grabbing it right now and aiming it in the right direction. Toward this spring and summer's goals.
How did the winter treat you? What are your goals now that nice weather is on the way?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Horse Art and Fiction Writing
It will be best if the April-like RAIN pouring down today, doesn't give the flowers of May any ideas about growing! It is barely mid-March, not even time for mud season. There's one thing, though, that works for me: turn on some music which could be anything from CD's to tapes OR the oldies station on the radio, and definitely includes lp's.
With the last two chapters of the novel in full tilt, bringing me into Emma's world again (lately it's a hot summer day and a crisis is in the offing), there's no time to mix CD's of favorite oldies, and so---the radio. As for lp's, I kept mine when CD's came in and big-old-vinyl supposedly went Out. Now it's back. I say, "When did it leave?" With the 1970's stack-up turntable there's no limit to the mix. There are six records on there now: classical guitar, Frankie Carle cocktail piano, Glenn Yarbrough and the Limeliters AND Ian Tyson with what I call cowboy-folk.
There. That is good for the energy, today. No, music is not distracting to me.Let the rain pour down if it must. I hear that tomorrow will be better.
With the last two chapters of the novel in full tilt, bringing me into Emma's world again (lately it's a hot summer day and a crisis is in the offing), there's no time to mix CD's of favorite oldies, and so---the radio. As for lp's, I kept mine when CD's came in and big-old-vinyl supposedly went Out. Now it's back. I say, "When did it leave?" With the 1970's stack-up turntable there's no limit to the mix. There are six records on there now: classical guitar, Frankie Carle cocktail piano, Glenn Yarbrough and the Limeliters AND Ian Tyson with what I call cowboy-folk.
There. That is good for the energy, today. No, music is not distracting to me.Let the rain pour down if it must. I hear that tomorrow will be better.
Friday, March 12, 2010
New Horse & Dog Art In Progress. The Middle Grade Novel is Nearly Done
Horse art in pencil is underway in my studio. After completion of two portraits, I'll be able to give much more attention to the new art, including various breeds of dogs in pencil. The middle-grade novel(for ages 8-12)which features therapeutic riding, possibly with illustrations, is nearly finished, also!
The sunny, warmish (yes, Warmish; what else would we expect in March) are enough to make anyone run right out there and rake the yard, except that the ground is still frozen. Well, it IS March, even if some of these days remind us of mid-April. Speaking for myself, I'll channel my energy into finishing the last half of the book and getting into drawing!
My new little dog, adoped 5 weeks ago, is doing well! Rescued from a puppy mill in the South, she had no idea what a leash was for, or toys either. Or how to do her business outside. OR that she could actually be invited onto the couch, with its own throw, just for her, to cuddle while I read, see something watchable on TV or listen to music. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (nice and small, good cuddle-size, and they need only to be near somebody, get some cuddles, then they rest and wait for the next event. They're perfectly happy, waiting. It's what they were made for. All she ever did, was to have puppies. She loves walking and running on the leash now, and LOVES sitting in the sun, sniffing the breezes. I began showing her 'Outside is the place to Go.' When she suddenly realized This Was Possible, she was delighted at each success. Really. I don't think it was only the dog-treat afterward. Either way......it's working. And isn't she going to make a good model for some artwork.
The sunny, warmish (yes, Warmish; what else would we expect in March) are enough to make anyone run right out there and rake the yard, except that the ground is still frozen. Well, it IS March, even if some of these days remind us of mid-April. Speaking for myself, I'll channel my energy into finishing the last half of the book and getting into drawing!
My new little dog, adoped 5 weeks ago, is doing well! Rescued from a puppy mill in the South, she had no idea what a leash was for, or toys either. Or how to do her business outside. OR that she could actually be invited onto the couch, with its own throw, just for her, to cuddle while I read, see something watchable on TV or listen to music. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (nice and small, good cuddle-size, and they need only to be near somebody, get some cuddles, then they rest and wait for the next event. They're perfectly happy, waiting. It's what they were made for. All she ever did, was to have puppies. She loves walking and running on the leash now, and LOVES sitting in the sun, sniffing the breezes. I began showing her 'Outside is the place to Go.' When she suddenly realized This Was Possible, she was delighted at each success. Really. I don't think it was only the dog-treat afterward. Either way......it's working. And isn't she going to make a good model for some artwork.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
How nice it was, to be invited to participate in the first-ever equine art exhibit at the Northeast Horsemen's Conference held in the Augusta Civic Center, January 16 & 17. I was in very good company, because Kathi Peters, Beth Carlson, Penelope Plumb and Katherine Prendergast also exhibited their work. I loved talking with them and enjoying the great variety of styles, use of color and choices of mediums. Oil, acrylic, and pencil were represented, and I think I also saw some watercolors.
The artwork was beautifully set off by the black drapes which formed the backdrop throughout the exhibit area, which was arranged so viewers could stroll, and enjoy, at their leisure. Though located on the main floor with all of the vendor spaces, the black drapes kept it sectioned off and somewhat protected, yet completely accessible to all. I loved the way it was set up.
And now we're well into February. With the days getting longer, and the sun higher in the sky, inspiration increases, so new art is in the works, and my novel for 8-12-year olds is coming right along! Isn't the creative life fun!
What are your favorite ways of preparing to begin a new season of making art?
The artwork was beautifully set off by the black drapes which formed the backdrop throughout the exhibit area, which was arranged so viewers could stroll, and enjoy, at their leisure. Though located on the main floor with all of the vendor spaces, the black drapes kept it sectioned off and somewhat protected, yet completely accessible to all. I loved the way it was set up.
And now we're well into February. With the days getting longer, and the sun higher in the sky, inspiration increases, so new art is in the works, and my novel for 8-12-year olds is coming right along! Isn't the creative life fun!
What are your favorite ways of preparing to begin a new season of making art?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
