A Birthday Gift

'Serenity'

Pencil on Sketch Paper

My boyfriend's mother's birthday is on Tuesday and he wanted to send something to her that I made.  I had just drawn this at work and I have to say, this is my favorite sketch so far.  The picture really doesn't do this one justice because of the extreme lights and darks.  This is the first sketch I have done with a water reflection and I think it turned out pretty good.  This was another practice sketch in the book I'm working out of so I didn't just dream it up or get it from a photo, but I'm still very proud of it.  As soon as my bf saw it he immediately declared this to be the gift for Mom.  I happen to agree so I framed it in a 4 x 6 black frame which really brings out the graphite even more.  Loving it!  Going to be hard to part with this one.   lol

I also wanted to tell you about my great finds at Hobby Lobby and Walmart.  At Hobby Lobby I found a 16 piece Oil Pastel Set on clearance for $3.59 which normally runs $9.99!  The end of the box was smooshed so I'm guessing that's why it was marked so low but all of the pastel crayons are intact.  Then, we went to Walmart and I happened to stumble upon a small but nice selection of fine art materials.  I got another set of oil pastels, this one had 25 colors for $4.99, they are slightly smaller than the Hob Lob ones but look to be of similar quality.  I got a pack of three 8x10 cotton canvas boards for $3.96, a pad of acrylic paper for $3.96 and a set of twelve 0.4 oz tubes of water colors for only $6.49.  It was like Christmas for me.  My boyfriend's birthday is Sunday and he received some b-day cash from his parents and let me buy some art materials.  Isn't he the sweetest?

Now, does anyone know what I'm supposed to do with oil pastels?  lol.  I've watched a ton of U-Tube videos and I think I just may like this medium.  Anything I can stick my fingers in to blend is a plus in my books!  

TGIF and hope you all have had a great week!

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Feeling Better

'Waves'

Pencil on Sketch Paper

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of your wonderful thoughts, not only that I would feel better but all of the great compliments I've receive on a daily basis in regards to my artwork.  My back is feeling better and I hope to start visiting all of your blogs today when I get home from work.  

In keeping with the water theme (see Monday's post) I decided to post a small sketch of ocean waves crashing on a beach.  This was the first time I tried sketching water and I'm really happy with how it turned out.  My boyfriend was able to tell what it was on the first guess so I think I got it right.  lol.  

We're in for more hot weather today, yuck.  Haven't been to the pool or anything since my back started hurting.  Hopefully I'll be back in soon.  My luck it will be pouring out on Wednesday as I'm off work at 10 am and have plenty of time to swim. 

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