The Gap. Words by Ira Glass. Film by Daniel Sax.

Film of The Gap on vimeo.

Here's a short film accompanying audio by Ira Glass.  He is talking about the gap between what you want to make and what you're making. I posted some of his thoughts on the subject a few years ago. 

This film is very cute and only takes a couple of minutes.  I love the printing on the map early on. This was mentioned in the latest newsletter from the wonderful Annamieka Hopps Davidson.

As for my own personal experience, it is taking me forever to get anywhere.  I know I need to work more and I've made gains in that area, but I don't even know what watercolor paper I like.

Anyway, here's a recent sketch on Hahnemuhle Nostagie paper, 5 and 3/4 inches by 4 and 1/8 inches.
(Not watercolor paper.)

Wishing everyone a very happy 2018.

Klea dog

Fall Postcard Swap

It's time for iHanna's Postcard Swap.  Follow this link to sign up! You have until October 22, 2017
http://www.ihanna.nu/postcard-swap/

Not a postcard:

My dog Klea for Inktober.

Fall Post Card Swap 2016 - my cards

For this swap I decided to try the Etegami as described by Diana Trout on her blog:http://dianatrout.com/  It's the entry from 10/15/2016.

I wrote fewer words and mostly used letter stamps for the words. I ordered a custom chop, but it didn't arrive in time.  Most of the cards are using the paper rated "full blur." You can see how the paint spreads in the Nasturtium card below. The stamps are from Spain in the 1980's.  I found a stack of letters written by friends I met there in college.  I need to read through the letters again, but I'll save that for a nostalgia day. In the meantime I grabbed some of the stamps for the art project.

I'm obviously inspired by my surroundings: my dog, my cat, a mini pumpkin my husband has on his desk, an owl from the Audubon Society of Portland, indoor flowers we had from the market, nasturtiums and asters from our yard.

Speaking of the Audubon society, I just could not decide on a design for the 6x6 project this year. I gave up, but we did go to the show this weekend. We picked up a couple of steel ravens for the yard and notecards.

I've received about 5 post cards so far. I'll post those next time.

A couple of visual blogs

Photo by Margaret Oomen, ResurrectionFern (Click to enlarge and see the snails)

While it is fun to read blogs, sometimes I just want to relax with a few words and some beautiful photos.

Margaret Oomen, in the Toronto area, takes gorgeous photos of the natural area around her home and the east coast of Canada. She also creates various beautiful hand-made items. Her blog is called ResurrectionFern.

Another blog containing lots of homey photos and snippets of homelife is called Habit and has several contributers.

Both of these blogs are updated often and are a quick stop to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the world.

As for my own photos, I think I lost my digital point and shoot camera. Plus, the preview pane was broken, so it was a little awkward to change menu settings. In the meantime, I'll have to make do with my Windows phone camera.

Sketch of Honey the dog.