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I went to my brother's in Mahomet, Ill. as usual this year for Thanksgiving dinner. It takes a little over an hour to get to his home and all the way I'm flat out salivating!

I actually began to envision the table as I put the car in reverse, and started to back out of my drive. I know, I'm disgusting...but you've got to understand, as a single person I rarely cook anymore.

It's a tradition in our family...you arrive early and everyone helps prepare the meal. There is always some great wine and and horsdoeuves to enjoy while the preparations take place.

My job this year was the gravy. Since, as you know, this is one of the last dishes to happen...I had plenty of time to graze the horsdoeuves, enjoy the wine, catch up on family 'business', and play with the little ones running around before I was called to duty.

My brother Ron really put the pressure on when it was time to make the gravy...first of all he announced that he wanted it 'velvety smooth'. I thought, no problem, I can do that...then he handed me a recipe. If I had known I was going to have to follow a recipe for gravy I wouldn't have had that last glass of wine!

The table was beautifully set and the food was spectacular, even the gravy. All ten of us, (7 adults and 3 toddlers), held hands as my brother led us in prayer. The meal came together only a little over an hour late...but no one noticed. We were all having too much fun.

I ate until I felt like the turkey...stuffed. I'm not certain, but I think my feet even swelled up! On the drive home I couldn't help but think about how miserable I was and all the people in the world who go hungry every day.

I woke up this morning still full...and knew I had to do something to repent. I went to the store, purchased two bags of groceries, and took them to the local food pantry.

I was still full...but I felt better.

I'd like to say "I will never eat too much on Thanksgiving day ever again" but it would be a lie....then I would have to repent for that. So for now I hope the two bags of groceries will make up for my glutenous ways...until next year.

No questions today...I just want to express my thankfulness for the pure joy that family brings into my life.

My own daughter and grandson are far away in New York. It's so wonderful to spend these holidays with my brother and his wife, their two girls, their husbands, and their young families.

There is nothing quite so pleasurable as the sound of little feet running through the house and family hugs.

I sincerely hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving,
Marsha

Links:
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques Read More

Here is the first 'look see'. I would have liked to have started on Teddy...since he is the main subject of this drawing. But, since I'm right handed I felt I needed to start on the left to make sure I kept the rest of the drawing clean. Even though I cover the part I'm not working on with a sheet of paper, I just didn't want to take any chances here. There is no time for huge mistakes or time to start over.

I still have a lot to do on the insert of Teddy's mother but am satisfied "pretty much" with what I've accomplished. At this point, (I'm never really satisfied). The insert is approximately 4.5 x 4.5. Lots of detail in a very small area. I may make the entire image darker...I want her to be 'quietly' in the background...at least that was my original thought, but it's time to set it aside and just ponder where I'm at for a bit. I wont know what 'quiet' is until I get some work done on Teddy.

This is one of my other reference photos for Teddy's mother. I really struggled with her face. Using many reference photos...she has a strong chin and her nose is a little large yet feminine. I've tried to show this in the drawing. I intend to bring her blouse down a little more and have the dark background fade into it above Teddy's arm.

This is all carbon pencil. Much of the shadows are done by applying product with a brush from my 'carbon farm'. I also used a chamois and stump to apply color. The darkest areas are applied directly the paper with the pencil.

You can see the reference photos used in this drawing in my previous post. I will post more updates as the drawing progresses.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a point...leave a comment Read More

I'm getting a late start on this but hope to have it done the first week in December...infact it has to be done by then. I need to get it to the framers to choose a frame and then get it scanned for prints. This portrait needs to be mailed so it arrives before Christmas. NO PRESSURE HERE.

This is the reference photo of Teddy's mother. The photo above is the 'mock up' I did so my daughter could approve the layout. Teddy's mother passed away when he was five of cancer. My daughter wanted a portrait done for his Bar Mitzvah of Teddy with his mother in the background. We will be celebrating this wonderful occasion Christmas weekend.

Not being Jewish myself, I don't fully understand the ceremony...but I do know it's a very special event in Teddy's life. He was sad that his mother wasn't going to be there. My daughter told him that his mother is always with him, watching over him. When Teddy saw the mock up he was very pleased.

My goal is to make the image of his mother 'smoky' and darker yet than what you see above. Hopefully I can achieve the look and tell the story I want to tell...if not I will just blend her image into the background and the portrait will be just of Teddy.

Enough writing for now...I will be back with WIP photos later as the drawing progresses. Lots of work to do in a short period of time.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a point...leave a comment Read More

"I don't know about you but I have so many books on drawing and watercolor that I would be embarrassed to list them all. In fact I did put together a short list when I first started my blog.

For me, it was an effort to learn all the things I didn't acquire by going to college. I had such a hunger for knowledge. I struggled to learn the basics so I would have the confidence to actually take a class or workshop. After all, I didn't want to look like a complete fool."

My favorite book on drawing is by J. D. Hillberry..."Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil". In fact I ended taking one of the most valuable workshops ever from J. D. in Colorado. If you are interested in pencil and want a worthwhile class, I strongly recommend his workshops. It was here that I learned how to combine carbon, graphite, and charcoal in the same drawing and how to use various blenders.

EDIT: Don't know where my mind was when originally wrote this post, but Mike Sibley's book "Drawing from Line to Life" actually lays on my drawing table...and should be a part of any aspiring pencil artist's reference library. I've referred to Mike's book often when struggling with a subject and always found my answer.

My other love is watercolor...I'm constantly inspired by the way it moves on the paper. You're going to be surprised but I love the 'looseness' of watercolor. The way the color flows on the paper and mingles. I know...this is in direct contrast to the tight realistic pencil work I do. Perhaps the attraction is the contrast of style. Yet, I have to confess...it's my inability to achieve this looseness in watercolor that defeats and discourages me!!

My favorite watercolor books would have to be "Painting People in Watercolor" by Alex Powers, The Figure in Watercolor, simple, fast, and focused" by Mel Stabin, and "Paint Watercolors filled with Life and Energy" by Arne Westerman. Lastly, if we're going to talk loose you have to mention Charles Reid.
Cold weather is setting in and we are all going to be spending more time indoors. Share your favorite books on techniques, art history, or marketing...something that inspired your artistic juices.

So here's the question...What are some of your favorite books, or DVD's. Is there someone you studied under that sent you home to your studio 'filled' with excitement and inspiration? Is there an artist you look forward to studying under in the future?

My Final Thoughts: There is always an art book laying on the ottoman beside my chair. Most recently they are about Watercolor. I've said many times...I'm a watercolor want-a-be. It seems like my painting always gets put aside for my drawing commissions. I need to work on this or quit wishing and dreaming for the time to paint.

You see, for me the problem is this...drawing is easy, painting is hard.

Sincerely,
Marsha

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment Read More

First off my camera and I are 'friends' again. If you missed my last couple of posts you need to know that it wouldn't release the memory card. Well the camera came through the 'emergency room' visit but the memory card is ka-poot!

Memory cards are not cheep but this was a smaller one and had been around a long time.

I finished the commissioned drawing of Mr. Lincoln. I will keep it sitting out to do some of the usual tweaking on ....you know the little things that only an artist would notice.

When deciding on a reference photo to use I wanted something a little different...which in itself is hard when drawing such a well know person in history. I decided on this particular photo for several reasons.

Being from the state of Illinois I wanted to use a reference photo that was indicative of the period of time when he was living in my state and practicing law.

I also wanted the drawing to emulate his stature...which was tall and lanky.

Then, and perhaps most of all, I wanted his eyes and expression to tell the story of the weight he carried as he contemplated his presidency and the hope he had for his country's future.

I used several different photos for his facial expression...and am pleased with the results. This is a younger Lincoln than we are used to seeing. The main photo reference was taken in 1860, just prior to when he was nominated for president. Lincoln would have been around 51 years old.

I'm still working on the final little tweaks...not certain but may 'ruddy' his face just a little more. In all the reference photos I looked at his hair is bushier in back at the nape, actually showing more all around the back of his ear...just undecided here.

I'm to the point that what ever I add will have to stay...there will be no turning back.

Also...just so you know...the black line across his chest is the 'leather' cord for his glasses. It was worn in all the photos taken in this photo session. I included it as I also saw it in others...although now I view the line as distracting. Yet I 'think' I made the right decision.

Anyway...here it is for your critique.

Enjoy


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques Read More

The Story Behind the Image: This is George. I met George and his owner in the park one evening. While talking with his owner I discovered that her husband had passed away the year before, and that she had acquired George from the humane society to keep her company. George is twelve and Mary his owner is eighty-nine. They were so much fun to watch and so good for each other. I'm not sure just who had the most "attitude" George or Mary. I might add that Mary still lives by herself, except for George of course...and is still driving.

This was a fun drawing to do...but being a schnauzer owner myself, I had some inside advantages when it came to capturing George's saucy personality and devilish eyes.


Links:
Website...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment
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In the 1989, the movie "Field of Dreams" staring Kevin Costner was a big hit. I'm sure most of you remember it. The movie was about a struggling farmer named Ray, who while walking through the cornfield, hears a voice whisper, "If you build it, he will come." He imagines a baseball field in his cornfield. Annie, his wife, is skeptical but she encourages him to follow his vision.

Ray works on the field for the next couple of days, hoping the old players will come. Neighbors stop along the road to watch and heckle as he plows under the corn. Ray waits and watches all year to see what happens...and nothing happens, leaving Ray dejected and confused.

For many artists today just venturing into the world of internet marketing...you are in essence building your own "Field of Dreams". There is much to be learned from Ray's experience.

Just as you, Ray had a dream. He plowed up his cornfield and built a regulation size baseball diamond. You ventured into unknown territory and built a website or perhaps a blog. Now you both are waiting for the people to come!

After waiting a year with no results Ray saw he was going to have to get out there and shake some bushes....let people know his "Field of Dreams" existed. You need to do the same.

You say "how do I do this?"...here's the short list.

• Put your web address on every piece of literature, on the back of each original and reproductions...always carry business cards. Talk about your website.
• Add "text" with every image you post. You need to understand, Google does not read images...it only reads text. Write about your art, and how you created it.
• Be sure to title each artwork with a keyword rich, descriptive title. "Old Train Depot in Lincoln, Illinois" is a MUCH better title (for search engines and humans) than "Trains #11."
• Submit your site to Google http://www.google.com/addurl
  
• Use a "Links" page...Ask other artists to EXCHANGE LINKS with you. When you place another artists link on your site it's a free add for them. Why should you advertise for someone who is not advertising for you? This is not personal, it's business.
  
• Submit comments to online Art Forums and Blogs
  
• Send a Newsletter...at the minimum, once a month
• Start a Blog...Every artist needs a blog. This is absolutely the best traffic driver out there.
• Blog regularly...you don't have to write well, just write. Search engines love fresh new material.
  

Marketing is difficult for most artists. We would rather be in the studio doing our craft. Some well established artists will succeed through the momentum of their art alone, while others will create websites that are only viewed by a few family members and friends.

Many artists are like Ray, in "The Field of Dreams"....They build their websites or blogs and wait to see what happens becoming frustrated and discouraged because no one comes. It doesn't have to be this way. Incorporating just a few things from the list above can change this pattern.

The Internet is just another Cornfield.  It is vast and easy to get lost in. There are over 13 million blogs out there at present and over 75 thousand more being added daily. Whether you have a website, a blog, or both...a clear marketing plan is needed to let people know you exist. Marketing is time spent now that will pay off in the future.

As the Movie ends you see Ray and his father playing catch on the "Field of Dreams" and in the distance we see a long line of cars begin approaching the baseball field...people were coming to watch the game.

It took a while, but marketing my website and blog is now a habit...just part of my weekly to do list, part of my thought process. I realized that if I didn't learn how to market my art I was going to end up with a very large private collection of my own personal work! Not a desirable ending.

The three most valuable things I've done to generate traffic are my two blogs, my links page , and my monthly newsletter...in that order. It took some time to get them set up and going and 6-8 weeks to see consistent results as I waited for Google to re-index my site. I'm now experiencing a monthly increase in traffic...both new and repeat visitors. Do they all buy, no...have I had significant sales, yes.

"Build It and They Will Come"...not even in baseball! Ray had to promote his "Field of Dreams". He had to develop an interest and gather his players. THEN THEY CAME and they came from everywhere to see the game!
Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment Read More

I could have slept in this morning...but my dog Alexis was bound and determined that it was time to get up. (It's 5:30 AM on a Saturday...do I need to say more?)  She is her happy morning self and I'm still looking forlornly at the bed!

It's been dark and dreary here in Illinois the last few days. They say the lack of sunlight effects one's disposition. I'm here to say I think it's true. I definitely woke up with 'attitude'. If this were my daughter as a young child I'd be saying "straighten up"...so, I guess that is what I need to work on.

My attitude didn't start because of the weather, although I do feel it has contributed. After all, gotta blame something or someone....this ATTITUDE can't be all my fault!

I've simply been tired lately. I've allowed everyday life to steal my creative time in the studio and it makes me angry at my self. Even with my new evening job there is still time for the studio...I just need to learn how to be more protective of it and make an effort to use my time more effectively.

For me, my studio time is like an appointment with the therapist. When I sit down to paint or draw I begin a conversation with that piece of paper...it's a private conversation that is emotionally cleansing. I loose all thoughts of reality and time. Of late I've allowed (no one else) my studio time to be squandered.

The "time thief" has taken up residence and today I'm kicking him out! I miss my studio time, I've learned from this experience that my studio time contributes to both my mental and physical health..actually more than I ever realized. I said that I've been tired lately...I'm not physically tired, I'm emotionally tired because of the lack of 'therapeutic' time in my studio.

I've heard it said that "We are worn down less by the mountains we climb...than the pebbles in our shoes". I haven't had to climb any mountains lately but I have certainly "had pebbles in my shoes".

So I ask...Is there a "Time Thief" in your life? What is your secret for protecting your studio time? Do you feel depressed when days pass without creating your art?

My Final Thoughts: From now on "studio time" will be a scheduled part of my week. I intend to protect and nurture this private time...letting some other things go if need be.

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a point..."leave a comment"
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The Story Behind the Image: It was early evening and the mist was rolling into the low places on the course. Everyone was joking and adding up their final scores. The golf bag was just sitting there in the cart. The light reflecting from the club heads and the deep shadows caused by the late day sun were what caught my eye.

I was never very good at this sport, and tonight I was just along for the ride...but for those avid rain or shine golfers, this is drawing is for you.

I used carbon pencil for this drawing...concentrating on the "mood" of the scene. The angle of the setting sun produced wonderful shadows and the fog rolling in added a certain mystery to the drawing...all this and the reflections on the club heads themselves made for what I considered a very interesting setting. I used a piece of felt to create the smoky background and chamois to render the shadows and reflections on the club heads (used some graphite here).


Links:
My Website...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo...Drawing Techniques

Tutorial...see the full progression of this drawing.


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment Read More

As much as I would like to remove myself from the mess our nation is in, and the changes that will be necessary to raise us up again to the status we once held...I cannot. 

We elected a new president this week in what was a historic election process.  It doesn't matter who you voted for...it does matter that you voted and it does matter that we now stand together as one, as this new president struggles to mend a wounded nation.

Yet I will say this...I sit here today with great HOPE. Hope for my country and hope for its people.

I've wondered why I have this feeling of hope. Is it because of the obvious...a change in leadership which will certainly give us new direction? Is it because without hope there is nothing to aspire to? Or is it because of my faith that I choose to believe in what has yet to materialize?

The election of Oboma as our new president will certainly bring change. I don't expect any quick results...the mess we are in as a nation and the threatening situations around the world are not going to be corrected overnight. My HOPE is that the downward spiral can somehow be stabilized.

HOPE is believing in what cannot be seen. We all have our personal hopes and dreams. These dreams are why I get up in the morning...Why I push forward with my drawing and painting, creating new pieces when all the news media says "no one is buying"...Why I'm continually striving to maximize the marketing of my work even though results are slow to materialize. I believe I have a future. Without HOPE, life would be dismal indeed.

My Faith has always sustained me and it does so today. I believe we are going to be just fine. We tend to measure our wealth, health, and happiness by the 'worlds' standards. Yet by God's standards if we have something left after paying our debts...we are rich!

I sit here today a "rich woman"...secure in my HOPE for the future. Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see".

My faith in my God and my Country is strong.
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Today is election day. Your right to vote has been earned through the death of many brave men and women over the years...don't let their death be in vain. 

I encourage you...Go to the polls today and VOTE to preserve the future they fought for.

___________________________________

I AM THE FLAG . . .

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.


I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshiped I am saluted.
I am loved I am revered.
I am respected and I am feared.


I have fought in every battle of every war
for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,
Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam.
Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there.

I led my troops,
I was dirty, battle-tested and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.

America has been attacked by cowardly fanatics
And many lives have been lost
But those who would destroy me cannot win
For I am the symbol of freedom,
Of one nation
Under God
Indivisible
With liberty and justice for all.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.


I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle it hurts.
But I shall overcome for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.


When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.

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The Story Behind the Image: Have you ever looked into your rose garden on a warm summer night when there is a full moon. Take a look sometime, you'll find your roses dancing in the moonlight!

I thoroughly got into this drawing. I swear I could almost feel the velvety petals in my mind as I worked. I applied carbon directly to the paper in the deep creases of the petals, using a stump to blend towards the areas touched by the moonlight. I then applied graphite with a chamois square to the brightest highlights and used a 6B carbon pencil to fill in the background.

I'm proud to share an exurb from Matthew Merrighn's essay, "The Gray Rose". I sponsor a Literary Contest each year for Young Authors at our local High School ...and Matthew's essay won third place this year. The students must select one of my drawings as their subject and Matthew chose to write about "Midnight Rose". Read all winning entries.

The Gray Rose....by Matthew Merrighn

"The gray Rose is most desired, not for it's beauty, but for it's uniqueness. The Gray Rose Will be immortalized for it's uncommon color. As time progresses, people will realize the greatness of the Gray Rose and in doing so the Gray Rose will become most desired. But only those who first recognized it's significance will have a Gray Rose of their own."
Click here to read Matthew's entire essay.


Links:
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
Portfolio of Works...learn more about "Midnight Rose"
Literary Contest...introduction to the 2008 Literary Contest
Literary Contest...2008 winning entries
"The Gray Rose"...by Matthew Merrighn


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment
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Times have been so stressful lately with the economy, the elections, and just trying to live...I thought I would share this email I received from a friend. Having been born in the 40's , it started my day with a chuckle. It was good to laugh out loud sitting all by myself.

ENJOY...let me know if you smile.

_________________________

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads. As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes!

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight.

WHY? Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day...and we were OK.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and them ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We didn't have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt...and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, built forts in the woods, and chased the bull in the field next to us. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, not one eye got put out!

Little league had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that?

We learned to do our chores and get our studies done before we could play. We learned to tell the truth and we learned there were consequences for disobeying our parents. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These 40 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever to be seen.

As children and young adults we experienced freedom, failure, success and responsibility...and we learned how to deal with it all. It is this knowledge that will get us through the tough times ahead of us.

So, I ask: I had never thought about it much...But didn't we have the most amazing childhood? How did we ever make it with out government regulations?

As I wrote this, I again began to smile and chuckle to myself. Isn't it amazing that we are still alive and kicking. I think children today are many times missing the opportunity to use their imaginations...to make something out of nothing. They have so much...I'm just not certain it's wise?

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment Read More