#simplegrace

The simple grace of a tiny palette on a long  road trip

Each year, for as long as I can remember, I've chosen a word to define my goals or mindset for the new year. This year the word is grace. It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and intend to make it a continuing focal point in 2018. It has many definitions and should make for a year of interesting discoveries!

Grace(as defined by Merriam-Webster)

1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or
        sanctification

b: a virtue coming from God

c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2 a: approval, favor stayed in his good graces

b: archaic: mercy, pardon

c: a special favor: privilege

each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage —Rudyard Kipling

d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e: a temporary exemption: reprieve

3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities
        he possessed the saving grace of humor.

b: a pleasing appearance or effect: charm

all the grace of youth —John Buchan

c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

danced with such grace

4 used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5 a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6 Graces plural: three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of
        charm and beauty

7 a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8 a: sense of propriety or right

had the grace not to run for elective office —Calvin Trillin

        b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice
        with grace

and Grace(as defined by me)
1      unexpected moments and insights that make us draw breath and smile 
        #simplegrace

Ah, Wilderness!

Belle Maison, Algoma, WI

We're just back from a brief vacation by the lake in Wisconsin. The all too-short days and nights included kids (4) and grandkids (5), chaos and champagne, sparklers and shooting stars (Perseid meteor shower) and most of all lots of love and laughter. 

More "Homework"

Here's the first half of assignment #7. Numbers 1 & 3 use only pen. Numbers 2 & 5 use only watercolor. Numbers 4, 6 & 7 use both pen and watercolor. I

I did these much wider/larger than I think I would ever use them but who knows. A softer, more graceful border is missing and I should work on one. I'm not a ruffle kind of girl and who knows if I'd ever use it but never say never!

A Little Late and a Little Early

A little late and a little early at the same time — I'm trying to fill a sketchbook a season so I decided to do lesson 6 for the Art Journaling Foundation class on the first page of the sketchbook I'll start using after Labor Day. I may go back and add to it but for now it is what it is.

Doodling and Dawdling

I am the world's best procrastinator when it comes to keeping my studio/office straightened! Now that it's beginning to look more like a storage room than a work space I guess I should take action and get it done. Rediscovering little bits of inspiration that I found and saved make for a very slow process! Funny, I'm really a very organized person in other aspects of my life.



Stop doodling and dawdling, Barbara, and get back to work. Just do it!

Smell. See. Draw. Taste. Post.

I walked into the kitchen and smelled delicious summer in this peach. It didn't disappoint!

All the people at Everyday Matters inspired me to draw it before I indulged. This is the first time I've posted a sketch to EDM. This is the first of many I hope. The EDM Weekly Challenge List is long but you've gotta start somewhere. EDM #133 - Draw a peach.
That's one down!

Family Matters

Today is Andrew and Genevieve's second wedding anniversary. Cotton is the traditional gift for the second anniversary. Both durable and versatile, cotton is a symbol of these important qualities in a successful marriage. Cotton is also a symbol of great prosperity. Happy Anniversary!

The Posemaniacs widget is up thanks to my other "child", Meredith. Thank you!