loved

the "inspire me thursday" prompt this last week was "i am . . . " with instructions to fill in the blank w/ a one-word description. i was still busy working on the elvis picture, but i had time to think of words that describe who i am. after i thought of several words, i would realize that i was so much more than THIS word or THAT word.

after much time of consideration, i realized that i am all the things that i am because i was and am loved. this security and nurturing allowed me to develop into the person i am today and all the facets of my personality. whether good or bad -- that's who i am and i know that i am loved by those special people in my life. knowing that i have that safe harbor to return to any time makes it much easier to venture out into the world.

this piece measures 6" x 9" and is done with prang colored pencils on white 100 lb. strathmore bristol vellum. i spray my work with a working matte finish to protect the colored pencil from smearing until it is framed or otherwise protected.

legendary - IF - 3/13

illustration friday's theme this week (3/13/09) was "legendary," and i was inspired to create this picture of someone i feel has been legendary in the music industry and pop culture in american society. this picture measures 15" x 22" and is done on stonehenge natural 90# paper w/ a prang #23 sepia colored pencil. it will be sprayed w/ a working fixative for protection until framing.

this was supposed to be just a small picture to encourage myself to get back into doing artwork, but my daughter said she would love to have a picture of elvis to put in their bedroom with the lyrics of "love me tender," which was the song played at her wedding. because of that stated wish, i felt compelled to make this picture big enough to be used for what she wants to use it for. this picture fulfills 2 things -- it gave me an inspirational project to work on and will hopefully provide a piece of art for my daughter's enjoyment.