It's That Time...

That I become a woman? Too late. That winter ends? Eventually, but thats beside the point. The point? That I participate in another fantabulous art trade! This one is being hosted by The Art House Co-Op. There is still space to join if you're so inclined. It looks like it will be a fun project. What's not to like? Make a cool piece of art, get a surprise piece of cool art.

The Drunken Decline Of The Crayola Sketch

I was at a party a few days ago. Most people will find something to do when they're bored or drunk with a lag in conversation. The socially awkward art geek will find a box of Crayola and computer paper, and get to work. That's just what I did. Below are a series of sketches drawn while imbibing.

The first sketch.

Definitely tipsy at this point.

Definitely drunk. Drew a still life of a clementine that was personalized by an equally drunk friend.

Tumblr

Please add my Tumblr account. http://kirsten-ashley.tumblr.com/ I plan on being a little more active over there.

Custom Designed Bookmarks

Like most artsy types, I decided to take the handmade challenge this holiday season. I experimented with soap making, which was a first, and I made an array of handmade bookmarks.
Below is an array of some of the bookmarks I made throughout December.

(Click on the images to see the full size view on Flickr.)

This process got me thinking of some of the custom made bookmarks I've made for clients. My favorite set was an orchid theme. I had just been to the Longwood Gardens exhibit a few months previous to the commission. There was a room with walls full of beautiful breeds of orchids. This was one of the major inspirations for this set.
A photo of the bookmark set:

Another Traveling Blog

When I travel I need a big purse. I bring along the usual suspects- wallet, money, pen, medications- along with feminine neccessities- eyeliner, shadow, powder, makeup brush- as well as the obligatory sketcher's stash of sketchbook, pencil sharpener, watercolors, colored pencils.
It makes me happy when lugging all that crap around isn't in vain. Traveling, for example. If the ride on the train or bus isn't too bumpy it's quite fun and time-killing to sketch whatever comes to mind.
Two weeks ago I went trekking from Virginia to Pennsylvania to Massachusetts and back again.
Medusa was sketched while in Philly

Title: "Medusa Reimagined"
Size: 9x11"
Medium: Colored pencil

This was sketched in Boston, finished in Philly.

Title: "Ambivalence"
Size: 9x11"
Medium: Colored Pencil

This last one was drawn in a pizza shop on a layover in Washington D.C.

Title: Hand Study
Medium: Colored pencil
Size: 9x11"

Keep up to date with sketching and the Draw 365 Project by adding me on Flickr and my Facebook Fan Page.

The Pastel Trick

A few days ago I was reading through some art books I had check out of the library. There was one pastel book in particular that gave me a tip I have to share.

Most people who own a set of soft pastels know how dingy they become. There was a particular set I own that were covered in so much mud colored pastel dust that I couldn't tell which color was which. I took the advice in the book and filled a container with uncooked rice. Then I put the pastels in, and shook it up. Almost immediately the pastels absorbed the excess pastel dust.
End result: Purple gray tinged rice and clean pastels!

Clark

Last Friday I helped craft what can only be described as, uh, props, for my friends' foray into documentary film/art biopic, Clark. Check out the blog link to be kept up to date with the episodes!

Please note: the show contains adult content and themes. In fact, my favorite line from the show thus far has to be, "Fuck Picasso! Rick Allen is the best drummer alive. Picasso has two arms and he can't even drum. He's a piece of shit."