On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Drawing all day long

I have a major advantage working as the assistant to the art teacher in Juvenile Hall. I get to sit with kids and draw for hours. Sometimes we chat, sometimes the kids are rather shut down and quiet. Either way, they tend to fall into conversations about their criminal history and many exploits unless an adult is cramping their style and right there at the same table.

The downside is that sometimes, with so many hours to fill, I run out of project ideas. I get past that by planning ahead, by bringing in photo references and instructional books that I can work with during the time.







Today was one of those days. I started from the photo of the hen -- that I later used as a collage element -- and drew the hen. Later I copied the lesson from a Usborne book for kids. As a beginner, I can still benefit from lots of kids' books! The hope is that, if I continue to put in the time, I'll continue to improve.

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:52 AM

    Though I haven't been very active for awhile...I always look at your blog. You tend to diparage you artistic efforts but I can see so much growth over the last couple of years and I always love hearing about your adventures with kids and the dogs and the gardens! I've also noted that it's now just about EIGHT years since your cancer dianosis which is GREAT and I expect you to be around for a very long time. Hope you have wonderful holidays!
    Warmest regards, deni......;)

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  2. The ornament drawing is so delightful, Barbara!

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  4. Thank you Deni May and RR, so great to hear from each of you. You're right, Deni, you've been checking in for years and I bump into you on other sites. And RR, you're my newest online friend so it was good to find you in my "home." - Barbara

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  5. i really like this picture, it'd make fantastic card material
    take care
    sandra

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