IF "Glow"

‘Tis the season, so we hear! The snow has arrived in just the right amount; a trace to dust the grass gracefully. Enough to be able to say, maybe, just maybe, we’ll have the traditional “white Christmas”.

Of course, the idea of the “traditional” can be difficult to pin down. What might be traditional to one, may be new or bizarre to another. In Florida, a white Christmas might indicate the beginning of the end of the world. Unless we’re talking about “white” sand!

As the Illustration Friday topics have come along, I’ve approached them as traditional pieces of art, or cartoon-like illustrations. There is an option for “digital” art which, not being proficient in Photoshop and such, I’ve avoided. Until now… Consider it a new approach to a traditional form for me.

What tradition would you like to do differently? Or would you not want to change a thing?

Hope the illustration reminds you of the beauty of the winter, of the coming of the season!

IF Snow

Fun in the Snow
4x6 Water Soluble Pencil on 140# Strathmore Paper
©2012 BEDeuel

With less than 2 weeks until the Christmas holiday, it’s beginning to look like it may be another Green Christmas.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not a huge fan of lots of snow. Recently, someone made the observation that the problem with snow is that it slows everything down. Which in our everyday lives, that makes things much more difficult.

But, for a moment, let’s take that idea, and a deep breath, and imagine our lives being leisurely enough to enjoy going slower. Let’s think of all the good things we could relish on a lovely, snowy day.

An easy walk, feeling the cool touch of the flakes landing on your face. The clean, white coating of purity on the world before you. Coming into a warm and cozy home with nothing more than relaxation on your agenda. Hot chocolate, of course. Lots of it. The feeling that there is nothing that needs to be done.

One of the most wonderful feelings in the world.

So, in spite of the lack of snow, it might be time to pretend: pretend that it’s okay to slow down and do nothing but stroll through a day.

I’m sure you’ve earned it!

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There is no possible way to offer anything to those this past week, in Oregon and Connecticut, who have lost loved ones. Just that you are all in our hearts and we cannot help but to cry with you.

 

IF Stretch

Stretch
9x12 Permanent Marker on Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/ Bronson Hill Arts

Yes, it’s been too long a “stretch” since I’ve done an Illustration Friday blogpost. It’s been too long since I’ve blogged about something other than shows and shops.

While this may look like an illustration of a couple of basketball players (yes, it is, I know), I’m looking at this IF metaphorically.

In this world of art, of marketing, of the home business, of computers, there are so many directions for which to reach. The dilemma is multi-faceted. If I take the time to create art, I don’t have enough time to work on the business. To work on the business, I need to work on the computer which is just one aspect of marketing. Another aspect of marketing is simply hitting the proverbial pavement in search of that one shop or gallery that will find the market for my art.

Arghhh!

Over the last several months, I’ve been trying the face-to-face approach with shops and craft fairs and galleries. While the work has been welcomed, there has yet to be that one big breakthrough. This is after a couple of years of trying the online marketing.

I’m still “stretching” for that ball. It just may be time to change the game plan again. To what? What will be next?

Will I ever reach it? Will it ever happen or will it always be outside my grasp?

I don’t know.

I do know that I still love doing what I’ve been doing. For now, I believe I will keep “stretching” to try to make the magic happen.

IF Jump

Jumpin' In!
Water Soluble Pencil on 9x12 140# Canson Watercolor Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is "Jump". And, with summer (hopefully) coming, thoughts turn to water, fun, even a little freedom from the humdrum.

While I've never had the opportunity, nor, likely,the nerve, to swing over a body of water and just jump into it, it's one of those images that defines summer and childhood in my mind.

No fear, no constraints. Uninhibited joy in a moment of daring. No hesitation in pursuit of happiness.

Full awareness of bodily injury, or even death, would make it impossible for me to possibly contemplate this type of stunt. Age can be self-perpetuating: physical safety tends to allow one to continue to age. Not a bad thing, really.

But, what about taking that sense of abandon to our emotional and mental endeavors? Why not look for a challenge and "jump" on it? No fear, no constraints. No hesitation in pursuit of happiness.

While there's no guarantee that I won't be one of those 80-year-old ladies who decide to skydive before they leave this earthly life, for now, I think I'll settle for some mental gymnastics over the physical ones. Mind challenges can be just as stimulating if you truly put yourself out there!

Enjoy the week, friends!

IF Heights

Height of Imagination
Softlead Colored Pencil on 6x12 Smooth Bristol #100
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

Busy week ahead, so just a short post today. Illustration Friday's topic this week is "Heights".  Monday Artday's topic is "Tiny Things". And, I came across an older journal with a quick sketch of a toddler playing with something on the ground. All of these brought me back to the amazing time in life called "childhood". When the world was conquerable and nothing was impossible.

And, though we may be a little more humbled by life experiences, it's good to remember this: With a bit of work, a little hope and a lot of imagination to keep you moving, never underestimate the heights you can reach!

Have a "super" week, super people!

IF Puzzle

Man's Greatest Puzzle
Graphite on 6x9 60# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is "Puzzle". It strikes a nerve for me this week: the puzzle of human nature is a neverending challenge.

So many people throw away a good situation reaching for the recreation of a glorified past relationship. A lot of us take for granted a wonderful person in our lives because "something" is "missing". As for men and women, well, John Gray's made a fortune trying to reconcile the male/female conundrum! And, many more authors will continue to make money this way.

But, the puzzle will never be solved.

Because, people always want more than they perceive that they possess. This is an important and positive trait that has made man alter his environment, always looking to improve his lot. It's a destructive and negative tendency in that it blinds us to what we do possess that does make us happy.

I guess all I really want to say today is this: Take a look at your life and do whatever you can to enhance the presence of the good things in your world and expand on them. Don't toss them in pursuit of something different; work to make your life better with what you already have.

You have the pieces to the puzzle. Just take the time and effort to put them in the right places!

IF Return

Returning to Flutter By
Water Soluble Pencil 5x7 140# Strathmore Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

It's been an odd winter and spring this year: We had tempertures around 80 degrees a couple of weeks ago and, just last night, we had about one and a half inches of snow. It is a very confusing day when you can see cherry blossoms on the trees which are surrounded by snow.

But yet, knowing that spring really is coming to stay (at least a few weeks), to return for it's annual engagement, thoughts turn to taming the garden and flowers reaching for sunny skies. And butterflies.

A most delicate and resourceful creature, beautiful from afar and, truthfully, quite homely upon close inspection. Seemingly a free-floating element in the wilds of the wind but programmed to migrate on a set course. A being of contradictions, a wonder to admire.

While we expect to guess about the day-to-day nature of weather, maybe we should be a little more amazed by the complexity of the seemingly simple things in life like, well, butterflies!

IF Swamp

Sun and Swamp
Water Soluble Pencil on 4x6 130# Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

We've been so fortunate to taste some early summer-like weather the last week or two. It's been quite remarkable in the effect it's had on people in general. The warmth and the sun have been reflected in everyone's hearts and faces.

A wonderful end to a mild and quick winter. Or a great start to, hopefully, an enjoyable summer!

What has been even more amazing is that hubby and I have actually taken the time for a couple of leisurely, photo-laden strolls. One of the walks was along a trail that was dotted with creeks, a train trestle, both straggly and uniform rows of trees, and, yes, swamps.

The word "swamp" can conjure an ugly image of mud and algae, bugs, and stench.

But, personally, I've often found that swamps are fascinatingly lovely. The sight of a cluster of trees immersed in water, dead or dying, yet majestic and dignified, can be inspiring. Artistically, the view can offer so many textures and depths in one sweep.

It all comes back to the idea that beauty comes in all sizes, colors and forms. If you get the chance, stop and take a long, thorough look at a swamp. Like so many other things in life, you might be surprised at the treasures it might hold.

IF Yield

Never Yield
6x6 Watercolor on Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

With the winds of March upon us, particularly here on the Hill, the vision of mightily fighting the gusts came to mind.

A damaged, broken umbrella has lost its purpose, while a swept-back coat offers little, if any, protection against the force she faces.

Yet, she still moves into the wind, determined to get to her destination.

From this point, I could launch a parable describing how this scene represents so many days in our lives. But, there really isn't any need, is there?

We can all see ourselves pushing to overcome the many hindrances that life throws at us.

And, thus the title: Never Yield.

Have a great and, however you might measure it, success-filled week!

IF Intention: The Gift

The Gift
Permanent Marker 6x6 Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

I'm sure we've all had an occasion in our lives when it's been hard to gracefully accept a heartfelt, but awkward, gift.

The first time, that I can clearly recall, was when I was a kid. My great-aunt was part of the family and had taken to hand-feeding a sickly cat who had taken residence outside our house. The cat, named Tigger, regained her health (and went on to live a very long life) thanks to Aunt Marie's efforts. You might guess how Tigger repaid her based on the illustration for IF posted here. Yep: dead critters left at the front door. There were a lot of screams on a lot of early mornings. Aunt Marie thought she could avoid the gifts by going out through the garage door, but Tigger caught on quickly and started to deposit her presents of gratitude at that door. The morning screams continued for quite a while.

Another time, in more recent years, was that first well-intentioned, but, decidedly, unromantic gift from the hubby, at-that-time boyfriend. I learned then (but still forget frequently) he actually does listen to me when I mention something I might like to get. Like a convertible vacuum cleaner. For my birthday. Yes, very awkward, indeed.

Most of the time, we manage to gather our wits enough to react, perhaps belatedly,but with as much grace as we can. However, the gift-giver knows, no matter how rapidly we may recover. 

I don't know about you, but I find that when that happens, I feel so awful for not being grateful, that I start to see the gift in a different light. It becomes all the more precious for the thought and love put into it, from the giver to the recipient, even if it doesn't meet the expectation initially.

When a daughter needed a vacuum cleaner for her school residence, she asked if she could take that convertible one with her. Oddly enough, it was hard to part with it. I think you may know why now.

IF Popular

Uh-Oh: Popular
Permanent Marker on 6x6 120# Smooth Bristol
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

I had the pleasure of gathering with the girlfriends for lunch today. One of the ladies related her latest adventure with her new-ish-ly adopted cats, 2 beautiful torties, and her beta fish. Yep, the kitties are fascinated with the fish and have been very creative in trying to "catch" a meal. Thus, the inspiration for this very quick sketch for Illustration Friday.

I know all of us can emphasize with this fish: feeling like the outside world is encroaching on our own private nook. What options do we have except to watch helplessly? It can be overwhelming and, sometimes, frightening.

Sometimes all we can do is what this little goldfish is doing: looking the threat in the eye and holding his head up, perhaps, preparing to go head-to-head with the imminent danger. Or, perhaps, getting ready to dive deeper into safety.

Whatever defenses we have to stave off personal disasters, the ability to rally, quietly or defiantly, is amazing. We do get through the crises to face another day. There is no right way or wrong way to muddle our way through these inevitable aspects of life. The only way is the way that works for us as individuals.

So, next time you feel like you're trapped in a goldfish bowl, trust your instincts. You'll be okay.

IF Suspense

Watercolor Paint on 4x6 Cold Press Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

Illustration Friday's topic this week is "Suspense". This illustration may look more like "Peek-a-Boo", but it really represents suspense and mystery for me.

The suspense is, "How will my hair behave today?" and the mystery often is, "What did I do to make it look this good and how will I do it again?".

In my lifetime, I don't know that I've ever known a woman who's been consistently happy about her hair. This phenomenon can be demonstrated simply by wandering the hair care aisle in any store. Between the cleaning, conditioning and coloring products available to the sprays, styling gels and mousses, it takes an entire aisle to hold it all. And if you want a tool to curl your hair, you can choose from small, medium or large curls, spiral curls, crimped waves, etc. Straightening tools offer broad irons for longer needs and 1" or less irons for just a light, wispy effect. It's a great business in which to have stock! Go Conair!

I'm no different in regards to being dissatisfied with my hair. I have 3 things working against me: thin, wavy hair, allergies to stay-in hair products and, mostly, that I'm just plain lazy when it comes to working with it. I've had wonderful hair stylists do great cuts to no avail. It's too fickle to try to anticipate what momentous steps I'll have to take to tame it on any given day.

However, one advantage to age, or, preferably, aging with a certain amount of grace, is that it seems to matter less and less. I don't like the days when my hair goes completely and wildly bad, but the normal, mediocre days are fine.

Think I'll try to avoid the suspense and mystery and just let it go. I'd rather be doing a lot of other things with my time anyway!

IF Forward

Koi
6x9 Water Color Paint, Acrylic Interference Paint & Water Soluble Pencil on 140# Watercolor Paper
©2012 BEDeuel/Bronson Hill Arts

The Illustration Friday topic this week is "Forward". This painting depicts so many moves forward it couldn't not be used for this week.

Late last year, I was "refreshing" the decor in my house; changing wall hangings, curtains, table dressings, knicknacks, etc. One of the things I had in mind for my bath was to find a round wallhanging of Koi to offset the larger, rectangular print I already had. Do you think I could find a Koi image that would work? No. Of course not. Next year, I'll be tripping over them in every store into which I walk. That's how it always works for me. You, too, probably!

In the meantime, though, I guess that means it's time to learn how to paint Koi. So here is the first step. Painting fish. Not really my area of interest, but, it's time to go, as the cliche says, outside my comfort zone. Moving forward.

Unfortunately, the second indication of moving forward doesn't translate with the image you're viewing here.

A while ago, a beautiful, dear friend of mine was cleaning out her overstock of painting supplies and was good enough to send me some acrylic interference paints. I'd never even heard of them, much less used them. The paints add gloss and sparkle over an image. The picture becomes almost reflective. Sadly, you'll just have to take my word for it, that it looks fantastic on this piece. A gold interference paint on the fish, red violet on the lily pads, and blue over the water.

A new media was incorporated over a familar one. Now I just need to figure how to get a  photographic shot that shows it!

And, lastly, the movement forward has nothing to do with me: it's just the Koi moving, well, forward!

Waiting for the Zen? Here it is: like Koi, we have to keep moving forward, my friends, or else, what's the point? You can stand still, but the view can become stagnant. You can look backwards and enjoy the memory, but you can't live your life with your head buried in the past. Yep. Forward is good.

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A reminder! Leave me a comment describing what you love about your sweetheart by tomorrow night! The best love song, if you will, wins! And, again, if you don't have a sweetheart, just let us know what you know love about Life!

The winner gets their choice of a handpainted bud vase or hurricane-style candle holder! See my previous post for the pictures of the bud vases!

IF Grounded

Grounded on a Rubber Sole
4x6 Watersoluble Pencil on 120# Paper
©2012 BE Deuel Bronson Hill Arts

“Grounded“. It’s one of those words that can mean so many different things.

In the mundane aspect, it can refer to the design of an electrical plug or the purpose of a lightning rod. In a child’s/teenager’s life, it can mean the end of the world; at least in the short run, which can seem like forever for them. In relation to the metaphysical, it can mean being well-adjusted and able to deal with reality.

Do I consider myself a grounded person? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

I’ve worked relatively steadily since I was 16, keep a decent home, support and love my family and friends. I can be so insanely realistic at times that I can irritate others with my apparent “negativity”. There is quite a bit of evidence that I am well-grounded.

But, even at that, I still dream dreams that aren’t practical. I would love to have an animal foster home and a fulltime art business. I have always wanted to write a book. It would be incredible to spend 6 months in an RV with my husband exploring the U.S. with cameras and canvas in hand!

On a smaller scale, I would be thrilled to have enough time to sleep and read in the hammock every spring, summer and fall day. Oh, actually, that would include the dream of being able to afford to hire someone to clean my house and weed my gardens! I would enjoy sampling a meal in every restaurant and diner in this area that we live in and anywhere else we‘d fancy.

I suppose what makes me a “grounded” person is that I know that the odds are that these dreams are, most likely, not going to happen in this incarnation. But what makes me happy, is still be able to enjoy those dreams and the reaching for those goals.

Yes, grounded is good, but happy is better.

IF Highlight(s) In 2012!

Highlight(s) for IF
6x6 Permanent Marker on Smooth Bristol
©2012BEDeuel

Recently, I was feeling like I was in a deep funk. Life's been ridiculously chaotic and full of petty annoyances from petty people. It was definitely getting to me.

While I'm not usually a cosmetic person, the thought of dying my hair again was appealing. Maybe it was just that I needed a different view when I looked in the mirror. My face showed every stress very clearly. I thought maybe a little color framing it would give it the perk up that my emotions couldn't.

And, honestly, I'm glad I've done it.

Has it changed the existence of the problems in my world? No. Does it really take years away from my appearance? No. Has it made the world a nicer place? No, not at all.

But I think I look brighter (physically, that is!) and I do feel lighter. Maybe even a little bit sparkly!

So, here's to a little thing that's made the start of the 2012 a little nicer for me.

Hopefully, you're doing something nice for yourself to start the new year and continue to do it throughout the year!

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I was going through a very old portfolio and came across a couple of pieces that I just love.

The Bette Davis portrait I did, as I remember, in my senior year of high school, back, well, a few decades ago. It's done in a pointillism style with ink. You can actually see where it was damaged at one time across the upper lip. But, I just couldn't part with it.

The other piece was a "doodle" of sorts. About 3 years out of high school, I had the luxury of having a ton of time to experiment with all sorts of artwork styles and designs. This picture of the Enchanted Crone is done in ballpoint pen, both black and blue. It was something that had flowed very easily and, again, I was thrilled with the results.

These pictures are reminders that every pursuit will have successful moments.

But that the time has to be invested in those pursuits to achieve those successes.

Like all new years past, I'm sure you've made your resolutions, which as we all know, are easy to keep for the first couple of weeks. It's the later weeks when it gets tough to keep your promises to yourself.

Don't overwhelm yourself with trying to succeed unendingly. Work at it patiently and success will happen, maybe in a small way to start, but all the same!

Enjoy everything you choose to undertake in 2012! This month, next month, and every month that follows!

IF Scattered

Scattered & Frazzled
6x6 Colored Pencil on Smooth Bristol Paper
©2011 BEDeuel

Too much paper and detail to track effectively. Demands on your time coming from all directions. And, boy, is the house ever a mess!

Seems to describe life as of late which makes it a very appropriate topic to illustrate. Thank you, Illustration Friday.  Enough said, I think!

Take some time to yourself this weekend and enjoy it!

IF Hibernate



Hi-BRRR-Nate
4x6 Water Soluble Pencil on 140# Coldpress Paper
©2011 BEDeuel

With the topic at Illustration Friday being "Hibernation" this week, it was too easy to think of cold and lots of protection in which to hide from it. And with the thought of cold, as well as the arrival this week of actual cold weather, it was bound to make me realize something:

It's official: the shortest summer (that I can remember) is over.

In some ways, it's good. In other ways, it's not.

Let me start with the "not" list.

The days are short. The temperature is very fickle, making it difficult to decide how much to wear at any given minute. The gardens and trees are fading. And, the worst, winter is coming up fast and furious. Indoor confinement and difficult travel lay ahead.

The good?

The shorter days make it easier to settle in earlier in the day. It feels good to put on some clothing that is soft and comfy, instead of trying to strip down to the bare basics without being arrested. Once the gardens are done, the workload is cut in half with only the house needing to be tended. The trees will turn gorgeous with vibrant colors to fill the heart with wonder and an urgency to appreciate the quick passing of time.

Winter, though, how can that be good? Unless you're a skier, snowmobiler, or general winter-sports fanatic, what fun is winter?

The fun is the excuse to use the fireplace and snuggle with whatever pleases you, be it a fuzzy blanket, a loving pet, or your best friend and lover. The fun is making sinfully indulgent comfort foods and drinking hot chocolate on a daily basis. The fun is watching the first flakes land and change the world before your eyes. The fun is knowing that there will be another spring in which to enjoy so many other pleasures of living.

With the change of the seasons coming around again, make some fun with it. Take a moment to realize it can all be good.

Here's hoping it is and will be all good for you!

Imperfect for IF

Belmont Bridges
5x7 Graphite on 130# Paper
©2011 BEDeuel

This sketch of a photograph taken last October represents one of about 3 artpieces that vex me. All of the pieces have the same 2 elements that elude me in any medium: leaves and water.


Belmont Bridges
4x6 Water Soluble Pencil on 140# Paper
The First Completed Attempt:
An Imperfect Attempt

So, how does this represent "Imperfect"? As long as my attempts at representing the original scene are "imperfect", I will keep pushing for "perfection" of the subject.

If everything was always perfect, what would we strive for in our lives?

The Perfect Original

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For whatever reason (and the reasons seem to be varied), the last few times I've tried to post to Illustration Friday, it won't take my file. I thought I had it figured out, but then other problems started to arise. Any suggestions would be helpful regarding reducing DPI (without PhotoShop), "Save as" options (like web?), and, now, a message of "wrong file type" even though I'm uploading a jpeg file.

So, in a round-about way, this post hasn't made it to IF. But, the topic was interesting nonetheless! Thanks for the idea!

IF Stay(s)

Stays
6x6 Permanent Ink on Smooth Bristol
©2011 BEDeuel

Just a bit of whimsy inspired by Illustration Friday topic, "Stay".

Of course, I thought about obedient dogs, Jackson Browne's "Stay", and stop signs and signals.

For some odd reason, though, the forerunner of the women's corset grabbed me. The curves of the undergarment brought ribbons and curls to life in my mind.

Sometimes it's just fun to play with a sketch and an idea. Hope you enjoy it! I did!

Having technical difficulties posting to IF. Will keep trying! Thanks for your patience!

Launch! Illustration Friday

Summer Launch
5x5 Permanent Marker
©2011 BEDeuel

We've had a short, slightly volatile, but beautiful spring since the rain stopped about 4 weeks ago here in Western New York.

As a result, the windows have been ajar on a regular basis. And, no matter the presence of screens, there are always flying visitors in the house. For the most part, as long as they don't bite, get into food or dart around our faces, we don't make a big deal about them.

What the moths and gnats don't realize is that by entering the home of the ever-entertaining Mickey, they are likely to become toys.


Mickey on Watch

They're actually fairly safe. He is not a very successful hunter, which makes him all the more fortunate that I fell in love with him at first glance. We are convinced that he would starve on his own. But, he does like to play at being a Great and Mighty Hunter.

He'll leap and bat at anything that buzzes him. The first couple of years were a bit unnerving: I wasn't sure my home furnishings were going to survive this guy. I do know that the insects survive him just fine, though!

So, of course, he is the inspiration for this week's Illustration Friday topic of "Launch". He is constantly launching off of anything he can manage.

In honor of this moment of inspiration, I dedicate this IF sketch to my Great and Mighty Hunter, Mickey and the coming of a long, and buggy, summer for his unending entertainment. And mine.

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What Your Cat Really Thinks of You...Well, Only at Dinnertime. Maybe.