Just Jen

Skillshare Portrait Class

Have you discovered Skillshare yet? It is my latest obsession. So many great classes and so affordable! The last class that I completed was Start Drawing: Techniques for Pencil Portraits by Gabrielle DeCesaris, Portrait Artist. Pencil drawing has always been my favorite, but drawing people - especially faces - has always been intimidating. Gabrielle's class was packed with great info. By following the techniques she demonstrated in her videos, I was able to draw both my kiddos and...they actually recognized themselves. I'd call that a success!! :)

I started with some reference photos:

I drew my daughter first. I have always loved this pic of her. Such a pretty little subject, no? :) Her hair was my favorite part to draw with all those fun little flyaways.

  

Once I finished with Andie's, Jack asked if I would draw him too. I was having too much fun to be through, and who could turn down that sweet little face, anyway? :) The challenge with him was capturing the way he smiles with his eyes which lights up his whole face. That little smile brings me joy every single day. I'm not sure I would ever be able to fully reproduce it. I don't even think the camera does it justice. But I sure had fun trying. :)

I really loved this process, and though they aren't perfect, I am pretty happy with this first attempt and can't wait to get some more practice in. :)

 

Water Cycle Print

Well, there's no doubt it's springtime here, with all the turbulent weather we've been having lately. Fortunately we've been spared the worst of it - my heart goes out to those folks in our neighboring states that have suffered and lost so much! I came across this print by dialmformichele on Etsy today and loved the illustration style. Such a great way to teach the little ones where all that rain comes from!

Creative Thursday

I know, it's Monday. But I couldn't wait to share these images from Creative Thursday on Etsy.

Photography Love

I didn't get to see ol' Big Tex this year, so I'm gettin' my fair fix with these images by HeyZee. I can almost taste that Fletcher's corny dog now...mmm.

Prints available on Etsy.

 

Ideal Bookshelf

I have just discovered the work of artist Jane Mount and am completely in love.

From her blog: "This is an ongoing project called 'Ideal Bookshelf'. I paint sets of books as a form of portraiture: a person's favorites (of all time, within a genre or from a particular period in their lives); the ones that helped make them who they are today."

You can send her a photo of your books, and she will paint your collection. Such a wonderful idea! I find myself wondering which books I would choose. There'd definitely be a Jane Austen or two in the mix. I especially love the children's book collections. What a great way to preserve the memory of a child's favorite books! Visit her etsy store to order your own.

Temari Love

I have a growing list of crafts to "conquer" and Temari is near the top. It is a Japanese toy with a rich history and tradition which you can read all about here. There are different methods of construction, but basically a ball is wrapped tightly with a layer of thread and then embroidered. They can be simple or extremely complicated and the possibilities are endless! This Temari how-to book is currently hanging out on my wish list. 

Great examples of Temari are not hard to find - here are just a few that I came across:

 

By Shaina's Tamaris 

By julieandco

By ilikelemons     
  

How Sweet It Is

It seems like my sweet tooth has been stuck in overdrive lately, so it's no wonder I'm drawn to these yummy paintings by Carey Haynes that look good enough to eat. You'd almost have to actually taste one to be convinced that it's paint and not real icing.  

And it gets better - she takes custom orders. What a great way to turn your wedding cake or child's first birthday cake into a lasting memory! So check out her site while I go and shamelessly dive into a tub of icing - spoon first.