Drawing Conclusions

Today's inspiration

2009-01-31T17:13:00.001-08:00

As I have said before... my blog is about my drawing, my knitting, really all my creative outlets. But I also enjoy posting my inspiration, the things that make me want to continue creating on my own.

Today, I present you with Banksy. An artist from the UK. http://www.banksy.co.uk/

I've been busy!

2009-01-31T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone... no drawings to post today... but I have been drawing.

This has been a crazy couple of months for me. I got a job (a temp job, but still a job), and have been interviewing for permanent jobs. I've also been running a lot, getting ready for the marathon.

I look forward to posting more drawings shortly.

My first attempt at "designing" my own pattern

2008-12-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

I decided I wanted to make a big "fat" winter hat. I'm using "fat" as a term of art, I'm not sure I could define it if I wanted to. So I started with a trip to the LYS (local yarn shop) and selected a big "fat" yarn... a beautiful eco friendly color that had minimal dying... it came from a brown sheep, and that made me VERY happy!

Buying yarn at the yarn shop means you have to wind it into a skein on your own... so I spent an evening just winding this very delicate "fat" yarn.
See how fat the brown yarn is compared to the blue? The blue is from a skein of worsted weight acrylic yarn I've been using for fingerless mitts.

Next, I found a pattern (I wasn't originally going to design my own pattern). It was a cute pattern, I was going to substitute the pom-pom on top with a tassel, and I was happy with that decision.

I realized that my gauge would be different than in the pattern so I would have to add some additional stitches to make a hat that would hit my head. I did a little math and then cast on to my big fatty size 11 needles. I love knitting in the round, so I went around... and around... and on the third round, something didn't look right... so I went around... and around again, and realized that instead of the ribbed pattern I was looking for, I got a seed stitch.

I counted my stitches... realized I dropped one somewhere, and decided I could do one of two things... tear the hat off the needles, or go with what I had. The seed stitch looked kind of nice, it was easy enough to continue with, and it had that Warren Miller snow boarder feel... so I went with it.

Unfortunately, I've never knitted a hat without strictly following a pattern before. So I made a few miscalculations about when to start tapering the hat for the head (oops), so the proportions look a little funny to me, and the hat has a couple of funny bump-outs.

When I finally finished the hat, it had kind of a cool beanie thing going on... but I wanted earflaps... so I began constructing those.

Now I am one earflap away from completion of a slightly flawed, but very well loved first attempt at hat design :)

Rededication

2008-12-05T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! I have decided to rededicate my blog... it's going to be more of a "creativity" blog than a drawing blog.

The reason? Well, I still draw, but sometimes my focus is on other creative outlets that I would love to share with any interested followers. Right now I'm in a knitting phase, so expect my blog to be a little knitting heavy, at least until Christmas... after Christmas I might revert back to posting my drawings, but I'm working on Christmas presents and a few more selfish ventures :-p

They aren't drawings...

2008-11-23T19:32:00.001-08:00

But they are still representations of my creativity.

These are some items that I knit (and sold) raising money for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Camp charities.

I really love knitting, and I had a lot of fun messing with these fun patterns and new yarns!

This is a scarf that I made. I couldn't believe it sold IMMEDIATELY! I'm sure it didn't hurt that the scarf was a part of a fundraiser for a very worthy cause, but still!

I'm definitely biased, but it was really pretty in person. It draped really nicely. The colors in it were really striking too, it reminded me of sea glass trapped in a fishing net. I'm making a similar scarf in a red and black yarn, but it's more delicate.

These are fingerless mitts that I made using a basic acrylic yarn. I made a pair of these for myself a few years ago because I worked in a cold office. I refined it after seeing some stuff that other people did, for example adjusting the amount of ribbing around the wrists and the hands

I've been MIA lately

2008-11-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

I will update my blog with new drawings either Wednesday or Thursday. I have been busy working on another project for the past few weeks. For those of you who don't know, I'm an avid runner. I have run two marathons in the past, and this year I have decided to commit to running the Boston Marathon for charity. I chose Team Hole in the Wall.

So here's my fundraising letter, I welcome any donations or support of any kind during the marathon training to come.

Dear friends,

On Monday April 20, 2009, I am going to run my third marathon, my first Boston Marathon, to benefit seriously ill children through Team Hole in the Wall. This is a cause near and dear to my heart, as someone who has worked with children with disabilities and who has volunteered for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. I decided that after passing the bar exam, I should give something back, to help those in need.

In addition to training, I have committed myself to raising $3,000 to help send a child with a life threatening illness to a Hole in the Wall Camp for a magical, life-changing experience. I would greatly welcome your support.

Childhood should be a carefree, happy time. For most children, it is. But for youngsters challenged by a serious illness like cancer or sickle cell anemia, childhood can be very different.

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, Hole in the Wall Camps are the world's largest family of camps for children with life-threatening illnesses. Thousands of kids are served each year at no cost to them or their families.

Hole in the Wall Camps offer a critical experience in the life of a seriously ill child, encouraging the heart, enlarging the spirit, and empowering the will, all year long. Hone in the Wall Camps give these youngsters serious tools – tools they can take into the world to help meet the challenge of serious illness long after their time at Camp is over.

I hope you will join me in supporting this important mission with your tax-deductible gift. To sponsor me, visit teamholeinthewall.org. Click on "Be a Sponsor," select Boston Marathon, type in my name, Nina Villanova, and contribute to the goal of sending at least one child to a Hole in the Wall Camp.

While you're at it, check out what some of the campers and their parents have said about Hole in the Wall Camps (under "Get Inspired") and see if you don't agree that helping to change the life of a seriously ill child is pretty powerful stuff.

Many thanks for your support and encouragement!

With great appreciation,

Nina

Fall Inspiration

2008-10-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

A chicken in the woods :)

A walk in the woods.

A view of Boston over Hingham's Turkey Hill.

Sheep...

2008-10-14T17:04:00.001-07:00

Sheep on the farm :)

Sheep take 1...

Sheep take 2...

Sea gull in Plymouth :)

Sea gull take 1!

End of Summer Inspiration

2008-10-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

OK, I don't think I was supposed to take a photo of this grave, but I was fascinated that someone put his own poem on there using stick on letters. Forest Hills Cemetery is WELL worth a walk through if you're looking for some inspiration. http://www.foresthillscemetery.com/

Sam Summer. Need I say more on the topic of "summer inspiration?" I had this beer shortly after taking a brewery tour at the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain http://www.samueladams.com

Plymouth, MA.

North End festival in Boston with my two best friends... there wasn't a flattering shot of any of us, so we're going to stick with this photo of St. Anthony. The colors, the lights, and the flavors of those festivals are definitely an end of summer inspiration.

Provincetown. Always inspiring.

This is a detail from a tall ship that was docked in P-town. I loved the carved dogs!

More drawings coming tomorrow...

2008-10-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

I promise!

I have been taking reference photos and gathering inspiration.

Another non-drawing post

2008-10-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I'm a vegetarian. I am constantly looking for new healthy recipes. One thing I have to say about vegetarian food is that it's often very attractive and colorful. I should start taking photos of the food I make!

Today I made something delicious... a recipe I saw on the side of a can of Pastene brand ceci beans (garbanzos, chick peas, whatever you want to call them).

Ceci Delight

4T Olive Oil
1 onion chopped
1 clove of garlic chopped
1 14 oz can Italian tomatoes
1 14 oz can ceci
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Sautee onion and garlic until golden. Add tomatoes, allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. Add ceci beans and simmer for another 15 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Friday's list day!

2008-10-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I wanted to have a pencil drawing for you guys, but unfortunately, I've been out all day. I can't lie, I've been happily away from my computer for most of the day... I spend 2 hours studying French, and the rest of the day coaching rowing, which is right up my alley.

So, what is today's list? The books that I recommend that you guys read!

1. The Remains of the Day. This was genuinely a favorite. I have also seen the movie, and I highly recommend that you read the book and not see the movie. The book deals with issues of not jumping at love when it presents itself because something else seems more important at the time.

2. Brideshead Revisited. This book was recently made into a movie that I want to see, but was not successful in theaters. Again, this movie kind of made me think about life in general... an interesting book with religion and societal issues at its base, but very interesting.

3. Persepolis. This graphic novel was amazing. I am still not over the depth of the characters, and the reality of their suffering and confusion. And despite the desperation and sadness, there is a hopefulness that I think would benefit most American readers. "The Complete Persepolis" is a little over 300 pages, and I read it in less than 12 hours... I'm just saying... pick up a copy... buy it, it's a keeper... and enjoy it. The story is lighthearted despite its gravity...

4. Another Bullshit Night in Suck City. This book is locally based (Scituate and Boston). This book is not for the faint of heart, but has given me an interesting appreciation for the alcoholics and the homeless of Boston.

5. Pride and Prejudice. This book kept me company last semester when I was in Sweden and I needed something to read. The characters and the writing in general kept me company and opened my eyes.

6. The Last Hurrah. This book is about the old school political machines that people both want to outlaw and return to at the same time. The main character is based on a combination of Boston's mayor James Michael Curley and Chicago's mayor Daly (mostly Boston's Curley)... it's interesting, and it provides a personal view into the world of politics.

Makeover...

2008-10-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

I'm giving my room a much needed makeover. Thanks to IKEA I can give it a great Swedish feel, which reminds me of my fabulous semester abroad. This is my new duvet cover and pillow case pattern. It's very Swedish in its look. I love it.

Next up, having some of my favorite photographs blown up so that I can put them on my walls. Again, the plan is simple plain frames to go with the simple Swedish design of the rest of the room.

I would like to mention that people seem really surprised to find out that I'm using my own photographs to decorate my room... I don't think it's that strange. I took the pictures, I want to look at them all the time, is that so odd?

Wednesday evening with Marshy

2008-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

I sat down to draw this evening, and who was there to greet me, but Marshy. She demanded a seat on my lap, and I was only too happy to oblige. Drawing with a beloved cat perched on my lap was challenging, but she provided me with enjoyable subject matter.

What do you call window shopping on the internet?

2008-09-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know, but here are four random odds and ends that I think are necessary for the satisfactory completion of every day :-p

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15334437
This vendor also has lots of great images of cats with crowns on... perfect coasters, mouse pads, etc...

http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=65&cat=103
Yes, I'm nerdy enough to want to have my own formal library. What's wrong with keeping my copies of "Persepolis" "The Remains of the Day" and "Pride and Prejudice" accounted for at all times?

http://mightygoods.com/archives/2008/09/pundit-necklace
I have my opinions and I'm sticking to them... I guess a necklace that gives people a heads up on the matter wouldn't be such a bad thing.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=15568832
Because I have an anglophelia problem.

Inspriation Saturday: Marimekko

2008-09-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Here are three of my favorite panels of fabric from Marimekko's Autumn 2008 line. I really love the Finnish design. There is a sophistication and power in the simplicity of the designs. This sophistication is not unique to Marimekko, it is typical in Nordic design, but I really enjoy Marimekko's mastery of elegance and simplicity.

I want to buy a panel of this fabric to make a pillow for my new POÄNG chair from IKEA.

This fabric is beautifully understated, I can imagine using it as curtains, a duvet cover, or a wall decoration. I think with this particular fabric, it is important to appreciate it in a large swatch.

Finally, this fabric was very popular when I was in Sweden. My classrooms were decorated with panels of fabric, and one particular classroom was decorated with a panel of this fabric. A friend of mine was from Finland, and she told me her mother made her a dress out of this fabric. I always wanted to see the dress because I couldn't quite visualize it, but based on the other things her mother made her out of Marimekko fabric, I'm guessing it was quite nice. She always used to brag about being from Finland, the land of Marimekko.

Time to hibernate?

2008-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who doesn't think that flip flops ever need to go into hibernation. Yes, I proudly wear flip flops in the winter! There are a few problems with this drawing, but the most striking one, to me anyway, is the lack of bright color. My favorite thing about flip flops is having a pair in every color... this flip flop is hot pink and a bright orange... I think I may have done them a disservice...

The Friday Pencil

2008-09-26T10:33:00.001-07:00

I call it the Friday pencil because... well... Friday is list day, so I've drawn two different pencils to lead up the list.

So, today's list...

Places I want to travel to!
1. London, England (again)
2. Japan (probably in general)
3. Hawaii
4. New Zealand
5. Lapland (can't believe I never made it there)
6. Fjords of Norway (also can't believe I missed this)
7. Northern Africa
8. Antarctica
9. South Africa
10. Cape Horn
11. Vietnam
12. Italia
13. Dubai
14. Iceland
15. Vancouver

This is just my top 15... there are numerous others... where do you want to go?

It's not drawing, but...

2008-09-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

I would like to make a musical suggestion...

I've been listening to a bit of Patti Smith lately, I highly recommend her covers of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Gimme Shelter." Her classics are genius, and her covers are masterful recreations of already powerful and meaningful songs. I never would have guessed anyone could breathe such new and different life into the Nirvana classic.

No drawing today

2008-09-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hey loyal readers...

I apologize for not updating my blog recently, between my job search and jury duty and work and knitting a scarf, it's just not been happening, but I will get back to it ASAP! Keep checking back, I promise something for tomorrow!

Sketches from work

2008-09-20T08:33:00.001-07:00

I was at work this morning, and while I was waiting for crews to come back to the dock, I did some sketching, with varied degrees of success... I grabbed a nice sharp pencil (oh, I love a new pencil and an electric pencil sharpener) and some scrap paper from under the desk, and I just drew. These are by no means my best work... but they're an honest representation of today's work.

Drawing my yellaphone was easy, the oar harder, the base of the ergometer, the hardest... the perspective is way way off. I wasn't going to post it, but in the interest of showing my learning curve, it seemed only fair. Normally, in a case where the perspective is that far off, I would try it again and again, unfortunately, I was at work, and had to resume my job.

Make a list... it's Friday!

2008-09-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

On Fridays instead of journaling or anything else, I like to make lists... I like to make lists even on non-Fridays, but on Fridays I like to make fun lists. So I thought it would be fun to post them here.

Today's topic? Best things about fall...
1. Cool weather
2. Running without overheating
3. Hooded sweatshirts
4. Long sleeved t-shirts
5. Stylish scarves
6. Memories of Sweden
7. Drinking tea all day long
8. Having the beach all to myself again
9. It's knitting weather again!
10. Back to school time (even if you're not in school) is more fun than new years for making resolutions.
11. All those great fall colors.
12. A drive up to New Hampshire... ideally involving some light hiking.
13. Fingerless gloves
14. Getting to wear "real" pjs!
15. Blanket + cat + couch + tea = the best!
16. Apples, and their related products (including cider and cider donuts)

Did I miss out on anything else really good about fall? Let me know if I did!

My favorite drawing

2008-09-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

I did this drawing in Lund Cathedral a little over a year ago.

When I first moved to Sweden I spent a lot of time in the Lund Cathedral, just drawing. Each corner seemed to have something exciting to draw, interesting arches, corners, detail, etc!

I have loads of photographs that I want to draw from, not just the cathedral, but also different stuff that I never got to draw while I was living in Europe. I also look forward to doing some drawing outside, I need to expand beyond my living room and bedroom... and Lund Cathedral ;-)

Comfy Chair

2008-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

There are some perspective issues on this chair... but hey... I'm still learning :-p

Today was my maiden voyage to Blick Art Materials... I will not lie... I was like a Nini in a candy store! It was so so so much fun. I bought some new drawing pencils and a BIG drawing pad (well, big for my standards). I'm really excited to try out all my new stuff.

Viva knitting weather!

2008-09-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I suppose this photo is more appropriate for the website www.stuffonmycat.com, however, it was an opportunity for me to practice cable knitting and using alpaca yarn.

Anyway, today is the first day that really feels like fall. Because of that, I am making a scarf for my mum... just a simple scarf, the warm up project for the season.

So, why do I post this on my drawing blog? Well, I can link the two together. I have always liked to draw... with varying degrees of success... but I also really enjoy photography and knitting. In order to understand how shapes relate to each other in photography, it helps to understand how to draw them, to represent them in two-dimensions. Drawing helps me understand the interplay between positive and negative spaces, and the importance of shadows, and how they all work together.

Then you might ask, OK, the interplay between drawing and photography makes sense, but what does it have to do with knitting? I will admit, the connection is a bit more tenuous, but not entirely. In knitting you have to understand how a series of stitches relate to each other, an how fabrics mix with those stitches to create patterns, textures, and functional objects.

My point is simple... all of these activities sharpen my skills in the others.

Time for something new

2008-09-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here's today's drawing. It was my interpretation of the weekly photograph on http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com/ It's a great blog, the blogger posts a weekly photograph, and invites people to draw or paint the photo. The blog has only been around for two weeks, but already, the concept intrigues me. Everyone has such a different take on the same subject! I recommend you check it out.

I hope you enjoy my drawing!

My favorite subject

2008-09-15T10:01:00.001-07:00

This is a drawing of Marshy from about two years ago. It's actually framed in our house. That cat is a piece of work on her own, and she provides for hours of sketching enjoyment.

What I like about the cat is that she doesn't sit still, she changes constantly, and just when I think I'm about to get something (ex. yesterday, I had a problem drawing he ears properly), she moves so that I cannot work on it anymore.

I have been drawing every day, but I am still posting my older drawings while I work on my skills a little bit. Plus, I like some of my backlog of drawings.

Hello!

2008-09-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

This is a lousy photograph of a drawing I did when I was in Sweden over a year ago. I have been doing a lot of drawing lately, but figured I would start my blog with some of my earlier drawings. I promise my later photos will be better, but I was having trouble downloading photos from my camera this morning, so I had to use my Mac's built in iSight camera which is not all that high quality.

Anyway, I did this drawing in Lund, Sweden, where I was studying last fall. I fell in love with the arches and angles in the cathedral there, so I began drawing again, something I hadn't done in ages. I drew religiously (no pun intended) for my first few weeks in Sweden, and then I stopped suddenly, and didn't resume drawing until a few weeks ago. Since I am in the throes of a job search... I may or may not post regularly... I hope regularly!

I am currently looking forward to buying a new set of pencils :)