EDM Challenge #171: Draw something that needs fixing

What needs fixing? What about a cat? Numa the kat has tormented me, annoyed me, teased me, and loved me for the last 11 years. She's had a bladder problem since she was a kitten (partly a result of being a "rumpy" [no tail, with consequent issues surrounding rear-end muscles etc...]) so for half of her life we've lived in places without carpeting (not a problem), few rugs (sigh), and closed bathroom doors (just how many times DO I need to wash those mats?). So I drew this as she was lying down beside me. In case you're wondering, yes, her eyes really are blue, a bright baby blue, and they glow RED in the dark.



And in case you're wondering, here's Numa the real thing. Isn't she angelic?

Numa's motto: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.

Creative Goals for 2009

1. Drawing and sketching.
At least each week, attempt an EDM Challenge; sketch or draw during one lunch hour at work.

2. Blog, blog, blog.
Upload the week's work (what I can show others!) and explore the work of others through their blogs or websites.

3. Painting and photography.
Take a watercolor class in the spring. Visit local museums and those in other cities when I travel. Find an "art buddy" to work with. Explore macro settings particularly in the spring when things are budding, blooming, springing to life, and everyone's happy.

4. Writing.
Dig out old pieces and update them. At least once each month, write a creative piece.

5. Track it all.
Keep a creative calendar for encouragement.

6. HAVE FUN!
Above all, remember that we live life one day, one hour, one minute at a time, and that while we work for, with, or on behalf of others, yet we must also renew ourselves in whatever fashion works for us.

What kind of flower am I?

I am a Petunia What Flower Are You?

Yikes! I'm a petunia. I'm not sure that the description is all that flattering... "You are a tried and trusted friend who will be there for your friends when they need you. But you have a tendency to be nervous about doing things that go against the norm." And here I thought I was not all that conservative!

So...what kind of flower are YOU?

What's an EDM Challenge?

I've been asked this question a couple of times. The Everyday Matters Group is "a friendly community designed to encourage members to expand their creativity" according to their website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/ . This group has a weekly challenge (they're now at over #200), early ones of which are at http://www.flickr.com/groups/59586185@N00/discuss/108608/ . I joined the group only a few weeks ago, so clearly I'm "behind" in the challenges. But the good thing about this is that I can pick and choose which ones I want to do! I also wonder what the challenges would look like if I answered some of them thru photographs. Something to explore and experiment with.

EDM Challenge #1

Draw a shoe. A *shoe*!?! I wanted to begin these Everyday Matters Challenges when I first joined the group a couple of months ago, but I've been putting it off, mostly because I couldn't figure out how to draw the SHOE. Sandal? Slipper? Winter boot? With or without feet? Could it have its mate beside it, or would I "fail" if somehow I didn't stick to exactly what the challenge said?

Well, here it is. Last night I took a 3B pencil in hand, sat down and drew my partner's shoe. What fun! What a sense of liberation. And do you know what? That little voice that nagged at me for two whole months, saying that without perfection nothing is worthwhile... well, I guess it must have taken a nap while I was sketching.

I have a lot of challenges to catch up on. But in the meantime, I'd appreciate comments on the shoe and ways to improve it. Is there enough contrast? Does the rubber sole LOOK like a rubber sole?

Welcome!

Please make yourself at home with me. I've created this blog to share my creative endeavors with others and to gain from them as well. There's a huge artistic community out there and I hope that from time to time its members will drop in and visit.