Illustration Friday "tall"

You've got to be very hungry when you order the "tall" stack of pancakes!

Today's my official last day of summer vacation, and then I'm back to work tomorrow for the teachers' day, with students coming in on Wednesday. It has been a lovely summer here with few rainy days. I spent yesterday with a friend who lives near the seacoast, and we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant with a water view. There was not a cloud in the sky all day, and the temperature was in the low 80s. It was a perfect way to wrap up my summer break.

Illustration Friday "teacher"

Summer break is almost over, and next week I'll be back in the classroom again. I can't believe I've been an art teacher for about 30 years, and on top of that, I've literally been in some type of classroom every year since I was five and in kindergarten. Of course I always loved my art teachers, and I don't regret that I followed that path for a career. Every new year brings its challenges, but it also brings the rewards of working with students and helping them discover their own unique creative voices. This may sound sappy, but every once in a while when I observe our students really engaged in the process of creating their works, I think---- this is the best job ever.

Sketch for IF "freeze"

Caution---BRAIN FREEZE!

A 4-B pencil drawing for Illustration Friday this week---I usually use a black Prismacolor pencil, but was enjoying the feel of plain old graphite on my sketchbook paper so this is where I ended up.

This reminds me that I better get moving on the 2012 Sketchbook Project. I have the empty book on my desk. Last year I worked with colored pencil and watercolor, but found the thin pages wrinkled quite a bit when I added the watercolor. I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to use this year, but I'm thinking of a beach and nature theme.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Sending a great big "Happy Birthday" wish to my Dad on his 84th birthday! Hope this year brings health and happiness, and maybe an actual moose!

"Bounce"

    This guy has an imaginative way to get the early apples!

I'm a little later than usual with this week's Illustration friday post, as it was a busy weekend with the Uncommon Art Show here on Saturday, and a trip to the 79th Annual Craftsmen's Show in Sunapee on Sunday. My husband had part of last week off so we also went to a lake on Thursday, and the ocean on Friday. It has been a beautiful summer overall, so I'm more than happy to take advantage of it!

Uncommon Art on the Common

On Saturday 8/4 from 10---4pm, I'll be manning my booth in the Goffstown Village. Over 30 craftsmen and artists will have work for sale at this annual arts fair. I'm looking forward to being a part of this event for the first time. Hot, sunny weather is forecast, so hope lots of people will be out enjoying the day!