NAEA Conference in New Orleans

Just got back from a great trip to the National Art Education Association Conference in New Orleans. It was my first time there, so there was much to see and do! I tried some of the traditional foods---catfish, gumbo, fried oysters, and the beignets and cafe du lait from the Cafe du Monde.

Imagine thousands of art teachers all in one place!

                                                     

There were a myriad of workshops available each day, as well as time to sightsee and explore the city. We did a walking tour of the French Quarter and visited the "City of the Dead" cemetery, and got the opportunity to sign up for a glassblowing workshop.

My finished ornament!

"Strong"

Illustration Friday "Strong"

I guess I'm on a mouse kick right now!

The Sketchbook Project 2015

It's time to mail in my 2015 sketchbook to the Brooklyn Art Library. I finally finished it up today, and scanned the pages to share here. I hope you enjoy "A Mouse Tale".

"Path"

I am finishing up my sketchbook for the 2015 Sketchbook Project, as it is due by the end of March. This week's Illustration Friday prompt is "path", so I'm using this illustration from the story as my submission. I will be posting the whole series of drawings very soon.

Lots of snow still on the ground, but last night we "sprung ahead" one hour for Daylight's Savings, so now the sun will be setting closer to 7pm. Some melting going on, but the temperatures haven't been much higher than 35 degrees F. The week ahead looks a little warmer-- in the 40's.

Have a great week!

Metropolis

Illustration Friday "Metropolis"

Enjoying a few vacation days working on some current projects. It's nice to have a little extra time to get reorganized and reenergized. I find that I am happy to just sit at my desk and draw and paint all day!   The weather outside is very cold and there is still a lot of snow everywhere. This morning the temperature was -13 degrees below zero. I've been dreading the fact that I have to gas up my car this afternoon, and pick up a few things at the supermarket. I'd rather stay cozied up in the house!

"Sleep"

This week's Illustration Friday's theme is "sleep", so I am posting the last page from my sketchbook that will be submitted to the 2015 Sketchbook Project in March. They've extended the deadline this year, which will give me time to finish all the other pages that are in various states of completion. I'll post the whole story before I mail it in, so you can follow the adventures of Mouse, and understand why he's enjoying a restful nap.

Stay warm! Minus 3 degrees below zero this morning on my way to work! Brrr!

"Noise"

Illustration Friday "noise"

A colored pencil sketch for this week's topic. 

This is what my school looked like after the last blizzard (my room is under that drift). We are getting another foot of snow tonight and tomorrow! I may not be able to see out my windows until spring!

 My view out the window is like being in a snow cave.

Here is a cute little Carolina Wren eating peanuts from one of our feeders.

On top of all these crazy snowstorms, the temperature is in the teens and below zero! I guess I'll just drink hot tea, and enjoy the extra days home. Stay warm!