Perfect Patina...365 Days of Drawing All Things French

I saw this old dress form hosting an antique lace dress and knew I wanted to draw it. I love old things that have a patina. They tell a story. I actually want to buy an old dress form for my studio. Does anyone have one?

I am lucky my house is full of old things with a story. My husband loves to collect things and has done for years He turns a big birthday today and has a great perfect patina! I dedicate today's post to him.

Time is short today as celebrations are underway.

French photo is of birthday breakfast, cafe au lait, with some old lace on the side.

Drawings for sale via my blog.

@ 8'x 11'

Shoot the breeze...365 Days of Drawing

I had a wonderful time last night shooting the breeze with Sheldon Brown, publisher of The Ventura Breeze newspaper, whilst painting his likeness for the world to see at The Bell Arts Factory Open House, part of Ventura's highly successful First Fridays of The Month art night series.

It was a busy night at the studios http://www.bellartsfactory.com/ including a great new show "March" at Vita Art Center Gallery http://www.vitaartcenter.com/ featuring the work of over 50 female artists.

I was so happy to see so many really young children stop by and be interested in what we were all doing with the paints, ceramics, glass, yarn and clay. I got some great critiques from them on my portrait of Sheldon as it was developing. Kids are so honest.

I post the drawing part of the head study of Sheldon to qualify for my daily drawing challenge.

There is NOTHING better than having someone sit for you like Sheldon. http://www.venturabreeze.com/Good witty conversation, a great visage, and a connection leading to some satisfying portrait painting capturing a likeness of that person, that particular moment in time and space, reminding me why I so enjoy being a portrait artist. Wonderful also to hear the feedback from other artists and art fans milling around the studios of the Factory.

Thank you Sheldon. And thanks to The Bell Arts Factory and Josh Addison for all that goes on there. It is a great vibrant place to be.

Nothing french today in terms of photos from my residency in France. I am off to the movies with my daughter instead to see Alice in Wonderland.

YOU JUST KNOW tonight's drawing will have some of that in it!

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Tangerine Crazy..365 Days of Drawing

I post a little study I did yesterday as a result of my new teaching class in Ventura to qualify for my drawing for the day.

I had set up this ginger jar and a few tangerines, keeping things fairly simple for the first day of a new class.

There is beauty in the small stuff. The tangerines were so dazzling in color. I wanted to see if I could catch that. The total painting time of this was about one hour and a half. 6" x 8"

The photo is one I took at Dinan's Thursday market day, again a dazzling array for the sights and senses each week. A photo didn't do it justice.

6" x 8"

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Seeing Dots...365 Days of Drawing

This was done in my teaching class yesterday. A somewhat rushed drawing. Wasn't that happy with it. but...

Photo...a cozy french interior where I stayed. Only the french could have pink lace curtains with dots. But it worked and I was fascinated by them.

A french fan later perhaps?

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The Bob...365 Days Of Drawing.

What says 'french' more than a chic bob and red lips? This is what she would be wearing too.

All images copyrighted.

People in glass houses...365 Days of Drawing.

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, and people who wear glass slippers shouldn't...

You fill in the blank!

Check back later to find the french shoe EVERYONE female was wearing in Dinan this past season.

12" x 24"

Bling and lace..365 Days of Drawing, All Things French.

The locket is now done, finished during 60 Minutes, and before fresh mackerel for dinner. It is still up for grabs. Amazing how a bit of "bling" in the right place finishes a drawing.

My french photo for the day is of a bit of bling and lace I bought in Dinan on a cold wet market day. I was feeling a bit blue trudging back to the studio until I saw this dove grey lace. It wasn't cheap but I knew it had to be mine. The bling is from an old skirt.

I have worn this lace tons of times ever since and each time I do, it makes me feel good. A bit like looking at an old painting. They become your friends you pull on in times of need.

All images copyrighted by Johanna Spinks