Sketchbook Project, part 6

This is a kind of introduction to the project that I will be working on for the rest of the sketchbook...

Sketchbook Project, part 5

Do you notice anything different about the flower shape on this sand dollar? It didn't grow that way, I'm taking artistic license...

Sketchbook Project, part 4

You can click on the image to see a larger version.

Sketchbook Project, part 3

Full page spread of the sketchbook. More of the amazing sand dollars, and their light and leaps of fantasy.

Sketchbook Project, part 2

Have you ever examined the underside of a sand dollar? They are just as interesting as the top side. These are watercolors, about 5 x 7, the size of the sketchbook.

The sketch below is about 10 x 7, the size that the sketchbook is when it's opened.

Sketchbook Project

And...She's Back!

I've recently finished participating in The Sketchbook Project, presented by Art House Coop. Anyone can participate. You pay your money, and receive a small sketchbook which you fill in any way you wish, then return it by a specified date. It had been a long time since I had asked myself, "what do you want to paint, Hillary?" and I used this sketchbook and it's deadline to bring me back to painting some things for my own personal interests, expression and growth.

The sketchbooks will go on a world tour, and then be housed at the Brooklyn Art Museum. They'll also be available online. You were invited to choose from a variety of themes, and I chose "Hope." There were no other directions, but a suggestion for it to actually be a sketchbook - a place where you practice your craft and develop ideas.

I took that to heart, as I love seeing the process of other artists by looking at their sketches, and also worked towards a final project which is pictured at the end of the book. Here is the cover of my sketchbook, above, and below is the first page of the sketchbook.

The Chuppah Happening, Part 1

Here are two sketches that I presented to Nick and Meryl, who asked me to design a chuppah for their wedding. They chose the top sketch.

Watercolor Sketches from the Strawberry Music Festival

This is the main stage, also known as the Music Meadow, at the Strawberry Music Festival, which was this Memorial Day weekend.
Here's a sketch of Birch lake at Camp Mather, which is located just outside of Yosemite. What a beautiful place for a Bluegrass Music Festival! These are watercolor, 9 x 9.

Remembering Harry

Harry, Watercolor, about 12 x 12

This demo piece was painted during one of the watercolor workshop that I have given from my studio. Martha - friend, neighbor and student - asked for a demo on painting fur in watercolor using her hairy friend Harry as the subject. Sadly, Harry left us last month. He is fondly remembered!

Watercolor sketches for a silk triptych wall hanging. 3 x 3, 3 x 3 and 3 x 6 inches

The silk wall hanging triptych. Side pieces are 18 x 18, center piece is 18 x 36. Commissioned by my cousins Barb and Bob. It's nice to have relatives with good taste (click the image for a larger view).

This is a watercolor sketch, about 5 x 15 inches. It is a study for a prayer shawl that will be about 24 x 72 inches.

Watercolor Sketch for Large Prayer Shawl

In December I posted two watercolor sketches (1) (2) that were studies for a large Jewish prayer shawl. The client asked for a third and final sketch, which is today's posting. Next week I'll post the finished silk prayer shawl that is based on this sketch. Stay tuned!

Gesture Drawings from Life

I'm continuing my participation in the Modeling Sessions that Kamillia organizes. We usually warm up with a series of 3 and 5 minute gestures drawings. Here are a few samples. Done on Bond paper with Caran D'ache watercolor crayons.

Thank you to Dean, Erika and Irit, who have recently tagged me or honored me with a blog award. I am really grateful to them all for their interest in my work and blog. Please visit their blogs to see the great art they are creating (If you love trivia, I played the tag game in November - you can find it in my blog archives...)!

Magnolia Pod Study

9 x 9 Watercolor Study

Watercolor Sketch for Silk Tallit (Prayer Shawl) #2

2nd watercolor sketch for a large Tallit. The sketch is 6 x 10, the tallit will be 43 x 72

Watercolor Sketch for Silk Tallit (Prayer Shawl)

When I am designing a new silk prayer shawl, I will often make a watercolor sketch of the design before hand. This design is for a very large tallit, about 43 x 72. The sketch is about 6 x 10.