Art Cove Drawing

I was exploring the new neighbourhood when i was thinking about how long ago it was that i last actually drew something. I should really draw again. All of my creativity once started with drawing and nowadays i spend way too little time doing just that. Well i haven't been spending time creating a lot else than digital illustrations, but that was due to the circumstances of moving around all the time, and not having my crafty supplies nearby.

Anyway, i was walking and thinking when i looked up and across the street from where i was walking and saw this small shop called the art cove. It looked a bit dusty but had an 'open' sign on the door. So i crossed the street and wondered in. It truly was like a cove. Small and filled from top to bottom with crafty supplies. One of those places where you could just discover anything unexpected but oh so needed.
A sweet old lady appeared from the back asking me if she could help me with anything. Yes, i'm looking for a small sketchpad. She knew she had to have one still somewhere. But where was it? Ohoh she knew she saw it just the other day. A lot of stuff was moved around and lifted to see if there was a sketchpad waiting for me behind or under it. She was a very determined lady and finally she found it. Is this what you are looking for love? she asked me. After all she did to dig it up i couldn't even say no, and i didn't want to, because if felt like faith that this little cove was here just when i was thinking about drawing again. She rang me up and i walked out happy as can be.

Next on my list of things to buy for the new apartment is a scanner/printer combo. Left mine behind in Amsterdam. Didn't fit in my suitcase.

Cute (old) Drawing

Recently came across this old drawing i did somewhere in 2000. Didn't have a blog then so never showed it before. I think i drew it based on other manga pictures but i'm not sure, don't really remember where and why i made it.
If anyone recognizes this girl from a manga cartoon, let me know!

Beautiful Pyglet Postcard

I felt so special receiving this gorgeous postcard from the talented Dani over at pyglet whispers. I adore it. Front and back! I love the work she showcases on her blog, and now i have my own little piece of pyglet's art! Will treasure it. For now it got a temporary, but prominent place in my bookcase.
(And posting this gives me a reason to finally show "a little corner of my home".)

I'm in love with my new marker!

I must admit. I have never owned professional markers before. I always just used the packs of markers kids play with. Of course i noticed difference between different brands and i preferred one over the other, but never did i buy professional art markers. The other day when i was in the Blick artstore i found myself standing in front of this entire isle of markers and i couldn't control myself any longer. I needed to buy one. They all were waiting to be used, this whole spectrum of colors. Buy hey, I'm on a budget. I can't afford luxuries like that. But it's for my artwork right? I need it right? It will make my work better right? (hearing myself convincing me to at least buy one).
So i gave myself permission to buy exactly one. No more. I carefully deliberated and choose a pink/red marker.
And now i can't stop sketching anymore. It feels so tremendously good drawing now. The tip just flows over the paper. I want more good markers! I want all colors! I don't want to be on a budget. I want to splurge and treat myself to markers in every color of the rainbow! (or at least a couple more? maybe?).

For your viewing pleasure I'll leave you with some pics of the great range of gorgeous papers they had. I could control myself. For now.

Current mosquito bite count: minus 6 (they will disappear eventually!), plus 8 = 45
Today i had to use ice to get some swellings down. Not even funny anymore... I'm officially not sitting outside on the stoops in the evening anymore.

Old school gradient (before there was Photoshop)

Going through an old (and almost forgotten about) stack of papers, I found these drawings I did a long time ago.

Making drawings like this was my favorite pastime activity during highschool. Yes, I know, I wasn't supposed to be... hehe.

I remember using purple and pink ink to get the gradient going on.

The black and white one I've made on this huge piece of school testpaper.