"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

This quote comes from the wonderful Dr. Seuss. I think it's an interesting thought and a unique way to tackle problems, so I though I'd share :)

I was wishing I had more to post on here, but pieces of art do take me a while, especially with the rest of my busy life! So, I realized that a lot of my favorite works I do are in my sketchbook. I also just got a new sketchbook that I LOVE. It's nothing really special, but it's spiral bound with nice big, crisp, clean, white pages. What could be better? :) When I want a break, I love to just sketch, and I decided I would share some! I experiment with techniques, references, and reflect on them (which is sometimes annoying, but I've learned that it's an important part of growing as an artist).

Speaking of the importance of sketchbooks, every artist must have one! Actually, I think everyone in general could benefit from keeping one, but that's a bit of a stretch... It's more than a place to draw. You don't have to be pressured to make a perfect piece of artwork every time you pick up a pencil. You can create and experiment, and more importantly journal your thoughts about your work, your day, or your life. In IB, we have learned to do lots of research as well, which really helps you grow as an artist. I research everything from movements in art history, specific artists, techniques, mediums, photography, and more! Other people can provide lots of info for you to steal :) A summary of an IB sketchbook? The three R's: Research, aRt, and Reflection! Try it. Go to Michael's (one of my favorite stores) and pick out a sketchbook. Buy some pencils, markers, charcoal, or whatever floats your boat. I promise it will be good for you :)

This is a picture I printed from sodahead.com (it's important to cite your research and references!). I did the pencil drawing first, which I think turned out pretty, but not too exciting. Then I thought of the color idea. I sketched it in pencil first and then colored the marker over top. It reminds me of Andy Warhol, one of my favorite influences, and his bold but minimalist style. I like the color choices of the soft pink and the bright blue. I think if I did it again I would make the eyebrow less thick or less dark because I think it takes away some of the soft feminine look of the picture.

I printed this picture from free-extras.com. I have heard that a mark of a true artist is the ability to draw hands. It sounds ridiculous, but they are actually quite tough to get accurate. They have some crazy proportions going on. I did this in charcoal and was quite happy with the way it turned out, but I definitely need some more practice to perfect my "hand drawing"! I'll keep you updated :)

Enjoy sketching! I know I will!

-Sarah

As Promised

As promised, I have pictures of my work!

Here are the completed pieces I have so far:

1. Lost Lake

Acrylic

2. Marilyn Monroe

Oil pastel

This was actually made in 2-D art class sophomore year, but I'm putting it in my show since it fits my theme!

3. Natural Beauty

Pastel

4. Glasses Series

Watercolor

 5. A Classy Lady

Marker

6. Marilyn on Film

Watercolor

7. WWII Girls

Charcoal

8. Self-portrait

Acrylic and ink

9. Figure Drawings

Marker

These were originally just my plans for the charcoal drawing of the WWII girls, but Dr. Francisco loved them. I'm not sure yet what I want to do with them, or if I will put them in the show, but I figured I'd put them up!

10. Jack and Mason

Charcoal

And now, here are the two pieces that I have "in the works":

This is a picture of the mirror I want to use for the shattered mirror project! I wasn't sure how to photograph it, since it's a mirror and obviously reflects. I took it this way, though, and I loved it! I just thought it was an interesting angle, and I knew I was going to have reflections no matter what. The lines/words you can see are just practice for the painting that I want to do with the words. The heart will be in the very center, where it is going to be smashed! :) I can't wait!

Here are the two pieces of masonite that I have cut out with the jigsaw. It was fun to use :) I have now painted the eyelashes part black, and the iris of the eye is going to be a mosaic of blue glass. I am curious to see how this turns out since I am not usually good at 3-D and I have been thinking about this one for a while.

Hope you enjoy the updated projects! Now I'm back to doing art research and a biology lab...

-Sarah

Final Steps

So, I'm currently finishing up my work from this year and planning to post lots of pictures soon. For IB Art, we have to send out a "CRB" (Candidate Record Book) for the examiner to look through before our big show. What that means is that I took lots of pictures of my work (that I will post!), as well as important research from my sketch book. I'm working on my artist's statement as well, which is a fancy way of saying "What I did this year...". It's a bit tougher than I thought, but it will talk about: 

• My artwork
• My inspiration
• My influences
• My definition of beauty

I have a lot of ideas for projects still, but I will have to wait until after the art show. Right now, I have to get everything all pretty for my show!

I'm pretty excited about the project I need to finish right now because it's a very symbolic piece (unusual for me, since I tend to go for pretty pictures instead of deep meaning). It's going to be a mirror with this awesome frame. I found it at Salvo and I was VERY excited! I want to paint words of inspiration, definition, synonyms, and other quotes about beauty across it in black acrylic. In the center will be a red heart. Finally I want to smash the center of the mirror to symbolize breaking stereotypes and expressing individuality. If you can't picture it, just wait! I'm excited to finish it soon so I will keep you updated :)

I promise pictures of my 12 finished pieces as they come along!

-Sarah 

Update

I haven't posted in ages! I was waiting to post this one until after Christmas because I gave it to my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas. It's a charcoal of my nephews, Jack and Mason. They are the cutest 3 year olds I know :)

I had a lot of fun drawing this. My favorite part is the charcoal shading, but I started this one by doing a grid so I should get the proportions right. Even though its kind of bring, it's worth it to save frustration, I think. I wasn't sure how the detail on the shorts would come out, but instead of trying to be precise, I just drew the idea/suggestion of plaid as the shorts folded. I am very happy with the detail and shading, and of course they were a fun subject to draw!

Jack and Mason
Charcoal
2011

"I am a deeply superficial person."

A lot of my artwork is influenced by Andy Warhol. I love the graphic look he uses, with simple yet bold lines and the personality he portrays in his subjects. 

One of my favorite subjects! Who doesn't love Marilyn?

Edie Sedgwick: I love this piece. It is so simple yet beautiful.

These flowers are so pretty, they just have to make you happy! And that is something that art should do, right? Okay, not all art is happy, but everyone should own a piece of artwork that brings them joy.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I made this when I was 9 years old for my brothers christmas decorations :) Hahahahah!

Words of Wisdom

Here are some words of wisdom I found about beauty... I found some of them quite inspiring :)

• Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile.
• She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
• Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror. (Khalil Gibran)
• She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans.
• I wonder how often in the past I may have missed the good in people because I pre-judged, based on differences?
• "Gimme that girl with her hair in a mess, sleepy little smile with her head on my chest. That't the you that I like best, gimme that girl." (Gimme that Girl by Joe Nichols)
• Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. (Marilyn Monroe)
• To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
• Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. (Marilyn Monroe)
• Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I'm just a girl who wishes for the world. (Marilyn Monroe)
• I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles. (Audrey Hepburn)
• For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. (Audrey Hepburn)