The Sketchables

Priscilla ~ Welcome to Valentine's Day Week

2012-02-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

Caleb always saved his masks from Halloween for Valentine's Day.

Kite Kid - Kelly

2012-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

My daughter likes to make paper kites. There has to be 30 of them around the house- as I cleaned my studio this week I found 15 more. They don't fly. She makes them really colorful with several layers of construction paper, glued on beads, colorful ribbons, etc. Then- she ties a long strand of kitchen twine to it and adds a tail. The tail has to be "special". Using a satin ribbon- I purchased to adorn her curly blond hair - she ties toys to the tail.

With full confidence in her aeronautic engineering, she takes the kite outside and runs, full speed - to make the kite fly. She has done this for an hour at a time only giving up- declaring that "It's just not windy enough."

I couldn't bring myself to throw out these kites. I have become all too aware that my time left with things like paper kites is very precious and winding down. She's 9 and 1/2. She's at the age when skepticism is waiting around the corner- magic is packing it's bags. She's still very much a believer in all things tooth fairy and Santa Claus- but I know- I don't have long.

One of these days, she will make a paper kite, deciding to leave off all of the beads and glue. She will think critically of the speed at which she will have to run and the direction the wind is blowing. She will untie the objects of her childhood- that are weighing it all down.

And the kite will take flight.

And so will she.

I wrote this blog post 3 years ago! - I just stole it from my blog. She's 12 now. No more kites are being made.-sniff. No tooth fairy. Santa ended this Christmas. The magic of childhood is like sand through my fingers. - Wwwaaaaahhhh! BUT - she has a wicked sharp sense of humor and a kind and loving heart. (and eyes that can roll forever) 'Tween years... a mother's purgatory.

Diandra- Kites

2012-02-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing like taking a friend out for a little air time.

Priscilla ~ Kites!

2012-02-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

It's all about Kites this week here on our blog because it turns out that February 8th is Kite Flying Day! Any and all friends who come to join us in this ~ awesome! The more the merrier!

Hobbies : Who knows what a kid will be in to?- Kelly

2012-02-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

Sara's Mom was worried that Sara's new hobby of protesting was a little out there. It might upset

the status quo a bit on the play ground or at play dates. Sara's Mom was also pretty darn proud.

Priscilla - Hobbies

2012-01-30T06:26:00.000-08:00


So what should my next collection be? We are all about hobbies this week because January is National Hobby Month!

Forbiden Love-Opposites

2012-01-27T04:31:00.000-08:00

Their love was forbidden. But they couldn't resist each other! Opposites attract...

Have a fabulous weekend all!
-Joy

Diandra- Opposites

2012-01-24T15:36:00.001-08:00

Priscilla ~ Opposites!

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

Poor Kevin. That nosy Melinda girl doesn't let him get away with anything, but he doesn't mind a bit. He knows that backwards is the opposite of frontwards. duh.

Opposite Day is Jan 24th! A very good reason for us to create some fun sketches and drawings this week we'd like to share with you! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit!

The "Joy" of Popcorn

2012-01-20T04:15:00.000-08:00

What could be more fun than having your dog balance popcorn on their nose? This takes a lot of training for sure. My dog, can not do this.

I think I'll go make myself some popcorn now.

Have a great weekend!
-Joy

Popcorn @ the Movies

2012-01-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

My favorite place to eat popcorn - it's just not the same anywhere else!

Diandra-Popping Into A Sticky Situation!

2012-01-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

Our duo has returned...a little older. (I think I like them younger.) Anyway, have you ever tried to make popcorn balls? Mucho butter is required! Here's a recipe if you'd like to try your hand.

Priscilla ~ Popcorn Fun Week!

2012-01-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

As National Popcorn Day falls on January 19th, we thought it would be a perfect week to celebrate this very fun and crunchy treat.

A little trivia ~ Did you know that Popcorn is the world's #1 selling snack food ?!

Check out these exciting Popcorn Party Ideas for your very own celebration! =)
(there's even instructions on making popcorn hats for your guests!)

And please do share your party pics with us all! (i'm chuckling)

Bubble Trouble

2012-01-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

I would probably never put the dog in the same bath as the boy, but if I did...

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Joy

Bubble Bath

2012-01-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Diandra- Bubble Bath

2012-01-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

Priscilla ~ Bubble Bath Week!

2012-01-09T11:24:00.000-08:00

Since Bubble Bath Day falls on Jan 8th, we thought we'd have some fun this week with bubbles and bathtimes of all sorts!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

What are you looking forward to in 2012? I'm looking forward to selling more books, spending more time painting and growing my illustration business this year. Ah, I love that new year smell - so fresh and full of possibilities!

2012-01-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!!

2011-12-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

Priscilla ~ The joy of it all

2011-12-05T00:00:00.001-08:00

Gratitude

2011-11-30T07:18:00.001-08:00

Most thankful for my family and my magical childhood that was filled with music, creativity, a never-ending supply of Crayola crayons and a bucket of Playdough.

I hope I created some of that magic for my children when they were little.

Guest Renee Kurilla- Gratitude

2011-11-29T06:15:00.001-08:00

Today's gorgeous sketch depicting gratitude is by the lovely and talented Renee Kurilla. If you'd like to see more of her work, visit her blog or her Etsy shop.

Priscilla ~ "Gratitude"

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Grateful for the big blue sky and trees and thinking and water and saved band-aids and my favorite book from the library and pretty leaves and air so we can breathe.

2011-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

This turkey was supposed to have painted, "Giving Thanks 4 All of You!", but obviously had her own plans. Funny how characters we sketch and draw can take on a life all their own. . .

We are Giving Thanks for all of you who stop by for a visit here week after week. =)

As we are taking this week off to enjoy the holiday ~ We say a very cheery Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Harvest- Joy

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have an illustration I did for the IF topic "propagate" (see it on my blog) last year. I figured I'd do a quick sketch showing the little girl about to harvest what she planted. It would be fun to actually complete this image and maybe even come up with some story.

Have a great weekend!
Joy

We have a BOUNTY of Friends - Thanks Kathy Blackmore

2011-11-17T06:06:00.001-08:00

When I think of an autumn harvest, I go back the apple picking excursions of my joyful youth. The Lynd Family would open a whole new field of apple trees in their Ohio orchard just for my family (we were/are so many!) Oh! the BOUNTY of sweetness - of all kinds.

I am grateful to be a part of this blog ~ where else to post a sketchy sketch than The Sketchables?
With joy ~ Kathy B

Katherine Blackmore is hard at work on her first picture book but took some time to pinch sketch for me! You can find her bounty of art @ http://www.katherineblackmore.com/

Harvest

2011-11-16T12:36:00.001-08:00

Harvest Success!

Farming is a lot of hard work, whether it's a tiny backyard garden or the back 40 acres. I raise my carrot in a salute to all those who bring us those yummy fruits and veggies.

I know our table next week will be filled with the season's best:

Pumpkin pie - that counts as a veggie right?

Guest Greg Matusic- Harvest

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Greg Matusic is pretty well known around the #kidlitart circles, but I thought I'd give him a chance to say hi to the rest of you folks. He's helping me out and sharing his interpretation of Harvest:

You can see more of Greg's fabulous work at his website and blog!

Priscilla ~ Harvest Fun This Week!

2011-11-14T00:21:00.001-08:00

Cozy- Joy

2011-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've been drawing a lot of kids for a while now and felt like mixing it up a bit. It's funny because I used to always draw animals. This is my second sketch. The first one was another drawing of my son and dog, and let's face it, I need get back to some variety :o). I do admit though, I thought of a mother and son and what could be cozier than a snuggle and nap? The image is drawn with pencil, then scanned into Photoshop and painted digitally.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by.
-Joy

Cozy - Heather

2011-11-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

A nice cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day.

Throw in a fluffy blanket and good book and that's my definition of cozy!

Guest Nina Crittenden- Cozy

2011-11-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Nina is doing this great project through November where she posts a page a day from a developing story. It's lovely work, really. You should go to her blog and see for yourself!

Priscilla ~ Cozy Week

2011-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

comfy pillows, warm blankets, toasty toes snug in soft, fluffy slippers, and a friend to enjoy = cozy.

Wanna trade?

2011-11-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

I remember, after the parents checked all the candy, making the trades. The candy bars were the biggest score in my book! Chocolate, chocolate, CHOCOLATE!!!

Hope you all had a sweet Halloween!

-Joy

Halloween After-Party Kid

2011-11-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Diandra-The After Party

2011-11-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

On those evenings in college when my friends and I had been out all night, we always ended up at the IHOP for post-evening refueling before crashing out at home. These ghouls and guys look like they're doing the same! What were some of your post-revelry habits?

Priscilla ~ The After-Halloween Party Week

2011-10-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

Pinata Girl will either be having a nightmare tonight, or her Vampire Brother will have his wish come true! Tune in each day this week to see just what happens after Halloween is over. . . !!

(by the way, hope your Halloween is a sweet one today!)

The Crypt Kicker 5 - Kelly

2011-10-27T03:56:00.000-07:00

The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds / Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds The coffin-bangers were about to arrive / With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"

Listen up all you Boys and Ghouls; It's the album every body is talking about! It'll make you rock -n- roll over in your grave!

Don't sit there like a zombie! Run out and catch this sound 'cause IT'S ALIVE!....IT'S ALIVE!

available on FAT-EL Records.

Diandra-Monster Mash

2011-10-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

"They did the mash

They did the monster mash

The monster mash

It was a graveyard smash"

I've had the idea for this sketch for at least a year. Every time I tried getting it on paper, it fell flat. This time it finally came out! I am loving my monsters boogeying on down. I want to take this to final-quality so I have work to do, least of all to change the setting, but I look forward to spending more time with these monsters. ;)

Priscilla ~ It's a Monster Mash theme week!

2011-10-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

"my monster needs some friends so they can have a mash party. i'm not sure what kind of party that is but it sounds fun."

Ghoulish Dirt Dessert!

2011-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I used to make a really simple and fun dessert to bring to parties. I don't remember what it was called exactly, but we'll just call it dirt dessert. All you do is mix chocolate pudding with some crushed up OREO cookies! I used to line a flower pot and fill it with the mixture, then put in fake flowers. For Halloween, you can have a lot of fun with it by adding things like gummy worms or whatever else you can think of!

It's fun and taste yummy, too!

Ghoulish Delights - Kelly

2011-10-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

Why did Frankenstein kill his Bride? Ok- She did reject him with the "OH HELL NO!" look to end all "Hell No!" looks... BUT... little known fact.... a tiny photo slipped from her dress, close to her heart, down to the floor. When Frankie saw this photo - it was a murder suicide of the undead kind.

What Frankie didn't know- was Elsa went abroad for a semester in college to study German Expressionism. While shopping for furniture at The Cabinets of Dr. Caligari - their eyes met over a nice end table. It was love at first fright. The love they shared burned as hot as a witch at the stake - and was as short lived. Their first passionate weekend away together on the French Riviera, The Count forgot himself and his sunblock. Their future went up in smoke. Elsa vowed over her dead body-she'd never love another. She went thru the rest of her days like a zombie. Heartbreak sucks.

Ghoulish Delights

2011-10-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Monkey Brains - EWWW!

www.heatherpowersart.com

Diandra-Ghoulish Delights

2011-10-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

What's more ghoulish and frightening than a witch fattening up a child so she can eat him?!

I love our topics for this month but I am having the hardest time getting pencil to paper, so I thought I'd share this old comic panel. (Note the dot eyes, the overworked watercolor and scanner induced color blow-out-augh!) I'd like to think I've grown significantly since this piece.

Priscilla ~ Ghoulish Delights!

2011-10-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

who wouldn't love a yummy six-legged-grape-eyed peanut butter and jelly sandwich?! ....right?
this week will be a blast, as we share our Ghoulish Delights with you all! Hope you're hungry.....!

The Pumpkin - Kathy Blackmore

2011-10-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin

"Oh! - fruit loved of boyhood! - the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!"

~ John Greenleaf Wittier (1850)

May your Jack-o-lanterns effectively guard against nasty spirits! ~ Kathy : )

I am very grateful for carving out friendships with my fellow illustrators. Thanks Kathy for filling in!
You can see Kathy's Tricks and Treats HERE.

joy-o-lantern...HA!

2011-10-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

It's amAzing some of the jack-o-lantern designs people come up with! So cleaver and fun. I can't wait to create a jack-o-lantern with my son for the first time. Not to mention, just seeing his expression when he sees one!

Happy carving!

-Joy

Jack-O-Lantern

2011-10-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

You know, some of us are planners and need to have that face planned out perfectly before we start carving.

www.heatherpowersart.com

Guest Post-Nina's Jack O' Lantern's

2011-10-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

"I'd imagine that a scary witch would prolly carve happy faces into her pumpkins. "

(Thank you so much for helping out in a pinch, Nina! You're a real peach!)

Priscilla ~ Jack-O-Lanterns this week!

2011-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

"We're all in this together", sang the huddled bunch of fall friends.

And here below was my inspiration ~ a mini pumpkin that was just begging to have a bit of personality.

Fall means...PUMPKIN PANCAKES!!!

2011-10-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

In our house, we watch the shelves of Trader Joe's at this time of year. Only in Fall do they carry their pumpkin pancake mix. It is mmm, mmm GOOD! We were so excited to see our old friend again, we bought TWO boxes!

Hmm, I think I'll go and make some now...

Do you have a favorite goodie you like this time of year especially?

Thanks for stopping by!

-Joy

Fall for it! - Kelly

2011-10-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

She felt more colorful than ever.

It was her season to express herself.

So much beauty bursting all around,

she would take it all in

and

glow from the inside out.

Fall Means...

2011-10-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a second spring

when every leaf becomes a flower.

- Albert Camus

www.heatherpowersart.com

Diandra- Fall Means...

2011-10-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

When I was thinking about this week's theme, I went on and on listing my favorite parts of my favorite season: Cinnamon, sweaters, baked goods, apples, more baked goods, crisp breezes. Then I had a truly "duh" moment. In Texas, Fall means FOOTBALL!

Football is one sport I do enjoy watching. Hockey is a blast, baseball is okay, basketball is a snooze, but football is wrapped up in so many of my memories of Fall in Texas, that I have a hard time separating the two. In fact, when my husband and I were dating, football games were a significant part of our courtship. (Touchdown= a kiss from your sweetheart) Nowadays we don't go to so many games, but my husband is already looking forward to the day when we can bring our kids are old enough to go see this in person.

Priscilla ~ Fall Time Favorites

2011-10-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Candy Corn and Candy Apples ~ two of my favorite fruit and veggies during the Fall season!

"Three is the Magic Number" -Joy

2011-09-30T03:09:00.000-07:00

Yes it is, it's the magic number...

"A man and a woman had a little baby.
Yes, they did.
They had three in the family.
That's a magic number."

Who didn't LOVE Schoolhouse Rock?! That's how I did most of my learnin'. Just brilliant and a fun way to educate. To this day, there's nothing like it.

I picked "Three is the Magic Number" because my husband and I added a little baby to our family this year, and of course this was the first Schoolhouse Rock song that came to mind :o).

Check out the rest of the words to the song here.

The YouTube video is here

Do you have a favorite song from Schoolhouse Rock?

Thanks for stopping by!
-Joy

Kelly unpacks her adjectives...

2011-09-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

A child of the seventies. She was very Peppermint Patty, that camper-girl. Tom boyish. Now she's a Mom, with three little not so happy campers of her own. She escapes online and looks up her old pals and unpacks her adjectives once again.

I really wanted to sing this song- and post it up- I know it by heart. That's the thing about Schoolhouse Rock! - the genius. They taught us thru song. They found a way to make it fun and it stuck! 35 years later- I can sing every song. And I still love them.

Watch the video HERE

Got home from camping last spring...

"A Shot Heard Round the World" - Michelle Henninger sees the whites of their eyes...

2011-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

As a former New Hampshirite, (I lived in New Hampshire for almost 10 years, right on the border of Massachusetts) and as a total history nut, New England was the perfect locale for me!! I had access to all that Revolutionary War history, and you better believe I ate it up! Whenever we had company in town, we always made a point to visit the Old North Bridge and Concord and Lexington. AND then when we got home from the day's outing ... we'd pop in the ole SchoolHouse Rock DVD and we'd watch "A Shot Heard Round the World" and as soon as they got to the Old North Bridge part, we'd all say "We were there, we were there!!" Ahhh, yup. Those sure were some good times!!

http://www.michellehenninger.com/
http://www.michellehenninger.blogspot.com/

A BIG SKETCHABLES! Thanks to Michelle for Subbing in for Heather today! She rocked the Schoolhouse Rock!

Diandra-Conjunction Junction

2011-09-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Conjunction Junction, what's your function?

Hooking up two boxcars and making 'em run right.

Milk and honey, bread and butter, peas and rice.

Hey that's nice!"

This song has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I used it when I was teaching grammar units. I even taught my seventh grades students to diagram conjunctions by boxing them in. Of course, several of them would go the extra step and add wheels. ;)

Perhaps my favorite part of sharing these songs with my students was seeing 12 year old's forget that they were trying so hard to impress each other and sing these songs.

Priscilla ~ School House Rock! Week

2011-09-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Now everybody try to find a good hiding place. This ol' tree is gonna be the base. I'm gonna close my eyes and hide my face and count to a hundred by fives.

Ready? Go!

This week we are going to have some School House Rock fun!
My pick from the song list is "Ready or Not, Here I Come!" (click to read the whole song!)

It is going to be a GREAT week! October is almost here!!

Teacher's Pet- Joy

2011-09-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my quick sketch for "Teacher's Pet". It's the typical cliche, but I wanted to focus on expressions. I left the sketch real messy, too. The pop of a color object is something I've been playing with lately as well. Just tried to have fun with this one in the limited time I had to work on it (notice the Photoshop paste job on some things I didn't want to take time to draw, heh). If I took this farther, I'd add some details like backpacks and the like.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks!
Joy

"Teacher Pet" - Kelly

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I took the " 'S " out. From teacher's Pet- to - Teacher Pet, and played fast and loose with this week's theme. I had the same idea as D, a teacher who was a monster... with normal kid. I spent 4 days this past week cleaning out my studio. I found a lot of old sketches - this being one of them. I went back into it a bit to come up with this idea.

When eighth graders in MR. Hopper's biology class are faced with dissecting frogs, vegetarian Harper Brody is a conscientious objector. Mr. Hopper, a man of science, threatens to fail her. Lucky for her, her science partner, Matt Fulford (who is crushing on her) is the son of the wealthiest man in town who owns the Pharmaceutical company at the top of the hill. Matt will use any diabolical means necessary to get Harper to go to the eighth grade dance with him. Taking the class on a tour of the lab - He merges their science teacher with a frog.

Mr. Hopper never saw them coming.

Chaos, adventure,weird science, animal rights and young, crazy love .... sounds like a good book, huh?

Diandra- Teacher's Pet

2011-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

No matter how hard he tried, Simon just did not understand how things worked at his new school.

Priscilla ~ It's Teacher's Pet Week!

2011-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is coming!

2011-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love Fall, especially after a particularly HOT Summer. It's just a beautiful time of year. I can't wait to share my son's first Fall with him. We read "I am a Bunny" illustrated by Richard Scarry. Harrison loves looking and grabbing at the leaves on the page where Nicholas says, "In the fall, I like to watch the leaves falling from the trees." All of the lovely fall colors...

Plus, I just look better in my fall wardrobe, hehe. No shorts for these white legs!

Do you have distinct seasons where you live?

Thanks for visiting us!

-Joy

Fall is for Squirrels - Kelly

2011-09-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is for squirrels. The joyous abundance of nuts falling off the trees.. makes them want to dance. You've seen them move- with the ease and lightness of Astaire. Their swooping tails like the chiffon of Ginger's dress... strike up the band with some sweeping melody and watch the show. It's pretty colorful! I love Autumn.

You can see the squirrels dance more over on my BLOG

Diandra - Fall

2011-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hide and Seek is a big deal in our house. It's so funny to watch a four year old and one year old play. They hide right out in the open, but the other one won't see them! ;)

Priscilla ~ Hello there, Fall!

2011-09-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

A good time to grab and enjoy all the possibilities this season has for us to find, learn and enjoy, don't you think?

Joy- Tools of the trade for me

2011-09-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here's what I work with now-a-days: Sketchbook, mechanical pencil with 0.7 2B lead and my finished, painted work is done in Photoshop on my iMac.

This fabulous group of ladies here on The Sketchables have really helped me to use my sketchbook more. In my sketchbook, I've been doing more exploring with composition, character designs and just ideas in general. I still draw directly in Photoshop most times, but I can do the studies and research in my sketchbook first.

What's your medium of choice?

Thanks for stopping by!

-Joy

I'm an art supply adultress (Kelly)

2011-09-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, Prismacolor Col-Erase 20044, you and I have had a good run. Your long blue point and scratchy pull on curves have held me in your spell for 23 years.

But Col.. I've met someone else.

It's Palomino 602 - and well - we've been seeing each other, everyday.

I couldn't help myself. I'm one in a long line to fall under Palomino's spell. Just knowing the hands that have held that hematite toned length gives me goosebumps. Chuck Jones had a long love affair himself.

"Half the pressure- Twice the speed" ....

It taunts me with promises of an experience like no other.
You know I like a sharp, sharp point. It can hold the point for a really long time.

The erasers - come out. They flip. They are replaceable too. Palomino is flexible.

I'm sorry to hurt you Col-Erase. But it's better that you know.

If you'd like to find out for yourself.. Palomino's available. Contact @ Pencils.com but please, be gentle.

Back to School Supplies

2011-09-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

As a kid back to school meant one thing -

new art supplies!!!

Now, as a working mom it means 8 hours of quiet to get things done, finally!

I just moved to Michigan and have the watercolors out and ready for action.

My favorite set is this Van Gogh travel watercolor collection.

As you can see it's well loved.

If you could splurge on one new supply this week to celebrate back to school what would you get?

I would like a nice juicy collection of thick Arches watercolor paper - so buttery and yummy.

Priscilla ~ Back To School Something New

2011-09-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

New school shoes were definitely one of my most favorite things about going back to school!
Other favorites ~ the fragrance of crayola crayons and pink pearl erasers. The inside smell of a brand new lunch pail was pretty neat, too.

Cheers to all who have little ones starting off to school this fall!

Time for some schoolin'!

2011-09-02T03:34:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to do another alphabet series and figured I'd start them off for this week's back to school topic. Hopefully I'll get to actually work on more of these sometime. These were pretty fun!

Thanks and have a great weekend!
-Joy

Back To School and back to the Sketchables!

2011-09-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

We're back sketching here on The Sketchables!!

We have all enjoyed our summers and our time off. Some of us got to see each other out in Los Angeles at the SCBWI Summer conference. Priscilla, Diandre and I (Kelly) took in a huge amount of inspiration. Joy and Heather have been spending quality family time- Joy with her new baby and Heather - moving to her beloved home state of Michigan.

So- without further ado....

It's Back to School!

When Dante was writing his Inferno... with those nine circles of Hell -

he forgot one - Middle School.

Maybe he didn't forget.

Maybe he just couldn't bring himself to revisit it.

The lock. The locker. The class changing.

The pimples. The puberty.

The crushes. The heart break.

The bad hair.

The growing pains.

The friendship hop scotch.

The Gym classes.

The way your parents become idiots over night.

(Or at least "weirdos")

The intensity of feeling that we experienced in middle school- just never happens again. EVERYTHING is the most important thing ever.

They'll get thru it. They'll run that 3 year gauntlet- and cross the finish line.

The prize on the other side- a firmer grasp on knowing who you are- and who you can be.

But - Oh boy, I don't envy them at all.

Group Hiatus

2011-07-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Sketchables are taking the month of August off.

We'll see all of you back here on September 5th!

Little Jack Horner

2011-07-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

I figured a little Christmas in July wouldn't hurt!

-Joy

Diandra- Pie

2011-07-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

When your Momma makes your very favorite pie, who can wait until it's cooled?

Priscilla~ Pie

2011-07-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

Ooooh, Can you guess that's my top favorite pie? WHAT'S YOURS ???

Joy- Picnic

2011-07-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

I figured, who likes picnics more than bears!

This had to be a quick one! I would have liked to push this one a bit farther and also reworked the characters. Right now I feel like I kept them too close to real bears or at least didn't develop the characters as well as I could. Oh well, chalk this one up to something I can rework later, I guess.

Thanks for stopping by and for any comments!
-Joy

It's no picnic -Kelly

2011-07-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

It's no picnic when you have a goal- a clear definite sign post in the road that you know you are headed to and all bloody H-E-double hockey sticks breaks loose. My computer has been dying, it died. BUT I got a new one! BUT it is still not set up completely. BUT it is faster! BUT I still have Photoshop from 2006. Ongoing freelance- that I thought would hold off until after SCBWI LA... has resurfaced. These things are not truly terrible but are enough to throw me off my Sketchables game. Apologies for no "Picnic" post. Just trying to get some new stuff done for LA. And going to a horse show today for the kid in 100 degree weather. I hope you all stay cool and get to have a real picnic with no ants!!!

Diandra-Picnic

2011-07-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

A sweet little picnic with Momma and son.

Priscilla ~ Picnic Time

2011-07-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

with a good friend - and a great sense of humor - every day can be a picnic!

the "joy" of ice cream

2011-07-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, I LOVE ice cream! The rich decadent stuff and anything chocolate. But, let's not forget those tasty ice cream treats, the fudgcicle, the ice cream sandwich and those super yummy chocolate covered cones with the chocolate in the bottom!

Hope your Summer has been full of all sorts of treats and fun!

-Joy

Ice Cream, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Kelly

2011-07-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by D's Mom. The Super Sized Soft Serve. I must admit- was never a fan of soft serve growing up. My husband converted me with Mr. Softee. Down the shore in NJ- no Mr. Softee. I had NO IDEA! It is the best vanilla (also not a vanilla girl... like chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate on top) If you are in the NY area- and have not spied a Mr. Softee truck on a street corner or heard the jingle wafting thru the summer air.... Have no fear!! My husband and I are hot of the truck's trail!- We have been known to stalk our local Mr. Softee.

Mr. Softee:
http://youtu.be/bDXL90KXPHQ

Favorite Ice Cream Flavors:

1. Ben and Jerry's peanut butter cup
2. Herrell's - local scoop shop in NOHO, MA - chocolate peanut butter (best home made hot fudge in the world)
3. Mr. Softee vanilla with chocolate dip - that gets crunchy and the ice cream melts out all over the place

Diandra-Ice Cream: Frozen Delight

2011-07-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

My top ice cream flavors are:
*Mint (not the disgusting kind that's colored green) with a fudge swirl
*Strawberries & Cream
*Butter Pecan (oh, mama! This is my go-to flavor)
*Cookies & Cream
*Dulce de Leche

On a road trip home this Spring, my mom and I stopped at a DQ for a dipped-cone. You know, a little treat to hit the spot? Well, mom's sweet tooth was hollering something fierce so she said, "I think I'll have a large!" When the drive-thru window opened up, my jaw just about hit the steering wheel. That sucker was ENORMOUS. Mom yelped, "Oh my God, take it back!" I just about died laughing handing the girl our money. We pulled away and every time I looked at that monster cone I lost it. My small looked positively petite! Mom eventually ate the entire cone, and when she was done she declared she couldn't eat any ice cream for the rest of the year. Moral of the story? Be careful what you wish for!

Priscilla ~ Ice Cream/Sundae Time!

2011-07-11T01:32:00.000-07:00

This week it's all about that cool, refreshing treat we love, because July is National Ice Cream Month!

Here is my quick, rough sketch ~ the very initial sense of what this image would include. The amazingly yummy thought of a sundae including my top favorite ice cream flavors! Sadly, Ben & Jerry's Wavy Gravy flavor is no longer with us. =o( My utmost favorite B&J flavor EVER.

i just love lime, too. the color. not the flavor.

The "joy" of the 4th of July!

2011-07-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

The first thing that came to my mind for this topic was a 4th of July parade! I have many memories of being in the neighborhood parade as a child. Great fun!

I hope everyone had a fabulous celebration!

-Joy

Bomb Pops!! -Kelly

2011-07-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Bright sun. Hot Curb. Burnt Skin. Jingly Bells of the Ice cream truck. Red. White. Blue. Bomb Pops.

One always drops.

Summer.

Red, White and Hey You!

2011-07-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

"Hey, if you give me your dessert I'll let you take a turn on the swing."

Diandra-Red, White and Blue

2011-07-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Can you hear "Stars & Stripes Forever?" I sure can!

Priscilla ~ Red White & Blue, we celebrate YOU!

2011-07-04T01:27:00.000-07:00

Wishing you the most joyful and sweetest 4th of July today!

All week long we'll enjoy sharing our Red, White and Blue sketches and images!!

I'm very excited to see what sparkles across our blog this week!

The "joy" of camping

2011-07-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

Little did the wiener dog know, that there would be scarier things than ghost stories at the campfire that night...

HA!!

Have a great weekend!!

-Joy

Camping - Lost sketch-Kelly

2011-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

I drew a SMOREMAN attacking D's kids. D's first "Fan Art". Photo Shop locked up- and kablooey... no more smoreman.

So- I doodled this super fast. I get eatin' alive by mosquitos. I'd need a personal mosquito net to enter the woods.

Diandra-Camping

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's theme fit in perfectly with mu current WIP! These two are a quick value sketch, and are part of a much larger forest scene I'm experimenting with in Photoshop. I'm putting in the values in first, then laying a transparent color on top. I'm tentatively liking the results so far. Any idea what they're looking at?

Priscilla ~ Camping Week!

2011-06-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Camping can bring about new friendships!

"Tickled Pink"

2011-06-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

I've got my baby boy on my brain, so here is one of him "tickled pink" about one of his favorite toys! It never fails, if he's upset or crying we just pull out "yellow dog" and shake him about and the kid starts smiling and laughing.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

-Joy

Tickled Pink with Heather

2011-06-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is a watercolor sketch from a few months ago. I just spent 24 hours on the road driving home from an extended early summer vacation. I'm feeling all sorts of post-vacation blues today - so this is a nice jolt of color to pick me up!

Are you tickled pink or singing the blues today?

Or yella' bellied

or green around the edges

or green with envy?

Or maybe you are white as a ghost looking at your to-do list

or chasing rainbows as you dream impossible dreams!

PINK - has gone to the dogs. Kelly

2011-06-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

Head is in a strange place today.
I do think the dyed dogs look pretty p-o'd, don't you?
Happy weekend at The Sketchables! Priscilla and I get to see each other! Have a good one!

Diandra-Pink

2011-06-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be a simple sketch featuring a sweet moment, but as often happens when I'm developing a backstory for an image, the rest of the story demanded to be told!

Chivalry never goes out of style. ;)