Daily Sketching, Drawing Human Head Basics

We have one more sketch class before the Holidays, on December 13th, and the group requested we focused on faces.  In preparation for drawing from a live model I suggest filling some pages with basic head structure... 
the overall shape
the center line (that runs between the eyes and down the nose)
ear placement (between the eye line and the bottom of the nose)
and the lines for the mouth, nose and eyes.
Paying special attention to angle of the head - the way the eye line tips - up, down or straight on.

You can practice in a coffee shop, train station, on a bus, etc or grab a magazine and sketch as many heads as you can fit on a page.
Leave out the details for this assignment - right now you are looking only for the basic structure.  And getting comfortable with the placement and angles.
Have fun!
"You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh.” John Singer Sargent

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Gluten Free Apricot Chicken review

I am constantly in search of gluten-free dinner recipes - simple and flavorful are my biggest qualifiers. And on day that I am on the run - a crockpot meal will seal the deal!

The other day I felt I covered half the state of NJ and ended the marathon with a nighttime drive back from my daughter's basketball game in a combination of heavy rain, flooding, snow, sleet and fog! 

The light at the end of the stressful tunnel was Apricot Chicken waiting for us - hot, tender, flavorful and ready upon arrival!  


I found Stephanie O'Dea's Apricot Chicken recipe from A Year of Slow Cooking.  The apricot sauce was easy to make and started with a jar of Apricot Preserves... I used Polaner All-Fruit (clearly labeled gluten-free).

The only change I made to the recipe was the addition of 5 cloves of garlic, minced.  (We are a garlic loving family).
The aroma that met us when we dragged in wet, tired, cold was truly delightful.

The chicken with it's sweet and savory sauce were poured on piles of steamy rice - a huge success! It will be part of the regular dinner rotation going forward.

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Seeing it in Print!

 

I woke up before dawn on Thanksgiving day and had a little time to play with my paints and reflect on all that I am Thankful for... my family, friends, art group, teaching, my students, clients, fans, being able to create my art, my health, opportunities - I know how lucky I am as the list really is endless.

But my cup truly runneth over seeing my husband's book in print! Being able to create the art, and layout the cover, for him was my favorite art assignment of 2016!  I even took the author photo for him.

So, Santa busy as he is in his workshop, made an early trip to our house and dropped off a few copies.

You can find Matters of Convenience on Amazon, or put it on your Christmas list - it's a great read!

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Gluten-Free Cauliflower Toast

No cookies, no breads, no pizza, no cake. Yep, that's where I am right now.

I have given up all baked goods, even the safest, cleanest Gluten-free flours and baked goods. It seems my body isn't happy even with the binding agents, and I feel just so much better when I say, "No, thanks" and do without.  It was the dang ice cream with the added 'gums' that tipped me off.

The most evident sign that avoiding gums is working, is the sudden re-growth of my fingernails - my fingernails are always the key. 
Most days it really doesn't bother me (yesterday I baked brownies and really had no desire to indulge). To me how I feel is everything, and far outweighs giving up baked goods and the like. If I feel great and energized - I have no need for those foods. 
I did say most, though. Occasionally I crave something that resembles bread, or a crust, or a cracker.

Lucky for me there are amazing recipe developers out there (truly they are magicians!) coming up with muffins, pizza crusts, pizza crust, cookies, etc., that don't require flours or gum binding agents. They are my heros!
This weekend I tried the Cauliflower toast from The Delish website... oooh wee! 

From my 100 day series on instagram

LOVED it - and so did my daughter. Not quite sure I would call it toast, resembled more of a potato pancake. But, I would be quite happy to stack a burger on one, or the lovely combo of guacamole and a fried egg.  I had mine with a tomato and basil salad drizzled with olive oil.  It was divine!

illustration from Simply Gluten-Free Illustrated Workbook

So if you are in the mood for something different, and can embrace your inner messy (grating cauliflower goes everywhere!) I highly recommend giving it a try. Enjoy the gluten-free goodness!

If you enjoy my art you can find more in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.  Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

 

The Power and Versatility of Bananas, Naturally Gluten-Free

I love bananas and they have always been my fruit of choice, my snack on the go, nature's multi-vitamin, and my favorite yogurt add-in. I love that they are naturally protected from cross-contamination.  To me the perfect banana is ripe but right before the brown spots start appearing on the skin.  If they are too soft they start to lose their appeal, but become perfect for use in recipes.

Banana Pancakes. These babies have opened up my breakfast world again. I can't get enough of them, and I make sure I always have bananas in the house in various stages of riping. Who knew you could make pancakes from JUST bananas and eggs. Genius!  There are lots of recipes out there, but basically it is 1 egg to 1 ripe mashed banana. Just keep the pancakes small, and flip carefully - they are very delicate.

Banana ice cream. One ingredient. Bananas. Yes, that's all you need to make this guilt free creamy frozen treat.  You will need to cut up ripe bananas and freeze in advance. Definitely worth trying. This recipe is from The Kitchn

Banana Bread
I haven't tried this recipe from Civilized Caveman Cooking yet.. but it is on my list to bake some up soon!

Banana Muffins
Handy for on the go snacking!
   
You can read up on the
benefits of eating bananas while enjoying one of these delicious treats!

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my daily illustrations on Instagram

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Gravy

As a child I was always so excited to see the good china come out for the Holidays - especially when we were old enough, and deemed responsible enough, to handle the gravy boat.  The gravy boat always stood out as the coolest and most fascinating piece on the heavily laden table. They still fascinate me - the unlimited variety of shapes and curves, spouts, handles and accompanying spoons. So much fun.

 Well Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and all my good intentions of being ready in advance - this year, are once again slipping from my grasp.  (At least I am consistent)

 

Luckily there are some things are more of a 'day of' kind of thing, like gravy making. To me Thanksgiving isn't complete without mashed potatoes and gravy, a truly mouth-watering combination. I use Simply Gluten-Free's gravy recipe making my assignment for the Nov/Dec issue that much more fun!  

Working on that assignment inspired my gravy boats illustration. 

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, seeing the gravy boats come out - and getting to pour a generous amount - as I continue to deem myself grown, and responsible enough to handle the iconic boat!

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my daily illustrations on  Instagram

American Woman

"American Woman" watercolor & ink, 8x10, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Inspired by the 2016 Presidential election. Women make up half the population, in turn - hold half the votes. 

That power should never be underestimated, ignored or demeaned. 

A special thank you to the American Suffragettes who fought for our right to be heard - and counted!


You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a look at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram
 

Eating Chocolate, Drawing Chocolate

Today I am looking for joy and lightness of spirit. The weekend and current election climate and the high level of negativity and pain are weighing heavily on me.
I could stay buried under the covers eating chocolate all day, but not sure how much that would accomplish. 

Instead I am up, painting and preparing to sketch and paint chocolate! Which will bring me longer lasting happiness, and no guilt!

And hopefully shift my overall mood. It also serves to ease me into a productive day. What will you do today to bring joy?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

An Indoor Herb Garden - Fresh Herbs with Dinner

I am terrible with plants. I love them but they are pretty much in the process of dying while in my care.
The bad-with-plants expression is quite often referred to as 'A Black Thumb', but I prefer to call it a RED thumb.  Red being the opposite of green, seems a more accurate description.
Red like - STOP, before you kill that poor unsuspecting plant! 

But, though I truly stink at it, I can't help but keep trying. I love having fresh herbs and flowers around.  The aroma and the beauty are unmatched. As for cooking with fresh over dry - there is no comparison in flavor.

Now as we say goodbye to summer I have been possessed  to get an indoor herb garden set up. We have been in our house over a year I have identified the best spot for them to soak up the shining sun!  The ledge has been cleared, the area set, and I started with two plants from the kitchen window sill to pre-populate the spot. A basil plant and gerbera daisy.

From Simply Gluten Free Magazine July/Aug2016

Yesterday I added rosemary and cilantro. The smell of the rosemary in the living room is amazing. Looking forward to adding more to the garden and more fresh herbs to my cooking.

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Mushrooms in the Grass, Daily Sketch

 I start my day with an early walk or run, during which I get my thoughts in order.  Foremost in my daily planning is a sketch idea for the day... for me and for my drawing students.
There is no substitute for daily practice of your art. By applying, and challenging, yourself every day there is growth. 

"You can never do too much drawing." 
~Jacopo Tintoretto (Venetian Painter)

Today's drawing idea prompt is to find something that is normally overlooked. Something small and possibly mundane and bring it into the light, and life - on your page.
During my walk yesterday on a murky grey morning I spied 2 mushrooms growing in the grass along the sidewalk. After seeing them, I spotted another dozen mushrooms all along the way.  Taking the time to notice the first 2 triggered all the rest!

I had fun using creative license to create my little mushroom village.  What can you bring to light and life today?

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or take a peek at my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Dragonflies, Daily Sketch

Dragonflies can be found worldwide and symbolize a variety of ideas... prosperity, light, good luck, strength, adaptability, peace, harmony and wisdom. 

Most of all, they represent Change. 
Dragonflies are a symbol of transformation. It always gives me a charge to see one zipping by, and even more of a thrill when I can see the beauty of a dragonfly at rest.

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/edgardegas393298.html

“It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.” ~Edgar Degas

It is all very well to copy what one sees, but it is far better to draw what one now only sees in one's memory. That is a transformation in which imagination collaborates with memory.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/transformation.html

You can view my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

The traditional association of Dragonflies with water also gives rise to this meaning to this amazing insect. The Dragonfly’s scurrying flight across water represents an act of going beyond what’s on the surface and looking into the deeper implications and aspects of life. - See more at: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/meaning-symbolize.html#sthash.QTKg55N0.dpuf

Butter Coffee

There is butter.
There is coffee.
Both lovely in their own way. And in their own right.
I would have never thought to put them together. But after stumbling upon this odd and intriguing combination I had to try it. 
Basically replacing the milk with butter. Grass fed organic butter to be exact.  I decided to give it a try.

I love coffee with coconut oil. And I have been known to give my morning java a hit of chili powder to warm things up on a bitter cold January morning.
But butter... I am really not sure I like it.

It does soften the coffee so it is not quite like drinking it black.  It still has a bitter edge that I am not sure I would get used to. 
Or care to get used to - though it did inspire a fun sketch and colorful illustration - and anything that inspires my daily sketch is a win!

What I did learn from this experiment are the benefits of grass fed organic butter, which we will use from now on, whether it is in coffee - or on GF toast.



You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint. Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Looking for Sunshine, Daily Sketch

Day 6 of grey skies. We left summer behind and it seems the sun went with it.  Drags me down when we go this many days in a row without sunshine. Without brightness and sparkling light.  

The smoky cast over everything, the dark mornings,  the misty colorless afternoons.  It starts to wear on me when there is no sun to break it up.
So yesterday's drawing prompt for the sketch group I lead, was to draw something yellow. Look around and find something sunshiny- yellow!  Hoping that maybe as a group we could conjure the sun. And feel it's warmth by focusing and drawing yellow.

During my morning run a bright yellow leaf appeared along a stretch road that was all rust and grey and brown.  She stood out like a beacon of brightness, I knew then what I was going to sketch as I scooped her up.  Yes, she as this leaf had personality, it called out to me, and made me feel bright and happy and sunny.

For the rest of the run dozens of other yellow leaves stood out brightly - begging to be included.  By the time I arrived at home, I was carrying a bouquet of sunshine. 



You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

Do You Do What You Love Every Day?

I found this on Awakened Musings instagram page.
It immediately struck me - and I set to making my lists. At first glance I found I was including many of the things on my Happy List every day!  
But then I kept going, digging a little deeper, really thinking about my happiness list... and admitted to letting a lot slide by the wayside. Getting caught up in the daily to-dos and get dones, forever checking the calendar, the time, next, next, next... doesn't leave much space for it.

But this was an excellent reminder to take note of what does bring me happiness - the little things that make me smile, feel connected, content and joyful. 

Some were obvious to me like painting, drawing, mixing paint, walking/running, meditating and hugging my family.
 

But what about wearing beautiful shoes, drinking hot coffee and daydreaming as the sun comes up, deep belly laughs, poking around in a bookstore or antique shop, writing morning pages, and eating dark chocolate, to name a few.
This is certainly a work in progress and I intend to continue listing and adjusting, listing and adjusting. 


Will you take time to make yours today? 
And then, adjust accordingly...

 

Zinnias in Bloom

About 6 weeks ago I stumbled upon zinnia seeds on clearance and couldn't resist them. I knew it was really past their planting season but I bought the box anyway. I had just delivered a house portrait to a client and was captivated by the home directly across the street - with hundreds of zinnias in bloom.
Besides, I couldn't pass up a big box of seed for only 50 cents!  I figured there was enough time before the late fall frost to at least see some bloom.  
That evening my husband came home from work with the same box of seeds!  
Not just more zinnia seeds - but the identical box!

We were clearly of like mind that day so had to check the meaning and symbolism of zinnias and found out they have several meanings including: of the heart, lasting affection, and daily remembrance.
Very apropos!
It is also believed to mean joyous endurance - happy to bloom in the broiling heat of summer. My seeds survived a super hot and dry summer, and even with Fall right around the corner we have lots of joyous buds opening this week! They were my inspiration for my daily watercolor illustration.
Next spring I will be sure to plant loads of them so we can enjoy them all summer long.

You can see my more of my work in my Etsy shop Erin Go Paint.
Or check out my recent 100 Day Project on Instagram

 

Hurricane Spaghetti

Hermine came and went earlier this week, with little effect on Northern NJ.  I consider it very lucky that she turned out to sea - and hope we can get through the rest of the season with that kind of luck! 
But, that doesn't mean I wasn't ready. After living through Irene and Super Storm Sandy - I do not take hurricane threats lightly.  Best to be prepared with essentials, because we know what bad can be.

So I stocked up on bottled water, batteries, did a little baking, brewed just-in-case coffee, filled the gas tank, had cash on hand, and kept all electronics fully charged.  
And food. 
Gluten-free food that could be eaten as is, or cooked on the stove. We have a gas stove, which has been a lifesaver when we have been without power. (I will always choose a house - and stove - with gas!)

One of the warmest memories I have of Super Storm Sandy is cooking 'Hurricane Spaghetti' by candlelight, while my husband was getting a fire going in the livingroom. We ate dinner that night at the coffee table warmed by the roaring fire, and it is one of the loveliest memories I have. So while I was gathering essentials for Hermine's arrival, spaghetti was at the top of my list.

 Illustration from Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Sept/Oct 2016

 

Summer treats - Naturally gluten free

Summer is here and all the juicy, fun - and some of my favorite foods that go with it. SO happy that there are plenty of fresh naturally gluten-free options at the local farmer's markets in the area.

my all-time favorite fruit

I have been happily creating a watercolor illustration a day for my 100 Days Project, and just passed the mid-point this week. An excellent excuse to draw and paint food!

 

New Jersey sweet corn

 You can find me on instagram to catch the day to day posting of my 100 days

You can also see more of my art in my online store Erin Go Paint

Halfway to 100 Days - of watercolor illustrations

I was enamored with the idea of the 100 Days Project after seeing a friend, and fellow artist, Brooklyn Blue Day posting daily on Instagram.
So I made a decision to create a watercolor illustration for 100 days in a row... The process has had a tremendous impact on my art - and my life, and I will be sharing what I have learned soon.

                           Day 50 - Fresh Juicy Watermelon

Yesterday I celebrated the 50 Day mark!  It went SO fast and yet there were days that I struggled to make the time - or find the inspiration. But each day I persevered, and am looking forward to what comes up over the next 50 days.

Here are some of the crowd favorites from the first fifty....

 You can follow my daily progress on instagram at Erin Go Paint
And you can view my online portfolio at ErinRogersPickering.com

March April Sketch Class

***The first class will be WEDNESDAY MARCH 9TH. 

Regular/daily sketching is a challenge for professional artists, beginners and everyone in between - and yet it is the most recommended practice to: 

Improve your skills

Develop greater focus 

Sharpen observational skills

Experiment with new ideas/concepts.

The next Sketch course of 2016 has been scheduled for the following dates:
WED March 9
Tues March 22
Tues April 5
Tues April 19

7:00 pm - 8:30pm

At Geralyn's Art Studio, 103 Baker Street, Maplewood NJ 07040.

Details:

All levels welcome as everyone will work at their own pace/level.

$50 per person for a total of 4 sessions over a period of 8 weeks

Sketch from life, objects, people at meetings with Drawing exercises at each meeting

Sketch ideas and drawing prompt emails will be emailed every 3 or 4 days to help keep you going.

Shared creative environment

Accountability to help keep you sketching

Encourages daily sketching from life and observation

We are working on securing a clothed model for for two sessions - there will be additional model fee of $5.

Sketchers acquire all their own supplies (small portable sketchbook, pencil, a permanent marker, and a small travel watercolor set if you are interested in watercolor sketches). Choose a sketchbook that is easy to keep with you daily.

Facebook group page for members to share their sketches in between meetings.

To register contact Geralyn's Art Studio at 973-275-1966
Payment will need to be made in advance to reserve your space.  

There is a maximum of 14 students for this course.

Daily Drawing - ginger root

"You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh."   ~John Singer Sargent


May your curiosity, and your ginger, always be fresh!  
Love the knobby, woody crazy shapes of ginger roots.  
Oh, and that divine aroma.
The best cure for the stomach that ails you.

To view my online portfolio visit ErinRogersPickering.com
To view my shop please visit Erin Go Paint 

Daily Drawing - Fresh Limes

"I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have not really seen."
~ Frederick Franck

Limes - fresh, tart, juicy, and bright... using the wedges as I sketch.


To view my online portfolio visit ErinRogersPickering.com
To view my shop  please visit ErinGoPaint

Value and Perception

Anytime you devalue an artist, or a piece of artwork - asking for it to be less, or free - expecting an artist, an illustrator, a designer, a painter to work for nothing - or close to it... 
Just take a moment and think what this world would be like without the artists and creatives that have devoted their time and lives to honing, developing and perfecting their skills, their art and their craft.
Imagine a world without any art museums
or if every children's book was just text
if there were no illustrations in comic books
if every book cover was blank except for a text title, identical to all other books
if every painting in your home was a blank canvas
if every pattern on your linens, dishes, home decor and clothing were just a Blank White Space.

And when you de-value the art teachers that are inspiring and instructing the next generations of creators to reach their potential and use their God-given talent.. what if they weren't there to do their part? 

Imagine what a colorless, dull, uninspiring world we would live in.
Just imagine.


If you would like to see my work that is full of color and life, emotion and feeling please visit ErinGoPaint