A week full of fantastic things!

"It's the season of love!"

So, I've picked up a writing gig for SLAM - Support Local Arts Magazine, and I LOVE IT!!!! I'm having a lot of fun talking with other artists about their work, techniques, and their artistic endeavors. So far, I've interviewed three fantastic artists!  Two of the interviews are already released.  I interviewed professional artist Phil Jaeger who, in all honesty, has some seriously mind blowing art! The details in his work are absolutely incredible.  If I had to choose among my favorites I'd say I love his depictions of "Tortoise House," and "Owl Perch."  Now I could describe the paintings, but I really think they are something you should see for yourself!  Check out my interview with Phil Jaeger on SLAM!

I also had the chance to interview artist Ambre Wallitsch: Another incredible person who is truly passionate about her artistic pursuits.  In fact, she's so into her art she finds time to do it even after working a job and taking care of four children.  Some of her artwork relates to patriotic themes as well, and once you learn about her background, you'll understand why!  The pieces I enjoy the most are "American Eagle, " and "Too Sexy for This Hat!"  Check out my interview with Ambre Wallitsch on SLAM.

I've also got another interview waiting in the wings!  I've had a chance to talk with Bette Orr, a terrific retiree who is pursuing her art during her retirement years.  Bette's favorite medium is watercolor and her images are full of mixtures of vivid and soft colors and nature themes!  I'll be sure to supply a link once the interview is released!

Meanwhile, back on the farm, I've gotten another article up at The Magical Buffet, although I'm a bit late on announcing it!  Last month's column "Connecting the Dots - Journaling and Dream Connections," is available.  What's more, within a few weeks the February article will be available.  If you're wondering about February's theme, I'll give you a clue.  What does passion and abduction have to do with one another?  What's more, what do the two have to do with dreams, if anything?

Soooo.. while you're waiting to find out the answer to that one, on the same site there is now a review of the third book I co-authored "The Esoteric Dream Book."

Also.......( I told you I've been busy lol!).....

I maintain a column on Wicca and Paganism at the Examiner.com.  Now I have the title of Albany Dream Analysis Examiner on the same site!  You can access either column by clicking on the orange badges along the right edge of my blog.  If you like the articles, subscribe so you'll get updates when new ones come out!  To subscribe, visit any article and scroll down to the bottom.  There is a green button to the right that reads "Subscribe to this author."

Playing Catch Up! 29 Faces Post

Well, it's started out to be a crazy month!  It's amazing how much a minor cold can set you back.  I've managed to get some faces done though, and I'll be adding them here.  I'm hoping by the end of the week I'll be up to par again.  First, I attempted to draw Al Pacino...not sure if I'm really happy with the outcome, but I think I'll give myself an A for effort.;)

"Al," by Dayna Winters

The third face for 29 Faces is my attempt at drawing Adele.  I think I was a bit more successful in that regard...

"Adele," by Dayna Winters.

The fourth face is my attempt at Alllysa Milano.  It didn't work out quite the way I wanted, but I'm still quite pleased with the piece!

"Allysa," by Dayna Winters

The fifth face is what I feel is a failed attempt at drawing Josh Lucas.  I just couldn't get the piece to come out the way I wanted it to.  All in all though, I don't think it's a bad sketch.  I have a heck of a time trying to draw facial hair, and every once in a while I discover my sense of proportion seem off.  I still practicing and improving as I go....ah ekk....I'm  a diamond in the rough! lol :)  Now I only have four more faces and I'll actually be back on track. hmmmmmmm who to try drawing now????

It's Time February 2015 29 Faces!

"Anthony Hopkins," by Dayna Winters.

It's that time of year again, and I'm happy to be participating in this month's 29 Faces Challenge!  Admittedly, I'm already a day behind due to a cold I've developed, but I'll make up the difference later on this week. For today, I've attempted to draw Anthony Hopkins.  As I tried to draw his facial features, I realized just how much character his face has, and I found him extremely challenging to draw.  It's true what they say about art teaching you how to see.  When I'm drawing something I see so much more in the way of features and characteristics, versus when I'm just casually looking at something or talking to someone.  Art therefore brings a person outside of themselves, if only for a short while, where they can begin to see the world without the flawed lens of a barrage of thoughts, constant distractions, and blurred perceptions getting in the way.

I am in the process of trying to teach myself on how to improve on skin details and tone values. I've seen some terrific videos online revealing different techniques for creating skin and its little nuances.  Of course, I'm not using sketch pencils and I'm only using graphite which I found out is part of the problem.  Apparently, a graphite pencil cannot give you the different tonalities professional sketch pencils can. It doesn't matter how hard you press on the graphite pencil or don't, it's just not the same effect. Thankfully, I know I have a couple of sketch pencils around the house somewhere, and I've been meaning to try them out. This challenge might be the perfect opportunity to do so.

I'm still working on the finer details of how to draw mouths, lips, fingers and hands.  I feel like I'm making progress, but some days I feel like I've got a long way to go before I'm drawing with the level of skill I desire.  What's nice about the 29 Faces Challenge is I'm sure to get in on plenty of practice.  Also, I find I'm challenging myself more often to take on more challenging subjects.  I'm not sure if I'll use any other medium this month, but we'll see what my inspiration and muses bring me! :)

Until next time, blessings!