Diva Challenge #25 - "Zendala Magic"

Weekly challenge #25 over at I am the Diva was to create a Zendala using a template that was provided by Genevieve. This is what I came up with. This is the most fun I have ever had creating a Zentangle and my first attempt at a Zendala. I loved doing this!!!

DREAM Series #8

Another one from back in April. I like the blue and I like the contrast against the black, but I don't like how the black marker left streaks.

Diva Challenge #23 (stripes)

This week's Zentangle at I am the diva is called string theory II: stripes. The string needed to be created using straight lines. I really enjoyed this challenge and am starting to feel more creative. Can't wait until school ends next week so I can focus more on my artwork!!

Dream - Woody

Another Dream drawing. Again, done with markers. At this point I was really starting to get comfortable with using the markers. If you have never tried doing a series I highly suggest it. I have been learning so much by doing these drawings. It has been the best experience!!

Diva Challenge #23: String Theory

I am the diva weekly Zentangle challenge for this week was called "String Theory". A string was provided and we just needed to fill it in with our tangles. This was what I came up with. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Dream - Faces (#6)

This drawing was one of my earlier pieces (drawn back in March). Inspired by an image I found on Google. At this point I was really just exploring colors and how the background interacts with the word. The Dream series is being done to go along with a unit on graffiti art I'm doing with my 8th grade students. I decided I should do the unit right along with them. I am amazed by how inspired they are to do these projects.

Diva Challenge #22

Weekly Zentangle challenge from I am the Diva - "A Little Help From My Friends". My son did the string for me, then I filled in the rest. I didn't plan on making this one a Dream drawing, but I love doing those so much, that is what it turned into.

Diva Challenge #21... OOF

A couple of weekends ago I found this really cool site called I am the diva. The site owner posts weekly Zentangle challenges. Just what I needed to get my creative juices flowing again. I did this one for last week's challenge, but then the blogger went down and I couldn't post it before the deadline. I thought I would post it to the blog anyway.

Dream Wildstyle

My latest attempt at graffiti style art. This one was done on smooth bristol paper with markers. This was my first attempt at wildstyle; still pretty simple but I am really learning a lot while doing these. Finally got a new scanner, so I'll be posting more photos soon. I have several finished pieces I need to scan.

More Graffiti Art

My second attempt at graffiti art. Originally started this for a middle school art project... I am now obsessed with creating "Word Art". I am sticking with the word DREAM because that is what I want my middle school students to do. I have realized it to be my own path of creative discovery. I did this one with only pencil... big mistake! I like using brush pens and markers much more. Ended up being kind of a disco theme, although that was not my intention.

This next one was my 3rd attempt for this series. I wanted to get the Hollywood sign look mixed with graffiti. I don't care too much for it, except for the palm tree. Live and learn... each drawing is a step in a new direction. Also, this was my first attempt using markers.

My fourth attempt at graffiti art. Inspired by Tim Burton (I guess you could call this fan art). I was pretty happy with the finished product at the time, but feel I have surpassed that now, which is exciting for me because it has been less than a month.

This is my fifth attempt and the first one I felt really happy with. I like everything about this one. The colors work, my lettering is getting better, and I'm getting more comfortable using markers.

I have done several more since this one (some good, some not). Will be posting those just as soon as I get the scanner hooked up and working on the new computer.

Graffiti Art

This is my first post in a really long time! I never seem to have the time for the things I want to do. Anywho... I started working on a graffiti lesson for my 8th grade students. Obviously, we will not be doing real graffiti with spray paint on walls, but I love the look of this type of artwork. The idea is for students to develop their own style with the purpose of getting people to notice their work over the artwork of others. I started by creating an example using the word DREAM. I enjoyed doing this one so much I am going to continue working them.

It's Been a Long, Long Time!!

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I have posted to my blog!! I have made it through my first year as an art teacher. They say they first year is the hardest, so I am looking forward to an easier 2nd year. As I think ahead to next year, I am looking at my own short-falls this year. Some of my drawing skills are lacking. I have always struggled with bodies. Heads, I can do... bodies, not so much! So, this summer (along with working up new lessons) I am setting a challenge for myself to start drawing bodies. I have not decided on a time frame yet. As much as I'd like to do 1 a day, that does not seem realistic to me. I'll shoot for 1 a week (minimum) and see what happens. I will be posting some student work as well.