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What Does a Cookie Know? Carbon Footprint #43

Cookie Consultation - charcoal still life drawing  |  SOLD

Despite multiple consultations, that darn cookie did not foresee last week's technical *hiccup* that crashed this blog. Maybe I was unwise to eat those Misfortune Cookies after all

So here is a belated wish that your Year of the Rabbit delivers multiplying health and happiness and breeds many creative opportunities

"Cookie Consultation" charcoal 12" x 10" For sale on Etsy

Dippy Eggs (Carbon Footprint #42)

Dippy Eggs and Soldiers | charcoal and pastel still life drawing | 16x12"

There is something elegantly simple about a soft boiled egg for lunch. It doesn't take a bunch of elaborate preparation; it's a quick shot of protein to sustain that "big push" through the afternoon slump, but most of all it stirs a childlike joy in being allowed to play with my food

Nourishment for body and soul

Sweet and Sour : Carbon Footprint #41

Sweet and Sour : charcoal and pastel still life drawing

It is a well tested phenomenon that 20 minutes after eating a Chinese meal, you want another one Seems it goes for drawing them too

During the last large still life drawing, I discovered that splendid orange shadow cast on the noodle box and knew it needed a picture of its own - more space to breath

I am loving this paper too - Johannot by Canson - it gives a very soft, velvety finish to the drawing that I really like. I am keeping working notes on all the papers I try in an online scrapbook. So if you are another weirdo who loves paper a little too much, then leave me a recommendation for your favorite at The Paperphiles

Hey, for some women it's shoes - me, I go weak at the knees in a paper store. I remember the day I found Kate's Paperie in New York - boy that was a good day!

(Actually, I quite like shoes too)

Description : Large charcoal and pastel still life drawing of left over sweet and sour sauce and Chinese noodle box

Chinese Shadow Play : Carbon Footprint #40

Sweet and Sour : charcoal and pastel still life drawing 30" x 22"

As I was setting up the still life, I fell in love with that shadow looming on the back wall. Such drama! But as I continued to draw and took the time to look closer, other quieter elements of the arrangement started to quicken my heart

So, in order to share what I see, my fortune cookie predicts there will be another chinese take out in my future Hey ho - such are the sacrifices for art

Description : a dark dramatic shadow looms in the background of this large charcoal and pastel still life drawing of chinese take out - noodle box, crumpled paper bag and broken fortune cookie

22″ x 30″, charcoal and pastel still life drawing

This charcoal and pastel still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series

Charcoal and pastel still life drawing (Carbon Footprint #39)

purple chocolate box with green ribbon | charcoal and pastel drawing

Normally I wouldn't be able to resist the last chocolate, but Peanut Butter Cup - no problem. We end up fighting about who won't eat that one. But you know I couldn't resist that luscious purple box

No title for this one yet, so leave any suggestions in  a comment and I might just send you the last chocolate

Description : large charcoal and pastel drawing of an (almost) empty chocolate box, juicy purple box combines with pale green satin ribbon to leave a mouthwatering longing for the last chocolate...even if it is Peanut Butter Cup

22" x 30", charcoal and pastel still life drawing

This charcoal and pastel still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series

Chocolate Chocolate Chip (Carbon Footprint #38) charcoal and pastel drawing

YUM - Chocolate Chocolate Chip - charcoal and pastel drawing
YUM - Chocolate Chocolate Chip - charcoal and pastel drawing

these were so yummy - especially for no sugar added. Just as well I bought two boxes. It's like finishing the first layer of chocolates, only to discover a second layer hidden underneath. What a delight! (Not sure two boxes counts as "low carb" though.)

And such beautiful sage green boxes with irresistible blue stripey bakers string deserved a HUGE piece of paper - 30" x 22", my largest Carbon Footprint yet.

The original drawing will be included in the exhibition "The Cube and I" starting March 14th (Lordy! I'd better get my skates on and frame it!)

Giclee prints are available from my Etsy store Or drop me a line to arrange payment.

Description : charcoal and pastel still life drawing of empty chocolate muffin wrappers and cake boxes

This charcoal and pastel still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series.

Fries to Go : charcoal still life drawing (Carbon Footprint #37)

Proud Auntie Jo has been having a rather splendid few days back in Blighty to snuggle my new nephew; catch-up with friends and family and make a quick pilgrimage to the National Gallery to see Constable's Haywain (amongst other gems). And how do I celebrate returning to the frozen NorthEast?

Oh dear - large coke and fries to go (good job I didn't make any New Year's Resolutions really)

No title yet, so leave me a suggestion in the comments

fries to go - charcoal and pastel drawing

fries to go - charcoal and pastel drawing

charcoal and pastel still life drawing

Description : charcoal still life drawing of empty fast food wrappers, large coke and empty fries carton

This charcoal still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series.

onion skin charcoal still life drawing (Carbon Footprint #36)

charcoal and pastel still life drawing of an onion skin
charcoal and pastel still life drawing of an onion skin

I can't believe it has taken this long for my beloved onion skins to put in an appearance on trash day!

This picture was originally in black and white, but after taking it along to The Exhibitors' Co-op,  my weekly art critiquing group, it was suggested that what this picture needed was a spot of color ...and boy were they right!

I may not always agree with each objection and/or solutionn -  and frankly they do not always agree either - leading to some livley discussions over the tea and brownies.

But each opinion has the same motivation - to make the piece better and to keep me learning and growing as an artist.

I thank each one of them for the lessons they have taught me. (And I do love to hear those magic words "It's Done")

Description: charcoal and pastel still life drawing of a transparent onion skin

This charcoal still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series.

Lettuce charcoal drawing (Carbon Footprint #35)

charcoal and pastel still life drawing of bagged lettuce
charcoal and pastel still life drawing of bagged lettuce

It's getting too cold for lettuce now, so salad is on hold for a few months now. Goodbye goat cheese crumbles. Farewell balsamic dressing. Walnuts...well you can stick around to double as croutons.

Anyone have a good recipe for Lettuce Soup?

My Precious (Charcoal Footprint #34)

charcoal still life drawing of a colored pencil stump
charcoal still life drawing of a colored pencil stump

charcoal and pastel drawing 13" x 11"

Purple stubby pencil ends may not be in your trash...and frankly they rarely make it to mine. They are just too darn cute! I keep promising I will make them into earrings, or string them onto a necklace, but they just end up  kicking around the bottom of the pencil tray with the scratty ends of  eraser and frisket paper.

(Frisket Paper is like low tack see through sticky plastic and is very good for lifting small details in color pencil drawings - not it's original purpose. Found in all good Art Supply Stores)

I'm rather happy that this drawing has been accepted for the Exhibitors' Co-op Healthy Heart exhibition this Spring in Summit New Jersey, along with my squishy strawberries.

Description: charcoal and purple pastel still life drawing of a pencil shaving and stub

This charcoal still life drawing is part of the “Carbon Footprints” series.