A hummingbird built her nest in our sunburst windchime on the back porch! Had to take it through the window to not disturb her.

When I first started sketching it bothered me that a finished sketch didn't look exactly like the photo it was
drawn from. After a while, others pointed out that it didn't really matter, no one would be comparing the
photo and the sketch anyway.....only me. The finished sketch would stand on its own.

I just call this one "Jake"

As I get older, I realize that life really is about celebrating every single day that God gives you. That means
that you should listen to your instincts and if you are a really busy person like I am, you need to carve even
itty bitty pieces of time to do something for yourself. Even 5 or 10 minutes on a sketch, if that's all you have,
can move your creation aloong. And don't get caught up thinking that you need a place to sketch. Your
kitchen table, on your lap watching TV works out perfectly. Do try to set up some good lighting, though, if
you sketch at night. A clip on lamp works well on most tables. If you have no place to set up your sketching
be sure to keep all your materials together....pencils, sketch pads, etc. as well as folders of work you have
done. It is essential that your sketch pads and works in progress be kept flat. Also, be sure to use plain paper to protect the top of your sketch when you put it away. I call these my "smudge sheets". Everything
can be stored on a shelf or, if you are so inclined, ready to be taken outdoors. A large canvas bag works well to carry your work flat.  You are sure to be ready when the mood strikes.

Happy sketching!

Pencil sketch of Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw, an early sketch

This was my first real sketch, now framed in a huge rustic frame

This is a man that attended a play at Schefflein Hall in Tombstone. I snapped a photo of him and drew this
sketch from the photo.

If you are a creative person, create!  Waiting for other things to happen....such as.....the kids to grow up,
a room to create in, once your roommate moves out, etc. etc. only delays your personal growth. You grow
a little bit more each time you stretch a little bit....creating something that is uniquely yours. Sketching requires lots of practice. If you're not ready to call yourself an artist yet, then say you are "practicing". Take
art classes. If you aren't able to do that, get sketching books that will take you step by step.You'll soon see
that you have progressed further than you thought you would.