about me
"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:3-4
Creativity Express
Posted on August 25, 2008
After winning the Best Artistic Content Blog in the HSBA last December, Madcap Logic asked me to review a computer program called "Creativity Express", their animated art curriculum.
You can view the trailer for Creativity Express here.
Here's my review:
You can view the trailer for Creativity Express here.
Here's my review:
"Creativity Express is an adventurous art course packed into an energetic computer program. The entertaining lessons, lighthearted quizzes and inspiring activities will help anyone young at heart to truly enjoy art and express themselves creatively. Not only is it incredibly easy to install, it is impossibly difficult to stop learning and having fun!
"The lessons include exploring line, color, mood, emphasis, and much more. As a homeschool student who has taken a college-level drawing/painting class, and loves to study everything about art, I was surprised to discover aspects about art that I had never learned or thought of before.
"Through each each lesson your "art guides", Ruby and Tickles (penguin sisters) and their polar bear friend Furnace, will give insight on the elements of art, take you through Art History, and introduce you to famous painters and sculptors of the past.
"Wanting to get in on this exciting new way of "studying", don't be surprised to find students of all ages begging to spend more time with Creativity Express!
"(Parents may want to be cautioned that in representing peace, there is an occasional image referencing Buddhist meditation. They base their history in the Old Earth Theory. And, even though there is an image of a lady with an exposed bellybutton, they do handle Classical works with discretion that may be otherwise unsuitable for young people.)"
And yes, I really did had fun with this program!
And yes, I really did had fun with this program!
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perhaps a blessing in disguise
Posted on August 15, 2008
I'd like to to begin this post by thanking all my faithful readers for their unending support. Even though I don't reply to all of your comments, please know that they are appreciated and I'm glad that you enjoy my work.
Many of you have left lovely comments on my drawings - because that is all I let you see. Well, my friends...
Today you're going to see my mistakes!
For example, here is a fine specimen of a thumbnail I drew. Rough, yet the idea is safe on paper. The composition is simple and quite appealing if I may say so.
It was based on a drawing I made last year. Desiring to maintain the original feel, I kept the straight-on shot, directly facing the bookcases.
Mistake #1 - I didn't experiment. I had an idea, felt comfortable, assumed it would work, and then took off.
Good Idea #1 - I made a color sketch, no bigger than 3"x4". Mapped out where I wanted the colors to go, and got a general feel for the finished look I was going for.
Norman Rockwell made a color sketch for every painting he made, and I highly recommend this step.
Many of you have left lovely comments on my drawings - because that is all I let you see. Well, my friends...
Today you're going to see my mistakes!
For example, here is a fine specimen of a thumbnail I drew. Rough, yet the idea is safe on paper. The composition is simple and quite appealing if I may say so.It was based on a drawing I made last year. Desiring to maintain the original feel, I kept the straight-on shot, directly facing the bookcases.
Mistake #1 - I didn't experiment. I had an idea, felt comfortable, assumed it would work, and then took off.
Good Idea #1 - I made a color sketch, no bigger than 3"x4". Mapped out where I wanted the colors to go, and got a general feel for the finished look I was going for.
Norman Rockwell made a color sketch for every painting he made, and I highly recommend this step.
When I posted about using water-soluble oils, I spoke too soon. Mistake #2 - I wasn't familiar enough with the medium to justify the expectation of a masterpiece. You can see the color sketch and beginning of the painting here.
After waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the paint to dry, Mom coaxed me out of my stubbornness and had me begin again. This time in watercolors.The base of the bookshelves had me worried for a while. I couldn't quite get it to appear in the shadows while maintaining the that old, warm, woody look. Eventually after painting layer over layer, scrubbing and reworking, I ended up with a very muddy, dissatisfying, crusty-looking angular mass dominating the lower portion of my painting.
Mistake #3 - Expecting the combination of cool and warm colors to not look muddy. I also believe the over-use of the ruler and painting within straight ink lines felt very oppressive. It literally felt like coloring in the lines with grainy mud rather than expressing a cozy, imaginative environment.
I felt depressed. I didn't even want to finish the books.
Mom talked with me a while, letting me pour out my troubles and woes. All of a sudden, she stood up and said, "Come on, let's go outside."
As we reached the oak tree, she told me run to the pine trees. I ran to the pine trees. When I returned, she told me to run to the grape vines. I ran to the grape vines. Knowing I needed the fresh air and therapy, I continued to follow orders, running here and there about about the yard.
Refreshed, and out of breath, we went back inside. Emily was working at the computers and needed to ask Mom's opinion on something. I lethargically sat at my drawing table and considered the possibilities of actually winning the battle of defeat.
Reaching for my black Prismacolor pencil, I jabbed at an idea. A happy stick person.
And then this emerged:
A humble thumbnail, no larger than a folded dollar bill. But it gave me hope. I proceeded to develop the new angle, a three-quarter shot of the bookcases. Inspired by Jesse Wilcox Smith's "Reading in Winter," I quickly drew another one, this time adding a younger (and cuter and more interesting) young fellow than before.
At that moment I began to adventurously wonder if this was "the one." I nearly screamed for joy. In fact, I did end up squealing very loudly.
Epiphany and inspiration had collided in one gigantic frenzy, proving that a phoenix can rise from the ashes. I ran back outside and danced around for shear joy. (I've become more emotional about my work lately.)
God is so good! To lead me to a point where I was so worn out, and then to lay in my lap a darling composition I am more than eager to work with could only be the Providential hand of God.
I can't tell you how much I like this painting I'm working on now! It will require lots of focus, but it will be a cheerful one, striving for just the look I'm going for.
a foto friday
Posted on August 1, 2008
a beautiful evening.
hollyhock seeds.
the black-eyed-susans in our garden.
a cicada still in its shell, climbing up our oak tree.
hollyhock seeds.
the black-eyed-susans in our garden.
a cicada still in its shell, climbing up our oak tree.
an inside joke
Posted on July 25, 2008
In the spirit of Gary Larson's Far Side, I created my own little comic. It was a blustery winter evening, and something goofy kinda hit me. I sat in the dining room and laughed for a good five minutes before I could actually put the gag on paper. Think it funny or not, I had a good time with it. Enjoy.
painting "the library"
Posted on July 22, 2008
Several weeks ago I heard of a new type of paint called water-soluble oils. Turns out, they're not so new, but their popularity has been picking up speed. I am used to watercolors, and being new to oils, I was sure that these paints, "the best of both worlds" as they are called, would be a great medium for me to branch out into. So naturally, I begged Mom to buy me some.I love them!
I am using them to paint "The Library" for HomeschoolShare's Lapbooking contest. One of the prizes is a FREE copy of my painting. It was so gracious of them not to require the finished product any sooner, as I can only imagine what it would look like in watercolor.
I've been having fun getting used to water-soluble oils, and now its time to put them to the test! I'll give you a little sneak-peek to the updated thumbnail and first layer of painting!
This is the thumbnail. I started off with a small colorsketch to help keep me focused on the finished product.This is me and my supplies at my new art table. I have so much more space now!
Here's the painting! Notice the glass palette I mix the oils on.my first four-generation portrait
Posted on July 11, 2008
This past week I had the opportunity to create a 4-generation portrait for a new dear friend of mine. I especially enjoyed drawing the younger girls because they are so cute! I'm pretty happy with the way it tuned out.
So, that was one of my big summer projects, and it's finally done! This is the second family potrait I've done like this (combining photos), and I think it'll be awhile before I do any more. I'd like to finish highschool before I start devoting much more time to portraits.
...and so her summer begins.
Posted on July 11, 2008
Well, all of our 4-H projects are out of the way, the fair is over, and the house is back to normal.
I made a baby Moses basket, a scrapbook, a painting, holiday (our Christmas card), a black and white salon photo, and ten color photos. All done. ::sigh:: The morning after I had everything done, I was actually able to read at breakfast, and then sit outside in the sun and just think for a while.
What will I do this summer? I'll
In my free time I'll have art projects going, my Prince James book, etc. I also found out about a children's book contest for homeschoolers! Click here for the details!
We've come to the conclusion that cramming in as many subjects as we can doesn't work for us. Spending larger blocks of time on a fewer, more important subjects really gets the job done more efficiently. (Click here for an excellent post on "education gaps")
Mom and I narrowed down what I needed to focus on. "Six subjects only," I said, "and that's it!"
Mom replied, "Good idea."
And that was that.
So here's what we've come up with:
-Math (Consumer math, budgeting, banking, etc.)
-History (Tapestry of Grace, year 1)
-English (writing two or three books, blogging, essays, etc.)
-Art (working towards my children's book, the drawing blog, senior art show, etc.)
-Music/Piano (taking lessons, playing for church, etc.)
-Literature (more of that beautiful English!)
-(And some Chemistry)
I know, I know. You see seven subjects. But we couldn't just leave out chemistry! Really, chemistry sounds fascinating, and I'm eager to start. All of these subjects are very important to me right now, so I just pretend there's only six.
There may be some trips to the beach, berry-picking, and days under the oak tree enjoying nature - excellent time for catching up on all that reading! We've just been to Turkey Run, so maybe we'll go to some museums next!
That's 'bout all I'll have going on this summer.
for my Daddy
Posted on June 15, 2008
Dear Daddy,
I can't tell you how much I love you. You are such a great man and I am honored to claim you as my father.
Everything you do for me is out of love for me and desiring the best for my life. From the spankings and generous gifts, to the long talks and kind words; you've done so much for me!
Thank you for reading the Bible and praying with us every day. Thank you for supporting Mom in our home education, and stopping at nothing to give us the best. It means more than you know.
Thank you for asking me to do things for you and with you, going camping, fixing your salad, moving furniture - I love being a part of your life, and you a part of mine.
Thank you for making me form good habits, even when it seems I'll never get it.
Do you know what I just love? When we're sitting in the living room, I'm drawing or reading, and you're reading a deep theological book. And when you come across something beautiful or profound, you'll share it with me so we can learn and enjoy it together. Thank you for helping me pursue a relationship with Christ.
I also want to thank you for things that may seem small. Like bringing home donuts, going on bike rides, and taking us to the ice cream shop.
You have always encouraged me in my interests and gifts, even when I want to head one way and need to go another. Thanks for keeping me on course and in the center of God's will for my life.
Your prayers for me, those I've heard and those I've never heard, have been a blessing in my life. God is so good. Never stop praying.
You'll always be my Daddy.
Love always,
-Breezy
Boreas
Posted on June 13, 2008
Close-up of drawing based on painting by J.W. Waterhouse.
She can sweep, can she not?
Posted on June 11, 2008
I was over at one of Meg16's blogs called "The Man I Seek" and thought about some of the character qualities I wish to see in my husband. "Hmm, let's see here. Well, a Christian, of course. A very strong Christian, which covers a lot."
I started going down my list. It had been a while since I've been specific, for obvious reasons. But I needed to refresh my memory.
"Number one...hmm. Good worker. Likes to work. Yes, the Jack-of-all-trades type. And of course he must love children. And reading."
I continued my list, and stumbled across a very terrible thought. "How could this be?" thought I, "What if he's not perfect?!"
"What if he doesn't like music? What if he's reckless with money and doesn't like my family?!"
Just as these dreadful thoughts came, another one more deplorable than all the rest presented itself. "What if his parents don't think I'm perfect?!"
"Good grief, I'll never be ready to marry!" I could imagine it now, his father forbidding our marriage because I had not memorized all the minor prophets and hand-embroidered a 20-foot alter cloth for the church like his eleven daughters had.
So then and there I decided to cut back on the silly regulations I had set for him. "I need to be more sensible with myself and actually memorize a few recipes!"
Getting down to the good ole' wholesome basics of living has been on my mind for a while now. It doesn't help that we just got a second computer! ::squealing with joy:: But that's good thing!
I reassured myself that I wasn't completely inept. I also had to list off the things I need to work on:
I love reading God's word and studying it, although it is hard for me to stick with any one particular study.
I can bake and cook and fry (with a recipe - I can read and follow directions).
I can do the laundry when asked. But not on my own initiative.
I like cleaning - especially dusting and sweeping and all forms of kitchen drudgery!
Making beds and de-cluttering rooms are fun! Not that I do either often...
I know the basics of gardening and yard care.
Of course I'd rather not get into the "personality quirks" which we know are actually sin-issues. But in short, selfishness. Isn't that what all of my problems start with? I like to think I'm the most important person around! What I need to focus on more than anything is making my life all about Christ.
Well, when it comes down to it, whether I get married or not, it is all about Christ and His glory, isn't?! So if I burn the pancakes and bleach the color load, I'm still God's girl, and nothing can snatch me out of His hands. I just need to strive to follow His Word in all areas of life.
With thoughts on marriage, motherhood comes to mind. I am content with babysitting, but I can hardly wait for my own little ones!
Prayers and advice appreciated!
An afternoon alone and what happens?
Posted on June 1, 2008
While Mom and Emily went to the store, I decided to use my wee bit of knowledge in Photoshop to have some fun. This is what I came up with (both paintings are by Carl Holose):
some Scripture
Posted on May 30, 2008
I have a lot of "favorite" passages of Scripture, but I wanted to post this today. It's just amazing how clear-cut and to-the-point Scripture can be, and that we don't have to guess about everything. It's simply beautiful.
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with and unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,
"I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD , AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
"Therefore, COME OUT FROM AMONG THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord.
"AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you,
"And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,"
Says the Lord Almighty.
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
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