Feeling guilty for having neglected this blog again for so long.  I'm afraid I got a little bit lost on the way, but have managed to get back on track again.  It still amazes me that only a certain amount of time can pass before I begin to feel that desire to have a paint brush in my hand.  As soon as I sit in front of my canvas I always feel the need to run my hand across the rough surface - and as soon as I get the first few brush strokes on to it my heart finally feels like it's home.
     I've been painting for a while tonight, and I wonder how I could have stayed away for so long.  You think I would have learned by now that if this is the only thing that brings me such peace, that I wouldn't neglect it so much.  I still struggle with balancing everyday life with what I truly enjoy.  I don't know if I'll ever get it figured out.  But on a good note I'm really excited about the painting that I'm currently working on.  Since I've been painting for hours tonight I'm having a hard time settling my mind.  I'm afraid I may never be able to fall asleep.  
     I thought I would share what I've been doing.  In a previous post I had a whale sketch that I wanted to work on.  I've made a few adjustments and I'm really happy with it so far.  I feel that with this piece I'm finally heading in the right direction.  I apologize that these are such horrible pictures.  They were taken late at night with an old digital camera.  But, until I can get better ones these will have to do.  (I really wanted to take picture of the process of this piece).

this is the sketch that I began with

The flash really ruined the richness of the colors 

but I think you get the idea.  I'm so in love with this one.

I'm just afraid of overworking it, so I feel like I have to really be careful,

but I also don't want to over think things like I always do.

I'll keep you updated on the progress.

Even though I haven't blogged in a while - I have been doing some sketching.  Not as 

much as I should, but I have done some.

I've been working on my characters a bit.  I've decided to go with the smaller eyes. (as you can see above)

I had been fighting it for a while, but now I'm sure it's the right way to go.

I saw a few other illustrators doing this and wanted to give it a try.  You quickly draw

some shapes on the page and then turn them into characters.  It was a fun exercise.  I need 

to work on more expressions. 

some rough ideas I'm working out for my Children's book.   I'm antsy to get to the artwork

but I don't have the story worked out yet.  I can't get too ahead of myself, but I also can't help it, I'm really excited about it.  I just wish I had more time to dedicate to all of this stuff.

this is the last thing I sketched today.  don't ask what my obsession is with whales and umbrellas lately - I have no idea.   Well, on that note I need to get to bed tonight.  I'll try and be back again soon.