The Sketchbook Project 2011

"Live A Storybook Life"
By Missy Trent
The Sketchbook Project 2011

I've been stuck creatively.

I just was not satisfied with the pages of my sketchbook project. They didn't seem like "my style". I came up with these drawings, using only a sepia colored pencil. I actually planned on adding color...and, I may still do so. What do YOU think?

Maybe just choose a few colors? Pink for her cheeks?

And...the big question now is, should I do my entire book in sepia, giving it a vintage feel?

I welcome any suggestions!

Well, today I will delete my blog, "In A Shabby Kind Of Way". It seems scary for some odd reason. I have blogged for years and that blog was my comfort zone throughout many difficult times. Time to let go.

For those of you you followed me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Joyce F. won the blog giveaway painting and I hope that by now she has the mermaid in her home!

I shall continue on with my sketchbook project!

All things Magical...

It's not easy adjusting to a new lifestyle and new routine. Unpacking years of collected belongings has consumed me, leaving very little time for art...but I'm getting there! I have been working on my "Sketchbook Project" some and will be posting more photos soon. I must confess, the weather has been beautiful here, so I do want to enjoy as much outdoors as I can before the cold Winter sets in.

Of course, I did attend the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival last month and it was just as magical as the first time that I went! I always feel right at home here with the gypsies, queens, knights and Kings! Thought I'd share a few photos of this year's event since I haven't any art to show & tell about.

This weekend I'm off to Virginia Beach for some more sight seeing and inspiration and I will be packing art bag!

Bear with me as I ease back into the blogging routine, please!

Wishing you all a magical weekend!

AND THE WINNER IS...

 I still prefer doing things in a traditional manner!

I want to thank all of you for participating!

I will be hosting more exciting giveaways in the future so please check back frequently!

JOYCE! You are the winner of the mermaid acrylic painting on canvas! CONGRATULATIONS!

Please email to me, your full name and mailing address and I will ship this right out to you!

My email address is:

MTreasures@hotmail.com

You all are very dear to me.

Big hugs!

In Color...

It feels wonderful to be doing art again!

I have added color to my title page of "The Sketchbook Project 2011".

I then created this charming paper doll...

that will be tucked inside of this envelope. The doll will be removeable, however, because this book will be traveling, I will attach her to a ribbon or string, and then to the book.

The paper doll represents the child in all of us...

the child that still longs to play and be adventurous...

even when we are forced to be all grown-up!

She will show us how to pretend again...

how to explore.

She will teach us to use our imaginations to create

A Storybook Life.

Live A Storybook Life!

For the "Sketchbook Project", I chose the theme, "Storybook".

All of my life I have enjoyed storybooks! I especially like the interactive books with secret doors and hidden treasures inside! I am always amazed at pop-up books. I study every little detail!

I want to create a very magical book filled with eye candy, however, I may not have the kind of time needed for such book....

I shall see.

I'm not going to write a storybook. Instead, my book is going to be a tiny book of inspiration!

In today's world, everyone seems to be in such a hurry. Sadly, the world goes un-noticed. For some, it may even appear to be black and white.

Creativity amongst young people seems to be a thing of the past. When I was a child, I played with my friends and cousins. We created our own entertainment by constructing doll houses from shoe boxes, building underground forts that would take us days to dig by hand. We couldn't wait to get out of school the following day just to continue on with our digging!

I cherish my childhood memories, and today, I DO notice every color in each fallen leaf, the textures that surround me. I am very observevant and most importantly, I CAN create my own fun. I CAN be alone and have a great time.

I find the greatest joy from the simple pleasures in life and so this is what I will share in my illustrated sketchbook project!

For now, it is only black and white....

but soon you will see the COLORS!

Welcome to my new art studio!

Come back any time!

Blog Giveaway!

I'm giving away this original mermaid, acrylic canvas!

Just add yourself as a follower by November 10th...

post a comment.

Once my winner has been selected I will post your name right here on my new blog!

I will ask you to email me your mailing address so that I may ship your mermaid right to your home!

Thanks so much and good luck!