Red White and Blue Dog

 

Red White and Blue Dog

felt tip pen sketch

by Rosa Phoenix

Here in the U.S.A. it is Memorial Day weekend: the holiday to remember our lost loved ones, especially those who died in war. 

I recently found this drawing in an old sketchbook from a few years ago. This is my pitbull dog, Diva, gone but not forgotten.

Profile of a Young Man

watercolor pencil sketch

by Rosa Phoenix

I've been going to life drawing / painting sessions, to learn how to draw the body and face. 

It is so challenging to draw from life, rather than copying photographs or other artwork.

It took three attempts to get a good likeness of this young man. I was really happy to be able to get the profile view. 

I struggle with drawing people, but it's gratifying to see that I am getting better, each time I go.

Blue Corn

Elote

pen and ink drawing

by Rosa Phoenix

The Hopi people have a story, that when all the races of people were created, each were allowed to choose their own food. The Hopi waited until the end, to make their choice, and chose the smallest ear of corn. The Creator told them that they had chosen wisely, for they had chosen the "true food." 

The Hopi still plant and grow corn on their land in Arizona today. The blue corn they cultivate is more nutritious than other varieties of corn.

A page in my sketchbook. 

When you draw, you learn to see how beautiful and miraculous the simplest things are.

Sara

pencil and watercolor by Rosa Phoenix 

I used graphite pencil, watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons, and a paintbrush with water.

Mother's Day

pencil sketch by Rosa Phoenix

Happy Mother's Day! 

Here is a portrait sketch of my friend's beautiful baby daughter. I used my rainbow pencil for this one.

Birthday Self Portrait

watercolor pencil in moleskine watercolor sketchbook

by Rosa Phoenix

I was wondering, what should I draw now? Since it was my birthday, I drew myself! 

I haven't done a self portrait in years. Since it was my birthday, I gave myself blue hair (something I have always wanted!) Hey, it matches my outfit!

The Open Heart Is Full of Love

crayon and color pencil drawing by Rosa Phoenix

Fifteen years ago today, a pit bull puppy was rescued from a dump truck by a winged angel--actually, by a man flying a paraglider, who spotted her from high above in the sky. He took her home after the Humane Society said they'd euthanize her, because that was their policy about pit bulls, at that time.

He couldn't bear to have her be killed, after saving her from certain death.

Diva is her name, and she's lived a long, adventurous life. 

Several times, injury or illness has threatened her life, yet here she is still, against all odds, still our dear companion.

*****

Where the heart is open, LOVE grows.

This is the true power we cultivate in our lives.

Sketchbook: Diva

pencil and crayon drawing on paper

Stay warm tonight!