The monsters are done!

My sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project is finally done, documented, and ready to be mailed tomorrow. Woo hoo!

Here are some of the pages that turned out to be my favorites.

I’m looking forward to turning my attention to projects which don’t involve monsters (for the Sketchbook Project I was randomly assigned a topic: Aaah! Monsters!). Which is not to say I’m not glad I participated in this project. I’m happy I did it, but in the end I was frustrated by it taking me away from my more serious artwork.

By the way, I am user zurika over on Art House Co-op. If you’re a member there, too, add me as a contact!

Tags: sketchbook project

rubber cement monster

I had to rub so much to get the glue off that I ripped a page out of the sketchbook (some of them are perforated, which doesn’t work so well with all the wet media I’m using). Thanks to the mad skillz I gained working in a book bindery, I was able to reattach it without harming the monster.

Tags: sketchbook project

monsters and gear

This is what the covers of the monster sketchbook look like right now.

And this is a page I went back over with gouache after masking a bit with rubber cement. Mostly I was just happy to have rubber cement – I bought some today after looking for it for weeks. It’s not labeled with a name here in Germany; I just had to choose one of the glues on sale based on the description on the package (removable, contains solvents). I got lucky on the second try!

Today I also bought a tripod. I found one that has all the features I wanted for only €12. Made me feel silly for putting off getting one for so long. Time for a big session to photograph my new artwork.

Tags: sketchbook project

almost done with the monsters

Today I put the finishing touches on several pages of the monster sketchbook. I’ve decided to get it in the mail by Monday at the latest. It’s not due until the end of December, but I need to move on to other projects.

Tags: sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 30: it’s over already?

Once again the last day of Art Every Day Month snuck up on me. I’m not ready for it to end!

I especially like how AEDM has helped me make so much progress on my Sketchbook Project monsters sketchbook. Pretty much every page has something on it, and after a little more work on the cover and a few of the pages, it will be ready to go. Well, I also need to document it before I send it off. Which means it’s time for me to finally get out and buy a tripod.

As I mentioned before, I’m going to keep up with the daily art and blog posting for at least the first couple weeks of December. I have a couple of projects that I need to finish up soon, so hopefully this commitment will help move me quickly towards my creative goals.

Many, many thanks to Leah for being such an inspiration during AEDM. Can’t wait for next year!

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 28: hand monster

One of my goals for the coming week is to finish the monster notebook, document it, and send it off.

For missing two days of AEDM, I think I’ll do two more weeks of it (including blog posts) in December. Maybe I can convince my friend Kim to do it with me.

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 25: even more monsters

Another one those pages that doesn’t seem quite done, but on the other hand, it’s just a sketchbook. Who says each page has to be done?

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 24: seaweed monster

I thought this one looked like a blob of seaweed. Or maybe coral.

Is it Sesame Street’s fault that all my monsters have googly eyes?

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 23: last pages!

See this? It’s the last blank 2-page spread in my whole monster notebook. I’m almost done!

There are many pages that are only kind of half-done, but still it will be a relief to have at least something on each and every page. Keeping in mind that this is only a sketchbook, not every page has to be a masterpiece before I hand it in. Here are some of the pages I’ll probably work on some more:

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project

AEDM 2009 day 21: sparkly plant monster

If you can’t use magic markers and glitter in a monster sketchbook, when can you use them?

I’m so happy there are only a couple blank pages left, plus the cover. Can’t wait to finish with the monsters!

Tags: Art Every Day Month, sketchbook project