Monday, December 30, 2013

Maybe it's time for some blog CPR?

I can hardly believe so much time has passed.  I mean, really, a year and a half?  Well, a lot has been happening around here.  I finally made the move back to Boise, ID.  Since that move, I've moved two more times.  Our lease is up in April and we hope to have a house by then...so one more time?

Before my absence I had been struggling with getting scans that didn't make me want to throw my hands up and scream.  They would look too gray, or if I turned up the contrast or brightness, it became garish.  It was depressing. I wanted you to see how they really appear in my sketchbook, because, well, I was proud of them. I've been working on that and I think I've improved things a bit.  I've replaced some of the pics in previous posts.  I think they look somewhat better, though I know there are still problems and they still don't look as good as what I have in my sketchbook.  But now it isn't depressing because I think it is close enough.

One thing that I did not stop doing during my long absence was drawing and painting.  I have so much piled up around me that I hardly know where to even start.  So, I think I'll start with more from that movie sketchbook (from 2011-2012) and just start trying to catch up chronologically.
I'll start with some Christmas movies...because I love Christmas and I'm sad that it is gone.

Home Alone II   ...I'm an adult and this one still makes me laugh until I cry. 










 And Santa Clause 3:



And finally, A Christmas Story:








By the way...any readers out there that are in Boise, ID, I'm working on getting an Urban Sketchers group together.  If you're interested, email me.

This batch is all pencil and watercolor in a HandBook travelogue sketchbook.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a wonderful New Year's!


33 comments:

  1. I just noticed my page was loading incredibly slow...then I realized that I forgot to reduce the size of all my photos. What's worse is that I updated the photos on the previous posts because I had better scans...and I forgot to reduce the size of them also. Sorry, will change as soon as I can get to it.

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  2. If you could see the size of my grin!! I am trying to resist saying it, because it is so virtually internet tacky .. aw what the heck .. woo hoo!! I am so glad you are back!

    Now it really feels like we are on the verge of a new year!!

    Your drawings are wonderful. Just wonderful! And this is the beginning chronologically? You must be a master! My absolute favorite is the bird lady from Mary Poppins, for the feeling, I think. Followed by - I don't know this movie - but there is so much wonderful happening in The Triple Dreaded Dog Dare! Wonderful! Norman Rockwell-ish. (And he remains a favorite of mine). And you captured the likenesses of so many of the characters (actors), Kevin McAlister, Jack Frost.

    I had no problem whatsoever uploading your post. None. Not even on my cell phone - where I found you first.

    2013 has been a trying year for me. 2014 will be a challenge with huge unknowns, and I don't know how it is all going to pan out. But it is good to know that you will be here. And, hmmm, there is an old sketchbook, but a good one, that I think needs dusting off.. :)

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    1. Oh my gosh, Dan! Your comment made me feel like a rockstar! Thanks!

      As far as being a 'master', I am afraid not. Unfortunately my learning curve is more rolling hills than the straight shot to the moon! And the Triple-Dog Dare remains one of my favorites even now.

      2013 has certainly been trying for me too...I hope 2014 is better for us both! And I think it is time to wake the ole sketchbook up!

      Thanks again for such an enthusiastic welcome!

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  3. I wrote a whole bunch of stuff before heading to bed..and it was asking me to log in and stuff..and the comments went away...boohoo! Anyway, great to have you back Raena, and of course we remember you :D
    I've moved a couple of times myself and I am guessing we are going to hang around Houston for a little while since we bought a house here.
    Glad to have you back, and miss looking at your vibrant and refreshing artwork! Happy New Year

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    1. Hi Alex! I wish that I had gotten together with you before I left Houston! Congratulations on the new house! Happy New Year to you too!

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  4. Yay!! You're back!!! How wonderful! These are fabulous drawings!! My favorites are of a Christmas Story. And it is one of our favorite movies too.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! I see you've had a great year! Congratulations; hope 2014 is just as successful or better!

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  5. Ok, I just posted and the comments disappeared when I hit publish and now they are gone. I will try again.

    It's great to see you back. Your work is wonderful. These Christmas drawings are great! I love the "Triple Dog Dare."

    Happy New Year!

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    1. I've had the same thing happen to me on a couple of blogs today. I wonder what is going on with that?

      Thank you so much for the warm welcome back. Have a wonderful New Year!

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  6. Oh, Raena, I am so happy! Happy to see your post, happy to see your lovely drawings. I'm with Dan, the new year is gonna be great!

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    1. Thank you, Melissa! I'm happy to be back! Happy New Year!

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  7. Raena!!! You're back!!! What a super start to the new year : )

    So you been moving about and being busy with life but Im glad to see that you have also been busy drawing. I also enjoy Christmas movies and I love the once you did with/about Christmas Story, that's one of my favourites.
    Looking forward to see what you will post next.

    Happy new Years to you and your family!!!

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    1. Thank you, Mari! It seems that you have had quite a year too. I hope your daughter is feeling better! Happy New Year!

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  8. Welcome back Raena! I have a pretty neglected blog too. It happens especially when you do big things like move as you've been doing. Great paintings of faces of characters in Christmas movies. Wow. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you, Timaree! You surprised me with your purple hair; how fun! Good luck with selling your house. And here is to us both having more time to blog in 2014~! Happy New Year!

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  9. Great to see you back Raena, with these lovely and lively sketches of yours !
    Looking forward to more.. and in the meantime, Happy New Year !!

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    1. Thank you, Martine! Happy New Year to you too!

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  10. Welcome back! All those moves sound exhausting- makes sense that you haven't had time to blog.

    Obviously you've had time to draw and paint!!! Lovely, lovely work. It's always a joy to look at your creations. Thank you for sharing.

    Happy New Year!!!

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    1. PAMO! How've you been?! My goodness....just went to catch up with your blog and WOW! I still laughing. I wanted to comment but the comments are all closed now...so I just signed up for the email feed so I can keep up. My gosh...your editor is so handsome!!! I can't stop laughing still. I'll be saving a place on my bookshelf for you okay? No pressure or anything, but there is an empty spot just sitting there. :)

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  11. Great blog to come back with.
    Happy New Year...!!
    Stew.

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    1. Thank you, Stew! Happy New Year to you too. Hope it is a healthy one for you!

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  12. Raena, What a great post and subject matter! You've got another follower! Happy new year!
    Kate.

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  13. Happy New Year and welcome back.

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    1. Thank you, Sue! And Happy New Year to you too!

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  14. I just typed a quick comment and it disappeared. We've been surrounded by grandchildren and we're off tomorrow to see the remaining too, so I'm packing. Please keep posting. I miss you!

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    1. Thank you so much Shirley! I'm not sure what is going on with the comments. Has anyone else been having this problem? Enjoy your trip...Happy New Year!

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  16. Welcome back Raena! Time does fly doesn't it?

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    1. Thank you Peggy! Was just catching up on your blog...your London trip looks fantastic! Happy New Year!

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  17. Great to see that you are back. I loved all the art in this post.

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