And the winner is....

You're probably wondering where I've been lately. Well, did you read that post by Dan, comparing art to dancing? It was interesting, but I was merrily stepping forward without having any ideas at all about dance, just enjoying myself and making progress here and there. Well now I'm dancing and all the steps seem to be going backwards. I felt like I was doing great for awhile and now everything keeps going wrong, and not by just a little bit. No worries though; I know I'll get over it, just keep painting. Oh, and I just removed the stupid games off my computer so I stop playing spider solitaire for hours. Yes, I just had to do that; I was too addicted. And it was getting beyond stupid. But it's gone now. So I know I'll be feeling better soon!

So on to the drawing. I put everyone's name into a bowl, the old fashioned way, and pulled out....

PAMO!

So Pamo, just drop me an email with your address and I'll be sending you Everyday Matters by Danny Gregory!

First Blogaversary Giveaway!!

I'm going to be ONE next week!! And to show my appreciation for all of the wonderful comments and support I have received, I'm going to do a giveaway. Anyone can play, just leave a comment to be entered into the drawing, and be sure to check back next Saturday, March 27th. There will be one winner who will get to choose one of the following three books:


Everyday Matters: A Memoir by Danny Gregory. Most of my readers probably already own this book, since it is the origin of our yahoo group and the start of this fantastic journey for so many of us. But, if you have not read it, and do not know of it, it is a memoir of the tragic event in Danny's life which started his search for meaning in life and essentially brought him back to art. It is handwritten, and full of his wonderful sketches of everyday things. Thousands and thousands of people all over the world now keep sketch journals because of his inspiring story.



Fast Sketching Techniques by David Rankin. If you are a slow sketcher, you might want to read this book! There are some key techniques in it that are beneficial for sketching on location, where it's important to get the basic information down quickly! Being able to do perfect drawings is wonderful, but sometimes it isn't practical. Have you ever tried sketching at the zoo and the animals wouldn't hold still long enough? Fast sketching is a skill all artists should have in their arsenal. (My opinion, of course!)


Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil by J.D.Hillberry. This is the exact opposite of Fast Sketching and I have a lot of admiration for people who have the patience to do this type of drawing! This is the slow, perfect drawing best done at home, in your studio. It too is a great skill to have, even if you don't wish to use it often!

Okay, so if you would like a chance to win one of these books, please leave a comment, indicate which book you would like, and make sure you check back next Saturday! I will give three days for the winner to contact me and if I do not hear from him/her, I will draw another name. Good luck everyone!!