Because my birthday coincides with the new year, I'm always ready to get clear of the past and start again, with hope and gusto!
And so, here we are, starting again. My primary goal for the year is to get paintings painted for my show next fall.
But, of course, I will always have drawing and sketching and writing in my journal and occasional illustrating to do. Once I have shared these images with you, two from my new Stillman and Birn Alpha 9 x 12 journal (this is my eighth!), two from a drawing session I had here yesterday with two friends, I'm going to finish tidying up my painting studio. And THEN I'm going to paint.
These drawings are of my young friend Meg, who is obviously quite beautiful. But there is a quality to her that has made me really want to draw her from the first time I met her. I can see the tiny child Meg still there in her features and I can also see the spare beauty of a Byzantine saint as well. Her soul is both old and new.
Finally, some palette cleansers, as I call them... today's sketches from my new journal. I make these images first thing in the morning in my studio, as a way to sweep away yesterday's struggles, to invoke new energy for the day. I love the natural calligraphy inherent in flowers, so when I have them, I draw them.





Sue P, Sandra, Kate, and Kris---so happy you came by and commented! Belated thanks!
Posted by: Laura | February 12, 2013 at 08:39 AM
Way-belated happy birthday! As usual, you need no gifts, exhibiting plenty yourself... XD
Posted by: marly youmans | February 03, 2013 at 08:31 PM
Sue, Sandra, Kate, and Kris, thank you. You are such loyal and supportive friends. On into 2013, together!
Posted by: Laura | January 26, 2013 at 10:07 PM
Belated happy birthday. Love your positivity!
Fabulous portraits, I especially like the one on tinted paper.
Posted by: Sue Pownall | January 15, 2013 at 02:08 PM
Well what a wonderful start to the new year!
Your sketches are as always stunning!
Happy New-Year Laura :0)
Posted by: sandra busby | January 13, 2013 at 12:17 PM
Gorgeous...the roses and the girl, both with your graceful, powerful touch.
Posted by: Cathy Johnson (Kate) | January 12, 2013 at 03:09 PM