die

Brush pen on paper.

Just before the Christmas rush really intensifies and we bid 2024 adieu, it’s time for me to break in another sketchbook… Given the timing of it all, and life in general right now, the name “The Watt Nows” seems very pertinent for this new volume!

Whale songs in space time? Indeed it is.

Accidental Garfield and Odie vibes between these two.

Imitation of medieval illuminated manuscript in mixed media, having fun with my surname "Thorn".

Big Ed's prompt: San Diego Chicken

Lindsey's prompt: Medieval

Hoodies can hide alot but the face is always there.

Sherlock and Sadie wish you a belated Merry Christmas!

Whale shark wanderings…

Last page of the current sketchbook, with some words of wisdom from Miyazaki-san to compliment and complete things. :-)

The title for this one was inspired by a remark the DJ Marc Riley made on his BBC 6 Music show earlier in the week. Couldn’t resist getting inspired! As we self-isolate and/or minimise going out unless we feel the absolute need to, as Freddie of the Mercury once sang, “radio, someone still loves you ❤️”

"Parts Unknown," Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 Some actions we will never know the reason behind, and, quite honestly, we don't always need to know the answer. Anthony Bourdain committed suicide on June 8th, 2018, news that was shocking for most to hear. People continue to speculate what could have caused him to commit suicide, some feel he had more to do, to say before he died. Personally, I find there's some feeling of closure or completeness to his death. I don't know what the feeling is exactly, but it's there. It feels like he left on his own terms, decided it was time. I wouldn't consider his death as him waving a white flag to addiction and depression. He said his shows were intended to tell other's stories, tell them frankly and truthfully. It's interesting how blunt and honest he could seem to be about himself, though he kept so many layers held within. Although we'd love to have a clear cut answer, explanation, reason, what would knowing that information change?

A medieval "Steamtrooper".

Simple watercolor landscape studies - two different seasons, same spot

From memory studies of small italien pick-up trucks. 2019

First OFFICIAL Commission! 8x10, Watercolor and Pen. Hey everyone! This time, I'm actually back. First off, let me say I was not planning to fall off the face of the Earth again. At the time I last posted, I had a little less than a month of school left and I had hoped I could wrap up all my final projects early and be done. I was wrong. My teachers assigned more and I had work due up to the day before school ended, but I survived! Since my last post, I do have some updates. 1. I did indeed graduate high school! I was very lucky my school not only had a ceremony, but it was at Soldier Field. (I'm very happy to say I graduated Summa Cumme Laude and with the honors of completing the Alpha STEM and the Arts program.) 2. I also got an Instagram! I'll be using it not only to post final pieces but also as a way to post progress. {@mapalomar.arts} With regards to this painting, it is my first official commission, past commissions were from people I knew (family or friends) but this one isn't. I can say I'm pretty proud of the end result, especially as a person who doesn't consider themself a watercolor artist, it's not too shabby. :) Anyway, I hope this piece will have a safe journey all the way to its new home in Massachusetts.

Studies of a simple form in order to experiment more with more complex elements.

Thirty-five minute sketch of a petrified A&W ketchup packet I found inside my fridge. This thing is the rock-hard evidence of my frequently poor late night diet choices.

Do you feel related?

Practising how to portray expressions and emotions!

Eye studies to learn me to draw right

Hammer Horror and Highgate Cemetery – two of my favourite things, thus this . . .

Seagull studies

Where do I begin with this one? This is a drawing of my dad and I; the picture was taken back in 2006, a happier time, I suppose. I don't commonly think about my dad, I don't necessarily think about how much I miss him or how I wish I could see him again, so it was odd for me to sit and look through old photos. I don't really know my dad; I do, but I don't. My dad was physically part of my life for 10 years, the second half of those were not the best. Mental illness, self medicating for years, debt, heroin, arguments, threats, uncertainty. I feel like I remember the negative more because I was older, my parents couldn't hide it from me like they used to. At the same time, when he was sober and stable, life was good. Life was great, things felt complete. So here I am, 6 years since he died. I don't want to say his image is fading, but I know less of who he was than I did before. I see the good from some (the ones who praise him, who act like he was a saint), and I see the bad from others (the one who felt the pain). I suppose I no longer see my view, my memories aren't there anymore. I don't necessarily feel sad, the anger has faded, and I can't say I'm happy. Maybe I'll figure it out one day, but, for now, it is what it is.

Oh boy, markers (NOT a go-to), least favorite color, and a subject that isn’t on my radar. This was a hard one what with 3 negatives going for it. But, hey, it’s a challenge, right? Choosing a subject came first….we have a house full of Indonesian masks and sculptures. (My husband studied gamelon music in Indonesia.) Garuda, the “mount” of Vishnu and popular with Balinese artists seemed a good choice, esp. since he can be green, red, yellow or orange. I rarely choose yellow/orange for anything---artwork, décor, clothing...though I do have a soft spot for sunflowers. First I drew a bunch of images based on one of our wooden Garuda sculptures and then made a simplified marking pen outline and colored it with markers.

The old city gate (the 'Sassenpoort') in Zwolle.

Watercolor studies mouse bird