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And that concludes another sketchbook! Got through this one quite quickly…

Exactly as it says on the tin!

Last drawing of 2024 and looking forward to 2025! Did you know 2025 is a rare, "square number year" since 45^2 == 2025. The last time this happened was in 1936 (i.e. 44 x 44 == 1936), and the next time it will happen will be 91 years from now in 2116 (i.e. 46 x 46 == 2116).

I first started this oil on canvas painting at a conference in Lexington Kentucky. Transporting the wet canvas was a challenge

Exploring how line creates shape and illusion.

A quick sketch filled in later with charcoal and ebony pencil. "The sweetness and delights of the resting-place are in proportion to the pain endured on the Journey. Only when you suffer the pangs and tribulations of exile will you truly enjoy your homecoming." -Rumi

This is the largest canvas thus far for me. In progress!! Multiple projects are in sway with this baby of mine. Feel free to check the link for updates on all the moving parts, including video and still shots with hidden treasures added in between (little surprise pop-ups of newness) along the way. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eNiH1mwVbFHaAyAZ9 Here's some music that inspires me, along with links to listen live or on replay. Phenomenal! - DJ OTB for your creative journey. I love getting lost in the music while I dig deep to paint or create my soul expression. Much gratitude to all those out there who inspire me every day. https://www.mixcloud.com/djtruebrit-otb/ https://www.mixcloud.com/djtruebrit-otb/a-journey-in-house-afro-melodic-progressive-chill-13072024/ https://www.mixcloud.com/djtruebrit-otb/a-journey-in-house-afro-melodic-progressive-vibes-13072024/

Capturing the spaces in between and amplifying them with a play on exposure and contrast to bring forth the beauty I see within the layers. This particular play is a flower I saved from a very special event I attended. I then dried the petals of this beauty. These special petals make their way to various projects, including oil and acrylic paintings and resin on canvas. More to come :)

I have a certain energy that runs through me, almost like a current. Balancing this energy can be quite a challenge, but I have found that meditation helps me to find my center. I like to quiet the noise around me and focus on my inner truth. Sometimes, I begin my meditation with my eyes closed, allowing my emotions to guide me in sketching out my experiences. This helps me to open up my channels of creativity, which I am currently using to work on my upcoming novel. I can't reveal too much about it yet, but I hope you will enjoy the sneak peeks I'll be sharing as I work toward completion.

The solar eclipse was incredible for me on many levels ~ In deep mediation the movement of the solar eclipse inspired me, grounded me and offered an intense level of focus and internal balance of the feminine and masculine within us all ~ Parts of this ongoing collage has been done with the left hand. Grounding and clearing tools I like to use: Florida water, Sage ash, Palo ash (all ethically sourced and pure)

I don’t do much on a plane except doodle. And this was no exception. I love to travel, even the long days that go with it.

My son went to feed the cows some pellets and got an unexpected thank you

Experimenting with linocut techniques digitally...

Taking inspiration I got from a friend’s art exhibition and getting it put down onto paper at last!

Part of a personal project I'm working on right now, to experiment with new art styles and practice lettering skills by drawing animals. The color palette and symmetrical motifs in this one were inspired by the boats on Lake Xochimilco in Mexico, which is the last remaining place wild axolotls live.

Hand drawn abstract wall art resembling flames expanding from a point of origin.

Inspired by a recent experience I had during a trip to the bank, and just reflection on “masks” we wear in general I suppose.

Taking a break from photo editing to get creative in other areas... Over the Beltane weekend, my girlfriend and I watched the British dub of Urusei Yatsura over on YouTube. Yes, I assure anyone not aware, such a thing exists and my word is it hilarious (but not for the easily offended! Oh and while, I'm here, may the 4th be with you :-)

Was initially going to try coffee painting with this one, but that clearly wasn’t happening... Hence the mentioning of divorce here, it being my expectations being split from the reality this time around. Still, things worked out in the end!

An exercise in observation - quick sketch. I was told that if I made a drawing a day for 365 days, that in a year, I might have a couple nice drawings.

Macrocosm: the whole of a complex structure, especially the world or the universe. Acrylic on wood panel.

I’m no stranger to weird dreams, and last night’s one was no exception to the rule. The doodle alone may do things *some* form of justice...

Rainy days = a perfect excuse for a shedload of coffee and drawing to indulge in. :) Occurs to me I did one with the title “Laurel Weaver” close to four years ago. Not much else connects the two beyond the title or does it? I don’t know... Whatever the case, I fancied recycling and revisiting this idea somehow. Enjoy!

The perfect date does exist - but you have to put up with his rascally pets!

Back to more surreal programming.

Mechanical pencil drawing with digital texture and color added

Mechanical pencil drawing with digital texture and color added