It's crazy to think that 6 years have already flown by since I first moved onto the Xcel gymnastics team, let alone the fact that I've spent 15 years of my life as a gymnast. Tomorrow, August 6th, 2021, marks my last day as a gymnast on the team since I'm officially a college student. I've genuinely been dreading this day, but it's not the ending I expected...in an oddly good way. I know no one expected to spend the past year in a pandemic, and I definitely didn't think gym would shift so much in the following months, but here we are. Gymnastics has taught me more than I ever imagined it could, and my coaches (especially one of them) have become two of the people I'm closest with, words can't describe how grateful I am for everything. This 'ending' doesn't feel like an end, more so a closing to this chapter. Honestly, my love for the sport has only grown, and it feels like I'm finally figuring it all out. So, although my final practice as a team member is tomorrow, my journey is not over yet. "Goodbyes are the hardest part, and this ending has been something I’ve been dreading, although I know it’s time to let go. I’d like to say this isn’t a permanent goodbye to you or the sport, it’s more of a natural conclusion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me and managed to teach me in this short amount of time, I couldn’t have asked for anyone, or anything, better. Thank you most of all for helping me achieve my dreams and for helping me get to a point in which I can say I’m proud of my journey.
All that’s left to say is I care about you, I love you, and take care."
Workers in grocery stores take every precaution to keep themselves and others safe from the coronavirus pandemic. Art presented in pastel drawing. Special thanks to: https://www.revounts.com.au/woolworths-promo-code
And this is the painting re-done (Posted original the other day). Original painting was done in 2006! I'm sorting through my art--what is worth a little more work--and what cannot be saved!!! This has been an emotionally challenging project. For one thing, in many of the paintings slated for re-do, I'm looking into my past.
Hi everyone, as a freelance photographer, I always choose for myself very close and ancient inspirations. Suddenly I remembered that my grandfather's room was still kept until now, so I took my camera and ran over there. Just like I feel a scene full of classics and peaceful, this is where my grandfather used to read newspapers, magazines, science books and meditate with a cup of tea or coffee. But this room is now locked and vacant because my grandfather passed away 2 years ago. I still often come to this room to clean up and sit down to think and remember the memories of the two grandparents in the past. Memories are so dear and beautiful
Starting this past winter I began redoing some of my old artwork. This one was painted about 15 years ago--is quite pale. Soon I'll be brightening it, adding more value contrast. After each redo is done, I choose the next. Anyone else out there do redos? I'd love to hear about your experiences.
My latest illustration! I recreated my character Okimoto Manami (a computer graphics piece back in 2013) in a traditional Japanese setting. She is in a traditional house overlooking a garden that has a pond, a cherry blossom tree and a flower bush. She also has Ikebana (flower arrangement) peony piece near her. Theres also peony designs on her kimono.The kind of kimono she’s wearing is a furisode.I have advanced quite a bit in the past eight years and I prefer using traditional mediums these days! Colored pencils used: Caran d’ache luminance, Posca colored pencils, Faber Castell polychromos, etc..
Rough and smudgy. Kind of how I feel. I got frustrated and just put a bunch of pastels on paper. It's not pretty but it's pretty close to being an authentic look inside myself.
Binge-watched “Bridgerton” last weekend and paid the price for it all day Saturday. The drawing is based on my wife's picture of me on the couch sleeping off my bad decision. HB, 2B Staedtler mechanical pencils on 8.5” x 11” acid-free sketchbook.
Pastel pencil study of the intertwined hands of the Ambrogio Borghi sculpture, Chioma di Berenice. Faber Castell pastel pencils, Black and White Generals charcoal pencils on 9” x 12” Strathmore Toned Grey sketchbook paper.
Gwenffrwd-Dinas is an RSPB nature reserve out in the wilds of mid-Wales. You could easily miss it driving past, but if you do park up, you're treated to some gorgeous scenery. Here the river Tywi (the longest in Wales) flows past the wooded riverbank then through a rocky gorge on its way down to Carmarthen. Pen and watercolour on watercolour paper (6x8").
This is a digital drawing I did in the spirit of Christmas. I did a lot of selecting, copying, pasting, and flipping so most things looked nice and parallel. XD The only thing I didn't do that with was her ears. Oh well. At least it was in season..
