Clearly, I am easily distracted these days

My sketching and blogging have taken a back seat to The Hunger Games this past week.  Every spare moment I've had, (including sitting at stop lights during my long and often slow commute) was spent reading this book. It's a real page-turner I tell ya!  I finished it just in time for the season finale of Downton Abbey.  Did either of these compelling stories inspire my sketches?  No,(not yet).  But I am inspired to seek out the remaining tomes of  Suzanne Collins' trilogy and I can re-watch episodes of Downton Abbey online.
Oh, and  I still have a couple of movies to see before the Academy Awards next Sunday.

 I love the broad shoulders and narrow hips of competitive swimmers.

I've been seeing lots of pregnant ladies lately.

A new obsession

I've been visiting this blog a lot, a lot lately and am equal parts amused, mesmerized and inspired.

Refresher Course

Last week I finally printed editions of the advent blocks I worked on in December.  It didn't take me long after beginning this task to remember just how challenging it can be (for me) to print a simple, one-color linoleum block edition...mixing a sufficient amount of ink using the right combination of colors and medium to make a smooth, rich black of an adequate consistency; properly and evenly rolling up the plate; getting the pressure on the printing press just right...the week-long exercise was good practice as I prepare to teach a lino-cut workshop in early March. (My hiatus from teaching has been longer than my hiatus from using linoleum, but I'm looking forward to having a go with a room full of eager students!)  On many levels it was a very good self-imposed refresher course!  Today I photographed the Advent prints and then posted them to my website. As always, I love checking things off my To-Do list.