Isa Bey Mosque, Selçuk, Turkey

We painted landscapes from photos in painting class recently, and I chose a photo from my trip to Turkey. I took this photo from the ruins of St John's Basilica. It was a beautiful view and Nelson and I spent a bit of time just sketching the mosque and the ruins around us.

The Isa bey Mosque was built in 1375 and incorporates stones and columns taken from Ephesus and the ancient temple of Artemis.

I love landscapes but I always feel perplexed when I trying to draw or paint them. I know my perspective is a bit off and the column looks weird, but I'm happy that I finally got the colors fairly accurate. We did an under painting using burnt sienna in the foreground, gradually mixed with a pale violet in the distance. It definitely helped me to divide up the painting and create a sense of space and atmospheric perspective.

photos of the mosque

Ken and Me, 1989

My aunt Yukari sent my mom and me copies of this photo, which we must've given to my grandparents 20 years ago or so.
It's 1989, the day after Girls' Day/Hina-matsuri. Those are my hina-ningyō behind us. They're a set of dolls for the holiday representing the Emperor and Empress with their attendants and furniture. And omochi, giant fake omochi.
My brother must be a little under 3 years old. It amazes me that he kept the kimono on long enough to take a nice picture. He was an obnoxious little brat back then. ;)

Here's my mom as a baby with HER hina-ningyo.

Rokurokubi color test

I was thinking about adding some color to my Mommy Monster drawings.

Self portrait

I painted this a couple months ago for a homework assignment. My favorite part is Unchii-kun.

sketchcrawl at the Harlem Meer

Yesterday was Sketchcrawl! and I actually went!
It was a long arduous journey from the depths of Brooklyn all the way to the distant north side of Central Park. I didn't do a whole lot of sketching, but I'm mostly happy with my watercolor paintings.

Getting our table ready!!!

Tomorrow is the convention... Nelson decided to lay out some of our stuff on the coffee table.
Nelson's new Shape Drawing book is awesome!