Your blog is insane. And inspiring.

For a little acorn, a little comment. Good!

Thank you, guys.
This will be explained soon, as the project progresses.

Cheers x

Hope it was cathartic! You could do worse than Carlos and the lads.

Ain't that the truth, Dinahmow! Love this one, Andrea...:)

This is a great sketch. It reminds me of an old friend who used to write stuff on slips of paper and put them in a box deep in the closet so she would remove them from her head. I can't for the life of me remember what it is she put up there, though, so that memory was useless. I could also relate to some of your boxes which was scary. I'm used to "cute". Welcome back for the circus!

That actually gave me a shiver! Do you feel better now?

That's such an amazing sketch. Super powerful.

Thanks guys, yes, it's a dark place - under my bed!

Dan, I love that idea. Now that would make a great drawing. Dark, yes, but I don't think it's such a bad thing, emracing the darkness.

Cheers!

I love this drawing every time i look at it i can feel everything you were trying to get across you are a great artist.

Tower Bridge. And I love it!

Tower Bridge. And I love it!

I LOVE this, so clever.

I think it is Tower Bridge but not entirely sure myself!

thats bloody brilliant, I love it!

So smart, I love it! My partner is telling me London Bridge is in America, some rich guy bought it thinking it was Tower Bridge, he bought the wrong one, and after all that it didn't fit!

also on
www.bazaartales.com

My guess is Tower Bridge. I think London Bridge fell down. Or it's currently falling down. I heard it in a song once.

The red pens are cool. I really like the idea.

Yeah, that's Tower Bridge and it looks fantastic!

Thanks, folks.

You know, the last time is was in London I stayed in a hotel that was on the doorstep of London Bridge (you can see a drawing I made, of one of the souvenirs I bought whilst there, in the last post, in Danny's book) and it looked absolutely nothing like this. Yep, it's definitely Tower Bridge. Apparently, this is a common mistake.

And, yes, London Bridge's only fame is that it's falling down. Although, it looked fine when I was there.

Cheers, my dears.

Congratulations on being included - well deserved it is too.

Well done! And what a sweetie, to be your page turner!

Brilliant work Andrea, it looks fabulous, Well Done, I hope it brings you much joy, such lovely illustrations. :)

I ordered this book from Amazon and it arrived today. I saw your sketches in it, very nice.

I, too, love this book. It is so inspiring, and I have already lost hours pouring over the art and stories. I am so glad your amazing work is a part of this book - most deservedly so. :)) Thank you for sharing your art; it inspires and motivates me to pick up my own pen.

I, too, own and love this book - it is filled with inspiration, from the art to the narrative, i have already lost hours pouring over he pages. Your place I the volume is most deserved, and the spreads are beautiful. :)) Thank you for sharing your art, and for all of the inspiration and motivation it provides for so many of us.

That does look like an amazing book- congratulations to you on having your work included!

Thank you, so much guys. I feel honoured to be included in such a gorgoeus book.

Excellent! I am so happy for you!

Oh my goodness. What were you up to?

Who's a clever girl, then? ;-)

Hello cuties!

Very intrigued - it looks like we are getting build-your-own birds?

I love your work, this is how I would love to be able to sketch. Though I will not be commenting on all you posts I will be looking at each one.

Hi there excellent blog! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount work?
I have absolutely no expertise in computer programming however I was hoping to start my own blog
in the near future. Anyways, should you have any ideas or tips for
new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject but I just needed to ask.
Kudos!

Feel free to visit my website: blog.lishin.tcc.edu.tw

Thanks so much, Polly. I remember looking at other artists work when I started out and thinking 'I want to sketch like that'. I never achieved drawing like them, but somehow found my own thing.

Cheers.

That table is awesome.

Thank you!

I like the softly blended values, you did that so nicely!

An alternative solution to your photo problems would be to post a small image with a few detail shots, if you make them all slightly different sizes (simply by cropping and resizing) it would make it a lot harder for people to use them commercially.

An alternative solution to your photo problems would be to post a small image with a few detail shots, if you make them all slightly different sizes (simply by cropping and resizing) it would make it a lot harder for people to use them commercially.

She is beautifully done. Lovely art!

Also, you could reframe the issue a little bit: how many of the people who see your work would not see it if this didn't happen? How many people who now use your work, would pay for it if they could not pull it from the web?

I think you might be not losing any business, and gaining exposure, using the bigger images.

However, things like details and so on sound like good ideas as well. Maybe my pov it's just a matter of perspective, so that you don't get a feeling you're losing sales, but you're gaining potential clients. :)

Thanks, guys.

Yep showing some of the details sounds like a way forward. But, you know, Gotes de Lluna, I think I'm come back around to this point of view. I really do.

Cheers.

reguarding your problem with the resizing if people want to read the text there is a zoom facility on the pc under tools or you could do ALT+X and zoom in on your text it only takes second and people must want to read what goes with the drawing to get the most of ajs craft hope it helps

I am so wondering and ispire by your unique sketch drawn style can you tell us which pencil, pen are you using? Mzrlers? together? Thank wou so much

I love being able to click your images and get a large view of your work. But I know it makes you vulnerable. I don't like the idea of watermarking artwork, either. Too bad cyber space is not free of pirates. Your work is awesome.

Blessings,
Fay

hi Andrea -
first - big fan here for a long time and please watermark. as much as i adore looking at your drawings in detail I hate to think of someone stealing your work. Those of us who love your stuff won't mind ;-)
I read the last few posts about learning Photoshop and laughed cos this was my New Years Resolution! I've struggled with it for far too long and had given up but this year I'm determined. I'm sure you've found all kinds of tutorials online but here's one I'm going to use - I've watched a few videos and I actually find her very understandable and thought perhaps you might too :-) Here's the link:
www.jessicasprague.com
then click on learn with Jessica then click on Photoshop Classes (there are some free ones :-))
Good luck with the Photoshop!

I'm so glad you drew. That's most definitely a word in MY vocabulary! And I love this drawing! Wow! I can see the passion you had for your craft in every part of it. I want to learn photoshop too, but for illustration reasons. How do you know if somebody is using your artwork without permission? I have my stuff on about 6 different sites, and don't check them very often... but I never see my artwork popping up any place else. I guess I'm not the one to give advice, but I'd love to receive some too!

Tough call about image size. This one looks ok in the blog, but is not sharp enough to read the text or really appreciate your incredible attention to detail (at least viewing on an iPad). I guess you could watermark your images before posting, but of course that would impact the presentation. Never been a big fan of watermarks.
Been following and enjoying your work for awhile, btw. Thanks.

Andrea, I don't know anything about photoshop. But I do know that people could lift your drawings and enlarge them. Not the same as hi-res, but if thieves are only after cheap knock-offs ... There is a way to put a watermark on your work and you probably have the programme for that. I'm sure someone else can help there!
Anyway, it's lovely to see you back in the saddle.700.Way to go!

Katherine, the thing is that you never know unless somebody tells you. Because people who know my work have pointed it out I've found my drawings on tote bags, mugs and posters. They are mainly in eastern Europe and Russia and there's not really anyway of stopping them do it. I do contact them but get no reply, so unless I make my images small enough so they can't be used.

Photoshop is going to take some time!!

Cheers.

Thanks, guys.

Yep, that's my worry that they are not as sharp, I do want people to read all the notes. It's a difficult one. I'm not a fan of watermarks either. But, maybe that is the way forward. Hmmmmm. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

Cheers.

Andrea, People can still lift this drawing . From my browser I was able to increase the size and find both a "save" and "print" command easily (I didn't do either of course). You should be able to put a watermark on your work in PhotoShop, which would be visible on the drawing in a browser, and would make any image a bit less desirable. You can't put it on a mug with a watermark and expect folks to buy it.

I've seen a number of discussions on various art pages on the web that focus on how to protect one's art work. This problem of stealing artwork concerns artists everywhere. I have never read a good solution to the problem, either. Watermarking is the only way I've heard of (besides dragging someone to court) as a good solution.

As usual, the drawing is lovely. It's a shame that people don't respect artists enough to keep their hands off!

Oh dear. Wrote up a longish comment and when I got to this point, it was gone. Well, it was too long anyway.

This problem of stealing artwork on the web is one I've seen on a gazillion art fora -- and no one seems to have a good solution other than watermarking. You should be able to watermark your work with Photoshop very easily.

From a browser it is possible to both enlarge your drawing and save/print it -- it's the nature of the beast. People who have no morals will steal anything, and copyright laws don't faze them. Although watermarking will 'show' it will stop your images from being used commercially.

Keep up the good work. Photoshop is a lot of fun -- I've used it for a long time to clean up old photos and process new ones. Avail yourself of Adobe's help, and search for tutorials, of which there are a gazillion. One really terrific site is lynda.com. She's been working with software and doing tutorials literally for years. And adobe's help is very good as well.

Congratulations, you are an inspiration, just got "An Illustrated Journey" I very much enjoyed reading your section.

Andrea, I love, love , love your art. I could not read your "thoughts" in this drawing though - too small. Maybe you could enlarge just parts of the drawings in separate pictures?

I don't know if this will be helpful, but you probably know a really good printable piece is going to be at least 300dpi. 72dpi is considered sufficient for screen viewing. So I've always made my image 72dpi (but retained the dimensions I want) when I plan to post it online. That doesn't mean it's no longer printable, but it certainly won't print nicely, thus making it less desirable for stealing.

well, half the fun of looking at your drawings is inspecting every little detail and every nook and cranny. so i'd vote for the watermark, even though i don't particularly like those. but i see that as less intrusive on your drawings than not being able to view the fabulous details of your drawings. just my two cents worth ;)

Try resizing to 800 px on the long side ... big enough to enjoy.

Andrea! This is gooorgeous. Really. So happy you were able to make time to really draw...would you send some of that over my way?

I'm so sorry to hear about your drawings being used without your permission. I wish I had some advice, but I struggle with this same issue too. I detest watermarks, but is this what its going to have to come to?

I look forward to checking back in here and seeing what others suggest.

This beautiful drawing is the one that brought me, for the first time, to your site, and it WAS disappointing to not be able to read the text, especially as I could relate so well to the concept.
I use Photoshop quite a bit. If you go to image size, you can save your work at 72, or even 100 dpi and it will look great on screen, but will be too low res to make a decent print. Depending on the size of your original text, that might need to be adjusted for readability. Is this drawing saved at an even smaller res than that? My drawings are about 8.5 x 12 inches, so maybe that's a bit bigger than yours, I can't know.
Anyway, love what I can see of your drawing!

Lovely feeling when you take a stroke for a walk and you hardly remember the journey. Sorry to hear about the use of your images. You are not the first person to mention this on your blog. I don't know how you could stop it altogether. I use Pixresizer and make my largest dimension 300 and it is ok on the blog but if you try and enlarge it is is too small. I am not worried about my work being copie as it isnt professional standard so no-one would want it. I guess the small c thingey for watermarks is another possible solution with your name at the side Hope you find a solution.

I miss being able to read what you've written on this drawing, and being able to see all the wonderful detail you put into these. I'm like you...I'm not crazy about watermarks especially when they run right through the middle of the image. I've toyed with the idea of watermarking mine across the bottom, but then folks can just crop it out with some images.

Since your work is actively being stolen, please start using watermarks. At least that will make it more difficult for thieves. I think it's very generous of you to share all your images and you gotta do what you can to protect yourself. If we want to see your work in all it's detail and glory, we can visit your etsy shop and buy it. Meanwhile, we're all grateful for your robust imagination and wonderful drawings. Keep it up, Miss 700 Posts!

Hi Andrea, well done on all you have achieved recently, the book, and the theatre art and mentions in that mag in London, I keep reading about your adventures!! Brilliant.
I'm only just learning on photoshop, and i'm not sure how you get your drawn image onto the computer? but, if you scan, it needs to be low res, like 75dpi, not sure if you can go lower, and then in photoshop you flatten the image (in the bit where you create a new layer I think), then save as a jpeg. This makes it smaller to send as an email. Hope this makes sense, our friend Lynne could probably help with the photoshop?? Good luck, I can easily imagine images getting stolen, I often think should I put images on my blog? It's a shame. X :)

Thanks so much guys, this is all very useful info.

This is saved at 72dpi. You can still print it? Wow. I don't know. It seems that watermark is the way to go? I really don't like them but I suppose you have to weigh up that against getting your work stolen.

Or, maybe, I should just get over it and continue to post as I normally would? It's a tough call but your input really helps. thanks.

I'm going to play around some more with Photoshop - try out some of he things you've suggested. I suppose it's not until I become more proficient with Photoshop that I find a better solution.

I want you all to read the notes and view my drawings in the best light. That's my priority.

Cheers!

Congratulations! Both on the 700th post and on the zenlike drawing experience. The image is fine, except I cannot read the text (sigh).

WOW Andrea 700 posts!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Not sure if someone has already mentioned this. I think the way forward is watermarking. I usually post low-res images of my drawings on my blog, but if there is an interesting detail I want people to see, I add other images that are only the details.

For example, you could post the low-res image of this drawing with a watermark. Then, in the high res version in photoshop, you can zoom in, use the "rectangular marquee" tool to select detailed areas and crop ("Image" and then "Crop") to save details. You can then post them individually so people can read them.

That way people can still see high-res versions of the juicy bits, but it's much less likely anyone will steal them, as they're just bits and pieces of the whole picture.

Hope this helps!

I love your work! your illustrations are very beautiful! you can visit this page: psd.tutsplus.com/sessions/photoshop-basix/
there are a lot of shrot tutorials, some of them talk about resize image and how to save and present a work.

Hi Andrea, I love your drawings and would hate to see them on some cheap tote bag. I would definately watermark them...there are ways to do it very subtley and it can look professional. Your real fans will understand why you have to put a watermark on. I found this very clear video for you that might help: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JssogKr-Vhk . Persevere with Photoshop, it is totally worth learning. Also, I agree with one of the comments above...you can make closeups of the writing in your drawings so people can read it.

Watermark, my dear. I believe photoshop may have an "add a watermark" command that would make it simple to protect your work. I do love seeing the huge images, but I don't want people stealing your work!

I'm really sorry you've had drawings stolen from you - that's horrible :(

I've pinned some of your drawings to Pinterest, but they link straight back to your blog and say in the comment that it is your drawing.

If you would prefer that I delete them, I will happily do this.

Only comment about the image size is that when you click on it, it doesn't get big enough to read, which makes me sad. I enjoy your random comments on your drawings!

Just wanted to add, the pins look like this:

http://pinterest.com/pin/244461085992718887/

I will of course remove it if you would prefer - it was never my intention to steal, and I hope you don't view it that way.

Thank you everyone, for such an amazing response.


Kim, no, no, problem. That's not what I mean by stealing! Please fell free to share my work. I'm grateful, in fact. Nope, it's when it appears on some cheap product, that I get no control over and no credit for, but is being used for somebody else to make a profit. That's what really hurts. And on the Pinterest subject, now there's something else I need to learn. Easy? Worthwhile? Or, just another place to post?

Thanks again. I am going to give watermarking a go on one of my brand new drawings, to see if I can live with it. I'm still not sue that I can. Cheers!

I'm a self-taught photoshop user. Honestly, there is a lot within the program. I took my time and experimented and had fun.
As for copyright....yes you can add watermarks and I've done this but it's not an absolute. Additionally,it's strongly suggested by experts,Scott Kelby, never to upload the highest quality nor original size to the web.

Kayshine, thanks a lot. Your message is encouraging. Sometimes (always) when I open up Photosop I'm totally overwhelmed. It's going to take some time. Cheers.

Can't wait to get my copy! I saw your drawings in there, so rich as always, look forward to seeing them on paper.

Congratulations-- I've pre-ordered mind already!
---Laura

I want one too I've been popping around seeing all the other familiar faces with spots between the covers Danny has a lot of good company

I just received my copy, and was so thrilled to see your brilliant work included. I love owning your zines, and am so inspired by your incredible drawings.

Congratulations!

I have come across your blog and love your work. Don't seem to be able to follow you, but will still pop over occasionally

I have come across your blog and love your work. Don't seem to be able to follow you, but will still pop over occasionally

congratulations my copy should be here any day now.

I'm soooo looking forward to this book! But - having to wait until March? *sob*

Thrilled for you Andrea! That is so great! I have several of Danny's books already.. can't wait to get this one now.. and to see which of your travel drawings he chose for the book. Big congratulations to you! Tim @poetreats

Thrilled for you Andrea! That is so great! I have several of Danny's books already.. can't wait to get this one now.. and to see which of your travel drawings he chose for the book. Big congratulations to you! Tim @poetreats

Congratulations! I can't wait to receive my copy and get a peek inside.

Congratulations! Well deserved!

Thank you thank you thank you!

I'm thrilled to be involved. I should also have mentioned that I piched this photo from danny's blog. I havent got my copy yet, it's making it's way across the pond as I type.

Cheers, guys. Can't wait to see some of you in there too.

This is going to sound a little bizarre (you might not even believe me) but what the hell...

I remember 'borrowing' one of Danny Greggory's books from the artroom library at school years ago; and I recognised a lot of names, but I remember being disappointed that yours wasn't one of them! I always thought your work would have been a perfect fit, and I honestly thought that book would be made so much better if your work had been a part of it! So saying, I'm delighted that it's happened! I'll have to get my hands on a copy soon!
Many congratulations!

That is so sweet 'Anonymous', I'm really touched. And funnily enough, my copy arrived about an hour ago. It's absolutely amazing. Thanks again, you, and the book, have made my day.

I do find it funny when I come across an artist whose work was the same for the entire length of their life. It's good to mix it up, go through different 'periods' if you will and play with different materials.

Look forward to seeing what happens.

I don't suppose most of us mind how you do it ...just so long as you do it!
Nice to see you back at it, Andrea.
Cheers!

i have to say i have only started following your drawings knowing who you are for the last 5 or 6 months having run across you on the internet. But i have seen your work for years and very much enjoyed the detail you put into each piece. The ability to draw what you see so well is truly a gift and i thank you for sharing it with me.

i have to say i have only started following your drawings knowing who you are for the last 5 or 6 months having run across you on the internet. But i have seen your work for years and very much enjoyed the detail you put into each piece. The ability to draw what you see so well is truly a gift and i thank you for sharing it with me.

I love the little whirligig on the end of the typewriter barrel! Cute little detail!

I love the little whirligig on the end of the typewriter barrel! Cute little detail!

Your drawings are wonderful! I'd love to fill a whole wall in my house with them!

Your drawings are wonderful! I'd love to fill a whole wall in my house with them!

Found your blog through Chris Murray's and your work is brilliant. Will be following your blog with interest

just seen the amazing three coloured pencil drawing after all the years ive followed your work i missed that its superb

after all the years of looking at your amazing work i have just for the first time seen the three coloured pencil drawing its superb

I can see why all the favoriting. These are great. I love the shoes. And the tin-type pic. But they are all wonderful.

Thank you, guys. You are most kind.

Oh my, Andrea. How amazingly flattering that poem is. To hear how another experiences your artwork would be something so special. That certainly is a poem, a gift to treasure.

That IS a lovely poem! Very talented writer! Maybe you two should team up for a joint show some day.

That IS a lovely poem! Very talented writer! Maybe you two should team up for a joint show some day.

what a lovely poem! and what a precious gift that was for you, a true treasure. thank you for sharing it with us.

what a lovely poem! and what a precious gift that was for you, a true treasure. thank you for sharing it with us.

ps: love the drawing of "little things" as well .. so charming ;)

That's so beautiful and awesome!

Thanks, folks.
Yes, I was very touched. I love it. Cheers.

Your work is incredible! It's creative, exciting, speaks to the viewer, has excellent composition and is so beautifully rendered! I hope everything goes well for you today!

Love the jewellery flotsam. And what a great article, congratulations! :)

Very rarely do I do the commute into London, but this morning I did and picked up a copy of the Metro. Glad I did as immediately fell in love with your style. Superb. You've made my day / week / year :)

Thank you, guys.

Why am I so negative? Today turned out to be a good day. Not only did i coplete my tax returns (which is such a weight lifted) but also I sold a lot of work.

Thank you so much, Simon. I'm ost pleased that you made that commute today.

Cheers!

I read the article on my way to work. I recognised your pictures before I saw your name. Well done. (Edinburgh to Glasgow train)

My pleasure. Please do let me know if you and when you have any others for sale.

Congratulations on the article! Your work is amazing.

Thanks, folks.

Hope you have recieved your drawings now Simon? Can I get an email address for you? you can send it via Etsy.

Wow, AnneMarie, it must have made its way from London?

Cheers, all.

The article was in our local Metro, so everyone would have seen it :)

Oh, right, AnneMarie, so it wasn't just in the London Metro then? Thanks x

So sweet!

So sweet!

So cute!

Oooo!!! Saw the article about doodling in the Metro this morning! Not that i consider what you do to be 'doodling'.

Thanks guys, more coming soon.
Kaitlyn, I've jst seen it. very exciting!

Cheers.

Intrigued!

Does hoo-bloody-ray cover it? Pleased you're back in the water.

I wondered where you went. So nice to see you back. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to show us. Welcome back!
Scott

Whew! Welcome back!

You have been missed!

Welcome back.
The interweb break was probably healthy. More and more people are doing it these days, albeit by choice.

Looking forward to seeing what new stuff you've got.

I've missed you!

Good to have you back! Last time I was without (only for a week) I was climbing the walls - shocking how much you come to rely on it.

Hello, I have recently discovered your blog and have really enjoyed looking at the drawings. I also love to draw with ballpoint pens...Nice to see you back.

Yay!

This comment has been removed by the author.

I'm so glad you're back. Can't wait to see some new drawings. By the way..did you sketch that box of Christmas ornaments?
Sharon from Texas.

Welcome back!!

Welcome back!

You're always missed...but a break does a body good too! So sorry to hear about your computer...I hope this new/old laptop can keep up!

Glad your back. I would go insane without my computers.

Glad your back. I would go insane without my computers.

Andrea, it's been a long time since I've stopped by your blog. It seems as if you've been going through something that I recently wrote about on my blog: drawing funk, technological issues. Stop by and have a look, and leave a comment or two! By the way, Welcome back!

Thank you all so much, guys.
I guess a break does one good but the whole drawing funk thing is SO difficult. As was the lack of technology. Still, I'm back on it. Now, I just need work out how to get the software for my old scanner, learn how to use photoshop and get used to this laptop. Then I can make some posts!

Thanks again, I appreciate your support and comments SOOOOOO much x

Yay, Andrea! I'm so glad!

I guess it's not only a matter of confidence, but also of letting your art and your love for it grow in a way that you can't help drawing no matter where you are. Makes me think of how different those drawings may be if those people hadn't been involved in the process.

I guess it's not only a matter of confidence, but also of letting your art and your love for it grow in a way that you can't help drawing no matter where you are. Makes me think of how different those drawings may be if those people hadn't been involved in the process.

Good for you for being so brave and forging ahead even when it wasn't comfortable!

Congratulations Andrea!
What a sense of freedom,no?
Fantastic portraits you've got.

Lovely sketches.

I think groups like Urban Sketchers and participating in SketchCrawls has helped my confidence for drawing in public.

wow. well done, love the drawings. I'm still horrified of drawing in public but perhaps one day ...

Hi Andrea! My name is Jenea and I am Sketch Illustrator too! I really like your greats and funny sketches, BUT MORE i APPRECIATE YOUR ENTHUSIASM!!! It's very important to work with big pleasure! Sincerely to say, sometimes I am worry about people who saw that I draw him, but i think it is no big problem - because with time this fear will pass!

Wow, your sketches are fantastic- I can't wait to have that kind of confidence (both in terms of drawing style and public sketching!). Your travel journal is just amazing!

(http://w-nder.blogspot.co.uk- if you have any tips on my sketches-I'd be incredibly greatful!)

Your story about drawing in public is inspirational. Everyone who is a reluctant public "draw-er" should read your comments and take heart.

sehr guter Beitrag

love it. good work

i think you'd like my artwork...
http://funnymanwithdogeyesandahangingtongue.blogspot.com/

Wish I had your confidence to pack a page so full of sketches as you do. Great blog!

such lovely and lively

such lovely and lively

Great blog and wonderfull drawings. I do not have the patience I see in your drawings. I wrote about drawing in public on my blog two years ago. http://elkedagtelt.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/will-the-person-i-draw-not-be-annoyed-that-i-stare-at-her/

You should send your shoes drawings to the companies. I bet they'd be super impressed. Especially as Converse is running a 'Yes, we make boots' campaign.

Thanks, Kaitlyn. I'll check out the Converse campaign.

Andrea your work is fantastic... I have an invite to Dribbble.com I think you not only deserve but might enjoy the community of artists and designers there. Send me an email if you are interested.

Now you could move around and just sit for a short while to take very quick sketches. Many of your objects will be moving, so you will get movement in your pictures. Every cloud has a silver lining. Do post the quick ones!!! Best wishes!

Now you will be moving around and movement will enter your sketches :) Every cloud has a silver lining. Hugs and best wishes!

Order of importance: Living #1, Art #2. Though I frequently forget that myself. I've just resumed exercising again as well after a long stop - my belly has expanded beyond my desired limit.

I heard one artist say that one can't exercise and do art. Others say you must exercise. I think it has to be the latter. If you are not healthy, you cannot do art.

I think it is a matter of time management. You had a routine and it's been disrupted. Once you develop a new routine, the page will be very, very full, I am sure.

But even before that, just do this: always show up to do your art, and put one mark on the paper - anything - and then you'll have to do something! (And the page won't be blank.) :)

Once you make time for your exercise, you will get back to the blank page -- it's always a matter of making time, not having it. It's always a struggle to find the balance, but I'm glad you're listening to your body. Your work is so beautiful and it's your body that makes it possible. Think how much better the drawing will be with the body in better shape. I'm a minimalist exerciser and my body ALWAYS lets me know when to get up and move -- pain is a great motivator :)

And that's why I have a dog - enforced exercise! Plus I get quite a bit of inspiration for paintings while crashing through the fields and woods with him. I'm sure once you get a routine in place, the art will not suffer.

I know the feeling. It is hard to balance activity and creativity. But you can't create forever without activity. I think you did amazingly to be creative for several years without exercising. I am just getting back into exercise, again, after going through some life stresses. I still haven't found the energy to do my exercise and get back to the level of creativity I want. But that will come. Good luck in your venture of good health.

Pare off a tiny bit of that dedication/motivation/inspiration used to create art to create the healthier you. If you create from that stillness, perhaps yoga would suit? Mind/body/spirit all in one. Speaking from experience, yoga has changed everything. You will find what works for you. And whatever it is...BONUS...somehow it will inspire you even more!

Look after yourself.I know it's not always easy to achieve a comfortable balance with art and life, but anyone with your high degree of focus can do it!
Now...where's my bike?

A regular sleep pattern can go a long way. It's all about finding a balance.

Glad to hear you are taking better care of yourself. My wife and I started doing the same back in July and I have dropped 43 pounds so far. We feel better and it affects every area of our lives.

I am also in a drawing funk as I have stopped completely. Not that I am expected to or anything, my day job has me busy. That and helping my daughter as she has a broken foot.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing how this life change affects your artwork.

need new shoes! http://ellips-chaussures.fr/fr/

I totally get it. When life stuff already takes so much of your time, what little ou have left you just want to draw draw draw & draw! Like Caroline, I have a dog. If it weren't for him, I might never leave the house!

As they say, "you go, girl." I don't think anything you put on a blank page will be without interest and wonder, quick, slow, or whatever. Just keep on keepin' on. It's what you/we do.

Some very good advice here. I'm in the same position as you: health scare = get off my butt and do something about it. Now? Gym 3x a week, plus swimming in between. Result: weight loss, more energy, more alert and energized for art. It has to be a life long commitment too. We're none of us getting any younger, even if our artistic selves are young at heart :-)

I hope you are ok. I like this drawing it's sexy!

Yes good sleep is the most important thing of half your life.

And a tip from me if you go exercising, chose the right type of exercise because some might even get you more stressed, e.g. I like to go out almost everyday for a good walk and if refreshes me just fine, I have to say that I live in the city so I see a lot of action, if I would walk in the country it might bore me to death so ... it all depends; running doesn't clear my mind at all, it frustrates me; going to the gym alone can be so boring while going with a friend, and take turns for each exercise, can be fun when you have a good friend. Also give or get a massage can be incredibly relaxing, here the same thing, some like intense flexing of muscles, while for others a gentle touch is what can make you feel as light as a bird again. ha I could go on for a while, and sometimes you just have to wait until some worries simply become less of a big deal, anyway I hope you find a good balance, between all the stuff you do.

Oh, good music can also be helpful to get you going ... don't listen to too melancholic music to often, Back Where It All Begins from the Allman Brothers Band usually gets me going again, there are plenty of other of recharging songs out there, if you think mine is silly, that's ok, I'm just saying :)

Take care.

Thanks everyone, for such kind messages. Apologies for not repling sooner too.It's not that I do not appreciate you taking the time to comment. I DO!! Reading your messages has helped so much. And, it makes me realise that I am not the only who has been through this.

So, just a great big thank YOU. I have been putting some of your suggestions into pracice and I'll blog about it soon. I did think that maybe journaling my new exercise/lifestyle regime would be a good idea. It hasn't happened yet but I have a new sketchbook here, so who knows.

Cheers.

Shucks. I even had a personal trainer. Did the gym thing three times a week, had a treadmill, elliptical trainer and recumbent bike at home. I loved it. Then I blew both knees and had three surgeries; tore my right rotator cuff twice. Three more surgeries. Guess who couldn't write or draw for months. I did learn how to write well with my left hand though. The workouts and dedicated exercise made me a better and healthier artist. Now I walk. It's not the same as jogging but it' a start, moving is good. You're an amazing artist. I believe you will find balance.

What a wonderful benefit! I really admire folks that use their talents to benefit others. You're an inspiration!

Some white accents here and there might have been nice in this drawing. Jeweler designers often draw on grey paper because it makes shiny things painted in white really stick out, such as gold, diamonds and pearls ... that would otherwise be impossible to draw on a white piece of paper.

Nice to see you back:-)

Nice to see you back:-)

I adore all your drawings! -^___^-
What a amazing piece oj art!

I loved to meet you in Clermont. You are on my blog.
I hope you liked the exhibition. I guess it was hard for you with all those people walking in front of you and no time to visit the other booths.

Thank you, guys.

Chelle, yes, I think you are right. It would have been a nice addition. Wish I'd thought of it at the time. maybe next time. A good tip.

Lilotte, thanks so much. It was wonderful to meet all the lovely people who came to the exhibition over the course of the weekend. It's true, I had just half an hour to go and look at what others were doing. So much amazing work.

Cheers, guys.

It looks like you've got a thing for see through clothes, that's hot.

Thanks, Chelle. Not really that many see through clothes though!

Andrea! Say me please -what type of pen do you use? I just don't know if here in my country we have the same pen...

OMG! The bracelets are $100 a tile? That can't be true. Gold is more affordable? OMG!

Ha! No, they are $100 for the whole thing.

I really like the penultimate one. That's incredible. Just, the form and movement of it. Wow.

Thanks, Kaitlyn, that one is my fave too.

Wonderful...

Exquisite drawing.

Congratulations, welcome home!

congrats on your exhibit, Andrea ... that way more people get to see your fantastic drawings up close and personal!

mo

Beautiful,Andrea,beautiful!

this is such a lovely piece

that sketchbook must be full of treasures

congratulations on your show~

Wow, that's a wonderful piece. I love the handwriting, it complements the drawing very nicely.

I guess you're now an official member of the Mile High (sketching) Club, well done : )

This is sensitive and oh so gorgeous!

Thanks so much, folks. This is one of those drawings that I would never have dreamt would have such a great response from the various places I posted it. I always think of this little blog as home though.

Cheers.

Hello Andrea. I saw you this sunday at Clermont Ferrand. I like a lot what you draw. I show to my children and they like it to. Sorry for my english. It's not very well. Are you happy for your travel in France ?

Merci, Celine. Your English is better than my French!

Yes, I loved my time in Clermont. I hope to return in the future. Thanks again.

It really was a pleasure to meet you in Clermont. I hope you enjoyed it, although being alone was not easy. The picture I took of you is in my blog. Maybe we'll meet again next year ?