Monday, January 31, 2011

Fighting the Slack Monster and the Little Red Hen again...

  
2/1/11
2/2/11
2/3/11

2/6/11

 I have been so slack about posting lately.  I'm trying to get back into the habit of posting more often. So, to start it off I am posting not one, but two WIP's. I'm trying to get myself back into the painting or at least sketching every day mode. I did so well for over a year.  And then it happened, I let the slack monster sneak up on me and pull me away bit by bit. Whispering in my ear little negative things like, "your tired, you've done enough today" or" you've already been on the computer all day, do you really want to spend more time straining your eyes?, you know you are tired" He's very beguiling, this slack monster.  So, now I'm fighting back, bit by bit. I started working on another little red hen illustration a couple of weeks ago and I hope to get a chance to paint it soon, but I haven't really decided on the the finished sketch yet. Yes, I know, the slack monster is still whispering in my ear.  Actually, I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with the background and the whispering is distracting me. So, I decided to try to get in an Illustration Friday first.  I haven't done one in a while; this is for the prompt Surrender. I hope to get it painted in the next couple of days.  I will, I will, I will... 
...that's the plan anyway!
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21 comments:

  1. Andrew FinnieJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Hey Karen, oh when I get slack I sit down and figure how long I have to go on the planet and I reckon it's not as long as I'd like .... :(

    Heh, it never will be I don't think.

    Well it's a beautifuol start, very confident, great joy in the animals in the top one especially and in the bottom one the connecting rope is a great d evice

    and a great composition with all those visual directions

    Maybe you need a target to work towards eh, to fight the slacck monster?


    can you b elieve my magic word is ghtsculu!

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  2. KristaJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:39 AM

    Ooooo... I love that big fat hen!! And the kids play 50's kind of feel. Wonderful-- don't let the Slack Monster get you down-- you're bigger than he is!

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  3. Bella SinclairJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    I think your slack monster's got a cousin. And he lives with me. Let's put on our noise-canceling headphones, shall we?

    I love your cute animals! The cat has such a great pose. And the kids! The kids are great! So much authority in the sheriff's pose! So glad to see you sketching again. I'm looking forward to seeing these painted!

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  4. heidi aldin monteleoneJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." We all need to try a little harder to work on the "plans" now.

    I love the vintage appearance of these. Looks like snapshots of my childhood.

    Keep up the good... great work!

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  5. MrBibleHeadJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Don’t “surreder” to the slack monster! He’s a big “chicken” anyway! Like the way I got both of your Illustration Friday prompts in ? :o) Sometimes we think we have to be too perfect in what we do, that we are perfect in doing nothing at all. The sketches look great Karen. is that a little mouse peeking over the dog’s shoulder? That’s adorable! Your kitty is sweeeeeet! ... and of course.... mama hen ROCKS!

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  6. k.h.whitakerJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    Thanks so much, you all are wonderful, I appreciate it so much!

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  7. ShirleyFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    Karen!!!!! YAY, you're back..and don't let those whispers overcome you..I like what Jack says, don't surrender! Wow, your recent addition is just shaping up beautifully...I can see it coming to life already and I know it'll blow us away. Little Red Hen ---I can't wait to see what you do with the sketch! I'm always so pleased to see your visit Karen..and more pleased to see your work again..keep it up! : )

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  8. Vicki SmithFebruary 3, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    How perfect for the prompt! Nice pencil sketches, too!

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  9. AmalouFebruary 3, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    Hahaha... I so relate to your post - I will, I will, I will...

    Lovely illustration! I can't wait to see it finished - let's hope the stars align for you and it gets completed ;)

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  10. Vanessa Brantley NewtonFebruary 3, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    OOOh Girl don't I know the feeling. Blogging is hard work and you know it he he he he! This is wonderful. I love you work. Great color. I can't wait to see it all together.
    It's great.
    Hugs
    V

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  11. k.h.whitakerFebruary 3, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    thank you ladies, I'm whittling away at it, bit by bit ;)

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  12. ShirleyFebruary 4, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Paint like crazy, Karen! : ) I just needed to get to this all day today and finally had time..I'm beat now..but thank you SO SO much for your continued support..it means so much to get encouragement from you. Gung Hay Fat Choy (Shin Yen Kuai Le) (I am SO bad at Mandarin!) to you and your daughter and the whole family!! I say, just enjoy yourself and paint and post when you can. I'm finding that I am just going to paint when the mood strikes and for some reason it's striking a lot right now (which is good I hope!) Have a great night, Karen!! Oh, and I am so glad you're a Critter!

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  13. John StoneFebruary 6, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Oh I know the slack monster all to well. Around 8 PM everyday when I put my daughter to bed he comes in and tells me that I'm too tired to do anything. Usually Music helps drives him away. Just by putting it on it gets me in the mood to draw.

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  14. k.h.whitakerFebruary 6, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Yep John, that's about the time he comes out to play, I put my grandson to bed and tell myself I will get to it quickly, but he seems to steer me away a little too often lately. Shirley, I'm glad your a critter too!

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  15. KristaFebruary 9, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I am lovin' the color!!!

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  16. k.h.whitakerFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Krista! I was wondering if it was reading well. I'm going to post it several ways for a critique. Hopefully I'll get to that tomorrow.

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  17. Andrew FinnieFebruary 10, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    Karen, you tricked me, I didn't realise you'd updated. I only know if you nake a new post. Most people will miss this :(.

    The colours are superb, really harmonious without being boring. And the poses are so good! Did you hire models :) Or tie up some kids who were in the yard? You have a wonderful blending technique. I just saw your other post! It looks massive thankyou so much!!

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  18. Andrew FinnieFebruary 10, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    heh by not being boring I mean that their harmony has not taken away from their chromatic vigour!

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  19. k.h.whitakerFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Thanks Andrew, I'm so glad the colors aren't boring but are harmonious, it's a challenge sometimes. I will post the final product this weekend and you are so welcome for the post on the critters blog, it was great to make myself write it all out like that.

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  20. micheleFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Good to see you posting, seeing progress here! You seem to be very methodical and meticulous in your approach to your work. The results are beautiful!
    Whatever you do, don't feed that slack monster, or he'll keep coming back for more! Do continue to create art, even in small amounts- "surrender" to your muse! And visiting blogs helps keep the creativity alive- the comments are much appreciated! :o)

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  21. k.h.whitakerFebruary 11, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Thank you Michele, you are so sweet and supportive.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment! You are the best!!!

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