Bees and poetry

Recently, I was called to work with the 6 year old kids in the primary at my church.  This has been a radical change from what I have been used to for the past 20 years, yet, I am enjoying the change...even though I am still stumbling around trying to figure it out.  The fun thing is that I get to make them things to take home as part of the lessons that I have been giving.  Tomorrow's class is on obedience...so, I made these little goodies for them to take home:

It is nice to have a legitimate reason to draw an insect and to give it away...and in the Lord's name, no less!  Here's to hoping we have a lesson soon that has something to do with spiders!

On another note, my brother recently asked me to read a poem he wrote and sketch out what came to mind after reviewing it.  So I started doodling tonight and thought I would give a little preview.  When I'm done, I'll post the finished product, and with permission, I'll post his poem too...

Enjoy:

Contemplating the Robin's Fall

Much has been said in the media for the past couple of days about Robin Williams.  I, for one, did not know the man, only some of the characters that he played (but played well.)  My wife and I spoke tonight about the impact of his life, his loss, the demons he must have been fighting, the good he did while here, and other things.  When I was younger, my favorite movie was The Dead Poet's Society.  I watched it over and over, and felt a desire to LIVE.  It's fitting, then, that in my little sketch of Mr. Williams, it is accompanied by a poem.

Herbarium - Oleander

Recently, I spoke again to a dear friend after somewhat of a lengthy period of time in which circumstance prevented us from communicating much.  It was an insightful conversation, and I was reminded how time really cannot tarnish deep and sincere friendships.  Amongst other things, he spoke of his desire to begin journaling about the various types of vegetation in his surroundings.  We spoke about the different possibilities of layout and format.  Listening to his excitement about such an endeavor, and after doing a little research about the formats and history of herbariums, I decided to do an entry in my sketchbook of some plants that are very common in my part of the country.

Another Bird

Yesterday I went to the Riparian Preserve next to our house and was impressed with just how much wildlife was there.  A multiplicity of rabbits, but even more birds.  They are all so fascinating.  Equally interesting is the fact that birds just sing, and sing.  I love it.
Did this sketch thinking about the birds.

Mad Hatter

Got a new hat today....decided to do a quick selfie and study in gouache in the sketchbook.  Enjoy.

Sadie

We have the best dog in the world, except for when she is the worst.  When back in Georgia we acquired a lovely little Beagle puppy and we fast fell in love.  Until, of course, we realized that she has no self control when it comes to food, and a bladder the size of her brain...(both can be measured in millimeters.)  Last night, after being scolded by the wife for sharing a bit of my snack with her...I decided to do a little sketch of our beloved little beagle, Sadie.

Thanksgiving Point, and other stuff

Recently, my family returned to Utah for a brief vacation and to see family.  While there, we went to Thanksgiving Point Gardens which were rather breathtaking.  I took many photos of the flowers, which were really quite spectacular.  Upon returning, I sketched the following, trying to capture a handful of the images that were left in my mind from the trip:

Also, while there, a visit to my wife's father's house afforded me a few minutes to sketch a beautiful tree that they had in their back yard with a swing on it.  This tree has seen many grandchildren spend many hours swinging underneath the brawny, black limbs next to their swimming pool.