Pen and Ink Sketches

In June, I took another art class, "Sketching in Pen and Ink," in which we learned various techniques. Here are my best results for each style.

"Chubby Bird"

This was drawn in permanent ink on paper, using the shading techniques of hatching, cross-hatching and scribbling. I believe this bird is some kind of warbler.

"Abandoned House"

This was produced using the same techniques. I must say, I enjoy scribbling trees. It took me 4 hours to complete this. I laboured mightily on it!

"Canvas Stretcher Pliers and Car Keys"

A different technique is to sketch with water soluble ink and then go over the drawing with a wet, blotted brush to create the shading.

"Baby Otter and Cuppa Joe"

I like this technique better than the last one. First, you sketch an object's outline lightly in pencil. Next, a water soluble ink wash is applied to create the shading. Once dry, you then add specific textures and details in permanent ink. It produces a "crisper" finished product, it seems to me.

Right now, I'm taking yet another class: "Sketching in Pen and Ink and Watercolour." The same basic ideas but with the added difficulty of watercolours thrown in. I'll post some results from this class probably in August or so.

[Photos taken by My Rare One, July 2019]

All Together Now . . . WTF?

I don't know who this Luciano Rossi guy is, but he's a lip sync maniac! Enjoy his rendition of "The One That I Want" from Grease!



Thanks to Mildred of Mildred Ratched Memoirs, on whose blog I first saw this a few months ago.

"Iambic Pentameter Is My Bitch"

Time once again to raise the tone of this blog, courtesy of the Bard of Avon --



Thanks to Willym of Will He or Won't He, on whose blog I found this video about six months ago.

But more recently, major kudos are due to Will who just scored 7/7 on the very difficult Folger Shakespeare Library's Ultimate Shakespeare Trivia Quiz.

I myself scored a paltry 2/7. But am I bitter?

Happy Fourth of July!

It's difficult and depressing to celebrate

the greatness and ideals of America these days

with the current administration trying to lead

the USA down a fundamentally wrong path.

But July 4th is someone else's birthday as well!

That's right! Captain America!

And he's easy to celebrate!

Luckily, Captain America is more

than just a pretty face . . . 

. . . and a fabulous physique.

Captain America can always be counted on

to punch a Nazi. It's why he was created!

He has never shirked his duty.

Sam Wilson, his successor to the shield, is equally committed.

Make America truly great again!

So, after paying your respects
to the Birthday Boy . . . 

. . . follow Captain America's example of fighting

Nazis and fascists wherever they are found,

no matter what euphemism they call themselves today.

Happy Canada Day!

Oh, is it our National Day again?

Time to wave the flag!

The question of Canadian identity has long seemed

to be somewhat of an enigma --

But no! We Canadians know exactly who we are!

Canadians always think that Americans ask

the stupidest questions about Canada, like this one --

But yes, yes, that is exactly how we elect our leaders.

So who's stupid now?

Americans know what's what.

Oh yes, our beautiful universal health care system,

free via our taxes to all Canadians!

But we still save costs wherever possible,

like in Quebec during maple syrup season --

However, most Canuck babies are born in hospitals.

But sometimes Canadians short-circuit the procreative process

by using one of these Canuck Condoms instead.

Hmm, what else is there about Canada?

Oh yes, let's not forget winter.

And speaking of Timmy's --

Don't underestimate Timmy's importance to us.

Apart from the usual coffee-related crime sprees, however,

most Canadians are polite and law abiding.

And sometimes we're leaders in both law and religion!

Of course, Her Royal Highness the cat
wishes everyone a happy Canada Day too!

Oh, thought I couldn't work superheroes into this post?

Well, think again!

Oh c'mon! Doesn't everyone secretly want to be Canadian?

Feel the Rainbow!

The time has come to put on our walking shoes once more.

Translesbigayapalooza 2019 is a wrap!

But we will walk loud and proud in the upcoming year!

 And I hope everyone will use this time to . . . .

Let's all FEEL THE RAINBOW!

(Mark Kanemura is

one of Lady Gaga's dancers.

Merci, Mistress Maddie for

introducing me to this video!)

Thanks, everyone, for reading and participating

and for all your supportive comments.

I appreciate it!

Big Queer Meme Stash Blowout

Something for everyone! Enjoy!