Today, Tonight

Today, playing with markers in the studio. Copic markers to be exact. Probably my favorite art medium for designing the raw artwork for my collections. There are so many things that go into it, and I use many tools, but I LOVE the markers. They take some getting used to, much like a Wacom. But when you get it, you get it.

Photos of me, courtesy of Dustin.  This series of photos was sort of amusing to me.  I could practically see my brain working.  "Should a leaf go there? hmm..  oh yes, this is good."

Edited:

A question was raised in the comments as to whether or not I knew if Dustin was taking the pictures or not and if I found it difficult to concentrate.  I thought it was a great question, here was my answer:

I did know he was taking the photos.  It's an interesting question that I could answer for a long time.  I'm really "quiet" about my process-not because I am a secretive person and don't like to share what I'm up to (quite the opposite actually), but because I find that everyone likes to give feedback about what I show them, whether negative or positive.  I've found that the only way to truly come up with my own artwork is to keep it to myself until it is done and then share it with the world.  The only exceptions to that rule are Dustin - who is the easiest going person in the world and I am completely comfortable around him.  He never makes suggestions or anything but somehow always gives me the feedback I am looking for.  The other exception to that rule is Kathy Miller (art director of Michael Miller Fabrics), who I will send snippets to along the way so she has some idea of what I'm working on since she is going to be the one printing it and all.

So yes, I did know he was taking photos, but they were not "staged".  Actual work was being done.  :)

Great question, Lisa.

Sandi

If you want to see copics in action, check out this video:  (So great..)

 

This particular artist is closer to the method that I use to create my artwork, by mixing markers with pencils.  Very fun to watch:

 

Tonight - the kiddos are spending the night at grandma's house. Woohoo! What should we do? Suggestions? I'm a little out of it on what is "goin on" lately?

Comments

[Karin van D.]

Hah. The last time we had the house and the evening to ourselves we thought Whoohoo too. We planned all kinds of things. Thought of wild nights out in town, doing what we did when we were in college. But in the end we decided we were tired at about 11 pm and fell asleep right after it. Yeah, that was a wild night indeed :-D

I hope you will have lots of fun!

[Chelley Black]

Love to see photos of you "in action"! Your collections are gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on some more.

[Angel/TaDa!Creations]

Loved watching those color demos. Makes me want to draw something right now!

And those are fun pictures to have of yourself, so glad Dustin took them for you. Fun!

[Claire - Matching Pegs]

Wow, I haven't used Copics since I was studying Industrial Design. 5 moves and 13 years later, you have me wondering just where in the house they are - I feel like dusting them off and playing again.

Looks like you might be like me in your colour choices - I always gave the warm greys more of a work out than the cool ones :-).

[Jenean]

Oh my gosh, I need these markers now--like, tonight! Thanks for posting these demos. And the shots of you working are so great!

[Tas]

Wow, those Copics are amazing. Love them!

[Leigh Ann Tennant]

So exiting and inspiring to see an artist at work! Have fun out sans children!

[kerry macLeod]

Thanks for sharing about the markers, they are amazing. I've been using the same set for years and deserve and new set to get me creating again. Love your new stuff and your book is on my wish list...such a great concept. I will share about it soon on my daily page and maybe on some of the other sites I write for.
Congrats!!!
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

[Lisa]

Did you know he was photographing you? I can't imagine being able to concentrate while being photographed. You look beautiful - btw!

[Sandi Henderson]

Lisa-

I did know he was taking the photos. It's an interesting question that I could answer for a long time. I'm really "quiet" about my process-not because I am a secretive person and don't like to share what I'm up to (quite the opposite actually), but because I find that everyone likes to give feedback about what I show them, whether negative or positive. I've found that the only way to truly come up with my own art is to keep it to myself until it is done and then share it with the world. The only exceptions to that rule are Dustin - who is the easiest going person in the world and I am completely comfortable around him. He never makes suggestions or anything but somehow always gives me the feedback I am looking for. The other exception to that rule is Kathy Miller, who I will send snippets to along the way so she has some idea of what I'm working on since she is going to be the one printing it and all.

Great question, Lisa.

Sandi

[erin lebeau]

great to see you blogging again! thanks for the tip on the markers--can't wait to try them ...& to see what you've got up your sleave ;)

[LinnieBell]

i've seen these markers everywhere, but have never played with them...looks like I just might need to buy some soon :)

love my wacom :)

*lindsay

[susan]

I love seeing the artist at work...can't wait to get my hands on some of your new collection!

[Heather]

Beautiful pictures Sandi! I have not got one ounce of talent for drawing but I certainly admire those who do! I think my daughter has a lot of talent, but she is young and needs training. I'll keep those markers in mind for when she explores that area of drawing, as I am sure she will.

I am visiting your blog for the first time today because I must share that your 'Sewing Bits and Pieces' is making my heart just sing sing sing!

I have been on the library waiting list #23 forever and trying to wait patiently! I sighed my way through 'new book' and 'preparing for circulation' to 'pending' and finally jumped for joy when I saw 'in transit'! Yesterday your book came in! I picked it up right away and as soon as the children were settled and the house was quiet last night, I quietly opened your book and. I. loved. it! All of it! Most times I find one or two things in a book that make my heart fill up with joy and make me want to sew sew sew, but honestly, every project in your book is a must do!

New books have a one week loan and are not renewable, so I'm going to have to work quickly, but I've placed this book at the top of the wish list - I think my daughter and I will have so much fun sewing through 'Bits and Pieces', and already you've inspired me to save some little bandanna scraps that I was about to toss! I thought, 'I'm sure there's a project in Sandi's book!' and I set them aside!
Thank you so much - sewing and beauty all wrapped up with joy!

[Sarah Bisel]

Thanks for your blog post. I identify with it in every way.

[Billie Monster]

Sandi ... I'm loving your blog. And, I'm not just SAYING that to be nice. No. I'm REALLY loving your blog (so much that I needed to use CAPS for the "really"). Gosh, I've been snooping around for at least an hour now! Where have you been hiding! How have I not found you and your awesomeness sooner? Ok, so I haven't really been part of the blogger world for THAT long (since June...I think it was....) but still! Get in my life will you! Haha. So glad to have found you girl, keep up the awesome work and keep on inspiring the rest of us. :O)

PS - I totally identify with the not telling people what your working on until it's done thing - totally! I have enough thoughts of my own to contend with, nevermind other peoples too. Hehe. :oP

~ www.billiemonster.com ~