Bird of Prey

I finished my bird painting a week or so ago, I think. I've noticed I can't keep up with time very well lately. I am not sure if it's because I am so preoccupied, or scattered, or refusing to think, or what. Who knows? Who cares?

Like always, I see nothing but the flaws. That being said, I am decently pleased with how this turned out. It was my first attempt. I know it can only get better from here. I'm playing around with colors vs. black and white. I keep seeing a fox, but I might play with a wolf. I can't decide. 

My boss at work makes a lot of sculpture things with polymer clay. She brings in her unused, left over scraps for me. I thought this would make a great Mardi Gras necklace! 

I read an article that this illustrator wrote. It was titled "Things I wish they had told me in art class." One of the things that really stuck with me was this part where he talks about not downplaying your art. He told of this time where he got published in a book with some really great artists that he admired. At the book signing he was waiting in line to get an autograph from one of them. He struck up a conversation and said that he was also featured in the book. The other artist said, "oh yeah? Where?" The guy kind of hesitated and said, "Oh, well...it's not really good stuff." The other artist signed the book and quickly lost interest. I am totally paraphrasing that whole story. It was really well written. It just stuck with me because that's what I do constantly. I don't even agree to being called an artist. But ...  what if for a day, I did. I owned it? I put it out there, that yeah... I AM an artist, and I AM pretty good! Would other people see my confidence and therefore give my stuff more attention? Who knows?