Dancer Three

Another inspiring dancer. Incredibly self-possessed. Her name is Margaret.

Second Dancer

This is Heather. I love her pose, the tilt of her head and the strong position of her shoulders and arms. Drawing hands is a challenge. I wore out the paper on this one trying to get her right hand correct, with her index finger pointing back. Time for me to use better paper that allows me to work longer.

Dancers

Composure

Pencil on Paper 8 x 10

This summer, I was invited to sit in on a dance class by Linda Arkelian, dancer, instructor and ball of energetic enthusiasm. Linda organizes "Bringing Artists Together" events at the Drive Dance Centre on Commercial Drive, Vancouver and she is a joy to work with. She buzzes with excitement.

I drew the dancers and snapped photos for three hours as I observed her classes - ballet, pointe and contemporary. I came away standing up taller, head up, shoulders back and inspired to create images of the dancers, self-possessed, controlled and beautiful. 

PS After posting this drawing, I learned her name is Joylyn.

Shake a Paw

My Friend Max

11 x 14  Oil on Canvas

Daily walks and talks with my sister's dog, Max have bonded us like never before. He knows I'm a sucker for his big brown eyes and he begs me to walk him each morning. He navigates the yard and fields despite his blindness and arthritis. He continues to fetch a ball (golf balls, no less) using his other senses to find them. May I have the same determination and enthusiasm as my body ages.