Above is a drawing I did in a combination of watercolor, gouache and crayon at the Japanese pavilion in Epcot. I was experimenting on a hunt for the best color and graphic solution to describe the environment. Couldn’t think of a better element to draw than a Pagoda in my search for the answer. – Michele

Pagoda _The word is first attested for in English in the period c. 1625–35; introduced from the Portuguese pakade, temple, from the Persian butkada(but idol + kada temple, dwelling.) Another etymology, found in many English language dictionaries, is modern English pagoda from Portuguese (via Dravidian), from Sanskrit bhagavati, feminine of bhagavatt ”blessed” < bhag ”good fortune.”

An image I drew of  a Sea Shanty during a dogwatch on the Morgan in Mystic Seaport. – Michele

What is a Sea Shanty?

Shanties are the work songs that were used on the square-rigged ships of the Age of Sail. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines. Much loved by modern sailors and folk musicians, they are rarely used as work songs today. This is because modern rigging doesn’t require many people to be working in the same rhythm for long periods. Traditional shanties can be grouped into three types: short haul shanties, for tasks requiring quick pulls over a relatively short time; halyard shanties, for heavier work requiring more setup time between pulls; and capstan shanties, for long, repetitive tasks requiring a sustained rhythm, but not involving working the lines.

the cobblestone streets                     open the senses                   and it appears

an edible rapture of delight

peers through the window dressed in the finest of lace

an innocent invitation?

or touched by temptation?

select wisely young one .. une charlotte, des profiteroles, des beignets

there it is! .. the flawless Pain au Chocolat

can it actually be my favorite?

UNDENIABLY

perfection in design.

The Chartres Cathedral is probably the finest example of French Gothic architecture and said by some to be the most beautiful cathedral in France. Upon a trip to Paris a few years back I had the privilege to visit this sacred destination. I still think about it all the time. It’s unique spacial sensibility was such a wonder to draw. GOD how I wish it was closer! - Michele

Can you imagine?… Its spiritual intensity is heightened by the fact that no direct light enters the building. All the light is filtered through stained glass!

As loose as it is, this particular figure drawing is actually chock full of thought … mine and yours – Michele.

… and let it begin with me. Happy New Year friends of ODAD … May 2013 be a creative adventure for one and for all! – Michele

Drawing is a skill that always needs attention. Like any art form, it takes practice, practice and more practice. Below is a page of hand studies done for no other reason than for the exercise (always a great barometer to see where I’m at) – Michele

… in Rockefeller Center.

visit my blog for more from the day , Michele

Hot dogs and french fries…good or bad. Really what says “americana” any better?

Drawing done in pen and ink on Main Street USA,WDW by Michele

Ever since he played the Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret” in 1998 I’ve been a huge fan of the incredibly talented Scottish actor Alan Cumming. His range is enormous and to say “entertaining” is an understatement. Two days ago on CBS Sunday Morning they did this awesome feature on him, his thoughts and selective choices during his career. It reminded me of a drawing I did of him during an encapsulating theatre production of Macbeth he performed in over the summer at Lincoln Center. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! – Michele

A few favorite “graphic” portraits found in my sketchbook this past week. Reminds me how incredible fun drawing can be and how lucky I am! – Michele

mixed mediums

Mariachi is the best known form of  folk music from Mexico. This was a drawing I had done while watching one the most incredible Mariachi bands ever down on the lower east side in NYC a few years back….Let’s continue to keep all those living in areas of our city affected by the hurricane in our hearts and prayers. Time does not ease the pain, progress does.

In response to Hurricane Sandy’s devastating effects on the New York and New Jersey area, the illustrators of Studio 1482 have each created a print of one of their favorite New York City images to raise money for the displaced victims of the storm.

For each donation of $50 or more, you will receive a hand-signed 13 x 19 limited edition print from one of the Studio 1482 illustrators.
Please select from the illustrations above, limited edition of 10 per image.

To participate:

• Please click here for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation donation page.

• From there you will be asked to direct where you would like your contribution to be distributed.

• When you receive your receipt via email, forward that email, and indicate your choice of illustration print to us at  info@studio1482.com. (Please note: only the last four digits of your credit card number will be visible on the receipt.)

• Once we receive the confirmation email, your print of choice will be sent to you. Please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

Thank you for helping us to help our fellow New York and New Jersey neighbors.

Sincerely,

The illustrators of Studio 1482

In Japanese symbolism the koi represents perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. With another storm approaching this afternoon in New York and it’s surrounding states let us pray that this storm causes no harm to anyone and gets moved, weakened or buffered in some way and we continue to persevere through the hardships. – Michele

A small drawing of a seamstress I found working on an embroidery in Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Her focus and grace often reminds me of a treasured measure…when time moved a little slower. – Michele Bedigian

A long acquainted sister to Mystic’s busy shore .

It is early Sunday, here in Newport, Rhode Island.

Ah, the crisp morning air feels so good as I’m graced by the essence of fresh coffee and warm fudge being prepared for the day’s sales.

The familiar is genuinely comforting.

I draw, but am not alone, as the spirited folk who tiptoe by whisper greetings of “mornin’ … mornin’ to ya”    (ever socareful not to waken the weary).

The crumbled sound of the morning paper rustles about. The bells toll for first service.

So it is most Sunday’s in Newport – generously simple.

(To see more drawings from my recent visit to Newport, click HERE )

Inspired by the french impressionists, another drawing on location at St.Patrick Cathedral done on the same day as last week’s…only this time, in full color. May this week be just as peaceful and productive, only more colorful .- Michele

Veronica’s drawing of Belvedere Castle “beautiful view” in Central Park this past Sunday reminded me of a drawing I did a year or two back of St.Patrick’s Cathedral in all it’s “Gothic ecclesiastical way” I thought would be fun to share with you this week. May yours be peaceful and productive .- Michele

DID YOU KNOW?….nicknamed “La dame de fer” (the iron lady) when built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair), the Tour Eiffel faced massive opposition from Paris’ artistic and literary elite. The ‘metal asparagus’, as some Parisians snidely called it, was almost torn down in 1909 but was spared because it proved an ideal platform for the transmitting antennas needed for the new science of radiotelegraphy.

Above is a drawing (and a thumbnail) I did during my last visit to the magical city of lights. – michele