Good Day in Figure Drawing

Today we worked on Chiarscuro, or the use of light and dark to achieve a stronger sense of depth. I actually had fun today. We only did two 1 hour drawings. It was nice to take my time and not feel rushed. I actually got the proportions pretty "right on" with my first drawing. The second one he said not to worry about anything, just do whatever.

Springtime in DC

good day to fly a kite
Originally uploaded by chronic-shock

Springtime in DC is the best time of the year! People have come out of hibernation and are becoming more social. The tourists are all beginning to arrive, so there is that annoyance, but the warmer weather and beautiful blooming trees help ease the pain. This weekend the Cherry Blossom Festival gets underway. We are going to be brave souls and face the crowds. We are even going to bring our kite! Be on the lookout for pics fromt that outing...the blooms are fantastic!

Artomatic 2008

For all those art appreciators and participators....Artomatic is back for 2008! Here's the details:

May 9 – June 15, 2008
Capitol Plaza building, located at 1200 First Street, NE
(at the corner with M Street)
Washington, DC 20002
Metro stop: Red Line, New York Ave./Florida Ave./Gallaudet Univ.
(M Street exit)
Free admission. Donations accepted

HOURS
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 5 pm – 10 pm
Fridays and Saturdays: Noon – 2 am
Sundays: Noon – 10 pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Artomatic, the Washington, D.C., area’s eclectic, engaging — and occasionally even eye-popping — arts extravaganza is back this spring and promises to be more of a draw than ever before.

The NoMa (north of Massachusetts Avenue) Business Improvement District (BID) will host this year’s homegrown art extravaganza, Artomatic. From May 9 through June 15, 2008, hundreds of local and regional artists will exhibit their works throughout the Capitol Plaza building, located at First and M Streets, N.E., just one block west of the New York Avenue Metro station.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic transforms an unfinished indoor space into an exciting and incredibly diverse arts event that is free and open to the public. In addition to displays and sales by hundreds of artists, the event features free musical, dance, and theater performances; holiday celebrations; films; educational presentations; and much more.

This year’s Artomatic, occupying 200,000 square feet at Capitol Plaza, will be the largest to date. Designed by the renowned architect Shalom Baranes and owned by Polinger, Shannon & Luchs, Capitol Plaza offers 293,000 rentable square feet of Class A office space, with dramatic Capitol and city views from the upper floors.

Sounds like fun right? It's free! Get off your ass and go!

Spring has sprung!

pink blooms and blue skies
Originally uploaded by chronic-shock

Warm weather is slowly overtaking the cold.
Jackets, mittens and scarves have grown old.
Gray skies are slowly turning to blue.
Opening blossoms promise us something new.

I love spring. I love sunshine and cool breezes. I love driving with the windows down. I love wearing sunglasses. I love breathing in clean fresh air that doesn't sting.

I did it! And I didn't die!

Well, I can say I accomplished something I have never done. I ran an 8K for St. Patrick's day in DC. I finished in 67:52, and I averaged 13:39 miles. Not bad for a person who doesn't like running very much and had little practice/training. An 8K is about 5 miles and we ran through downtown D.C. Did I mention it was about 30 degrees outside with serious gusts of wind? My nose and eyes were running, so spectators probably thought I was running through some type of pain. I heard one marathon volunteer tell me "it's gonna be alright, don't quit now!" Thanks for the encouragement dude, but it was just the wind blowing into my eyeballs. I am pretty excited I did as well as I did. I was hoping to at least make 15 minute miles. So the next run will probably be in June for Celebrate Fairfax. I'll have to set a new goal for myself for that run. It's right in the middle of our neighborhood, so I can practice the exact course anytime. Who knows...this may become a healthy habit for me :)