This particular piece was created by my Art 2 student, John. It was the first assignment of the year. My students had to show foreground, background and lighting (shading) using a black pen for their medium. The pieces came out great but I especially like this one.

This was the procedure:

• Create a still life on their desk using 4-5 objects.


• The still life should show a foreground and background.


• Photograph the composition to be used only for placement reference but not to draw from.


• Review mark making techniques and shading techniques using a pen.


• Draw!

I had my UVAs (Union de Viejas Artistas) meeting last weekend. Our last swap was to create a portrait of one another. The results were amazing! I had tons of fun creating the portrait of my friend Lourdes and it was a wonderful treat to receive my portrait.

As for work, the school year has started out on a good note, we're already getting ready for competitions and art exhibits. I have a good group of talented students that are eager to create some great art pieces. I will post some of their work soon.

I'm still working on my family tree, I'm up to 800 family members. I've met new family members and have discovered some family information.. I am still working hard on writing my book.

Well, I hope all is well with you and yours, till next time.

It has been a while since I last dropped in, but for good reason. My daughter had her surgery a few weeks ago and everything went fine, thank God. She is still in recovery and needs the majority of my time. I trust in God that all will end well.

In the mean time, I have continued to work on my family tree and now have over 400 family members in my tree! I am also writing a book based on my family. It turns out that I have two cousins that have written books based on their families, from their particular family branches. Needless to say, I have not touched my jewelry in over a month! With the beginning of the school year, meeting new students and revamping my curriculum, I have not had much free time. I can't wait until my life gets back in order!

The pictures shown are those of my grandparent's house in Santa Barbara, Chih. MX. The house has been in my family for over 200 years. Unfortunately, no one lives in the town any more and the house is in disrepair. I don't know how much longer the house will last. I keep reminding myself that it is the people that once lived in the house that matter, not the house itself.