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I’ve been attending the original Renaissance Faire in Southern California every spring for more years than I care to admit.  I’ve worked for a booth owner, worked for the Faire organization, volunteered for their 50th anniversary museum, and written and illustrated for the Faire participants’ underground magazine.  But over the years I’ve mostly been a visitor, allowing myself to still feel the magic of going back in time (even though I have worked behind the scenes, where the magic is created).

Part of the enjoyment for me has been sketching at the Faire.  I try to keep my supplies lightweight—there’s lots of walking on the site, and as the day progresses my bag gets heavier and heavier.  A backpack is not my style, and would ruin my authentic 16th century look!  So I take a sketchbook (5” x 7”) and a selection of pens in a plastic bag.  Right now my favorites are black ‘micron’ pens (#s 01, 03 and 08).  I also like their sepia pens, and sanguine Faber-Castell Pitt artists’ pens, #s B and F.  At times I have taken a (very) few markers or Prismacolor colored pencils, which are fun for drawing the bright colors of belly dancers or gypsy costumes.
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I usually draw people, since the crowds often block off booths and carts.  The Faire gives us a rare opportunity to sketch people in a variety of costumes, hairdos and accessories.  Decide fast when you see someone you want to draw—you can’t count on anyone being still for long!  Singers, musicians and even dancers may hold positions long enough for a quick sketch.  Check the audience at stage shows—even lively children will hold still when watching a juggler!

If you’re not used to sketching in public, don’t worry.  I’ve found people are always nice, and they don’t stay long to watch—too many other sights to see!  More importantly, don’t be critical of yourself.  If a line is wrong, put in the corrected line—or not.  Sketching is a fun pastime!  At the same time it’s useful to improve your skills, plus you’ll probably enjoy revisiting your sketches—they’re reminders of the fun you had during your day at Faire!

​Diane Browning
​www.dianebrowningillustrations.com

Honest and loyal, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.
Mary-Jo Murphy
www.mary-jomurphy.com

What a perfect pal to spend 2018 and beyond with. Every year can be the Year of the doggy. >'y'<  

See more doggies and other fanciful creatures at 

This fall we discovered a water leak at our home. It went unnoticed until our latest water bill arrived. It suddenly became an emergency to find it and fix it. The payment stung worse because it was wasted water. That got me thinking. How much of my time gets wasted while I’m not paying attention?
 
I have to admit, I’d never made a real practice of New Years resolutions before 2017.  But the new political climate rocked my world and I needed a plan to stay my creative course. So, I set two challenges for myself.  One, to #SayYes to opportunites that would take me out of my comfort zone and the second (after a thorough cleaning of my studio) was to #UseWhatYouGot in materials I already owned. Both challenges were a great success.  I’ve made and saved money through 2017.  What did I lose? Some of my creative time.  I knew concentrating art making and writing into fewer days would take discipline, but that’s my middle name.
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And I did create a lot of art this year.  I experimented with “new” materials. I wrote new stories. But that dark cloud of politics darkened my mood and to “relieve” my anxiety, I reached for Twitter and Facebook to commiserate with friends and strangers. Looking for someone to fix the problem. But alas, there was no expert to call.  So, monitoring the situation gave me a sense of control. Focusing on staying informed took/stole/wasted more and more of my preciouse time. Moments of meditiation or daydreaming had been given over to reading snarky or shocking remarks and revelations on social media. Regurgitated messaging that left me feeling ill.  Even the puppy videos weren’t helping.   
 
I gave away that time but got nothing back but a stomach ache.  So, this year this artist is #ReclaimingMyTime.  I’ll continue my frugal #UseWhatYouGot and my comfort zone busting #SayYes.  The simple plan is, when reaching for my phone to "stay informed" of anything political, I must have posted, tweeted or shared something about creativity in any form.  I must have written or drawn or painted something, anything. Making conscious decisions with time  has got to stop this leaking!
 
Join me, let's go create something. >’y’<

More of Kat McDonough's work and words 

​     We had a great January Westsider's SCBWI Schmooze/Mingle/Schmingle meeting to start out the new year. We discussed goals for the year and beyond.  How do you keep track of your short term/long term goals and new ideas?   Thanks to our Schmingle coordinator, Suzy Engelman Block, who gave us the simple idea of using a folder and some post-its keep us on track.  

     Post-its are great for rearranging priorities, for adding and subtracting from your idea/goal folder.  As soon as I open my folder, I see the art and writing projects I want to tackle first or remember a promotional idea, etc.  There are so many colors and style of Post-it's, you'll easily be able to find what works for you.  

   If you’re like me , you have these items in your studio already or can use whatcha got on hand to do the job.  Get as fancy as you like, or keep it simple.  Here is how I made mine.   http://katmcdart.blogspot.com/
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By, Kat McD.
From my favorite new cookbook, Weightwatchers' "Love it, Cook it EAT it!"
These are Curry-Sweet Potato-Quinoa Cakes. Delish! Perfect for any bring along. They'll sustain artists through lively and sometimes lengthy, discussions about art.  Here is the recipe

1 cup QUINOA (rinse thoroughly)
2 cups water or BROTH  ( I use veggie broth to keep it vegan)
1 medium (1-lb) SWEET POTATO, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks
1 tbls  SHALLOT -  chopped fine
1 tbls grated peeled fresh GINGER
1 table CURRY powder
1 1/4 tsp  ground CUMIN
1/2 tsp SALT
2 Tsp OLIVE OIL  ( I used much more even on a non stick pan)

1.  Bring quinoa and broth to boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, simmer 25-30 minutes. Transfer to large bowl

2.  Place potato in small saucepan and add water to cover, bring to boil.
Reduce heat to simmer for about 12 minutes till tender.  Drain/mash (you can also use a leftover baked sweet potato)

3. Transfer potato to bowl with quinoa.  Add ginger, shallot, curry powder, cumin, and salt: stir until mixed well.  Shape mixture into 4 (3/4 inch think ) patties ( or many smaller patties and adjust cook time) 

4. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat   Add patties and cook until heated through and browned and crisped, about 5 minutes per side.
Below is the Lemon Tahini Sauce that is great with it.

I made my batch of cakes smaller and made many of them with the same amounts in this recipe.  I did use more oil, but I like them well browned because they hold together better.  These are 8 points on WW.

LEMON TAHINI

6 TBLs  TAHINI
6 TBLs    LEMON JUICE
1/4 cup warm VEGGIE BROTH
2 small GARLIC CLOVES  minced  
1/4 tsp GROUND CUMIN
1/2 tsp SALT
Pinch of CAYENNE
add water if too thick a little at a time.

Whisk Spread ENJOY!
 
This dish will keep your art group dishin' all day long.