Digitally Enhancing Pencil Sketches

sketch by my Mellissa Davis

Growing up I had a large binder just jam packed full of pencil sketches. Some I didn't really like but I still held on to them, while others I absolutely loved. It never occurred to me to frame them let alone that one day I would have the ability to turn them into more than just sketches.

At some point in the last thirty plus years that folder disappeared. Now it is my children that have folders upon folders of pencil sketches and I am bound and determined that theirs' will survive into future generations. I often nag them to be sure to scan all their drawings and then back up the digital files. From time to time I even convince them to let me digitally color or enhance their pencil sketches. Of course there is a great deal of collaboration when they agree.


Take for example this drawing done by my son-in-law some years back.

scan of original pencil sketch by J Paul Gregory

Last year I asked if I could enhance and colorize the sketch and was thrilled when he agreed. First we discussed how he envisioned a colorized version of the artwork. Then I went to work. After about five preliminary proofs the piece was finally complete and ready to send to print. Working with Paul to turn his drawing from an 8x10 pencil sketch into a colorized 16x20 art print was very exciting.
Here is the finished artwork, which I am thrilled to say will be offered to the public in as limited edition print through Artistix Network LLC.

Nature's Eye by J Paul Gregory

Thanks to modern technology we both personally and as parents now have an easy way to save artwork or turn that artwork into larger art pieces. If you would like to turn a pencil sketch into a larger colorized work of art but lack the time or know how you can contact me at Artistix Network to find out more about our art services.

Inspirational Photo: Key to Survival

Whether it is the beginning of the New Year, the End of the Year or somewhere in between this saying always helps me when the changes to be made are difficult ones.

I came across this saying on one of those ceramic plaques that you can buy and paint when I was pregnant with my oldest son. It resonated so strongly within me that I just had to paint it for his nursery. That was 30 years ago and although that plaque did not survive all the ups and downs and moves our family has made the message it imparted has survived.

Even more importantly this message has helped me survive and cope with so many difficulties. God must have known this message would guide me through so many things, poverty, homelessness, marital upsets, major medical problems with two of our children, my husband and myself. It continues to inspire me to not give up hope when all seems bleak, but to instead find what I can adjust to move forward in life.

After the plaque broke beyond repair I created this inspirational art print to hang in a highly visible place to help me remember to adjust my sails when needed. I pass this message on to all, for none of us are exempt. Should the time come when things seem impossible remember adjust your sails and soon the storm will pass. You are more than welcome to copy, save and share this digital image, if you should like a print version they are available here.

May the new year bring you calm seas, and if it should bring a storm remember to adjust your sails.

New Year's Resolutions

The new year has begun and thus ends the whir and blur of the holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I love the time spent with family and friends; I love the beauty of the season and all the glitter and lights. With the end of one year and the coming of a new year my mind begins to focus on the future and plan what changes need to be made in the upcoming year. I have never considered myself one to make New Year's resolutions, and yet it occurs to me that in many ways the plans I make for the upcoming year are just that.

After feeling overwhelmed by the whir and blur of November and December, I have come to realize just how much I as an individual am in need of quite time.  Time to rejuvenate my spirit, time to foster inner peace, time to inspire creativity. Always the over achiever I realize that, as I have often done, last years plan left me with little time for quietude. While I did accomplish a lot last year, I often found myself feeling a bit overstretched and in a state of mental chaos.

Most likely because I enjoy spontaneity, down time rarely remains down time. Thus my plan for the new year is to schedule regular quiet time. To help myself remember to do just that I have created this inspirational print and will be hanging it above my desk.

What kinds of New Year's resolutions have you made? What methods or reminders do you use if any to help you follow your New Year's resolutions?