Joyce Egbers

Finished Isaac

2009-12-19T18:11:00.004-06:00

I finished the portrait of Isaac. It's 14" X 17" in colored pencil. It was a challenge for sure. The reference photo his grandma gave me lacked detail and was very small. He was also younger than he is now. I had to do it though, no...I wanted to do it. She told me this picture of him was special to her because he looked like a little Angel. I had to agree, he does look pretty sweet. Isaac also has a health condition. This website tells a little more about Isaac http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/isaac Some things in life just aren't fair, especially when it involves a child.
His grandma is happy with the portrait and I'm happy she likes it. It would be great if they could find a cure for Isaac, perhap they will soon.

Sketching Mick Jagger

2009-11-30T10:21:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Cathy and I did the traditional Black Friday shopping. We were at Jordon Creek at midnight and both agreed not to do that again. It was a mad house! So we left there and headed to Merle Hay Mall which was much better even though we waited in line at Kohls for an hour to check out. It's just all part of the madness. We did have fun though.

I was up late last night kind of doodling and and kind of sketching and came up with a portrait of Mick Jagger with the reference taken from my TV guide laying on the kitchen bar. No colored pencils this time. This was done with a mechanical pencil and free hand. It started out I was only going to do his face, then I put in his shoulders and then what the heck, I finished him on 8" X 10" piece of paper. He didn't turn out too bad :)

Layla Grace is finished

2009-10-26T11:42:00.004-05:00

This is little Layla. 20" X 16" in colored pencil. This portrait was fun to do. She's a cutie and apparently she likes tomatoes :) She'll be on her way soon. Hope her Grandma likes it!

New Job

2009-09-04T23:53:00.005-05:00

I started a new job a week ago. I absolutely love it! The position is a kindergarten associate at a Catholic school. It's part time 8:00 to 1:00, which is OK although I would have preferred full time. I accepted it because of the fact it is a Catholic school and it's working with kids. My faith and children are pretty special to me so this seems to be a perfect fit. One would think that it wouldn't be much different than where I worked before at the preschool that closed. It is different though, for one, I don't have to do the planning ;) The biggest difference though is the atmosphere. It's just a really good place to be.

I've also been working on a commissioned portrait of a little girl. It's not ready to be put up here yet. Since this is a 3 day weekend I'll get a lot done on it, that's my plan anyway. It is on my progress page on my website if you want to follow along. I think it's going to turn out really sweet. There's a whole lot of greens that will be in it, so I had to stock up on various green pencils. While I was doing that I saw a pad of vellum surface paper for artist trading cards. I realize I could just cut my own, but the little pad was so cute and handy I decided to pick that up too. So eventually I'll try that out to see how it goes.

Twins visit

2009-08-23T23:43:00.003-05:00

What a fun weekend! We went to the Iowa State Fair Saturday with my niece and her family who came to visit. The twins have grown so much! Talking, walking, teeth, and they are so sweet! It was a real treat to see all of them again. Today we went to Cathy's for dinner, Ed did most of the cooking since he's a BBQ expert. Well, we let him believe that anyway, that way he'll do all the cooking as long as it's on the grill. It all works out, the food really was good and he's proud of it. Cathy and I took care of opening the potato chip bag :) The rest of the time we played with the twins. They are going back home tomorrow, it's sure hard to see them leave.

Portrait finished

2009-08-20T21:41:00.006-05:00

Still don't have my car back so I called to check on it today. The guy says hopefully late tomorrow. Hmmm, I hope so too, I think I may have forgot how to drive!

I did get the portrait I was working on finished though, so that's good. It's on it's way to Illinois as I type. This weekend I'll be starting another one of a little boy. Still working on darkening up those skin tones, I'll get there. I have a plan B I'm going to try.

So far this week has been going pretty smoothly, no run away trucks, no large logs falling out of trees, it's been pretty quiet. I even got some good news today. I have an interview Tuesday. I won't say where yet, we'll see how it goes first.

Saturday I'll be heading out to the fair. My niece and her family are coming to visit. It's been so long since I've seen the twins! I'm excited.

So back to the portrait. It's my sister in law's parents who are deceased. The reference is from a photograph she wanted me to use. The difference is the photograph had a black background, I chose a light background for the portrait. It's colored pencil of course, (that's what I do) and it's 20" X 16" on vellum paper. I also mounted this one on mat board. I like the look of that plus it gives it a sturdy base. I used spay mount for the first time, that stuff sticks in a hurry! Anyway, I hope she's pleased with it.

Trouble comes is 3's

2009-08-11T21:12:00.009-05:00

It been too long since I've wrote here so I thought I'd better update. I'm still looking for work and filling my time with art work. I've been working on a portrait for my Sister-in-law. I'll have a picture of it here soon. I've decided this lay off just may be an opportunity for me to go into business for myself.

Ed's brother died July 25th, so we were in Illinois for a few days with family and attending his funeral. He was a veteran from the Navy and a retired Firefighter, the funeral was very honorable. The procession to the cemetery was led by fire engine #5, the one he drove. It was a military funeral, the 21 gun salute always gets to me. He will be missed. Ed is doing OK, I can't even imagine how much it hurts to lose a sibling. He took it pretty hard.

So we are back and trying to get back to normal. Key word "normal". Friday, I was deep into working on a portrait when a crash shook the house. A delivery truck came barreling down the street backwards, with no driver and was stopped by our neighbors tree before it could crash through my son's car and the house. I did consider myself blessed!

Until yesterday... a huge limb fell out of our tree and on my car, dented the hood up really good. We had a storm the night before, I'm assuming it must have been knocked loose and didn't fall till later. So today my car is sitting in the body shop, $2500 damage and $500 deductible. That blows the trip to Washington and workshop I wanted to attend (sigh). God is trying to get my attention. Hopefully my car will be finished soon and then things will be back to normal.

Sassy Sadie

2009-07-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

Finished Sadie, again...so now we have a "Serious Sadie" and a "Sassy Sadie". Believe it or not they are the same dog, although it sure doesn't look like it to me. I think the photo reference of Serious Sadie must have been when she was older because of all the white on her face. Either that or it was the camera flash and lighting. Sassy Sadie looks younger, peppier, sassier! Being I really didn't know Sadie this one was tough because none of the photo references were that good and we couldn't get any better ones since Sadie has past. So I just went with the best I had even though I have sworn I wouldn't do that again! But you know, if I can get it right it's worth all the effort. She looks marvelous!

Kentucky Mule

2009-06-26T22:06:00.004-05:00

The mule is finished and a nice looking mule I might add, being it's my first mule. The portrait was done in Prismacolor pencils on bristol vellum paper. It's 17" X 14". It will be on it's way to Kentucky soon. This will be my second piece of artwork hanging around Kentucky. It's kind of cool to have my work in other states! The background was different for me too, the trees were fun to do. I had the feeling of being in the woods and having a mule peeking at me through the trees. Now that's what I call getting into my work! I guess I just like the look on the mule's face. When I draw animals it's something about their eye's that attracts me. I always wonder what they were thinking at the time. I'm guessing I figure it out pretty accurately. Of course who can say for sure.

Rottweiler is finished

2009-06-12T08:36:00.007-05:00

Sadie the Rottweiler is finished. I love drawing dogs, too bad Sadie isn't
around anymore, but I hope this portrait does her justice. I'll be
delivering her to the quad cities soon. My next victim is a mule. My son's girlfriend wants me to do it for her mother. I thought she wanted a horse till I saw the photograph. I'm no expert in stuff like that, but I knew it didn't look like a horse. I thought it was a donkey, my son informed me it was a mule. To be honest...I didn't know there was a difference between a donkey and a mule. I'm a city girl see, so I've learned something new and now I'll have to study up on mules.

Update: Sadie's eye is fixed.

Drawn out drama

2009-05-25T21:52:00.003-05:00

It's been a couple months since I've posted. It's been a long drawn out drama with the other job closing and will continue for a couple more weeks. Then after 14 years, it's over, it's closing. The change is actually a blessing spiritually for me. I'm looking forward to whatever comes my way next :) The artwork will always be a part of what I do. I'm working on a rottweiler now which has been waiting patiently for me (sorry Sadie) I'm almost there. I have a horse waiting on me too! So it's back to the drawing board where I can find peace again.

Shamrock and Clover

2009-03-21T16:52:00.003-05:00

Shamrock and Clover are finally finished. Hopefully I'm over my dry spell of finding it hard to concentrate. I was ready to get back in the game today a load has been lifted! This is a 14" X 17" on bristol paper all colored pencil. Myself I love how the colors all work together and the pose is cute too. All that's left to do now is cut a mat and get the clients approval. The photograph I used had a lot of light which may have distorted the colors some. I'm not sure, we'll see. For now, here tis. I think they are adorable ;)

Congratulations Michael !

2008-12-12T16:14:00.004-06:00

He did it! My son Mike has graduated from Grand View College with a Graphic Design degree. This was his last week. He's still on the Deans List too! Well, depending on how his finals went. He brought some drawings over that he didn't have room for in his apartment. So being I am the mom that I am, I'm putting his self portrait on my blog :) Congratulations Mike, I love you and I'm so proud of you!

Didn't make the cut

2008-12-03T14:45:00.002-06:00

So I went and got my hair cut :) I like it. It's sort of like an angled bob cut. Of the 1,274 visual artist who applied to the Des Moines Arts Festival 159 were invited. So we have 159 happy people and 1,115 who are bummed. ( Just what makes that little ole ant, think he can move a rubber tree plant. Everyone knows an ant can't...move a rubber tree plant. But he has High Hopes he has...etc.) There's always the next time!

Bucket List

2008-11-29T12:45:00.003-06:00

I had Thanksgiving dinner here for our family. It turned out good, lots of food and conversation. I kind of like entertaining anymore. I can stay in the comfort of my home, clean and cook and it all works out. Plus I get odd jobs finished that need to be done before company arrives.
I can now cross shopping at 4 o'clock in the morning off my bucket list. I had to do it at least once in my lifetime on black friday. My daughter and I talked about going Thanksgiving day. I didn't think she would actually get up that early to go but she was ringing my phone at 3 a.m. I was still sleeping pretty good ;) We headed to Valley West Mall within the hour. Would I do it again? Sure! It was fun and we came back in one piece.

Clover is Finished

2008-11-24T21:59:00.003-06:00

Clover is finished and she's just an adorable little puppy! That's the one thing different about doing pets verses people. I really don't like to do portraits of people that are just sitting there posed. They need to be doing something! Something candid or interesting. Even a mischievous smile on a child's face works. Pets on the other hand can just sit there and look cute, it doesn't matter. They have that look in their eye or tilt of the head. Their personality shines in their eyes no matter what they are doing. Here's Clover, it's 14"X17" all colored pencil on paper.

Jury process

2008-11-20T20:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Mike and I attended the jury preview for the Des Moines Arts Festival. There was a lot of really nice artwork, including mine :) They had a nice reception area with all kinds of goodies and little bottles of wine and beer. Who could ask for more! The judges gave absolutlely no indication of what they liked and didn't like which they were suppose to do I guess. I was looking for some signs though, I did't see any.
Mike went with me. He could get extra credit for going and I have a tendency to get lost downtown. Finding the Greater Des Moines Partnership building was pretty easy and finding a parking spot was not a problem either. We got lost in the building. His sense of direction isn't any better than mine, you could tell we were related. We parked in the parking garage and got on the elevator which I didn't realize till it rose from the garage that it was a glass elevator! So I had a death grip on him on the way up. He thought it was hilarious. I didn't see the humor in it till later.

My mat cutter arrived today too! WooHoo! I've already got it set up. That will save me some money in the long run considering what it cost to have a mat cut. It's a Logan 65o and it's nice. Maybe I'll go into the mat cutting business now too ;)

Midlife ramble

2008-11-16T21:06:00.004-06:00

Tonight I feel the need to ramble about stuff. I have 2 kids. One is 31 years old, single mother, doing well in her career related to insurance and annuities and making a decent living. The other one is 22 and will be graduating college next month with a degree in graphic design. I'm very proud of both of them. I'm going to take some credit for how they turned out, which is pretty darn good.
My first one has worked her way up the ladder and continues to educate herself to go even farther. Which is good, some people start at the bottom and are content to stay there, kind of like a safety zone. The other one wants to make a bunch of money as soon as possible when he graduates and aiming right for the top. That's good too, he has the potential.
Having an education and a degree is a good start. I don't have a degree in anything. I can't say I'm not educated, I have a high school diploma and a certificate. The rest of my education came from studying on my own through books, a few night classes and just doing. What I've learned is you've got to have a plan. You have the knowledge, now what are you going to do next? I don't think they teach you that in high school or college.
What about personality, character, morals and how well do you get along with all people? I guess that's where mom's come in. If I were to hire someone of course I'd want them to know what they were doing. It would also be important to be an all around good person. I think I've taught my kids well. You need the knowledge then continue to gain knowledge in your field, it doesn't end with a degree, you need go after what you want without stepping on anyone's toes. On the other hand you have to stand up for what's right and don't let anyone push you around.
Do what you love. If you have a passion, follow it. Don't waste a talent. No I don't have a degree. I do have a talent for artwork. Well, in my humble opinion anyway. I just do it because I like to do it. It makes me happy and I've made other people happy doing it. Someday maybe a degree in art. Maybe I'll be one of those people who gets a college degree at 80 years old. You always have to be going towards some goal ya know. It keeps your brain alive.
I'll always be proud of my kids no matter where their life leads them. Hopefully not too far away from me......but not too close. They both are in the process of being who they want to be, doing what it takes and having what they want. I'm sure there will be ups and downs for both of them. That's just life and learning experiences, continued education I guess.
I'm 55 years old and both of my kids are out of the nest. They both can fly pretty well. I don't have the empty nest symdrome, this mama wants to soar and continue to live life and have fun doing it.

Art Expo

2008-11-12T21:06:00.003-06:00

I visited the two rivers art expo this weekend with my daughter and granddaughter. It was really nice. My granddaughter was kept busy making jewelry, a hat and marble painting while my daughter and I look around. I like going to exhibits to see how other artist set up there booth and meeting people. Of course the artwork was great too! I was looking at this really pretty necklace while the artist was talking with a lady. I was thinking of getting it and then....snatch! That lady bought it :) Geesh, well I'll just move right along I guess. It really was a nice event though.
I've started a new commission of a cute little dog named "Clover". It's on my in progress page if you'd like to take a peek. This has been a busy month which is good. This coming Wednesday all the artist that applied to be part of the Des Moines arts Festival are invited to attend the jury preview, it should be interesting being I have no idea how that's done. They received 1,274 applications for 158 spots. Yes, I still have faith!

Little Dancers

2008-10-12T18:06:00.004-05:00

So far the title of this colored pencil portrait is "Little Dancers" because...well because that's what it is! It's hot off the drawing table today. I like the mood it gives off, just kind of fun and fancy free. You know these 2 kids know they are looking good and enjoying every minute of it. I enjoyed drawing it too. It was kind of challenge but I liked the perspective and had to try it. It's 17" X 14".

Happy Birthday David

2008-10-08T22:25:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish my brother a happy birthday. I miss him a lot. If by chance you read this David, please call.

Keely...white and black

2008-10-05T16:52:00.005-05:00

A while ago I did a portrait of "Keely" on black paper. I decided to do the same portrait of her on white paper. The background of the white paper I covered totally with indigo blue and black colored pencil and blended.This is the difference. Kind of the same but different. Anyway, I've been wanting to do it and now it's done. On to the " Little Dancers", my next project.

Two boys

2008-09-27T21:36:00.003-05:00

I love getting in a zone and that's exactly what happened with this portrait. Time and space disappeared and it was pretty much finished about 3:00 this morning. Wish I could say go to my website to see a larger picture but for some reason the site is down tonight. I'll check again later tonight or in the morning to see if it's up. Anyway, here it is. One of the little boys was in my class. He's a great kid with a great personality. This portrait was fun to do. It's 11" X 14".

Time to work on goals!

2008-09-21T11:09:00.003-05:00

It's time for me to start working on goals. Past time as a matter of fact. At this point my definition of success is sticking to my goals and deadlines. My number 1 goal right now is to get ready to be juried into the art festival. Who says it can't be done? Not me! I have till October 31st, it can be done. I need to work on my artist statement, have 6 drawings ready to be judged and hire a photographer to take pictures of my artwork and booth. It's doable. So I'm going for it. The reason is I have to, if that makes sense to anyone. It's like stepping out of my box and saying, look, this is what I do, I can compete with the best of them, and this would be the best of them. My motivation is pretty simple actually, it's wanting to do my best and showing it. In return for putting in the work I'll gain experience and work towards improvement and creative ideas. Accepted or denied I'll learn from the experience. It's all about pushing forward, doing what I like to do and letting others enjoy it.

New to me Chevy HHR

2008-09-15T17:25:00.003-05:00

Wanna see our new little vehicle? It's a Chevy HHR and something about it makes it fun to drive. After having it about a week now I'm thinking it looks like a miniature hearse ;) It's kind of a cross between a car, a truck and a van. It just is what is what it is I guess. I'm liking it!