Sketch Book Project Opening

Years ago Lee and I was visiting New York. This was way before we moved here. I remember we happened upon a place in Brooklyn. A library of sorts that housed tons of sketch books. Lee and I took several off the shelves and thumbed through them. "What fun!!" I thought.

Years went by and I never really thought about it again. Till...

Well I'm not really sure where or how or even when I stumbled across the Library again. But something refreshed my memory. "OH! I think I'll participate in this."

The whole project is called the Sketch Book Project. Check them out for the particulars.

I had grand ideas that I was going to make the most lovely color themed sketchbook in the land. Resembling an antique heirloom story book. Well it turned out pretty good but not as well put together as I dreamed.

I am not much of a sketcher so this was actually a good exercise for me to participate in.

Soon the book will be digitized and be in the on line library. I'll post a link.

Friday night was the opening of all the 2013 books. From the Brooklyn library they will take off on a tour around the country. My work will be viewed by people from all over. How exciting.

Enjoying one of my selects

At the opening you get a library card at one station. Then you move over to the next station where you fill out a short questionaire as to what type sketch book you'd like to see. The librarians pull one from your selection as well as giving you a random sketch book to flip through. It was super cool.

Other folks enjoying the experience

The Librarians

Why not have a look for yourself and give it a try it really is a lot of fun.

They also host other projects. Just this past Friday I participated in the 5 minute sketch project. They give you a theme and 5 minutes then you upload your creation to Flcker.

Art is everywhere

A couple of weekends ago I went to the "country" that's what my husband and I call Brooklyn. We were going to see an unusual art show. The canvas for these artists are motorcycles. Not only do they paint on the canvases however- they make the canvas as well.

The pieces, um I mean bikes were displayed inside like fine sculptures.  There was plenty of room to walk around and see all the details put into each and every bike.

This one was one of my faves. Taking chrome to a whole new level.

I loved the picture frame on this. It was a photo of a little cow. Why?

Classic and beautiful

I'm a sucker for flames!

Even though the show was about all the bikes inside. I must admit I really like seeing the bikes that just come to the show.

This is the same saddle I have on my bike. Bicycle that is. 

Not sure how that rides for any distance but looks swanky!

Rosemary has a mighty large seat. I'm just sayin'

I even found this amazing Indian painting at the show.

Now this would be a wild cab ride.

After we saw all the bikes we headed over to Indian Larry's place. He is no longer with us but his shop is still going strong. He was also having a big shin dig to check out.

A space age bike along side a vintage ride.

I liked this one because of the pin up girls on the tank.

It was a great day. We saw some amazing pieces of art and they weren't hanging on a wall in a stuffy museum. Splendid.

Well the fun and art gawking doesn't end there. Last night we were back in the "country" again. This time at the House of Vans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Half Cab shoe. Steve Caballero was there in the flesh and played with Agent Orange.

This time the canvas really was canvas... in the shape of a Van's shoe. Gives me some ideas!