Day 32: Boxer Mantis Nymph

Behavior-wise, I maintain that mantispids (mantid flies in the order Neuroptera) are more badass than mantids (arguments here and here and not so much here, but how cute!). However, mantids definitely win the "Best Costume" category with their myriad forms of spines, mimicry, color, and spectacle. The boxer mantis is a good example.

Here is the under-drawing, or first layer sketch. Drawings, paintings, etc are made in layers - like constructing a building, you need a sturdy frame first. The first layer is where I attempt to line everything up and make it proportionate. I then do a more detailed second layer, and sometimes an even more detailed third layer. I always start with a light pencil (an HB here), I will sometimes then outline and shade with a softer, darker pencil (a 3B works nice, like this drawing, although I stopped with the HB here).

Side Bar: I made it to one month! Woo! Only two slip-ups which were redeemed with terrible (and terribly cartoonish) cockroach drawings.

[February 1, 2020]

Day 6 - Lizard

The drawing of this lizard was interrupted by errands today but luckily I remembered to come back to it. The hubs walked in while I was working on it and said " ugh " (and actually flicked out his tongue much like a lizard)...which I suppose means that it looks real enough ;) ~January 6, 2022~ The Gallery for this Draw Something ( anything! ) Daily Challenge can be seen HERE

The Heian Book Report

I've started re-reading my Heian-era Japanese Literature books (all English translations) and thought I'd write a few thoughts about each while it's fresh in my mind. I started with Hojoki and Tsurezuregusa . So, this is just my announcement, you can read a bit more about my Heian Obsession here and I will post all of the book reports to this page .

Maceo

Last night I lost my beloved Maceo. I've had him since he was six weeks old and he just turned 17 on April 1st. I miss him dearly already. Rest well sweet boy.

OniOniOniArt

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