mcccarrie

[mcccarrie]

I created this self portrait this week using the colors of Ukraine which was attacked by Russian forces this past week. I pray for those who have lost their lives, for those fleeing the violence, and for peace. #selfportraitsundays 🕊☮️🕊

[mcccarrie]

Over the course of the past week I began filling up a page of a sketchbook with selfies. Sometimes these little drawings inspire a larger self-portrait but this week with so many things running through my mind with tomorrow’s planned “reopening” of California - in which many of the restrictions regarding mask-wearing and distancing are changing - all of these faces speak for me. #SelfPortraitSundays #pandemicchronicles #reopening #change #ready #notready Tools: mirror, #Derwentpencil #handbookdrawingpad https://www.instagram.com/p/CQE_4YanTNe/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mcccarrie]

An unknown cat admirer had the bright idea to designate June 4 as National Hug Your Cat Day. So this ailurophile - lover of cats - took it a step further and turned this cute unofficial “holiday” into a self-portrait opportunity. Lucky for me that Ruby Cat - who is not a hugger by any means - didn’t take her displeasure out on me when I scooped her up for a hug and held onto her far longer than she preferred. Full disclosure: we didn’t actually hug, but this was close enough for Ruby who squirmed and wriggled while I held her with my left arm while sketching quickly into a sketchbook balanced on my right knee. Once I got the preliminary sketch going Ruby was released and the rest of the drawing came together. While our faces show some stress the two of us emerged from this experience without injury and, most importantly, we are still friends. #SelfPortraitSundays Art tools: #ZebraBrushPen #DerwentPencils #CrayolaMarkers #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/CPy8fyzHr5p/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mcccarrie]

Following yet another mass shooting in my state (California) this past week I found myself down and struggling to be creative this week. But after attending Mass this morning, where we prayed together for the lives that were lost and for solutions to combat rising numbers of senseless gun violence I decided to attempt a drawing. After returning home I sketched a couple of thumbnail-size portraits before picking up a sketchbook (#KonaClassicFieldJournal) and a bunch of pencils (#FaberCastell and #Inktense)and came up with this self-portrait while standing in front of the dining room mirror. #PrayingForPeace #SelfPortraitSundays https://www.instagram.com/p/CPhdbD3nf7Y/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mcccarrie]

It’s been three days since this cat toy arrived in our home. And Ruby still has not embraced it. So far she has run from it, sniffed at it, and once she up and smacked it. Today she is totally ignoring it. It being a catnip fish toy that according to the manufacturer cats find “irresistible” - and yes, my kitties do enjoy a whiff of catnip! With a flick of the switch on the power pack inside the toy, the cat toy twitches and flaps across the floor. Perhaps my cat - who prefers to cuddle with a raggedy stuffed bear - is too sensitive but all that twitching and flapping made Ruby flee the room. (The noise emitted from the toy didn’t make me want to stay in the same room with said toy very long either.) In fact I have had more contact with the fish - which I held while drawing this self-portrait - than the cat. She, of course, stayed at a distance. I’m left holding the fish! #EpicCatToyFail Art tools: #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/CPPYBQdnuVA/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mcccarrie]

OK, I admit it - I have an unhealthy obsession in the form of glazed donuts. Not long after returning home from church earlier today I had to go to the donut store aka the neighborhood bakery to pick up several of these delightful morsels. I was in the act of scarfing down this donut when I made myself stop to draw this self-portrait. I bought four donuts, enough for tomorrow’s breakfast and for the next day. I hope they last that long. 😋 #starvingartistnomore #sugarhigh SelfPortraitSundays Art tools: #Strathmoresketchbook #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate #diningroommirror https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9JjwnHshX/?igshid=taaaqavqay0l

[mcccarrie]

The other day I sat in front of the mirror in the dining room and tried to see if I could sketch myself blowing bubbles with the gum I was chewing. At first the bubbles were rather promising but then keeping the bubble inflated began to feel like a race against time as the air escaped and deflation resulted. And so did my laughter. A silly exercise, for sure, but sometimes being silly in these weird times is needed. Art tools: #handbookdrawingpad #Sailorfudepen #Derwentpencil #iPadPro #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/COrUCWiHYyF/?igshid=hbir7khe3gtf

[mcccarrie]

For some strange reason the itty-bitty-impossible-to-sit-on-comfortably stool called out to me once again for a selfie session in front of the dining room mirror. I guess I love a challenge like that. This time I put on my new super-bright sneakers - chosen from a list of podiatrist-approved shoes - for the fun of it. (In case you were wondering my problem foot, while still somewhat sore, is feeling much better. That is my good news ... and good shoes! 🤣👍🏾🥳👩🏾‍🎨) Art tools: #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate #healing #SelfPortraitSundays https://www.instagram.com/p/COY4fekH63Z/?igshid=9l0rb394ui2b

[mcccarrie]

This self-portrait comes during a week of anniversaries that mark key moments, both gloriously happy and incredibly sad times - the wedding anniversary of my late parents, my baptism 58 years ago, and most recently being laid off at the start of the pandemic last year like so many other people. I documented that latter event with a selfie that reflected the shock and devastation that I was experiencing. Being able to draw these selfies week after week has helped me find much needed solace during those dark days and weeks as did the many prayers and encouraging words from family and friends. These selfies also allow me to challenge myself to keep trying especially on those days when I felt I had little left. Yet to my surprise I am still evolving and am exploring opportunities I never would have dared to imagine like an art exhibit I recently entered as well as other online opportunities. This selfie is a reflection of this continuing journey. Art tools used: #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/COHfefsn_gA/?igshid=1m48vm002lrwb

[mcccarrie]

Looking back on the week that was, it was one filled with intense emotions and activity, some that I am honestly still processing. Fortunately when I’ve found myself tapped out I turn to sketching. Whenever I’m in this place drawing is a much needed diversion from whatever has led me to the edge of frustration or stopped just short of breaking my heart. So when I looked in the mirror the other day my most available model was looking rather tired, off balance and crazy and that’s how I depicted her. Art tools: #Inktensepencils #SailorFudepen #SelfPortraitSundays https://www.instagram.com/p/CN03ZmAn9cx/?igshid=qvv1nugyc3wv

[mcccarrie]

Exactly a week ago I received my COVID vax - the one and done J&J - and other than a little soreness at the injection site I have felt really good. In fact for some odd reason I have slept over six hours on three separate nights this week, which is rather odd for me as I regularly sleep maybe four and a half hours on a given night. I’m not sure what’s happening here but I’ll take any and all blessings that come my way. Plus this daily Mass goer is overjoyed to join others in prayer - only a few but lovely just the same. So maybe that’s why I can’t stop myself from smiling, even while drawing this self-portrait. Tools used include #Derwentpencils #KonaClassicFieldJournal https://www.instagram.com/p/CNjCLc2H33G/?igshid=plxgjj2mb4l8

[mcccarrie]

Today was an Easter Sunday like no other. I attended two Easter Sunday services with different members of my Church Family - delighted to be reunited with parishioners I haven’t been able to pray with for over a year due to the pandemic. In between those Masses I walked a couple of blocks to the neighborhood mosque and received a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, this week’s self-portrait, started yesterday and completed today, resonates with colors that attempt to capture the awe and gratitude of these emotion-filled moments. #HappyEaster #VisforVaccination Art tools include: #BeePapersketchbook #Zebrapen #Derwentpencils #FaberCastelpencils #iPadPro #Procreate #Applepencil https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQ-wSrnBlu/?igshid=1aluzjozsd1sp

[mcccarrie]

I was not all surprised to find out - via my fitness tracker - that I slept a total of 3 hours and 53 minutes last night just as Daylight Savings Time began here in California. Already operating with a sleep deficit - I’m one of those folks who regularly wakes up several times during the night - I was really feeling that lost hour. But I was able to “spring forward” and go to early Mass - I was the lector - with prayer and massive infusions of caffeinated beverages. Still somewhat alert I was able to draw this self-portrait after returning home. Tools: #SailorFudePen #DerwentArtistPencils #ArtezaArtMarker #diningroommirror #SelfPortraitSundays https://www.instagram.com/p/CMbANJonz_7/?igshid=r8r715bglp2o

[mcccarrie]

Before I put my Christmas outfits and accessories away for the year, I had to don yet another Christmas hat and state the obvious — I love the color red! From red caps to red boots and assorted clothing in between, I have worn it. Why? Because it is red. Every car I owned was red. I painted the walls of my bedroom red. And so on. So why is red a traditional color of Christmas? According to one source I came across it is linked to the winter solstice. Centuries ago Celtic people believed that the green and red holly plants brought good fortune along with beauty into their lives during the darkness of winter. Meanwhile, early Christians connected the hue to the blood of Jesus. Much later the image of Santa Claus become forever linked to the color red thanks to an artist hired by the makers of Coca-Cola. Well, that’s probably more than you ever wanted to know about the color red and Christmas. 😅 Wishing all the best to those observing the Winter Solstice tomorrow, Christmas on the 25th, and Kwanzaa on the 26th. #ColorMeRed #DecemberHolidays #SelfPortraitSundays #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/CJDI9ilHQZf/?igshid=8cqev1auv3rd

[mcccarrie]

Today is third Sunday of Advent, a day traditionally known as “Gaudete Sunday” in the Catholic Church. The word, “gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin. This morning many of us at my parish watched on Zoom as one of our priests lit the rose-colored candle surrounding the Advent wreath. I didn’t set out to illustrate today’s theme of rejoicing or joy by wearing my Santa sweatshirt. I actually was playing the role of a Santa’s Helper and decided to dress the part. But I saw how joy play out in a lovely way. You see after the virtual Mass I was helping to distribute Christmas cheer in the form of gift cards from some very generous friends to community members many of whom were already struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic made life even more challenging. While mask wearing made it impossible to see smiles today, I can tell you that I heard the smiles in people’s voices. It definitely brightened up what had been a rather gray and stormy day. #findingjoyduringalockdown #SantasHelper #SelfPortraitSundays #iPadPro #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/CIw2mXhHNTs/?igshid=q063gjknriru

[mcccarrie]

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” reads the message on my Christmas cap, one of a number holiday—inspired clothes I usually wear this time of year. According to Google “Ho ho ho” represents laughter, an attitude which might prove helpful as parts of California will soon be revisiting shelter in place measures in response rising cases of Covid-19. #sometimesyoumustfakeittomakeit #SelfPortraitSundays #ZenArtSuppliessketchbook #WinsorandNewtonwatercolors https://www.instagram.com/p/CIeivOEHfI2/?igshid=gib5deepcsrj

[mcccarrie]

In my faith tradition today is the first Sunday of Advent. Many families and parishes start this season by lighting the first of the four candles of their Advent wreaths. Since I don’t have a wreath I decided to improvise by holding the candle. I drew this sketch for the #SelfPortraitSundays drawing holiday season challenge as the day (Nov. 29) came to an end and darkness quickly enveloped my home. I never drew by candlelight before so I had to turn the lights on and off several times as I attempted to draw what I saw in the mirror in the darkness while holding a lighted candle. The short days and increasingly longer nights in many ways represented this ghastly year to me and the lighted candle - Christ as the Light of the World - the hope of better times ahead. Tools: #iPadPro, #ApplePencil #Procreate https://www.instagram.com/p/CIM1i8Jn-xF/?igshid=40n4khroezj5