Some Project Catch-Ups

Back in action after a week off for my birthday. This year, as a treat to myself, I took a hiatus from work and most computer-related things to reset some priorities and dig in to some personal projects. I finished a few projects that had been languishing, “nearly” finished a few others, and started prepping for some brand new work. Also FINALLY bought my new MacBook. It’s so nice to have a machine do my bidding without the 10 minute pinwheel of doom each time I click …

Mini portrait sketchbook (SB8) - nearly there with 4 pages left!

All in all it was the best way to kick off this year’s #43initiatives project. Determined to stay focused and productive through to 44!

It's A-Ok to Do "Nothing"

Today’s mission and mantra: “Doing nothing is doing something.”

Enjoyed a spring like day with my favorite fuzzy explorer Jack; taking a walk with a stop at the boat ramp for a view; finished a book; provided the demanded lap for P-kitten; and now finishing off the day with some sketches (with a few saved references from the many missed Drawing Hive sessions). A much needed break after a very long March!

Shout out and thanks to @jennywaltonart for today’s mission and mantra (it was repeated often throughout the day).

View from Among the Violets …

I’ve always loved the look of woodcut prints. It’s amazing to watch artist slowly carve away the surface, transforming a slab of wood into a beautiful relief block. Not that linoleum isn’t as versatile or beautiful—there’s just something extra physical about working with wood.

So as a treat for my birthday this year I jumped at the chance to take “Woodcut: As Detailed as it Gets” workshop with Jun Lee at Pyramid Atlantic. It’s been weeks in the making, even after the class officially ended … but my first #woodcut is finally complete! A big (and I mean HUGE) thank you to @junieleelee for sharing her wealth of knowledge in this amazing workshop and giving extra time and encouragement to ensure I pulled prints.

Black and white image of leafy undergrowth from a (lady) bug's view

Jungle Gym (Among the Violets), Woodcut, 16”x20”. ©2022 by Jen Sheckels

You can learn more about the piece and the journey to complete it here. This was a fun first foray into woodcut. Can’t wait to start a new piece!

Celebrating this Beautiful World

Happy Earth Day! I hope everyone can take a moment to get outside and observe just one amazing thing about the world around you. It’s there if you’re willing to take a moment and look!


Today I’m celebrating by continuing hand coloring experiments on relief prints. I pulled out an older artist proof of my butterfly creation myth linocut before I make final plans for an edition. Just playing around with colored pencil today.

I hope you experience something amazing today!

Happiness Returned: A Butterfly Creation Myth, Hand colored linocut (1/1). © 2022 Jen Sheckels