Finally! My camera is with me.

My awesome housemates brought me the cord to my camera, so I can take better pictures of what I've been working on. I re-photographed everything I've posted so far, and swapped out the photos. 

As for new stuff...

("Dorothy" copyright 2010 Amanda Russel)

I've been drawing a lot of small portraits, and this one is of a woman who asked me to draw her

who is also on the rehabilitation floor. I finished it after she had gone to rest, and I couldn't find her to give it to her and a nurse told me she had been moved off the ward earlier that day.

      I have been doing more expressive, plain drawings in black, white, and red. They are self-portraits, introspective, and  commenting on how I feel lately, about my own body in particular. These are not finished pieces; rather, part of my journey.

"I find your interest interesting."

("I find your interest interesting," fine-tipped sepia pen and watercolor, copyright 2010 Amanda Russel)

Christmas time is here, and my mother requested a portrait of Dr. Gregory House, as I told her I was going to make pieces of art as presents. 

Here's the portrait part, and I'm still working on the hand-lettering, which will read "I find your interest interesting." 

I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out.

In other news, I was told earlier today that I'm officially going home on December 31st! Ten more days of inpatient. A perfect way to start the new year.

-Amanda

Sunday, December 19th, 2010

Still waiting on that camera cord, but putting some watercolors and my ever-faithful micron pens to good use. I'm in a lot of physical and occupational therapy right now, and will be an inpatient for two to three more weeks, trying to figure out how to get around and to build up some strength. But whenever I've got downtime, I've been drawing nonstop.

("Karma" micron pen, copyright Amanda Russel)

For today, this drawing of my girlfriend's sister's pitbull puppy, Karma.

More soon, hopefully when I can take more quality pictures!

Over and out,

Amanda

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

MORE COMING SOON.

I apologize for the quality of the first few photos that will go up, 

as I do not yet have my camera at the hospital, let alone a proper scanner.

I've gotten some nice prismacolors though, and some watercolor paper to work with. 

Slowly but surely, I am amassing a collection of art supplies in this little room.

"Steve Buscemi is Watching You"

micron pen, pencil and watercolor pencil

Stay tuned, and I will do my very best to keep this blog updated regularly.

Love,

Amanda

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

This is my first official post. About my life right now: I am currently posting from Providence Hospital. I am on somewhat of a hiatus from creating any large and more finalized new works, as I am in recovery from a bad lupus flare that turned into Transverse Myelitis, a neurological disorder that attacks the spine. Happily, I have use of my arms and upper body, and though bedridden I hope I can get some smaller works and sketches done. I will update with them when I am able to take quality photographs. I've been mostly sketching and drawing, until I can get some more quality art supplies into this room.
I watched Frida the other day, and am drawing a lot of inspiration from Frida Kahlo.