So, I s'pose it's about time I post some of this so-called 'art'..

Lately, I've been intrigued with black paper. Just how different it is to work on a black background as opposed to a white background, it is fascinating. Does that sound simply absurd, or are there any other artistas out there who can relate?

I've recently discovered how the littlest detail can be ever so inspiring. Black paper. The name of a character in some random Halo animation clip. A secondary word tossed around in some bland conversation. An everyday item that I just happen to see in a different light, in a different way. I think it really depends on attitude, though. Ever since I completed my sketchbook cover for the Sketchbook Project, I've been searching for inspiration. Yes. I've been scouring the corners of my world for about a month now, trying to become inspired. Finally, just a few days ago, I gave up. I resigned myself to the idea that I wouldn't complete my sketchbook in time. And quite suddenly, I have never been so inspired, I think, throughout my whole life.

So, sticking with the title, here are a few drawings on my beloved black paper:

 
This one started out as a medium test. I got together colored pencils, oil and chalk pastels, white charcoal, etc. I started with the oil pastels, trying to find something that would work well on the black, to see if I should even bother putting black paper into my sketchbook. It turned into a sketch that I'm really proud of. Something neat that you can't see from the scanned image is the black-on-black effect. The hands are obvious here, but in the real piece, from straight on, the hands are entirely invisible. It merely looks like a falling maniquinn. Only when you tilt the paper at a certain angle does the glossy oil pastel black reflect light, exposing the matte black of the paper and showing the hands holding the maniquinn.

Here's a close-up of my first sketchbook project page. I had to mess with the levels a lot 'cause my scanner ate it alive. Following the same theme and concept, when you tilt the page, you can see the hand grabbing her arm and next to it is the tip of an angel's wing. Looks so much better in person.

And this is an artist trading card I did. It's Chad's eye. I traded it to Chad's mom for a neat eye she did on one of these trading cards too. I'll scan it when I can and put it up on here. So yeah, the size of a Pokemon card.

That's about it for right now.

Well, while shopping around for materials to contruct my sketchbook, I've heard several other people in my area are also participating in

But the website doesn't have a map with which I could locate these people.. It makes me sad. ):

SO... I did decide to compile a list of blogs done by others participating, no matter locale! So here we go:

- Joseph and his blog
It appears he's already completed his sketchbook, with the theme nightmare so very evident in his works. My favorite page has an amputated hand with a micron pen.

- Kimberly and her blog Outsketch
Such a plain and simple blog layout so chocked full of amazing anatomy. Each and every post, although at a glance seems simply a sketch, is a full work of art in and of itself.

- Melinka and her blog (translated here )
I really like her website layout, simple and very easy to navigate, which seems to match her creative style. Very easy on the eyes, definitely check it out. I wish I spoke French. ):

-Alex  and her blog Pencil Scribbles 
I love the premise of this blog! Recording the journey of someone who's teaching herself to draw..

-Cari-Jane  and her blog Hybrid Handmade
Not only is her sketchbook art great, but the jewelry she makes is amazing!

- Ciera and her blog
Very professional-looking graphic designer, and the glimpse into her sketchbook seems to show that, but with a deep and personal twist, can't wait to see more..

-Leslie  and her Drawing A Day  blog
Amazing works done in colored pencil, which really gives it a memory-like feel, this style I really admire.

-Roberta  and her blog A Mouse In The House
Bedtime-story-esque illustrations so skillfully done the macabe elements seem to fit in like puzzle pieces do together.

-Lampie and her blog The Punk Hippie
Bright and playful illustrations that seem ready to jump into animation, she also explains a quick and easy way to rebind your 2011 Sketchbook plus a brilliant idea concerning a means to carry it!

-Nicole  and her blog
A collage-y expressioning of intriguing scene-ery. So cool, that that is the only way I can describe it.

-Tori  and her blog Two Per Week
 Simple, yet so very expressive work with a vintage feel. I adore the patterns she uses, and the fashion sense included in the blog.

-Kristina   and her blog
Illustrations that reminesce of graphic novels, but oh so much better, a unique-ness to her professional style, and that rough sketchiness I love so much.

When I have more time, I hope to come back and add a sample picture for each blogger upon getting permission from the artist. I tried to list all the blogs that had been posted on the Arthouse Co-op front page, but if I missed one, or if you would like to be listed on here, you can reach me several ways: E-mail me at dent.de.lepi@gmail.com, message me here on Xanga, or private message or post on my wall on facebook.

Also, be sure to check back for my How-to on making your own hard-back sketchbook!