I haven’t talked about my natural hair journey in a while. It’s still going. I’m still learning what works best for my hair and what doesn’t. I will decide that I’m not going to straighten my hair for a while only to get bored of my ‘fro and resort to the flatiron a few weeks later. For now, I resolve to not straighten my hair for most of the summer.

Last Saturday, I attend a natural hair meet up for the first time. It was held that afternoon at a popular restaurant, The Spot of Tea (everything is good there). I initially found out about the group while browsing Meetup.com. There I came across the group for naturals in my area, founded by Tanene Jackson, a local hair stylist. Thing is, when I first went to my old hair dresser, asking her for tips on caring for my newly natural teeny weeny afro (TWA), she gave me Tanene’s number. That was almost two years ago, and I never followed up.

A few months ago, I picked up a flyer featuring community activities held at my old high school, and there was a class called Natural Hair 101, taught by none other than this same Tanene. I couldn’t arrange my schedule to attend that class either, but still, I thought it was pretty cool that this person’s name kept popping up, particularly in association with natural hair.

So, I signed up for the local natural hair group on Meetup and waited for notification of the next get-together. The first one I missed, but I had signed up my older sister and hair-inspiration to attend with me. The next meetup that came around, Crystal was the one that signed me and my mom up as her +2.

Saturday rolled around, and I had forgotten all about the meet until Crystal reminded me a few hours before. So, I drag up the will to get ready and go. My hair was currently flat-ironed, and I had really wanted to rock a nice twist-out for my first meet, but whatever. As I we approached the restaurant, we saw a girl walking down the street with her hair pulled back in a puffed. My mom wondered out loud if maybe the girl was going to the meetup, and my sister and I were like, “Nah.” Of course, we get to the restaurant, and the same girl is sitting at the table. I found out she’s from St. Kitts, here attending university because the University of South Alabama (my alma mater) has this amazing meteorology program that no one ever talks about.

Long story a little shorter, I got to meet some really nice naturalistas, including the elusive Tanene. She was very warm and personable and I would really like to visit her salon soon. (I usually like to take pictures at this sort of thing, but I felt wasn’t comfortable taking photos of complete strangers in such an intimate setting. Next time though…) Tanene told us about the Natural Hair and Wellness Expo that she was hosting next month on June 18. I will definitely try to attend. However, I literally just signed up for Art as Business: Using Social Media to Promote the Arts which happens to be the same day, but the times overlap so I will be able to attend the Natural Hair Expo later in the day.

I’m going to have to get some pieces together to bring to the seminar. I just ordered a new set of Moo cards that will be in next week. They’re regular size this time rather than the mini cards that I usually order. I can’t wait to see them. I just received the card holder in the mail today and it’s so great. I was delighted simply by the way it was packaged, not to mention what was actually inside.

Thought I would post something I’ve been working on.

Like always, anatomy and proportion issues about in the initial stages of both drawings.

Been listening to the new album from ADELE, entitled 21. It took me a while to get into the richer,more refined production of the songs, but I do like it a lot. Her cover of “Love Song” (originally by The Cure) was an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise.

I’m up for a busy weekend. At the end of it, I expect to have quite a few lovely photos to share.

So, a little while ago, during the latter half of last year, I got a message inquiring if I took commissions. I do, but I had not been advertising that fact at the time since I had been so busy with work.

Long story short, I ended up being commissions by a talented artist/photographer, Lauren Quinn Ward. She had very specific ideas about what she wanted in a portrait of her and her husband, and I was happy to be chosen to fulfill that need. I struggled a bit with getting certain details and the likenesses just right, but, overall, it was a great experience and Lauren was quite patient in working with me. :)

The final result is something we’re all happy with.

I also found out that Lauren has a business making the most adorable stamps. Check out Doodle Design on etsy.

See? Adorable. :)

Several weeks ago, I was eating out with my sister. It was at Macaroni Grill where the have write paper covering the tables along with a supply of crayons. While I was sketching, the waitress (Steph) commented on it, saying she was really into art but was never really good or something like that. Long story shortened, I decided to leave her the sketch along with the tip.

Like I said, that was a while ago since in an effort to save money I don’t eat out as much. Today, however, my sis and I made what was my first outing to dine at Mellow Mushroom. Crystal observed that our waitresses move like a dancer. When she came to take our order she asked her about it, and she said that she used to. I took the opportunity to incorporate this info into the sketch I would leave with our tip.

While I was drawing, Crystal was ready with the unsolicited critique. Anatomy issues abound without a reference. It was a good exercise though. I’ll continue to post these as I do them.

Posted from my iPhone. The updated WordPress app works pretty well.

My portfolio site (artgyrl.com) was in desperate need of a redesign. I mean, my profile page had my age two years younger than I actually am. I figured the top of the year would be an ideal time to get the new site up.

Galleries are updated and rearranged. I’ve tried to simply the selection, featuring illustration, sketches, and design. I will eventually add a gallery of my photography, but that’s a beast to be tamed another day.

I’m available for art commissions. It’s something I should definitely advertise more. If you’re interested, you can just email me at sharon@argyrl.com.