Thursday, July 3, 2008


I received a notification in the mail today that the above image will be included in the next Strokes of Genius 2 book! I am very excited and honored to be selected for inclusion in this book. I submitted about 7 drawings and thought I had created a folder on my computer desk top with the images and their "titles". It disappeared somehow. I wasn't sure for awhile which drawing they wanted but finally figured it out. I didn't want to seem too ditsy by having to check with Northlight for positive identification.

The book will be published next October 2009.

Meanwhile, back to the challenge of the month. Hilda was uncertain how to proceed. I suppose she is not alone so here is my
best attempt at a simplified explanation of a cut paper drawing. Think in terms of positive and negative shapes. The negative shapes would be the pieces you would cut away. The positive shapes would all have to stay connected so the piece wouldn't fall apart. Some of the connections can be quite slender lines. It isn't necessary to cut out the negative shapes, just draw the shapes in a way that it would be possible to do so. It is just a way of designing shapes and subdividing larger shapes. It is a parallel excercise to the wire sculpture drawings. That was a challenge with lines. This is a challenge about shapes. It is different from collage where you glue pieces on top of each other. Some of the paper sculptors do combine the cut paper in a collage manner. Don't worry to much about what is correct. The whole idea of the challenge is to get our minds thinking in new ways to interpret a subject. This is another way to think about shapes, pattern, representing your image. See what you can do. Get as creative as you can.


Nava said...

Congrats!! but then again, we always knew you're a genius! I was certain this one will make it in - it's really unique.

(-) non-genius.
(maybe next time)

RHCarpenter said...

Congratuations, Myrna! I'll definitely add the next Strokes of Genius to my collection (I had to have the first and it is chock-full of great drawings).
I loved the cut paper post yesterday, too, and spent some time searching for her work. Astonishing! And the new challenge actually fits in with some of the shape things I'm doing - I might have to try it on paper and see what I can come up with.

Sandy Maudlin said...

Congratulations!!! Your creativity overflows and it's so much fun tosee where watch as you venture through your art world. I love what you do, and it shows that you absolutely love it too!

Nancy Standlee said...

Hi, Myrna, I enjoyed keeping up with your trip and now to come home to great news about the drawing. Ya--hooo from Texas. I don't think I can wrap my head around the cut paper deal but will look forward to other's work.

mary crowell said...

wow, it just seems to keep happening, one right after another, you are certainly finally being recognized for a fine body of work. congratulations! said...

You come up with the most interesting angles for your subjects!

This approach and your challenges are inspirations as always.


Janice said...

Congratulations on your inclusion.
What a fabulous journal you have here! your challenges are such an inspiration.
I hope to go back through them and work on a few of the past ones which sound so inspiring!pajo

Holly Van Hart said...

Myrna, Congratulations!! this is an amazing self portrait. the words sucked me in and kept me there (reading) for a long time. Holly

Michelle Himes said...

Congratulations from me too, Myrna! That's fantastic, and well deserved.

I love the cut paper art. I may try one too.

Elflling said...

Congratulations! Your drawings (and paintings) are full of personal charm and character and I think you really deserve this honor! Looking forward to the publication of the book and I am definitely going to collect a copy!

I am also excited that I recently got a job in Santa Clara and going to move there at the beginning of August. I know you are an active member of the Santa Clara Valley watercolor society and can't wait to take a workshop with you... I really loved you free-flowing style drawings and watercolors!

Myrna said...

Thank you to everyone for your kind compliments and good wishes. I am enriched by the community of artists following my blog.

Elflling, welcome to California! Contact me when settled in and I will introduce you to many of the SCVWS community. You will have instant friends in a new home.

Peggy Stermer-Cox said...

Congratulations Myrna; its a wonderful drawing and great to see it was chosen.

I like your cut drawing challenge; I think I might have fun playing with the idea.

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