Lamb Stew and A Couple of Quick Sketches

I made the lamb stew for dinner last night. It was the first time I've cooked with lamb and I was pleasantly surprised. I used Alton Brown's Lamb Stew recipe as my model, but made some changes. Here is the recipe:

And here are the changes:

-     I used 1/2 pound of lamb stew meat (it was plenty)

-     I used table salt

-     I used barley (couldn't find barley grits)

-     I purchased a lamb leg bone and made 4 cups of broth from that

It was delicious and made about 4 servings. I served it with warmed Garlic Naan that I purchased at Meijer's. I will definitely make this again.

Today I am going to try a recipe for lamb stuffed pita and I'll let you know how that turns out.

After dinner, I spent two hours with a new tutee. It was fun and she was a fast learner (my favorite kind). She is coming over again this afternoon.

Late last evening before going to bed I did a couple of quick sketches. I didn't refine them at all, but think they are alright for now. The first one is from a Degas.

 

I see lots of areas that need refining, particularly her right leg and right shoulder, but for my first figure sketch, it'll do. I tried holding the pencil a bit further back than writing position and that seemed to help with the curves and the lightness of the pencil.

I also tried a quick sketch of a stamp of a man's face and like how it turned out.

 

I am having such fun and thanks to you and your wonderful, helpful comments and suggestions, I am learning to put the inner critic in the corner where she belongs.

I have a less busy day planned today, but the hubster is going to take my work table (it is really his) for a show he is doing tomorrow and Saturday, so I won't be doing any painting today. I am hoping to get a bit of mail out today. I made a pretty envelope to send a note to my Mom. I'll show it to you when it is ready to go. 

For now, I'd better have a banana and then get on the treadmill. I'll decide what I am going to do today while I walk. It is a beautiful morning, but only 11º F.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

xoxo

Last Try on the Rubens and a Tree Trunk

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your wonderful comments. The specific suggestions were so wonderful and I am thankful again that I am a part of this wonderful online community. I tried to incorporate all that was suggested in making changes to the chin and the fullness of the face. Here is my final attempt, for I am moving on:

 

And here is a completely different sketch for me. I saw this tree trunk in an old book that I found at a second hand store and felt compelled to sketch it. I don't usually sketch inanimate objects. I have nearly always chosen birds or people. I don't think it is bad for a first try and think I might venture outdoors as these days get warmer and the quality of the light improves and try my hand at drawing something in the yard.

 

I have a full day planned today. I need to workout on the treadmill, go to Sam's, finish the grocery shopping at Meijer's, make a never before tried dinner recipe, and make time to do some art.

I went to Hollander's yesterday to pick up the papers I'd left behind after the Sunday class and decided to go to Sparrow Meats to purchase some lamb. I've never cooked with lamb before, but have loved any of the dishes I've tried either in Greektown or in other restaurants. I left there with 1/2 pound of stew meat, a leg bone (for the base), and 1/2 pound of ground lamb. I am planning to make Alton Brown's Lamb Stew with Barley for dinner tonight.

I was also a lazy butt and didn't arise until 8:30. That is really sleeping in for this usually early riser. I love to get up just before sunrise, but apparently needed the extra shuteye.

Gotta go! I hope to see you again tomorrow.

xoxo