Drawing 1: Week 1

You may have noticed that I've been updating less often. There are several reasons for that. I figure I can at least provide a weekly post of something I make/create with the adventure of taking a drawing class. It'll be fun.

Since I teach at the college level, I'm able to take free classes. This semester I decided to take a class called "Drawing 1". I'm not entirely sure why I decided to take a drawing class. Possibly just because it seemed fun. And also because I don't think I'm very good at drawing. People with very little actual art background take art classes, right? Sure they do.

Anyhow, the drawing class takes place every Saturday for several hours. The first day was just spent going over the syllabus and needed materials/supplies. (Note: art supplies are expensive.) We also were given a homework assignment. I had to find a drawing by a famous draughtsman,  make a copy of it, and then reproduce it using the grid method.

This is the drawing I chose:

It is "Study of a lily" by Leonardo. The photo copy isn't that great, but it was the best I was able to get from the copy machine. (For the actual drawing, click here!) I spent nearly an hour going through art books at the local library. Most of the books focused on paintings which made it difficult to find pictures of drawings. This drawing seemed relatively simple and I think it's lovely.

This took me a few days to draw because I have limited time to spend on it. Throughout the week I added a bit at night before sleeping. Here is my progress:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Day 3:

Final version:

I think it turned out okay. It's too dark and there are a few areas I don't like. The pencil was weird and I kept smudging everything with my hand. I'm not used to all these fancy drawing supplies yet.

And this concludes the first week of taking a drawing class. See you next week with another update on the adventure.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup isn't something that I was taught how to make. I just started making it and adjusting it over time. And eventually I started using real ingredients instead of powdered ingredients. Every time I make chicken noodle soup, the recipe probably varies. Everything I put in is pretty much "to taste", so the recipe that I include below isn't really a recipe. Use it as a guideline.

You can use any chicken for this; I generally use boneless chicken breast. Using chicken still on the bone will provide more flavor. I also tend to add way too many noodles. The noodles absorb liquid after the package recommended boiling time, so keep that in mind. You can also use chicken broth instead of bouillon. And you can easily adjust the recipe to make a smaller amount!

Chicken Noodle Soup
10 C water + bouillon to make it into chicken broth
Salt & pepper "to taste"
1/2 to 1 pound chicken breast
1/2 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 C carrots, sliced
1 C celery, sliced
1 1/2 C noodles (I used stars!)

Boil the chicken in the water/broth. Add the salt and pepper.

While the chicken is boiling, chop up the onion and garlic. Add it to the boiling water.

Slice up the carrots and celery. Add these to the boiling broth.

When the chicken is cooked all the way, pull it out of the broth.. Shred the chicken and then return it to the pot. I usually shred the chicken using two forks.

Add the noodles. Let boil for the recommended amount of time. Reduce the soup to a simmer. Let simmer for a while.

Enjoy!

1.5qt Slow Cooker Applesauce

I was given a 1.5qt slow cooker for Christmas. It is tiny and cute, but I have no idea what to make with such things. I spent a while searching for recipes the other day, and I found one for applesauce! I never thought I could be so excited to make applesauce, but yes... applesauce! This is very easy to make and just cooks overnight. You can keep the applesauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks as well. I may never buy applesauce again.

Applesauce
4 or 5 baking apples
1/4 C water
1/2 to 1 t cinnamon
1/4 to 1/2 C sugar

Wash and peel the apples.I used Cortland apples.

Cut them into cubes or chunks and toss them into a clean 1.5qt slow cooker.

Pour in the water. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Add the sugar. (Cinnamon and sugar amounts are "to taste".)

Turn the slow cooker on low and let cook for 8-10 hours. I stirred it a few times. The applesauce will be chunky. If you prefer thin applesauce, smash down the chunks or use a food processor.

Enjoy!