Work Begins on the Heartskein Cover!

In keeping with my promise (and my alma mater's offer) I drove up today to school to hang out in the art building and work and chat with all the kids as they came into their classes. I got there just before lunch and started work while talking with the AP Art students (that's 'advanced placement', which means if they do well enough they'll be awarded college credit). I took a break at lunch to nibble something and talk to the English department about possibly coming into the Creative Writing classes and giving a few talks. Then I walked back to the art building and resumed work for another hour and a half during the freshman Drawing I class.

I had a really great time. I mean... really great. The vibe there is so positive, and the students so lacking in cynicism, and being able to work while having people around to talk to was good for me, because I often get weird if I go for too long without seeing/interacting with people. I got to rescue a struggling student by showing her how to use a T-square, which changed her life FOREVER, and offered suggestions to a couple of kids who wanted additional critiques on something they were trying to finish, and the AP students were fascinated by all my really fancy tools, and liked my war stories about finding the right paper and using up my brushes too quickly.

As you can see, I also got a lot done--about as much as I would have had I been alone, maybe a little more, even. I'm pretty happy with how the painting's going, even though I wasn't planning such a monotone color scheme. But it's working so... I guess Heartskein will be the purple and gold book! 😅

I've also attached a photo of the prayer the art teacher starts all the classes with, because I think it's lovely. ❤️

Anyway, I'm still planning on having this done this week, but we'll see how well that plan survives contact with reality. More photos as I continue.