My friend Mark.

We know each other for more than quarter of a century, share great memories, had so much fun with our exquisite circle of friends in Moscow, how many wonderful books came to me from his hands, how much delicious homemade liqueur was consumed on our intellectual parties (Lena and Mark were in science field). I used another vintage advertising pencil and ink in furry album, I got long time ago in Home Goods, it said Kim Robertson inside on the back cover in silver letters on the fabric sticker. Kim Robertson is London based designer.

I made it lighter, made him older, because he said he looks like young terrorist, so I add a little miserability  and gray hair. I added touch of blue pencil to the glasses on the top.

Pogacsa.

Pogacsa is sort of Hungarian biscuits. I met Erno at work few years ago. Erno and Klara gave it to me as "feel better" gift on one cold and windy night. Taste is mind blowing. I think Klara adds caraway seeds and cheese to it. I love it. I drew it with  another vintage advertising pencil and inked in Moleskine.

Mail man.

My yard with beautiful trees, rows of benches, walking away mail man, who often brings me pencils from all over the globe. Yesterday I got vintage pencils from man from MO, who didn't take money, I was trying to buy one, he sent me 4. His name is Joe. Thank you very much, Joe. I drew with one of them, the oldest, you said, over 80 years old, the one with red end, so smooth. I love them. I will draw it.  I used ink in Moleskine.

Reflection.

Something about this  photo. When I feel down, sad, empty- the beauty is still exist. I just have to remember to lift up my head.

Sketching on the way and Mordan.

Sketched on the way while getting gas, waiting for a few minutes, writing list for tomorrow and patting cat. My new pencil Mordan, 1932. Pretty soft lead for an oldie. Ink in Hemp sketchbook.

Cute houses in Brooklyn.

It is not typical design for Brooklyn, I thought its looked a little German or like in Riga, Latvia. I used couple of inks and could not resist to add my beloved red touch, even in reality umbrella was black, washed out by rain to almost white. Alex was patiently posing.

Overstuffed Susan's room.

I really don't like suffocating design of this living room, too many pillows everywhere, no place to sit even for size 0 butt.   Like in a furniture store. Too bedroomy, too elderly, too 25 years ago. But I had nothing better to do to pass the time, so exercised my golden pencil in Moleskine, sitting on the floor.

Sketching at the hospital.

I took my friend for procedure there and while waiting had short time to sketch people. I used my new Yard-O-Led pencil (1934 I think) with vintage 1.18 mm lead, it was surprisingly soft on Moleskine paper, last sketch outlined with Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen. Had to rush, because my friend wanted me with her upstairs.

My new pencil Yard-O-Led.

Golden beauty from England with 1.18 mm lead. It has 12 compartment for storing extra leads, measuring yard all together, this why it got its name in 1934 year. Exiting. Cant wait to try it.

Pizza Margherita.

I was kept away from drawing by really annoying force. But being trapped also part of life... Here ink drawing of delicious pizza Margherita, made by local pizza place, here in the mountains. I used couple of inks in Moleskine sketchbook. And we had my beloved layered Sheridan's liqueur.

October 30, Brooklyn.

Autumn in Brooklyn. I used ink I mixed, this time it is less brown, I kinda like it, towards Noodler's Lexington Gray. One day I want to get Lexington Gray and Walnut inks. I like light sad vintage monochrome coloring, reminding old movies or faded photographs, like memories, when you remember feelings, but not sure of shapes. On the top is my list, I didn't plan to use the whole spread, but brunches looked so interesting, so I let it be.

Umbrella.

I am into ink nowadays. I should mix more of this ink, it wont be the same, and its ok. White creates such a contrast with yellow Moleskine. Drizzling, light, peaceful.

Sketches on the run with Blackwing.

Still exploring Blackwing pencil abilities. This time used my last year Moleskine pocket diary, because I feel bad to use sketch Moley for such simple sketches, never know when people will leave and I wont finish. Today was appointments day, my last one ended at 10 pm, didn't draw enough. 

Meal.

First page in my new Moleskine, Skizzenbuch. Paper seems more yellow than in previous, Red Moleskine, more antique look.  I used ink here.

Inna and Pig.

This is last page in my red Moleskine, already one part of the jacket. I wanted it to be about love. It started on April 13 with dead Nikita and ends with love and hope. Pig has a little hat, canvas top from a jar with preserved fruits.  Ink and white in Moleskine.