summer thoughts

i've set up a miniature studio in my room and i've been practicing watercolor. at the end of this year, i realized i really love the medium. i've dead set on getting good enough to have watercolor be my medium-of-choice in the studio come September.
however (dare i even say it?) i have been intrigued by pencil once again.
thanks to the lovely Stumbleupon, i have found yet another talented artist (this is the same place that I found my favorite mentor, Marion Bolognesi)....
Presenting My Summer Doodling Inspiration: Laurie Lipton 

Laurie's subjects, almost exclusively focused on people (or skeletons as the case may be) range from comical to creepy. However, that is exactly the kind of subject matter I am interested in! A few works include, though I dread to admit it, charcoal; should I even contemplate attempting that deathly medium again? Though some pieces may be a little unnerving, I am LOVING this work!

"The Self Destructive Optimist"
one of the happier pieces for sure even though the title is a bit gloomy - the girl is so cute!

"Tete a Tete"
there are some other similar pieces to this one on her website - i think they are incredible!

"The Illusion of Control"
probably my favorite. i love the pieces she did that focused on gadgets and machines, the detail is so cartoony yet intricate. this looks like it belongs in a storybook!