Newburgart Sketchblog

Lauren Newburg's sketches and doodles

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trick or treating

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redraw of an old 2017 sketch

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Back at work after hiatus. newburgart.com

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Vote

Do it. Vote.

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Inktober catch-up day 13

I've been drifting a little lately

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Inktober catch-up day 12

My grandfather died Friday. I've been a little low, and haven't drawn in a few days. Even before the formality of his passing I was mourning the end of his life. He was a gentle man, he loved me very much. I still remember what his hugs felt like, and a thousand other things about him. I'm not going to Louisiana, which is hard and confusing.

And also, I'm terrible at drawing my grandparents. I tried.

[laurennewburg]

Inktober day 7

I think most creative people battle with mental health. I've learned over time that the unique way my brain operates can be not only dark and challenging but also suited well to new ideas and visual storytelling. I also think I'm a very hopeful person in general.

Ive been diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and even the early signs of bipolar disorder… but I think I'm pretty normal especially for an artist. I cannot stress enough how helpful therapy is. Everyone I know I think would benefit from therapy. It's really helped me understand my mind better and made me more selfless and kinder to those around me.

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Inktober day 5

Im overweight. Obese actually. I'm 5’2” and weigh 201.6 lbs. A month ago it was 206. I've been struggling with my weight since I was 21 years old and had recently gotten to a point where I was literally starving myself while still gaining weight because crash diets aren't maintainable. It affects my comfort, it's tangled in my mental health (a subject for another day) and finally about a month ago I hired a nutritionist. Then I learned that I wasn't eating enough.

Funny how these things work. Anyway I've lost 5 pounds so far. In a week or two I'll be back under 200. Turns out I just needed to admit that I didn't have to do it alone, that I could ask for help.

[laurennewburg]

Inktober day 4

I am a Buddhist. I like to think I was taught to be one as a child without realizing it. As an adult I found out a few family members considered themselves buddhists and even my catholic grandmother certainly acted like one.

Eventually somewhere in my twenties I accepted that I probably identified as a Buddhist.

Sometimes people ask me if I'm a therevada, mahayana or Vajrayana Buddhist and I tend to get a blank look on my face. I'm probably a deeply flawed zen Buddhist, although I think many american buddhists probably have trouble labeling themselves.

I sometimes hesitate to tell people I'm a Buddhist because I've encountered wildly different interpretations of what that means, and often there is an assumption that I like the idea of the psychology of compassion and the label or buddhism is convenient, although to be honest I think those people are also buddhists. It's a fluid word. But meditation, discipline, mindfulness and the eightfold path have been an important part of my life, and especially this year.

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Inktober day 3

My kids. We adopted Temoc back in 2012, and the story is a dramatic one, with a fallout of torn relationships and closer relationships with others. In spite of my commitment to open a bit this month I'm hesitant to share too much out of respect for some involved, but long story short, I love that boy. He's sharp and articulate and loves school. He's orderly and precise and funny.

My youngest, Ronin is the opposite in a lot of ways. Wild and creative and a tiny harbenger of chaos and joy. His got a talent for music and is as messy a kid as they come, and is often naked around the house.

They're a little yin and yang, left brain and right brain, and they're pretty great.

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Inktober day 2

I love cooking. I would consider it my main hobby, since illustration is more of a career. I am pretty sure I’m quite good at it at this point and I’ve perfected many recipes and know how to make good meals using whatever is around, as well as find really nice recipes. I might be good enough to pursue it professionally if I chose to do so but I don’t have that desire.

I love it so much, that the book I’m writing and illustrating (which I have been keeping under secrecy for now) involves the main character pursuing cooking seriously and it becomes a big part of the plot. My dream is to write this fantasy novel that would include actual recipes from the story.

[laurennewburg]

Inktober day 1

Happy October everyone! I would like to do a little “get to know me” theme this month since I avoid getting too personal online and find the exposure on social media slightly uncomfortable. I do enjoy when other artists pull back the curtain a little, so I'd like to contribute to that a little more.

My name is Lauren and I live in the Pacific Northwest. I've been an illustrator for 9 years and I've been drawing for 23 years. Happy inktober everyone!

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Pet store

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Debate

Actual footage of me watching the debate last

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Exhausted

Two tired

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Bakery

My local bakery is closing. I’m not sure if it’s because of the pandemic or because the family decided the time was right, but it’s happening and I’m pretty sad about it. I was a regular patron, and I have some fond memories tied to the place. They knew me by name and I felt so welcome in there.

I recently saw the owner baking a baguette in our library’s online Storytime about bakeries. I decided to grab a frame from the video and do a quick sketch last night.

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Rain

Cozy weather is here