Usually when I have deep thoughts it leads me to make an art doll. Elsie shown below is dedicated to my favorite aunt who I sensed was "left behind!"
Thoughts: I was thinking of women "left behind" due to war, poverty, betrayal,death,disasters, discrimation of sex,religion, or race or self-imposted notions and how they journeyed on with their life and made it and themselves worthwhile!
Means of development: I used the principles that #1 the attitude of the art doll comes from the positioning of head,arms, hands,legs,feet and body (Elsie has her head held high looking  over her shoulder, her arms and hands are open to new experiences, her body is upright and strong and her legs and feet are positioned to move forward) that #2 the materials used can be symbolic essenceto the art doll (Elsie has a butterfly(an old earring of mine) symbolizes her new transition, her somewhat curly hair is mohair black gathered up in a top knot symbolizes she has a Jewish gene,her sheer blouse symbolizes she once was very elegant and that she has altered her apparel in preparation to move on in her new life, the cameo (a found old button) symbolizes she is intelligent , knows history,has been schooled and educated, the map booklet tied around her waist symbolizes she is looking ahead for new directions,her print back split opening skirt symbolizes she is ready to move ahead with speed and gladness,her leather sandals symbolize she is prepared to walk the journey.
Inspiration:#1 my fasination by the structure of people e.g. women with narrow faces and heads and tall women  #2 my interpretion of elements in doll construction from the Joggles Internet class Elusive Butterfly by Cindee Moyer.
Techniques:  #1 doeskin head, needle sculptured, hardened with  "Stiffle" then covered with glue and cotton crinkled gauze ; the neck was hardened and covered as well. #2face painting done with acrylics,chalk and rouge. #3 armature and stand are wood. #4 clothing all hand sewn

I have been exploring watercolors, color pencils, watercolor pencil and art studies of portraits and working on techniques in all-so I have not posted for a while -when I complete these studies I will do some image posting. I did join the Flag project and here is my flag hanging in my garden

3 new dolls

 Miss Running Wild was inspired by my seeing a vintage poster show-the artwork of the poster is in the colors rather than in detailed art drawing

Also many featured naugthy angel looking women hense my interperation of one. She is cloth and clay

The other doll is depicts my love of flower gardening and the joy, peace and gratitude I feel

when I look to the Heavens and praise the maker. She is made from a table leg and final and paperclay.  Both were done in blue,aqua , pale peach and a hint of yellow.