Redesign and Diary 2011 Project

Well, seeing that I took the time to have a little bit of a change about on my blog page I thought I should really put up a new post as well.

In terms of arty suff my main focus over the past few days was to complete my submission for the Diary 2011 Project .

I am so pleased to be part of this project, there are some wonderful artists taking part. I think the finished product is going to be far to nice too write in!  Ah well - another lovely book to be kept for best. I seem to be building up somewhat of a collection!!

My page date was 23 October to be illustrated 8" x 3" greyscale.  I chose to rework of a piece I did a number of years ago trying to weave in an autumnal feel to the illustration. Did it work? I hope so - what do you think?

I am delighted to say that I have the opportunity to submit a second page. I am working on this now - the date 13 June. My little darling's birthday so something to do with a panda could therefore be a fairly safe bet ♥♥

Postcards & bookmarks

Now that I have had confirmation of receipt I can show you a couple of new pieces that I have recently made. These pieces were made as trades - a postcard and a bookmark.

The postcard was a mixed media piece mainly worked in ink, watercolour and acrylic with an acrylic satin varnish finish. Its theme was inspired by artworks featuring the Buddha. I particluarly enjoyed creating this peace immersing myself totally whilst I was working on it.  I have also created a digital image of the postcard and placed it onto a mug ( 'Live, laugh, drink' mug ) alongside the following quote:

 'When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky' 

♥♥ The title of the mug, which I think is very apt, was chosen by my gorgeous girl ♥♥  

I may also have some prints made soon on some really good quality paper to place in my Etsy shop.

The bookmark was worked on red craft paper and was created in pen & ink before laminating to ensure longevity. 

 'Cats, Coffee & Books' 

(for me these 3 things embody cosiness, relaxation and contentment)

March ATC - on Willowing

It's April, its sunny and relatively warm and tomorrow is the beginning of Easter - and if that wasn't enough today I received two sets of ATC swaps. I am only posting the cards that I have swapped with Tam (@ Willowing) as Mary hasn't received the ones I have sent out - the other ATCs I will post in the next day or so when I have confirmation that Mary has seen the cards I have sent her :) )


March's swapping theme was Picasso & AN other.

Here are the cards that I created  for Tam -

This is a watercolour and ink card of based on a larger piece I am working on. I chose this theme as we are in the spring leading up to Easter and I enjoy working around various seasonal pieces.








My Picasso themed card was based on an earlier painting of my own ('Making an Entrance' - this can be seen earlier in the blog) which I reworked in a style remeniscent to Picasso's later work.








In return Tam sent me two lovely trading cards which I have sceanned and inserted here so that you can get an idea of them -

 Both of the cards have a lovely texture and the scanned images do not do the colours justice. Some of the overall details have also been lost in the final scan  - this image has beautiful vivid pink text overlayed around the top and edges - this unfortunately cannot be seen on the scan.

ATC February for Willowing and Friends

Mindy @ Willowing has now received the trading cards I sent her so I can post pictures of them :) The theme for February was Africa and proved quite a challange. In the end I settled upon a pen and ink wash of a pair of carved fertility dolls that I have and also a watercolour sunset landscape. Although the landscape took less time I think that this one is my favourite of the pair as I love the way the colours have blended. 
 

Back to basics

Recently my work has reverted back to basics.  I get most enjoyment from sketching and from pen and ink drawings with various types of washes. Subconsciously I have been moving back towards these mediums for a while and have found that the pleasure that I get from my art has intesified - hopefully it can be seen in the results. This is my latest piece 'Making an Entrance' worked in pen and ink with a watercolour wash.