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)

Lady Starlight - World Drawing Day 2010

Listening to my music on the train after a long, hot busy day in London - this idea started to weave its way through my weary sub-consciousness. It has morphed a few times before I finally put pen to paper.

'Lady Starlight'  (inspired by the song of the same name by the Scorpions)
World Drawing Day 2010
Pen & Ink with a watercolour wash
Size A5

Willowing ATC May 2010

This month the featured theme was 'Little Houses of Love'.

For this piece, I wanted to use a subject that most people dont think of with any love nor even affection. Snails seemed to be an ideal subject, the majority of people are not overly fond of these little creatures with their spherical exoskeletal home, although the abundance of them in my garden probably encourages the hedgehogs so I should be grateful they choose visit me. 

 

'Little Houses of Love'  

(Size 2.5"x 3.5 ") 

worked in mixed media and included acrylic, ink, newspaper.

For my second card I chose the theme 'Goblin' .

I have been having somewhat of a running battle with these little people for some time now - perhaps I could appease them by dedicating a piece of art to them?

'Goblin'  

 (Size 2.5"x 3.5 ") 

worked in ink with a watercolour wash

- perhaps my favourite medium.

A Garden Visitor - Blackbird

I have been working on a mixed media painting of a blackbird who has taken to visiting me in my back garden. He and his mate come most days to feed on the offerings that I put out for the neighbourhood birds. When I am working in the garden he sits in the tree and watches me until I retreat into the house before flying off to get his girl and tell her that the coast is clear if she fancies some dinner.

The piece (one of the British Wildlife Series)  is worked in a number of different media - including inks, watercolours & acrylics. It is finished in a satin varnish.

I love watching the birds and other wildlife in the garden - the painting is a natural extension of this and I thoroughly enjoyed working it.

Prints are being prepared and will soon be available via etsy.

Happy Easter x x

Easter holidays are upon us and so that means we are surrounded by all things springlike and cute. Bunnies, chicks and lambs - and for those of us who have been very good there may be some nice chocolatey things arriving 'as if by magic'.....

This is my little lamb. It is a mixed media piece (waterclour, ink, gouache) and is a larger version of the ATC that I completed towards the end of March for Tam at Willowing. 

I thoroughly enjoyed working on this piece, although I did have to fight with his legs somewhat !

HAPPY EASTER!!

Feline gorgeousness

Mary has now received the cards I sent to her - we decided to do 2 pieces with a feline theme. The cards are 2.5" x 3.5" as usual. 

The cards were once again mixed media - but primarily acrylic . I also moved out from my usual 'style' & comfort zone for these. I have not had so much experience with acrylics but was pleased with the vivid colours I was able to achieve - and the fact that I could paint light on dark.
The sunset on the cat and mouse card is a watercolour wash. The cat & mouse are black acrylic and the cats collar is a silver acrylic. There is also an element of ink for the details in the whiskers.

The morroccan sleeping cat was worked in acrylic and ink. Here the increased use of colour is more obvious and is something I will probably play as I hope to have an  increased use of bright colours in my paintings.







In return I received two beautiful cards from Mary.

These have been worked using a variety of techniques - including collage, ink, pan pastel, old prints & glimmer mist. They are gorgeous. x

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. 
 

Doodlebug

A quick biro sketch that I may (or may not) rework and incorportate into an illustration or painting for the future - sometimes I just can't help myself scribbling (apparently it has been scientifically proven to assist in concentration !)

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.