28/12/2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORRAINE


Today it is my mate Lorraines Birthday and so I decided to create a picture of her daughter Hollie. I worked on it and then with some trepidation took it around to her, I was hoping that she would realise who it was. As I got to her house her husband was about to go in so I asked him to pass it on to Lorraine for me. Stamford and I waited for her and Jake to come out on the dog walk and all the while I was holding my breathe. Anyway imagine my joy and delight when she came out all pleased and Thanked me for the picture of Hollie - she knew straight away who it was and so that made me feel heaps better and happy!
She said she knew and then she saw the name incorporated into the painting, had to cover bases lol.
This is the 1st art I have done over the holidays and so I feel happy now.
I have lots of ideas for the New Year and am itching to crack on... got to get ready to visit with my neighbour this evening so this is a short post
Hope you all are still enjoying your holiday season, Peace xxx

24/12/2009

CHRISTMAS EVE


So it is Christmas Eve, I am sure there are children all over the world eagerly anticipating looking to see what is in there stockings in the morning.
Christmas is such a magical time and it is not all about presents. It seems that we may have forgotten why we celebrate Christmas now in the commercial times we live in. So I thought I would share this picture with you.
I have many visitors to my blog and whatever your religion I wish you joy and peace at this time. May you have a happy life and enjoy your family wherever you are.
I was disappointed not to be in Spain this Christmas, but sometimes things are out of our control. In the larger scheme of things I am grateful for what I have. I have been thinking about the serving soldiers who have lost their lives this year, about the families they have left behind and I know that the loss of a holiday is trivial in comparison.
Then there are those who have lost friends and family through illness. May I wish each of you reading this the best of health and send you my love and hopes for a joyous New Year.
I am looking forward to tomorrow, it will be different for me but at least I am here and able to celebrate.
If you look to the right of my blog you will see the One World, One Heart button, this is such a big blog event and I am looking forward to being a part of it again this year, I shall be creating something with love to share, click on the link if you want to be a part of it too.... it is a way of connecting with some wonderful people here in blogland.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR VISITING ME HERE AND ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR FRIEND XXXXX
LOVE TO ALL XXXXX

10/12/2009

BOTTLE ART



I had a play with something different today. Earlier in the year I signed up to do a bottle workshop with Joanna Pierroti which involved soldering and beeswax. I didn't have a solder or anything else to do the project with up till now, so I thought today is the day to play.
It was fun adding the copper tape and then soldering, more tricky than I thought it would be, but hey it's all a learning curve. Adding mesh and lace with other embellishments and this is the end result.
I think I needed something totally new today as it has been a stressful time with China, she has dropped art, as she has so had it with her teacher, and then to top it all as she couldn't realise her dreams as Art A level was part of those dreams she has quit College and is now going to start work on Monday at her dad's firm. She can then do a day release course and if she wishes Art and Photography at night school.
I am so angry with her art teacher, teacher is not the right word for her but I will leave it at that... I witnessed her laying into a student verbally today in the car park! does she have no respect for her students, the woman is totally of her head.
Even though China has made the decision after much soul searching to give up education I am not letting the matter rest, I want the Head and the School Governors to look into the ability of this so called teacher and evaluate her suitability to be in the job. Unbelievably or maybe not, 6 students have left since September which says something about her! Sorry for the rant but I am so upset for China and needed to get it off my chest.... my art helped me today.
I hope to be more upbeat tomorrow, Thanks for listening xxx

07/12/2009

AUTUMN NYMPH


Autumn has come and gone, the Christmas season is upon us but I created this girl, this autumn nymph today as it was so cold and miserable outside.. she is still a work in progress, I have left her to her own devices in my art room while I decide what to do with her...
I went to take the dog out this evening, he got outside, got heavily rained on and bolted straight back indoors. He did eventually succumb and we had a rather wet walk with Lorraine and her dog Jake. They were so not impressed, but hey they have to have their walk so Lorraine and I can have out chat.
It is so Christmassy walking down the roads, really cheers me up, even though the weather doesn't.
So what about you, have you got your decorations up? have you made your own? I will have to go blog hopping to see what you have all been up to.
China has dropped Art as her Art teacher made her really hate it and it was getting her down, so better to be happy in mind than glum because of some miserable person who is obsessed with the Tate Modern... that is not what art is ALL about and this teacher so needs to get over it! I have been barred from speaking to her as I had previously questioned her ability to call herself a teacher... I thought a teacher was supposed to inspire, guide, instruct? and this teacher does none of that, and because I was audacious enough to question her I am not allowed to talk to her.
Oh well, with a bit of luck I will have my daughter back, happy again - and she has decided that she wants to be a nurse, I am so thrilled about that, that was my job before I had kids... so she is putting her all into studying so she can achieve it.
I am going to work in a Journal after dinner so I am going to get out of here...Thanks for calling by, Love and Seasons Greetings to you all xxxxx

04/12/2009

SOLD


can you believe it, sold a painting... and get this I was asked to do it after the girl in question had seen my previous paintings.
The story behind it is that her husband had this one photo only from his childhood, taken when he was about 13/14 so she thought it would be nice to have a painting done of it. She asked, and I said I would see what I could do and this is the result.
From this one painting I have been told by her that other people want me to do paintings for them too.... we shall see what happens with that. BUT she has asked me to do one of her sister from her graduation photo so I have lots of ideas in my head for that.
Went around the charity shops today and had a blast, picked up a wonderful jewellery box, complete with key which is just screaming to be altered - future project.
A couple more of the slippers have arrived for my swap, will post when I have the set.
I am filled with excitement today, I am a total football fanatic and today is the draw for the World Cup next year... can't wait to see who England are up against!
I could waffle on more but I don't want to bore you so I will sign off now, again
THANK YOU for visiting Love Dawn

30/11/2009

SWEET BRIDE



I have completed the 2nd spread in Manon's Exchange Journal. Different from my other faces, I am sure you will agree. I am pleasantly surprised by this young lady...she is reflecting on her wedding day...
I used viva paints and stamped into them, stickles, luminere paint (think that is how you spell it, forgive me if I am wrong), flowers and pearl paints. I hope Manon loves her.
I will tell you what else I love about today... and whatever else happens NOTHING can top this - I got the results back from my mammogram and it was all good, so for that I am TRULY THANKFUL! Now I can sleep at nigh, well hey ho, I could get a good nights sleep if it weren't for the darn hot flushes - but I can live with those now!
The weather is so awful, rain, rain and more rain but even that can't dampen my spirits.
The postman also brought another Journal for me to work in today so will have to think about that.
Christmas is fast approaching, boy this year has flown by don't you think? Going to book Spain tonight, yes we are going so will have to start sorting what to take down - only going for 8 days though as Jazz and China want to be back in England for New Year, 1st time I will be home in England in 20 years so that will be different.
Right enough waffling, got to crack on... time is flying, Take care and THANKS again for visiting xxxx

25/11/2009

I have a love

is the title of my latest piece, it is my contribution to Manon's Journal in a Journal Exchange with the Hands and Heart Ning.


This image shows the beginning, laying down the background.

Then I added a piece of brocade which I subsequently painted with gold,copper and burnt orange.

Close up of the face, notice the gold hair, used gold acrylic for this to brighen up the painting.

Here is a close up of the heart with the words visible "I have a love I love too well, and all the joy I know - mine for evermore"


And here it is the complete picture. Finished with script, butterflies and flowers.

I have to do another spread in this book, will try a different style I think... who knows!
The weather is turning colder now so perfect for getting in my room and creating.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for a lot of my friends here online so I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday.
More news to share tomorrow, till then take care and THANKS for visiting xxxx

21/11/2009

Charms



I made these to accompany the slippers for the swap on PW, slippers, what slippers you may ask if you have not read this blog before. Well here you are the slippers I made

So these shall be going in the post today to the girls in my Grunge group.

I am currently working on another face, but not on a canvas this time but as part of a Journal Exchange...pictures once spread complete.
The postman is going to love me as I have some Altered books to get in the post too, again watch this space for pictures.
Other news from my little world. Well China performed Dear Mr President in a school production with her friend Grace, I would love to be able to tell you first hand how she did but unfortunately she banned the family from going - nerves! I can't tell you how many people said they were the star of the show... she can sing, she just needs the C word in abundance CONFIDENCE. So well done China, really proud of you.
Jazz continues to play football and his team have lost one game this season so far, so Well done.
I should be planning my holiday to Spain but we may not go this year, shock, horror! I haven't spent Christmas in England for 20 years. The reason? Stuart started a new branch of the firm and feels he may not be able to go as he needs to be there. Fair enough, will have to sort out a tree etc. though as all my decs are at the villa.
Right enough for now, must crack on... take care have fun and smile wherever you are xxxx

18/11/2009

So what have you done lately

all to often I get asked this and tend to dismiss my day, but now I am embracing my day, my life.
I went to the funeral of my mate Lorraine's dad last Friday. I have to see it was so moving and such a wonderful send off for her dad. Times like that make you take stock and be Thankful, and I am Thankful.
I had been putting off going for a mammogram, I was terrified of the thought of it, so I ignored every letter that dropped on the mat...but I did it, on Monday I went and had it done - just have to wait for the results now, but at least I did it.
I received some wonderful Betty Boop goodies in the post, put the biggest smile on my face I can tell you. Thank you Linda (aka Mom) I used 2 of the items to create a new blog banner xxx

I created this canvas today 8x8. Acrylic paint and decorated with swarovski crystals... enjoyed seeing her develop on the canvas, and now she is hanging on the wall in my room.


Family are arriving home now, so dinner to serve, till next time THANKS for dropping by big hugs and embrace life xxxx

10/11/2009

Paper Whimsy Slipper Swap

Well I promised you something different. Today I had a play creating a set of slippers for a swap over on PAPER WHIMSY
There were different color schemes, my group was for rust,gold and verdi gris - this is what I came up with...

The background is glossy card sprayed with glimmer mists. The toe is a piece of rusty mesh adhered to a black background. Then I added the feathers and flowers. To finish put one of my fave images into a rusty bottle cap and voila.
So that was my change for today.
I gave my J'adore Paris to my friend Lorraine, thought she needed cheering up, and to be honest her reaction moved me to tears - she was so touched and it brought tears to her eyes, so glad that she really loved her cos she was one of my favourites.
I am thinking of selling my Senorita, no, I am going to "try" and sell it - think I will put it on my e bay. If it sells it sells, if it doesn't it can stay on my wall, no worries.
The weather was gray here today and I hate days like that, I need sunshine. So not too productive.
I was pleased that my son Jazz played for the 1st team tonight, they lost 2-1 but he was happy to be playing.
My eldest son Dwain is growing a moustache for Movember, this helps to raise money for Prostate cancer research if you feel that you want to support his efforts click HERE whatever he raises his company will double so every little helps.
Right guys I am outta here... be back tomorrow with more of my little ramblings THANKS for visiting xxxx

09/11/2009

More faces...?

that was the question posed by Stuart. "Well" I said "practise makes perfect" and I am enjoying it anyway. China was like "I think we should put mum's work up on the walls in the house." Thanks China xxx
So here is what the fuss is about in my house.


This first one is 10x12. I used a napkin for the background and then draw the face over the top. Normally I leave the canvas blank where the face is going to be but decided to try something different this time. It was harder to work the colors but I persevered :-) Not too sure that I like this girl, her skin tone isn't what I wanted but as I said, practise, practise, practise. The hat was painted with fluid acrylic as I wanted the bg to come through - for want of a better name she is "Hat Lady"

Then I started on this senorita. You can't see it but there are napkins in the corners for a bit of texture.

I worked the bg using soft colors, quite pleased with the effect.


Then I added more detail with the flowers, wanted to create a veil like effect of flowers and I think it works quite well...


I then added some scrolls in the corners for balance..hey presto, I left it alone then.

The last 2 pictures are just close up of the lips and an eye.



I shall leave the faces alone for a bit as I have some other projects I am working on so watch this space.
Once again Thank you for dropping by, I know I get lots of visitors from Facebook and I would like to Thank you too...
Till next time, take care xxxxx

06/11/2009

Visiting Galleries




Today I had a wonderful day, went up to London with Lorraine to go to the Lori Earley Exhibition at the Opera Gallery in Bond Street. The day was glorious, no jacket required, sun shining much anticipation of the show.
It was billed as a solo show, so we expected to see a fair number of her art pieces as seen on her website click here. Unfortunately there were 4 pieces in total so that was a disappointment to us. That is not to take away from the thrill of seeing her work up close and personal because it is to die for. The way she captures light and all the detail in her work makes the viewer believe that you can touch and feel what you are looking at.
We also went to The Fine Arts Society Gallery, also in Bond Street... and I have to tell you that I was introduced with a bang! to an artist called Leonardo Drew click on his name and have a look around the Gallery... myself and Lorraine were totally gobsmacked by the size of some of his pieces and the sheer amount of work put into each piece.
This piece is similiar to one that we saw at the Gallery
Number 43
1995
fabric, wood, rust
132 x 288 x 7 inches

What a man!..
We popped in to another Gallery, had a mooch around, there were some fantastic huge photos of Marilyn Monroe, some pieces by Bob Dylan, some Picasso Prints on giclee selling for £11,000, something else!

After Gallery hopping we walked to Picadilly Circus to the Waterstones - this is there flag ship store and to be honest even though it is on 5 floors the Craft section is a disappointment. Mainly books on knitting, crocheting, beading - not one mixed media art book, no ATC books, you know the sort of thing that I like, so yes a disappointment. We had lunch and headed back but it was the BEST DAY and it has inspired Lorraine and I to visit more often, I know I have said it in the past but when something is on your doorstep it is so easy to ignore it...not anymore, I shall be hot footing back up there pretty soon. Thanks Lorraine it was a great day!

I am working on another canvas at the moment, obviously didn't get much done today but it should be up here sometime over the weekend... well fingers crossed it will.
As always THANKS for visiting, LOVE YA!

04/11/2009

J'adore Paris


is the title of this 8 x 8 canvas I created today. Totally different experience creating a small piece...but practise is the key. The image of the Eiffel Tower is actually a napkin that I received as part of a swap this year. That was the inspiration for the whole piece and then I sketched in this little elfin face girl. She is dreaming of Paris and wishing to be there. I suppose because as I have said previously I really want to go to Paris, I have driven through it umpteen times, but I want to stop and visit, see the sights, you know all that touristy stuff. Sometimes when something is on our doorstep we ignore it.
I am adjusting to my life as it is now, coming to terms with having children who are growing up and not dependent on me anymore. So I pick up my brushes, or book, whatever takes my fancy on any given day and accept that I can do more for me now.
Life is always evolving and changing and we have to go with the flow, I am shedding the feelings of guilt I have had over doing stuff for me and accepting that Yes I can do me things now.
Tomorrow is my DH's Birthday, his 49th so not long till that big 5-0; I need to get my thinking cap on and come up with something special for THAT Birthday.
Tomorrow is also a day for remembering Johnnie a very special boy who used to play football with Jazz until he passed away; I always go and visit his grave on his Birthday because he was so an inspirational little boy and I will never forget him.
So that is my post today, I am determined to get back into writing everyday, I enjoy my blog and reading comments left by friends who visit... so if that is you, THANKS, until next time take good care of yourself

02/11/2009

FLOWER LADY


Oh my, I am so proud of myself - I am allowed to say that aren't I? What the heck I am saying it anyway. Why? I created this, me, myself, I and I had such fun doing it!
I just had to share it with you all.
My flower lady is done on a 15" x 15" canvas and I used acrylic paints.


The above collage is from an apron swap I took part in with Paper Whimsy
Beautiful aprons from 4 wonderful ladies. Linda sent a recipe for pumpkin bars. Terri sent a recipe for self love. Heather sent Apple Crisp recipe and Patricia for Pumpkin gingerbread - I need to try all these recipes.
And as they are such beautiful aprons here they are in all their glory...

TERRI - SELF LOVE


LINDA - PUMPKIN BARS


HEATHER - APPLE CRISP


PATRICIA - PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD

Thank you ladies for brightening my day and for Jan for being a wonderful hostess for this swap xxx

29/10/2009

My muse stayed on holiday

but I am getting back in the groove now. (Picture further down in post of recent work)
I know I haven't been posting and that is mainly because I have not had much in the way of art to post about but hey I have been doing other things.
I have been doing more of Family History research which has been fun due to the 1911 Census being on line. I have been helping Lorraine start hers too, so not wasting time.
I have read some wonderful books, I love to read and had neglected it for a while so that has been good for me. I am currently reading "New York" by Edward Rutherford and I am totally in love with this giant of a book.

I was fortunate to receive some wonderful gifts in the post from Barbara and from my Secret Sister, Leslie Anderson in a Paper Whimsy swap. I will be posting pics to my flickr when I get the chance, but Thanks girls.

Stuart started another branch of his business, and touch wood it is going well. Jazz is running the original Gold Motors and doing a good job of it.
China is progressing with her driving lessons, she passed the theory so just needs to take test when she is ready.
The goal posts are shifting for me, my role as a mum is changing and that is taking some getting used to.
Dwain my eldest continues to lead a rich life, but it saddens me that he is not so involved with the family, not down to him, but due to the fact that there is a major rift between him and Stuart - I feel so bad about all of this and even though it has been this way for years doesn't make it any easier to accept. The future may have the answers, I honestly don't know but live in hope

And yesterday I created this - I took the plunge and painted the face instead of just leaving it sketched, it felt good - what do you think?


I need to organise my day and see what to do today
THANKS for dropping by MWAH XXXX

22/09/2009

Transition


(painting by Dale Ziegler)
I have been back from Spain for 3 weeks now and feel bad that I haven't posted to my blog. I have been in a strange place, not able to motivate myself. I think I left myself in Spain, and adapting back to "real life" has been somewhat harder this time. Each and every day I think that today I am going to do something, and by the end of the day I have done nothing... nothing creative that is, just the usual household things.
Today I had a wake up call. I visited my friend Renee's blog only to learn that her beloved nephew Sheldon had passed away on Friday. My heart was filled with such sadness. I picked up the phone to talk to my friend Lorraine and after a cry with her I determined that I was not going to waste any more time... I am angry with myself and Sheldon's passing was the wake up call I needed. So today I am blogging and I am going to create something in memory of Sheldon.
Live each day to the fullest is what I am going to strive to do. Renee I know you visit my blog my darling friend and my thoughts are with you xxxx

25/08/2009

More of Spain

Yesterday we went to Jijona / Xixona just for a random day out and were pleasantly surprised to see that the Moors and Christians festival was going on...
Here is a brief history for those of you interested.



If you do not want to read the following that is fine check out the pictures of part of a parade. The fiestas went on for 3 days in Xixona...
click on the3 title of post to be taken to my picasa web album and a slide show, pictures speak better than words sometimes



Almost 800 years of coexistence between Muslims and Christians gives a lot of substance for the festival of Moors and Christians. You can participate in this historical play almost every month in some town or village of the Spanish Mediterranean coast.


There is hardly a castle without a role in the struggle for supremacy over Al-Andalus, an Arabic name for the land ruled by Muslims in 711-1492. In its widest it covered modern Spain, except for Asturias, most of Portugal and the southern part of France.
In some towns the stage performance goes on for days, featuring the most important phases of local history. The scenes of many battles, schemes and alliances take place in town squares, castles, harbours etc.

Most of the plays start from the reconquest, the process by which Christians reconquered the Iberian peninsula. Depending on the town, the closing scene of the play involves the conversion of Moors to Christianity or their expulsion to Africa.

Besides watching the theatre of reconquest, people make themselves part of it. They hang the Muslim or Christian symbols, coats of arms and banners, outside their houses, wear traditional costumes and dramatize various scenes in the streets.

Playing the role of a Muslim is at least as popular as being a Christian. One reason is that the Moorish garments were more elaborate.

Thanks to henna, woad, madder and other coloring agents together with materials like cotton that were introduced by Moors their dresses were brighter and more sophisticated. But there are also more serious motives. Many people want to trace their ancestors back to the Moors.

It is only natural that over the centuries the Moors - constituting Arabs, but mainly Berbers of North Africa - got mixed with the Christians through marriages. The first invaders brought no women with them. This way a large part of the second generation Moors were actually half Hispanic. Many Christians also converted to Muslims or adopted their customs while still maintaining their Christian rituals. Mozarabs, Renegades and Muladis were all Christians or former Christians who embraced Islam and often fought against their former compatriots.

Parades that take the streets late in the evening show these and many other characters in fantastic dresses surrounded by skillful constructions of castles, boats and other scenes of the reconquest.

Fireworks, thundering guns and clattering swords are part of both the parades and plays. In many towns the dresses and other properties of the parades are inspired by the Muslim piracy, common in the coastland after the expulsion of Moors.

The festival of Moors and Christians gives a good introduction to the origin of names, things and customs you see and experience while travelling in Spain and in the Iberian peninsula. Gibraltar is named after the Moorish general who led the groups that landed at Gibraltar in the year 711.

Names with prefixes like Beni- or Ali- are of Moorish origin.
Much of the foodstuff and spices you enjoy daily was brought to Europe by Moors. They added pomegranates, oranges, lemons, aubergines, artichokes, cumin, coriander, bananas, almonds, saffron, sugar-cane, figs, grapes, peaches, apricots, rice etc. into the European diet. Systems of irrigation, which you can still admire, provided Al-Andalus with an agricultural economic sector by far the most advanced in Europe.

21/08/2009

No art today

but I thought I would blog about the day instead.
Up bright and early - well 6.45 is early when on holiday, I think China, Sam and Charlotte were in a state of shock at such an early alarm call, the sun wasn't even up yet! The reason for the early start - a morning out on the jet ski! Me I stayed home with Stamford but watched from my patio all the fun out there on the Med.
Picked up our new car this afternoon - the Shogun has gone and we now have a VW Toureg instead, all mod cons, nice car!
The heat was colossal today hence the reason for just chilling, reading, and watching a bit of the Ashes (cricket match between England and Australia with a long history of rivallry - don't like cricket but like to see what is going on with this competition).
China got her exam results today she was upset and doesn't know if she is going to continue with her 2nd year; totally surprised at her Art result, she put so much effort in and got a low mark so I have submitted to get it re-marked) she did get an A for photography and I was really proud of her for that. Needless to say she is totally down, but it is done now so we will see what happens.....
She went to stay with Charlotte and Sam tonight as it is their last night in Spain - they go home to Switzerland tomorrow.
Stuart and I went to a local restaurant on the main road that we have driven past umpteen times but never stopped at... thought we should give it a go after 20 years!

to be fair it is a roadside cafe, but this is what we had for our main... the chef brought out this kebab, hung it from a chain on the ceiling and then flambeed it. It was delicious and thoroughly enjoyable. It is the perfect place to go if you want to nip out somewhere local for food.
Talking of places to eat, yesterday we went up into the mountains to a place called Bar Fonda in Sella - a delightful, totally Spanish restaurant with the Nunn family. We then had a walk in the village after, and I wanted to share these pictures with you from there...

This is the restaurant. Imagine as you go through the doors that this led into the garage originally. You had to walk around a really old car to get through to the restaurant area in the back. The Spanish family all helped, cooking and waiting on tables. If the restaurant was full you had to sit in the family lounge with the grandmother until a table became available... the food is sensational and if you have the "completo" menu it just does not stop coming, and so cheap too. It cost 120euros with a tip for 7 of us and that was for 6 courses...go figure!



After lunch we walked through the village as we had to show Julia and Gordon where the village women do their washing, and they still do it today... to the Llavado Municipal.
Who needs a washing machine when you can come here...



The water comes down from the mountains, the woman congregate to wash and chat... washday blues would be a thing of the past don't you think?


There is a channel either side of the main water trough so that when the women wash on the stone the soapy water runs into the trough without contaminating the main trough of water, ingenious.
Julia was pretending to wash as the children looked on.

So there you have it a little bit of my Spanish holiday...
till next time hasta la huego... - didn't know I did Spanish did you :-)

19/08/2009

New Kids on the Blog



well not new as such - just Jazz and China as drawn by me today. China was like "well I can tell that's me, but not sure about Jazz" I will wait till I get home to see what he thinks... anyway it was just another drawing exercise. Strange drawing real life people!

Stamford went to the vet today, he had an operation on a little growth on his eye - totally not impressed and has been feeling sorry for himself poor little love.

Stuart gets back from England tonight so it will be nice to see him, my own space has been enjoyable as I have drawn without feeling guilty.
This holiday will probably gallop along now as we only have 10 days left.
Tomorrow we are going up into the mountains to a wonderful restaurant - I will take pictures and post tomorrow.

Shame I am not home as Jazz is playing football tonight, fingers crossed he does well. China's exam results come out tomorrow but she won't know the outcome until the letter gets posted home as she can not go into school to pick them up. I told her don't worry cos you can't change anything now - the results are done and that is that.
Anyway I am watching the World Atheletics Championships so I will sign off (also I don't like to rabbit on too much in case you get bored!) Thanks for sticking with me xxx hugs to all xxx take care till next time....

18/08/2009

Hot?

you bet it is... it is so hot here today I am sure that I could cook a full English breakfast on the pavement. Put it this way I have literally been sweating today, you know the type where it runs into your eyes, down your face and drips of the end of your chin...I have never actually experienced this level of sweating so quite a surprised... anyway enough of that.
Went out for lunch with my In Laws today - wonderful people, lovely lunch. Came back home with China and had a siesta, phone woke me - Stuart. Thankfully he will be back tomorrow night...miss him and all his funny ways!
As I was awake thought I would do another person, this time a little girl, here she is..

Used acrylics, gesso, stamps, collage images to create this piece. Limited to what I can do as I don't have all my supplies here, but it is good to work with what you have to hand.
Going down to the local bar with China soon so better go and get ready xxx bye for now xxx

17/08/2009

All alone..

so it was time to play. Stuart back in England till Wednesday, China out with her mates so I thought I should do something; my moleskine was calling so I decided to practise more faces.

To loosen me up I thought I would just play and so I created this lady.... I love her wry mouth and will develop this into a page, Lord knows I have enough wry moments so I will journal this piece.


I then moved on to this next piece. I have so much difficulty getting the hair right so I thought blow this! and added a hat. Okay it is not perfect, but that is why I am practising right? Funny thing with faces, I know that we are not entirely symmetrical but it is so hard to do the 2nd half of the face, well the 2nd eye - never look even to me but I am learning to live with it, I try to get them as close as possible to balanced. China was like "she's a bit cartoony don't you think" mmm she may be right, but the idea wasn't to produce a photo picture just something that looked like a girl and not to harsh. I do like to show China my work as she is honest enough to tell me what she thinks and that is fine - constructive criticism works for me....




and then... after dropping China off I came home sat down and created my "Dream" lady. I envisioned her lying on her bed thinking of her lover and so this is what I drew. I wasn't planning on making a fuller picture, just a practise but I decided to do a backward piece and painted the bg after, added some butterfly and bird stamps, with some scrolls. I decided to leave the girl in the pencil rather than painting her. I will use this though to create a canvas at some point.



So there you have it, my day so far, sitting on the patio having fun...hope you have fun wherever you may be spending your day xxxxx

Oh and as a postscript - I just kept going and created these 2 after posting today so thought i would share them with you... starting to feel more comfortable with my faces now...
The reason why they are mainly done in pencil with colored backgrounds is because I left my C'arandache crayons at home... and also I like them like this....



13/08/2009

PAPERWEIGHT


I thought it would be a nice idea to create a paper weight today as it was too hot to do much of anything else. Found a stone, painted it with rose colored paint. Added some ribbon, butterflies and a Paper Whimsy image and there you have it.


Went into El Campello for a walk today, boy was it hot... China was not too happy let me tell you. She cheered up a bit when we stopped for ice cream!






Had a mooch around the little harbour while we were there. On the way home we stopped at a little place that sells the most succulent chickens, grabbed some fresh bread and salad and then dined al fresco when we got home.
Apart from that I have had what you call a lazy, lazy day today.
Wherever you are hope you are having a good day, till next time xxxx bye!