Highland Coo... PPF

Hellooooo....

This week I tried drawing with charcoal, which is something that I haven't done since my school days. It was so much fun that I'll definitely have another play soon.

As my regular arty followers know... I'm always trying to loosen my work.

I like everything to be as is and strive for perfection... which can be limiting and always makes for an ultimate let down with finished work.

Sometimes, I'm so tight I'm near to snapping, but working with charcoal was like diving into a warm calm pool totally butt naked!

(cough) 

Sorry getting a little carried away there, but it really was a revelation. 

I kept laughing as I become increasingly blacker! 

Smudges appearing everywhere, but slowly his Highland Coo appeared.

He/She looks quite a character don't you think?

Do you think it's a He or a She.... and what about a name... any ideas?

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

Sketchy Faces... in more ways than one - PPF

Hello everyone... I'm here today to give you a little laugh.

As part of the Paint Party Friday linkup, I thought I'd share some of my sketches from my makeartthatsells practice assignment - Faces!

I, like many other artists grow pale at the thought of having to sketch a portrait... be it fictional or real life, but I took a deep breath and decided to jump right in and have fun with it! 

I was going to give you three guesses as to who I drew, but I think that's a little tough. 

I should give you 33 guesses and then you might actually get there.

But it was fun and I really enjoyed it.

One of the many pearls of wisedom that Lilla Rogers suggests to overcome the fear of portraits is to draw people as you watch tv. 

With that in mind, last week was a really sporty weekend in this household, so as one after another of the rugby and football matches played out on tv I sketched away.

I couldn't believe what fun this could be. 

Here's some of the results...

... I was so surprised that with each face the fear seemed to disappear a little more.

So I'm holding on to that saying "Feel the fear, but do it anyway"

Lastly, I decided that I couldn't resist sketching our lovely amazingly talented Lilla.

I hope she won't be too offended!

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

I'm off to the PPF birthday party as they are seven years old this week!

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

Paint Party Friday... Elf

Hello everyone...here we are... Friday once again!

 With only a few weeks until the holidays begin, I thought I'd do a Christmassy sketch this week. 

Hopefully something to inspire me into all the preparations.

The only trouble is that this is kind of mixed up... a Santa look-a-like if you will. 

I did have an elf in mind but then Santa intruded.

 I wouldn't say that I'm a negative person, but as I come to write this post I begin to wonder?

I'm normally a half glass full kind of person, but yet again I'm posting something that I don't particularly like. I'm hoping that the Paint Party Friday gang will be able to help me. 

It seems the trouble is that I've lost my passion for painting. 

I think a lot of it is that I don't have a theme, or subject matter that I can progress with. 

My subjects just seem so random and individual. 

I think if I kept to a theme it might help.

I'm trying out new paints and with each painting I'm learning, but the end design isn't quite what I'd like. 

But it's a journey...right?

I'm going to be with family over the next week, so they'll be no time for painting.

But hopefully I'll find inspiration from somewhere.

I'm determined that in the New Year I'm going to devote more time and energy into my art.

(Where have I heard that before?)

I started sketching the design below a few months ago and I feel maybe it's time to revisit.

I apologise for the photographs.

Unfortunately it's difficult to get enough light at this time of year.

I hope you can see it.

Now don't laugh but we are making plans for the girls (hens/chooks) to stay in a 'Hen Hote'l whilst we are away. I know it sounds ridiculous and I would be laughing along with you... but I feel this is the best option.

It would be a lot to ask someone to come a few times a day to see to them and the Hotel sounds brilliant.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a blog post...if all goes well once I get back.

Yet again we've found a mass of feathers and a wiped clean breast bone on our garden this morning, so the fox has ventured here once again. 

Poor wood pigeon by the look of it!

The hotel option is far safer.

Thanks for visiting my place and if you'd like to see more artwork, then why not join in the party over at PPF by clicking HERE.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Enjoy

Camera... Action - PPF

Hello everyone... can you believe that it's Friday! 

Woohoo and a long Bank Holiday weekend for some too.

Normally you'd expect good weather for the May Bank Holiday, but once again we had snow and hail storms today. 

Seriously will it ever warm up?

Can I just say please don't judge me... once you see the video below you'll know what I mean.

I thought I'd distract myself from the weather and have a little play by trying to make a video whilst drawing.

To say I got a little worked up about it, possibly was an understatement.

I really don't like any part of me to be in front of the camera. 

I'd much rather be behind the lens. 

The drawing will be used as a draft because basically it just isn't good enough. 

I think I was too conscious of the camera instead of enjoying the journey of creating. 

Usually my mind wanders to I know not where and I feel thoroughly de-stressed after finishing a drawing... but not today. 

Anyway here it is....

Because this video doesn't really show the sketch here's a photo of it.

But as I mentioned it isn't finished yet... there's still more work to be done. 

I've had two weeks of appointments, but finally I'm free now, so hopefully I'll be able to spend some time doing some serious painting soon. 

Especially if this weather continues, because quite frankly there's no way that I'll be spending any time in the garden until the temperature starts to rise.
I'll be linking up with the Paint Party Friday group if you'd like to see some stunning artwork then click here.

I'm also linking into Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

Thank you for visiting today.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you again soon.

Fantastic Friday... PPF Twinings

 To say I'm thrilled this morning is an understatement for a number of reasons. 

Yes, the sun is shining, it's Friday and I've started a sketch, but that's not why I'm ecstatic.

Firstly, a trivial thing but that depends on what your priorities are. 

What woman carrys a bag just for her hubby keys, wallet, phone etc?

Yes, I thought it wasn't just me.

There have been times when I haven't even needed a bag, but had to take one in order to carry hubby's stuff. 

But now here's the revelation... my son has just left the house using his own bag.

After numerous sniggering remarks from Dad (as they do) my son announced it's actually called a flight bag. 

It's just big enough for a guys essentials. 

(by the way my son is a butch, a man's man so don't get any different ideas here... young cool dudes are using these... really)

It's not feminine in any way... in fact it looks really cool, but maybe that's because my son's wearing it and not my hubby. It's okay hubby doesn't read my blog... or so he says.

Heaven help me if my hubby actually decides to use one.  

I'll probably die laughing or from embarrassment!

I'm willing to carry on taking a bag just to carry for him if that was to save the embarrassment!

(I haven't taken a photo because I know my son would object profusely)

Anyway, on to the real exciting bit...

I'm joining another art class but this one I can do in my Pj's!!!

How cool is that?

I'm joining Tracey Fletcher King's class which is starting in June.

WOOHOO!

I've been a fan of Tracey and her art since I first met her a few years ago. 

I think the best thing for you to do if you'd like to know more and have a giggle (she writes hilarious blog post by the way) is to visit her blog yourself... click here

There's even a chance to see Tracey in a video clip plus watching her work.

I've never seen carrots looking so brilliant (hehe)

So, in honour of Tracey and her forthcoming class... 

I decided to join in today with a sketch at the Paint Party Friday. 

Like me Tracey is a teapot, so I thought it quite appropriate to draw a box of teabags! 

As you can see from my desk below I'm even having a tasting session as I draw. 

The boss (Muffy) is watching over me just to keep me right until I have Tracey at my side.

(I don't want anyone reporting me to RSPP (for plants) for the terrible state of my orchid. I have three but this one is struggling...well okay it's dead... but I never give in. I still have hopes that I can bring it back to life)

Here's a photo below from a slightly different angle. 

If you look through the window you might be able to see the seven (yes seven) doves that visit me every day. I used to have three and then they increased to five, but seven is getting a little much with the amount of bird seed that I go through. 

(Oh yes and Muffy does need a trip to the groomers... but it's been really chilly here. 

There's been a really cold wind passing through for the last three weeks. 

Hopefully it'll move on soon and we can get our temperatures up in the 20's (Celsius)

Here's my WIP but I hope to splash some paint around this afternoon if all goes to plan and I'm left alone.

It would be great if you could join me in class... I'm so excited.

I may even buy new Pj's!

Here's the link to go Tracey's Delicious Paint

 I've promised Tracey that I'll be on my best behaviour and not be on detention in the first lesson... but who knows? We shall have to see.

There are other classes being taken by talented artists in Community Thrive.

Anyway, I'll never get to that painting session if I don't hurry up and link into 

Kristin and Eva's Paint Party.

Have fun everyone... enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you soon.

.................................................................................................................................................
Hot off the press... after this afternoon's painting session

I can't quite understand how the box shape can look like this as the real painting doesn't have those angles. It must be the angle that I've taken of the piece.
I'll be sure to post the final painting when it's completed.

Empty Bird Feeder? (Paint Party Friday)

Well that was quite a night last night due to the incredibly strong winds that blew through this way. 

So much so that we could virtually feel the house shake. 

I was constantly woken up by the intruder light going off and on due to all the movement of trees, bushes and who knows what else. 

It gave me a tiny snippet of what it might be like to experience a tornado. Rather frightening.

Thankfully, there wasn't too much damage and debris when I checked around the garden this morning. 

The bird table (placed on the floor so that it didn't fall and break thankfully is still intact) but empty! 

And some of the feeders were no where to be found!

I feed the bird visitors in my garden every morning and I became aware of masses of eyes, tweets, and twitterbations going on as I wandered around the garden.

Where was breakfast???? 

This gave me a fun idea for a sketch...

I certainly had fun with this one... so decided that I'd carry on and add colour

I started off in my normal precise way but then reminded myself that I want to try to be a little more loose with my work... so took a deep breath and dived right in! 

I was thinking I should get out my bird books in order to get the correct plummage and colours but then that would be defeating the object and didn't seem fitting for this Friday fun sketch... so I ignored my urge. 

I even look at the wood work and nearly come out in a rash at how random the lines are. 

I'm pleased I've kept it so loose but I'm not promising that I might head back at some stage and tweak or maybe even take this theme and redo it. 

I'm linking up with Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday 

Why not make a cuppa and nip over to see lots of amazing artwork.

That's me done for today... 

It's Friday night so let the weekend commence.

Have fun everyone!

Paint Party Friday and Sketches... Butterfly

Today has been a truly autumnal morning with sun shining brightly but accompanied by the wind which appears to be in a hurry to move us on to winter. 

Summer has definitely slipped away as have the swallows. 

Sadly I never saw them go, but in their place I've seen fantastic flocks of geese fly overhead. 

Truly a spectacle to be seen and heard.

A visually striking performance flying in formation as they call out to each other. 

Their voices are carried on the wind and can be heard long before they come into view. 

So with the change of the season, I thought that my artwork today would be to celebrate last summer... before I move on to autumn and all of it's colourful splendor. 

I took so many photographs of butterflies over the past few months, that it seems only right to draw one.

In fact, I hope to draw two... one in my favourite black ink line drawing style, but another with colour... 

but hopefully much more loosely.

Firstly, I designed a template in order to try to obtain a symmetrical design. 

I've been twisting and turning the paper plus myself in this attempt... a little like trying to take up a new intricate yoga position that is really only do-able for the extreme guru master!

Maybe I should take up yoga instead of art? 

Now there's a thought...

I used my trusty Micron pens on A3 Daler - Rowney, Bristol Board - Airbrush ( 250g/m²) paper.

I feel so comfortable with creating this kind of drawing now, that perhaps this is my style and I should stick with it. Although, I'm trying lots of different media and techniques in my new art group, so who knows what else might become familiar and comfortable over the next few months. 

It's all very exciting.

Did you spot the difference...?

No, not in the design but the fact that I'm on to my second cuppa whilst only inking the outline! 

I'm a real teapot.

Because it's Friday, I'm linking up with Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday blog... 

so if you'd like to party too, then click here.

I'm also joining Dion Dior for Friday Sketches too. 

Click here

How brilliant to have so many like minded people enjoying the art of ART!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

I hope I'll see you here again soon and who knows I may just pop into your place... 

so keep the kettle warm.

Toodleloo for now 

Paint Party Friday... horse sketch

Well what a night that was.... or should I say a few days/weeks/months even! 

I decided that I wouldn't post about the Scottish Referendum here, but I will say that I've been up until very late last night and awake from 5am this morning watching and listening to the outcome of the vote. 

So, as you can imagine I'm feeling like I'm having an out of body experience this morning as I try to wake up. 

It doesn't help that I still can't see anything due to the continuing fog outside! 

Yes, it's STILL with us which must be the fifth or sixth consecutively day. 

I feel like I have cataracts! 

Everywhere I look there's a blurred image.

I'm hoping that you can actually see my photo today because the light was very bad and not ideal for taking photo's. I've even tweaked them in the hope that it might help you to see the image.  

Now if someone had said "why don't you draw a horse"?

I'd have laughed or possibly used a swear word. 

Now as you know from my Silent Sunday entry a few weeks ago, I don't mind riding them but to draw one is a totally different challenge. 

But that's what my art teacher said in class this week, which produced a loud collective groan around the room. 

Not only were we to draw a horse but an enlarged version of the example picture at that!

At this stage, I nearly made my excuses and slinked out of the room, but let me tell you I'm proud to say I stuck with it, because I had no idea that there are tricks that can help with this challenge.

Numbers and measuring were not what I expected to be using in an art class, but hey voilà.... before I knew it, a horse appeared on my paper.

I'm now spending the odd hour or two when I can to complete the shading. 

Or should I say hatching and cross hatching... (hehe)... see something has sunk in. 

I must say I'm having difficulty with trying to do this, as I just want to run free with it but that's not part of the plan. I'll continue to do as I'm told for my homework and perhaps just redo my own version as and when. 

It appears that I'm creating a series of animal drawings over these last few months.

There's been Hettie, Nellie, and a very funny looking cockerel and now this horse. 

Who knows what will be next? 

If you'd like to see last weeks art class sketch then click here

As it's Friday I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday.

and I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches...

Once again I apologise if I missed visiting you last week.

I'll try my best to visit as many as I can this week.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone... whatever you have planned, have fun! 

Paint Party Friday... Picasso Cockerel

This post should come with a warning... ha... now I bet I've got your interest.

It's just that the photos are a wee bit blurred and this time it's not my eyes! 

Let's call them action shots shall we? 

So with all the kiddywinks going back to school ... I wanted to get in on the act too.
I enrolled for an art class which it appeared at first glance had me entering Hogwart's.

Here's the first apology for the photo above because due to the poor available light the stained glass window at the turn of the stairs doesn't show up properly. But even so the staircase is impressive isn't it? 

Maybe I'll be more successful and manage to capture it at a later date.

 I entered the classroom (ballroom) keen and raring to go...

Art supplies, name badge and cups of tea handed out without thankfully the usual... 'let's take it in turns to stand up and tell us a little about yourself" introductions. 

We went straight into the fun stuff with a few exercises first and then a small study.

There are 'returners' who have finished the first course and are now carrying on, so we get to see their work and also the resident artist creating drawing/paintings examples too.
I learnt quite a few things in this first lesson, so I think it will really help fill in the gaps of my very sketchy (sorry) art knowledge. Instead of winging it constantly.
One of the fun exercises was to sketch the Pablo Picasso, 1938 (charcoal on paper) cockerel.
He's not exactly a handsome chook but he certainly was fun and caused some humorous comments as we worked away. 

But then it all got turned upside down... quite literally. 

We folded the sheet of paper in the sketch book in half and hid it. Then turned the cockerel upside down. 

We then had to draw him again. (all very odd until you get to know why)  

This exercise was to help draw only what we saw and not a cockerel. (if you get my meaning) 

Instead of trying to make the cockerel appear from our memory, we were only using our eye hand 

co-ordination. 

Once the sketch was finished we then looked and compared the two... and had to decide which one was the one we liked the best. I'll let you decide. 

But one thing I was really pleased with, was how loose my sketch appeared.

I've tried and tried to loosen up previously but always have difficulty. 

I thought right from the outset of this course that I'd shed all of my hangups and just go for it. 

I have to say so far I'm pleased. 

I had so much fun visiting and being part of Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday link last week that I'm heading over there again today. Maybe you would like to join me? 

If you'd like to then click on the button here

I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches...

I apologise if I missed you last week. I have been away for two days, but I'm trying desperately to catch up.
Well the sun has arrived so I'm off to enjoy... maybe my order for an Indian Summer got through after all.  

Have a fantastic weekend everyone... whatever you have planned, have fun! 

Hot off the Press....
My daughter has entered a competition to find a new contributor for Ohh Deer (a quirky online retailer of illustrated goods) and is so excited because if successful, would be joining a very talented bunch of creatives.
Click here to help her out and vote for her designs!  

What's on Your Work Desk Wednesday...WOYWW #224

Morning Peeps...and fellow WOYWWer's as it's Wednesday! 

You are going to be so impressed with me today...not because I've been super clever, talented, artistic or for any other reason other than this is going to be the shortest post EVER! 

(Hopefully a gold star potential)

So to make sure I keep my word...quickly here's my very temporary desk but at least there's something on it. 

Nothing much has changed in the room but hey ho it will one day.

This week I finally got a little time to start painting colour on some of my thistle cards...plus I spent a very enjoyable evening in here whilst my boys watched, shouted and screamed at the television whilst watching football in the lounge. 

I lit the fire and settled down to a little sketching time...in fact I only sketched for one half of the match, but it did feel good to get back to it! 

I think I'll be using footy time for further art sessions.

Everyone's happy! 

I've been wanting to draw a Puffin since I saw a programme about them shortly after returning to Scotland. 

It was all about Pufflets and I was hooked as soon as I heard the word...'Pufflet'!

I'm sort of a Pufflet myself these days! 

Well winters coming so stock up I say ;D

Apologies for the photo below because it was quite late when I took it. 
As you can see the fire has died down because I'd been so engrossed. 

So there you have it...my desk this week. 

If you want to see lots of other desks from around the globe just nip over to Julia over at Stamping Ground.

Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to have visitors. 

Apologies because all of the Apple and Blackberry crumble has gone, but there maybe a slice of Treacle and Ginger Cake left if you hurry! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone

Toodleloo for now

I hope your day is 'Purrfect'? ~ WOYWW

Today is going to be a toasty day here in Melbourne, with the temperature rising up to near 40C degrees once again, so I'm going to stay in my studio! 

There that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it!

Maybe if you are currently viewing from the Northern Hemisphere then with any luck my photos might radiate a little warmth for you. :D

By some freaky universal switcheroo or some greater force, I've actually managed to be able to spend quite a lot of time in the studio over this past week, which has been both surprising and thoroughly enjoyable. 

I have to confess there hasn't been much work done...more a sorting, collating and thinking process....

OKAY... PROCRASTINATING!

Well at least I've got some desk space now to actually do something, when hopefully I have an idea fight its way through to the front of the queue, over all the pandemonium that is going on in my head! 

There is a silk scarf draped over the frame at the end of the table. I had planned on painting it for someone's birthday but then the birthday came and went! I suppose I can paint it and keep it until next year ...imagine me being early for once...now there's a thought!!!!

There's also my cuppa which is never far from my side...I just couldn't function without my cuppa at regular intervals during the day. I love fine boned china cups but unfortunately I like to drink my tea at the molten lava temperature and I find that china just doesn't work for most of the day in a china teacup. It only works for me when I'm sitting giving it my full attention. Otherwise I get distracted and it quickly goes too cold before I can get to it. So thank goodness for Denby!

There's also a few calendars that are just waiting to be adopted...if anyone knows of a good home then please contact me....they've been reduced in my Etsy shop so they're a great bargain right now! 

But having said that there's been no work done, there has in fact been one drawing that just appeared out of the blue...

I'm totally aware that my posts are very one sided in the pet department (mainly poochy posts) so this  sketch is for all the cat lovers out there.

I'm not entirely sure he's finished yet? The more I look at him the more I keep adding.  
If you would like to see more desks and creativity then pop over to Julia at Stamping Ground. 

I'm having terrible trouble with my internet, emails, mobile phone and posting today...maybe it's the heat, so I think I'm going to call it a day....I've got lots of photos to show you so maybe tomorrow might be a better day. Don't you just love all this technical stuff when it's working well but when it isn't???!?!?! GRR!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.

for stopping by...I'll look forward to seeing you again soon.

Artist Play Room ~ Celebrate!

I'm trying very hard to stay positive as I write today's post...but it's proving a little difficult because our fantastic holiday is coming to an end soon. 

We've had such a wonderful time as I think my Canadian posts may have shown. Even the 36 hours without power has become an amusing story to revisit, just so long as we're are cosy, freshly showered and have all the lights on! 

Even the 28 hour long haul flight was totally worth the journey. It has enabled me to connect with my family spending quality time with them, plus throw myself down mountains, trying to walk thigh deep in crisp virgin snow, hot tub bathing whilst sipping champers, meeting staff and management who look after this amazing special place, the trials of walking in snow shoes, dashing in and out of the sauna before my bits fell off! Managing in incredible temperatures of -25 degrees that I never would have imagined I'd be able to function outside of my duvet. 

It's been like living in my own Christmas card setting or on the set of Wham's 'Last Christmas' video (wow what am I thinking....enough!) 

So when I'm back in the sweltering heat of the Australian summer (which apparently has arrived with avengance with temperatures of +40 I'll look back over my photos of which there are hundreds and chill. 

I even managed to spend some time with my journal this morning which is something I plan to do frequently over this next year. I'm hoping we become best friends. ;D

After feeding the chickadees this morning (who were very grateful it has to be said) I smiled to myself because I've always called my children 'my chickadees' ever since we first visited Canada a few years back.

Whenever my kids are in the one location then I'm happy. It's not easy having one flown the nest but thankfully she returns frequently and so with this in mind, I thought I'd 'CELEBRATE' this fact by entering into the Artists Play Room with my sketch.

I really didn't give myself as much time as I'd like...and I know that sounds soooooo 2012 but it's difficult when you're on holiday and people expect you to 'stay in the room'. But I had fun which I suppose is the most important thing.

So that's it....I've kicked off the year with my first entry and it feels good. 

Thanks Jenn for keeping me focused and continuing to host the Artist's Play Room.

If you'd like to see some talented artists work, then click here. 

Or maybe you could enter yourself? 

Everyone is so supportive and a they're a great group of like minded people...so go on...

...take a line for a walk!

Jenn our host is so helpful, inspiring, kind, encouraging, totally committed to helping everyone have fun and keeping our creativity flowing.