“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 20 July 2012

Artist Playroom ~ Pears

Yesterday on my morning walk with Mufftypup, we met a bouncing black lab who was so full of life and very excitable to say the least...but it wasn't until he'd ran full circle around us three times and then bounded off that I noticed he only had three legs! His back hind leg was missing.
You would never know by his actions, mobility and full of life antics.
He was incredibly agile and it just made me think he obviously felt good to be alive and mobile! 
Very mobile considering...but what a challenge he must have been through to reach that point. He was inspirational and he stayed in my thoughts for most of the day.
So why am I telling you this little tale...well I too have faced a challenge this week, but no way near what that black lab had to deal with but a challenge all the same. 
There were times during the week I thought nah...'I'll just not bother'...'I'm too busy'....or 'well its Wednesday' or 'I haven't finished that job yet'....in fact any masses of excuses came to mind, but then I thought I never like to give in so why start now? 
So onwards and upwards....and my challenge was....pears!!! Yep...I said pears!

Jenn from the Artist Playroom set this week's topic for the Artist Play Room to be pears....just because she liked them! How inconsiderate is that....I mean pears! 
Phewph...so I hummed and ahhhed for a few days and decided that I'd just post a photo...easy peasy lemon squeezey. When I got the shot I wanted and please note I haven't got one of those fandabbydozzey white light boxes and we are in winter here (okay enough excuses) I was quite pleased, but then realised I hadn't really stretched myself to a challenge and this is what it's all about. Taking me out of my comfort zone and helping me improve my work.

 Jenn very kindly encouraged me (when I winged to her) that maybe I could do zentangle pears.
She's such a sweetie and so encouraging ;D 
But then I thought I don't want to always do 'tangles....plus I'm still getting to know the Derwent pencils....so I bit the bullet and painted the pears this morning.  
I could pull it to pieces as I usually do...I'm my own worst critic but I do feel I've made some progress with the pencils today, so I'll hold onto that positive thought!
And so Jenn thank you yet again for pushing me...not only with timescales but with techniques and subject matter. I don't think I've ever painted a pear before! 
As a thank you treat and sort of in keeping with last week's challenge of the illustrated recipe, I thought I'd let you have a look at my Pear and Almond Cake


I'm heading over to Jenn's place now to check out all the other fantastic talented artists...so why don't you join me....I'm sure you'll be in for a treat! ;D

50 comments:

  1. The black lab certainly sounded like he was full of life. I'm a follower of numerous animal rescue groups on Facebook and I see so many cases of three-legged dogs and dogs who have special wheelchairs as either their front or back legs have been paralysed due to injury or abuse. It's sad but the way these dogs love life is a lesson to us all.

    Your painted pears look fabulous....truly!!! You're doing very well with those Derwents. And that pear and almond cake looks absolutely delicious!!! Thanks for the recipe link....a must try for sure.

    Have a lovely weekend ~ xo

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    1. The black lab certainly made an impression on me Serena,
      Thanks for your lovely comment. I think the pencils and I are going to be good friends...well I hope so anyway!
      The cake recipe is a winner ~ I think it disappeared very quickly ;D
      Have a great weekend too xox

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  2. I love the photo and am so pleased you pushed yourself with the drawing... It is really great... I find pears a bit tough, and I know a lot of people just love drawing and painting them, but give me a lemon any day... and the cake looks delicious... I am going to have a play and see if I can convert it to gluten free... Phantom loves pears so she would love this, and it will make a mice change from the usual orange and almond...xx

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    1. Sorry I can't help on the gluten free version. :(
      But I often adapt some of my recipes sugar levels.
      It's really encouragement to read your comments about my photo and painting...thank you for your support. It means a lot to me :D
      I'm not sure if I'd like to draw a lemon any more than I did the pears!!!
      I was only going to enter the photo initially but then I thought I'd give the drawing a go. I did only spend this morning on it, so once again I must learn to give myself more time for these challenges.
      Enjoy your weekend ~ Have fun xox

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  3. Neesie, you make me laugh. You ATE your pears!! After they were so GOOD to you!! Were they delicious?? They look it! Your watercolor is really really really wonderful and I can just hear Trace, Von, Minn and the others cooing over it too. You are multi talented and I'm humbled to give challenges that help stretch you toward such beautiful talent. Good going girl!

    OH!! Before I forget, do you mind if I paint your photograph?? I LOVE the angles you've caught!
    Love,
    Jenn

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    1. Hehe...but isn't that what you're supposed to do Jenn?
      All the Artist Play Room gang are a great bunch and I'm thrilled to be included in with you all ;D
      I just hope that I can reach the level that I'd like to aspire to ....with all your lovely comments and inspiration from APR I just might!
      If you really like my pears that much then how can I refuse...you paint away Jenn :D
      Have a wonderful weekend xox

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  4. Oh wow!!! Just look at your wonderful talent!! I wish I could draw and paint...but I can't, so I stamp, lol! Well done, you, very well done!

    And your cake? Thanks, now I'm hungry!!! Brava!

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    1. Aww thank you so much...it's wonderful to receive such a response.
      I'm thinking of making some of my zentangle designs into stamps but haven't looked into how just yet...but I will ;D
      Have a great weekend ~ enjoy!

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  5. You've done a grand job, stop being so hard on yourself, you're a talented artist! It's good to do something that you wouldn't normally do, stretches the mind. Great work. Take care lovely. Zo xx

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    1. I know Zo, I've always been hard on myself...but it's very hard to stop. I'll try my best though I promise ;D
      Oh I'm well stretched believe me...nearly to pinging point!!! (hehe)

      Lovely to have to stop by...I hope your feeling better.

      Have a great weekend whatever you get up to. xox

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  6. Love your pears Neesie! I think they are fantabulous! Well done. Loving the cake too! xxoo

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    1. Hehe...fantabulous! What a brilliant word. I think I'll store that one away for later use if you don't mind?
      Thanks for stopping by Marie...I've struggled with my time this week, but I hope to catch up visiting soon.
      I can't wait to see and hear all about your trip ;D

      Have a wonderful weekend ~ I hope the sun shines for you xox

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  7. Oh my goodness, that drawing is amazing. You can see the lumps and bumps on the pear skin. Are they the inktense pencils? The colour is so perfect, such a great job. By the way, I'll have
    coffee with my slice of pie, yum :)
    Have a great weekend, I'm still waiting for my double sided tape to arrive (ho hum).
    Von

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    1. They are the intense pencils Von...so by your reaction I reckon you'll be wanting some soon ;D
      I'm glad you noticed the lumps and bumps on my pears because I wasn't sure they would show up on the photo.
      I have to confess I'm not the best coffee maker because I'm a real tea belly! But the cake will make anything taste good!

      Where the....is your postie??? Has he gone on holiday?
      Poor you ~ I could have sent you some of mine by now. Surely it'll arrive tomorrow?
      Enjoy your weekend even if you are tapeless! :D

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  8. Oh Neesie you did a fab job on your pears! I've had those same feelings with some of the challenges. They are definitely good for stretching the old creative muscles eh? Warmly, Tracy

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    1. But I've only just found my mojo after 12 years Tracy, so I don't want to frighten it away again.
      So far so good though...maybe unlike me it likes the challenges ;D
      Thanks for popping by my place...have a great weekend!

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  9. If this shows up twice - sorry! The first one did a (are you ready) disa-pear-ing act. hee hee hee... You did a FAB job on the pears Neesie! I've felt the same way on some of the challenges. My first reaction has been "UGH! NO!" and "How the HECK?" They are definitely good for stretching the creative muscles. ;) Warmly, Tracy

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    1. Hehe...here you are again...you could have blamed Blogger Tracey ;D
      Oh my that's definitely a Dad joke! LOL
      I must admit I did think all of those things plus a few other expletives!!!

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  10. Brilliant job on the pears and the cake. I have done a very similar apple cake but yours looks delicious.
    Have seen a few three-legged dogs recently and it doesn't seem to bother them or restrict their movement very much. I think it is lovely that they are still able to enjoy life and run around just as they always did.
    Ann B
    xx

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    1. Hi Anne,
      Hmm...apple cake sounds yummy too. I think I may have a vague recollection of having a similar recipe for apples....I wonder where that might be??? You've got me thinking now ;D
      We have quite a few large ovals around this area that allows dogs to be off-lead, so this chap was running none stop...brilliant to see. He was loving life!
      A lesson to us all I think.
      Have a great weekend and I hope your summer has finally arrived! :D

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  11. I actually thought the photographed pears were beautiful. I can't draw, so the ones you drew were also gorgeous. Now I'm not sure which I like more. OK, I still like the photo pears best, I think. Maybe! I'm so wishy-washy today.

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    1. It's okaay to have a wishy-washy day Elizabeth...we all have those now and again.
      I'm just thrilled you liked them.
      Thanks for stopping by ~ I'll be visiting later today and can't wait to see everyone's work ;D
      Have a wonderful weekend!

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  12. Both your pear entries are wonderful! You did a great job with the pencils. I wish I were there to have some of that pear pie! UMMM! pie is my favorite dessert!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yep...the pear cake went down well. I'd have saved you a piece if I'd have known ;D
      I'm so happy to hear your reaction to the pencils because it's very early days in our relationship but I hope to build on it!
      Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend :D

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  13. Despite the fact that I don't really like pears to eat--your tart looks delicious! Your painted pears look good enough to eat, too!

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    1. Aww...thank you.
      I'm really thrilled with everyone's comments. It certainly helps keeping my mojo focussed.
      Thanks for popping by my place and I'll be visiting the Playroom later today. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's work!
      Enjoy your weekend...I hope it's a good one ;D

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  14. neesie - your pears are wonderful. i must not be using my pencils right, cause your pears looks lightyears better (and different) from mine - haha! your shading on the pears really makes the difference - beautiful work!

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    1. Oh I don't know about that Alice...I've just had a peak at your pears...if you pardon the expression!...and they're fantastic.
      I used mine more as watercolour paint this time and not colouring pencils.
      I don't know about you but each time I use them I learn something new. It's a steep learning curve though! :$
      I should have taken a little more time and added more shading but then I wanted to get on with other things...next time I'm going to stop and check after I think I've finished...then check again before I hit the link button ;D
      Enjoy your weekend...I'm off to sit outside with the fire and a glass of wine...not bad for a winters night! Cheers :D

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  15. Great Pears Neesie....
    I LOVE shading too.....but love to get on to the next project as well....I have to remind myself to S-L-O-W- D-O-W-N...

    blessings,
    Cindy♥

    p.s. how did you use your pencils as paint and not pencil??? curious mind want to know....LOL

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    1. Oh thanks Cindy...that's very kind of you.
      The S-L-O-W-D-O-W-N statement is going to be my motto next week! ;D

      I've actually sent you a seperate email to describe how I used the pencils. I just hope it makes sense especially as it's late Saturday night here and I've had a glass or two of wine!
      Have a wonderful weekend ~ enjoy! xox

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  16. I'm a little late to the comment party, but I just had to say how much I like your pears - both versions. The photo is such a unique angle and probably wasn't easy to capture with the DOF (depth of field) being so deep for such a close up. The shadows made it really interesting. Then your drawing. What can I say that all the lovely ladies haven't already? I really like them! The coloration is perfect, the highlight is great and love the little pear dots you included. Really a great job! Terrie, APR#7

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    1. I haven't even started visiting yet Terrie...but I'm just about to rectify that so don't worry about being late...I'm just happy to see you! :D
      Especially when you add such lovely comments. Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. I really appreciate it.
      I'll be popping over to your place in a mo so pop the kettle on!...
      Have a great Sunday ~ enjoy ;D

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  17. What a lovely looking pair - beautiful colours! :0)

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    1. Hehe...thanks.
      I need to get a move on with my toosh too, so that I can visit all the APR artists. I'm so late this week...tut tut.
      Thanks for visiting me and I'll see you soon ;D
      Enjoy your Sunday!

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  18. It's nice to know you're a fellow animal lover! I once had a three legged cat who got around very well. Your pears are beautifully done and the dessert looks very tasty.

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    1. I'd love to work with animals, guidedog training or just help in any of the rescue organisations but I know I'd get too attached or want to adopt them all!
      Thanks for popping by my place to comment. I really appreciate it ;D
      Enjoy your Sunday ~ have fun!

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  19. Your pears came out amazing! I love the bright yellow shades. As to the cake, I now have a craving for a slice of it. :/. Have a marvelous weekend. Blessings!

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    1. It's great to have you visit Arnoldo especially to leave such lovely comments. I really want to spend time going over the pears to experiment a little more but then the next challenge is up and I know the week will just fly by!
      Have a wonderful weekend too ;D

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  20. Great job! You're so right. We can be our own worst critics. These look wonderful. :)
    My son's dad had a three legged dog for many years (got hit by a car). It amazed me how well that dog ran and played, too. Just being alive is cause to celebrate. :):)
    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, too.

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    1. Hello my newest follower, (hehe)
      Thank you so much for joining me ~ I really appreciate it and hope you like visiting.
      I'm my own worst critic but I realise that that's not a good quality, and possibly boring for people to keep reading, so I'm not going to do that anymore...I'll just say when I'm happy with what I produce. Maybe that would be better but it might be a long wait! ;D
      I didn't see the dog yesterday, but when I do I'm going to ask could I take his photo ~ he's so cute and full of life...quite literally.
      I hope your Sunday's brilliant and you have a great day :D

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  21. Wow, even with all the whinning and carrying on, you painted the most beautiful pears, I think you should paint them more often!! AND, you should get bonus points for making that dessert with pears, you are an over achiever, I say! lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

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    1. Sorry Sandee...I promise I'm not going to whine or winge anymore.
      In fact I'm not going to comment on my work at all unless I'm happy. I think that's a better option but then it may be quite quiet around here for some time :$
      Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to see you.
      I hope your weekend's going well and you're having lots of fun in those hills of North Carolina! :D

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  22. Nessie - your pears are wonderful! They positively glow - amazing that you did that with pencils. Fantastic job.

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    1. Oh thank you Gina...that's very kind of you. :D
      Thank you for popping by ~ I really appreciate it.
      I hope you're enjoying your weekend and have a great week ahead!

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  23. Isn't it wonderful what we can accomplish when we bite the bullet and BELIEVE in ourselves! They are Tres Stunning! xx

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    1. I'd normally answer in some negative way but that's all in the past now...I'm trying to stop that automatic kind of response, so I'll just say 'thank you so much for your kind comment'!
      The APR challenges are pushing and stretching me in all directions...creative yoga of the mind for sure ;D
      I hope you're in for a great week and I'll pop over to your place soon. I'm so behind with my visiting!

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  24. Well, Neesie! Those are some amazing pears! Personally I also struggled with them, that's why I had to write all over mine, but you do not have anything to hide here! Well done! And thanks for that recipe... YUM!!!

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    1. Aww Minnemie, thank you ;D
      I was thinking about zentangling mine but thought I'd be harsh on myself and show them ~ no matter what! Scary :$
      Always a pleasure to see you...thanks for stopping by.
      Have a wonderful productive week!

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  25. I'm late getting around to everyone but wanted to let you know I think your pears are wonderful. Thanks for the recipe too, I have a pear dessert recipe that is similar but no almonds. Have to try yours.

    Darla

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    1. I'm very often late myself Darla so don't worry...it's just great to see you anytime ;D
      If you try the recipe I hope you like it ~ everyone who has says its yummy.
      Thanks for stooping by...see you later :D

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