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

Thursday 21 March 2013

Artist Play Room ~ What do you overlook?

Okay so here's the deal...I've just been reliably informed by Mo over at Twinkletoes2day that if I'm surfing blog land, doodling, drawing or painting then I'm not wasting time as long as I'm enjoying myself...Yay! That's just what I needed to hear. I mean who doesn't enjoy doing those things?

Phewph...that made me feel so much better because trust me there's so much I should be attending right now, but I decided to give myself a little break and enter into Jenn's Artist Play Room.
This week's challenge is 'what do you overlook' so brace yourself....I could really dive in here...but then I thought you don't deserve that...you've done nothing to harm me.
I mean I could tell you about how plants have been tortured and subsequently died over the summer months, whilst I was away having fun in the snow...or the mountain of laundry that seems to have taken up constant residence in a dark corner of the house. I mean really would you like to see my laundry? Not my dirty laundry of course, but boring enough to have you fall off your chair yawning!

So after much deliberation, I decided that I've been talking about trying to lighten up with my artwork for long enough but not actually doing anything about it...well not today. I just dived straight in. Scary stuff! Can you see the difference to my usual stuff?
Today I decided to draw my perfume bottle (It's not something I would normally draw either so again pushing all the stops out here). I actually have two bottles (spoilt I know) one for daytime and this one for night-time. This particular one is more potent and you have to be careful how much you put on, otherwise everyone in a 20 metre radius starts to either move discreetly away with their hand under their nose or they just keel over! It's not really the reaction that you'd want :-$

I've been talking to Tracey who gave me a few pointers in seeing the lines on the object that you wish to draw. She's brilliant at this and I felt very priviledged to be given a few tips. Bless you Trace :D
I didn't realise until I started to really study this bottle just how many lines there were. I think at this stage I'll just add that I had artistic license to leave some of the zillion lines for another day! Okay?
It's amazing what you actually see when you really look at something. For instance, I didn't know that the name was repeated on the front...in fact I'd seen that something was written there, but didn't bother to really look. How terrible not to use our eyes to their full potential. They are such a gift, we really should appreciate every little detail.

(hate the shading by the way ~ but I'll work on that next time)

As I got to know my perfume (strange but true)...up close and personal, I didn't realise that I'd moved its position on my desk. Note to self: once you start to draw DON'T MOVE IT! (such a numpty)
I couldn't help but have a little squirt too whilst I was there and now my dog thinks we're off somewhere for the afternoon! ^..^ Shame.
As often happens I didn't know whether to finish there or to carry on....yep...I couldn't help myself I decided to try and add some colour. Thankfully, I took a photo of the drawing first before attacking it with the Derwent Inktense pencils. I know...what was I thinking? I don't even like the pencils but I keep trying.
But then I became strict and decided I wouldn't add water to them...I'd just leave them coloured in.
Enough is enough!


I couldn't get the right colours but it's my interpretation isn't it? Can I get away with that do you think?
Which do you prefer?
Whoops I've just noticed the time...yes it just disappears when you're having fun! I've now realised that I feel very sickly too because it's 3.30pm and I've had nothing to eat other than a heavy portion of perfume since breakfast this morning...!
Well that's it folks...I'm done for today. I've got friends coming to stay this weekend and I've really got to get a wriggle on if I'm to be ready to be the hostess with the mostess.
I've three super king cotton bed linen to iron...towels to fold...chocolates to purchase for their pillows. (I bought new ones yesterday...pillows that is and not chocolates...they'd have disappeared by now if it was chocolates...you know me!)
Toodleloo for now peeps...catch up again soon
 ~ enjoy the day...it's a gift use it wisely ~

26 comments:

  1. This is a gorgeous sketch, well done! I overlook all the things I don't want to see, like H*******K, ironing, and other bad words, and it makes me happy! Valerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Valerie,
      I really approached this sketch differently and I think you can see that it's different from my usual work...so I'm thrilled.
      Wow...did you hear that? Not one bit of negativity in that whole sentence!
      Have a fantastic Friday with lots of creativity!
      Enjoy :D

      Delete
  2. I love the color on your sketch. That bottle looked very difficult to me. I'm impressed you gave it a go. If you don't like those pencils... send the purple one my way. My set doesn't have a purple :(.

    I realize I don't know you well... but here goes.. have you lost your mind? Ironing??? Ironing Sheets??? I say yours friends are very lucky that you are giving them a place to stay for the weekend. Friends don't need ironed sheets. Nessie... you could be drawing during all the ironing time. My grandmother ironed her sheets & I never could understand why. Once you lay on them, they are wrinkled again. I hope I didn't insult you.... I'm just beyond shocked that you would iron your sheets.

    The chocolate on the pillow is a very nice touch. Will Muffin leave it on the pillow? I think Scooter might think it was for him. :) I hope you have fun with your friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! Hi there Bo,
      Wow it seems like months have passed since I wrote this post and I've neglected replying to your lovely comment. I'm hoping you'll forgive me as I was trying to play the role of the hostess with the mostess.
      I do have moments when I definitely lose the plot it has to be said, but I do like crisp UNCREASED cotton sheets so that means ironing. I'd much rather have them in a luxury hotel, but if I want them at home I have bite the bullet! (psst...just between you and me though...I don't alwasy iron them! Gasp!)
      I'm glad to hear that you liked my sketch. I'm trying so hard to push my boundardies plus getting familiar with the pencils. I know that sometimes these things take time...so you might have to wait a little while for the purple. I in my infinite wisdom got the set of 36 pencils without even trying them, so I'll keep giving them a chance. I know many artists love them...so I'm hopeful. ;D
      Muffin is very good about food around the house...she knows her bowl or will sit and lock on with her eyes in order to get a tipbit but she's never taken anything she shouldn't. It's quite embarrassing at times because when we're out in the doggy park or at the vets and a treat is offered, she just looks away! I did explain about taking treats from strangers early on and it seems that that lecture stuck with her...about the only lesson I might add.
      I wouldn't trust Zac with anything lying around, so maybe it's a boy doggy thing. (He's staying with us just now and has slighly wiped Muffy's bowl clean on numerous occasions when we haven't been looking).
      He obviously denighs all knowledge when questioned and even produces a limp in order to gain sympathy! ^..^
      I'm not sure I'll manage to get to the APR challenge this week...but I'll pop across to check out what everyone's been up to.
      Looking forward to seeing you soon.
      Have a wonderful Easter weekend...whatever you have planned ~ have fun!
      xoxo

      Delete
  3. oooohhhh Nessie! Alien is my Favourite evening scent so i'm hooked already on your drawing! It is a devilishly difficult bottle to draw, well done. I keep my bottles as I can't bear to throw them away as they are so beautiful but I have never thought of drawing them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well fancy that! Same good taste or should that be smell! ;D
      I didn't really think through just how tricky the perfume bottle was until I had started but I was determined to commit to it, so I just carried on until the end.
      I have to say I was really quite pleased with the outcome because I never normally think the sketch something like this...all thanks to Tracey Fletcher King inspiring me.

      Thanks for popping by my place and I'll nip over to you soon to see what you've been up to.
      Have a super weekend :D

      Delete
  4. Neesie, that's fabulous...wow....what patience you have....i like both versions.....
    I know what you mean about clearing a room..... my boy Franklin cowers away from me when i where my fancy perfumes....i have to wait until i'm out the door to put it on.....

    Great job with the perfume bottle....

    blessings,
    Cynthia♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Cynthia,
      Apologies for taking so long to reply. I feel like I've been off-line for so long...I had 375 emails to trawl through this morning!

      Anyway, back to the important stuff...blogs and art! ;D
      I'm so happy to hear that you liked my sketch. It did come out quite differently which was really interesting.
      I just need to keep the technique when approaching my next subject!

      Not sure if I'll manage this weeks challenge (as I don't even know what it is yet and it's already Thursday) but I'll check in with you as soon as I'm able.
      In the meantime have a wonderful weekend ~ Easter holiday here so a four day weekend ~ WHOOHOO!

      Blessing to you too :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  5. Good Morning Neesie. I hope that beautiful sunrise portends a beautiful day, but not so hot it makes ironing that huuuge bed linen even more of the chore you wish you were overlooking. Your drawing is AWEsome. If drawing like that was outside of my comfort zone, I'd be a very happy bunny. But guess what, I'm practising; (eek!) I want to do an art/textile course but need to have entry qualifications to do it, which I definitely don't have. I was laughed out of art when I was 12, lol. I love the colour you OBViousy chose to use (not 'ended up with') ;) Have a Fab Friday & a Wicked Weekend with your friends :-D Mo xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Mo you say the most wonderful things and give so much encouragement which I truly thank you for. ;D
      Yesterday I changed all the humungous bed linen again but I have to confess I put them back onto the beds without ironing!!! (Gasp...shocking I know but what can you do...the mind was willing but the body weak!)
      Good for you for pracitising and I hope you get to join your art/textile course. I can't imagine what your entry qualification might be...you'll be fine I'm sure and I look forward to hearing all about it! :D

      By the way...not sure which morning the beautiful sunrise was because we've had a fair few recently which is fantastic as it's supposed to be autumn. In fact last night was 30C! But thankfully the weather broke at about 3am so today is fresh and cool with an earlier light spot of rain.
      I sound like the Met Office don't I but I know you always take a look at my weather map (hehe)

      We're just about to enter into the long Easter Weekend...and I'm so looking forward to it. Whatever you have planned...have lots of fun and I hope that spring has sprung since I last spoke to you.
      I'll nip across soon just to check.
      xoxo

      Delete
  6. Wow, that is a fabulous job. I would never see half those lines. It looks so good with all the angles and adding the colour only added to the beauty. It's good to get out of your comfort zone and see what you can achieve. Love it.
    Von (not playing for a while, it's out with art and in with house cleaning, big bummer).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Von,
      Well I wasn't playing for a while either...but I hope I'm back now. I know that sounds rather vague but there's a lot going on at the moment.
      Life's never dull is it? ;D

      Thanks for all your lovely comments and apologies for taking so long to reply. I really appreciate them because I know for a fact you would create a beautiful painting of the perfume bottle if you decided to...so I know you know your stuff!
      I have to admit it did stretch me but in a good way. I was happy to try some new ideas and pleased with the result.

      I know I need to write to you and I promise I'll get there soon.
      I hope you are well and having fun whenever the opportunity arises! :D
      xoxo

      Delete
  7. This is a wonderful drawing and so much detail that would have missed before. I wouldn't know what to do for this sort challenge but your idea is terrific

    Love Chrissie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Chrissie, I did have difficulty with the challenge but not for idea's on what I overlook because I tend to overlook quite a lot but most of those things just wouldn't make interesting art subjects!
      I wanted to draw the perfume bottle so I tweaked it into the idea for the challenge. Jenn is very good like that...she just wants us to enter. If we're stuck then you just have to think laterally. I cheated a little really but I think I may have got away with it! (hehe)

      I hope you're heading for a fantastic weekend...have fun and enjoy whatever you have planned and I'll come and visit soon.

      Thanks for popping over :D

      Delete
  8. This is such a lovely post. I like your stories so much! And the perfume bottle is excellent!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Stefanie,
      I'm happy that you enjoy your visits to my place. I think there's such a lot of negative and worrying stuff out there, that I try to just keep my posts light and positive. ;D
      Thanks for the compliment on my perfume bottle too. I enjoyed drawing it...and I really need to start something new now...it's been over a week since I picked up a pencil or pen! Tragic I know!

      I hope you've been keeping creative whilst I've been away and I'll pop over to see what you've been up to as soon as I can.
      In the meantime have a wonderful weekend :D

      Delete
  9. Hi Neesie
    Well a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do hasn't she and if that means all day doing that fab drawing then so be it. I love the coloured one, beautiful lines. Thanks for the comments about not feeling guilty, I know I shouldn't but I usually do.
    janet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we're all 'guilty' of feeling GUILTY...LOL It gets everywhere!!!
      I've tried to shed a lot of it but it still rears it's ugly head at times.
      We've just got to be strong and shut it out when it sneaks in!
      I think we're all better people for spending some time doing the thing that floats our boat, ticks our boxes or makes us feel alive...or whatever it is that best describes how creating art makes us feel.

      Have a fantastic weekend and I'll pop across to your place soon.
      Have fun :D

      Delete
  10. I love the quote at the top. I'm an expat in Canada. Love the life here but miss sharing the little quirks of Brit life. I will be following, always looking for well written and thoughtful blogs to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Susan,
      Great to meet you...and I'm thrilled that you have become my latest follower. ;D
      I hope you enjoy your future visits to my place. I'll be travelling again soon and look forward to having you come along with me, plus there's always art, recipes, gardening, wildlife, interesting snippets and anything that catches my eye or takes my fancy. ;D
      Thanks for stopping by and I'll recipricate as soon as I can.

      In the meantime enjoy Canada (I love Canada) and have a wonderful weekend

      Toodleloo for now (how's that for a quirk of Brit life) :D

      Delete
  11. Great sketch and even better in the colored version. I think glass is hard to draw and you did such a good job with it.

    Darla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Darla...I didn't see you there ;D
      Sorry about that!
      I agree glass is very hard to draw but would you believe it...I actually enjoyed drawing it AND I quite like the outcome! HA!
      Have a fantastic week and I'll be over your way soon. xoxo

      Delete
  12. Cat April 3, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    I like them both! I love color, but I also love how you can see all the impressive line work without it. Lovely!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Apologies Cat, but I may have inadvertently deleted your comment before publishing it...I've been having so much trouble with anonymous comments and have been spending so much time deleting that I think I must have been over zealous and clicked on your lovely comment too.

      But I've found you and popped you back here :D

      Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned...have fun!
      xoxo

      Delete

I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...