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

Friday 5 September 2014

Cozy Cuddles - Paint Party Friday

This morning I thought that there was something wrong with my eyes. 
I couldn't see anything out of my window. 
I'd slept well (a clear conscience obviously) but they couldn't be that bad surely? 
I then realised it wasn't my eyes... it was FOG!
Again!
We've had fog for the last three days, even after having promises of good weather and reasonable temperatures for this week. 
The temperatures aren't bad but it would be nice to be able to see clearly.

So I thought I'd give in and just enjoy the day for what it was... perfect for finishing off a painting, especially because I'm home alone!
YAY!
This is a very rare thing these days. 
As you know I love a full nest but can appreciate an empty house for a few hours. 
(Doing a little wee jig here)
Mufftypup is here with me but I know she can keep a secret... she'll not tell a soul what we get up to. It's good to have such a loyal friend.  

So the studio was mine all mine... MMMmmwwwwwhhhhhaaaa 
... and I wasn't afraid to use it. 

Let me introduce 'Nellie' 
(don't ask my why I name my paintings... I have no idea it just happens)
I used the same inks, paintbrushes and nib pen as I did for 'Hettie' 
You may be pleased to hear that Hettie no long balances on the bread bin. 
She's actually multiplied and got herself a herd...
I always think no matter what, you can always find something positive even if it's difficult or hard to see and today was a perfect example of that.
I was disappointed to see the weather but then looking out with dismay I was lucky, because out of the fog came a surprise to lift my spirit. 
I've had to edit and tweek these photos for you to be able to see the deer. 
It really was very foggy. 
These photos were taken from my phone because I had to move quickly. 
There one minute and gone the next...

And here's someone that just needed a cozy cuddle this morning...
Although thinking about it, with everyone out of the house could be that she's sulking because they didn't take her with them. Hmm...

Because it's Friday I thought it would be ideal to link up with the Paint Party Friday gang... there's always lots to see, admire and be inspired by, so why not join me and click here to be transported.

Paint Party Friday
I'm also linking to Dion Dior's Friday Sketches
Dion has an amazing  "Watercolor Pencils" class scheduled soon... so why not check it out?

Thanks for popping over to my place. 
It's always great to see you.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone... you deserve it! 

58 comments:

  1. Just love that photo of your desk at the window - and the wonderful elephant standing on it :)
    Have a fab Friday and Happy PPF!!

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    1. It is a lovely view from that window but I have to be tough and concentrate on the desk and not gazing out all the time ;D
      There's always something to catch your eye.
      I hope you had a great Friday and the weekend will be even better.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. Love your elephant sketch. It's just beautiful!

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    1. I have had the idea of drawing an elephant for some time so I was happy when I finally managed it.
      Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by my place.

      Delete
  3. Just love this post AND i love Nellie! :) Did you make those copies of Hettie on your own printer?? And if you did ....would you mind telling me what printer you have??? I'm having a terrible time getting good prints of my artwork.....Aaaww look at that sweet little pumpkin pie your cuddling :) ! Hugs! deb

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    1. Aww thanks Deb,
      Yes Hettie's herd was copies from the original painting.
      It's a new printer that we purchased so that my daughter could print off her work. So I obviously can play too.
      (If you click on the blue Nic Allan button in my sidebar you will see more prints from her work).
      It's a Epson Stylus Photo R2000. Rather expensive but she explains well worth it.
      Pumpkin pie says 'hi' ^..^
      She loves to be up close and personal especially if it's cold.
      Have a wonderful weekend xoxo

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  4. Your elephant is just wonderful!

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    1. Thanks so much Hawkes,
      I appreciate your comment.
      Have a great weekend ;D

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  5. Adorable paintings and cute pup! Time to yourself produces beautiful art doesn't it.

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    1. I don't normally have time to myself so I really went for it!
      It was so good that I now want book another session soon ;D
      Thanks for your lovely comment Christine. I really appreciate it.
      Have a fun packed weekend

      Delete
  6. I love these beautiful painting, beautiful animals. Wonderful funny pictures.

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    1. Thanks Leovi,
      I can't resist adding other photos with my artwork. I take so many.
      Thanks for visiting my place.
      Have a great weekend whatever you have planned.

      Delete
  7. Nellie is wonderful...I love the gray, happy gray! That's hard to do :) Your studio looks fun, nice to get a chance to work :) I talked to my Mom this morning....ALL MORNING, so no art time for me. BOO! I need you to come help me with some new glasses and artsy style. ;) haha

    Thanks for sharing,
    xo Tam Hess
    Happy Paint Party Friday!

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    Replies
    1. I mix a few inks together obtain a warmer gray for 'Nellie' Tam. I didn't want her to be a cold gray.
      It's good to spend time with your Mum (I miss my daily chats with mine) so although you didn't get a chance for any art yesterday, I'm sure you will be able to squeeze some creative time soon ;D
      I keep catching sight of my new pink glasses and they take me by surprise. I stepped out of my usual boring safe comfort zone when I chose them. hehe
      As for your artsy style... I think you have nothing to change. Your work is brilliant
      Thanks for visiting my place... it's great to see you over here.
      Enjoy your weekend ;D

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  8. what a really lovely view you have from your studio. Your illustrations are utterly fantastic-I just love them!! And that sweet adorable pup-I could just squeeze him:) Happy PPF!

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    1. It's a great view but can be a little distracting. It's the main garden area with one of my three bird feeding stations. There's always something to look at ;D
      Thanks so much for your kind words regarding my illustrations... I enjoyed drawing/painting them and now realise I need to give them a little more time than I have previously. It pays off in the end.
      Oh that sweet adorable pup would let you squeeze her... she loves to be cuddled and is constantly nearby just ready and waiting for any free lap ^..^
      Thanks for stopping by... have a great weekend

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  9. I love Nellie and Hettie. And what a great view (when you can see out and there's no fog) from your work table. No wonder why you can create such great pieces.

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    1. Aww thank you Erika,
      I'm happy to report that the fog has lifted here today but the rain has arrived.
      Ho hum... very wet and soggy but we're cosy inside.
      Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting ;D

      Delete
  10. Love the silver linings you found!!

    (My nickname from Annice is neesie. It excited me to find another!)

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    1. I find there's always a silver lining if you look hard enough 'Neesie' hehe
      Have a super weekend and thanks for stopping by my place.

      Delete
  11. The art work looks wonderful!!! Even with the fog your view from the window is lovely. I have fallen in love with that sweet dog, give her a hug from me!

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    1. Thank you Sharon,
      I had fun painting both 'Nellie' and 'Hettie'.
      I'm happy to say that the fog has lifted but it's now raining. I never get tired of looking out of the windows here because there's always something to catch your attention.
      Muffy says 'hi' and thanks... she loves a hug and will take as many as people are willing to give ^..^
      Enjoy your weekend and thanks for visiting

      Delete
  12. Your illustration are wonderful and I do love fog. It looks great as does your Muffin.

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    1. I don't mind fog if I haven't got to go anywhere but we've had quite a lot of it this summer. It doesn't help when you know other parts of the country are having glorious sunshine. I think we should share ;D
      Muffy says thanks too ^..^
      Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by

      Delete
  13. Hi I really love your art, you already know that. I was busy looking out your windows. What a fabulous place you have. Your art room and table over looking the grounds. Wonderful.
    Have a great weekend
    Nicole/Beadwright

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    1. Thanks Nicole,
      It's always nice to get such positive feedback especially when it's unfinished work. I've yet to finish 'Nellie'.
      The art room overlooks our side garden which I've been spending quite a lot of time replanting, reigning in and reorganizing after our 12 years absence.
      I hope you have a great weekend too

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  14. I LOVE British humour, but you my dear are an absolute hoot!! I love visiting here you always pepper your writing with so much humour and wit! Love your artwork and your little dog too!! Wow you are so much fun!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Hehe... well what can I say? Other than thanks so much for such a wonderful comment of course.
      Have I told you that I like you the bestest! (don't tell the others ;D)
      You've made my day because that's what I hope to do with my blog... bring a smile to everyone who comes to visit.
      Hugs backatch Giggles

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  15. Doing a little wee jig with you for a having you home alone with time for your art and time to share with us... loving Nessie Natters Nellie and wow you have a whole herd of cows these days, you must have been in superhuman mode, no wonder young Muftypup looks a little put out, like she's all dressed up with no where to go!
    Have a wonderful weekend too
    Wren x

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    1. Even though I've now got a herd Wren, I still seem to run out of milk regularly!
      I need a dairy cow in my garden not a Nellie or Hettie ;D
      It was lovely to be home alone... so much so that I'm going to book some more time.
      Mufftypup enjoyed it too once she forgave them for leaving behind.
      I hope your weekend is pretty wonderful too.
      Enjoy all of your springiness xoxo

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  16. I really love the elephant! she? has such character...you can see it in her expression. Happy Ppf!

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    1. I'm so glad you think so Debbie... I do like the angle of her head.
      I've still got to finish her though. It's going to be a very wet day tomorrow so I may find the time then.
      Happy belated PPF to you too

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  17. I love the movement in Nellie. She looks as if she's standing in front of me wondering whether to run or not. And Hettie is awesome! That hair!! Wow! Amazing talent you have!

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    1. Aww thanks denthe,
      It's great to get such positive feedback even when I post unfinished work.
      I hope to spend some more time with her tomorrow. Hopefully she won't run! ;D
      I enjoyed playing with all that hair too... it was very relaxing.
      Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a super Sunday

      Delete
  18. I'm loving the new series of animals you're working on. I think the names you've given them reflect their personalities beautifully. Muffin looks like he was really enjoying the time alone with you, so blessings to both of you.

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    1. It's funny how these series of paintings have come about Arnoldo because most of the time I never have a clue what I'm going to paint before I start.
      Muffy likes any attention and will maximize it to the hilt... she's an expert.
      Thanks for visiting my place.
      Enjoy your Sunday and Blessings to you too

      Delete
  19. Lovely elephant! It's amazing how people - like you - can make such beautiful pictures. You must be very patient person to do these kind of art....
    Happy Saturday!

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    Replies
    1. I find the drawing and painting the most relaxing thing. I have been told I'm a patient person so maybe that does help.
      Have a great weekend

      Delete
  20. Ooh, Nellie the elephant won't be packing her trunk anytime soon, cos she's got a wonderful place to bide on your desk :D She is a real beauty and I love the wee tilt of her head and her glorious bright tusks. How far can you see out of your window Denise, when it's not foggy that is, you seem to be fairly high up? I love all the wee pics on your sill too (isn't zoom wonderful, hehe), did you create them all? Muftypup is so very adorable and looks really cosy in the coat. Is it cold there too? How wonderful to capture two pictures of the deer. What a treat. I hope your day is clearer today. Wee Man is heading for the city as we speak :D ((hugs)) xox

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    1. Aww thanks TT,
      'Nellie' still isn't finished but hopefully I'll get back to her soon.
      We are quite high up here and see for quite a distance when the weather's right. We can see the sea from one side of the house, the woods and mountains from the other.
      I love it but know I'm very lucky and that's why I try to appreciate it fully.
      Soooo... you've been snooping on zoom eh?
      The cards on the windowsill are my daughters latest designs. If you want to see them up closer (more than your zoom) then just click the link in my sidebar. The blue with Nic Allan on it. It'll lead you right to them.
      COLD... it's positively Boltic today. We have had two fires lit. But I'm still not having it that summer's gone. Not yet anyway although I quite like the idea of waking sleeping beauty... the Aga!
      Glad of your hugs... body warmth and all that hehe
      Enjoy your Sunday and apologies for taking so long to get back to you.
      xoxo

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  21. They are sweet, both the photos and your art. You are gifted. Lovely works. My silly scratches are just quirky!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words Jennifer,
      I love to spend time creating art I just wish I could be free to do more ;D
      Thanks for visiting my place.
      Have a fun packed week next week

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  22. Replies
    1. She's the best Leovi... but she knows it! ^..^
      Have a great week ahead.

      Delete
  23. Oh yes, Nellie rocks! Very well done. You are so funny, Neesie...something wrong with your eyes indeed. Seems to me t'is thine mind that is foggy;-) You are hilarious:-)

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    1. My eye's and mind are okay today Minnemie, although rather wet and soggy! :/
      Thanks for popping over to my place and leaving such a lovely comment that made me smile.
      Apologies for my delay in replying... I hope next week is a good one for you
      xoxo

      Delete
  24. Your ink paintings are beautiful, I love that elephant one! You live in a beautiful fresh and wild place, so green and full of wildness!

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    1. Hi Kat,
      Yep we do live in a beautiful place and I'm loving it. We've been travelling so long it's good to be settled now.
      Thanks for your visit and lovely words about my artwork.
      I really appreciate it.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  25. it is a rare thing to get the house to yourself and I am glad you made the most of it... there is something so inspiring about knowing you won't be interrupted! and I think you are painting and drawing so well at the moment.... obviously the mayhem has been agreeing with you, but peace and quiet has to be even better right... love to you and mufftypup from mushu...xx

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    1. Aww thanks so much Tracey, I really appreciate your kind words.
      They mean such a lot to me especially as you've seen so much of my artistic (struggle) journey.
      I think the reason for the improvement might possibly be that I'm not trying to complete a whole piece of art in 20 minutes or so. I'm spending more time and more sessions to get to that finished piece.
      I hopefully will improve even more as I'm off to an art group next week. It's all very exciting and it will be three hours of sheer self indulgent artsy time. Yay!
      Love to you and Mufftypup certainly sends Mushu her love too ^..^
      xoxo

      Delete
  26. Hettie is now 3 times the beauty for sure. Now I see you have a really beautiful view, but not the elephant right??? Nellie looks so real you have her looking so playful too.
    Thanks for sharing your Pup pics.

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    1. Hettie's herd is growing but will be splitting up soon. They're all destined for pastures new in different locations. On the other hand Nellie isn't even finished yet so she'll be with us for a little while longer.
      She can appreciate the view with me. I love it.
      My pleasure to share the pups pics... she's always up to something and I just can't seem to resist clicking away with my camera.
      Thanks for visiting my place.
      I hope you have a fun packed week next week.

      Delete
  27. Fabulous artwork. I wish I could draw a straight line. I kid you not, it's anything but straight. *sigh* Oh well, you sure are talented, lady! ;)

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    1. Aww Cathy I'm sure you could do more than a straight line. That gave me such a giggle ;D
      But really to draw a straight line is difficult. (I kid you not!) It's much easier to do a wiggly one. hehe
      Thank you for your lovely visit and kind words.
      I hope you are having a wonderful weekend

      Delete
  28. What a beautiful place to paint--and your artwork is just exquisite. It fills my eyes to the brim--which is the greatest compliment I can give. I LOVE your art.

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    1. Wow that is a terrific compliment Beth,
      You've made me grin from ear to ear!
      Thanks for visiting and I apologise for my late reply. I've been away for a few days and I'm trying to catch up.
      Have a great day.

      Delete
  29. Lovely and inspiring blog and beautiful art works! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. It was my pleasure to share Aga,
      Thanks for visiting.
      I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

      Delete

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