Morning everyone... or whatever salutation is appropriate for you at this particular moment.
It's Friday once again which means it's time to party!
Yesterday I decided as well as working on my other 'project' (to be revealed at a later date) I'd have a play on a new canvas.
Firstly, I need to explain that I haven't really used acrylic paints before... so as the photos show... I need help!
As you can see from the view from the studio window, it was a great day for playing indoors.
I decided to revisit the wildflower meadow experiment that I'd had fun with a few weeks back.
Perhaps it's my last attempt to cling on to summer, because I distinctly heard the robins twittering and felt a rather chilly feel to this mornings air.
Needless to say I dashed straight away for a thick warm cozy jumper.
I'm taking no chances.
Who knows I could self-combust by lunchtime... with any luck!
So on to the painting...
Now in my defence it isn't finished and I intend to knock back the sky and yellow later.
I'm not sure that 'knock back' is the correct term, but I think it's too bright and needs to be toned down.
I like the grass and flowers, although I will have a further fiddle with these no doubt before I'm done.
If you have any tips or advice I'd certainly love to hear from you.
My quick sketch today was inspired after visiting Alexandra's blog post over at Bluechairdiary.
I had a good chuckle reading about the pigeon cooing away every morning and it reminded me of the doves that come to visit me each day. I have no idea where they come from, but they seem very happy to stay, resting on our chimney pots.
I know when they arrive, because they coo loudly which reverberates down the chimney!
They know me so well now that they have actually started to come onto the decking and peer in the patio window where I am working.
It's we're here, waiting and why aren't you feeding us!
I will be linking up with Alexandra for the Sunday Sketch on Sunday, but if you would like to visit her before then just click on the Sunday Sketch logo in my sidebar.
Before I leave you this morning, I would like to say that I really would love to visit each and every entry for the Paint Party Friday and Sunday Sketches, but unfortunately, I have only managed that for one week...so far. I have the best intentions, but time is just whipped away from me.
If you visit and comment here, I always try to return the compliment.
I also answer your comment here and try to copy it to your email account, but many have a no-reply comment address... so in that case the reply is only on my blog.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I hope to see you again soon.
xoxo
Your pigeons are getting altogether too cheeky!
ReplyDeleteI think you could be right Deb, especially when they come and stare in the window until I acknowledge their presence!
DeleteLove the view out your studio window - who wouldn't!!
ReplyDeleteYour painting is quite nice -
Your pigeons are delightful - their faces are quite sweet.
Sandy xx
Those doves have actually sat on the guttering outside that window Sandy... just to make sure I've seen them and know they're there!
DeleteBeautiful paints and art, happy PPF, hugs Valerie
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie, there's a way to go with this one, but it was good to shut myself away for a short time and play using something new.
DeleteHappy PPF to you
I happen to LOVE using acrylics and have way too many paints! Your painting is looking really beautiful. I'd love to see how you change it. And your doves(which I call them although my son insists on calling them pigeons)are brilliant-fantastic sketch! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I am going to change it yet Linda... as I really don't know what I'm doing. I may even just start a new canvas now I know what I want.
DeleteThese birds are doves I think because they are totally white. I could be wrong... I know nothing about pigeons/doves either... I just feed them!
Happy PPF to you
Neesie i think its a wonderful wildflower painting... I too am just beginning my acrylic journey.. the sketch of the doves is beautiful.. I love to hear them... We have a group of about 4 or 5 that come by every day.. I love to hear them coo..My husband can make that same exact sound and they will talk back and forth..lol Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to see how our acrylic journey progresses Deb. Let's hope it's produces great results.
DeleteWe have had up to seven doves visit our place at one time. I'd love to put a little note on them, so that when they return home their owner will know where they spend all their day!
It's funny to hear about your husband's bird impersonations because my son can do a perfect wood pigeon and he too can have them respond. Once one came down to land very near him... checking him out!
Love that little painting - it reminds me of a picture we took many years ago (MANY years ago) on a visit to Switzerland. The wildflowers were amazing! And your sketch of the doves is great! I especially love the one in flight. xoxo Silke
ReplyDeleteI will definitely will try this on another canvas Silke because I really like the effect. I just need to tone the blue and yellow down. I'd love to visit Switzerland. It's always been on my list, but I've yet to manage a trip.
DeleteThe new project is looking like someplace I would like to be right now. So cheery and your flowers in the field are gorgeous. Also loving the doves. Its a great sketch. Hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead. happy PPF! Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteIt is a pretty good weekend so far thank you Erika.
DeleteI do have wonderful views out of all my windows. I adore them all. The farmlands at the back of the house... the garden from the side with all the mature trees around the whole house and beyond.
The white doves are a beautiful addition. They only started to arrive a little after we moved back here. They certainly like the seed I put out for them.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend too.
Hey, you know how many times I have commented on you studio. It just seems so soothing there, rain or shine. Acrylics take time to get use to. They dry quickly so mixing is a bit more difficult than with oils. They also dry darker so for you to get these nice bright colors is a plus. I use a dense sponge to soften hard lines. I also use mediums to help with drying time and mixing. I am not an expert by any means these are just some of the tricks I use. Your pigeons are pretty spectacular. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy nipping into the studio Nicole.. I just need to do it more often. I'm always surprised by how much I love to be in there, once I get there. It's just the getting there!
DeleteThanks for your tips on using acrylics. I did use a sponge for the clouds, but I was unsure if I could thin them.
I'm glad you like the doves too.
Lovely pieces Neesie!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, I had fun :D
DeleteHave a great weekend. Happy PPF to you
Gorgeous artwork Neesie! The meadow scene looks fantastic! Love the sketch of the beautiful birds! So creative and artistic! Happy PPF :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mona for your kind comment.
DeleteI will definitely create another meadow scene on a new canvas. I really enjoyed painting this, even though it was my first time using acrylic paint.
I'm much happier with just a pencil or watercolours (for now) Maybe acrylics might be my new love?
Happy PPF to you
acrylic tips, try different acrylic mediums, there are a lot of them, glazing is your friend with acrylics, the colour will dry darker when dry and varnish will being back the colours and protect your painting which is looking good :)
ReplyDeletei try to comment as much as i can for PPF and sunday sketches but time sometimes goes by too fast for me to see everything but do reply like you do if people leave a comment :)
Thank you so much for your comment on acrylic paints. I really am a novice with them, but I did like using them even though I have such a lot to learn.
DeleteI am looking forward to using them again.
I know exactly what you mean by the time running away with you. I have definite plans each week to visit everyone... but it never happens. I love to have people come to visit and even more so if they leave a comment!
Gosh, I don't know how you get any painting done with that view! You did a great job at your first go with acrylics! Don't be too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt can distract a little Irene, but in a good way. It's a great view and one I would never tire of looking at.
DeleteThank you for your kind words about my acrylic endeavour. I will definitely have another play with a new canvas soon. I really enjoyed experimenting.
Especially love the doves! And what a fabulous view from your window!
ReplyDeleteAren't they gorgeous Faye. I couldn't believe it when they first started to call. First it was one dove... then three, then up to five and the most at one time was seven. These days we normally have two or three.
DeleteThe view from this house are my favourites. I love each window for different reasons.
No wonder your art is so pretty--can't go too wrong with that view. Very lovely! xo
ReplyDeleteI know Dea, the view is pretty special and one that I try to remember to appreciate each day. I love it and with each season it changes. I couldn't possibly choose which season's view I like best.
DeleteLove your acrylic painting...good for you. Make sure to tell us how you like them. I hope you have written off that plate... they aren't as forgiving as watercolours! Lovely sketch of your chimney friends!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Do you Giggles... thank you. I did enjoy using them, but now I've had a little play I definitely want to paint another wildflower meadow soon.
DeleteDon't worry that plate has been written off already and has been used for paints for quite some time.
I've glad you like my feathered visitors. They really are becoming characters and seem to know where I am in the house. They arrive outside of the nearest window to let me know they're there. Quite bizarre considering that they don't belong here!
Hi neesie so pleased you are having a try out with acrylics..I love them. I know you usually use watercolours and wondered if you knew you can add a flow improver to acrylics to make them behave more like watercolour. It is a milky fluid which you mix with the paint and it dries clear. You can also add water to thin the acrylics that if course dilutes the pigment but that may be what suits you. There are so many possibilities! Exciting!
ReplyDeleteOooh flow improver... I feel a shopping trip coming on Morag. Thanks for your expertise. I really appreciate it.
DeleteI did add a little water even though I hadn't a clue what I was doing. As you say... exciting times ahead.
Hi Neesie, what a gorgeous space, feathers on windowsill..meditative and magical..your painting is so stunning and uplifting, such wonderful colors an energy! Beautiful sketch too!
ReplyDeleteLovely to visit your world again!
Happy PPF
Victoria #54
Ahh you notice the feathers Victoria. They are feathers that have been found in our garden over the last few years.
DeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment on my painting. I thought it was a little too full on, so will paint another canvas using a little softer tones. It was exciting using acrylics for the first time. I don't normally use a canvas either. It's a whole new world!
Happy PPF to you too.
I love finding special feathers/gifts too..thanks for sharing them. Your painting is fantastic..so wonderful that you are trying new things, always exciting exploring art! Shine on..keep creating..very beautiful.
DeleteThanks Victoria :D
DeleteYour dove drawing is great. We have lots of them here too, and they provide a nice background music whenever I am outside.
ReplyDeleteI love to have my visitors come each day. They are fantastic to have around although my dog Muffin probably doesn't share the same view. She had never really been bothered about birds or ducks on our walks... but having these doves arrive makes her chase like a greyhound out of the traps! It could be that it's because they're coming on her patch or perhaps a little jealousy, because I use a similar voice to them as I do to her.
DeleteThe painting is looking beautiful! I think it's wonderful. I also love your dove drawing, it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteAww thank you so much Lisa,
DeleteI'm treating it as a practice painting, but I will definitely try to paint this again on a new canvas now I know a little more on how the paints react and how I can mix them.
Nessie.....Your landscape is beautiful. I cannot believe it is your first try. I have them, but I have not used them much. I love my watercolors. Love the little flowers you added. They give the picture such a lovely touch. And your doves....that sketch is wonderful. You are so talented. genie
ReplyDeleteThank you so much genie, I really appreciate your kind words.
DeleteI must admit I do favour watercolours too, but I wanted to find out if acrylics are for me. At this stage I think I've got a long way to go to get to know them... but I do like them.
I think you did great with the painting, Neesie. The acrylics you are using look like they could be student-grade, is that correct? I only mention it because you will find artist's grade acrylic are a higher quality and give better coverage. There is a big difference in pigments too and they blend well with other colours too. You may want to try some out when you feel more confident with acrylics. I have mostly used water to mix with my acrylics over the years as I've never been a huge fan of mediums. I didn't mind the matte medium on occasion...good for giving the paint a little extra working/blending time before it dried but, for the most part, I just worked with water, painting in layers and allowing each layer to dry before covering with the next. You will find a 'wet palette' will keep the paint from drying out on the palette. I have a how-to make one over on my blog if you are interested. Here is the direct link - http://artbyserena.blogspot.com.au/2008/04/how-to-make-wet-palette-for-acrylics.html
ReplyDeleteI adore the sound of pigeons/doves cooing! It's so restful to me. Lovely sketch!
Enjoy your week! :)
Thanks so much for your lovely informative comment Serena, I really appreciate it.
DeleteI think you could possibly be right with noting that the paints are student-grade, because I bought them in an art class, two years ago.
I will probably play with these a little longer, but then upgrade to better quality once I feel more competent.
I will certainly take a visit to your blog to read how to make a wet palette.
Thanks once again. Must go... the doves have arrived for breakfast, or is it lunch/dinner? Whatever they are giving me the look!
Have a great week too :D
I would love to see a little deer in the meadow, love the painting. The birds are awesome. Blessings, Janet
ReplyDeleteNeesie, these are wonderful pieces. The doves are beautiful. And I simply LOVE LOVE your tiny painting of the field and flowers. Wow! Is it for sale? :)
ReplyDelete