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 

Art Journaling Giveaway Prize arrives....whoohoo..

I've a confession today everyone...I've been very naughty! 

What have I been up to you may wonder? 

Well, I received a wonderful package that arrived in the post...all the way from America last week and I never got to thank two special people who instigated its arrival.

Firstly, Dion Dior who if you don't know her already is an amazingly talented artist that just blows me away with her incredible art every time I look at her work. She paints fantastic vibrant colours which remind me a little of my silk painting days.
Dion's creative blog specializes in art journaling, watercolour, acrylic and water soluble medium workshops, tutorials and online classes. There's something for everyone...trust me you will not be disappointed if you visit her blog. I'm wanting to join her online mastering twinks class but unfortunately it's crazy here with our move back to the UK, so I think I'll have to wait until I'm settled in my new studio before I start. 
But you could enroll and possibly win fantastic prizes too!
All you have to do is enroll for her class but you'll have to be quick because the enrollment closes at the end of June! 
Dion is a fantastic teacher and is so inspiring...just click on one of her tutorials to see her at work. 

Anyway, back to my prize package....
Once again Dion very generously had a giveaway and I was the lucky winner! YAY!
Here's the link if you want to read about the giveaway details.

My prize was a fabulous DVD from Gina Rossi Armfield.
'The No Excuses Approach to mixed-media collage.

I love the No Excuses Approach from Gina because that's just what I need...no excuses just do it!

If you would like to see Gina at work then click here  

If you don't know Gina then here's a little information:

Gina Rossi Armfield is a painter, photographer, wife and mother.  She lives in Southern California with her husband, Mark, two sons, Grayson and Payton, and a herd of furry critters. Gina started painting when she was six years old and was lucky enough to find many mentors along the way that encouraged her to pursue her talents. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and in addition to painting spent most of her time riding and showing horses. A passion for the four leggeds endures to this day and can be seen in much of her work. Gina received her degrees in Fine Art as well as Education. She has taught people of all ages and continues to enrich her life by sharing her gifts with others. She has always had an interest in combining her love of photography and the written word with painting–exploring this aspect in all facets of her work. Gina can be found teaching around the country and through her online workshops. You can find her on her website www.ginarossiarmfield.com and her art blog noexcusesjournaling.com.

Thank you so much Gina for my prize but also for your time and talent which you so generously pass on to aspiring artists. 

Check out Gina talking in an interview plus watch her work here.

I know I'm going to have such fun when I can use some of her techniques and advice...I can't wait. 

My mojo hasn't disappeared as I feared...he's just collecting ideas for when he can be unleashed! 

At least with having all of these projects lining up waiting....my move to the UK looks better and better. 

Roll on getting my new studio up and running asap...I can't wait! 

Enjoy seeing these artists at work and I hope to see you again soon.

Thanks again Gina and Dion I'm just sorry it took me so long to thank you both.

 

xoxo