Hyperventilating Art...PPF

This week I'm starting my post with a photo that if you're anything like me you'll be hyperventilating. It embarrassingly happens whenever I walk into an art supply shop and this one near the Greyfriars Kirkyard was no exception... because I came upon it unexpectantly. 

I think the shop assistants wondered who the dodgy woman was, with her heavy breathing wanting to take photos of everything, and grinning like a Cheshire Cat... unless it happens a lot. 

They smiled at least in that knowing way.

The crouching figure in the corner of the shot is my daughter. 

It's wonderful and very special sharing your passion with someone who 'gets it' whenever you talk arty!

Before I move on to my artwork for this week, I thought I'd show you this amazing mural.

It is located in the lane just down from the Greyfriars Bobby Monument

The plague on the side reads...

Diagon Alley

No setting could be more perfect for a magical school of witchcraft & wizardry

than the majestic gothic ....(sorry I can't read the next word) of this old toon (town)

so it is no surprise that J.K. Rowling selected Scotland as the home of Hogwarts, 

or that serial sites lie nearby this Diagon Alley.

How fabulous is that?

It is painted onto a very old roughly textured uneven wall too.

I've tried to look up the artist to give suitable credit, but had difficulty.

Whomever you are you're extremely talented!

...And so on to my work which is a token gesture this week.

 It's amazing how just by nipping away for the weekend, it can take a whole week to play catch up.

I'm still working on my kitchen table as you can see, but I will be returning to the studio soon. 

This week I am thinking elephants for no particular rhyme or reason.
I just love them.

I'm working on a mother and baby painting at the moment, but here's one that you might not have seen. My apologies if you have. I painted it last year.

I know there's a saying it's as interesting as watching paint dry, but really you'd think my studio assistant would try to hide her soporific tendencies. 

Finally, I must tell you about a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to start painting watercolours, adding to your skill or knowledge, having fun or just enjoying meeting like minded arty people (who possibly hyperventilate when they enter an art shop) 

My amazingly talented friend Tracey Fletcher King has started an online class that is open now. 

 It is a self paced course which has lifetime access and includes video lessons, text descriptions, lots of examples, PDF's for you to download and discussion boards.

Even if you've never attempted anything like this before, but feel you'd like to, or you don't think you could... as in Tracey's own words "Just give it a go..."

She is not only an amazing artist willing to pass on her inspiration, skill, and talent, she is so much fun and will not leave you, giving a helpful hand or word of advice along the way. 
She'll be with you and I can guarantee you'll have an incredible journey. 

Classroom is now open and you can enroll here

There's a great little video where you can meet Tracey and you'll see what I mean... she's a brilliant teacher and so funny. You can't help but have a fun time.

I hope I'll see you in the classroom, because I just can't resist... I shall be there with bells on.

As usual I'm joining in with the Paint Party Friday link today.

Click here if you'd like to see more art. 

It's the PPF's Fifth Birthday! 

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

I must apologise for my tardy visiting during this last week, but if you visited me then I shall be giving you a call... Have fun and I hope you have a wonderful weekend with lots of creativity in whatever form you choose.

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.

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! 

Elephants on Parade...Melbourne Mali

As a child I remember loving our annual zoo trip, but I'd always leave feeling a little bothered about some of the animals and their behaviour. But that was back then...and whether you like zoos or not there's no getting away from the fact that they really have come such along way over the years.
Today the enclosures have such thought and planning behind their construction, food programmes are devised mimicking the animal's natural habits from the wild, toys and interesting environments challenging their minds and improving their well-being. All these positive changes are for the animals better welfare.
I remember when we were in Singapore and my children wanted to visit the zoo, I was rather reluctant to go because I didn't want them to have similar experiences I'd had but I needn't have worried.
Singapore Zoo was incredible and such a positive experience. The main thing that impressed me was the fact that there didn't appear to be any fences or pens. They were very clever in making it appear that the animals were just happy to stay within their boundaries. It was quite unnerving to begin with especially with a very active enquiring 8 year old animal lover and a 6 month old toddler!
One particular event that I remember very clearly was having a huge Elephant walk up behind us with his keeper. It put a whole new meaning to the word 'Walkies'! Thankfully I had my camera and my running shoes to hand...the first to capture this incredible event and the second just in case!!!

Remember that this was quite a few years ago (my toots are now 27 and 20 years old) so to see an elephant just walking through the zoo was a spectacular sight!

This photo is now placed in our 25 year wedding album ~ the one I'm supposed to be finishing, especially as time is marching on and we've now just celebrated our 33rd anniversary. 

I've always loved Elephants so imagine my delight when I heard that Australia's first zoo is delighted to be sharing the fun and excitement of its 150th anniversary with everyone in Melbourne, with the Mali in the City public art event. Mali the baby elephant was born in Melbourne Zoo in October 2010.

Fifty fibreglass models of the famous elephant calf, Mali have been painted by a variety of artists and are now on display on Melbourne city's streets until September 21 as part of the celebrations. The event, run in conjuction with Wild in Art has engaged three-time Archibald Prize finalist, artist David Bromley to be the program's Art Patron. 

Zoos Victoria has also announced a sister event for the major public art event, to engage school students in the celebrations. Every school in Victoria has been given the opportunity to get involved in Mali in my school. Fifty schools will design, paint and exhibit one of fifty mini-Malis alongside others being painted by renowned Australian artists.

We had a trip into the CBD this weekend and I actually managed to spot seven of the statues. Each so unique and vibrant...they really stand out and catch your eye. I was only able to photo two whilst walking ~ the other's I spotted whilst driving around.
I was thinking of trying to track the whole herd because there is an phone app that shows all of their locations but then thought 50 photos might be a little excessive! So here's just two...

They are amazing...

The elephants will begin their great migration to Melbourne Zoo where they will be on display for the entire month of October. 

 My friend J snapped this photo and sent it to me so he could join the herd here...I think this one might be my favourite so far....Thanks J

On 25th October the entire herd will then go under the hammer at an auction event with all proceeds going to Zoos Victoria's conservation work that fights the extinction of animals here in Australia and overseas.
The Zoo is calling for potential buyers to register their interest to attend the Mali in the City Auction via email at maliauction@zoo.org.au

Here's a beautiful video clip of some male bonding...

 (Courtesy of Melbourne Zoo ~ a brilliant video clip....check out much more on their website and see more of Marvellous Mali)

And there's more good news because Mali's Mum is pregnant again!

Dokkoon became the first of her endangered species to give birth at Melbourne Zoo when Mali was born.

Melbourne Zoo Director Kevin Tanner says that Dokkoon has now become the first elephant in Australia to achieve a second pregnancy. He said that ""If all goes smoothly during the 22-month pregnancy, Dokkoon will give birth to a little brother or sister for Mali in November 2013. That calf will be the fourth calf to be born at Melbourne Zoo."

How amazing it that! Obviously Melbourne Zoo has got it right.

'Water For Elephants'...Girls Movie Night

 Brrr....this morning we woke to really cold temperatures here in Melbourne. I heard reports that it was only 3 degree's! But there again it is the first day of winter. The funny thing is that its supposed to reach 19 degree's later??? Crazy.....I wouldn't doubt it though, because you learn to expect anything here, weather wise. At least Muffin walked at a brisk pace trying to keep warm on our walk. Yes, I know I could have put her coat on, but sometimes you can grow old waiting for her to finish checking everything along our walk.

So it was good to get the blood flowing, especially after having a great night out last night with a few girls from our book club. We went to the cinema to watch 'Water for Elephants' We have read the book by Sara Gruen and thought it would be good to review the movie at the same meeting when discussing the book.

As you can see I purchased a copy on my Kindle. The vintage photographs were such a pleasant surprise too, but then I've always loved old black and white photo's.

I loved reading the book on my Kindle, especially at night with the little light.

I fell in love with 'Rosie'. I think she was definitely the star of the movie too. 

The Kindle is certainly proving an asset with my book club recommendations, although as I've mentioned before, I could never completely replace real life books. I just love books!

But with using the Kindle, I can now read so many more and then decide whether or not to purchase a copy for my bookcase.

I've always had a soft spot for h'efalumps (as my daughter used to call them)

Here's one little family we've had since 1994....I know elephants have a good memory unlike myself - I only know we've had them that long, because they have the date on them ;-)

From left to right let me introduce the family.....Melody, Marigold and Mum Elsie and Dad Lenny.

I'm really not so sad that I name my ornaments - I only know their names because they have them under their foot!