How Now Highland Cow

It appears that I’ve been on a unplanned break from blogging… who knew?
Well I certainly didn’t.
I’ve been enjoying the summer and keeping myself extremely busy, but the autumnal weather seems to have arrived, so I’m thinking it’s time to come indoors and indulge in my indoor pursuits… blogging being one of them.
The other pursuit that I can’t imagine ever giving up is producing and creating artwork.
This is my latest piece… the Highland Cow.

Yes, I know another Highland Cow... I virtually have my own herd now.
I really enjoyed playing with this one and in an effort to keep it loose, I even left my glasses off at times. I know... rather risky, but I feel that it did the trick. I've thought that this particular piece was finished at least three or four times, but kept returning to it to add a little here and there.
Finally, I've decided that's it!
He's done and I'm rather pleased with him.

I suppose he just needs a name now… I’m saying ‘He’ but I suppose it could be a ‘she’?

Great to chat once again... I've missed you.

Have a great day and don't forget... I’d love to hear if you have a suggestion for a name for the Highland Cow.

Paint Party Friday... How Now Brown Cow

Hellooo...

I haven't been partying with the PPF gang lately, but I thought it was time to get my act together and link up. 

I've been very busy, but I have managed to produce some art.

This highland cow has been evolving for quite some time now.

He/she has highlights, so I thought he/she should join in the Paint Party Friday too.

It's a practice piece before I start a serious commission.

I've bought new paints and been having a great time getting to know them.

I've had music blasting out and dancing whilst splashing about with a paintbrush. 

It's been very liberating! 

I've also been working away on my @Makeartthatsells assignment.

We are currently completing the final month of Bootcamp.

I will really be sorry to finish this class.

I think I'll be signing up for more, as there are lots to chose from throughout the year.

The sketch below was a personal one.

It's 'Ernest' my Great Granddad who was born in 1867.

As I sketched, I was lost in my thoughts about my family and it's history... 

a little like 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

For those who might not be familiar with that tv programme... it's where a celebrity traces their family roots back through the years.

I find it fascinating.

I also thought I'd use this sketch to practice my very weak lettering.

I fear now that I've plastered poor 'Ernest' on a 'WANTED' poster!

One fact that I did come across from my research notes, was that he was a 'Tole Dealer'

I had no idea what this might be... so after more delving, I found that it involves ornately decorated trays or chandeliers etc!

Who knew?

How strange especially after painting precisely that in last months assignment. 

Who knows, Ernest might have been a painter too!

I had many thoughts on how his life might had been back then. 

He actually married Mary, the daughter of a Scottish farmer, when they were both 31 years old.

I'm thinking that this was rather old for marriage back then.
Maybe that's why he is wearing a tartan tie... to impress Mary?

I also wonder why this photo was taken... was it for some special occasion?

I haven't done much lettering, but now I know that I've obviously got a lot more practising to do!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll join my over at the Paint Party Friday.

Eva and Kristin do an amazing job of sharing everyone's great artwork.

Have a great weekend.

Highland Coo... PPF

Hellooooo....

This week I tried drawing with charcoal, which is something that I haven't done since my school days. It was so much fun that I'll definitely have another play soon.

As my regular arty followers know... I'm always trying to loosen my work.

I like everything to be as is and strive for perfection... which can be limiting and always makes for an ultimate let down with finished work.

Sometimes, I'm so tight I'm near to snapping, but working with charcoal was like diving into a warm calm pool totally butt naked!

(cough) 

Sorry getting a little carried away there, but it really was a revelation. 

I kept laughing as I become increasingly blacker! 

Smudges appearing everywhere, but slowly his Highland Coo appeared.

He/She looks quite a character don't you think?

Do you think it's a He or a She.... and what about a name... any ideas?

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there