A Meeting Of The Clan... PPF

This is how I left my studio on Wednesday morning... I'm missing it, but there's work to be done. 

My daughter is flying from one nest to another within Edinburgh, so the Clan is meeting up to give her a hand!

As you can see I decided to revisit painting the wildflower meadow with acrylic paints before I left.

I feel much happier with this one, especially with a few more little additions, but I've still got a lot to learn.

Because I've been hanging on to summer for as long as I possibly could, I thought I'd include a butterfly and swallows.

Autumn has arrived... so now on to the glorious autumnal colour display.
Before I go Muffin wanted you to see her on holiday.
I think she's totally confused with what's happening, but coping.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and I hope to see you back at the studio again soon.
As usual I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday.

Sharing Studio Space... PPF & Sunday Sketches

Here is the room that I'm desperate to reacquaint myself with. 

My art studio.

I've neglected it so much favouring the big outdoor canvas of my garden, while the weather is kind.

Once my hubby retired (about a month or two ago) he became mistaken that this particular room (my studio) might be his too. 

He moved the computer monitor and keyboard on to my desk and spread files and paperwork about in gay abandon! 

Well that might be a little exaggerated, because he is really tidy and everything has to be in a file or on a spreadsheet, but you get the jist. 

It was my space!

I've mentioned this before, but muscling in to my space just wasn't on the plan as far as I was concerned. I have been working on the kitchen table lately, so I suppose I should be a little lenient... but now we're entering autumn I want to reorganise my space and move back in.

Once again when I mentioned this... hubby decided to pull everything out of the room for me to organise and decide where it should go. 

Having everything piled along the landing certainly induces productive work! 

It wasn't on my plan, but then at least it prioritised my time and got me to focus. 

Hopefully, I'll actually be able to spend some time creating and producing art next!

(Note to self: Don't mention things out loud within hubby's earshot, because he's likely to get involved whether or not I want him too).

It's time to join the Paint Party link up where Kristin and Eva host lots of talented artists to come together to share their work and inspiration.

I'm also linking up with Alexandra Sunday Sketches. 
It is week 6 already!

So that's it for this week folks.

Thanks for popping in to my place... it's great to have you visit and even better if you leave a comment, so I know you've been here. 

I'm off to start my visiting... Have a great week everyone.

My Week on a page... PPF

I'm showing you the view from my studio window today so that you'll forgive me for posting yet again unfinished work! 

But just look at that sunlight and it's October.

I'm in such a rush to dash outside... but I have been up before the sun this morning to start some new pieces of artwork today, so it's not all bad. 

I've had a sketch of Koi Carp drafted for a few days
(which seems quite appropriate as I'm going to use my Japanese paints)
I was unsure what to do first, whether the water background should be painted first or the fish.... a little like the scenario of the chicken and the egg.
Which comes first?

I've taken the plunge (ha... no pun was intended but I'm liking that) and started on the water first.

I've also added rock salt for a water effect, but we'll have to see how that turns out.
I used to use this technique when silk painting.
It's great if it works correctly.

I've also started another 'My week on a page'.

I really should come up with another title of this project because these pages appear every few weeks and certainly not weekly.
But I'm happy if I just complete a page, no matter how long it takes me.

I'm not sure you will be able to see the design and colours in these shots.
But as it progresses I'll be sure to share.

I'll also explain why I've included each particular item.

There's washing on a line, apples, a scrunchy, and Virginia creeper.

I'm off outside now to top up my Vitamin D before this weather disappears.

I'll also catch up later with the Paint Party Friday gang which Kristin and Eva kindly host each week.

Have fun and I hope the sun is shining on you too
xoxo

Let the Cock Crow - PPF

Let the cock crow! Morning everyone

Although I'd loved to keep some chooks (chickens) I don't think I could have a cockerel. 

For instance, I was visiting an agricultural show a few weeks ago and went into the poultry marquee. Unaware that I was standing right in front of a prize cockerel taking in a cute chook opposite, he let out a cry. 

Oh my goodness did I jump... he gave me such a fright that I nearly laid an egg!

I did try to take a video of him but he went all camera shy and wouldn't so much as cluck!

Ever since that day, I've had a mind to paint a cockerel using the loose style that I'm trying to adopt as my own. 

So here he is...

I'm not convinced that he's finished yet. 

I haven't used any white highlights or finalized his tail feathers, but I'm actually being prolific this week for me. I'm actually painting two pieces at once!

(You can tell that the weather hasn't been the best if that's the case)

I started My Week On A Page #3

There's still a long way to go with this, but I'm pleased that it's well underway. 

I think I should rename 'my week' to 'my fortnight' (two weeks) because I can't seem to complete them in just one week. 

Anyway, here it is so far.

When I post the finished piece I'll explain why the objects have been chosen, otherwise this post will take a week to get through and I know you'll be wanting to visit so many other artists work today as part of the Paint Party Friday link.

Here's a view of my desk that many of you might not have seen... with my Quality Control Manager keeping a close eye on the proceedings. 

Well, maybe one eye as she enjoyed getting all roasty toasty in the sun.

But don't get carried away thinking we are having glorious summer weather here... 

...because just look up at the sky.

We certainly have had a mixed bag of goodies, weather wise this summer... but not enough warmth in my book.

Average temperature over the summer months for this part of Scotland have been around 12 degree's (that would be approx 53 degree's Fahrenheit)

Yes... for summer! 

Another view to show my feathered friends are still visiting me daily. 

The seven white doves sit waiting patiently to be fed.

They arrive early in the morning and spend most of the day here.

It's a good game for Muffin to chase them when they land on the patio, but they seem unperturbed. 

I think they have sussed out that she's all fluff and flounce and not fierce or ferocious in any way.

And finally, I wanted to share this morning's view from my bedroom window.

This was about 6.00am.

Now unfortunately the picture would be a grey blanket of cloud once more. 

The sun's disappeared.

I think I may have to be an early riser (which thankfully I am) to make sure I get enough light before winter comes to call.

Is it me or does this picture look autumnal to you?

Eek... I hope not because I'm still waiting for summer! 

(I think that might have to be 2016 now)

Have a great Friday and don't forget to pop across to the Paint Party Friday gang... 

they'd love to see you

Thanks for your visit... I love to see you and even more so if you leave a comment. 

Toodleloo for now

What's on your work desk Wednesday (WOYWW 325)

Cuteness Alert!

As it's Wednesday I thought you might like to see what's on my desk this afternoon.

Just two things firstly.... make sure that you have the sound switched on and secondly... I can assure you that no animal was harmed in the making of this video.

So here she is... dah dah!!!

I am seriously working in the studio this week, but I thought I'd be super quick with today's post and let Miss Muffy do the talking.

She's fresh from the grooming salon and wanted to give you a wave and say 'Hi'.

Besides it's 'National Dog Day'

If you would like to see some artwork then take a trip across to Julia's WOYWW (What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday) and visit desks from all over the world.

I'll be sure to let you see my new project's soon.

Have fun 

and thanks for your visit

Paint Party Friday...Peony and Perfume

I'm feeling quite pleased with myself today because as regular visitors will know, I normally only have unfinished work to bring to Eva and Kristin's PPF 'show and tell' but not so today. 

Oh no my friends, I have finished work... in fact, I have two pieces of art work to show you. 

Yes two!!!

Here's the first which I started at the beginning of the week.
My pink peony.
It shows that I'm now back in my art studio and not working on the kitchen table.

Here's a link that shows the peony painting at it's conception...(click here if you missed it earlier)

I was obviously going through a pink stage, which for anyone who knows me knows that it isn't the norm for me. But I do love my pink peony in my garden but it's been so long since I last saw it...
Thankfully I can happily report that there's signs of life in the garden border at last.
New shoots have appeared... woohoo... spring has sprung.

I may have taken a step too far by adding some glitter to the tips of the petals on the main plant.
Call me reckless but I just couldn't stop myself.

I'm not sure it shows up very well in this photo, but it's there... well in fact it's EVERYWHERE!

And to think I was careful with my application, using it very sparingly.

I'm like a fairy sprinkling fairy dust as I go... it's now scattered throughout the house.

Just how far or easily can glitter travel?

Obviously far and wide! 

(I need to just whisper here that I'm not sure if it's actually finished or not... I know I said it was, but I'm still not sure? What do you think? All comments and advice gratefully accepted)

And so on to my second entry...

Now let me explain before we start... (why is there always an issue with me?)

I wanted to try to paint a perfume bottle like the extremely talented Tracey Fletcher King

Tracey's art and blog posts are legendary and she's going from strenght to strenght. 

No one deserves success more than her, so grab a cuppa (she'll approve trust me) and head over to her place. NO WAIT.... Maybe you should carry on here first and then look at her work. 

A sort of before talent and after! 

The next thing I need to explain is the actual perfume bottle itself.

This bottle of Jean Paul Gaultier's 'Classique' is nothing like what you'd be able to purchase today.

Mine has been fermenting like a great fine wine or a single malt whiskey.

Not intentially, but it has been lost and forgotten over time in the dark depths of an old overnight bag that I found when trying to find a boot to make up a matching pair.
(Another long story which I'll spare you of today)

Anyway... I did find the missing boot plus this bottle of perfume (but not in the same place) but the perfume colour has changed quite considerably
(possibly giving away just how long I've had it to an expert eye)

It actually still smells pretty good and I have to confess that I've been wearing it around the house... I'm not sure that I'm brave enough to wear it outside, although thankfully no-one's commented on a strange pong smell when I'm in their vicinity.

So I'm taking that as a positive.

(but can I just say here and now... I wouldn't say no to some new perfume if a certain someone wants to buy me some... ...if by some miracle he actually reads this blog)  

I was quite pleased at one stage with this, but as usual with me I went on and passed that stage when I should have known better and stopped.
There's so many faults here that I'll not bother explaining them... besides you'll know or see them for yourself.

I remember when my hubby actually bought me this perfume and I also remember being both delighted and quite shocked by the bottle. I'd never seen any other bottle quite like it.

So that should indicate just how many years ago it was when he bought it. 

But I'm sure my hubby was drawn to the perfume and smell and nothing else (hmm...)

I did have fun challenging myself with this one, because I didn't use any pencil lines at all.

Well almost until very near the end, then I used my Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils for the lettering and just a little touch here and there. 

Normally, I use a pencil, ruler and a lot of anxiety when drawing.

I have no idea why I get so hyped up, but I'm trying very hard to just loosen up. 

I think I've been saying that for years now...

Here's a sample of my gin bottle if you missed it from an earlier post which  shows how I would usually draw.

Time's marching on so let the party commence and don't forget to nip over to Tracey Fletcher King and Paint Party Friday for some amazing art work.

I'm also linking up with Sunday Sketches too.
Here's the link...

Sunday Sketches

Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned... and until we meet again don't forget to have fun and keep smiling 

PPF Peony and the Eclipse

I can't believe that I missed the Paint Party Friday celebrations last week with Eva and Kristin.

So I'm making sure I don't miss it today... here's the link if you'd like to visit the party too.

But there's always a silver lining if you look hard enough because as part of the PPF 4th Birthday/Anniversary/Blogoversary celebrations there was a optional challenge and not one that I'd find easy. 

The challenge was to paint a self-portrait. 

(Gulp... thank goodness I missed that)

Now that would be have been a challenge for me...

So what have I been up to instead... let's take a look

It appears that I'm all in the pink this week. 

I'm even wearing a pink pashmina today!

My pink Mother's Day bouquet and card set me thinking about the summer blooms that hopefully will be appearing in my garden soon. 

The peony is one of my favourites...

As you can see I'm working on the kitchen table once more.

I decided to start this particular painting whilst the football was on the television.

I plugged in my earphones and had a brilliant time listening to classical music. 

Thankfully it blocked out the footy commentators, guru's, chants and my hubby's tactitional expertise!

But I don't have to use the kitchen table anymore because my daughter has relocated.

I now have my studio back... although there's some thinking and planning needed it's great to get back in here. She had lots of success whilst using the studio, so I'm hoping that the good positive vibes will inspire me too.  

That is if studio pooch will move over to let me have some space. 

It's amazing how popular this particular room is. 

If you'd like to see my daughter's new studio space here it is below... 

Cool isn't it? 

Here's a link if you'd like to see more of her work... click here and here

Before I head off to work on my peony, I thought you might like to see the eclipse that everyone is talking about here in the UK this morning. 

I didn't think we'd get to see anything here in Aberdeenshire, but we had a lucky break in the clouds and caught glimpses of it.
I think it worked out better having some cloud cover... it wasn't too bright or too much glare.
I probably will have poo-monia later as I stood outside for quite a time with soaking wet hair from my shower. I've hardly been about to warm up since, but I suppose these amazing specticals don't happen often and you have to sieze the moment. 

There was talk that the dogs would howl and the birds would stop singing, but that didn't happen. Muffty was still in her bed all snuggled up for the drop in temperature and the birds kept singing... maybe distracted by the fact that I'd just replenished the feeders and it was game on!

However there was a dog howling in the nearby woods but I suspect that he was just over excited with the rabbits running hither and thither.

These are not the best shots but considering I thought I wouldn't even see it, I suppose I should be grateful. 

Well that's it for today peeps... spring equinox, solar eclipse and a super moon tonight...
Phew...it's been quite a day but now it's time to paint.

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend

Hope to see you soon

What's on Your Work Desk Wednesday...WOYWW #224

Morning Peeps...and fellow WOYWWer's as it's Wednesday! 

You are going to be so impressed with me today...not because I've been super clever, talented, artistic or for any other reason other than this is going to be the shortest post EVER! 

(Hopefully a gold star potential)

So to make sure I keep my word...quickly here's my very temporary desk but at least there's something on it. 

Nothing much has changed in the room but hey ho it will one day.

This week I finally got a little time to start painting colour on some of my thistle cards...plus I spent a very enjoyable evening in here whilst my boys watched, shouted and screamed at the television whilst watching football in the lounge. 

I lit the fire and settled down to a little sketching time...in fact I only sketched for one half of the match, but it did feel good to get back to it! 

I think I'll be using footy time for further art sessions.

Everyone's happy! 

I've been wanting to draw a Puffin since I saw a programme about them shortly after returning to Scotland. 

It was all about Pufflets and I was hooked as soon as I heard the word...'Pufflet'!

I'm sort of a Pufflet myself these days! 

Well winters coming so stock up I say ;D

Apologies for the photo below because it was quite late when I took it. 
As you can see the fire has died down because I'd been so engrossed. 

So there you have it...my desk this week. 

If you want to see lots of other desks from around the globe just nip over to Julia over at Stamping Ground.

Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to have visitors. 

Apologies because all of the Apple and Blackberry crumble has gone, but there maybe a slice of Treacle and Ginger Cake left if you hurry! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone

Toodleloo for now