GIVEAWAY...PPF Muffin...Pup and Pooch

 Well here we are once again...Friday.

It's been yet another sad week, having to say goodbye to Zac, but he was a fun loving little chap, so we're going to have a little fun today. 

I've decided to have a 'giveaway' but first for those who wanted to see the completed watercolour painting of Muffin from last week.

Muffin...Pup and Pooch.

I'm still not sure if it's actually finished and I must admit I learnt so much during the painting of this one. I think you might be able to see...from the puppy to the pooch... there's quite a difference.

I'm carrying on with my ink drawing of the Tiger, but I didn't want to post unfinished work...yet again. I'll hopefully finish it and let you see the outcome next week.

On to the fun stuff... THE GIVEAWAY

You may or may not know that there's a giraffe named April, who is about to give birth in a Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York any day now, and she has a live webcam on her to capture every moment.

I painted a Mother and Baby whilst I have been watching the live footage and I've decided that if you would like to enter the giveaway for an A5 print, then please press following button in my sidebar, and leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

If you'd like to enter the prize draw through Facebook, then once again press like and leave a message there. I hope to have that post up soon.

I hope to have Muffin draw the lucky winner, as she did on my last giveaway.

Here's a clip if you'd like to see that. Click here

(Oh my... doesn't she look cute, so young and fluffy too)

All names entered into the draw will go into a 'hat' (or spread over the floor for Muffin to walk over... with her taped paw, and hopefully one name will stick to her paw)

The draw will close as soon as April has her baby, so hurry and enter...she's looking like she could produce at any minute. 

I shall be linking up with the Paint Party Friday today, to carry on having fun.

Have a great day and thanks for visiting.

Good Luck to all who are entering the draw.

Robby Red Breast... PPF

A very quick post today.

I'll maybe explain in a few days, but for now I'll just link up with the Paint Party Friday Link.

It's the sixth bird in my watercolour series.

It was obvious to me that I had to include a robin in my flock.

I thought I'd taken some wip pictures, but it appears I didn't. 

Apologies for the rush this week.

Thanks for your visit.

Have a wonderful weekend and make sure you hug the ones you love.

Iris... PPF

There's nothing better than rising to bright sunlight and finding a beautiful surprise waiting to bring pleasure to your day. 

That is just what happened yesterday. 

This gorgeous Iris certainly brought a smile to my face, even though it was rather early in the morning and my eyes had hardly opened properly. 

The word iris stands for 'rainbow' in Greek. 

This is quite relevant to reality, since you can find irises in every colour of the rainbow... and there are over 200 iris species.

So for this weeks link to PPF how could I resist painting this beauty. 

I was stunned that the bulbs that I'd planted back in the autumn had actually survived and popped up.

I'd forgotten all about them.

I could never do such a brilliant job as Mother Nature had, but I could have fun trying.

I didn't have much spare time (what's new) so I just jumped right in. 

Initially, I used an Inktense watercolour pencil to make an outline draft.

(see I'm trying really hard to leave pencil marks out of my work) 

Then I used my Japanese watercolour paints.

Although I would have liked more time to paint, I did enjoy myself but I should have used better quality paper... it was initially only going to be a quick painting.

I always regret using the wrong paper once I start. 

Does that happen to you too?

But what's not to enjoy hiding away in the studio for a few hours. 

I'm thinking that I might like to revisit this idea again at a later date. 

Next time I'd use good quality paper or perhaps even a canvas.

 

I decided to use the blue and white liner ink pens to finish off. 

It's a little late for taking photos now, even though it stays light here at the moment until after 11pm.

The final photo doesn't really look like the original... but such is life.

I also couldn't help myself... I had to pick a wee bunch to come into the house. 

I think the iris might well be one of my favourite flowers, but then as each new plant bursts into bloom that too becomes my favourite! 

I hope you have a bloomin' great weekend. (sorry I just couldn't resist!)

Happy Paint Party Friday.

Caravaning Capers... PPF

Have you ever been stuck on a country road, going uphill behind a caravan?

Did you manage to keep calm or did you or the driver look like they were going to interally combust, because obviously you needed to get to that destination in the shortest time possible.

I remember when I was young that the caravans always seemed to struggle up hill or weaved slightly, which made all other drivers around rather nervous.

So imagine my disbelief when my sister announces that she and her husband are to become caravaners! 

It's something that I thought I'd never, ever hear, but apparently they are so excited.

I must admit listening to her talk about all of the pros, I'm 'slightly' in agreement that there maybe 'something' in this pursuit. 

But I hasten to add only 'slightly'!

 (I'm being generous here because after all she's my sister)

Remember I've never been camping in any shape or form... and I class caravans only just above a tent. 

But there you are... they're excited and are on the hunt for the right caravan for them, and then they will be taking to the open road. 

I've been informed that 

caravans are completely different these days and can travel at a reasonable speed... and up hill to boot!

So for this week's artwork I couldn't resist sending them a little congratulatory caravaning card.

I've never heard of this kind of card before... but then what do I know about caravaning? 

Diddlysquat apparently!

My son was rather bothered that I'd parked the caravan on an apparent sheer cliff face, but I told him he's being over cautious. It'll be fine! (gulp)

I've printed copies of my sister and her hubby's faces from a photograph, so that they can actually be in the caravan, but obviously I can't post their image here, as I haven't asked their permission. 

(Which is something that I always do... but this is to be a surprise) 

The card is on it's way to them today, so I hope that it arrives before she sees this post. 

I placed some kitchen paper over their faces for now, but I'm thinking it looks like net curtains.

Obviously, when she opens the envelope she'll get the full impact photo and all...and it hopefully will give her a good giggle.

I thought I'd use the opportunity to practice some more lettering on the inside of the card.

If you visited last week and saw my poor videoing skills sketching (click here if you'd like to see)

I did promise some readers that I'd show the sketch when it was finished. 

So that's it for this week folks...

I'd love to hear any of your caravaning cappers if you have had any... or what you've done recently to pass on a giggle. 

I'll be linking up with Eva and Kristin as usual over at PPF

If you'd like to see more art just click on the PPF link above.

I'm also linking to Alexandra's Sunday Sketches 

Until we meet again... have fun and keep smiling.

xoxo

Ahh ha Haar... PPF

To say I'm working in a fog today might mislead you.
It's not that I'm lost or having trouble in any way... it's literally that I'm IN a fog.
Because we had one beautiful spring day earlier in the week, we now have to pay the price here in this part of the UK.
It happens every year when the land temperature rises and meets the cooler air coming off the North Sea... the 'haar' (fog) rolls in and it hangs around for a few days.
For example, today we were only 7 degrees Celsius here, whilst if I'd have driven an hour inland then the temperature would have risen to 19 degrees Celsius!
What a difference the haar makes!
But I'm not letting it get to me (ha... who am I kidding) so I thought I'd carry on with the Spring theme. 

I need to work on my lettering, but I'm quite pleased with this work in progress.
Let's take a closer look...

I'm actually working on a project that's hush hush at the moment, but don't worry I will reveal all as soon as I can. But in the meantime I wanted to share something with you all, so I decided to do a quick tutorial.

I've been so impressed with Carrie's Watercolour Misfit online tutorials. 

I love Carrie's work and I can't believe just how much time and effort she must put into her video tutorials. She also provides free templates... so even if you have trouble drawing, you can still enjoy and take part. By the way I didn't us a template with this piece... I like to draw.

I'll be sure to let you see this WIP once I finish it, which hopefully will be tomorrow... especially if the fog lingers.

Talking of tutorials... as I mentioned last week I've enrolled in Tracey Fletcher King's Delicious Paint Classes even though I completed the classes last year. 

I learnt so much during that time and I know I will carry on building on those skills with Tracey's guidance.

(the under painting has opened up a whole new world to me... which by the way I'm using in the spring painting above) 

I thought I'd include some pages from the little booklet I created... for those who may not have seen the first time round. 

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

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

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.
I'm also linking up with Alexandra's  Sunday Sketches

Well that's it folks... it's time to party and enjoy the weekend. 

Have fun and I hope to see you again soon.

Get your lovely Mango's - PPF

After a few weeks of creating black ink drawings, I needed a blast of colour for this weeks link to Paint Party Friday. 

So when I came across Tracey Fletcher King's latest video illustrating her technique for painting a mango, I was thrilled because it's no secret that I'm a huge fan, but also that I had a mango to hand. 

 Perfect...

As you can see it's rather dark for painting, but what can you do during winter in Bonnie Scotland. You have to work with what you're given. 

With desk lamp and overhead lights switched on I dubiously started.

For those of you that like to know details of what supplies were used, then here they are...

I used the Kohi-I-Noor watercolour paints as shown in the above photo on Daler Rowney 300g/m2 

Aquafine paper, outlining with uni-ball eye waterproof black pen and white corrective pen.

I like the texture of the paper which gives the effect for the mango skin,

And here's the finished mango. 

It was such fun to paint and gave me my colour fix. 

If you'd like to take a look at the video of  Tracey painting a mango then click on her name, or nip across to the Paint Party Friday link, then click here.

and for Sunday Sketches 
 
Also Express Your Creativity

Right... now I can actually eat the mango.... Mmm 

Have a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend everyone.

Hope to see you again soon

xoxo 

Paint Party Friday... Koi Carp

I've had a play and experimented a little during the week, and finally this is where I've ended up with the Koi Carp watercolour painting. 

I think I'm finished on this one and I'll finally call it a day.

It's been good to nip in and out having a dabble here and there, but I think it's time to move on.

I'm pleased with certain aspects, but regret others... but that's what it's like when you're learning isn't it?

Like many of you I'm having a hard time fitting in all that I'd like to at the moment. 

It's that time of year when expectations can completely outweigh reality.

I am going to take stock of what I do and how I allocate my time for this coming new year.

I think it will be a major time for change (hopefully for the good).

I will try to visit as many PPF's blogs as I can because it's amazing how brilliant, inspiring and uplifting it is to see so many artists work. 

They are a great bunch, so click here if you'd like to join in too.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.
I'm also linking to Sunday Sketches. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Have fun and enjoy

xoxo

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

My Week On A Page #4 (Autumn arrives) PPF

It appears that spring has finally slipped quietly away and autumn has taken it's place.

I'm afraid I couldn't hang on to it any longer. 

All the signs are blatantly obvious now... the geese have flown over in their perfect V formations... chatting excitedly on heading south to warmer parts. 

The squirrels are busy evading my camera lens in their frenzied activity of preparing their winter food stores.

The leaves are just beginning to put on their autumn colourful display... with the odd leaf gently floating down to the ground. Many others will follow soon, but for now they're like gentle confetti. 

September is one of my favourite months, but one thing that I'm not happy about is the invasion of spiders coming into the house. No matter how often I sweep through with the feather duster... as soon as I turn my back... they're back and the web reappears.

Last Monday started out to be a very wet day, so it gave me the perfect excuse to head into the studio to create my week on a page painting.

Initially I sketched out the design 

The autumnal theme is prevalent with spiders and their webs, evasive squirrels and autumn leaves cascading down the page. I've also added into the sketch, packets used for collecting seeds. 

I have to admit that I've never taken the time to collect seeds before, but I'm going to give it a go this year. The trouble will be to remember where I put them when spring comes to call. 

There's also a bottle of dog shampoo included on the page, because we're heading into the realms of the daily paw spa. 

Muffy has hair (as apposed to fur) and once she gets wet, which lets face it when you're that low to the ground, is quite often. Even the early morning dew can cause soggy paws and tummy.
She can take an age to dry out.
It's a good job that she likes the hairdryer and will come running whenever she hears it.
I think she just loves the warm air blowing on her. 

A reminder of her youth when living in hot climates.

The remaining item is a helinium. 

One of my daughter's favourite plants. 

I've never grown them before, but have been delighted with their fantastic vibrant colour, like mini sunflowers in my border. I can't believe that they are still producing flowers and look like they'll carry on for some time to come... with lots of buds still to open.

They are perfect to cut and bring into the house for floral arrangements.

They last for ages too.

So here's the finished page... My week on a page #4

I have such fun creating these pages. 

It's a great visual diary.

Perhaps you'd like to give it a try? 

Thanks for visiting and I'd love to hear what you'd include on your page.

Have fun and I hope to see you again soon.

Happy painting peeps!

My Week On A Page #1 (PPF)

I know I left a snippet of what I've been creating in the studio earlier this week, but amazingly I'm now able to show you the whole thing today.  

Here's a snippet from my previous post, just in case you didn't manage to see it. 

If you'd like to see the post then click here

I took the idea from Tracey Fletcher King (with her permission of course) and it's just perfect for me. I often struggle to find a subject to draw/paint, but this idea of creating a page containing things that have been part of my week is just ideal. 

It's just a snippet of my week but quite fun to pick which things to include.

So for this first week I've included Gardening Gloves, Gardening Tool, Summer Slippers, Home Grown Peas, Telephone and Mobile phone, a Baking Spatula and a book with a idea bubble.

The gardening gloves have certainly earned their keep since I returned from being away for a few days, along with my magic wand... well it's almost magic, but unfortunately it needs a little input from me. I'm absolutely thrilled that along with some strawberry's and tomatoes I've managed to grow some beautiful sweet garden peas. They are so gorgeous I'm hardly managing to bring any into the house... popping the pods and enjoying they're gorgeousness before I reach the kitchen. 

You don't get fresher than that!

With the weather improving, although not quite where I'd like it to be, I've brought my summer slippers out into the light from the dark recesses of my wardrobe. 

Fool-hardy perhaps but it is August after all. 

The phone is always a big part of my day whether it's the landline or my mobile phone, so I felt I had to include them. The book is something I'm mulling over and have been for the last year.

Hey, I'm world class when it comes to procrastinating!

And finally the blue spatula... which is from a Donna Hay baking range. 

I got it along with an oven glove when I purchased one of her books when I lived in Melbourne. 

I wanted to include it because baking has taken off here in a BIG way this week.

The Great British Bake Off (GBBO) is back. 

WOOHOO!!!

I just heard that the viewing figures have been incredible for this new series, but rightly so. 

The programme airs at 8pm on a Wednesday evening and is an hour of pure entertainment for me.

I've even baked a cake this week in it's honour.

I could go on about it, but I fear I might lose some of my audience... especially if you've never seen, heard or even like baking... so I'll shut up!

I'm noticing quite a change in my painting style and it's certainly loosening up, which is thrilling for me and something I've wanted to do for some time.

Thanks Tracey xx

Because it's Friday I'm going to link up with Kristin and Eva and Paint Party Friday

I have guests coming to stay so must dash. 

Have a wonderful weekend whatever you have planned and thanks for visiting my place.

What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday WOYWW and so much more

I think I need to write a post daily at the moment because so much is happening. 

It's not a question of having to tell you all that's happening in my life, because you'd be shocked (ha) 

I thought I'd throw that one in just to wet your appetite and let your imaginations run wild!

For today, I'll just show you one of the things that's keeping me busy at the moment. 

I'm taking part in Tracey Fletcher King's online art classes where we are painting food! 

I mean what a fabulous way to get your allocated five a day, plus learning new techniques, meeting lots of friendly talented artists... all keen to have fun and as Tracey say's... "just have a go!"

She's a brilliant teacher, giving so much of her time, energy and amazing talent, whilst keeping everything so relaxed. If you read Tracey's blog (click here if you haven't) then you'll know she is quite a character and so funny. 

Totally unique in a very special way. 

So, let me show you what's on my desk this Wednesday. 

Because I'm linking up with Julia over at Stamping Ground and WOYWW  

(which stands for what's on your work desk Wednesday for anyone not familiar with this acronym) I'm going to keep this brief. (or at least I'll try) 

There's lots of see over there and desks to visit from all over the globe, so it's good to keep it brief. Click here if you'd like to be transported into a crafty/arty world.

So here's my desk...

I have Tracey's video's playing as I paint to keep me loose and not get too caught up in the detail, as is my want. I find listening to the video works as a great reminder that this is to be fun. 

All very relaxed!

Most of what I'm showing you is work in progress... there's little tweaks to be added here and there. Shadows and defining lines and hopefully I won't that one step too far. 

I like some of my subject and hate other's. 

I'm not going to go into detail which is which because everyone will see these differently. 

You might like one that I don't... anyway... let's carry on.

If you can imagine that I had all of the fruit and veg sitting on my desk, which was fine to begin with... but I tend to nip into the studio and dabble, then go onto other things leaving the paint to dry or to revisit at another time.

It wasn't until painting this avocado, that I became aware that virtually every time I looked at it the flesh was a different colour. Yuk! 

Everything was going off in the sun coming through the window. 

Note to self and is one of Tracey's tips... paint quickly!!!

I decided to paint the half of a tomato (which was already on it's way to foosty

(a scottish word for slightly off or certainly well on it's way) because it was so interesting but had to quickly abandon it when there was a serious health risk looming.  

 I think I actually ruined the capsicum with going over and taking that step too far that I unfortunately often do. 

Here's the before photo ... I like it at this stage. 

Oops I wasn't going to do that.

 I've got to master shadows next  (ha... I should be so lucky)

This might be another step too far.

 So that'll do for today...

Here's the links to the websites and I hope you'll have fun this Wednesday with whatever you have planned.

Thanks for your visit and hopefully I'm going to try to catch up with all of my comment replies from the last few posts, in the next few days. 

See you soon