Mother Giraffe and her Baby Painting

It's been a very strange week, but one thing that has kept me sane (or as near to sane as I can be) has been completing this watercolour painting below... of a Mother Giraffe and her Baby.

I've intermittently been watching the live webcam footage of April, the giraffe who is about to give birth any day now, in the USA. 

She has quite a fan club and if you'd like to visit... click on the options below:

YouTube, Animal Adventure Park, or Facebook.

I'm trying to set up my Etsy shop once again and these cuties will hopefully appear in time for Mother's Day. 

If you'd like to see the painting from the beginning of the process, then click below:

Giraffe and Baby Painting

I'll be linking up to WOYWW (if they'll allow me, because I haven't done that for quite some time)

Click here if you'd like to see more work spaces.
And because it's Friday I'll be joining in with the Paint Party Friday

Thanks for your visit and I would love for you to leave a comment so that I know you've been here.

Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you again soon

p.s. For those that know Muffin hasn't been well and loosing lots of weight... the latest news is that I've just left her at the vet's once again for her scans, x-rays and investigations.
Can I ask that you use all your positive energy, prayers and thoughts to help Muffin recover.
Thank you

Wolf comes to call...(WOYWW #336)

A little late here today, but the sun was shining, so I wanted to make the most of it.

I'm multi-tasking and because it's Wednesday I thought I'd show you what I have on my desk. 

Well it's actually the kitchen table.

Since I completed the Inktober challenge my son has been asking me to draw a wolf! 

I'm not sure why he particularly wanted a wolf, but I thought I'd give it a go...

I love to draw using ink because I can just nip in and out as time allows, which is perfect for today.

Talking of which I'm going to nip across to link up to Julia at Stamping Ground blog

and the 'What's on your desk Wednesday (WOYWW) gang.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone and thanks for popping into my place.

xoxo

My week on a page #1 (WOYWW 322)

Hello...

Just a quickie this morning, which will please Julia over at the What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday party, as she likes us to be brief when we open our doors to show what's happening in our creative world. It's understandable because there are so many desks to visit, so it works well if the text is brief... (so maybe I'll manage not to natter too much this week?)

(Click here if you'd like to see more work desks from around the globe)

After taking part in Tracey Fletcher King's art classes over the summer, I'm now playing at loosening up in my drawing. I think it's beginning to work because I did these paintings really quickly for me and I actually had fun!

It's difficult sometimes to find subjects that I would like to paint, so to have every day objects for my projects is a perfect way and now I have no excuses.

Tracey has recently started to draw her week on one page and I love it. So I asked would she mind if I tried and she said nae probs no problem in her gorgeous Aussie accent.

So here's some of mine...

No desk view sorry, but a work in progress... I'd rather not let you know entirely what I get up to... so I'm chief editor and executive decision maker!

Oh don't you just love power?

Above are a pair of my gardening gloves... I have about three pairs currently and these are the newest. I just brought them in from the garden and put them on the studio desk... I started drawing straight away... hence the mud and damp patches. Yep, I'm still battling in the garden whenever the weather is kind... which isn't as often as I'd like it. 

Next, because we have actually had the odd day with sunshine, I've put my cozy Ugg slippers away and found my summer slippers hidden in the back of my wardrobe.

Then here's my best gardening implement. 

I've no idea what it's called but it's such a little Trojan and makes weeding as easy as it possibly can be.

The pea's are what I've managed to grow without a greenhouse or a veggie plot.

I'm so pleased with them and myself... (she says puffing up with pride) and I have to tell you they are delicious. 

There are other things on the page, but they need to be finished off before I show you the whole page. 

Besides it's only Wednesday, so there's a few days to go before my week is up. 

What a tease eh?

I told you I like power! 

So that's it for now peeps.

Have a great creative week and I'll hopefully see you soon.

Yoohoo... look who's on my desk today

Hey... look who's in my studio today - Tracey Fletcher King!

How lucky am I?

Many of you might know Tracey and her amazing artwork already, but I thought I'd share what's been happening over the last month or so, as part of What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday (WOYWW) 

I enrolled for Tracey's online classes called 'Delicious Paint' over at Community Thrive.

If you look at the photo below, you will see Tracey's smiling back at you plus the little watercolour booklet that she helped me create.
I have to say I'm thrilled with it.

As I hoped the classes have been almost sheer delight... I say almost because the idea is to loosen up  and that's always nerve wrecking for me. 

The classes were fun, informative and with Tracey's relaxed sense of humour and fantastic guidance

a great way to take in your 'daily five'.

There were no excuses for difficulty to access subject matter, because Tracey asked us to draw everyday objects and products. So, I like my fellow students I raided my fridge crisper drawer. 

I had to laugh to myself when I lined up the pear swatch onto the back page of the booklet. 

Do you see a huge behind?
A big Butt?
Bahookie? 

Whatever you want to call it... I thought it was appropriate for the end of the booklet.
 (yes I know small things and all that...)

I must admit, I no longer look at fresh produce in the same way...
so much so that I'm sure that I'm on my local Supermarket security radar.

 "Dodgy woman stalking the strawberries in aisle two!"

I must admit I spend far too much time ogling and handling the fruit and veg now.

As far as I can see there's only been one disappointment throughout the whole experience...
and that is that I've learnt Tracey loves sprouts! 

Seriously!

If you'd like to see more WOYWW desks... then click here

In the meantime, I'm going to carry on watching the tennis at Wimbledon.

I've been writing this post and watching... multi-tasking to the max.

Have fun this Wednesday and thanks for stopping by.

I hope to natter again soon.

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

What's On Your Work Desk... well a dog for starters!

This isn't the normal What's On Your Work Desk post from me today as there's no actual artwork on display. So if you want to see more art/craft then head over to our host Julia at Stamping Ground

For a start I have a dog on my desk... although she's actually Santa's Quality Control Manager and keeping a keen eye on procedures. 

She's making sure that standards are maintained. 

So what is she checking? 

Well basically me. 

I've been recruited as an elf to help with my daughter's Christmas orders. 

Her designs are flying out of the window... well not literally but you know what I mean.

(yes that's rain lashing on that window... see what I'm having to deal with peeps!)

Check here if you'd like a peek at the designs... there seems to be a head to head going on in the league table between Grumpy Owl with his Christmas jumper and Festive Penguins with the Penguins (at the last count) just a beak ahead. 

But that could all change with today's orders.

I've had my troubles with this lot I can tell you... it hasn't all been plain sailing. 

The seal tabs for the plastic wallets have certainly been a challenge!
Once they get a hold of you... the static just doesn't want to let go.
I'm finding them in the most unusual places.... nuff said!

Those little black circles above have white backs that once they are peeled off, make the room look like I'm working in a snow storm.

Talking of which we're supposed to be having a weather bomb hit us today. 

Yes a weather BOMB... whatever that means?

(I'll let you know once we get through it if there's anything to report)

I'm warming the sack here, along with all of my outer wear before heading off to the post office. 

I can hear the groans now as I think back to yesterday's visit. 

There was a queue... as there always is at this time of year, but oh boy they were lined up and wound around the whole post office by the time I left! 

If looks could kill I'd be six foot under now.

I was tempted to shout a cheery... " Merry Christmas Everyone" as I left but thought "Humbug" might have been more appropriate. 

So I'd better get on.... 

I hope to send time over the holidays catching up with everyone that's visited me over the last month or so. I'm horrified that I haven't done that yet as I like to reply and visit everyone.

By the way the art exhibition went well yesterday... I'll maybe post about it later. 

Anyway... I'm away to baton down the hatches now

Hopefully see you again soon

Have fun everyone and keep smiling! 

I'll have the Gin please...WOYWW #281 & PPF

I'm having terrible trouble getting going this morning. 

I'm putting it down to the ridiculous temperature of only 5 degrees. 

I've said it before but I'll say it again...
I'm not a happy bunny once the temperature drops below 16 degrees, so I think I may have to rethink this whole thing.

I just couldn't drag myself out of my warm cosy bed, although yesterday could have something to do with it as well as the chilliness. 

Not only did I battle the hurricane (although I think we were very lucky here)
I had lots of running around to fit into the schedule.
Mum's taxi was very much in demand and I even took the car in for a service half way through the day, as well as attending my art group.
Mulit-tasking to the max. 

By the time our dinner was over last night, I was ready to mould myself to the sofa! 

Anyway... I'm here now. 

A few chores have been done and I'm contemplating nipping out a little later, but it is Wednesday after all, so how about taking a peek at my desk. The WOYWW (what's on your work desk Wednesday) group will be well and truly partying by now, so if you want to catch up with Julie and the gang then click here.

As I mentioned I met with my art group yesterday and I grabbed the gin bottle... (cough) 

Let me clarify that statement please. 

Although it had been a busy hectic morning I wasn't that bad, besides the gin bottle was empty. 

It was one of the subjects for us to study and paint. 

There were other options... tins of beans, mustard, oxo boxes but for some reason I gravitated towards the gin.
I think it was the colour.... HONEST!!!

Here it is in the early stages on the desk in my art group.

I think they must suspect we maybe a little messy with such mass amounts of plastic sheeting everywhere.

I didn't realise when I chose the gin bottle just how detailed it was. 

For a start, I didn't know that Queen Victoria makes an appearance.
I can imagine her saying 'One is not amused' if she saw my version.

Then there's all of that lettering! Eek!

Anyway, here's my interpretation so far... yes once again I'm showing you unfinished work, but it took me well over an hour to draw the bottle.
I now wish I'd have thought about it a little more and perhaps changed the angle, so that it isn't so flat.

I'm aware that my blog is heavily into art at the moment, but there's lots of other things happening around here, but just whilst I'm attending this art group it seems to be taking priority.
I'm happy about that so will join in with the Paint Party Friday gang.
Click here if you'd like to be transported to the party too.
(Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again)

Another thing that I am taking part in during October is an instagram photo challenge. 

You may have noticed my instagram link in my sidebar has lots of changing photos.

Some I'd rather not have included here, but I'm following the list for each day's challenge so it's set and not my choice. So far I've managed each day... (quick pat on the back for me).

I'm also getting excited because Aggie (the Aga) is due to wake soon. 

Oh I've missed her and will no doubt be cooking up a storm once she's fully awake and with it! 

Well that'll do for today... I'll love and leave you for now

Enjoy your Wednesday and I hope to see and visit you soon

Toodleloo 

p.s. Oops I nearly forgot to thank you for your support in the pillow fight Ohh Deer competition.
I'm now on the first page! Woohoo
Here's the link in case you didn't see it last time
If you share or click on the like/share button on the right hand side of their page, you may help me win the competition
Fanks!!! 

What's On Your Workdesk 280 Pastels and Watercolours

Well, here we are at Wednesday once again. 

At the moment, it's all beginning to become a little blurred as to what day it is.

So in order for me to make the most of the today I'll be quick. 

I've emptied my art folder this afternoon in the hope that I'll manage to finish off a few things. 

Although, you can see sun outside the window and the farmers are working away it is rather chilly. 

In fact, this morning it was only 5 degrees and apparently I've been told there was even a little flurry of snow for about 5 minutes. I didn't actually see it as I was out and about.
Brrr.... anyway let's move on to my desk (or kitchen table) 

So there's the portrait and horse sketch that are still waiting for me to work on

(although I did add a little more shading to the horse earlier in the week ~ whilst football was on the television). 

I've actually moved two lamps into this space, so that I can work at night. 

It's ideal with so much footy on TV at the moment. 

This way everyone is happy  

This week in my art group, we used watercolours to produce a monochrome painting.

The piece was to be called a misty moonlight mountain scene... yeah right. 

I haven't used watercolours to a great degree, so it was both interesting and slightly scary.

As many of you will know, I like to work as precisely as I can and this exercise was very loose!

I used wax, clingfilm and salt... and we didn't bake a thing!

Unfortunately, you can't really see the moon and it's reflections on the lake but they're there. 

Now what else is on my desk...

Oh yes, there's the photo of Mufftypup. 

We're going to paint a pet or animal next week... this sadly could end a beautiful relationship between Muffy and me when she sees the outcome. I've tried on numerous occasions to draw her and each time failed miserably. 

We'll see if these classes can help. 

My teacher seems to think I'll have no problem! (HA!)  

The fingerless gloves are where my daughter left them after a painting session in the garage.
She's painting a LARGE canvas so it has to be done out there... plus she can paint with gay abandon in the garage. I'm surprised she can even bend her arms with how many layers she's having to wear... thermals are a must. Which reminds me that it's about time I popped the kettle on to help in the thawing out process.

So that's it for today, but maybe if you have time you would like to nip across to see some more desks throughout the globe...click here to visit Julie over at Stamping Ground.

Have a great day peeps and thanks for stopping by my place.

I hope to see you again soon.

 

xoxo

WOYWW #278 ... Pomegranates

I know that we'll all be saying the same thing this morning... 

"Where on earth did September go"?

I don't even know where July and August went never mind September! 

Anyway, here we are... it's Autumn and it's Wednesday, so it's time to share what we have on our desk (or kitchen table in my case). 

Keeping it brief as is the wish of our leader and linky host Julia over at Stamping Ground

Here's my desk...

I've went to my art group yesterday and entered new territory. 

It was certainly scary stuff because I used oil pastels for the first time.

In keeping with the autumn theme we drew pomegranates. 

Little Ruby Jewels

This was my practice piece in my sketch book.

It gave me the opportunity to get to know the pastels and how they worked.

I can't really make up my mind if I liked the pastels or not. 

I suppose it's early days yet.

I think I'm going to have to play a little more to come to a definite decision. 

I liked the way layers can be built up but became frustrated that I couldn't be more precise and how messy I (and my pad) became when using them. 

(Note to self... never wear white jeans again when I use oil pastels)

One more thing before I start desk hopping... I must tell you about yesterday.

My daughter joined an art class but didn't even have to leave the house. 

Whilst sitting comfy on the sofa, she linked into a live stream via our TV (hooked up to the internet), to a class being filmed in San Francisco! 

How cool is that!!!! 

It blew me away!

So that's it for this WOYWW entry... 

Have fun desk hopping and I'll just get ready to hopefully see you soon.

 

WOYWW...What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday #273

Today thankfully I didn't wake up next to a monster
Don't laugh because yesterday I did!

I turned to thank my hubby for my early morning cuppa and nearly dropped the cup.

Looking back at me was a red angry puffy slitted eyed monster.
Having someone look at you first thing in the morning and physically recoil from the sight of you, possibly isn't the best start to your day... or the fact that you have back to back meetings all day and look like you've been in the boxing ring all night.
But after anti-histamine and two days later he looks like he's just sleep deprived.

We're not sure what caused it... whether it was three excitable visiting dogs running throughout the house or the dust from yet more renovations.
Yep... we've moved into Phase 2 and this week we're changing all the radiators.
There are 18 radiators waiting to move in which means a little Pollifilla here, sanding there and a swish of paint in between. 

Anyway, I'm sitting here in the study on a 3C degree morning with the sun streaming through the window dreaming of hot showers and how long it might be before I can have one! 

I've lit the fire and I'm becoming increasingly cosy and comfy... at this rate I might not move for the remainder of the day, but before I forget I did promise that I'd show you my finished Highland Cow 'Hettie'

Yes, surprisingly I finished her and what's more I really like her!

(Painted using Daler Rowney Acrylic Artists Ink)

Here's my last WOYWW post that show's her in various stages of undress...click here

And below is a photo of a real HIghland Cow that I promised I'd take if I saw one on my rounds. 

I have to tell you that I did virtually everything to make her lift her head, but she was on a mission to consume as much grass as she could possibly manage before nightfall.

I haven't shown you my desk this morning because
1. My daughter is using it once more and
2. I've got my next drawing in the planning stage and it's a surprise.
I'll hopefully be able to show you that next week. 

If you'd like to see other artists finished work and their desks then there'll be lots to visit over at
 Julia's Stamping Ground. 

Click here to transport you

Have a great week and Happy WOYWW to one and all.

See you again soon

I've also linked up today with Jenn over at the Artist Playroom 

WOYWW... What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? #271

After the torrential rain and gales that have been blowing a hoolie here over the last few days, I'm surprised that I've managed to drop by for WOYWW without being swept clean past! 

'Bertha' the ex-hurricane has delivered her best (or should that read worst?) but thankfully we've escaped quite well in this part of the country considering. 

I have to say I'm a little stunned that the calendar still says it's August with the weather we're experiencing. So much so that I've actually checked it numerous times just in case a few months have slipped by without me noticing. 

There's even talk of autumn but I'm just not going to listen, as I'm not ready for that... 

not yet anyway. 

So onto my desk this Wednesday which is what Wednesday's are all about... 

WOYWW (What's on your work desk Wednesday, for anyone that doesn't know). 

I suppose it seems fitting that I'm working and painting a woolly cow this week. 

A highland cow to be precise. 

Everything seems to be wrapped up for coziness right now, so why not the cattle too?

    I'm still working from my kitchen table and probably will be for some time to come.

It's safer for starters as the studio doesn't have one ounce of space clear at the moment. 

It's a hive of activity and buzzing like a bees nest with my daughter's Etsy shop taking off plus commissions coming in. It's all very exciting and I'm thrilled, although I seem to have acquired the job description of admin assistant and chief tea maker!

 I do hope there's a name badge at least...

Now onto 'Hetty' as I've now decided to call her. 

She definitely looks like a she doesn't she?

The paper has crinkled slightly but that's not surprising as I've had to round her up after every session, so that we can use the table. 

She's been wandering from shelves to worktops and at the moment sitting on our bread bin... which is no mean feat for a highland cow, I can tell you! 

As you can see, I've still got a lot to add to her, so I'm going to carry on now before the light or next storm cloud appears. 

If you'd like to see artists finished work then there'll be lots of desks to visit over at Julia's Stamping Ground. 

Click here

Have a great week and Happy WOYWW to one and all.

I'll be painting and watching 'The Great British Bake Off' tonight so I may be a little later visiting your desks, but I hope to get there eventually.

See you again soon

What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday...WOYWW #270

It's a showery day here today so what's the best thing to do? 

Head into the studio of course. 

Well that's what I thought but it appears that it's already a hive of activity.  

Exciting parcels have arrived for my daughter from the printers and when a new A3 scanner arrived... well that just tipped Muffy over the edge...it's all just too exciting! 

I have something in mind that I'd like to paint today and can't wait to play with the acrylic inks once more. But I'm going to migrate to the kitchen table in order to keep the creative flows from clashing. 

Here's the painting from last week of the feathers that I promised to come back and show you. If you'd like to see more of the WOYWW gang's desks then click here to visit Julia over at Stamping Ground. I know I haven't visited everyone from last week but I hope to do that later today...so if you've visited me then stick the kettle on...I'm on my way. 

Unfortunately before I draw I need to iron first. 

I know that in the dictionary crafting comes before housework, but if I don't iron a shirt there's a serious risk my hubby will be going into his office in a vest! 

I've been putting off ironing for quite some time whilst the sun has been shining, but the 53 shirts are all stacked up in the laundry like Mount Etna and seriously looking like an accident waiting to happen. 

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone

Happy WOYWW to all the gang 

See you again soon

xoxo

What's on Your Work desk Wednesday...#258

Hello remember me?

I know it's been so long since I joined in with the WOYWW gang. 

I can't think what I've been up to which has kept me away until now, but not to worry, I'm here now. 

So what is WOYWW I hear new visitors ask? 

Well it's the lovely Julia over at Stamping Ground idea. 

So if you'd like to know more then click here and all will be explained. 

I haven't anything arty to show you this morning, but it's beginning to look hopeful. My desk (shared desk with my daughter) seems to be settling in slowly, although I'm not so impressed that we have scaffolding covering the window. 

Usually people put blinds up don't they? 

Don't worry I have ordered blinds, but they seem to be taking an age to appear. 

I think once the scaffolders start working out there with their radio blasting (on a radio station not of my choice), banging, crashing and generally shouting the banter back and forth between them, then I'll probably move to the kitchen table for a while. 

I'm keeping my entry brief today but one thing that has been in the forefront of my mind this week, is that I've found out something I didn't know...or had forgotten. 

My sister and her hubby came to visit us a few weeks ago and whilst we were in the middle of one of our many, many natters she mentioned about my Dad's drawing. 

Now this came as a blot from the blue to me...I know I'm five years younger than my sister but I just couldn't remember my Dad drawing. 

I've tried desperately to picture him with a pencil in his hand but I can't see it. 

We lost our Dad when I was 16 years old, so I'm thinking that maybe I was too young when he had did any art to remember. My sister says she would ask for a picture and went to bed only to find it there perfectly drawn the next morning. 

Thinking about it, it was probably the only time he was free to be creative...whilst the kids were in bed. 

Oh how I wish I could see him doing that now or even to see something that he'd drawn. 

I knew that I'd got my love of reading from him, but I didn't realise that the artistic side was from him too. I know it definitely wasn't from my Mothers side. 

Here's one of our favourite photos of my Dad doing one of the things he loved to do... 

...Reading

Yes we're on the beach but he's fully clothed...looking like a French model in my eyes. 

Gorgeous isn't he? 

Oh how I miss him  

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone...enjoy and thanks for stopping by...it's always great to see you! 

 

xoxo