I really enjoy this painting technique, can you tell? I use only 3 colours, 2 shades of blue & white. :).
It instils Peace as I paint and gaze off into the distance -like this tiny bear... amazed with Gods Glory. Happy Sunday! Created to Create.
Blessed Be. Acrylic on wood 8"
I really enjoy this painting technique, can you tell? I use only 3 colours, 2 shades of blue & white. :). It instils Peace as I paint and gaze off into the distance -like this tiny bear... amazed with Gods Glory. Happy Sunday! Created to Create.
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Acrylic on wood. 8 inches
Because my love for you is higher than words I have decided to fall silent. `Rumi Let there be light! ... & Make it a funky monkey! Before & after acrylic paint on monkey lamp
My mom & Geoff bought me the perfect lamp for my birthday! I called him Michelangelo, since we share the same birthdate & it was a birthday gift. It was pure white and very cool, even the bulb can be turned to flickering like a torch to a solid warm glow. I opened it at 10 p.m. and my mom knowing me well, sent me a text at 9 a.m the next day asking if I painted him yet. lol. No but it was only a matter of time... every time I walked by I thought about it, went to bed that night and planned on how to paint him. I decided to ask on my IG account: should I paint him and several agreed, YES paint him! Up at 4a.m. duckduckgo: monkey. Narrowed it down to a Crab-Eating Macaque, - onto the desk he sat, waiting. It took all day, the first coat -getting in all the tiny cracks & crevice was a task requiring patience. I also had to wait for the sun to go down to paint details on the face using light that would not change. Instantly, I was pleased I decided to paint him, he fits in much better now. I'll admit, you don't see him as well in the dark, not with the torch light but-that.o.k., he look very cool in the light! Let there be light. Anyone who knows me knows, I like different- creative & fun... he fits perfect here, surrounded by a parrot chandelier, monkey candle holder & monkey phone charger holder, metal snail salt & pepper shakers & chimp art. I was also gifted a dog toy: Mr. Bill', remember him? Arrow & Ginger fight over him, Ginger had me laughing out loud as she discovered, if you bite Mr. Bills crotch - just right he yells: Ooooooo Noooo! Weeee.. hee hee. Let there be light & colour! Back to painting my Barred Owl - Van Gogh style. Created to create. Tribute to Chuck, as I thought of him while painting. Count the different facial expressions the Grinch makes, each one so very clear to the emotion we are encouraged to imagine. One second you can see the anger & frustration as The Grinch struggles with the sled, his heart growing... to the look of Absolute & Obvious LOVE when understanding - finally kicks in.
Animators are taught to look into the mirror to master facial expressions, when Dr. Seuss confronted Chuck on why the Grinch looked like Chuck, Chuck Jones shrugged and replied..."it happens". It does. Look at the look an Max as he sits, pondering positive thoughts & images. The Grinch, you can imagine the next word out his mouth & it's not FFFfffestive. These will be the extent of my Christmas decorating. It was cold this morning, I was a wee bit Grinch an it's snowing. Another beautiful day to read my current, incredibly thought provoking book & possibly paint. The power of visuals is so important to children in particular, in the Grinch it's a sad second (some might not catch) as the Grinch is complaining & grabbed Max by the Scruff of his neck, the grinch stands there with his fist at Max's very sad little face, only for a second, the message is too clear. Wow, imagine those two, creating together - well, the results are evident. How do small toddlers feel when they see violent images, how did I feel watching Daffy blow his beak off? I think there's a bit of a difference between then & now. Images of Abused children, duck taped to chairs, on bags & in magazines, on coffee tables... they do see them, their tiny brain must be wondering... wtf? Many videos with filters using toddlers are on social media. Toddlers, most just able to walk & grasp 'life', just learning about EVERYTHING from food taste & testers to touch -fur, soft, scratchy, hot! No wonder they sleep so much - every day is tiny new brain overload. Imagine it - learning everything for the very first time. These filters are disturbing to most, let alone babies. The first 5 years very informative and important for a healthy life to follow. We manage all the information as we get older because we understand 'oh - I know that is only 'make believe', I understand how movies are made. Toddlers have no frigging clue how movies are "made" let alone Instagram filters', then some adult shows them a filter that has a giant fucking tarantula 'crawling, amazingly, realistically out of her nose! That is child abuse. That poor babies expression as she started to slap her own face - was FUCKED UP. How is that funny? This technology is so new and fascinating, look at that 1 example - that person has inflicted a frightening experience of visual trauma to that child. I've seen a couple now and thought "that's cute".. but after noticing all toddlers seem to think that what they are seeing, IS actually on their face, is confusing tiny minds. I think it should be law that children should not have their images online, until after an age where they understand it & these filters are messing up tiny minds. Parents need to refrain. That's just my opinion, I certainly have not forgotten that baby's face & hitting itself screaming, not laughing. At what expense is this 'amusement' going to cost children? Even the 'cute' stuff is concerning. Peace of mind, is priceless. Visuals - once seen can not be unseen. See that look on Max, that's how I feel - Loved & loving. God Loves me, you too. Loved & Loving.. how each of us has been created. Forgiven & Forgiving. First snow & hibernation sensation is kicking in!
It snowed (not Buffalo snow but snow) and it’s -4 chilly… it does something to the brain, it tells it to eat comfort food and sleep - like bears going into hibernation. Suddenly, I find myself in the kitchen craving & baking cherry turnovers, roast & chicken in the slow cooker and chicken pot pies, chilly, soup, shortbread & there it is - the muffin top that most Canadians acquire every winter is already making an appearance - Weee. This, is how it’s meant to be - if we all listened to our bodies, I think we’d all put on a little weight for the winter. Ready for bed at 6p.m - surrounded by darkness as the sun sets at 4;19 (today). It takes a while to become accustom this time change crap. To top it off I’m an early bird - usually up & enjoying my first coffee at 4, so I don’t feel guilty when I’m in bed at 8. Did you know in 2014, Russia stoped changing the clocks. Hawaii & Arizona don’t change either. It’s “daylight saving time,” not “daylight savings time.” Either way - it’s comfort food season! I love the snow, the glitter blanket putting the woods to bed for a few months. The dogs… not so thrilled, although Arrow & Daisy love the snow, rolling, tumbling & sliding - Poppy and Ginger think it’s Nipply - with tiny legs - they run out & in. The wolf birdhouses have been delivered & my friend Tom was pleased, I never tell him what I am creating, I like him to be surprised. Time to get back to regular painting - currently on my desk - Bugs & Daffy & Im learning to paint ‘light’ in the forest… in between I might bake & do push ups (phhhhbt - lol) to keep some control & avoid the entire muffin from accumulating - which I will be cursing in the spring, if I over indulge. Welcome winter! I don’t shovel so.. I’m not complaining. I do think this snow is here to stay, oh well - this is Canada after all. It’s a fabulous day to - Paint & Enjoy some Canadian comfort food... in moderation. Ho, Ha, Guard, Turn, Perry, Dodge, Spin, Ha, Thrust!!!
RobinHood Daffy Chuck Jones. Acrylic on wood (2 sides). 1 of 9 in a set. Daffy & Porky at their best, what an interesting relationship these two have. In this cartoon - full of Daffy antics & laughter, you really get to see the friendship between them. Porky is the sweetest I’ve seen him, sitting there laughing so hard - a tear falls, then the two of them laugh together (Daffy at himself) until they are rolling on the ground, it is contagious & makes me laugh to watch. We’ve all had that kind of friend, makes you laugh until you pee your pants. Laughing is the best medicine and these cartoons are a wonderful escape to do so. You’ll notice this cartoon is full of vivid colours! Pinks, greens - a yellow sky & blue trees but it all blends magically and appears very ‘normal. Take a closer look and you will notice the leaves are actually stamped’ as are the little red flowers. This is obviously an attempt by background artists to not only be creative but save time and costs (if I had to guess). I watch this cartoon for the joy of watching Daffy try to convince Porky he is RobinHood, Daffy forever f*cking up and Porky is forever patient & I admire the stunning, sharp background visuals. This is the last of my set of 9 that looks neat up on the wall, if I do say so. Want a pick me up? Want a good giggle - I suggest you make a tea, get all cosy & watch these two. I have the golden collection DVD set (all 3) but they can still be watched on YouTube. It turns out - I have one more just being finished on my desk today, I did the one side a few months back & it hung in the kitchen.. I decided to finish it, I’ll show you next Saturday. Created to create, I’m grateful for ALL those cartoonists, animators & artists who have created amusing visuals to raise our spirits & make us laugh. This Monkey is on a big burlap bag painted in acrylic. Plastic bags are no longer encouraged but you can still buy some for .35 cents! (a plastic bag) if you need them.. 35 a bag- forget it - bring your own. Better yet -create your own. By now everyone knows how to recycle an old T shirt into a big with no sewing.. if not - google.
I'm o.k. with reusable bags but I wonder - is the damage already done and for individuals trying to make a difference- I wonder what rules apply to companies regarding -one time plastic. Have you seen the crates covered in Saran Wrap, which makes them easier to ship? Have you seen the solution created from plastic bottles - still being produced by the millions, I think a documentary (Netflix) stated we could easily reach the moon & back if we lined up all the plastic bottles. I have used reusable bags for a while now - mostly, they are stronger , we've all had the experience of a cheap plastic bag breaking. The first monkey was sad looking - I guess I was pondering plastic too much, Storm remarked on his sad appearance so I made him - happy? O.k. perhaps not "happy" but slightly more cheerful, as he soaks in a pool with mushrooms rising beside him, mushroom clouds. Either way - it's a new big bold bag, I won't forget & why not... there was no plan -I just painted to create & this little chimp made himself known. What will you create today to save the planet? hee hee - it's good to have goals. A photo of my chicken sitting on an egg gave me and idea for a painting...
That painting, later while in bed, became a sketch of a craft idea, I keep a notepad beside my bed for such inspirations. The next morning, the sketch became reality once drawn on wood, followed by a quick visit to the shop' with some simple instruction & measurements. Back on my desk a couple of hours later for paint & now... a new 'egg holder' hangs in the kitchen. Reminding us to give thanks for each egg. Created to create. Give Thanks - Love Thy Hens. Happy Friday & Halloween weekend!
Be careful party goers - overindulged ghouls can sometimes get into scary situations! Don't drink & drive - you're not really Cinderella & that's no pumpkin. Today, out of bed, start the fire & hit the canvas! Ready to finish painting: Me & my Arrow. Acrylic on round canvas. When this photo was taken I was trying not to laugh, I was sitting on a bench & Arrow jumped up beside me as if wanting in the selfie. The two of us sitting there, amused me & Arrow. She likes to sit on the sofa with me too- up right -like a human. I’ve been painting between paintings, this is one. Arrow likes the painting - next I might try to paint all 4 as I was able to get an actual photo with all 4 recently - a feat upon itself. No photoshop for me, no grids or rulers, I paint organically. If I did grid - it would be more accurate but I’m pleased as I have captured ‘the feel of the moment’, my (our) moment. It's releasing to paint & not stress, just go with the flow. What’s more important - how we feel or how we look? I have looked great & felt like crap; I have felt great & looked like crap. When I feel great - I could care less what anyone ‘thinks’ about how I look, I feel too good to be concerned with the opinions of others, especially by those who judge on appearance. My clothing is usually covered in paint or dog hair, which for me represents LOVE. Clothes do not make the man (or woman). Feel good! Look how ever you choose. Life is over in a blink of an eye, feel good & DO what you love. Only a few leaves left & this morning - frost on the pumpkins - it was invigorating. Rise & Shine - we’ve been gifted another day! It’s a lovely day to kick the ball & ponder the next painting. Lord Love A Duck! Acrylic on wood What does that saying even mean? My mom says it, I’ve herd several make this remark over the years.. the other day watching the ducks run around, I thought: Lord, love a duck! After some investigation, it’s still not clear what this expression means. It seems to be a form of exasperation. Not, another way of swearing. In written words it can be found several times, still it doesn’t make the saying any clearer as to the true meaning. I’ll take it as it states - Lord, love a duck! Ducks are amusing, chatty, social, entertaining, affectionate - what’s not to love? Now, I have a duck ‘treat board.. or I might add hooks - a place to hang keys. Lord Love A Duck… and chickens too. I read a child has died, after a crash involving a UTV, driven by a drunk adult. Heart breaking, something that I’m sure started off as fun - turned deadly. Just like golf carts, minibikes, even riding lawnmowers… people forget they are operating a machine, capable of causing harm or death if not properly used. Add alcohol & the person is impaired - just as driving a car. I’ll admit as a Canadian & cottager, for decades - many times we drove our boat, glass of wine & a beer (or two) while out and about on the lake. The same could be said when we had a snowmobile out on adventures - Rum in hot chocolates on our winter adventures & this includes friends… it’s a mindset. No one anticipates ending up in an accident. I can be a real buzz kill’ when it comes to alcohol, I don’t ‘allow’ drinking, not even one beer - while working in the shop with power tools & saws. Not out while working in the woods either. In my lifetime I have witnessed too many incidents that have turned negative (some deadly) due to alcohol consumption, I have no problems being a "buzzkill.' Lord, love a duck! Look after yourselves & your loved ones. Duck bonus! This duck was done with a gel marker, my warm up before my duck board.
Double Ducks! Created to create. Check out these Catcuterie boards! Weeee…
I made a couple as gifts and they were well received & I had the bonus of enjoying the creation… they make me smile - especially they Halloween themed Catcuterie charcuterie (say that 10 times fast!). I am making more, simply because it is purrrfectly pleasurable. Focus on joy. A few will reflect actual cats I’ve seen, a couple will be gifts. ;) & a couple to sell. I'll post them here, when available. If interested in purchasing a ‘Catcuterie Charcuterie’. Made in Canada, Canadian Pine, *protected with a food grade oil, also used on butchers blocks. NOT dishwasher safe. 'Hang to display' these functional felines - when not in use. $86. for existing, $100. for a custom kitty painted to resemble your own feline friend. + shipping. Send an email georgiatoons@gmail.com & I will let you know; if any are available, if I am currently creating custom Catcuteries. Subject: Catcuterie Charcuterie There’s still leaves on the trees - vibrant yellow, stunning with the green pine & grey sky - I feel the need to break out the brushes. I love watching fall - fall! In between Catcuterie boards. We have an automatic duck door & now we say: “Unleash the ducks!” Out they run, big and tall and ready to take over the world flapping & quacking; followed by the chickens, who strut in as (mostly) confident cocks. Another day to give thanks & witness to all these miracles! Thank God, for it all or God, reminds us to be thankful. Today, I’m thankful for fall, every leaf. Puffin Acrylic on round canvas 13” across
Just a puffin… I became aware of the plight of the puffin recently & was amazed to learn about Puffin life - these birds don’t have it easy. They are actually having a difficult time in Newfoundland with the avian flu as it has killed thousands of sea birds. I have never seen a Puffin so I thought I’d learn about them as I painted one - they have a clown like appearance; faces with bright colours and a vibrant big beak. If you wondered why the price of eggs & chicken is rising, this avian flu is partially to blame as it’s costing farmers more to be vigilant -keeping the avian flu away. In the spring I read we should keep feeders empty as passing flocks returning from migration flew overhead, reducing the possibility of avian flu. I won’t even buy anymore birds, I think we’ll hatch them from our own little flock, from now on. It’s raining out but the ducks don’t mind, the chickens on the other hand don’t enjoy the rain & remain in the coop. The other day I was in the coop then a duck started to flap his wings and it was fascinating! It sounds like a helicopter & the strength clear all the leaves that were around, the wing span was huge! We only have 7 ducks and this is enough, I think too many would have them feeling crowded over the winter. I’m curious if the ducks will venture out in the snow. I’m hopeful I’ll get to see a live puffin up close & grateful for those that persevere! I was tempted to have my puffin 'puffin' - but decided not to as I went along, he’s sweet enough just how he is. Created to create. Let there be light. Acrylic on wood 7.5" Remember that sweet little bird that visited recently? This is him, watching the morning light appear for a new day. He was a painting in between cat paintings.. He's very excited for the new day - just as I am - every day. Anticipating fall - which has arrived! The leaves are all changing & starting to drift down. Lots of yellow, orange and red - stunning. A new day to explore, paint & hope. In the words of Elvis: Walk on with hope in your heart & you'll never walk alone. I like listening to Elvis to start some days.. he warms my heart as the fire warms the house. I'm praying for Newfoundland, P.E.I & Nova Scotia as they recover from this past storm. My son was literally there a week before, I'm grateful for his safe return. I read 'The Tea Cup Rock' in P.E.I (which, I have a photo standing in front of ) was pushed into the ocean. Fortunately, it does not appear as though many lives were lost; homes swept into the ocean did not fare as well. I've been to P.E.I several times & loved it; the people are strong, kind & will pull together. I have family there, I hope they are all safe & sound. Let there be light. I'f you've been gifted a new day - give thanks! Created to create Currently on my desk... my little feathered friend, again. Sailing over the Ocean Blue. Acrylic on board 10" Sailing, sailing over the ocean blue... imagining all the treasures in the sea, creatures of all shapes and sizes, a history all it's own, perhaps never to be discovered. In the next attempt, I think I'd add more sea creatures . No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars or sailed to uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit. ~Helen Keller Below, Poppy discovering a Bee. Fall Fowl.
Acrylic on round canvas, 10 inches Some leaves have started to change, bits of yellow are starting to show, and what a show it is! Soon there will be orange, yellow & read and green all starting to fall - a yearly miracle and sign winter is on the way. I love everything about fall from sweaters, hot teas, comfort meals, fuzzy blanket snuggling with dogs and a great book (all books are good), walks in the woods and more time to paint as the dogs prefer snuggling by the fire. What I don’t like about fall - hidden dog poop. The ducks quack hello when they see me and run to the fence… as they know I am the ‘bringer of treats’. Watermelon & grapes and other little left overs. Ducks have blue eyes, hard to see unless in the right light - most photos I take they look black. Ducks being all white are a challenge to paint, just as all black cats and dogs. I wanted sweaters on my ducks. Taaadaaa - the magic of paint. One has ‘duck feet’ usually always slightly turned in and it makes her all the more adorable. The other two gaggle about her, as ducks do. Ducks appear as though struggling as they waddle - slowly, try and catch one and you’ll soon see what a misrepresentation that waddling is. I hear they take winter better than chickens which I hope is true… we’ll soon find out. I hope you have enjoyed my duck painting, it won’t be the last.. the other day they came running and I immediately thought of them as bowling pins.. it made me laugh out loud - sure to become a memory in acrylic. Created to create. Come everyone who thirsts…
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters…. Isaiah 55:1 Words that inspire my soul, are often relating to God. This painting was inspired by several! First it was inspired by another Domestika course, just finished & I loved it. The waterfall was inspired by a gouache class, I highly recommend it & I will take another if Ruth Wilshaw teaches again. Advanced Gouache. Second it was inspired by a stranger who took the time to send me a letter, Cathy.. sharing her love of Gods word with me. How thoughtful to take the time to inspire & share. Although she encouraged me to Jehovah Witness (which I am well familiar with, as my mother-in-law was a devout follower), I do not follow any organized religion but believe ALL have good, God & love within them. I find God in the forest or at my desk meditationg, easier than in any pew. Third it was inspired by a classic Disney movie. The backgrounds in classic Disney in particular are works of art & stunning! They change dramatically depending on the movie. I watch Disney movies several times.. to see the story, to watch the animation & to study/admire the backgrounds. Can you guess the movie scene that inspired this one? So, I guess you could call it a collaboration. Isn’t that what life is? Inspired by everything & everyone. Come everyone who thirsts.. On my desk today: The odd duck out! Be Still & Know. Acrylic on round board 5" My mom asked for my last piece like this so I gave it to her, she doesn't often ask for a painting. I made myself a tiny replacement but have a larger in the works. This tiny bear knows love surrounds her as she sits and admires all Gods glory on a moonlit night & what a lovely moonlit nigh it was last night! Today, I woke to a magnificent sunrise through the leaves on the trees- soon to disappear for another year. Be Still & know. I also started another E.T. as I enjoyed the one I painted in gouache.. today I'll add a few more details. I'm pleased so far as he has detail that you can 'feel' & a finger that glows with shimmering gold that changes with the light. I have a weeks worth of round canvas with the "quote' side already painted and the other sketched, there are not enough hours in the day for painting and pondering. Below is my moms partner Geoffrey, what a lovely human he is & I'm grateful he is in her (our) life & visa versa. Every visit he comes with salmon & potatoes tarts he makes (delicious, I've blogged about them already), he brings ziplocks of peeled frozen clementines, he knows how much I like oranges but gave them up because peeling them simply hurts my hands. I asked him to pick me up some cheesies from Costco & he brought up a container I could easily put Poppy in & still have room - I feel like a glutton holding it, heehee but I don't eat much junk food so I forgive myself. The dogs love him too! He's a pet magnet. I've never heard him utter a mean word about anyone & he is very patient. Every opportunity to converse, I learn something fascinating & think - that Geoffrey is more than meets the eye, for sure. He also plays a great scrabble game -yay! He spoils my mom & he also spoils their cat! Anyhow, I just love this photo, it makes me smile every time I look at it. Next - E.T. Created to create! Thankful for every opportunity to do so. Sketching it all, one page at a time!
Oh what a beautiful morning! It’s hot.. a great day for the karma Cup in Toronto. If I was in Toronto, I’d check it out. Instead, I was up with the bluejays & started painting! Now while paint dries, I sketch, usually outside. Here is my current sketch book for doodling. How many times do you pick up your sketchbook and think: What should I draw? It helps if you have a book full of prompts, which is what I recently did, each page makes it easy to start drawing, with little thought involved- other than focusing on the word on the page. I had an easier time with the ‘Mushroom’ page compared to the ‘Kitchen’ page, so it does actually take a little mental encouragement. I fill a page at each sitting. It's not about realism or even detail - it's about sketching quickly with enough detail to know what 'it' is. This little book would also make a neat colouring book once complete… I have no time to colour-I paint! I have many incomplete sketchbooks, if I could start all over, I’d finish one before starting another. It’s a habit worth starting. It’s impressive to see peoples sketch books complete, start to finish and in order. Another preferred time to sketch is when I’m watching t.v., especially if I’m only kinda, sorta interested in what I’m watching. *I also did a page called 'things that kill kids' because I was upset hearing about 'kids in the hospital who eat edibles' (NOT KILL) if they used such media time to actually educate parents on things that actually kill children (like button batteries & hotdogs), perhaps more lives would be saved. Parents* keep your edibles out of your kids access! There’s something about a sketchbook in my hand that inspires ideas & further painting! Do it- The suggestions for the pages in the book so far, are: Garden, Kitchen, Bathroom, Living room, Bedroom, Dogs, Mushrooms, BirdsCats, Monsters, Farm Life, Halloween, Christmas, Forest, City, Beach, Easter, Food, Zoo, Kids…. To be continued. Monsters will be the most ‘imagined’ as the rest are full of items I just needed to observe. My recent page complete - it’s back to painting I had prepared a few round canvas yesterday with skies & stars! The stars were added outside on the grass with a few quick taps- keeping everything else that usually gets sprayed like my phone, pallet, desk & coffee, out of the way. The other sides are already sketched! A full week of painting ahead! Yay!! Have a lovely, creative Saturday... Sketch your day! Start a sketching journal. |