Pups I painted as Christmas cards! I love creating and sending cards-as you are aware. A few years ago I decided to do this Pet card painting at Christmas as a gift to me. I love dogs and there are a few I am particular to - to paint them is a joy but to send and anticipate the owners reactions as they see them, makes me smile. I can't imagine they would not like it. I know I'd love a card of my dogs..lol. I just ask for their address and do not say why, or if anything I say Im sending a postcard. The above cards went to Toronto, Tennessee & Belgium! I've held back on this post until I know they've been delivered.
That being said - I also painted a local pup... but, holy canine - this dog below, was the most difficult dog I've painted to date. I'm not even sure of the breed, some sort of spaniel. 1/2 way through I almost gave up but as I continued it came together. I was grateful for the challenge! I try NOT to spend a great deal of time on these cards- but they take at least an hour or 2. It's also an opportunity to experiment a little, especially with underpainting'. It feels good to share our talents, to know these tiny paintings of 'loved ones' brighten someones day, is the best gift I could hope for. Share your God given talents- brighten someones day! Create a card for someone. Really - I'll admit: I make the cards as gifts for the DOGS, more than the owners. hee hee It is them after all, I have the fondness for- with their furry smiles and antics. Perhaps it's time I painted some feline cards... time to search for inspiring kitties -for valentines day!. Created to create. Path to peace. gouache in sketchbook
This is the path to peace... before the leaves fall I've been taking photos with the sun shining through the leaves, to take me painting through the winter. It's a wonderful time to walk the path as well as the mosquitos are almost gone! The pine needles are so soft under foot, if you look closely you'll find mushrooms all over now. Yesterday we found some pinecones full of tiny mushrooms! That will be both a challenge & joy to paint. Painting is absolutely the path to peace. It's why I try to encourage others to paint. Reading comes second. Sitting and just looking at nature with the dogs is the ultimate peace recipe as well. All 'luxuries', I know & am thankful to God, for them. I am thankful for: The smell of pine in the morning. Bluejays on the deck asking for breakfast. Wood for the wood stove to take the chill off, on these chilly mornings. Norm & Storm who replenish the wood supply every summer. Countless shades of green -turning yellow, orange, red and brown. Dogs - always ready for an adventure. Paint. We watched a movie about a small village that tries to make it 'perfect' so a Dr. will stay. They do this countless ways, one is putting money where the Dr. will walk so he thinks he's extra lucky. It reminded me of the day we drove up to sign papers for this house. We signed then drove over to take measurements (we had Poppy & Ginger with us).. while Norm was measuring I decided to walk up the driveway and was greeted with a doe - not 3 feet from me, eye to eye! She, looking at me as to say: "Hello!" The dogs were in shock & silent (amazing), they must have though: what the heck is that!? It was the closest I've ever come to a wild deer & an encounter I won't forget, talk about a perfect 'sign'. Not a day has gone by that I have not thanked God, God put me/us here. I knew it the first time I stepped out of the vehicle. It has not been 'prefect', there's been a few struggles, such is life - it's the struggles that make the Peace appreciated. Yesterday, a humming bird (a straggler -as I'm sure most have departed) was flying outside, I was watching him buzz around the gazebo - then it flew right over & got up close and stared at me through my studio window. 2 inches from the glass - it stayed. It was really intense, it was surreal how long it hovered & lingered- with direct eye contact. How did it even know I was there? I believe it was a goodbye glance; thanks for the food and see you in May. For me, not to say Thank you God, every day (a few times a day), would be a sin on my part. If the only prayer you ever say is Thank you - it would be enough. Thank you, for taking the time to read & check out my painting passion. Alice inspired art on the desk today... time to get to it! Chill deer. 8 x 8 gouache on watercolour
This deer looked so chill, I added the cannabis in the background at the very last. She has the Peace of God with her, she is reminding us to Praise Jesus & LOVE each other - can you see it? People have used subliminal messaging to advertise 'sex and selling products' for decades so I'm going to paint subliminal messages promoting LOVE, God & Praising Jesus. These fall colours have me hooked as harvesting the ripe tomatoes, last of the zucchini, kale & cucumbers. I spy a few leaves changing as I glance up... I'll let the garden go another week since we have some hot weather on the way. We also had that spectacular harvest moon - beyond bright for 2 nights, I imagine the forest creatures loved it for exploring at night. Harvest moon - brings Moon cakes! My friend Geoffrey spoiled me with a couple of tins of Moon cakes! I really like them, not too sweet, very filling and a tasty bit of salty cured duck egg yolk in each. Made with Lotus flower seeds. You can only purchase them at a certain time of the year that I am aware. They are made to share & celebrate the harvest. Being as 'rich' as they are , a little goes a long way so sharing is easy... I can also easily eat one to myself -during the course of a day. I watched a video, I won't be attempting to make them -as they take about 3 days and not an easy task. If you can find some, I suggest you try them. They are usually given as a gift as mine were, making them all the more appreciated. It's a little overcast- still a great day to explore & of course paint - & bake a peach & black berry pie!I picked my berries before the raccoons got them. Created to create Fox in the sunshine. 8 x 8 gouache on watercolour paper
These past two creations were about playing with backgrounds, the entire thing is painted and left to dry overnight, the bed & fox added right on top -the advantage of gouache- as long as it's dry you can layer nicely right on top without it appearing muddy'. Where did August go!? I think I'll have some fun with classic monster images for October; September will be mostly fall themed creations. Why did it take so long for the artist to finish his fox sketch? Because he was paying too much attention to de-tail! Have a creative day. Love You Sloth. 8 x 8 gouache on black
This morning I quickly sketched & painted this sloth to send some love into the universe. How difficult must it be for those in Hawaii, some of the images of the devastation are beyond comprehension... how will they build again, where will they even begin. Last week I was reading about the plight of the natives with all the outside elite buying up the land, like Mark Zuckerberg & Oprah for example, both purchasing hundreds of acres, in part responsible for driving up prices making it unable for the 'locals to afford living where they were born. Thousands more are now homeless and many unaccounted for now presumed dead. Say a prayer they might find peace today and feel loved, Loved & Joyful to be alive... if not now, soon. Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2 I also created a tiny terrarium from an old fish bowl I had lying around, filled with dirt, rocks & moss I found on the driveway, a new home for E.T. The tiny white mushrooms in it are real, it is a bit of forest on my desk. Sparks of imagination. 8 x 8 gouache on black
I wonder what creatures think when they see fireworks... if only they were silent, fewer creatures would be frightened. This young chimp above is enjoying the show, he may as well... as it doesn't look like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Drone displays are impressive but they must need quite a bit of man' power & practice, costing quite a bit financially & hours. Displays in the sky created with projectors will be the way of the future. Remember the old school house? We'd light that as kids and it would make a cord of (?) burnt substance fascinating to watch grow? I did see a new version of that concept which was more accurate visually & and amusing - a dog pooping', I'm sure it has many wee ones giggling. I have no intentions of purchasing one. Someone should make them with peoples custom dogs printed on the package - it would sell... perhaps. I'd like to encourage other creatives to explore: The Creative Act. By Rick Rubin It has several suggestions that have peaked my curiosity & different ways to approach an already existing creative process. I've been listening to the audio book while painting. It's for visual artists as well as writers and musicians anyone striving to create & create consistently. Several topics discussed made me feel pretty good too, I never seem to struggle with artist block any longer. It was Chuck Schultz autobiography that helped with that. Knowing I am on the right 'creative path'...To create for the creator first and not be concerned of anyone else is particularly helpful. Paint above all else for pure passion & enjoyment. Paint consistently! I do - daily for decades. Follow what sparks your imagination - giving no consideration to others or their opinions. My binder collection is proof of how many things have sparked ideas. Every now and then I take them out to look for something and am reminded of how much I create. It has progressed my skills as an artist at a faster rate than reading about techniques of others by actually just keep painting. Break the rules! Explore new material and ideas - start with what you have, there is no excuse not to create. Creating is what you are here to do - your purpose, anyway that brings you joy. Time to create some sketches for the next creation. Pondering Primate gouache on watercolour.
Reading about all the current research on the effects of psilocybin and how scientists are more convinced daily, it helped towards the advancement of the mind & communication - particularly in primates. It had me pondering.. imagine what they must have thought with that first HIGH enlightening experience. Did they sit, like current day evolved' monkeys (namely US) and watch the grass blades sway in the glistening sunlight or consider quantum physics, perhaps they pondered the secrets of life... probably. Tools attributed to 'early man' are under scrutiny - perhaps these tools did belong to early apes more advanced that predicted, as monkeys are being studied now using rocks to make such tools to access nuts & such. Have we given these creatures too little credit. I finished reading The Book of HOPE Jane Goodall - it took a while as I found the book - not so hopeful at times, as much as I admire Jane the reality at times can appear dismal. The saddest part was reading how intelligent she understands these creatures to be, yet would witness them stuffed in tiny cages, hardly able to move & in some cases used for painful testing'... they were visibly depressed & suffering. Jane had fought hard to have this cruelty ended & has been successful in educating millions around the world. Thanks Jane. Within the past couple of decades we've discovered all creatures are smarter than we realized & feel & know more than we previously thought. Psilocybin helps us monkeys to understand other monkeys - to connect us, to feel each others energy. Sweet Cheeks reminds us daily how intelligent birds are, he's started to fly & when I say: On your cage Sweet Cheeks! That's where he lands. He's also into snuggling with Storm while watching movies. It takes time, patience, hope & LOVE. Since Sweet Cheeks is flying and exploring and socializing with us, teaching us a few things.. I'm grateful for the company of critters - especially dogs, they teach me much. I made some bookmarks (below), they look neat poking out of my books. Soon they will be poking out of the earth! Created to Create. 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. A tight squeeze. gouache 6 x 8
While painting this I thought, this is me (& many) heading into spring, after too many scones this winter! Weee - Pull! Really though, my pants are feeling a bit snug and in a couple of weeks - I'll be in shorts! Note to self: knock it off chubby. Positive thinking & Canadian weather anticipations. It's been enjoyable re creating these tiny Pooh treasures, although they are more or less warm up paintings, they stimulate the mind for bigger adventures & projects & make sweet tiny gifts. There is still lots of snow here.. it's melting and becoming a little slippery - we look forward to muddy paws! Ryan Reynolds is opening major studio in Markham, about time. Hollywood North with some Canadian Niceness -Eh! I am a fan, I will admit... I watch everything he is in, just because he is in. Ryan Reynolds is pleasing to the eye and a nice guy. I can't think of anyone else that I'll watch - just because they are in a movie. I watched one recently & I was a little disappointed that it had to get gross/rude/stupid - how ever you want to call it with one of the other characters being a 'porn star'... they took it too far and almost ruined the movie- why add bullshit -for shock value? Im sick of it. Shock value usually means it's a shitty story, that won't succeed on it's own.. I told a few to watch the same film and two commented 'that one scene'... -made them just turn it off. Too bad, it got better after that bull but I get it, I too almost turned it off. We want to have the senses entertained & educated (I do anyhow), not assaulted. Trudeau is assaulting Canadians enough as it is lately. Reading about Ryan Reynolds family life, beautiful, talented wife & kids.. I'm very happy for him, them, it appears there are still some genuine, caring, talented people in the industry & I'm thrilled they will definitely be creating some amazing Canadian inspired content. - in Markham, go figure Eh! Time to paint & watch snow melt. Still attempting bunnies - the way to become better, is to keep trying! A bunny with a message on this Sunday -
God is Love & Jesus is the way. Painted with love & thoughts of spring - Soon! Created To Create. I told the stars about you. Gouache on watercolour 8 x 8
I told the stars about you... the moon too. We are either searching for love, in love, or recovering from love gone wrong... there is no escaping it, as long as we live. Each encounter of Love is a blessing. If we are open to the universe, life will provide endless opportunities to experience all sorts of Love. Have Faith. The greatest Love: Love yourself, as I love you. ~ Jesus. He can fly!! Dumbo 1942. gouache on black.
Dumbo had 'help' from a magic feather'.. I couldn't resist - this dumbo had help from a magic mushroom - hee hee the same kind that is presumed to help reindeer fly! Weeeeee. Sometimes, we all need a little 'magic' to help get us off the ground. There's nothing wrong in using mental tricks- to get you flying -realizing your potentialIn all honesty, I painted this quickly...stuff on my mind & things to do, I rushed this & you can 'see it. I do have another in the works - taking much longer & it's obvious - try not to rush yourself. *Note to - myself. Dumbo! Walt Disneys 5th feature film - created: Oct 23, 1941 Think of Dumbo and you think of Dumbos mom in jail.. most people do & Disney knew it. Walt Disney understood that if he could have the audience “feel emotion” for the main character (soon after the movie starts) you would be more inclined to fall in love with the new character & be more involved in the story. Dumbo is packed with emotion. Dumbo was a huge success & it’s a good thing because Disney was almost broke, believe it or not. Today there’s some controversy over the Black Crows, yes -they represent black humans an were drawn, studying black artists in bands and performers. They are a huge part of the film and represented just as they behaved - they also showed joy, love & compassion, dancing & singing talent & are responsible for Dumbo realizing his gift - so I don’t understand how people see it as negative. It’s actually very accurate for representing the “time” -quite different from NOW - *82 years later. Dumbo is a lovely film - even with a limited budget - nat as fancy as Snow White - the backgrounds are limited and watercolour. The clown scenes, shadows through the tent is genius! We are able to PEEK into the clowns domain after rehearsal, seeing only silhouettes (great cheat’ animating), yet it leaves little to the imagination.. we know exactly what’s going on. Of course Dumbo saves the day & the Circus (& Disney) & enjoys himself while doing so - spitting peanuts at bullying bystanders. Dumbo lifted spirits and Disney out of the brink of bankruptcy, And thankfully continued creating! A sad note, this film was completed during a strike by the artists at Disney, things changed after & it was said Walt never again had the closeness that he had with the artists prior - Disney started to become the HUGE business that it is. Walt was created to create & continued as we are all aware expanding in countless directions…. Still I bet he missed the simpler, sweeter days of the Golden Years’. I’m painting another to share this week, Dumbo inspired. Created to create. Inspired by Walt for at least 55 years! Grateful for the introduction. I don't feel like toadying'. gouache 6 x 6 Inspired by a Bill Watterson cartoon .
I don't feel like todaying'... it's - 27 & even the dogs are only permitted out for a few moments, not that they want to linger. I'm also feeling a bit blue, I know why but no one wants to hear it... if I do speak of it', I am accused of being 'negative'. What's the point anyhow, what ever will unfold - will. I'm o.k. with being accused of being 'negative' ...time will tell. I'd rather remain silent that be expected to 'go along with lies. Frostbite happens! I've seen cats & dogs who have lost bits of their ears from frostbite, which amazes me thinking about wildlife -I guess they become conditioned to the cold. Poppy is the only now who doesn't even venture outside, she's content by the fire. The dogs have cabin fever.. toys are everywhere - I pick them up daily as if I had a bunch of toddlers & they are constantly waiting for mom to entertain or snuggle. Mobiles have been a subject/art that has mesmerized me for as long as I can remember & I've actively searched to treat myself to one but have been un successful to find the perfect mobile. I even have wire bent in my studio to create my own but It's not yet happened. Some are also very expensive, thousands of dollars- twirling in the breeze, $4,000 for one that you would need a giant room just to hang it. I noticed one on a friends IG post (in the background) & was instantly intrigued & had to know - "Where did you get that mobile!?" 3 days later - it hangs in my studio! Holy, how kind some people are. I'm grateful for the reminder & gift! Seriously, I don't think I've seen a more perfect mobile. for me. Had I seen it online, I would have purchased it. It was purchased by his late wife years ago & he is happy - I am happy & enjoying it. It hangs in my studio entrance & I find myself constantly, moving it and watching how it balances and circles itself. It will hang in the gazebo, funny - there has been a hook in the centre of the ceiling since built- waiting, where I can watch it twirl for hours on end - that's the plan. It also has huge crystals in it... a work of art. It is appreciated. (a couple of photos below). Stay warm! Frostbite happens. Tomorrow: The Reluctant Dragon - Disney's 4th ' masterpiece'. Happy Thursday! It’s snowing - beautiful big flakes & it’s a lovely sight to watch while- painting! Rise & Shine. Saturday, I’m sharing some art inspired by Snow White & the 7 dwarfs - The goal is to share one a week - of my all time favourites -in order! Has me excited to paint -- like every day! In between, I’m painting other things. You know.. I don’t just paint. I bake - blueberry scones at 6 this a.m. - oh so flakey & dinner has been considered and ready to put together. I clean, although usually clean, the house gets messy with stuff ‘out of place’, this house is 1/2 the size of the last - which I LOVE because I’m not wasting my days CLEANING! Lugging a vacuum up stairs, down stairs, as well as cleaning supplies and too much to dust - nope- this downsizing allows for cleaning control, plus room for joy! Lately, I play a new game - with Sweet Cheeks, also called Bird -from time to time. He’s been very slow to come around & I still can’t get him to eat fresh greens or fruit, hemp seeds - or anything. The last bird ate like a king, but we work at it daily. He is actually showing a fondness for Storm. His cage remains open all day - he ventures out a few times but not a good flier & does not return to his cage yet, soon…. So, I find myself playing a new game some days, called: Where are you, you little fucker. Hee hee hee Sweet Cheeks will fly and they stay silent - until he wants me to find him & then will ‘chirp’. The dogs from previous bird training know when bird flies, they can look but don’t chase. I do lock the cage when we go out. Yesterday he hid, in my studio - after 30 minutes - I asked Ginger - laying on the dog bed in my studio - “Where’s bird?” It was so comical - I burst out laughing, she never moved a muscle - only her eyes shifted up onto the book shelf and there he was. So a fun game for all. Lol. Some might say, you should not handle birds, I disagree- birds love affection, you should do it slow and never terrify them, with daily handling and re assurance Sweet Cheeks already doesn't seem to mind. It makes it easier when it comes time to clip their nail and care for them in other ways. He's learning we won't hurt him & always return him to his cage safely. Teach Only Love - that is what we are. Time to paint, stretch & imagine all the possibilities this day will hold! Rise & Shine. Next: Who the fuck are you? I bet you’ll sing a tune in your head, when you see the cartoon. I did - the entire time painting it! Below.. Sweet Cheeks playing 'hide & seek. *** I feel like I'm sending out a 'bat signal'*** Just in case my friend is reading: Georgie Porgie!! I got your message & hearing your voice brought an instant smile to my face! Long time no hear - stranger . You left the wrong number (silly goose) - Call me! Green Sloth - acrylic on board. I am affected only by my thoughts.
Therefore, I AM thinking Happy thoughts. A green sloth to remind me to focus on LOVE & give thanks to God. Not sure what's going on with his eyes but it makes me smile, seeing his sweet imperfections, yet he's so serious with his message of LOVE. Show yourself some love & kindness & Thank God, for another day to do so! Raccoon Watercolour & gouache on water colour paper.
I'm surrounded by fur, on my desk & at my feet. My studio is tiny yet, it seems to be the place I & 4 dogs always want to hangout, all staring out he window. Other than the times when am tripping over them, I'm o.k. with my girls wanting to be with me. It's that time of year I feel for them, the weather is cold & they don't go out but long to. We still manage to kick the ball a few minutes every day & have taken to playing inside a bit more. I explain to the girls "some dogs live in apartments & never get out like you do - so don't try to make me feel guilty." You know... I prayed for Trudeau. I remember feeling such relief when he took over Harpers position, so no... I don't hate him or wish anything bad to come to him. Everyone is here to teach us lessons & boy oh boy - WTF does Justin Trudeau think by lying on the stand for the world to witness? After WE ALL (anyone with TV, a newspaper & social media) KNOW is that not long ago he was calling the unvaccinated names, to which he just denied on the stand... I also read, which was truly comical, in his defence for calling the emergency act (which many also agree should not have been called or was NOT needed) suggest "what if a grandmother got run over by a truck during the protest??" Really Justin? What IF a grandmother on a scooter got run over by a fucking horse!??? I guess that doesn't count. The entire world now knows he is a world leading liar. A liar that did indeed cause divide & shame some Canadians, who do not agree with his totalitarian ways & he is responsible for adding a huge amount of grief & stress for countless Canadians. If he can lie about this - in front of the world, what else is he capable of? Do I wish him harm, never. Do I wish him gone as our PM, I guess - to be replaced by who? Frankly, my trust - because of the hope I had with Trudeau, is gone. I don't trust any politician. Covid has been the biggest 'power trip' on the planet to date. Look at China - the moment people protest, restrictions are lifted- it's all gone away? It's all a test. Not a day goes by where some politician states 'everyone must behave a specific way' & they behave the opposite... & then our noses are rubbed in it. So yes, I prayed for Trudeau & still do.. I was blind but now I see. I've prayed for many & I AM thankful for all lessons. Thank you. Thankfully I've had many lessons in love as well, to keep me hoping & keep praying. I am grateful for the lesson & reminder, to only ever, put all my faith in God. 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. I started a new gouache course @ Domestika.org and to date I think I've enjoyed this one best... so far. The different techniques used, a lot of painting samples & a gouache history lesson which I found fascinating & has peaked my curiosity to look into it further. For example, Aljoscha talked about American gouache painter: Walton Ford. - wow.
The hardest part- is being patient, waiting for paint to dry. This artist uses a hairdryer but I would rather just wait, make a tea, kick the ball while I think about my next step. I'll be painting on watercolour paper for a few days while I practice what I've learned. This class was mentally stimulating and would suggest it to anyone interested in gouache and all it can do. I'm also excited to try painting with a Reed, I'm sure I can find some somewhere. The details for the background above are only 1/2 complete then I'll start the kitty & bird -deep in conversation about a golden thread. I take longer painting 'lesson art' then I usually do painting my other creations... Painting in gouache helps me think about how I'd paint in acrylic, with acrylic. I've already sketched this sitting pretty feline on a round board in a different mood'... you'll have to practice patience if you want to see it. Purple, Go Slow - Sloth... wise words. Acrylic on round board.
Not sure why I painted a purple sloth, probably because it was amusing. Watching him turn in the breeze as I was sitting inside was entertaining & I remembered to go slow, eating lunch - I savoured every bite. Appreciated the conversation with my son. Enjoy the journey, take my time.. enjoy the little things, like napping with my dogs, reading a good book, writing a late to a friend and painting with a tiny brush - sloth hair. Slow down & appreciate everything. Give thanks! These one shade of colour paintings are a challenge... I think I'll create a few - perhaps a rainbow. On Domestika last night, I noticed a 'free class' - acrylic painting! Acrylic Techniques for Creative Illustration Yep, it's free, it would be a great way to try, if this is the sort of thing you'd enjoy. I've signed up fo 6 classes & excited for each but forcing myself to: Go SLOW and practice what I learn. Occasionally I notice I like the way they set up heir workspace - like this last class, how the artist uses a plastic page holder for a disposable pallet, I've tried stay wet pallets but my paint dries, gets mouldy, this seems the best idea (use only what I need for the project) & the artist: A course by Jon Berkeley, Illustrator and Author, uses a limited colour pallet so he also teaches colour mixing, lighting - concept sketching. I've slowed down, in part thanks to covid & eliminated a few things, rearranged priorities & feel better for it. Even when I walk outside I go slower... I notice more mushrooms, bugs, rocks & plants, for example. So Be like a sloth & Go Slow... go with the flow, enjoy the journey. Below.. Poppy - can't go much slower than napping with your boy in a bug proof hammock - on a beautiful breezy day! Created to create. |