Paint Party Friday... How Now Brown Cow

Hellooo...

I haven't been partying with the PPF gang lately, but I thought it was time to get my act together and link up. 

I've been very busy, but I have managed to produce some art.

This highland cow has been evolving for quite some time now.

He/she has highlights, so I thought he/she should join in the Paint Party Friday too.

It's a practice piece before I start a serious commission.

I've bought new paints and been having a great time getting to know them.

I've had music blasting out and dancing whilst splashing about with a paintbrush. 

It's been very liberating! 

I've also been working away on my @Makeartthatsells assignment.

We are currently completing the final month of Bootcamp.

I will really be sorry to finish this class.

I think I'll be signing up for more, as there are lots to chose from throughout the year.

The sketch below was a personal one.

It's 'Ernest' my Great Granddad who was born in 1867.

As I sketched, I was lost in my thoughts about my family and it's history... 

a little like 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

For those who might not be familiar with that tv programme... it's where a celebrity traces their family roots back through the years.

I find it fascinating.

I also thought I'd use this sketch to practice my very weak lettering.

I fear now that I've plastered poor 'Ernest' on a 'WANTED' poster!

One fact that I did come across from my research notes, was that he was a 'Tole Dealer'

I had no idea what this might be... so after more delving, I found that it involves ornately decorated trays or chandeliers etc!

Who knew?

How strange especially after painting precisely that in last months assignment. 

Who knows, Ernest might have been a painter too!

I had many thoughts on how his life might had been back then. 

He actually married Mary, the daughter of a Scottish farmer, when they were both 31 years old.

I'm thinking that this was rather old for marriage back then.
Maybe that's why he is wearing a tartan tie... to impress Mary?

I also wonder why this photo was taken... was it for some special occasion?

I haven't done much lettering, but now I know that I've obviously got a lot more practising to do!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll join my over at the Paint Party Friday.

Eva and Kristin do an amazing job of sharing everyone's great artwork.

Have a great weekend.

Sew Happy... PPF

I haven't picked up a needle or even sewn a button on anything for years, so I had an additional struggle trying to relate to the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

For inspiration I thought I'd take a peak into my old sewing box, which was like opening a treasure chest. 

Since then I've been sketching ever since.

These assignments have certainly taken me on a journey of discovery in more ways than one!

Thanks Lilla Rogers

I even had a play in Photoshop (although the word play maybe stretching things a little) but I've still got so much to learn.

I'm entering this sewing tray for the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

I'll also link up with the Paint Party Friday

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting an inspiration link.

The sun is shining here, so I'm off out to play! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

Highland Coo... PPF

Hellooooo....

This week I tried drawing with charcoal, which is something that I haven't done since my school days. It was so much fun that I'll definitely have another play soon.

As my regular arty followers know... I'm always trying to loosen my work.

I like everything to be as is and strive for perfection... which can be limiting and always makes for an ultimate let down with finished work.

Sometimes, I'm so tight I'm near to snapping, but working with charcoal was like diving into a warm calm pool totally butt naked!

(cough) 

Sorry getting a little carried away there, but it really was a revelation. 

I kept laughing as I become increasingly blacker! 

Smudges appearing everywhere, but slowly his Highland Coo appeared.

He/She looks quite a character don't you think?

Do you think it's a He or a She.... and what about a name... any ideas?

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

Sketchy Faces... in more ways than one - PPF

Hello everyone... I'm here today to give you a little laugh.

As part of the Paint Party Friday linkup, I thought I'd share some of my sketches from my makeartthatsells practice assignment - Faces!

I, like many other artists grow pale at the thought of having to sketch a portrait... be it fictional or real life, but I took a deep breath and decided to jump right in and have fun with it! 

I was going to give you three guesses as to who I drew, but I think that's a little tough. 

I should give you 33 guesses and then you might actually get there.

But it was fun and I really enjoyed it.

One of the many pearls of wisedom that Lilla Rogers suggests to overcome the fear of portraits is to draw people as you watch tv. 

With that in mind, last week was a really sporty weekend in this household, so as one after another of the rugby and football matches played out on tv I sketched away.

I couldn't believe what fun this could be. 

Here's some of the results...

... I was so surprised that with each face the fear seemed to disappear a little more.

So I'm holding on to that saying "Feel the fear, but do it anyway"

Lastly, I decided that I couldn't resist sketching our lovely amazingly talented Lilla.

I hope she won't be too offended!

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

I'm off to the PPF birthday party as they are seven years old this week!

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

Tasseography...Tea Leaf Reading. PPF

Hello Everyone and Happy Friday to you all.

I've been missing in action lately on the blog front, as I just haven't seemed to find the time for blogging, favouring a quick line or two with a photo into my Instagram account instead. 

I've often thought...ooh that would be good for a blog post, but then moved on quickly to other things.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy over the last few months, has been my Bootcamp assignments from the makeartthatsells online course.

February's assignment was 'Tea'

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a huge teapot!

I drink copious amounts of tea per day, so this assignment was just my cup of tea (Aghh...sorry)

Anyway, for the main assignment it was to paint 'Tea Leaf Reading'.

Fond memories of my favourite Aunt came flooding back to me. 

My Aunt was quite a fun loving character and always up for a laugh.

Now I'm not saying that tea leaf reading isn't serious for some, but the vision of my Aunt bent over a china teacup with her face so serious, relaying someones future tickled me, but her readings were very popular.

I personally believed every single word she said.

I was probably under 10 at the time.

Here's my design... although for some reason the colours don't seem to be true.

The original is much brighter and vibrant, but I'm not sure why this is happening or what I can do to correct it.

Did you know that the art of tea leaf reading is called 'Tasseography' because I certainly didn't.

I'm linking up with the lovely artists over at the Paint Party Friday link.
Thank you ladies for hosting once again.

(This is my mock up practice ... with the help of my son)

Right... I'm off to make a cuppa with loose tea leaves.

Who knows, I may have the gift of fortune telling?

I'll have to see if I can see anything in my future.

Have a great weekend and thanks for popping in.

MATS Bootcamp... PPF

Here we are once again... Friday!

I've had quite a busy but fun time since we last chattered and would you believe it, I'm another year older! 

Moving on swiftly I mentioned a few posts ago that I'd enrolled on to an online art course with the brilliant Lilla Rogers over at Make Art That Sells. 

Each week we are given a mini assignment that leads up to the main assignment at the end of each month. The course lasts until May, so I will have masses of fun times ahead. 

The first mini assignment at the beginning of January was to draw/paint the contents of my bag, which lead nicely into the following week's main assignment... a book cover of a famous woman and what she might have in her bag?

My nominated person was Tina Fey. 

Everyone was allocated a particular woman for their birthday month. 

There were some great inspirational, powerful woman amongst the twelve options.

I knew a little about Tina beforehand, but I had to do some research to ensure I captured her personality. I can't believe I had such a good time doing research. 

Tina Fey is a very talented comic along with all her other attributes.

Here's my mock up of my completed piece.

I learnt so much whilst completing this assignment.

For a start I've never really done a portrait! 

Anyway, after much huffing and puffing plus shouting for help with Photoshop, I finally managed to enter it into the MATS (Make Art That Sells) Gallery for the month of January!

Apologies if you've already seen this painting in my Instagram feed or on Facebook, but I know there are many who don't have access to those online links and ask that I post here too.

I also decided to paint a personal birthday card this week for a family member.

I had approximately 30 minutes from start to finish in order for it to get into the post... if I wanted it to arrive on time.

Yes, I know... always last minute with me, but this time it worked out perfectly.

I was really pleased with the outcome and the recipient initially didn't realise it was hand painted!

How's that for a compliment?

I obviously work better to a very strict timetable!

My daughter when visiting possibly noted that my art supply case was overflowing and couldn't close, so as part of my birthday present she bought me this super large bag!

It's 100% linen with this gorgeous design from Danica Studio

It's also lined and what do you know?... it still has some space even with all my brushes, pencils,

pens and bits! 

This can only mean one thing... I can buy more supplies... YAY!

I'm linking up to Paint Party Friday 

Click here if you'd like to join me. 

They would love you to visit and see all the amazing artwork.

Have fun everyone and thanks for visiting.

Happy Monday... even in January! PPF

I know to be happy on a grey, Monday in January in the middle of winter is a rare thing, but I was happy... and still am :D

I've started my new online art course and it has certainly hit my mojo button.

As I've mentioned before I was a little lost over the last few months and had virtually stopped drawing/painting completely. (Maybe missing Muffin had hit harder than I thought)

But Lilla at Make Art That Sells has reignited my passion.

This weeks assignment was right up my alley.

Drawing the contents of your bag.

It's amazing once you take a look into it, just what it can reveal about you.

So I have a few sketches of various items, but I decided to take this bottle of perfume to another level...adding colour.

The bottle is now unfortunately empty... hint hint to hubby!

(Alien by Thierry Mugler)

I've also another reason to be happy today (well actually I've got many things to be happy and thankful for, but for this arty post lets keep it to art) and that is because I've been featured over at Paint Party Friday!

How brilliant is that?

I was so surprised as I went to catch up with the link and there was my Chef Chook! 

(There's also some cute roe deer photos included too...click here if you'd like to see)

Hardly a masterpiece, but it was the first fun piece of the year.

Something to get me back into creating art... and I'm thrilled to be highlighted.

Thank you both Eva and Kristin

I'm off to empty my bag (heaven knows what I'll find hidden in the depths) and to carry on sketching.

I think I'm getting to like this and it's a great start to the New Year.

Have fun everyone and thanks for visiting.

Chief Chook and a Sprout Loving Bambi... PPF

Happy New Year Everyone.

I hope all your wishes come true in 2018.

I didn't realise that I was going to have a blog break, but that appears to have happened.

So my apologies for not making any announcement before my disappearance.

I hope you'll forgive me.

As I type here this morning, I can't help but feel grateful that I can touch type. 

It is so dark, as the heavy clouds burst and send copious amounts of rain down upon us, but that doesn't stop my happy mood. 

Yes it's January and some say the most depressing time of year, but 

I thought I'd tell you about my enrolment into an online art course. 

It starts on Monday and is a Bootcamp with Lilla Rogers from Make Art That Sells

I thought as I'm nipping into the Paint Party Friday link today, fellow PPF's might be interested in hearing or reading all about it. Lilla is fantastic and such an inspiration... so friendly and encouraging too. There are live video links and discussions every week and assignments every Monday, plus access to a special Facebook meeting place for all fellow classmates.

I seriously lost my mojo last year and just couldn't find it... but Lilla has a way of making you think anything is possible.

So with that in mind here's my first piece of artwork for 2018.

I hope to improve and fly with my art as the year progresses.

Obviously, this first one had to include a chook (chicken).

Just a fun piece to hopefully give me a kick start!

Now that I'm back to blogging, I'd also like to share my sprout loving visitors.

I personally don't mind having them eat all the sprouts from our veg plot, as I've never eaten them nor do I intend to. But I do fear that our new seedlings and plants this coming spring might be on their menu!

But seriously how cute are these Roe Deer?

 The numbers have expanded this year from the odd one or two to five.

 Is that a guilty face or what???

So there's plenty for my first post of the year.

I hope to keep the momentum going.

Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you soon.

Paint Party Friday... Elf

Hello everyone...here we are... Friday once again!

 With only a few weeks until the holidays begin, I thought I'd do a Christmassy sketch this week. 

Hopefully something to inspire me into all the preparations.

The only trouble is that this is kind of mixed up... a Santa look-a-like if you will. 

I did have an elf in mind but then Santa intruded.

 I wouldn't say that I'm a negative person, but as I come to write this post I begin to wonder?

I'm normally a half glass full kind of person, but yet again I'm posting something that I don't particularly like. I'm hoping that the Paint Party Friday gang will be able to help me. 

It seems the trouble is that I've lost my passion for painting. 

I think a lot of it is that I don't have a theme, or subject matter that I can progress with. 

My subjects just seem so random and individual. 

I think if I kept to a theme it might help.

I'm trying out new paints and with each painting I'm learning, but the end design isn't quite what I'd like. 

But it's a journey...right?

I'm going to be with family over the next week, so they'll be no time for painting.

But hopefully I'll find inspiration from somewhere.

I'm determined that in the New Year I'm going to devote more time and energy into my art.

(Where have I heard that before?)

I started sketching the design below a few months ago and I feel maybe it's time to revisit.

I apologise for the photographs.

Unfortunately it's difficult to get enough light at this time of year.

I hope you can see it.

Now don't laugh but we are making plans for the girls (hens/chooks) to stay in a 'Hen Hote'l whilst we are away. I know it sounds ridiculous and I would be laughing along with you... but I feel this is the best option.

It would be a lot to ask someone to come a few times a day to see to them and the Hotel sounds brilliant.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a blog post...if all goes well once I get back.

Yet again we've found a mass of feathers and a wiped clean breast bone on our garden this morning, so the fox has ventured here once again. 

Poor wood pigeon by the look of it!

The hotel option is far safer.

Thanks for visiting my place and if you'd like to see more artwork, then why not join in the party over at PPF by clicking HERE.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Enjoy

Up up and away... PPF

It's been quite some time since I joined in with the Paint Party Friday link and even though I'm not totally happy with this watercolour, I've decided it's better to just put it out there and enjoy seeing everyone. 

I've missed you.

My head wasn't particularly in the right space for painting, but I decided that I needed the therapy that painting can provide. 

The reason was that sadly we have had to say a final farewell to my husbands Mother, my fantastic MIL (who never interfered in all the 40 years that I knew her) and my children's fun loving (anything goes) Grandmother. 

She had been ill for quite some time, but it still so painful to say goodbye.

She would love the fact that she managed to reach her 87th birthday...even if it was only by a few hours.

I have just looked back to see when I last joined in with the PPF link and it was back in September! 

My goodness how does the time go so quickly.

If you'd like to see all the entries in Eva and Kristin's PPF link up then click here.

Thanks ladies for hosting and I hope you'll forgive my absence.

Take care everyone and have a great weekend.

Millionaire's Shortbread Illustration...PPF

Hello there... phewph it's been a busy day, but I'm super excited because I've actually managed to finish off my week 4 assignment for #risedesignandshine ahead of time! 

I know...I may have to go for a lie down now.

This weeks assignment was to illustrate a favourite recipe and I chose an old family favourite which is quite appropriate as I'm now residing in Bonnie Scotland.

It's shortbread (which is a huge favourite in Scotland) but not just ordinary shortbread...it's gorgeous Millionaire's Shortbread. 

Have you baked it before? 

It's incredibly easy and as it was featured on last weeks 'The Great British Bake Off' I thought it just had to be my choice for this assignment.

My hubby and son think I need to bake it following these instructions just to make sure I have it all illustrated correctly.

They're calling it research...I have another name for it!

If you'd like to see more... I posted a slightly different version of the recipe on my blog... way back in January 2012, when we lived in Melbourne. 

(Click here) 

Oh boy looking back at some of these old blog posts, I baked an awful lot back then.

So as usual I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for your visit today.

It's always great to see you and I'd love to hear from you.

Geometric Patterns and Shapes...PPF

Yay it's Friday!

Well it's been two weeks since I posted to the Paint Party Friday link, so here's a snippet of what I've been up to with my artwork.

Along with all of the other madness that's ongoing at the moment, I'm actually managing to keep up with the Rise Design and Shine art course.

It's been tough as I now realise that I'm not particularly good at being told what to do 

(art wise and otherwise) timescales, trends and specific briefs. 

(I've never liked the word 'briefs'...but for other reasons...and that's not changed in this course)

Just to clarify this particular kind of brief gives specific instructions to follow and has nothing to do with clothing attire or Bridget Jones!
There now that's cleared that up... let me show you what I've done so far for week 3.

Unfortunately, it's a WIP but I'll hopefully get it completed before Sunday evening.

Geometric Patterns...

I've found this assignment far more challenging than I thought...which surprisingly has been the case with each week so far. 

That's good I suppose...it's stretching me to think and work outside of my comfort zone.

Having said that...I do hope that one week hits the spot and I can get somewhere far from being the dunce of the class.

I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for your visit today.

It's always great to see you.

Autumnal Folio Focus...PPF

I don't think I've ever been so late in entering the PPF party, but I've been in the classroom all day.

Well not exactly in a real classroom, but painting at my kitchen table.

I enrolled into an online class called #FolioFocus and it's week one.

Has anyone enrolled or heard of it before?

I'd love to hear if you have.

The lessons are to help build a stronger portfolio and this week was all about botanicals.

How could I refuse with it being botanical or fall behind on the first week. 

So using my new paints I jumped right in.

To say I've learnt so much today that my head hurts is an understatement.

I decided to embrace autumn as it's arrived. 

I wanted to hang on to summer, but alas I failed. 

I hope you like this and I'm actually quite pleased...which is incredible not only that I've managed to actually share a finished piece of work this week, but also that I like it!  

I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for your visit today.

It's always great to see you.

Love Nature Gouache Painting...PPF

Well here we are on the first day of Autumn and it's a beautiful warm sunny day.

Blue skies above with fluffy white clouds to complete the picture.

If this is how autumn is to carry on...I'm all in favour.

Goodbye Summer... sadly you were a huge disappointment. 

If you had an end of term report it would probably read..."Must do better"

Remarkably this week I actually managed to have a play with my new Turner gouache paints.

I certainly learnt quite a lot using them. 

For instance, when I use watercolour paints I seem to use them as gouache paint, but when I'm using gouache paint I use them as I would watercolours.

Does that make sense or is it gobbledeegook!

Basically, I don't think I use either particularly well.

I much prefer drawing in ink!

I'm completely aware that I seem to be neglecting my blog in favour of the quick and easy Instagram. Here's a photo I posted earlier this week.
I just loved his fluffy butt!

But hopefully life will settle down soon and I'll be able to spend more time visiting and writing posts.

I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting once again.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and thanks for your visit today.

It's always great to see you.

Love Nature...PPF

Well today I'm feeling a little spaced out, as I've been prescribed strong antibiotics.

I'm not sure, but I may have made a mistake by reading the extensive list of possible side effects.

I hardly slept at all last night and my stomach is definitely off today! 

Enough of that...but I'll certainly let you know if the hallucinations kick in!

Last week I shared a snippet of my drawing, so I'm happy to say that I actually finished it and have started another. 

I can't decide whether to paint it myself or use it for others to colour and share their interpretations. 

How cool would that be?

What's your view on the colouring craze for adults?

Do you think that the craze has ran it's course?

I'm not sure if people are still interested in this creative stress reliever or not?

(Love Nature A3 Black Micron Ink Pen)

Whilst drawing I plugged myself in to some brilliant music... (basically to drown out the football commentary... with the odd expletive from my hubby) and spent a wonderful evening drawing whilst looking out over the sunset lit fields. 

I'm going to use the English Premiership matches for my creative time, because it certainly made a perfect evening for everyone.

It's a win win situation. 

Everyone is happy!

I haven't shared any watercolour paintings with you lately, so here's a painting that I created as part of Tracey Fletcher King's Delicious Paint online class.

I had such a great time, plus learning brilliant tips along the way, that I've decided I'll revisit the course...it's available for life once you enrol. 

How brilliant is that!

Tracey is an exceptional teacher and so generous with her time and brilliant talent.

If you are interested in joining in too, then here's the details.

Classroom is now open and you can enrol here... Delicious Paint

Just in case you're wondering...I'm not being paid in any way for promoting this course...not even a gold star from the teacher!

But for now I think I'm in need of a long blink...zzZZZzzzZzzz

As usual I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.

I'm always happy to see you and will hopefully pop in to your place soon.

Have a great time this weekend.

Love Nature...PPF

You'll be pleased that my Paint Party Friday entry this week, doesn't come accompanied by a long dramatic story. 

Thankfully, it's been much quieter and calmer around here.

Annie the chook, who was rescued from the 'Jaws of Death' as it was described by some, has made an incredibly recovery. 

She's eating, drinking and the limp has disappeared...she's only needing her feathers to grow back and she'll be looking like new, but with a huge story to tell at the girlies lunch.

The only thing that needs to be rectified is her egg laying...she's stopped laying, which in the circumstances is quite understandable.

She'd like to thank everyone for their concern and kind comments... but she's a little busy right now.

But I digress and as it's time for the weekly PPF get-together I better get on.

Maybe I'm delaying because I'm having to confess to yet another WIP :(
As it was International Cat Day yesterday...I decided to have a little play in my journal.

I'd like to revisit these cats on better paper soon and my lettering obviously needs masses of work.

Yesterday, I only started the drawing below, but already I'm having fun.

It covers an A3 sheet of Bristol Board paper and I'm using my beloved Micron pens.

I will certainly have a good time drawing it up now that it's all planned out.

But the fun will have to wait until later today.

We are in the process of renovating a flat in the city, that we've had rented out for over 15 years!
Yes, imagine cleaning up 15 years...I have enough if things are left 15 days never mind 15 years!

I'm trying to build up to clean the oven. 

Even when I mention it a wave of nausea hits my stomach.

But it's good to know that my drawing awaits my return.

Motivational blackmail, but it'll work...it normally does.

As usual I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday gang.