Horses at Holkham

Back again after a long absence...

I have been painting lately and the "Sacred Cow" is going to be as (or better) than the pig (I think). At least it is as pleasing to paint. The background so far is a tie- dye effect and it is so yummy! I was showing the "Ball Dog" to some of my colleagues at the art school and my friend asked me why I am painting animals (as if it was naff). He went to see the pig in the gallery this summer so he is not trying to insult. I told him that I liked to spend time painting things that I like. If you're going to spend so much time on a painting then it should be something that makes you feel good. I have thought a lot about it since he asked and I know that I am really uncool art wise, but I really like my subject matter and I really like when I get that photo realism type effect. The backgrounds are a little surreal so maybe that will help me from being considered a total loser. I really don't like abstract art that much and the pre-Raphaelites are my heros. I like to look at my paintings and think how I could kiss them. That sounds weird but when the pig left the studio I had to touch it and when I look at it, I can't believe that I painted it!

My pic today is called "Horses at Holkham". It is a photo that I have played with in Photoshop using watercolour brushes and a parchment layer. I really love the effect. It is going to be a thank you card for our friends who hosted us that weekend. I think they will love it because they have a lot of local art that shows the beauty of the area.

Well, I am back at the studio tonight so TTFN X

Another week goes by..

OK, I haven't been very good at the whole blog thing lately. I seem to only manage it about once or twice a week. I think that will have to do during term time. I guess I spend too much time with my mouth going and I have run out of things to say by the time I get time to post. I am not as active with the art thing either. I did try to paint the little boy the other day and it was not going well at all. I hope I can manage it as the sketch was so good that the family is expecting a really good likeness. That is a lot of pressure!

I am really excited to get to the "Sacred Cow" painting as the background is soooo lovely. It looks like tie dye. I can't wait to work on it! I am also going to do a triptych of some roosters as I have 3 lovely little canvases that a friend gave me. I need to sort that out in my head a little more but that is where I am going with them. I also want to do some pen and inks of roosters. This is all for the Battersea Arts thing.

I still have some felting plans but I don't know when I'll get to it.

That's all for the moment. I guess I don't have a lot to say these days. I need to get some artwork finished!

My pic is from Norfolk it is obviously some deer. I have some great pics from that trip. Some are horses and I may do something with them too. I am thinking of what to have for my booth.... I actually need to book it this week too.

TTFN X

One week later...

This blog thing isn't going so well lately... I have not been myself this autumn. I don't know why. I think it may be that I have so much to do and I am overwhelming myself by thinking I need to get it all done. I need to do one thing each day and then I will feel better. I was supposed to go to the studio today but Mark came home early and he doesn't feel well. I haven't felt well either. I have a headache that just won't go away. I am now thinking that maybe I will go tomorrow and today I will draw at home. I have wanted to draw a picture of a little girl who we spent time with a couple of weeks ago. Her parents are friends and I have some great photos. I also need to draw a pic of a couple that I know as she asked me to do it. They are related to a little boy that I drew a while back. I am not very enthused by that particular project but I will do it if I have some time as I said I would. I also have to make my mom a handbag and do something for my little sister for her bday.

Little things to remember... Parking needs to be sorted tomorrow latest... I need to book and pay for my BCAF booth... I need to pay my student loan... my eyes need to be checked and my teeth need to be cleaned. I am just listing it to myself to make myself feel less overwhelmed...

My pic today is boring. I just like the fact that there are carnations every here and there in the garden. Oh yeah, that's another thing... I need to get the garden cleaned up for the season so I don't have to worry about it. See how full of worry I am???

I do have some good pics from Norfolk. That trip did me a lot of good! It was clear and bright and quiet and I loved it! I could spend a month up there I think.

I will up load a photo or 2 when I get around to downloading them.

Well that's my lot for today... It was a bit of a venting more than a blog but that's what it's all about anyway. I need to put it down here to get it out of my head.

I don't think anyone ever reads it anyway :)

TTFN X

Norfolk boats

We are going to Norfolk tomorrow for the weekend. I can't wait to take more photos as it is sooo beautiful! It's also very relaxing. We will sail if it is nice and have dinner at the sailing club even if it isn't. We have friends...

I have been accepted to show at the Battersea Contemporary Arts Fair and that is pretty exciting. It will be up to me to hang and sort everything out as it is my own stand. Scary! Oh well, one day at a time and next time I'll be an expert. It's not till May so I will have some time to get a lot of work done. It helps to have a goal. Maybe more will come up between now and then too. It will be difficult to leave work for the Royal Academy though as they keep it for a month during that time. Maybe the timing will work out -who knows...

I may go to the studio later but I don't know-what with the leaving for the weekend and all...

Back next week... TTFN X

Antherium

It's been a few days since my last blog. I haven't been in the mood for some reason. I don't know why but I think I have the September blues. This is rare for me as I love September. I usually start new things in September and there is always a sense of a new year. I think that is many years of study that has influenced my autumn feelings. I haven't anything concrete to look forward to this year. My classes are kind of same old thing. Even Christmas remains unplanned.

I have started my new painting "Sacred Cow" and I am very happy so far. I am waiting to get back into the sculpture thing until we move back to Putney Art. It is too much trouble in the new set up and even the kilns are on a lean schedule. Once we get back to the old building I will finish what I am working on and carry on with the new look sculptures. I wanted to take a sculpture course at Heatherleys but didn't get around to it. In the meantime, I am in painting mode...

The pictures I have posted are sort of a before and after of a jpeg I have. I want to get a table at the Battersea Contemporary Arts Fair so I need to get some work together by Monday. They want 4 jpegs of work and a CV. I have more work to show but I think that these are some of my best paintings. I only had a rubbish pic though so I lightened up the background and changed the colours using Camera Raw. It now resembles the actual painting. The one on the right is the good version. I am torn as to whether or not to use the Goose Girl and it is a copy (ish) of another painter. It does show that I know what I am doing however. Then I will have the "Ball Dog" and "Pink" (the pig). that is 4. I need to decide between the Goose Girl and my "Ginger Pie" which is of Wandsworth Common. I do have a series going with these and I know people love to have local area paintings... I don't know. It is not super likely that I will get in anyway but I have to keep trying. I may get in because they charge for a table but they don't say how much... hmmm... questions... Oh well... feet first...

I am busy the next 2 weekends so I will not get a lot done art wise but I will be in Norfolk next week and some of my best photographs come from there. Always something to do visually :)

Now back to work...

TTFN X

So here are some pics of the "Ball Dog". I don't love the name but it will work for now and a my friend thought of it so I may keep it. I still have some shading to do on the balls but it is pretty much finished and I am on to the next one. I wish I was brave enough to fool around with the background a little more but it is so pristine that I would hate to f*%& it up. It is actually a much more green colour in the back so it looks better in person.

I bought a very big canvas yesterday and I am very pleased with the background so far. It has a very tie dye- hippy effect so far. I have been doing a work-up in Photoshop and I think it is going to look great! I will try to be freer with this one as I am growing in confidence. I have now visualized 2 paintings that seemed like they would be pretty difficult to pull off and they have both worked out. Every time that happens, you gain a little more confidence. Also, the more you paint, the more experience you have and the easier it is to work through the problems. I want to put a lot of energy into this next painting.

I also need to get the "Shea" painting going and I need to put "Richmond Park" together.

I also wanted to get some more felting done before it is too cold...

I also need to do the other millions of little things that you have to do in September. We are away next weekend so any painting will have to be done in the week.

I am making myself overwhelmed so I will just go back to one day at a time...

This Battersea Art thing will have to be done on the strength of works that I have already. I doubt they will accept me anyway as I don't have a strong painting CV. They want people with a proven sales record and that is so not me :( Ah well! "If you build it they will come". Some day people will begin to like my stuff I hope. In the meantime, I like painting it.

TTFN X

fireworks

A quick blog today as it's late...

I have posted a pic of fireworks and a friend who was setting them off. I have loads of these and many are better but my favorites are the ones with the little girl in a yellow dress. Some of them are good but vertical so they need to be worked on and rotated. I haven't done anything to the photos yet. I just don't have anything else to post today and I actually love all of the firework photos (even the blurry ones are cool). I was playing with the exposure and so some are a little abstract but like I said, they are all really nice.

I was at the studio until late last night and the dog painting is pretty much finished. It just needs some last touches and I need to work on the black balls. It is harder to shade from black then from lighter colours like yellow. I have to work on it and I was getting tired so I stopped. I have a great name for it thanks to a friend... "Ball Dog". I will post a picture when I get one.

I am thinking about the calf painting now and I need to get a canvas. I want to go big again so it may take a while.

Well that's about it for the day. I went to yoga and took the dogs out but otherwise a quiet one.

TTFN X

Girl in White

Well, I haven't posted in 2 days as I have been teaching. I think I will have to take the first 2 days off of posting every week as I can't concentrate on anything but classes in that time. I haven't actually been posting every day anyway, but I am pleased that I have been pretty disciplined in my posting. It does really help to make me feel creative. It also let's me iron out what I want to accomplish. It is like a diary and an outlet for creative ideas at the same time.

I am going to the studio tonight as England is playing a World Cup qualifier and I don't really want to be around the pub for that but hubby does. I went to yoga this morning (very strong-ouch!) so I won't be doing Wed eve yoga. I do need to go for a run later and I am meeting a friend in the common with all of the dogs. So, a pretty busy day. I wanted to find some time to go out and buy a canvas for my cow painting. I want to at least get started and see if I can get it partially done by the 21st so I can send a pic in for the Battersea Art Fair. I may send in a photo of the painting started and a Photoshop mock up to show where I'm going with it. It doesn't need to be finished until May! I can't believe they have such an early call.

My pic today is one of the touch ups I did on the weekend. I really like it! It is called "high key" due to the whiteness and brightness. I like the balance now too. I took out some bystanders' feet and it works much better. I really enjoy messing around with Photoshop these days! I never used to, but now the photo bug has overtaken me. Unfortunately, every second person is a photographer now so my stuff will just get mixed up with the millions of others. That's Ok though as I never intended to be a famous photographer. I just like another tool for framing my visions. It is also a quick fix for a visual person like me. I feel like I have created something beautiful without so much time and effort. It's a release...

Must get ready for the park now...

TTFN X

Wind

So I have been working away today to get my syllabus finished as tomorrow is "back to school" day. I had to do a lesson plan for each class as well. I probably should have done it in the long summer days but that's not how we roll around here... Why do something today that you can put off till tomorrow is a pretty accurate description of my scheduling ability.

I had an all computer day. I worked on Word (for scheduling), which I find much more difficult than the art programs that I'm used to. I usually do everything in Illustrator, even word process stuff, however, the school uses word for documentation so I need to stick with it.

I also did some photo touch ups for some friends. I removed an ex -husband from a family wedding photo (not theirs) and did 2 copies; 1 cropped and cloned and 1 with Mickey Mouse in his place. I would post the results but they are not mine to post. I also did some touch up on the bride and my favorite, a little girl who I made into a "high key" photo with dramatic results. I may post that one as it is closer to art.

I finished by walking through an Illustrator project that I got from "Computer Arts" magazine. I tweaked the project to work with my advanced class and we will begin the term with this. It's a good typography exercise and we don't do enough of that. I think I will work on some more of them like snow or rain as opposed to wind. I am doing vector snowflakes later in the term and I like to keep a sort of continuity between the classes. It makes it easier to plan and I don't have to keep so much in my poor little head. "Wind" is the pic I have posted today.

I also received a "call for entries" to the Battersea Art Show but although it is not until May, they want photos of work by Sept 21. I would really like to have the Calf painting done by then and then I would have a small series of animal paintings. I could also do the other abstract of Richmond Park and show those but I don't know how "gettable" they are. I will try to put something together anyway as I don't want to miss the opportunity.

Well, now it is time to BBQ my fave... drumsticks!

TTFN X

Deco Poster

So I didn't blog again yesterday. Naughty, naughty! I really wasn't into it. I have so much to do before classes begin that I need to spend time offline and run errands. I would also like to lose a few pounds before monday but that's not going to happen... I am running about 4 miles now so hopefully, the old metabolism will pick up. I am hoping that being in such good yoga shape will keep my knees safe. It's been 2 years since I ran regularly and my knees are just now feeling better. I do have new shoes though and that will help.

I am hoping to get to the studio tonight but am waiting for the car to be finished. I will call after this. I can't believe they haven't called yet. I hope that doesn't mean it will be more expensive! They ran a lot of figures past me today but at the end of the day you either trust your mechanic or you go elsewhere. I actually trust these guys!

Here is the other poster that I did in the series. I really liked these. Again, it was done entirely in Adobe Illustrator. this is a short post but I really have to get going. It seems obvious that I am distracted...

TTFN X

Hair Day

School begins next week so I had to have my hair done today. I guess that is part of an artful life... keeping up with your appearance. I feel much younger now that I have had some highlights mixed with the gray. I did go for a run this afternoon and that was good. I am going to miss yoga tonight because, this week, I can go on Tuesday and Thursday so I don't feel so guilty if I miss it. Next week is school so I will be more diligent about things. ("diligent" is not a very good word for yoga)

I didn't post yesterday because I was having an internet free day. Sometimes I like to stay away from the internet and see if I get more accomplished. I think I did actually. I should at least do my blog though, because I think it is important. It is like they tell you in the book "The Artists Way". The book says to sit down every day and write 3 pages of stream-of-conscience words. This is to release whatever it is that is blocking your creativity. I have never had the discipline and I hate reading stuff that I have written in the past but the likelihood of me digging up old blogs is pretty remote so I feel like I am just putting it all out into the universe. It's very empowering!

My pic today is another oldie but goodie. I did these posters a couple of years ago and I really like them. The only theme was art deco. They were done entirely with Adobe Illustrator. Most digital artwork out there is Photoshop and these posters were not well received. I had them in a show. People couldn't understand them... maybe they are just crap... but I like them. I will put the other up tomorrow. I need to space them out as I am running out of material.

I do have other artworks but they are archived on a hard-drive which is not cooperative at the moment. I am meaning to fix it this week. Maybe then I will show some old sculpture. I have been neglecting sculpture for painting recently so as to concentrate on one thing. I need to get back into going to sculpture studio one day a week. Then I can just relax and work on things at a slow pace.

Well that is enough of my aimless rambling for tonight. I am making Laksa fro dinner... YUM!

TTFN X

Bank Holiday

It's a bank holiday so we are recovering from staying out at the BBQ last night. It was fun and we stayed till about 2 which isn't so bad.

I have just been reading my book today. It's called "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth and it is fantastic but very big. I can't even imagine reading in hardback! It is an Indian epic about 4 families around the time of partition with Pakistan. It has been compared to Dickens and I think that is pretty accurate. The characters are well developed and the writing style very easy and readable. I bought in Bali and thought it would last the holiday for sure but it has lasted the summer. That's good as it is nice to get at least one good read in during the school holidays.

My plan is to go to the studio soon so I hope I will get there and get a photo of the Gracie portrait so far...

My pic today is of an Illustrator project I did ages ago. I did it for my sisters birthday. It was done in CS2 and it was when you could use live trace to get some resources but it was very difficult to work with the points and pathways. You almost had to redraw if you wanted to cut a bit out. Newer versions have the eraser which will redraw for you and seal things back up neatly into separate objects. That is great but I would never have made such a nice piece if I hadn't had to be creative with the points and paths and redraw some of the horse. I really like how it turned out.

TTFN X

BBQ Day

We are going to a BBQ today so I am baking Tollhouse cookies at the moment. Everyone over here thinks that they are the most amazing thing and that I am the most AMAZING baker when I make them. They don't realize that we have all been baking off of the same recipe on the back of the Nestle's bag of choc chips our whole lives. They don't even have Nestle Choc chips over here. I have just finished off the last of the ones my sister sent at Christmas. I will have to wait until December to get more unless I can get someone to send me some for no reason.

I had a great session at the studio yesterday and the Gracie painting is almost finished. I need to get a good photo of it for the blog. I wish I could sneak away and work on it some more today as the BBQ is just around the corner from the studio, but folks would think I was rude. Tomorrow is a holiday so I will probably get over in the afternoon. I hope I am not too hung over from the BBQ as it will probably go until the wee hours.

The pic today is a chilli truck from Bali. I took the photo from the car behind so it isn't great quality but I like the look of it.

TTFN X

Just a short blog today as it is already 3 and I don't know where the day has gone. I am off to the studio as soon as possible. I still have to work out the dinner situation and there has been some unrest between the man and me as to time spent at the pub. He is now declaring a sit in (front room) and won't contribute to menu plans. For my part, I plan to be gone baby gone as soon as I sort this out. As soon as he realizes that I won't be here, he'll be off to the pub! that means dinner time will be unpredictable.

I will just have to work out what I want and make sure there is something suitable to eat for him when he gets back. Then it's off to the studio...

I haven't made the felt bag yet as I have a nagging sense of fear of failure. I need to get over it and hopefully will feel more positive tomorrow. I think I am having a hormonal reaction to things so I will put it off for a more auspicious day. It does no good to be sad if it doesn't work out.

The picture today is of my Bali Calf. I took many pics of this little guy because I thought he would move as I got closer. He didn't and I have some great pics! I am putting this one on the web as I like the others too much to share while they are still vulnerable to webtheft. I am going to do a painting of the calf with a great background ala "the pig" and "the dog". I have a special background in mind but it isn't worked out yet. Lately, I work pretty much all of my painting out on Illustrator and Photoshop.

TTFN X

I am looking through my Computer Arts mags today for inspiration. I need to come up with some projects for my advanced class next week. It's difficult because I don't know how many students will be new to Illustrator. The school has been trying to "move on" students from the Photoshop classes into my class billing it as an advanced option. These students don't really care about the Illustrator or InDesign and they are usually disappointed when they learn that I only teach part of the term in Photoshop. If they do want to learn these programs, they are starting from scratch with vectors so there is a big learning curve. It makes differentiation very difficult. I have been doing this for years without much problem but lately the school is very keen on showing that students are going somewhere. I have argued that this isn't applied to other classes but they really don't understand digital design at all. It's very frustrating. I will not have any idea until I get to know the new students.

I have posted a pic of Norfolk (Wells-next-to-Sea) as we are returning at the end of September to visit with some friends and I love the photos that I took there. It is on my mind because I arranged for dog sitting today and now that's sorted I can relax. It's so beautiful there! I have loads of pics of the lavender fields and I hope we can go back there.

I have a new felting theme that I am working on. I have everything I need but just didn't want to get all wet and messy today. I am making a handbag after one that I saw a friend with yesterday in yoga. I looked it over and thought it would be the perfect thing to make and I could easily transfer the hows to my sister. She has wanted to felt but I think she would like something more hand-baggy to make as opposed to slippers. I am hoping to knock one up tomorrow. The great thing for me is always the decoration and this will be perfect for applique and needle felting. It takes a lot more wool so I hope the first one comes out better than my first slippers (or my first handbag which is universally considered ugly). I should have a pic by next week.

TTFN X

I didn't blog yesterday and I feel bad about it but I've been doing ok so far so a little slip and I will forgive myself. I was felting yesterday and I have posted a pic of the baby slippers that I made. I also made a pair of ballet slips for a one year old girl but I haven't finished them yet.

I'm pretty happy with the finished product but I haven't tried them on the baby yet. I just quickly make the pattern which was based on an adult pair so they may need some adjustment. It is much quicker to make these though.

The ballet slippers were a whole other thing. I had to figure out how to make a one piece strap and shoe. I also had to make sure I didn't f&%* it up by putting the strap on the same side each shoe. That is the kind of thing I do...

I also made some felt so I could put 3D flowers on the strap. I haven't done this before either so the whole thing is a learning process. I will take a pic of them when finished. I really like this experimental learning thing but sometimes it doesn't work out and you just have to suck it up and drive on. Once you realize that not everything works out the first time, then it is a lot easier to be creative and try different things. In the long run, you get better at design and you gain confidence in yourself and your abilities.

TTFN X

A day at the beach

School starts soon so I need to concentrate on my digital artwork and lesson plans.

Here are some things I did last term using Adobe Photoshop.

The first pic is a simple montage of images with different effects. I used "threshold" to create the black images. I used hue/saturation for others. The sandcastles were threshold and then changing black to white and cutting it out.

I used the example three times (for 3 classes) and I was really pleased with the effect of having 3 of some things. One of the things I tell my students is that a professional graphic artist should not be afraid to keep adding to the image. It gives it a lot of depth.

The second image is made with some downloaded watercolour brushes in Photoshop. I took the image of a parchment and layered it in with transparency to create the paper effect and then using the same image as the other artwork (boy on beach), I started painting. I faded the original and painted on top to create a watercolour effect. I used Papyrus font because it fades in and out.

That's my art for the day...

I spent the day helping a friend get some art drawers, for storing her beautiful prints and visiting other friends to celebrate the first birthday of my little dog Grace. We were in the common with the daddy and my other dog (mum). We were also joined by other sausage dog friends and Queenie (my poodle). It was a beautiful day! Now I must join my husband down the pub :)

TTFN X

"Guilt Free"

I uploaded a pic of the garden today as it is probably the last nice day this week and it is already becoming cold at night. Autumn is coming...

I think that as a lifestyle, "art in everyday life" should encompass the garden as well as the home style. My art for the day may be some felting (I haven't decided yet) but it may be that I go to the studio or nothing at all.

A long time ago, I made Sunday "Guilt Free'. That means that I don't have to do anything if I don't want to. I can eat what I want and be lazy without all of the self beating that I do the rest of the week. I think that giving yourself a day of guiltless rest is really healing.

I did waste the day yesterday too but I beat myself up about it. I had a hang over and was tired from staying up all night. I think the blood sugar levels jump around with alcohol so you must be careful not to get depressed. Even so, I have to stick with my guilt free Sundays. I can't take anything else that has gone on during the week into account. That is the simple rule. NO GUILT

And now, since I no longer want to be on the internet, I will sign off...

TTFN X

Balloon Girl

I went to a wedding yesterday and didn't get back until 4 in the morning so I'm tired and hung-over.

My art for the day is going to be digital for two reasons. One: I can just about handle the laptop and even that is like hard work... Two: I have a million photos to work with from the wedding.

I chose "Balloon Girl" to post because I LOVE it and I like the way that camera RAW works so I thought I'd talk about it. I went through all of my photos in bridge and then on some I just tweaked the clarity a little to give it a soft magical look. On this photo, it makes it look like a painting (and actually it may be at some point). I think that everything works in the photo; colour, subject matter and balance.

I love the way you can work with photos in Bridge and Camera RAW. You can quickly make your photos look professional or artsy.

Now, I have to get ready for yoga (if I'm going to make it). I hope it won't be too strong today. I have to take care of myself in Jamie's class because he works us hard and, IMO, being a boy makes him less sensitive to girlie weakness.

TTFN X

Sketching

So I did a quick sketch last night of the boy that I am going to do a painting of. It was pretty good last night but when I went out to get some fixative, I bought a new set of charcoal sketch pencils. It is overdone now...

Oh well; the man I am giving it to will love it! It does look like the boy. He's a miserable little so and so. I took about a hundred pics of him just to get him smiling but no luck. I finally told them that if he isn't a smiling person, then it won't look natural to have him smile in the painting.

About my new sketch pencils... they are about the same as others I have. I tend to hoard art materials. Last year, when we were selling our home, I put a lot of stuff in storage (thinking it would sell in a month max). I can't believe that I made so much of my art stuff in boxes at the back. All of my watercolours and sketchbooks etc... are locked up. I had to buy a new set of watercolours and brushes and the whole set up again this summer. It's not that I mind buying new gear but now I will have more than ever to keep. I also have a bunch of wool and all of the felting materials in the house. It's a very small home...

I had a teacher that said that most people get stuck at the "materials" stage of a project. This is the stage where you have planned it out and then bought all of the materials to complete the job. Then the interest starts to wane and you have a whole bunch of new stuff. I have always found this to be true of me but knowing it helps to fight through the laziness.

Well, tomorrow is a wedding so I will not be doing any art but Saturday I need to get to grips with my felting!

TTFN X Paige

Almost forgot...

I almost forgot to post today...

I haven't been very active on the art front today so I will post a pic of a painting I did quite some time ago...

I was feeling really uninspired and like a big fat loser so I decided to copy an old master... Sir James Guthrie painted this a long time ago and I had a postcard from the V & A show "Arts and Crafts". I learned so much from this painting and developed the confidence to do more of my own ideas! This was a real turning point in the painting career of Paige Barry. It's not an exact copy but the feel is there so I couldn't call it mine but I love it just the same. The geese all have their own personality and I think this is how I got started on the animal thing. I also took a lot of time doing it and that is what I am doing all the time now. I don't really market my art so I am taking the time and doing what feels right. In the end I will have fewer paintings but they will all be from the heart. I also like to learn while I am painting and this was a great learning experience!

I am going to try to get a sketch done tonight of a boy that I am meant to paint. I just want to get some of the shapes and the feel down. I might also try some coloured pencils. I'll have to see how it goes. I love coloured pencils! You can actually do photo-realism if you work hard enough. I want to see how loose or tight I am feeling about the picture and then I'll decide...

TTFN xx Paige

Lakelillies

While I was looking through photos for the Saatchi thing, I came across some Lake District photos that I had played with and decided that this one turned out really well. I used photoshop to enhance it and play with the colours. Those were the old days before Camera Raw. Now I can go through loads of photos and just play... I love it!

Today is Tuesday and I need to plan when and where things will happen before school is back in session. I need to do my lesson planning and Schemes of Work. We are being assessed next term so the paperwork needs to be together.

Unfortunately, the pig didn't sell so I will need to pick it up from the gallery on Thursday. This is not easy as it is so big that I need to have a people carrier to move it. I also need help moving it. It is going to hang in my hubby's offices until I can sell it or find another gallery. The difficult part is that it is all in central London so the logistics are a nightmare! Oh well, we transferred it from the Royal Academy to Llewelyn Alexander so it can go to Victoria the same way. I am lucky to have had it in a gallery at all. This was my first "hanging" and I was really excited. I don't market myself very well, if at all, so it is a miracle that it was hanging anywhere other than the studio. I hate all of the background that you have to have in order be taken seriously as an artist. Why can't the work speak for itself? I love sharing my work with people though, and now I can post it on my blog!

Todays art focus will be going to the studio to work on the Grace painting. I will post work in progress tomorrow...

Monday...

The day has officially gotten away from me but I did manage to register for the Saatchi online gallery. That will have to be my art thing for the day...

I now have to rush out and get something for dinner and take the dogs to the rec at the same time...

This blog thing is easier in the morning so tomorrow I will do it first thing!

Sunday...

So, a quick blog on this day...

This morning I moved the Arts & Crafts wardrobe from storage into my hallway. I spent the rest of the day organizing the fallout. It's strange how much crap you have to go through with even the simplest change. I have just finished (mostly) tidying and it is 6:30! I didn't get any felting done but I think this will make it easier to motivate myself. It is hard to get started when things are a mess.

One of my goals for the summer is to halve the storage space so we can cut our expenses. Removing the wardrobe was just the beginning...

Saturday ... Day2

So it is day 2 of the commitment to "post a blog every day". I have wasted most of the day on FB so I guess that is kind of like a blog.

I was up until 3am speaking to my lovely son about his plans for the future and helping him sort out some finance. He has decided (this week) to move back to the east coast (NYC) and finish his college using the GI bill. He is attending a local community college and we were sorting out the courses that would be transferrable and also a good series for his major (Business studies or Engineering) He really doesn't know what to do with his life... I hope it all falls into place because so far he has had a lot of obstacles. I believe that when something is meant to be, it all falls into place and so conversely, if it isn't falling into place... However, if you don't try then you will never have the opportunity to find out.

According to GOETHE:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth...

the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."

With that said, I need to get started on my wool slippers. I am making some children's slippers out of felt and also a kit for my sister to learn how to do the same. She want's to learn felting and I think she could actually sell some of these at local craft fairs to earn some much needed extra money. If I can figure out how, I will post some pics on the blog when they are finished.

Well, that's my post of the day. I have yoga at 5 and need to do so much...

TTFN xxx

New to blogging

If you can believe it, I have never had a blog before. I do facebook and MySpace etc... and I have been the computer art queen since the early 90's but have never really thought about a blog. To be honest, I thought it was a bit sad to have a blog; like you don't have real friends or something. I have just bought a magazine called the "Artful Blogger" and it has changed my perception of blogs. I am now going to try to blog every day and once I figure it all out, I will blog with images of my artwork.