STATIC PENCIL 2012

Peace Roses

2012-02-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

conte medium - free hand - expression of love and peace

2012-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

Having problems with uploading today. watch this space.

Beginner

2011-05-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

I was wondering what I could put together for "Beginner". I chose to represent the stages of child development beginning to draw.
1st stage - manipulative - experimenting
2nd stage - symbolic - only to child
3rd stage - recogniseable - recognised by the adult.

Under three year olds have little concept of base line - draw and float in mid air. The early stages of art, gaining control of what it does.

The Mandala - symbolic circle with bits coming out from it. The child gradually moves to this stage of development as it explores from the environment and experiments with shape and line. Scribble continues to be an important part of the process and the learning. There is so much interesting information and theory surrounding our creative development and beginnings. I have given a very brief intro to the extraordinary skill we all begin with.

My playful image (the first one) is my instant expression of the thoughts I had thinking about "beginning''. These two other colourful pictures I added have come from a collection of drawings I kept of my now adult children. Who incidentally are successful in the world of creativity.

Bicycle

2011-04-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

I started with the above drawing in pencil as part of a design for a birthday card. The following images were where I scanned the pencil drawing into photoshop and played around with the effects. I finally put some text across the finished piece and created a card.

ongoing piece

2011-04-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

This piece is still not finished. I posted a black and white version last year that I had drawn on A4 sheet. I took the image to a large canvas. At the end of last year while studying visual arts I gave oil paints a go. The above painting is in oils. It is a working progress. My medium of preference is acrylics. I hope I will feel motivated to finish this. However at the moment I am resting from the oils and have commenced some new works.

Duet

2011-04-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

Two girls singing a duet. Until now and posting this I hadn't even considered what they may be singing. I have been very aware that time is passing in 2011 and my endeavours to blog regularly are not being met. My journey in life continues to be one of varied directions that even I cannot keep up with. Last night I was determined to doodle, sketch a duet. I always believe in a "don't think mind" approach to creating an image of a theme, a thought or an emotion. So much comes from the unconscious if you just let the pen happen. So it is only now this morning when I post my duet I look at what I created. I ask myself who they are? what they might be singing? one looks a little sad too, or thoughtful. What do you think they could be singing? I am going to have a think about this, maybe anyone passing by would like to suggest what they think.

DUSTY

2011-01-23T01:32:00.000-08:00

I love looking at the theme for ''Illustration Friday''. Sometimes I am not inspired to make an image, sometimes the week has been too busy. It is a challenge to come up with something in between the hustle and bustle of daily life. That made me think about how dusty the house gets this time of year. All the pollen from the summer weather, the grass and dust coming through open windows. Then at the end of a week finding time to get cleaning and keep all that dust at bay. I used pastel to conjure up a dusty atmosphere, it is very dusty in this picture. Maybe I am feeling guilty that this weekend I didn't do any dusting.

Chicken

2011-01-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

I loved the theme of Chicken - I thought for this IF submission I would do something completely different. So here goes with digital medium. I love the colours if I do say so myself. This Bantam chicken now lives all alone. Has mothered many baby chicks over time and is 7 years old. She is quite a character and part of our family. After losing her friends to foxes or cats we take great care of this one.

DEJA VU

2011-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

It is the New Year - & Blogging again for 2011

With as always at the beginning of each year a change to my blogging page design - cos I can and its fun. BUT if you are having Deja Vu, even seeing double that's because you are & seeing again "lil ole me" who is the same lil ole me".
My self portrait as posted ages ago the one you see every time I post a blog and you come and visit me or the image you see when I come and visit you when we all share images for ''Illustration Friday''.

NOW there's a Deja Vu "ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY''
havn't I been here & there before???

RESOLUTIONS

2011-01-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

Oil Painting - Not finished - My resolution has to be to finish this painting.

As part of my studying a visual arts course during 2010 this is one of 8 oil paintings for assessment. Fortunately it was taken to 6. I had not used oil paints before. I loved using them but found they didn't really love me and made me feel quite sick, even using odourless solvents. This piece I didn't finish although I did submit for final assessment. I now have to push myself to finish this before I commence with something new. Albeit the paintings will not be in oils. hence a dilemma in getting this finished or not... I felt the person sitting looking out across the fields reflected my resolve. Gazing across to the horizon wondering what 2011 will bring. I know I have a jam packed full year ahead again. I will try so hard to keep my creative blog/blogs going. So to all the fellow bloggers. Happy New Year. all the best for 2011 as we try to juggle our creativity, health and well being along side working hard.

SNEAKY

2010-11-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Glad to find a moment to sneak in this picture. Loved the topic of "Sneaky"and doodled this in my journal very quickly, to at last add something to my blog. I have so missed catching up with everyone and hope to get round to blogging some more this week to view what I have been missing.

Paisley

2010-06-19T23:59:00.001-07:00

The theme from ''Illustration Friday'' Paisley... I love trees and draw a tree every day. How could I use this theme of Paisley - then I thought of a paisley leafed tree. Thanks for the inspiration IF.

ripple

2010-06-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

abstract ripples that I had fun creating

Too early to wake up mum!!!

2010-05-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

This image is in the process of being worked upon. Not finished. Rough idea for a large acrylic painting I plan to do.

FEARLESS

2010-05-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

Not sure which one is Fearless. Who do you think?

detective

2010-04-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

This really is a very quick sketch for IF this week. I would love to spend some time working on this character, maybe a later date I will come back to it. I had this idea of a hound sniffing out some shoe prints or similar.
This week one of my paintings has been accepted into an exhibition and this will be the first time I have put a price on one (be awesome if it sells). I have just finished a commission of a child portrait but this was a friendly barter and I await a beautiful painting of the mothers emotional expression at the receipt of my painting of her son in return.
Thanks to all those that drop by. I may have confused some people the other week by posting on my mandala blogspot instead of static pencil. Love all your comments very inspiring.

Art Therapy

2010-04-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

DIP

2010-04-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

From my journal. DIP IN THE HILLS.

RESCUE

2010-03-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

My simple portrayal of Rescue

I have had an ''illustration Friday'' break for a little while. For all those blogging friends I have not visited for a while, I hope to catch up with all your blogs over the next few weeks. The above are just pencil doodles and I aim to use my ''Static Pencil'' blog spot for simple pencil doodles. I usually do these at night, when all is done and time to sit and relax. Static Pencil blog spot was all about the fact my pencil had not been used for ages and then back in 2006 I made time to pursue my art again. The use of the blogspot with IF was a true motivator and I have had fun ever since. Then this last few months the pencil became static again. I realised I was trying too hard to put something out there and the space was for me to just express a thought and feeling to reflect the word/theme offered. So I am back again with just my simple thoughts as the word at the time inspires. I will endeavour to do more with my other blog and may add another, so if interested watch out for them.

Clumsy

2010-01-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T03:40:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all the bloggers that visit all the best for creativity and enthusiasm for 2010. I am currently resting and will be back soon.

crunchy

2009-12-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

entangled 2nd take for 2009

2009-11-30T01:07:00.000-08:00

As I said I would in the first post, here is entangled number 2. I have explored some more, my entangled image. I think I prefer this one. What do you think? I had fun doing this. I think its a bit more entangled with lots of growth. Quite a positive image for me

entangled

2009-11-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

I came up with this image when studying ''Art Therapy" in 2008. Exploration through art, core issues. My entangled threads in and out of my heart I felt were apt for this weeks IF theme. The entanglement of relationships, love, children, family, hopes and dreams. I loved this image and thought I'd post. However, I am going to explore it some more and if I get chance will post an updated version.

Music

2009-11-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

Sunrise Band We meet up together and play our music - for fun and socialising - We began many years ago and played for local charities to help raise money - or just for fun to give a smile. A smaller group now as younger members grown and moved on to new ventures. Music, listening to, or playing an instrument, is both relaxing and invigorating. I love playing my saxophone and meeting with friends.

UNBALANCED

2009-11-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

At last I am getting a little more balance in my schedule. I have been feeling unbalanced, as unbalanced as my picture. Title "Which Way" . Life's choices and making decisions. I have ventured forth with my own private practice in the Arts and counselling. At the same time I have now balanced this out with paid employed work out in the field of working with Families, leaving my old job behind. Balancing this out with my pleasure of doodling my art with my blog spots. I have missed being a part of IF this last few weeks. Here's hoping I can manage to add a few more before Christmas. Apologies to all if I don't get to visit you.

Frozen

2009-10-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

I drew this in my journal last night, considering the word frozen. It was suggested to me that the our computer keeps getting frozen. It does. Pretty annoying when the arrow freezes and nothing works and all has to be turned off. Mostly freezes when using the internet. The modem not working properly or the server has dropped out. Weather here in Australia is moving away from being frozen, however, with Christmas coming we always have snow on the cards, snowflakes, Robins, etc. I also have been designing some cards with snowflakes. I have come up with a doodle of some icicles all together for this post, hope you like them. I was in my "Mandala"journal, hence the circle. This reminds me, I will eventually get a blog up for mandala's only, just been getting a little bit too busy this end. My website is up and running too, all exciting and busy. Thanks everyone for popping by and visiting and all the lovely comments.

Flying

2009-10-11T02:41:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my journal and came across a rough sketch I did inspired by a dream of my husbands. He had woken and told me about how two owls had picked up a koala out of a tree and flown away with him. We had a laugh and I had this image pop in my head, drew it rough and forgot all about it. When I saw the theme of IF "Flying", I recalled this fun sketch and decided to draw it out in illustrator and colour in photoshop. I'd written in my journal and share. The inspiration from the dream was "flying forward". I really enjoyed playing with this today, and all those other chores I had to do, ooops, they got left.

GERMS

2009-10-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

I know this isn't very glamorous but it is amazing how many germs we sneeze and cough out everyday. Especially over our computer keyboards and desks. In fact 20,000 germs per square inch. 400 times more germs than found in the toilet. Not nice eh!
Go to www.ivos.co.uk/germ.htm and find some more facts.
I reckon a nice pattern of germs would have been a nice take. mmm maybe if I get chance I will splash some paint around and make germs into something artistically interesting

Today the clocks went forward 1 hour and the day is going fast. The sun is shining, a beautiful day, marks Spring and the coming Summer for us Australians. I love this time of year, it inspires to be being busy, planting the vegies, cleaning up and preparing and planning ahead for christmas holidays. In the process of designing some christmas cards to send across the miles, I always leave it to the last minute so trying to get organised now.

Pattern 2

2009-09-28T01:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist I had to add another posting for "Pattern". You see my other doodling passion is creating Mandala's. I aim to put a Mandala blog together so watch out for this. I hope I am not being too ambitious, I don't have that much time for my blogs, I wish I did, cos its such fun. I usually draw at least one Mandala a week, so I do have a few. Thought I might share one with you. I didn't post the one or two that I did last night. You might see them at a later date. The patterns that grow with my imagination are such a delightful relaxation.

Pattern

2009-09-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

I so love the theme for this weeks IF. I reckon I could doodle away every night with this one. My nightly drawing doodles in my journal are usually of people, faces, eyes. Therefore, great to be able to draw a figure to represent the theme.
My burst of creativity took me on a new venture at the weekend with a revisit to pottery and throwing a pot on the potters wheel. What fun I had!!

INFINITE

2009-09-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

INFINITE

No explanation - purely my expression.
After an exhausting 3 days back at work.

WELCOME

2009-09-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

We all like to make people feel appreciated and thought about. Often it is said with flowers. The flowers may be given to you in person or sent interflora. What ever the occasion, a small posy or large bouquet, the receiving of is a delightful surprise. The giving is equally fulfilling. Flowers are always a welcome gesture. Having recently been in hospital with 8 weeks recovering (back to work next week), I must say that flowers have been most welcome and cheery sight.

STRONG

2009-09-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see I got carried away this time around. Inspiration thanks to all you fellow bloggers. I looked through my work and realised I hadn't done any watercolour for IF for a little while. I couldn't stop drawing and then ended up with two pictures. I drew these in pencil first and then drew around with my black artliner. I then printed off onto watercolour paper my sketch and had fun colouring in with the paint. Watercolour is not my speciality, I find it a hard medium to put onto the paper. I was going to use inks but changed my mind, maybe next time.

Presently I am off work, returning in two weeks time. I am reflecting that I hope not to lose the space to enjoy my own free expression with my art.

MAGNIFY

2009-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Eye spy with my little eye

something beginning with M

Illustration Friday, "Magnify"

I create, my expressionism.
With many dots and lines
the Pen and ink inspire,
an image, shape combines.
An eye that I admire.
To magnify, the greatness.
Enlarge, more than is real,
look into its deepness,
break through the corneal.

caution

2009-08-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

This is pen and ink drawing that I had done a little while ago, and felt would fit the word "Caution

mummy wrapped

2009-08-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I came up with this image. But hey I had some fun, I just kept thinking of all the objects that could be wrapped up for presents and how we try to disguise what something is. Then I thought about wrapping something so that you could see the outline and who should appear but the "mummy".

modify

2009-08-04T00:25:00.000-07:00

Modify - Modified. Self Portrait.

Having just undergone major surgery for hysterectomy, I feel a major 'modify' has been performed. A modify for medical health reasons, and now on the road to recovery. I didn't really think about what I was drawing but have been interested in my results from an arts therapy perspective. I hope now to get more into my drawing while recuperating and waiting to be able to be more mobile. I have my other blog spot "pause4art" and I think I will begin to get more art work out on this site too. Hope I have some visitors and I look forward to your comments and I will endeavour to view as many other great illos on IF too.

SHAKY

2009-07-06T01:34:00.000-07:00

Netty likes to try anything.

She's always ready for adventure.

Just a little shaky as she wobbles across the long brick wall.

I think she will make it.

More Netty Adventures coming.

Netty is my one of my new characters and I hope to add more to her family, neighbours, friends etc. as I explore her world. Appreciate any comments. Missed not getting onto IF for a while, hope I manage to get on here more often again now.

The Evil Eye

2009-04-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

I doodled eyes, many eyes over the last few nights. I drew without much thought about what I wanted to draw, but I was doodling happily. Today I thought maybe I could look at the IF illustration theme for Talisman. Whooah all those eyes, I thought of how I needed a talisman to ward them all away. How the superstition and belief that to be looked at with the evil eye (to be looked at with envy, a stare) had the power to injure others. Many different cultures have differing understanding of the "evil eye" or the "lucky eye" . Below is an amulet of the Hasma Hand (taken from wikipedia) The hand contains the eye motif that wards off the evil eye. Many objects can be seen to have an image of an eye on them to ward off this believed phenomenon.

The Hamsa Hand

tree

2009-04-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Tree of life
The fabric of life.

LEGENDARY - King Arthur and the knights of the round table

2009-03-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

I love the Legendary tales of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. Above is a pen and ink presented in my favourite format of a mandala. The round table being a mandala of symbolism. Here all 24 knights were equal in rank and esteem. King Arthur presented the round table so that every knight had an equal place. In the legend of King Arthur, the love of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere passed beyond the limits of this ideal and brought to an end the noble fellowship of the round table.
The 24 knights were all Sirs, Galahad, Lancelot, Gawain, Percival, Lisnell, Tristan, Gareth, Bedevere, Bleoberis, Cotemal, Lucan, Palomides, Lamorak, Bors, Safer, Pelleas, Kay, Ector, Dagonet, Degore, Brumear, Le bel Desconneus, Alymere, Mordred. Plus I have been so busy of late that
I have posted this before a couple of years ago but felt it apt to show again. Plus I have been so busy with work lately that I hadn't managed to fit in the time to Illustration Friday. So I take this opportunity to say sorry to all fellow illustrators that I have not had chance to visit the last month or so, and hope to visit you shortly.

A photo of a replica of the round table.

The ruins of Tintagel castle at Cornwall.
A Legendary tale unfolds around the ruins of Tintagel of King Arthur and Merlin.

CELEBRATE - THE WORK OF RANGERS

2009-02-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

For St Valentines day also our wedding anniversary we had a day full of celebrations. The main event however for celebration was where we went for that day ST Valentines. Day The Thin green line music event held locally. You can follow the link at the side of my page, you will see it there in green. This day was celebrating the work done around the world by rangers. The picture above a collage postcard done by myself and husband as an initiative to send to rangers around the world, the green band with a message. When they receive these postcards it will be posted onto their website. The picture below shows the many other people at the festival celebrating the great work being done and sharing their thoughts across the world.

Extra celebration as 50% of the profits of this event were being sent to aid the victims of the bush fires in Victoria that have claimed so many lives and left so many homeless. Also the opportunity to celebrate the courage of fellow Australians in some horrendous situations. The weather and conditions here in Victoria have been extreme, and it is a true celebration of all people the work done to care for others, humans, animals and the planet.

FLAWED

2009-02-02T03:05:00.000-08:00

I loved doodling the theme of flawed and trying to come up with an idea. I like to keep myself from looking at any IF illustrations posted until I have done mine, that way I don't feel influenced. I am always amazed at how quickly everyone is able to get an image together and posted.
My image is a simpe ink drawing of the "flawed world" How there is no such thing as being perfect and flawless. The current global economic situation leaves us all hanging on. All trying to do our bit to keep the world intact, sustainable. To keep the world there for our children. I would have loved to spend more time on making this into an acrylic painting, maybe one day in the future. Not the time at present, hence a quick simple sketch. Thanks to everyone stopping by catch you all next time or hopefully I have managed to visit your blog this week.

2009-01-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

I have just done this very quick doodle. I had already done an image for climbing "the koala" but the last few days the temperature has been climbing and climbing. It is getting and is so "HOT"
This is the third day down under in Melbourne the temps have climbed to 40++. I am melting. My lemon tree is dropping cooked lemons, so I have just been out in the heat trying to pick and save as many as possible. The vegie patch alas cannot survive, burnt to a crisp in the searing heat. Hence my doodle for doodle a day. I have also added the photo of a koala that visited our garden one day.

CLIMBING

2009-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Graphite pencil sketch as done into my journal

watercolour on watercolour paper

copic marker pens on bleed proof paper,

pastel pencils on cream coloured pastel paper.

Today is the last day of a weeks holiday and tomorrow I return to work. This means even less time to spend with my passion of drawing and creating, so today I think I was carried away with wanting to try out some experiments in case I don't get a chance in the next few weeks.

I began by sketching a koala climbing a gum tree, then another koala and more gum trees. I wanted to try out some colour but not mess up my original drawing so I photocopied my pencilled drawing onto 3 different papers. watercolour paper, bleed proof paper 70gsm, and pastel paper. Then decided to just let rip with the colour and not get too precious, just create.

I have put all the pictures up for blog visitors to look at. I am not sure which I prefer, I had fun with the pastel this time, enjoyed the water colour, and always interesting with the texta marker pens. They are all only small sketches on A4 size paper. I prefer working with acrylic on canvas when I do use colour but those pictures take me a lot longer.

Thought I would share with you a Koala in the gum trees. I am fortunate that my family and I live in a house surrounded by many gum trees and from time to time a Koala will visit, they are hard to spot. If I get chance I will look through my photos and post a photo of a koala in our garden. Our recent family visitor hoped to see a Koala in our garden and all he got to see was the photo and a video we took. I hope he sees this blog as I am thinking of him.

PALE

2009-01-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

PALE - I took a little while, and some trial,
to decide on an image, that I could envisage
a picture of pale, my mind stale.
I penciled away, come what may
a pale cup of tea, a pale sea,
what can I draw, some pale straw?
lines and scribble, as I quibble
what shall it be, what do I see.
something white, an idea ignite.
A pale faced clown, with a slight frown,
pales behind a mask, begins his task.
A clown and a story?

contained

2009-01-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd have a play with some pastels, they are not my favourite medium and I am still experimenting. I find them a bit messy and don't do what I want them to do. So much for the word contained, the pastels were very hard to contain, I am thinking about some tuition in this as I see some wondrous work done with pastels and am at a loss of how to control this medium. As for the depiction. It is of course a heart, many hearts. I copied it ready to post and then couldn't help myself and decided to copy many together and place in a pattern. The meaning for the word contained in this image, all the emotions that are always described as being in the heart, contained not shown, and with valentines day coming up its time to let those feelings out.....

RESOLVE

2009-01-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

I drew this toward the end of last year into my journal and felt it apt for this word "resolve". As part of my study in the diploma of Art Therapy a journal is an important part of the journey, it still remains an important part of my creative journey and I continue to add to it every evening and spare moment, especially when an image just pops into my head. The drawing above was a depiction of my resolve not to go down the gurgler!! There was a lot of pressure to get all assignments, projects, journals, practicums etc all finished completed and qualify for the diploma. That's not to mention working full time, managing a family, a home and still have some fun to keep creative. I didnt go down the gurgler, but was amused when flicking through my many pages to find this one above and reflect on how I felt at the time. For 2009 I have many aspirations but not nearly enough time to get them all going. Just enjoying the remainder of christmas holidays before returning to work. The last few days I actually finished some paintings that I have had on a go slow all during 2008, that has given me some satisfaction and I hope I can find time to do more of this before I recommence with more studies. No I am not going to go down the gurgler........

CLANDESTINE

2008-12-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

Clandestine hides her powers.
Not many know she is there.
Unsuspecting, secretly.
Then suddenly!!

Coming into 2009 is exciting, another full year of illustration, creation and fun ahead and viewing all the great artwork and imagery. I have been distracted with family for 2008 and Christmas having visitors from different parts of the world, some family I hadn't seen for 8 years it's been fantastic. Back to the drawing board and "Clandestine" this piece I have played around with very quickly. I was going to leave it in black and white ink but once on photoshop couldn't help myself and did a rush job but was interested to see what the colour would do. Which one do you like?

similar

2008-12-09T01:24:00.000-08:00

"Ho, ho, ho. and a Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas."

All the different Santas that are Similar but not the same but we all know they are Santa, father Christmas, St Nicholas etc., Wherever this similar character may be and wherever you may live we all recognise this similarity in the red suit. Happy Christmas and all the best for 2009 to all the bloggers of illustration Friday that have visited me over the year. Thank you all for your support and kind comments.

balloon

2008-12-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

missed posting for a couple of weeks so had to do something this time around. A very quick sketch for balloon. I just love the balloons that you can make funny animals and shapes out of. I am currently working on a web page and a new blog spot, hopefully will be organised by 2009.

WISE WORDS

2008-11-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

just a quickie this week. doodled in pen and ink.

Vacant stare

2008-11-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

She vacantly stared ahead,
all around was empty,
she could not see outwards,
yet there within her mind
raced the colour
the imagination
the life.

LATE

2008-10-20T02:56:00.000-07:00

I am never late. I am always very punctual. But as some of you know I was coming to an end of my studies, so have been very busy, my excuse for my brain having too much information to remember. A lunch date with friends I believed was 2.00 p.m. was in fact 1.00 p.m. We arrived just after 2.00 p.m. with our plate to share to some friends who were starving and just a little tipsy and eaten all the nibbles. We did laugh, as for me I am still getting over the fact for the first time ever I was late.

STRINGS

2008-10-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

My first thought with the new word of strings was a puppet. So here he is a puppet on some strings. When I was younger my brother had a puppet similar to this, I loved this puppet and loved playing with it. I usually got into trouble because I would get all the strings tied up. I remember how the strings were tied on his ears so he could wobble his head. It was great fun.

SUGARY

2008-10-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

I don't really have a sweet tooth but I loved making all these sweet things. sickly aren't they?
I drew the outline of this picture with the intention to water colour, but I just didn't feel the colours would be strong enough and I didn't have time to set up with acrylics so opted for the vibrant colours digital has to offer. I am experimenting the whole time and loving the effects. It didn't get the dinner cooked tonight but I have finished my assignments. Thank you everyone that has visited my blog, I wish I had more time to visit more of all of you wondrous people. Now I have my picture uploaded I will start visiting as many as I can between work and cooking that dinner to see what you all have been up to.

PACKED and ready to go.

2008-09-28T14:28:00.001-07:00

I wish I was packed and ready to go. I seem to be having to pack a lot into my days and week so look forward to a holiday in November. I drew this little picture for fun a few months ago but hadn't got around to colouring. The theme of packed was just right to put on my blog, I put the image onto watercolour paper and enjoyed experimenting. What do you think?

The CLIQUE in the band

2008-09-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

6 here in the band
sometimes seven we stand.
music and rhythm to share
listen if you really dare.
Sunrise is our name
10 years we've been the same.
this our little clique
its enough to make you sick.
but we love our time together
forever, whenever, wherever!!

Treasure Island? Island of Bath?

2008-09-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Had to post two pictures. I had the first thought of the treasure island map. Had fun with this making making the paper and scanning into photo shop and then scanning my pictures in and finding some old type. But while the paper was drying from all its mashed tea and coffee staining I played with the word island and suddenly there was a pregnant lady in a bath. mmmm. No I am not pregnant. I sketched in grey lead and watercolour pencil and then finished off in photoshop after scanning in my little duck and palm tree. What do you think?
I have to say with all this fun playing I have put aside my assignments for college. I will now spend the rest of my Sunday doing them. I only have another 6 weeks left of my study and I will have completed my Diploma in Art Therapy. Yay!!!

CLUTTER

2008-09-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

I love my clutter. My best clutter is all the art tools, brushes, paints, pencils, crayons. I forever collect more and more and enjoy every chance I get to use all of the material. I collect photos, images, paints anything to add to by creative venture. To some its clutter, but its great clutter. I could have kept drawing and drawing. I realised that time was getting away from me. I have started to play in photoshop and colour digitally but at times it gets beyond me. I am still very amateurish in my approach. I hope to post the final piece but no chance this week. Any comments, should I change the colour approach, I think I have given myself to big a challenge this time. I now hope to get chance to look at others on IF. I never look until I have put my own up, hence I can't wait any longer, so heres my post.

Memories

2008-08-29T22:19:00.001-07:00

I was on memory road when I pulled out my sketch of a grandparent doing the washing for the theme of "routine". So when I saw the theme for this Friday of "memories" I was tickled pink. Many of my comments from routine had stirred some memories, some very heart felt, thanks for them. This group of houses is where I grew up. My childhood memories back in the UK. I drew this with the copic markers, I love using them. I drew this from memory and enjoyed every moment of reminiscing that went with it. Of course It doesn't look quite like this now, this is my child memory. Thats me out the front on the path with a friend. You remember the days when children played in the street unsupervised. I'd push my dolls pram with my dolls up and down the path for hours. Dressing up in mums old stilleto heels was always fun, along with a few other dress ups. Clop, clop I'd go all the way to the top of the road. I was only allowed to go as far as Mrs. Jones' and then gradually I was allowed all the way to top, but not across the road. Oh the memories of being a child living in that street. I ended up drawing a whole series of houses from my child hood and adult memory of living in UK. I put them in my journal as my life stages, my grandparents home, my first home when married, the next house and then finally here emigrated to Australia. Enjoy your own memories

ROUTINE

2008-08-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

I decided to look through my journal to see if I had any pictures that would fit the theme. I drew this picture back in May. Using pencil I sketched away with no real thought about what the picture would be. I often sit late at night after the routine chores are done and tv chatting away to itself, happily drawing. This was one of many that often don't see any daylight once the book is shut. I sketched this as I reminisced the washing lines and the grandparents when I was a young girl in the UK. The Monday wash day. That was the routine. Sunday was the family roast dinner, Monday the cold meat and mash because the women folk were doing the washing. Washing all by hand or boiling in the copper pot and then wringing through the mangle before having the good old blow in the windy weather.

DETACH

2008-08-18T03:48:00.000-07:00

I had a ball with this theme. I didn't know what I was going to post. Then at College the other night I started doodling. I felt detached. I decided to do a "self portrait" and detach myself from how I would perceive to draw a face. So here I am. I drew this in black ink in my journal and then have had to find some time to detach from assignments and work to play in photoshop and colour. I detached myself from the olympics soccer tonight, watched a little table tennis, cooked dinner. Time to attach myself back to the family. Thanks everyone for all the comments I have been getting, much appreciated.

SAIL

2008-08-11T02:25:00.001-07:00

Sailing through the sky,
soaring up so high.
I sail across the tops of trees
In the direction I please.
A different view,
from the sky so blue.
A bridge of asstd colour,
drama, spectacular.
I look down below,
to a land I know.
Roof tops I have passed,
I'm going so fast.
I touch a cloud,
I shout out loud.
Such joy to float and sail,
the fresh air to inhale.
I sail through the wind,
to where am I destined?
I choose the direction,
with no restriction.
Free, free as a bird,
SAIL, SAIL is the word.
SAIL is the theme,
freedom my dream

POOF!

2008-08-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

This was a fun topic and as I had some extra time decided to play with my thoughts of "Poof"! hope you enjoy. I started to experiment with different colours of acrylic using the palette knife, and was amused at how I could make an abstract appear and disappear, "POOF"! I had the camera with me for another painting I am doing and it came to me to put the video on for a laugh while I was experimenting. Amateurish I know but I enjoyed putting it together for my blog spot. Thanks to everyone for the comments, they inspire me to keep coming back.

canned.

2008-07-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

We use cans a lot in our day to day use. I hadn't realised how many I had in the cupboard storing all matter of things. From dog food, baked beans, soup etc., such a variety and today the ring pull accessory.
Doodling away tonight after a hard day at work I thought I would experiment using the concept I love of Mandala's, amazing how many things in this world are round. I love round... I also have enjoyed using my copic textas on a non bleed paper, nice and textured to add the ink to.

FOGGY

2008-07-13T00:07:00.001-07:00

FOGGY

I loved the theme this week for IF - Foggy - its been foggy a fair bit with the wintry weather here in Australia Victoria. Very cold this last week. I love the fog and mist that settles in the trees and decided to experiment with acrylics this time. I had some sample pots cheap from the local paint shop, a pale green and grey and they make great fog.. I painted this on A2 painting card for acrylics using brush and palette knife and enjoyed a chilly Sunday in my studio painting. comments on this are most welcome.

sour

2008-07-06T23:14:00.000-07:00

I chose to portray "sour" as an abstract. I have expressed my feelings/sensations of tasting something sour, that weird nice but shuddering affect if you dare to eat a lemon.

fierce

2008-07-01T01:24:00.001-07:00

This is my fierce picture of a fierce Australian bushfire. I have been fiercely rushing around to find time to put a picture together. I did some fierce scribbling, abstract splashing with ink and watercolour. Not my best but I did have fun with my fierceness. Joking aside Australia does have some pretty fierce and ferocious bushfires where many people lose houses or lives. Thank you to all the firefighters who risk their lives to control the rampage of flames. The fierceness of nature!!

Hoard

2008-06-22T05:02:00.001-07:00

I drew this squirrel for a story a few months ago. A red squirrel collecting food for winter. When thinking about the theme of "hoard" I recalled my squirrel and have added acorns to the picture. Before he was just eating one but now after the weather has turned cold he is happily looking at his hoard of nuts and feeling very pleased with himself.
I used the copic marker pens again for this drawing. I do love the many shades of colours and layering affect. Still experimenting with them and how to put shade in.

Punchline

2008-06-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

It took me a little while to think about this theme and what I might draw. So I began to think about jokes and punchlines and thought about all the knock knock jokes where you never know what the punchline will be.
What is the punchline? I'd love to hear some please send me yours. Here's mine to get you going.
Knock, knock! Who's there?
Lettuce------------Lettuce who?
Lettuce in it is cold out here.

2008-06-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

FORGOTTEN

It came to me that tying a knot in a piece of string around your finger was to help you remember. Of course you had to remember what the knot was for. So the memory again is forgotten. too many things to remember maybe. A hanky was another thing I recall being used to tie knots in to not to forget, how bizarre we are. I enjoyed doodling this picture the other night. The last college class we talked about the brain, the different parts that dominate etc, our learning and memories. It must have been all on my mind when I began this picture. Using "copic markers" and a black artliner.

WORRY

2008-05-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Worried Runner

It is a worry when faced with a challenge. The worry of being able to complete the course, the worry of keeping up with the other runners, the worry of coming in last. Hey! no more worrying just go run.

Its been a worry that I have been so busy not to participate in a theme on IF, a worry that I quickly threw this picture together. Now no more worry. As they say down under here "No worries mate, She'll be right".

In this quick sketch I used coloured pencils and then washed it in with a wet brush, fine line with black ink and a texta to give shade, my experiment.

Mad Hatters Tea Party

2008-05-23T03:04:00.000-07:00

Role playing the characters in Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatters Tea Party. Using foundations of art therapy in drama. This picture I drew immediately after acting in the scene. The red plasticine figure the Mad Hatter wearing a top hat standing in the middle of the table taking centre stage.

Patchouli & Sea

2008-05-23T02:50:00.000-07:00

Sea horse is made from a stripy sock and Patchouli a knitted assortment. The task to make a puppet. The creation, imagination in the making holding the key to how an individual relates, what memories, thoughts come from the curiosity of what is produced. As with any visual art, sculpts, creations etc., The artist has a story behind its creation.

WRINKLES

2008-04-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ravages of time, gravity, soft skin in layers fold and fall. I have noticed a lot of wrinkles on people and amazed at how we are all so different yet so alike. We all get wrinkly as we get old a fact of life. A few people I have noticed however have very puffy fully pouched pockets and folds of skin under their eyes and on their cheeks. wrinkled, lined faces hold so much information, history, a life. I wonder what this portraiture conjures, now thats something for me to go and further reflect on, I can sense a story waiting to be told. Lets call this lady, yes lady, lets call her Miss Ochrist. And once upon a time?

PRIMITIVE

2008-04-23T20:58:00.001-07:00

A bridge - may not seem that primitive. however this bridge is ancient, entwined together like a labyrinth across the gorge. It has taken many many years to form the roots of the tree growing across and joining two sides together. As part of my current studies that are taking up a fair bit of time this is an example of using art through counselling. This theme of life stages and drawing your own bridge. I think I might put this word into IF so look out for it... should be fun.. or if it doesn't get there just play with the theme of a bridge.

GARDEN

2008-03-08T23:24:00.000-08:00

This pen and ink drawing is a picture I drew many years ago. I had it out the other day because I felt I could improve on what I put together all those years ago. This picture evokes many memories of where I was and what I was doing at the time. Shall I confess it is over 20 years old.... I love my garden and I loved the theme - I am inspired to do a new painting. College however has commenced for 2008 and I am really pushed for time with all the assignments I have to do. I keep looking at IF, although not able to look at all the great illo's everyone has been putting on I try to browse when I can and will try to put some recent drawings on next time.

Theory

2008-02-18T02:41:00.001-08:00

Sir Isaac Newton's theory of gravity and the falling apple. Newtons Gravitational theory was not inspired by a falling apple. The story is seen as a myth but one that is easily recalled of Newton sitting under an apple tree contemplating the universe when an apple fell on his head.

I had already begun to experiment with painting in photo shop directly using the graphics tablet. Originally the tree and hidden face for another assignment. It was during this I thought it would be an abstract concept to add the apples and use it for IF and the topic of theory. I reckon I could keep working on the tree but this was my first attempt at just using the graphics tablet without scanning a pre drawn picture.

I am keen to experiment some more. However college has recommenced and my spare IF time may have to be a little more spasmodic.

CHOOSE!!

2008-02-10T01:32:00.001-08:00

When faced with this kind of dilemma it is so easy to make the wrong choice. So many you like and would like to have. So difficult to choose the right one. This little girl "Louisa Daisy Dawn" is trying to choose a cake. She likes the ones with a cherry on top, but she also likes the fairy cakes, mmmm and the icing on the others is very tempting. But Louisa Daisy Dawn can only have one from the cake shop today. Which one should she choose?

BLANKET

2008-02-03T00:36:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, beds had blankets. The amount of blankets always depended on the season. Growing up in England, a cold icy winter night would warrant two to three blankets with a large eiderdown placed on top. I still love a blanket but they tend to be the ones used as colourful throws over the settee or taken on a picnic. This picture I did last year "childhood imagination at bed time". A quick sketch done with "copic" pens.

Tales and Legends

2008-01-27T20:59:00.001-08:00

Tales and Legends immediately inspire for me the passion for the Legend of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. Above is a pen and ink presented in my favourite format of a mandala. The round table being a mandala of symbolism. Here all 24 knights were equal in rank and esteem. King Arthur presented the round table so that every knight had an equal place. In the legend of King Arthur, the love of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere passed beyond the limits of this ideal and brought to an end the noble fellowship of the round table.
The 24 knights were all Sirs, Galahad, Lancelot, Gawain, Percival, Lisnell, Tristan, Gareth, Bedevere, Bleoberis, Cotemal, Lucan, Palomides, Lamorak, Bors, Safer, Pelleas, Kay, Ector, Dagonet, Degore, Brumear, Le bel Desconneus, Alymere, Mordred.

Tintagel Castle ruins in Cornwall.

2008-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is the inner courtyard of the medieval castle. The legend of King Arthur lives on in the ruins of Tintagel. King Arthurs castle hotel built in 1900 still stands on the cliff opposite Tintagel Castle and in here is a replica of The round table.

PLAIN

2008-01-19T01:23:00.001-08:00

PLAIN:

 Definition: (of drawing etc.,) not coloured.

This is a very plain and simple black ink outline of my plant. You will see below this I have also added the finished coloured version. I again experimented with water colour and am enjoying doing small paintings in my A5 watercolour journal. The coloured version is to be made into a card and sent to an Auntie in England who has the same passion for African Violets as myself.

Coloured African Violet

2008-01-19T01:21:00.001-08:00

Stitch

2008-01-16T01:46:00.000-08:00

Been thinking about the topic and wondering about the word stitch all week. Had a variety of ideas and sketches in my journal at night on my return from work and have enjoyed exploring the different ideas. I then realised I had this button, I love this button and its red STITCH crossing over to hold it in place, still on its original white card. A well chosen button given to me from my Dad. I think painting it this evening was a great way of never losing it. I still have not found the right place to put it so it sits in my computer room where it can be seen.
Any ideas what I could stitch this button onto?

100% FEMALE

2008-01-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

I like to draw most evenings in my journal and always end up drawing faces and people. This morning I decided my female was 100% woman and I would put it in to IF.

SOAR

2007-12-31T01:39:00.000-08:00

This topic I instantly was reminded of children watching a kite soar into the sky on a windy day. I havn't quite captured what I had in my mind but this was my experiment with water colour. I wondered if to try again but decided to put this in and see what you all thought. It's a bit difficult to concentrate as the temperature is SOARING very apt for the theme of soar. Here in Melbourne on New Years Eve the temps have hit 42C and will be a hot night and another hot day tomorrow. Fireworks are now allowed in the city tonight (total fire ban day), but a special occasion as we soar into 2008 down under. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

HORIZON

2007-12-21T22:38:00.001-08:00

Over the horizon there is always a perception of something of interest. This painting I have just recently finished was inspired by my intrigue of the unknown over the top of the hill. I have only just recently been dabbling in painting scenes. This is in acrylics using brush and palette knife. I like slapping it on with the knife and spreading the paint. Only just beginning to experiment with colours other than what I see. The grass area I have steered away from painting in greens. Wasn't quite adventurous enough for some purples that I fancied, maybe next time. Who knows what is over the next horizon!!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

Backwards

2007-12-19T19:06:00.001-08:00

Backwards Spiraling out of control. Going backwards. I loved this concept but didn't seem to be able to move forward past my rough sketch in my journal at the beginning of the week. I realised I was probably feeling like I was going backwards. I hadn't even managed the last IF and this time cutting it real fine. Bu yay! here I am. did you miss me? I am so inspired by all the illustrators work on IF, its fantastic. I must work out how to leave messages to other artists out there with a little more confidence. I am now trying to move forwards and not backwards. Enjoying some holiday leading up to Christmas and managing to get lots of painting done. BLISS. Christmas cheer to all that read my blog.

EXCESS

2007-12-03T23:28:00.001-08:00

Christmas time is nearly hear,
people spending wildly I fear.
Buying presents to great excess,
when really we can cope with less.
To give has great pleasure and joy,
but just one present just one toy.
Then there is enough to share,
and we can all love and care.
Christmas can be all things in excess,
a time of kindness and love to express.
Spreading cheer and good will,
I have Christmas stockings to fill.

THE ZOO

2007-11-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

The Zoo - fortunately a zoo nowadays is more to do with wildlife conservation of animals. Yet the word Zoo means an establishment which keeps animals for study, conservation, or display to the public. Animal conservation has come a long way, still plenty to do however.
A program the other night shown here in Australia Victoria filmed in Africa showed how baby orphaned elephants were being rescued and given the chance to survive. Great filming, very emotional. Elephants are a grand animal. Thats probably why I chose to draw a baby elephant with a young child. They both need care and nurturing. When next you find yourself observing an animal, ponder on "Who is looking at who?"

superstitious

2007-11-22T18:16:00.001-08:00

Here is the superstitious black cat. Some people used to tell me it was bad luck and some would say it was good luck. I recall as a school girl always wanting to get a black cat to cross my path. I liked to think it was good luck and would call "puss puss" and the black cat would dutifully walk in front of me. Job done for a good day at school. My very first cat was a black cat, albeit for a little fleck of white under its chin and on his nose. I called him "Giz".

Hats

2007-11-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Fish in hats,
hats on fish,
in a hat.
Water in it.
13 hats,
6 on fish,
have a hat,
silly int it

Grow

2007-10-22T00:09:00.001-07:00

"You will grow into it"

Hard to imagine you will not remain small and that one day you will be big. That each day you grow and grow and grow. Then miraculously the jacket fits. You didn't even notice but Grandma did.
"My!" says Grandma, "you sure have grown since I last saw you, let me take a long look at you, I remember when that jacket was huge on you."

GROW

2007-10-21T23:55:00.002-07:00

I had beans growing, feet growing, babies and children many thoughts with the concept of "grow" and then I doodled this sketch.
Which I then completed in pastel.

Extremes

2007-10-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

I just stood paddling in the sea hoping to see a fish. I didn't want to catch a fish, I didn't care how small it would be, I just wanted to see one fish. Then from out of the water splashed in front of me an extremely large fish. The extremes some fish will go to heh!

open view - open to see

2007-10-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Blues

2007-10-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Blues
The soul's palette

My feelings for the topic - Colour, blue, sadness, depressed, cold, miserable, sad, cool, chilly, icy, music, guitar, notes, saxophone, b major, black notes, songs, culture, beat, Melancholy, rhythm, singers, piano, 12 beats. Choosing the words that stood out for me I began my creative expression.