2011 Review, Part I : What Was Hot

Well what can I say?  How could 2011 be over so fast?  I swear I'm still stuck in September somewhere.

I thought it would be terribly appropriate for me to say farewell to 2011 by selecting five of my favourite artworks and five of my most impressive flops for one last viewing as I look towards this blog being betterer* and betterer in 2012. (*Oh, how I love to use words that don't exist and send grammatical shudders up people's spines.  Sorry about that, it must be a flaw quirk in my personality.)

So how did I go about selecting the artworks for today's post?  (Come on, I know you were wondering!)

I adopted a terribly scientific approach.

Nah.  Not really. Actually, I went through all my posts and selected artworks based on their personal appeal or their significance with my overall artistic development.  So, without  further ado, I present my five favourite artworks (in no particular order):

1. Zeke and Darius.  This one is special.  It was my first ever commission and I was so very excited and honoured to be asked to draw these two beautiful dogs.  I was so thrilled with the finished product!

2.  Jacaranda.  This was the first large scale acrylic painting I completed that I actually liked.  It's big and it's colourful and I love it! Interestingly, it's best viewed standing back from the painting in order to get the full effect where the "dashes" meld together to form the image of the tree.  Try standing back from your computer screen to look at the painting and you'll see what I mean.  I still really love it even now!

3.  Lady in Veil.  This may not be my best work, but she's special because this was my first ever pastel work.  I was in shock that she actually kinda worked. In case you are wondering, yes, this was the artwork that made me wonder if I perhaps had some artistic potential.   (So I don't think it is too much of a stretch to say, yes, in a way, you can blame her for this blog.  Nothing quite like passing on accountability for my ramblings!)

4. Ring Tail Possum.  This is the first ever watercolour (my artistic nemesis) I completed that actually "nearly" worked.  Yippee!  I hate to think that something can get the better of me.  Even if it comes in the form of pigment and water...  ;-)

5.  My Rose.  Once again completed in pastel.  I've enjoyed drawing and painting flowers this year, so felt it important to include at least one of my floral works.  I really like the colours and the movement I've created here with the petals in this piece.  Even though I didn't win Eckersley's competition with it.  Phooey!

So, how did I go?  Is your favourite here?  Did I miss one?  Let me know how I did!

I'd like to say a very big thank you to all who have supported me throughout 2011 as I have embarked on my creative journey.  Whether your support has been in person, or through reading, commenting or subscribing to my blog, I've really appreciated it.

I know I still have a long way to go, but I am excited about what 2012 has to bring as I continue to try and develop my technique and abilities.

Stay tuned for Monday's 2011 Review, Part II:  What Was Flop for a bit of a giggle at those artworks which didn't quite work out the way I planned.....

Till then, Happy New Year!


Kate
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Sometimes It's Hard To Know What to Think

G'day!

Today's offering reflects exactly the title of this post.  It is meant to be a pastel drawing of a sulphur crested cockatoo.

I'm not sure if I think this is fabulous or if it is really and utterly dodgy.  A couple of days will probably put this conundrum to rest...

Squaaaaaaawwwwwwk!

In keeping with my tradition of naming all animals I draw or paint, I thought you may like to know his name is Syd.  Yes, I know, any fellow Australians who happen to read this, I'm aware it's not a terribly creative name.  It's hard to be inspired when you can smell your dinner sitting just out of reach and getting cold.

In the meantime, do you have any suggestions for improvement (other than taking a match to it)?  Do be sure to let me know!

Anyway, if I don't get a chance to post again this year, I'd just like to finish with thanks for stopping by and for those of you who have offered me wonderful support since I started my blog this year. I wish you all the very best for a happy, wonderful and creative 2012!

Kate
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What You Looking At Willis?

Introducing Arnold, Kimberley and of course, Willis.

Hello

Ever feel like you just want to paint geese?  Well, I did today.   I like the fact that they have 'tood (as in atti-tood).   Kind of like a duck on steroids. 

I have to tell you about how I came up with the title, because I found it quite funny (OK, well... mildly amusing) - when I contemplated the finished painting, the expression on the central geese's (gander's?) face, suddenly made that famous Arnold quote from the old 1970's/80's television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes pop into my head.  I swear he is saying "What you talking about, Willis?!".  Can you see it too?  Or has the Christmas Spirit well and truly somehow overtaken my sanity?

Hmmmm.  Must see what happens on the 26th of December to draw any proper conclusions, right?

Anyway, I immediately knew I had a title for this post and the perfect names for my geese.  Meet Arnold, Willis and Kimberley.

This little study (shown actual size) has been completed in watercolour on Rains paper. I never thought I'd say it, but I'm actually starting to enjoy using watercolour.  Who ever would have thought?

Yes, they are water splotches on the painting.  It has been raining, but the truth is that I was so impatient to get a photo of the completed painting, I didn't even properly wait for the water to dry.  Sometimes impatience can be a good thing, I like to think.

Anyway,  I'll wrap up and wish you all yet again, a very, Merry Christmas!

Kate
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Good Job, Mum!

Hiya!

Don't you just love little kids?  Today's post features a watercolour painting of a Ringtail Possum.  I'm sure you'll agree it is incredibly important and terribly useful information to know his name is Ernest.  

So why the title?  Well, in case you haven't already worked it out, "Good job, Mum" was the detailed feedback I received upon asking my earnest little cherubs what they thought of my latest artistic endeavour:

How could I not be called anything other than Ernest, when you look into my eyes?

I must say, I was very relieved to have received a thumbs up for this little study, because trust me when I say they could quite have easily said "I can see you really tried hard today, Mummy..."  (It has happened before, much to my chagrin.)

I'm really pleased with how Ernest has turned out today.  I might even go as far as to say I think this may just be my first watercolour painting that I've ever done that I actually (semi) like.  Yippee!  I wouldn't mind adding in a little more background detail, but am petrified to try to do so, in case I really muck it up.  What do you think I should do: Leave it? ~or~ Go for it?  Oh, the dilemma!  (A nice one to have though.)

Anyway, if I don't "see" you again over the next few days, have a wonderful Christmas full of joy, love and lots and lots of laughter (and an excellent supply of batteries in the cupboard).

I'll see you on the other side of Christmas!

Kate
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Delighting in the Beauty

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.  Maya Angelou

I guess being gorgeous isn't always easy.  

Living in glorious Queensland, butterflies are abundant this time of year.  As a result, it felt natural to try and recreate my own little study of perfection.

My butterfly (you may call her Esmeralda - I like to give my animals names) was created using black pen and watercolour wash on boring old white paper. The background effect was created by sprinkling salt crystals on the wet watercolour paint and letting it dry slightly.  I think I like it.  I wouldn't mind trying to create a few more butterflies using different colour effects and techniques to see if they also work.  Any ideas or colour combos you think I should try? 

Thanks ever so much for stopping by, I hope to see you stopping by my blog again soon!

Kate

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My Bid To Bring Sunshine

Hello!

Can you believe I heard the other day that *only* "daggy" people start their posts by saying "hello" to their readers?

Lucky I've never tried to be one of those "cool" people.  I like to say hello to you. Sometimes I even almost feel compelled to ask "how are you"?  As such, in address this issue appropriately to all potential "hello" detractors out there, I'd also like to add:

Hi!

Hallo!

Bonjour!

Nei ho!

Privet!

Salut!

As you've probably already seen, today's post features a pastel creation of a Christmas wreath.  Apparently  people used to hang wreaths on doors with the belief that they would help bring sunshine and warmth.  As it has been very gloomy and overcast and rainy where I live lately, I figured that I'd try my own little attempt at influencing the weather system.

I wonder whether the weather will improve? I live in hope.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to, I hope to see you 'round soon!

Kate
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Dragging My Feet With My Dragonfly

Hi All!

Apologies in advance if this post is full of such rubbish you can't believe you wasted your time stopping by my blog isn't terribly succinct.  For some unknown reason I nobly decided to throw a Christmas party for each of my children.  By Thursday afternoon, over thirty (although I'm sure it must really be three hundred) children  will have passed through my home.  As a result, I must say that I am feeling a tad tuckered.  I don't know how party planners do it on a regular basis!  Perhaps this has affected today's offering? 

This little creation is a watercolour and black felt tip texta (borrowed from one of my children) combo.  I feel like this was an excellent concept, it's just that the practical implementation is... well.... lacking something.  (Like looking good.  Hey!  I did warn you I was tired today.)

Oh well, at least I tried right?  I think I might try drawing a dragonfly again, just to show myself that I can create something that is half decent.

Thanks ever so much for stopping by.  Sorry it wasn't terribly impressive.   I actually am feeling like I should be doing more Christmassy stuff as the big day draws near.

The thing is, I always try to draw or paint things I love.  I'm wondering whether doing a painting of a mince pie might be pushing it though?

On that note,

See you 'round,

Kate
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Finding Beauty Amongst the Mud

You must be a lotus, unfolding its petals when the sun rises in the sky, unaffected by the slush where it is born or even the water which sustains it! - Sai Baba

Thanks ever so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to!

Today's post features another variation of wash and pen, substituting black ink and a very delicate brush for the pen. (I petrified I was going to spill the ink on the paper, on myself, or on the floor.  Or muck up the brushwork, making a massive mistake, thereby destroying the painting.  Trust me when I say trying this technique is not for the faint hearted.   This experience has taught me I do like to create with my heart in my mouth - does this make me an artistic thrill-seeker?)  

I'm actually pleased with how my lotus flower turned out.  I had a vision in my mind of the effects I wanted to created and how I wanted it to look.  I think it actually kinda worked.  Yippee!

[Yes, in case you were wondering, my previous sentence was deliberately worded that way, for I am actually quite surprised this painting wasn't a disaster.  I created this lotus flower only using images as a source of inspiration and then drew my own flower based on what I thought looks "noice" - so it is completely drawn free-hand.  That always is a challenge for me.  I'm just so relieved that the flower actually looks like a flower!]

May you all find beauty this weekend, no matter how much mud surrounds you.

I'll see you next week.  Wish me luck - my children started holidays for six weeks yesterday.  Eeek!

Kate

x

Never Be Afraid To Try Something New...

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.  ― Dave Barry

Why, what a wonderful sentiment - Bless you Dave!

As you've probably worked out, I thought I'd try something new today.  I know, <Gasp!> how adventurous and daring of me.  Looking at it, I'm thinking perhaps this artwork is perhaps more of a Titanic than an Ark, but I figure I had to start somewhere, right?!

It's a little girl smelling some flowers, in case you couldn't tell.

So what was this new "thing" I tried, you may be wondering?

Pen and Wash.  I know!  How could I have not thought to try it before?

I really enjoyed the experience. I know my watercolour technique leaves a lot to desired and my drawing ability is well, "interesting" to say the least, but there is something fresh and immediate about this style of work that I really respond to. It may be a combination of the softness of the watercolour and the strength of the pen lines.  I'm not really sure.  Does anyone out there have a better idea of why I like it so much?

All I know is that I want to try this again!  (And hopefully next time my little artwork will be more successful.)

Thanks ever so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been creating.  I love sharing the experience with you all!

Kate
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Pastel Under Pressure #4: The Christmas Bauble Edition

Hi There!

Have you missed me this past week?

Can a bauble be decoration, but a decoration not be a bauble?

Don't worry, I haven't abandoned you!

As you may have gathered by the title of this post, today's offering is a quick Pastel Under Pressure exercise, featuring  some Christmas tree baubles.  (Do people still call them baubles?  Or are they now known as decorations?  Does saying "baubles" make me sound really old?  Hmmmm, that's something to ponder the next time I suffer insomnia.)

Now, I know some of you are aware of what a Pastel Under Pressure exercise is, based on my earlier attempts at using this strategy for unleashing my creative spirit.  For those of you who are wondering what on earth I'm talking about, Pastel Under Pressure is my brilliant, so great it should be patented, concept where I set my oven timer for precisely 15 minutes.  I then grab my pastels and madly set about drawing, smudging, shading and scribbling to see what I can create before the timer starts to beep.  When the oven beeps, I have to stop.  I generally just choose things that are small and appeal to me.  Here's a photo of today's inspiration.  I hope you can recognise the baubles below as those that feature in the above picture (if not, I tried!):

Today's Pastel Under Pressure Inspiration - Can you now see why I haven't taken up photography?

Awwww, aren't they pretty? The purple bauble is one that I made in art class last week.  My children love it! :-)

The big thing about Pastel Under Pressure  is that people sometimes wonder whether I really do stop when the 15 minutes are up. And then, just as now, I tell them that I really do feel compelled to stop creating  Why?  Because my oven has the world's most annoying beep.  Honestly.   I'm not kidding. Once it starts, it goes on.  And on.  And on.

Do you perhaps have your own little brand of electrical annoyance in your home as well?  Perhaps you are nodding your head in an understanding and sympathetic way?

Well in case you aren't, the following is a little re-enactment of the discourse that takes place between the oven and me at the conclusion of the 15 minutes when it starts to beep and it's time for me to stop:
 
Oven:   Beep (Translates as saying"Psst!  Kate!");

Oven:  Beep - Beep  ("Kate - Yes! I'm talking to you.  Time to stop!");

Oven:   Beeeeeeeeeeeeppppp ("Stop drawing!  I'm not going to stop until you get up off your backside and stop me.  Unless my time has come?")  


Oven:  BEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPP! ("I'm not one of your children, you can't just ignore me.  Ooooo, what's that?  I can feel I'm starting to burn....  Wanna try me Kate? Wanna see what I can do if you ignore me?!")  


Oven:  BEEEEEEEEEEE...

Kate: p.


Oven: "Drat.   You may have won this time Kate.  You may have stopped me.  However, I know one day, being the oven I am, I shall prevail.  I shall one day beep forever until my cables combust. And then I shall burn all the excess food into the surrounding enamel making it nearly impossible to remove, bar the use of a nuclear weapon.  Ha-ha-ha! My day will come."

Yes, in case you are shaking your head, I confess that I am a glutton for punishment. However, I do find this exercise to be quite fun and generally rewarding.  It's also very practical for pre-heating the oven.

Thanks for stopping by.  I'm off to cook dinner (on the stove),

Kate
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What's the Point of Pointillism?

Mt Warning, shown actual size (the painting, not the mountain)

Hello!

Question:  What do you get if you combine watercolour, acrylic paint, glitter glue and the wooden end of a paintbrush?

Answer: Happier by the minute!

Today's post features another attempt at painting Mt Warning using a different style of application, called pointillism.

So what is pointillism, you ask?  Well according to the website source library thinkquest  (I'm sure it's reputable, it came up second on my Google search!) :

Pointillism is an original form of art created by George Seurat. Pointillism is a bunch of tiny dots formed together to make a picture. Why we use pointillism instead of using a paintbrush and just painting is because pointillism is brighter and the other kinds of paintings can be dull.  Pointillism takes a long time. For example, Seurat’s “A Sunday in the Park” took him two years to complete, covers a wall (81 inches by 120 inches) and has about 3,456,000 dots!( http://library.thinkquest.org/J0110603/pointillism.html )

In case you were wondering, the exclamation point was not my over exuberant addition to the quote.  That would have to be the one downside of using this method of applying paint - it takes agggggeeeeesssss.  This little beauty took me probably three to four hours, and I admit my approach to applying each point was sloppy.

Still, I do truly believe the pointillism method could be used by anyone as a great form of stress release for pent up anger - you can stab the paintbrush as hard as you want on your paper and unlike punching a pillow, you actually get to make pretty effects in the paint. And when you see how pretty your painting looks, you really do feel happier by the minute.   How cool is that?!

Anyway, thanks for stopping by, I'll see you around soon,

Kate
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No Longer Undecided - Thanks For Your Help!

Hi There

A big thank you to those people who provided very useful feedback, where, in this post, I asked for some advice as to which medium and style of painting I should use to create a little landscape painting that I intended to use as a Christmas gift for a relative.  I was fascinated that the replies were split pretty evenly.

After a lot of thought and deliberation, here is the finished product:

I'm really happy with how the painting has turned out!  I hope you are too, as I consider it a team effort!

I decided to use all your advice by combining both pastel AND watercolour.

The technique I used was so much fun and was so enjoyable, I just have to share with you how I created my masterpiece (just in case I've inspired you to try painting your own composition in this style):

First, you create an "underpainting" using pastel on Rains paper. (Rains paper is not only a brand, but a type of paper.  It is really important you use this specific type of paper, as it is actually 100% cotton, rather than wood pulp.)  After you've completed your pastel creation, you take good old vegetable oil on a brush and then "paint" the pastel in. You can finish your composition at this point or, if you'd like, you can then take a watercolour pencil and add fine detail over the top.  If you'd like, after you've finished working with the pencil, you can either leave it, or, once again, take a fine paintbrush and use water to create different effects.  Honestly, this technique is so much fun - if you can try it yourself, I'd urge you to.  The colours you can create are absolutely magic.  I'm just sorry my photos don't do the artwork justice!

Here's another photo of my landscape framed  as the gift recipient will see it (glass is my enemy):

Now I just have to cross my fingers that my gift recipient actually likes it!

Again, thanks so much everybody for your help deciding on the direction I should take with this painting -  I really do appreciate it.

Have a wonderful weekend, I'll see you next week with more of my Kate-land adventures!

Kate
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Pencil Practice - It is not what it seems

Hi There!

I feel the need to apologise.

You see, I decided to draw a picture I saw of a little Cambodian boy featured in last weekend's newspaper, The Courier Mail.  (No, for those of you who may wonder, of course I'd never try and sell this picture, I'm not into breaking the law.  He was drawn purely for my own personal practice.)

Anyway - [Mental note to self: get back to the point Kate!] -   I saw his beautiful little face in a photograph and just had to try and draw him. Except when I tried, I discovered it didn't really work. What on earth is going on with his left eye? I swear he didn't have a twitch in the photo!

And then, to my double horror just now when I uploaded the picture, I realised that I needed to assure you and pinkie promise you that I didn't draw him doing anything rude - it's his fourth finger, I promise!

I feel a little annoyed to see that I still need to work more on improving my drawing abilities. Oh well. I guess when you've only started this art caper a few months ago, you need to expect it to take time for everything to fall in place.  And. I. Must. Continue. To. Be. Patient. <sigh> 

On a positive note however, I felt terribly bold today because I actually tried to draw a hand for the first time. I consider it isn't too bad for a first attempt.  (Not terribly good, either, unfortunately.  Double oh well.)

Thanks so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to.

If I could draw a picture of it, I'd salute you! (Except I can't. Not yet, anyway! Still it is always something to aspire towards, right?)

See you 'round!

Kate
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Off With the Fairies?

Wow, what a question to consider!

Am  I, Kate, of Art Finds Kate, off with the fairies?

"Did you just call me Cheep? I'm not Cheep. Cheep!"

Hmmmm.   Let me contemplate the notion:

Wellllllll, there have most certainly been times of late where it has felt exceptionally fantastic to stick my fingers in my ear and sing "Lah, lah, lah, laaaaaaaah!" whilst shutting my eyes very tightly in response to the chaos around me.

And I keep forgetting about thing-a-me-whats-it.

If, I then consider using these two thing-a-me's as key indicators for diagnosing acute "Fairy-itis", I hypothesise that I would, in fact, be living with this condition.  (Goodness I hope that I've used the "politically correct" phrase here.   Apologies if I have offended any Fairies out there!)

So, yes, dear reader, in conclusion - I am indeed off with the fairies.  (Maybe.)  What's this post about again?"

Ha-ha. Only kidding!  (Or am I not?  That's for me to know and you to wonder!)

In order to honour my current quandry, I decided to create an image of the most beautiful Australian fairy I know - the Fairy Wren.
This image was created using Canson paper with Art Spectrum and Conte pastels.  Whatcha think - you like it?

I think I do.  I'm contemplating whether I try drawing my wee Fairy again, just to see if I can improve on the image.  I am a very big believer in practice actually helping you to get better.  Go figure.

Thanks so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to.

I'll see you around (possibly with my fingers still stuck in my ears),

Kate x

Roses Are Red

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Watercolour frustrates me

So much I could puke.

Seriously.  It's true.  Anyone who has read any of my previous watercolour posts knows that this medium is my artistic nemesis.  And being a stubborn little soul, I *refuse* to surrender.  Never! Never!  Never!

Thanks for stopping by and seeing what my husband says "Definitely resembles a flower, Kate".  I guess that's progress on some of my earlier attempts.  For at least he didn't come home and say "I love your abstract, dear!".  Right?  Right?! You still with me?  Or am I kidding myself?  Oh well, doesn't matter - that's one of he things I love about art - you can always try again tomorrow if it doesn't work today.  Yay! ;-)

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, I hope to see you around soon!

Kate
x


PS:  Oh My Goodness!  I just realised that this is my hundredth post.  How cool is that?!  I can't believe I've created and written about one hundred little paintings, doodles, sketches, flops and masterpieces since April this year.  For all who have been reading about my creations - it's been a pleasure sharing it with you all.  Here's to the next hundred! 

Undecided and I Need Your Help!

Hello!

Today's post features a couple of images I'd really love some feedback on from you.

Why?

Because, frankly, I'm in a pickle and I'm not sure where to go from here.

You see, I'm trying to paint a gift for someone close to me.  Feeling all inspired, I've tried to paint two versions of the below image using different styles and mediums.  (Please be aware that today's images are merely a first draft and I am hoping that this will be useful practice towards a decent final work of art. So anything and everything can be changed.)

Your mission is to tell me if you were to receive this image as a gift, which version/style/medium would you prefer to receive?  If you have the energy, why?  (If  can't be bothered to go into detail, that's ok, I understand -  I'm just curious, that's all.)

So, without further ado, please meet my two contenders:

A. Ms Pastel

Ms Pastel is a strong minded medium who knows what she wants and how she is going to get it.  Her greatest wish is for world peace.

OR......

B. Ms Watercolour

 Ms Watercolour is a gentle individual who aspires to provide a nurturing and restful scene for all of (wo)mankind.  Her greatest wish is also for world peace.

So, who gets your vote?

A

or

B

?
?
?

You can vote by leaving a comment at the end of the post.  It's really easy, I promise.  And yes, you can leave a comment as being from anonymous. I don't mind!

Finally, if you've never commented before and are now pondering whether you are actually going to vote or not - please do, because I'll be mighty sad if no-one does.  (And deep down, you really wouldn't want to hurt me, would you?  I mean, you wouldn't really want to make me cry would you?*)

Anyway, thanks ever so much for stopping by, I hope to see you around soon!

Kate
x

*I double dare you to click on the above link after you've voted.  See if you can guess what it is before you click! Trust me, it's gold.  Pure gold....  ;-)

The Embarrassment is Complete!

Hi There!

Thanks ever so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to.  I am really pleased to announce after a few posts worth of work (and a lot of accompanying grumbling), my painting of a nudie-rudie lady is complete!  Here, have a look at the finished product:

Ta-da.  It's titled "Don't hate me 'cause I'm perfect."

The only issue I now have to address is where I should put her up for display in my house.  Seriously - consider the following:

If I hang her in the lounge-room you'd think "Why Kate, that's a bit forward of you isn't it?!" (followed by quick aversion of eyes and talk of the weather);  If you saw her hanging on the wall in the bathroom, you'd startle and say "Why, thanks ever so much Kate - now all I can think of is how perfect her bazoombas are in comparison to mine!" (and you'd suddenly feel compelled to walk around holding your arms crossed up and over the top of your head); or if you saw her on display in the bedroom you'd think "Why Kate, having a few issues are we?  Needing a bit of extra  help?" (and you'd never look at me the same way again).    

See what I mean?  I just can't win!

The thing is, I really like her and want to have her up on display.  Hmmmmmm, there *must* be a perfect place for her somewhere to hang in my house.

Thinking.

Hard.

Very Hard..

Even Harder...

Ding!  (Light-bulb moment)

I'll hang her in the laundry.

It's the perfect place.

Why?

Because this is the room in my house where all things dirty go to get clean. See? Agree? Perfect!

Anyway, hope you like her, I hope to see you 'round soon!

Kate
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Pencil Practice - Look In My Eyes

Look in my eyes,

Look in my eyes,

Don't look anywhere

Except look in my eyes

You are now feeling sleepy - verrrrrrry sleepy.


When I click my fingers, you will look again at the faces of these two women and truly believe they are the darn best pencil drawings you have ever seen.  You will then offer me a million dollars for the honour of owning them.

*Click!*

Did it work?

No?

You actually think they are only so-so?  You don't want to offer me a million dollars?

What, not even a measly buck?

Oh well - worth a try!

Hope I made you smile.

I'll see you soon,

Kate
x

How to Embarrass Your Children in One Easy Step - Part 3

Hello!

I thought you may be interested to see how my nudie-rudie lady has come along in recent days.  Here, have a look:

What do you think?  Like how she is turning out?

Sadly, I must confess there is one aspect of this painting that is continuing to really bother me and cause me great angst. Now, before I go on, I need to disclose that I'm aware this particular issue is rather like an elephant in a closet - however, I've decided regardless that I am going to be upfront and honest and will just put it out there and say it as it is.  Here I go:

I just can't "do" boobies.  Oh, sorry, I actually meant to say, paint breasts. (Sorry about that.  Sometimes I know I lack a little decorum.)

I am *so* *frustrated*.  In my mind, they should be easy to paint.  Afterall, I have a pair - I grew them myself.  And I see them every day.  I've even spent years putting them to good use. (Now don't go having a dirty mind, I meant feeding my children when they were babies.)

Yet despite these incredibly important facts, for the life of me, I just just can't seem to paint them.  (On a canvas I mean, not my own pair. That, I probably could do if I wanted.  Except I don't think I want to go there.)

Be honest with me here, when you look at her and notice her breasts, don't you agree that they are *so* incredibly pert that you feel like you just want to hate her?   I mean, who on earth has a real set of breasts as pert and gravity-defying as this?  Certainly not anyone I know.

Oh well.

I think I've nearly finished painting this lady.  The biggest thing I've got to decide is whether I leave her as a perfect vision of a "reclining implant" or whether I try yet again to paint her breasts in a way to make them look more realistic and natural.  What do you think?

SHH - Not feeling the love... (Finished)

Hello!

I hope this finds you all well and delightfully happy.  Me? Why I am just fine and dandy, thanks ever so much for wondering.

Today's post features a completed oil painting of my pal Sooty-Hoot-Hoot the owl (affectionately known as 'Shh').

Yes, for those of you who realise that I actually started Shh in July, I realise I've been naughty not posting about him 'til now, but trust me when I say I truly have paid a penance for my sins. Now, don't go rolling your eyes at your screen - I *so* have and I'm going to tell you why!  Can you imagine my horror when I just stood on the scales last week and discovered I've somehow miraculously managed to put on 7kg in three months?  It wasn't pretty.  (At least I can say I've well and truly disproved my hypothesis that cheese and wine are diet products.)

Anyway, now because of my sudden "blow out", I have the unenviable task of removing said 7kg from my frame.  Do(ug)h!

Why, you may wonder, would I mention this in an art blog? Well, you see, I figure my aberration is severe enough that it's worth at least one "Kate didn't post her finished painting on time and is a naughty girl, but I understand and forgive her" get-out-of-trouble-pass from you.  Did it work?  Do you feel any pity for me at all?  No?  Well it was worth a try.

Anyway, enough rambling.  You probably actually want to see the painting, don't you?  Here you go:

(Yes, that is the reflection of my WATER (not wine) glass on the painting.)

When you look at Shh, I want you to recall that I'd mentioned back in July that I was finding Shh incredibly frustrating to paint.   Well, as I continued my painting, I can tell you that my feelings didn't change. His head may be tiny, but caused so many problems he nearly became kindling for my teacher's fire on many an occasion.

Looking at the finished study now, I think he looks pretty amateurish (go figure, maybe that's 'cause I am(!)) but I like to think I managed to create what resembled more of an owl than a blob.  And for that I'm grateful.

Anyway, thanks ever so much for stopping by today and seeing whatever happened to Shh, I hope to see you around next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!


Kate
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How to Embarrass Your Children in One Easy Step - Part 2

Hi there!

Following on from my first post a couple of weeks ago regarding my quest to cause my children eternal embarrassment by painting a nudie-rudie woman, I'm pleased to say that I'm on my way to achieving this mile-stone following the application of my first coat of oil paint on the canvas.  Here you go, have a look at my progress:

Yes, I know you've noticed it and I will confess upfront, I am having a few issues with her boobies, oh, I meant to say breasts. However, I feel relatively confident I can rectify this issue over the next couple of layers of paint application.  On a more successful note, I really like how I've painted her thigh and I don't mind her face. Oh, and I wouldn't mind having her abs of steel either.  If only I could paint mine to look like that.  Hang on a minute, that's not a bad idea..... ;-)

I guess I can say that this one is going to take a little time, and there's most definitely still a way to go, but at least it seems to be a relatively strong start.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, I'll see you next week!

Kate
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In Pursuit of Pastel Perfection - Finished

Hi There!

Following on from yesterday's post where I started work on a pastel creation of a 1920's lady, I'm pleased to say I've now had a chance to do some more work on her and she is now pretty much finished.  Here, have a look:

Better?  I hope so!

I don't know that I ever claim that she's perfect (of course not!), but I can tell you that I really have tried my best.  It was an interesting experience and I can say I learnt a few new tricks in the course of completing this pastel work.  In that respect, I consider this artwork to be a roaring success.  (Gosh I sound mature, where on earth did that come from?!)

Anyway, thanks ever so much for stopping by and seeing my finished lady, I hope to see you have a return visit soon!

Kate
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In Pursuit of Pastel Perfection - Part 1

Hello!

I am suddenly feeling so inspired to just draw women from all different eras.  I loved my 1920's lady in yesterday's post so much, that I just had to use my pastels to draw another one.  This lady has also been drawn freehand on the same Canson paper, using my Art Spectrum and Conte pastels.  I looked at a couple of photos for how to draw the hats and then had fun creating my own.  I decided she needed a glamorous fur across her shoulders.

Here, have a look at the portrait so far (probably around two hours worth of work):

Do you like her?  I have to be honest with you and say even if you don't, so far I am utterly thrilled with how she is turning out.  I love the fact that she has a look in her eyes that says "Just you try me you scoundrel and I'll knock your socks to kingdom come!".  Or something like that.

Of course, as you may have guessed by the Part 1 in the title, she isn't finished yet.  I need to do some more work to do around her neck and chest.  I need to get the skin tone correct; emphasise the collar bones and hollows of the neck, strengthen the shoulder line a little and making the fur look even more furry.  Oh, and colour in the background.  I was thinking of going for a dark olive green, to really make the red pop.  What do you think?  Do you like the colour choice?

 I just really hope I can finish her tomorrow and that I don't muck her up!

Take care and I hope you'll stop by to see the finished product!


Kate
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It's a P-P-P (Pastel Portrait Practice)

Not of me (sadly).

Today's post features a study of Art Spectrum and Conte Pastels on Canson Paper of a 1920's lady. The background paper is actually the terracotta shade of her hair.  You'd never guess looking at the finished portrait, would you?!

No, I don't know what she is looking at, or thinking.  Perhaps her 1930's children are also refusing to give her a moment's peace and quiet as she comes running out of the bathroom yelling "I told you NOT to put marshmallow's up your brother's nose!".  Or maybe not.

I have to say that I am feeling rather pleased with this particular pastel work.  I'm particularly proud of the fact that I drew her freehand.  Yep, no copying, tracing or general cheating - just me, my pencils and then my pastels.  I'm also pleased that  feel I'm starting to get a little more of a feel for creating a natural looking skin tone.    I think the only thing I could maybe improve on is really emphasising her shoulder-blades a little more.  The are hinted at in the painting, but I think they are not strong enough.  Oh well.  I didn't notice until I saw her on my screen and I most certainly haven't the energy to change her now.

Anyway, thanks for sharing in my pleasure today, I hope to see you around soon!

Kate
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Self Portrait #4 - Yes, it's Me Again!

Hi There!

Meet "Country Kate" - my latest attempt at completing a self-portrait.   The medium used to create this self portrait was charcoal pencil and was inspired by a favourite photo taken of me a loooooonnnnngggg time ago in the mid 1990's, when I was but a wee-lass.  My, how time flies.  I never thought I'd get old back then, that's for sure!

Overall, I found it to be a pleasant experience to draw "Country Kate" using my  cheapy charcoal pencils for the first time (12 for 3 bucks, what a bargain!).

I must say I really liked the way I could easily apply a smooth layer of soft grey colour - and the 'lead" didn't snap at all and was easy to sharpen, which was fabulous!  What wasn't quite so appealing was the fact that I found it incredibly difficult to erase any mistakes (not a good thing when you are a beginner like me); it was difficult to smudge and nigh impossible to get the image any darker than a mid grey.  Oh well.  I guess that's what I get for nabbing a bargain.  Sometimes you do get what you pay for.  (Darn it.)

Overall, I don't mind me.  I like my lips. And my nose.  I can however, still see a few dodgy areas which I need to address, but figure I'll work out how to address these "issues" in the future with more practice.  Like how to place and draw ears.  I still must say I just don't get it.  I am at the point where I am starting to find it ear-ly annoying.  (Ah-hahaha, I love a bad play on words.)

I'm also not sure whether the finished "Country Kate" actually looks like "Kate".  Nevermind.

Still, it is an improvement on my earlier drawings of moi, and that's all I really ask for.

Anyway, I'll wrap it up now and just say thanks heaps for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to - I hope to see you 'round later in the week.

Oh, and wish me luck, for it's a pupil free day tomorrow and I have all the kidlets home from school. Eek!

Kate
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I Have Officially Become a Pencil Pusher

Why?

Because I swear I am so determined to improve my ability of drawing faces, that I just can't stop trying to draw them.  It's almost like an obsession.

Yes, it really is true. At any given moment, I'll grab a pencil and a pad of paper and try my hardest to draw a face.  On 'proper' paper (as my kids call it), on the back of envelopes, on bills.... on anything with a small blank surface I can get my hands on really.

The only catch with this wee obsession is that I cannot begin to articulate to you how utterly frustrating it is to see a face and then try to draw it, only to create what could best be described as being a clownish, outer-space freak. ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Still, I'm not going to give up.  You see, I believe I am very slowly seeing some improvement in my sketches and the 'placement' (for lack of a better word) of the features on the face.  I figure that surely, if I keep studying and keep practising, I will improve.  (For those who are wondering about my mind-set, let me remind you all that I do live in Kate-land - a place where reality changes according to the phase of the moon and how much sleep I've had the night before.)

Ultimately, I think it is fair to say consider these artistic endeavours and 'quirks' to be part of a journey I'm on.  As a result of this, I don't mind the fact that it is taking time to get the hang of some pretty important skills.  I'm not in a rush (much).

Honestly, I truly consider the biggest issue I've got with this whole pencil pushing business is that the trusty family dog keeps getting hold of my pencils and chewing them in half.  Yep, she sees a pencil, she eats it.

I can't tell you how many she has eaten.  She'll pinch them off a table; she'll knick them off my desk and she will most certainly devour any she discovers on the floor.  Yet she won't eat Shmakkos (an Aussie dog treat).  No sir.  Only the finest 2B leads will suffice for my little furry princess.

Clearly, I need to work out how to draw teeth. And eyes.  And noses.  Oh well.

I hope my scribbles in today's post haven't made you cry out in pain.  Just feel comforted that the dog ate the pencil that drew these images.  And I ate the paper.  (Nah, only kidding.  I don't have a pica complex.  The drawings have been safely hidden away in a place, never again to see the light of day.)

Ultimately, I just hope you can tell from today's post that I really am trying.... ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope to see you 'round here again soon,

Kate
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How to Embarrass Your Children in One Easy Step

Why hello there.

<Tee-hee!>

Yes, in case you haven't already worked it out by the title,  I've discovered an amazingly easy way to make my children blush.

"So, Kate" you ask, "How did you manage this awesome and fearless feat so quickly and easily?"

Why, I'm glad you asked!

I've discovered (purely by accident) that all you have to do is start to paint a nudie-rudie woman in art class and then show it to your kids along with a gleefully sounding "Look what Mummy painted at art class tonight!". Then just sit back and wait.  That's it.  Seriously.  How *easy* is that? ;-)

On a slightly more serious note, today's post features an under painting that will become my third ever oil painting.  I'll be adding colour and texture over the next couple of weeks.  I chose to paint a nude figure (tastefully posed I like to think), because it is a way of learning how to paint the human figure.  And that is something that really interests me.  I feel that if you aren't aware of how the body is formed in the nude, then you most certainly are going to struggle to paint it clothed.    So, as you can see, my intentions are actually quite noble and true.

No, in case you are wondering, it's not me or anyone I know.  I may like to show off, but I am most certainly not game to "show off" if you get my meaning.  My model was featured in an incredibly artistic and tasteful photograph in an impossibly artistic and highbrow magazine.  Yes, it so was artistic - no more of those thoughts.  I'm not *that* naughty you know!

For anyone out there with delicate sensibilities or in case blogger for some reason takes exception to my painting, I've got terribly creative with Picassa (my photo editing tool) to ensure all rudie-nudie bits are covered.  Yes, I did giggle as I strategically placed my "stickers" on my painting.

So, after such a build up, are you ready to see what made my children blush?

You've been warned.  Try not to giggle!  (Oh, all right, I'll allow you to smirk.)

Yes, I'm aware her nostrils are a little funny.  My main focus was on getting the important lines down quickly and my paintbrush accidentally slipped. Honestly, that's all.  I figure I can fix the nose when I go over her with my oil paints in class later this week.

So, did I make you blush as well?

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll see you 'round later this week, with more of my Kate-land artistic exploits.

Kate
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PS:  For those of you who are itching to see the finished painting, all will be revealed by clicking HERE!

Finished! Does Anyone Else Love Tree Tunnels?

Hello there!

Hope this finds you well and happy on a wet and gloomy Brisneyland day.  Honestly, whatever happened to Spring?

Anyway, after a couple of weeks waiting for the oil paint to dry, I'm (sort of) happy to present my completed tree tunnel painting:

To be honest, my feeling is the painting isn't quite as successful as I would have hoped, but I figure ultimately that it will do.  I am however, quite pleased that this experience was great practice working on the notion of perspective and exploring the blending capacity of the oil paint.  It really is quite different to working with acrylic, that's for sure!

In case you are wondering, my incredibly scientific conclusions regarding the blendability of oil paint is that it blends - it blends- it blends but then suddenly it turns to something that looks suspiciously like the contents of a newborn's nappy.    Truly.  All that's missing is the smell.  So, if you want to use oil paint, please learn from my baby doo-doo experience and don't repeat my mistakes! ;-)

On that smelly note, I think I'll wrap up this post.

I hope you kind of like it and you have a wonderfully relaxing weekend full of sunshine and laughter.

I'll see you next week,

Kate
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There Was a Wee Lass Named Kate

Whose palette knife made her irate.


The harder she tried,


The more that she sighed,


So she flung the knife in the bin; stomped her foot really hard on the ground; threw a tantrum that was more impressive than all three of her children combined could ever hope to achieve; and decided that it would be quite some time before she used such a tortuous implement again.  She then ate half a chocolate cake in an attempt to assuage her battered artistic soul.*

*It wasn't quite that extreme in reality - I didn't eat the cake.  Mainly because it was getting late and I couldn't be bothered baking one.  I had to settle for a bowl full of stuffed olives instead.  They don't sound quite as impressive or soul-satisfying as cake though, do they?  Nevermind.

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll see you 'round with a hopefully more successful artwork later this week. :-)

Kate
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This Is One of My Favourite Things To Do (Part 3)

Hi There!

Well, after some more work adding, deleting and trying to change the general ambiance of the painting (aka tearing my hair out), I am really pleased to say that I think it is now pretty much complete.  Yay!

After asking my friend and Ms Kathy on their thoughts regarding the title, it was decided to call it "Moreton Bay Sunset" as it is a picture of a Moreton Bay Sunset.  Go figure.  So, without further ado, here she is in all her glory:

I really like this one and really feel like I am making some progress with my painting skills and abilities.  In fact, I may even go as far as to say I am rather proud of this painting.  Hubby says it is his favourite.  What a sweety (*mwah* darling!).   I hope perhaps you also like the finished product.  This one will definitely be joining my Jacaranda painting for the exhibition next month.  Eeek! How exciting, but scary all at the same time. :-)

Have a lovely and relaxing weekend everyone, I'll see you next week.

Kate
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This Is One of My Favourite Things To Do (Part 2)

Hello there!

Following on from yesterday's post, I'm sure you'll be excited to discover that I've completed some more work on my Moreton Bay Fig Tree painting.  (You must be, if you are reading this! ;-))

Creating this painting has so far been a very interesting process as I have battled to create what I consider a sophisticated colour palette that is pleasant to the viewer.  At various times, the painting has been various shades of "sludge" brown, "hangover" green or "bilious" blue. (Can you tell things have been a little gassy in my household lately?)

I'd be lying if I didn't confess I was starting to feel quite frustrated with the painting and was starting to wonder if I should just scrap it, until I added orange into the mix.  Honestly, orange.  It's true! I think it's because as a sort of complementary colour of blue (and close to red, the complementary of green), the shade tones down that overpowering "I feel sick" feeling that I was experiencing initially.  Dunno.  Oh, the joys of learning!

Anyway, without further ado and more of my incessant waffle, here is where I have ended up as of lunchtime today:

I'm toying with the idea of putting a wee boat in the distance in the water on the right hand lower side of the painting, or adding a slightly stronger "horizon line", but am really unsure that this may make the painting a little twee.  What  do you think?  Do you like it?  Would you add a boat?

Anyway, thanks for stopping by and seeing today's effort.  Be sure to come back and see the finished product!

Kate
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This Is One of My Favourite Things To Do

Lying under a tree and looking up at the sky.

Does anybody else love to do this?

So that you can enjoy experience along with me, I thought I'd share the very tree I was lucky enough to lie under for a very enjoyable and relaxing 30 seconds, just this past Sunday at Shorncliffe, Queensland.

Ah, now isn't that relaxing? Just look at the vista before us: Dabs of yellow, green and blue forming delicate and seemingly never ending patterns; Twisting and turning branches reaching gently outward and toward the sky; Dappled sunlight gently lighting and shading the forms below; Dodgy looking guy in the background drinking from a dodgy bottle...   Yes indeed, I sure know how to pick my trees!

You may be wondering, "Kate, why only 30 seconds to lie there and look at the sky?"

Well, with three boys, a husband and the lure of the beach cajoling, "Come, Children!  Come and play!  Come and accidentally kick sand in Mummy's eyes!" just metres away, I never stood a chance to lie there any longer.  Despite the short time-frame, I found the experience so captivating that when I returned home later that afternoon, I thought I'd try and capture its essence in this painting:



































For those who may be interested, the featured tree is a Moreton Bay Fig Tree. When the photograph it or paint it, people generally focus on the huge and knotty trunk and roots of this tree, but I wanted to capture the gorgeous leaves and the dappled light (for no other reason than 'cause I like to be different).

Today's painting is probably only a quarter complete, so you'll have to stay tuned  to see how it progresses.  However, so far, I'm relatively happy with how it is turning out.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to, I'll be sure to see you soon,

Kate
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