Fushcia Fairy - Finished

Hi There!

Very long time, no post. Sorry about that.

I'm afraid that life and living and all the bumps and knocks just got in the way of creative endeavour this last little while.
 
(In other words - no, I'm not going to go into details. You didn't come here for that. It would take ages and you'd be bored. Trust me.)

I've had a go at finishing my Fuschia Fairy painting today.  I'm not sure how successful it is, but I am pleased that it is complete at long last. I feel a bit shy about sending it on as a pressie to my friend though.  I don't think it's good enough.  Oh well. At least I tried and had noble intentions, right? <Sigh!>

Anyway, here's the painting for the final (Yippidy-yay!) time:

Thanks for not giving up on me and for stopping by and checking out my artwork!

Kate
x

Fuschia Fairy Part 2

Hola

Today brings a pastelly update from me featuring my latest piece, "Fuschia Fairy":

The kids and hubby like this painting so far and have commented positively on the colours I've used.  At this stage I'm thinking that if all continues to go as well then this artwork may not need to become an offering to the trash gods.  Phew!  The only problem is that the top corner still requires painting of another fuschia (hard), leaves (harder) and a background to delicately meld together with the flowers (nightmare).

Oh well, nothing like a challenge to let you know you are alive, right?

Thanks for stopping by, I'll see you soon with another Fuschia Fairy update,

Kate
x

Fuschia Fairy - Part I

How weird is it that you spell fuschia, "F.U.S.C.H.I.A"?*

The spelling is so tricky I'm thinking of starting a petition on Change.org.  I personally think we should spell it as we would say it.  A couple of options I am considering are as follows:

1.  Few-sha

Short and sweet.  My biggest concern with this version is I worry that my Aussie accent may influencing the spelling. ie:"By jingo, you'd call that bee-you-ti-fool flower a few-sha, mate."  See what I mean? Or am I just being over-sensitive?

2. Phew-shar

I like this version but I worry it could easily be misinterpreted. ie: "Awwww, pwoaaarrrr! Jeeeeez, *PHEW*, Shar! Did you have to?"  Hmmmmm...

3.  Feeee-youuuu-schhhhhheeee-arrrrrrhhhhhh

Don't know about this one. I worry it makes the flower sound like a cross between a ninja and a pirate.
 ie: "Feeee-you-schhhhh-eeee-arrrrrrhhhhh, me hearties!" the pirate captian cried, as he twirled his flowery numchucks with gleeful abandon.

I give up.  Too hard.  Fuschia stays.

Today's effort is being painted using my favourite pastel pencils for my friend Fuschia Fairy ("FF" for short).  FF loves growing fuschias.  She really does.  As such, if this painting works I'm going to give it to her.  Cross your fingers for me that the painting improves as I go.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll see you around soon!

Kate
x

(*Yes, I know it can be spelt other ways, but this particular version had the most hits on Google, so it stays.)

Pencil Play

Hola!

I've been a silly billy. I left my pastels over at my art teacher's house (Ms Kathy) and I've been feeling forlorn ever since.

Rather than sit and sulk (tempting) I decided to pull out my Faber Castell Polychromos pencils, my Fabriano paper and some turps and set to work to soothe my artistic spirit.

I selected my favourite flower to feature in this artwork, the sunflower and layered colour over colour over colour, brushing over certain segments with the turps. (The turps melts the oil in the pigment, so it slightly blends and smooths the colour.)

Looking at it now, I can see there are a few little areas that could do with a little more layered colour or turps, but I still think it has worked relatively well overall for a little study.

Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to!

I'll see you around soon,

Kate
x

The "Don't Know if I can Bother Finishing It" Painting

Hi There

Ever have one of those days?  You know the ones - You start something, feeling full of energy and gusto, yet as you work, you can slowly just kinda feel the energy draining away until you reach a point of  thinking to yourself "Think I'll stop now and have a packet of crisps."  (Can you tell I'm trying to be on a diet? ;-)

The "For some strange reason, I think it probably looks better here than in real life painting"
AKA "The Kate got bored painting"

Is it because I have finally reached the point of having painted enough sunflowers to last me a life-time?  Is it because I am psychic and when you clicked open this post and thought to yourself "Stop Kate!  Enough with the $*&!@ Sunflower Paintings, already!" I actually "heard" you and that is why I put down my pastels?  Or is it just because I'm in one of "those" moods? Who knows. I can't be bothered trying to analyse it.

Whatever the reason may be I don't feel like finishing this painting, I just have to say that it this ability to stop any-time I want that is one of the things I really like about my experiments this past year or so with all things art.

Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been up to these last couple of days.

Kate
x
PS: I am pleased to announce that I did actually manage to finish eating the packet of crisps.  See, I can complete *some* tasks!

Useless Things Have Value Too: Part III

Hi There!

Yes, can you believe it?  I'm still trying to get this lily painting to work.  At this stage I'm starting to feel over it.

Ms Kathy (my art teacher) keeps saying "This has been worthwhile, Kate, you've learnt a lot" and I have.  It's just that I can't help but feel that the learning that has taken place isn't reflected in the actual painting.

I'm verging on using the "F" word.  I know I shouldn't, but I just can't seem to help it.  Perhaps if I spell it just one letter at a time, it won't be quite as bad:

F



L



O



P



!

Never mind.  I guess I can't expect every artwork to always be "my best".

Have a wonderful weekend, full of my favourite F word...

F


U



N


!


Kate
x

Useless Things Have Value Too - Part II

Hello!


You may recall a week or two ago I started a painting of some lilies after being inspired by this quote: 


"Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies for instance. " ~ John Ruskin

(You can read more about my view of the world and in relation to this quote and see the first under-painting by clicking here.)

After a couple of weeks feeling poorly (I know, I know - poor me!), I was finally feeling well enough to be able to make it to art class last night and work some more on my lily painting. Following a couple of hours painting, here is where I'm up to now. Behold:

  

Pretty big changes from the first under-painting, hey?  Hopefully for the better.  I'm pleased that at least I'm starting to feel like it is ever so slightly starting to take shape now.  There is still so much more to do though.  I'm starting to have a feeling that this could be one of those "never ending" type paintings that sometimes happen - you know - never quite finished - always just that little bit more to do?  Oh well.  At least I'm enjoying it!

Anyway, thanks ever so much for stopping by.  I'm now off to contemplate whether I should buy these to pep up meal times*:

Yes, I know they are impractical and most likely utterly useless.  However, given the title of this thread, in some ways, that's kinda the point.  

Have a great weekend, I'll see you soon!

Kate

x

*Dear children of mine, if you should read this, please be advised under no circumstances are you or will you ever be allowed to flick mummy with broccoli. Ever.  I mean it!  Broccoli is good for you, you hear?! A power-food if you will. Please note that the same applies for brussel sprouts and cabbage.

I do, however, give you permission to fling the cooked carrots at each other, as their texture never really appealed to me either. (As long as you clean up the mess afterwards.) Mummy x

Dear Boys

Dearest Children of Mine

I just wanted you all to know that as the days rapidly head toward Mother's Day this Sunday, that I love you all very much.  I know I truly am the luckiest Mummy in the whole wide world.

I can promise you all that whilst you sometimes may wonder, I most certainly do not love Blobber the goldfish more than you - although I confess I admire and envy his capacity to forget things very quickly.

Now, where was I again?

Oh yes!  I want you all to know that if you happen to buy me a face-washer that, through a few dexterous twists and  rubber band magic, is transformed into the shape of a rabbit OR if you purchase me an acorn seed with attached googly eyes and big feet from the school's Mother's Day stall this week, then I shall will treasure it always as being the best "rabbit-washer-googly-eyed-creature" I have ever, EVER seen! (Until next year.  At which point, that critter shall become the best "rabbit-washer-googly-eyed-creature" for 2012 I'd ever seen.)

Finally, if Daddy should happen to also consider splurging and decides to buy me a little something in order to thank me for destroying my "young-girl" youthful curves by bringing you three beautiful boys into the world, could you all be a dear and tell him that Mummy wants something sparkly that goes round her neck.

And just to be sure there are no misunderstandings, no, dearest darlings, I do not mean a stick of dynamite - you really have been watching too much TV lately, haven't you?

Here, I'll help you all - Mummy is going to teach you all how to spell a very important word:

D-I-A-M-O-N-D.

Got it darlings?  Written it in your Spelling Book for the week?  I can tell you that it spells "very happy mummy!".

Anyway, I'll end here by thanking you, my darlings, for taking the time to read my letter about how much Mummy loves you.

Truly, each and every day is Mother's Day with all of you around,

Kate (Mummy)

xoxoxoxo

PS:  Yes, I promise I WILL draw Blobber to go in my blog one-day.  Just not today. 

(Nearly) All in the Name of Science

Hey! I'm feeling bold today, so I'll let you in on a little known secret about me...

It's meant to be a cyclamen.
And "yes".  I am too lazy to bother with properly colouring the background.
  Problem?  Talk to the pencil!

At certain times in my life, I've been known to be a brave experimenter.  I know, you're shocked!  Seriously, it's true.  In fact, to demonstrate the possible depths of my aptitude for innovation, I'd like to share the following true childhood anecdote with you, so you can fully appreciate that this is a skill I've been developing over many years:

Step One:  The Thought Process (AKA - "The Impossible Dream"):

[Scene:  Kate, as a six year old.  Standing in front of an open fridge.  Thirsty.]

Kate: "Hey, I'm thirsty. What should I drink? Hmmmm, I really like orange juice. Never mind that it's concentrated. Who needs water." Kate looks further along the shelf, looking up...

Kate: "Hey look what else I see - lime cordial  (Coola), still concentrated and in the bottle.  And hey, look! There's some milk!  Yum!"  Kate scratches her head.  She is presented with a very real dilemma.  She likes all three beverages equally.  What to choose?  What to drink?  What. To. Choose. To. Drink?

Kate: "Hey! Given I like milk, I like cordial, and I love juice, why not create an "uber drink" of splendid proportions by boldly mixing all three together?  I. Am. A. Genius."

Step 2:  Scientific Execution

Using scientific precision, I carefully measured 1/3 cup of concentrated orange juice, 1/3 cup of lime concentrated cordial and 1/3 cup of milk together to create my new and "tasty" concoction, bound to be a world-wide phenomenon. I mixed carefully and with wild anticipation, sipped the fruits of my labour.


Step 3: Results and Analysis

Pause.

Thoughtful Contemplation.

Conclusion: Foul.  So bad it was worse than disgusting.

Surely it cannot be?!  Surely my drink is actually, really, truly, splendid!

With staunch determination, I drank the entire cup.

The result?

A rapid cure for constipation.

Whilst the drink in itself didn't work, on reflection, perhaps I should have patented it as a viable alternative for Laxettes.  Oh well, opportunity missed.

End of story.

So you see?  It is true. At times I have been known to be a brave experimenter (even if it is only in my head).

Anyway, back to the present.  Today's experiment is hopefully slightly less "productive" than my memorable drink mixer of old, however I must confess it was almost as exciting.  In the initial stages anyway.

So what did I do?

Well, I'm so glad you asked!

I used my Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils to draw this little picture of a cyclamen on some Art Spectrum paper as an initial step.  Nothing unusual so far.

But then we get to the magic....

I got out my bottle of Mineral Turpentine (aka "Turps") and used a little paint-brush to paint a light layer of Turps over the top of the pencil.  The effect was magic and I *loved* it!  From what I understand, the Turps slightly dissolved some of the pencil (which is a high quality oil based pigment in lots of wax), creating an almost painterly effect.  It dried very quickly and I found I was able to add additional layers of pencil over the top of the "wash".

I was a tad naughty, because I used cheap, domestic grade Turps, rather than artist's quality, but as this was an experiment, I couldn't justify the cost of buying professional grade product.

I'm afraid I can't tell you how badly this technique will impact on the longevity of the artwork.   Perhaps you can ask me in twenty years time and I'll be happy to let you know. Regardless of whether this creates a "for now" or a "forever" artwork, if you have some good quality pencils and a bottle of Turps, why not give it a try next time you do a drawing.  Just make sure you apply the Turps in a well ventilated room as the smell is really strong - feel free to learn from my mistakes <hack!>.

Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope to see you again soon.  Don't worry, I'm not going to be mean enough to dare you to try my drink!

Kate
x

Playing With Graphite

Hello!

I was lucky enough to receive some good quality graphite pencils for Christmas.  I know, I know, I'm spoilt! As today is such a gloomy, rainy day in Brisneyland, I decided to pull them out for a play and an experiment.

I decided to try painting a watercolour wash for the flower petals and then use graphite pencil and a soft cream pencil to draw over the top of the watercolour to add in details.

The flowers were that of a yellow climbing rose.  To be honest, I'm not terribly sure how successful this little painting is.  It seems quite "heavy" for a rose picture.  And I'm not even sure the roses look like roses, since they have delicate texture and this is quite thick and lumbrous.  (Yes, I know that lumbrous isn't a word, but I think you agree that it should be.  Please start using as part of your vocabulary today.  Together, I'm sure we can get this word accepted as part of the English vernacular.)


At this point you are probably thinking "Kate, how on earth could you expect it to be "light" when you decided to outline the roses using a thick, black graphite?!"  And the only thing I can think to reply to you with is "Don't know.  Just did."  Hey, I never claimed to be an expert.  Sometimes I honestly believe that I learn more from my mistakes than my accomplishments.  Only sometimes though.  The rest of the time I just feel frustrated!

Hmmmmmm.  It might be back to the drawing board with this type of experimentation.  Anyway, thanks for stopping by.  I hope to see you around soon!

Kate
x

Ain't No Sunshine

Hello

Ever feel like this?

Three kids.

35 degrees.

Hot.

Grumpy.

Late afternoon.

 Dinner isn't cooked.

And hubby needs to work back late.

  <Sigh!>  

Honestly, it's enough to send anyone to YouTube for a dose of early 1990's rock.  Funnily enough, it didn't work.  Deni -  You're Fired!  

Since YouTube didn't do the trick, to cheer myself up I thought I'd paint my favourite flower, the sunflower, using my  not-so trusty watercolours:

So... What do you think?

  

 I can't decide whether it is brilliant or rubbish.  Perhaps I'll refuse to make a firm judgement right now.


HANG ON........

Hubby just texted.

He's coming home!

HALLELUJAH!!!

Who said that writing a pitiful post on your blog won't cause wonderful things to happen?

Thanks for stopping  by.  I'm off to delegate to get one of my children to make dinner.

I hope to see you around again sometime soon!

Kate
x 

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
x

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

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! 

Watercolour Mayhem

Dear Reader,

Yes, in case you haven't gathered, I confess, I am like a dog with a bone - I am refusing to give up on painting with watercolour until I can finally produce a painting I am happy with.  I'm truly hoping that as you look at my various watercolour offerings, you are observing a steady improvement in my ability.  If not, all I can say is that I am truly trying. (Verrrrrrry trying, as my mother would sometimes say!)

Hopefully you can tell that today's painting features a hibiscus flower, chosen because I love its association with summer and I am feeling sick and tired of winter.

So, you may wonder, what do I think about today's painting?

Well, I know I'm not there yet, but I do feel my technique is continuing to improve thank goodness. Particularly when you compare it to this.  See what I mean?  (Are you nodding your head in agreement?  I can't tell!)

Anyway, I hope, perchance it has brightened your day!  Be sure to visit again to see if I can experience my very own personal My Fair Lady moment.

Splotchily yours

Kate
x

Jumping Geranium!

I think I'm finally starting to ever so slightly make some progress with watercolour painting.


Yippee!






So why the sudden improvement you ask?

Well, Ms Kathy, clever teacher she is, overheard me muttering in class last week as I was attempting a watercolour study.  She subsequently observed I was adding waaaaaayyy too much water to the pigment when I was trying to paint.  This was causing the paper to become over saturated and the colours to dilute and run.  Oopsies!  After my brain processed this information, she also showed me how to use a clean, dry brush to "blot" up any excess water/paint on the paper. Wow, it was So. Much. Better!  Thanks Kathy!

Feeling inspired after class (and being the diligent little student I am), I completed some additional study on the subject of watercolour painting technique and discovered that it can be a good idea to lift the brush off the paper *before* the brush runs out of paint - this will help avoid lines or splotches on the paper.  Go figure.

Now my only remaining quandary is whether this study actually looks like a geranium.  I'm not really sure.  Oh well, at least I feel like I am finally making some progress. I wonder what I'll attempt next?

Oh dear, it's a flop! Watercolour overload

As I haven't tried watercolour for *ages*, I think I'd forgotten why many people call it the hardest style of painting to learn.  In retrospect, I think I was feeling slightly more confident prior to starting than I should have been. Oh well - sometimes you learn more from mistakes than successes, right?  (That's what I'm gonna keep telling myself, anyway!)

They were meant to be blue-bells.  Oh well, can't win  'em all!

Hopefully my next watercolour attempt will finally see some improvement. I'm not going to let this watercolour style beat me - I'm determined that I *will* prevail!  (One-day...)

Sunflower-Power

You know how I had the children home from school earlier this week because they were all sick?  Well the good news is that they're back at school.  The bad news is they've now given the virus to me. 

As a result of my slightly altered state of being, I decided today should become an official, unscheduled "I'm feeling sorry for myself day", where I sulk around my house sticking my bottom lip out and do an outstanding  job of feeling spectacularly miserable.  

It was great initially, however after an hour of sighing at my misfortune, I got bored and decided to cancel the rest of the day.  I decided to lift my spirits and get that bottom lip to fully recede to its usual position by painting something that truly makes me feel happy and makes my heart sing.

I thought about it a while and decided that the one thing in the world that gives me the most hope that everything will get better soon is the gorgeous sunflower.  There is something about the colour, the texture and the shape of this bloom that makes me smile.  It also has a very special significance for me which you can read about here. 

I painted and lo and behold, it worked!  I am so thrilled with this little painting (shown actual size).  It actually looks like a sunflower!  I haven't added the stem yet, or any leaves, because this will be the first featured bloom on a new painting I've started work on.

You know the best thing of all?  This sunflower really *has* lifted my spirits.  I hope just a little of its beauty will now lift yours.

See you soon, petals! x

Fun With Impasto, Take 2

It seems like forever since my famous impasto incident took place.  (It occurred while creating one of my favourite paintings, the Sunflowers.)

After thinking about it this afternoon, I realised I shouldn't abandon using impasto just because of one lousy experience.  With a braver hand than heart, I cracked open the jar (literally - the impasto had sealed the lid shut onto the bottle) and fervently went about creating the following minature painting (shown actual size):


Pink enough for you?

I've used a pink gerbera as inspiration, as I had one on hand from a bouquet of flowers given to me last week.  They were given to me for no other reason than 'just because'. (Don't you love that?  Thanks honey! :-) x)

I decided to magnify it a zillion (well, a few) times and try an almost abstract style, plastering impasto petals all over the canvas.

Whilst the painting may not have completely worked, I think it shows some possibilities.  In fact, I'm starting to imagine this concept could work on a much bigger scale.   Can you see what I can see?  Are you nodding your head in agreement?  Oui?  Non?

I think I'll take it to art class tomorrow night to see if my teacher, Ms Kathy can give me a little assistance to fine tune the details of this little artwork and to help me develop my future idea further.  I wonder what will transpire in the next little while - oh how I love a mystery!

How Many Calla Lilies Can You Find?

Today's post is a florally artistic version of 'Where's Wally'. I have titled it 'Calla Lilies in pencil.' Oh, I know, I am *so* original!

Go on now, challenge yourself - how many flowers can you see - Count both the full and partial blooms.

I'll post the answer in my next post so stay tuned!