New Year New Art New Paints New Attitude

Normal Service to be Resumed Shortly

Creating Even When You Don't feel Like It

Latest Abstract Painting on Canvas #abstractart #acrylicpainting #painti...

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Abstract Reflections

Art Class - Improvement

A Sketchbook For Those Who Fear Sketchbooks!

Art Class | Art Fail !!!

Painting Practice with William De Morgan Design

Looking Back and Moving On

The last year wasn't a write off for me.  I actually got to do many projects.  In November I started to make a rag rug from old clothes, worn out bedding and other fabric scraps that had seen better days.  I was determined to have it finished before Christmas Day 2020.  By Christmas Eve it was complete!

I am happy with how it turned out and glad to have mastered another craft.  It will have pride of place on my craft room floor and be a reminder to me of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it.
 

A Moment in Time 1969

This is my school photo of 1969.  I was six years old.  Can you tell which one is me?  I'll give you some clues: I never liked to follow rules; I never wanted to be the same as anyone else; I was painfully shy but ended up having attention focused on me.  I don't remember what command was given but it was probably to face straight ahead, arms by side or folded.  Yeh. Right.

The little girl with her hand in the air.  What was I thinking! I find it difficult to conform 51 years later!

Painted Papers Collage

Painting papers wasn't a waste of time after all as I managed to cut the papers up and turn them into a collage.  The process of painting, cutting and sticking was very therapeutic.  I just have to stick at it now and try to refine what I am doing.

I feel energised by doing this and can't wait to do more!

January Garden 2020

There are reasons too long to explain here why I can't get out into my back garden through any of the doors.  To get outside I have to lower a step up stool outside the dining room window, sit on the table and glide myself out of the window feet first onto the step below.  As you can probably imagine, it is a lot more faff getting back into the window!  For this reason I haven't been able to get into the garden as much as I would like to.

Today was bright and sunny and a good day to survey any damage that had been done by the relentless wind and rain we have been having.  As I walked around the garden I was struck by how pretty the skeletal remains of the upright lobelia was. 

 I have left it for now and will remove it nearer to spring.

In the autumn I planted up three varieties of narcissus bulbs that were gifted to me.  I am really excited to see how they turn out as they are all white varieties.  White flowers are my favourite and yet seem the most difficult to find.  I scraped up some moss from the path and added it to the containers to get rid of the stark brown earth.

Here are three more containers filled with the bulbs and my mossy 'decoration'!  I will update when the bulbs are in flower and share the varieties with you then.

Beryl Gemstones

I don't buy for myself very often but when I do it is often an impulse buy.  I recently bought these beryl semi precious gemstones with a view of making myself something with them.  Beryl is the generic name of aquamarine, morganite, heliodor, maxixe, goshenite and emerald.

Interestingly the dark green beryls are known as emeralds whereas the lighter tone ones are just called green beryl but aquamarine is still called aquamarine no matter the depth of the blue colour.  

 

I am happy that I have quite a few aquamarines on this strand.  I know they are only bead quality but they are aquamarines nevertheless!  Some have more clarity than others but the saturation of colour is pretty good on most of them.

The pink/peach stones are morganite and such soft and pretty colours.  Not too sure what I am going to make with these yet.  I shall have to put on my thinking cap.

Recycling Cards

Before I recycled the Christmas cards, I found a focal point on each one and turned it into a tag for Christmas next year.

 

It didn't take very long and now I have a varied selection of tags to use without any added expense.  I just need to find some string or ribbon in my craft supplies to finish them off.

It was relaxing to do just using a used tag for a template, a pen and a pair of scissors.  I did it while waiting for the kettle to boil and in-between other tasks.

 I just need to remember where I have stored them for next year!

January 2020

So here I am on 1st January 2020.  The last year flashed past in the blink of an eye - especially the last couple of weeks. I have hardly had time to catch breath let alone come up with a list of new year resolutions.

I have a new calendar of Dutch Masters floral painters, a new diary and a wheel of the year card to celebrate the seasons.

I have wanted a wheel of the year card for ages as a reminder to appreciate each coming season.

Beautifully painted flowers in my calendar imagery.  The dark backgrounds really make them stand out.  Can you see the water droplets, tiny ants and snail in the picture?

First week in my diary.  I hope to fill it with places to go and visit.

Back page of the diary.  It really is a lovely book with lots of lovely art work and writing.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2020

Card Making in January

My life has taken a busy detour just now so I am unable to blog as often as usual.  My 'free' time is constrained so I am taking advantage of spare time at the weekends to enjoy making cards or other 'mindless' activities purely for enjoyment.

I used various techniques to produce the cards above and am pleased with their simplicity.

Keeping on Track

Since January 1st, I have walked over 33 miles (53 kilometers) so I am well on the way to achieving 10,000 miles this year if I keep this up!  I have tried to vary the walks I do each day so that walking around the local area doesn't get boring.  I walked past this sign and door for a tea room.  I have never seen this before.  I will have to pop in during one of my walks and see what they have on offer.

This month I seem to have hit the ground running.  I have so much to occupy my time but it is all a good kind of busy.  I am feeling energized and positive more than ever. I just hope that my good mood continues!

I received 'A Mindful Day' daily calendar for Christmas.  It contains meditations to inspire peace and balance.  Here is today's offering;

I can be free from my prior circumstances.

I can live in my deepest vision.

I can live the life of my dreams.

Sounds good to me.

Plans for 2019 and Word of the Year

Happy New Year!  This year I am taking part in Ilona's 1000 mile walking challenge.  That means I am going to endeavour to walk one thousand miles this year.  Hopefully I will feel happier and healthier for doing so.  I also want to draw and paint more, grow plants and try to be a bit more self reliant.

My word for 2019 is observe.  This should come in particularly useful with my drawing and painting.

If I am not at my blog in 2019 I will probably be out walking!