Nature Studies

Drawing recently from nature, Queen Anne's Lace or wild carrot. To me, it's not your average weed. It's intricate and delicate and before it blooms it's wrapped in a wondrous package.
I found wild coneflower, or echinacea too.

To answer a request, I'm including a list of the art supplies I use and a few tips that I've learned.

Staedtler pencils. 2H-6H, (H for hard) but I prefer the 2H, although, occasionally, I use soft leads or B pencils, especially 2B.
FW acrylic inks.
Kneaded Erasers and plastic erasers.
Tracing paper ~ a must, unless you draw straight onto your watercolour paper.
Sketchbooks ~ look for good quality paper.

After researching watercolour paper and trying several different brands, I prefer hot pressed paper for painting.  Fabriano Artistico and Arches are acid free and 100% cotton. I use140 lb weight. (The higher the weight the thicker the paper.) I prefer Fabriano, but I am getting use to Arches. It requires a light hand, but can take several glazes.
I use watercolour blocks that are glued on all four sides; the paper doesn't require stretching.  (There's a small hole at the top of the block, you insert a thin knife and go around the block to remove the sheet from the block when your painting is completely dry.) I also buy large single sheets. It's cheaper that way, but the paper requires stretching or it will buckle and it takes time to cut the sheets into the sizes you want. ( A scary breath holding activity!)

I occasionally use Strathmore Watercolour cards; they are cold pressed ~ not as smooth as hot pressed paper.

Watercolour paints. I mostly use Schmincke and W& N. Windsor and Newton is bright and clear.  Schmincke can look chalky sometimes and I  do like Sennelier paints as well.  I also have a set of Derwent watercolour pencils that I received as a gift. In the beginning, I was using the watercolour pencils to paint with.  Around here, they are cheaper if you buy them individually.

* If you are just starting out, I would recommend that you buy good quality watercolour paper, a few tubes or pans of professional watercolour paint/or good quality watercolour pencils. They do make a huge difference! A (sable or faux sable) #4 watercolour brush is, in my opinion, a must. They are expensive, but should last a very long time if treated well. Never use it to mix paint with. (A tall order--one sometimes forgets.)  And you will annihilate it if you use it to apply FW inks.

Interesting optional items: Masking fluid and Gum Arabic.
Masking fluid is used to cover small stamens etc, that you will paint later, or any area that you want to keep white while you are painting. When it is completely dry, you rub your fingers over it to remove it.

Gum Arabic extends the drying time of paint, adds vibrancy, and is also used to add shine to eyes, reflections etc.

In the end, it's all about personal preferences, so experiment, have fun in the process and you will  find out what works for you.

  Until next time enjoy creating...

Flights of Fancy

 I know my paint box is way too clean. The rest of it I call organized chaos.
  The flowers in the front were painted last July. I'm working on the Lady Slippers. It's a flower that I can't seem to let go of.

New addition.  It needs to be re-potted.

Life size.

I decided that I would try and draw everyday in July. I've almost kept that commitment. A few more days and I will have nailed it. Hopefully, I can do the same for August.
I had a few comments and emails regarding my last post. I think we all agree-- sometimes tentatively-- that yes most people can draw, so please don't give up. And don't worry about mistakes because mistakes are a big part of learning anything worthwhile! And if someone should laugh so what. Well, I know it's not always comfortable to be laughed at, but the following story warms the heart and points out what's possible.

Many years ago, I met a lady who was the older mother of a friend of mine.  And wow, could she paint!  She painted landscapes, ocean scenes, flowers-- the most divine silken roses, portraits--you name it. She told me that she didn't pick up a brush until she was in her fifties.  She had a wonderful studio that faced the ocean. Sand for miles, sunlight dancing over the waves, a few twirling seabirds and the salt sea breeze that begged to be inhaled as it, with a hint of mist, swirled in through the open windows. I could have stayed there indefinitely. 

After tea, she took me up to the attic where she stored her earlier works. As I stood looking at her paintings, she smiled and said, "it's laughable, now, isn't it?" Sometimes the spotlight is not the place to be. I mumbled something and shifted uneasily. Then she ask me as she pointed to a large canvas  (her first) if I knew what it was. I studied it for awhile but I couldn't come up with an answer. "It," she said, with amusement that tickled the corners of her mouth and played up the light in her eyes, "is a lady of the evening." (Abstract would not begin to cover it.) She also said she was very proud of that particular painting.  She went on to say that one evening, at a gathering, just after she had painted it she showed it to a few of  her neighbours and everyone laughed. 
I skipped down the stairs. It was time to go.  But before I left I took one last look out of her studio window at the beach and the sea in the distance and then before I left the room I looked back at her beautiful paintings and felt certain that she clearly had the last laugh, although I'm sure she didn't want it because she was so kind.

Enjoy the weekend!

Sketching Flowers Part II

A little jazz for my new sketchbook. Top of the week to all of you!  I don't think I've every posted this early in the week. Because it was so drab, I decided to dress up my new sketchbook; that, no doubt, is probably the point of buying one of these books. (I bought it because the paper.) I am not sure how long these watercolour flowers will stay on the Kraft paper, but I enjoyed painting them. Over the years, I've heard many people say that they can't draw.  I don't think that's entirely true. Why? Because I was one of those people. It was only when I changed my mind that I managed to get something down on paper other, that is, than a stick man.  For me, drawing is a dream/wish come true! (Hmm, I wonder what else I can change my mind about ~ not sky diving!) To expand upon that thought below is a video that someone sent me. It's amazing ~  you can't believe your eyes.  As you watch, you'll notice the deep concentration going on behind that paintbrush. However, with that said, I do feel very ambivalent about this video. In many ways it's heart breaking because, of  course, I'd like all wild animals to be free, but that's not always the case, especially these days. (This elephant is also someone's bread winner.) We all know elephants are very intelligent, but should an elephant be taught to paint? We used to think that only humans used tools, this video goes well beyond that idea. On the other hand, perhaps this type of training will help the world recognize and cherish animals more, including saving their habitat. What are your thoughts?

Sketching Flowers

Lilies ~ in all their glory!  I tipped these back for the camera.

Sweet Peas

Brown-eyed Suzies

I haven't been out and about as much as I would like, but did manage to capture a few flower pics. I've started a flower sketch book and since July 6th I added in one or two sketches a day. (I'm stocking up for the winter.)  As you can see from the painting peeking out on the far left, I've also been drawing/painting fuchsias, but, unfortunately, I dropped a wet brush on the painting, so it's not much to look at.   Although I did manage to remove most of  the dark purple paint with a magic eraser, I'll have to begin again. Obviously, practice is a good thing... Welcome to my new email followers.  Thank you so much! Have a lovely week!

A Quick and Easy Project

Hair Bands

A few years ago, I saw knitted hair bands some where, so I thought I’d try and whip up a few of my own; they look great with a matching sweater, shawl, etc.

Since my supply has dwindled, (the seem to disappear ~ a bit like socks in a washing machine) I am knitting a few more, so I thought I'd share the pattern.  All you need is a set of 4mm/U.S. 6 and some left over fingering weight yarn.

 (You can also cast on a few more stitches for a larger version.)

Here's a free pattern in exchange for a random act of kindness. ☺ (Sharing a smile will do.) 

Using long tail cast on, cast on 36 sts. Transfer to three 4mm/U.S.6 double-pointed needles; 12 sts each needle and join in the round and knit 14-18 rows, depending on how thick you would like the band.
Bind off loosely using a stretchy bind off. Weave in ends. Roll right side ends towards each other to meet in the middle.

For Jeny’s Stretchy Bind Off
video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abBhe-JYmgI OR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGHItYwr1us

Enjoy!

Happy Canada Day! 

And A Happy 4th to my friends in the U.S.!

Beautiful Days

I took this picture at the Parson's house at Upper Canada Village last year. I hope to visit again in July so that I can, among other things, enjoy the fresh garden produce, buy a loaf of  fresh bread made from wheat grown and ground on the property and, of course, buy some freshly made cheese.

I believe this room was a part of the Parson's office. Notice the picture of Confucius on the wall.

For me, curtailing my curiosity isn't always easy. I wanted to jump the rope so that I could look at the books and peer inside the box on the table. Well, not just look but sit down in the rocking chair and read a few pages from different books. I'm still itching to know the titles.

Lovely summer days have me dreaming of a picnic along the St. Lawrence. It's time!

A glimpse of the 19th century village. Although you can take a train, a wagon, or a boat ride, it's also a wonderful place to stroll through on a lovely day. It awakens the senses and leaves you  appreciating what was.

I hope all of you are enjoying summer. We've had a lot of rain, so it's lush and wonderful outside.

Enjoy...

Seascape/Starlight Converging (Blue Star) Swap

It was so much fun to create a seascape painting for a recent swap. Soma, my lovely new friend and swapping partner, requested something from the sea because she knows I love it. 

As an east coast maritimer, my mind immediately jumped to lobster traps, rocky sea bottoms, wharfs, seaweed, crabs, jelly fish, etc. However, almost before I knew it, I was off on a Google search of the tropical seas.  And let me tell you, you can lose yourself for hours looking at all the fascination creatures: tropical fish, anemones, corals -- so many types, including my depiction of brain coral on the right. ( I love the texture.)  And, of course, I had to add coral that looks like fingers and toes, and also a wee bit of red coral that obviously blew into the scene because of a  recent storm. And who knew about sea feathers? (Absent)

Watercolour/ Ink ~ 7 x 10 on an Archers watercolour block.

The painting curled a bit, but will frame easily. (A water wash on the back and a tape down for a few days would flatten it as well.) I enjoyed painting this seascape so much that I'd like to paint a much larger one ~ perhaps this winter.

***

Awhile ago, I wrote to Soma and ask her about her cross body coffee bag and she wrote back and suggested a swap. I immediately agreed! Although I could have chosen any one of her wonderful quilting designs, I decided to leave the choice to Soma because that way we would both be surprised.  And, I'm so glad that I did!

Along with designing beautiful quilt patterns, Soma has many other talents and interests; she blogs beautifully at Whims and Fancies.

My wonderful Blue Star cross body bag.  It's fully lined with an inside pocket and a side, or back pocket that holds my large ipad/ keyboard arrangement. 

And a bonus pencil case that I've been using for a light run about appointment purse. I love the starfish on the cross body bag and the wee seahorse embellishment on this case.

It's been a bit hectic here lately, so I'm a little behind on my blog visits. I am looking forward to seeing what you all have been up to!

Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the week!

Unusual Encounters

On one of my walks, I ran into this Mallard who kept an eye on me as I walked passed. As you can see, I was very close but he held his ground because he was bravely protecting his lady.

I certainly didn't expect to see a beaver on the river; they are generally skittish and slap their tails on the water at the first sign of danger and dive, but I easily followed this carefree Charlie upstream to see where he was going.

     He stopped for a snack. I watched for awhile and then it was time to go. I hope to cross paths with
     him again.

11 ducklings, plus Momma duck, 2 snow geese, and a beaver. Amazing! The Momma duck chased off a Mallard and another duck while I looked on. Apparently, the geese and the beaver didn't pose a threat.

Although I've been painting, I don't have any pictures to share because the paintings  are in the mail, so I'll wait until they arrive.
    

I did, however, find a frame for my Marsh Wren. Since I don't know how to frame and didn't want to pay a king's ransom, it will do for now.

                             
 Unfortunately, my monitor quit working, so I've been using an old one. It's difficult to tell if the  pictures are too bright/dark, so I've left them as they are; I hope they are okay.

Enjoy the week. Thanks for reading...

What a Difference...

                      What a difference a very hot week makes. (Above 30C or 86F.) Look at those trees!

When I took this picture, it was blowing a whole-sail breeze as my Mother would say (we are Maritime folks),  so the pic looks a little fuzzy because I forgot to tun up the shutter speed.

In the woods, a trillium carpet.

I am working on two courses, plus a seascape painting for someone and two of birds, so it's mostly a picture post day.

But before I go I'd like to shout out a hearty welcome to my new followers. A big thank you for following along via Google friend connect and email, etc.

Do have a lovely week!

The Road Taken

Onward...

I was without my wellies, but I managed to pick my way around several mud holes. (Just call me intrepid.)  I am still scraping mud off my dress boots! Yes, folks I really was wearing dress boots.

Bloodroot ~ so pretty. Trout lily heads generally point towards the earth, so I turned a few heads for the camera. As you can see, I went back to the woods for pictures of the trout lily, and, boy, are they blooming now!  I have lived in Ontario for approx. 16 years, so it's amazing to me that I missed these prolific lilies, but, then, every area has different wildflowers.  And in the spring, I generally walk through the marshlands, so, unfortunately, I missed these beauties until now. The other day, I bought  Claybord, so I may paint a trout lily on it. A smoother surface I've never seen. It's also acid free.  If you don't like what you've painted, apparently, you can even wash it off! Talk about versatility. It's made by Ampersand.

Thanks for reading...Enjoy...

Micron Pen sketch

Nesting

Watercolour and ink.

I finally finished the mother and baby birds. The pic could be aligned a bit better, but that's the third pic I've taken and they are all the same.  The old nursery rhyme: there was a crooked man woman who walked a crooked mile comes to mind.

I was on a hike yesterday, but without my camera so, unfortunately, I don't have pics of the wildflowers that are beginning to bloom. I found a new one that I haven't seen before named the trout lily. It's a delicate beauty. They are, at best, ephemeral, so I better get back out there and take a few pictures before they disappear.

I hope you are enjoying the week. It's bright and sunny here...so very wonderful!

I'm Amazed

I was going to title this post Maybe I'm Amazed. You may remember the title from the Paul McCartney song, but the maybe doesn't fit because I am amazed, or was amazed when I saw the Woodcock's mating dance video a few weeks ago.
Apparently, the Woodcock does its mating dance and an aerial display every dawn and dusk for two months. I'll have to pull on my deerstalker cap and search the woods to see if I can find one. Move over Sherlock.

2000-5000 more feathers and I can call it finished. :)

Work in progress...

Do turn up the sound.  Take it away Mr. Woodcock...

Enjoy...

Out and About

One of those divine days that I've been dreaming about all winter long finally arrived. And lovely it was. Temps 24C or 75.2 degrees F. with a warm breeze blowing from the south. So it was definitely time to throw off the winter woolies and head to the woods.

Eye of the Birch

Beautiful colour.

The plant life is just waking up so there's not much on the grow, but my son and I did meet and visit with a few hungry friends.

Mr. Chips the Chipmunk.

Yes please. I'm immensely fond of peanuts.

Peanuts? Shucks. I'd prefer a serving of sunflower seeds, please. Er...maybe...just one, said the wee chickadee.  * * * On the needles ... Increasing 7 stitches from 1 caused my frogging party :/ ( For non-knitters that means to rip it out.) Since a few of the holes were too large, I couldn't continue because I knew that the holes would never even out during blocking. The good news: I didn't have a life life but know where to begin again. Yes! * * * Painting... feathered friends... One of my favourite birds: the marsh wren. They flit around in the marsh grasses and fly so fast that it is hard to catch more than a glimpse of one, so I decided to draw a couple. Thanks for reading...Enjoy the week!