In The Pink

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My sister sent me this great picture yesterday and it completely sums up our dog Roxy Pup. As a younger dog nothing got passed her but now as an elderly lady her priorities have shifted some what.

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For my darling girl Scarlett, born 11th November 2016.

English Folk Verse (c.1870) - The Fifth of November     Remember, remember!       The fifth of November,      The Gunpowder treason and plot;      I know of no reason      Why the Gunpowder treason      Should ever be forgot!  That's the only portion of this poem I have known up until now, however this year I came across the rest which I have to say I am not in complete agreeance with.      Guy Fawkes and his companions          Did the scheme contrive,      To blow the King and Parliament      All up alive.      Threescore barrels, laid below,      To prove old England's overthrow.      But, by God's providence, him they catch,      With a dark lantern, lighting a match!      A stick and a stake...

I use Picasa, Google's free photo editor, to edit my photos and love its simplicity, ease of use and handy tools. I like to play with my photos or scanned images and was delighted to see what pressing 'invert colours' has done to a recent drawing. I love it! I wish I could have drawn it like this...maybe I will have a go.

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I have had a go with my soft pastels and oil pastels added after for texture and am quite happy with this but it is very hard to get those amazing dense white bits in you get on storm clouds, I am not sure how to get that definition. Also I am struggling to get the perspective using colour which is something I have been practising recently on other pieces. So I am off to research the colour wheel and see if I can figure it out. Lots of fun though!

I have a fancy to get better at drawing skies and clouds, in particular storm clouds, and thought I would start with a clip-art type approach. They are, not surprisingly, not as easy as I thought but this was a lot of fun to do and quite simple once I had figured out how to do the face. There are masses of examples on the internet that you can use for ideas and then find the way that works for you. 

The current theme for Creative Tuesdays is 'Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore' with the brief being to create a scene conveying that you are no longer in quiet and comfortable surroundings. I decided after much deliberation to utilise the film the theme title is taken from and have produced this. Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My. The Wizard of Oz was a very significant film in my childhood and my sister and I watched it every year, often from behind a pillow. I don't know if anyone remembers but a few years ago they used the Wicked Witch of the West in a series of adverts and she still scares me! So I decided to let myself get lost in remembering the film and all of the images and feelings that came to mind. The line 'lions and tigers and bears oh my' kept popping into my head and as such this piece was born. I imagine anyone would feel they were no longer in quiet and comfortable surroundings if they walked into a wooded glade and...

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I went into town this afternoon to run a couple of errands and was surprised at how busy it was. As a tourist area it tends to be very quiet from around mid September onwards and many of the restaurants start closing early in the evening but today the sun seems to have brought people out and it was very busy with all car parks full again. The river levels have started to rise and it wont be long before the winter canoeists are braving the rapids through the town. For today however the river remains peaceful and the territory of ducks and gulls only. 

I have been looking at some cathedral photos for a few minutes trying to figure out which one it is! I visit as many as I can and they do have many similarities. Thankfully I have tracked it down to Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire that I visited with my sister 4 years ago. Although there are similarities with other structures they are also all unique and worth visiting and considering in their own right.  Number 1 on my list to visit is Westminster. I have been to the outside but as of yet have not had the opportunity to go inside. In addition to its significance as a structure many of my historical hero's are interred there. I do get the impression from the website though that tours are structured due to the number of visitors which would be a shame as sometimes you just want to sit and take it in. At Canterbury a few years back I had the Trinity Chapel to myself for a few minutes and sat in the presence of King Henry IV and Edward of Woodstock, the Black Prince, which is...

I have started joining in an art meme recently. The first couple of pieces I produced I was so worried I would mess them up and have to scrap them altogether that I didn't push myself as much as I would have liked. I was pleased with the outcome, although they could have been better, but it was a good starting point. Yesterday I spent 8 hours working on my third piece and have learned some things that work and some that don't; unfortunately in the process I have messed it up completely and need to start again but I feel ok about it.  I am quite surprised actually but in a good way. I am going to have to find some time to get back to the point I am at with it now but the process shouldn't take so long and I have learned some great news skills through trial and error. I also spent most of last night dreaming about doing it again and how it would best work so the planning bit is all done! Image Credit: Quote Counterquote

Well I didn't get to have a go at the body today so far but I think I made improvements on the head. I have messed up one eye but perhaps he has had a heavy night!

The next theme for Creative Tuesdays is up and has found me exploring the imagery from The Wizard of Oz. Like many people this film was a staple of my childhood at Christmas. My sister and I would be allowed to pick some chocolate from our selection box and watch the film every year. It wasn't until I started thinking about it and making some notes that I realised just how much of an emotional rollercoaster that film was to me as a child!  Anyway I decided to start with drawing a lion. I have always stayed away from drawing animals as it is so very hard, but recent efforts with a barn owl and raven silhouette have given me the courage, (that's C-ourage) to have a go and I am not too disappointed with my first efforts. I am going to try again now with some colour and see what I can produce. I may even try a body rather than just a head!

I found this picture yesterday, I hasten to add it is not one I took! But as it is from a card that was sent to me I feel I am ok to share it here. It always makes me happy, and a little sad given the state of the environment for these creatures, but mostly happy. A snapshot of true enjoyment.

I came across this riot of wild flowers on my walk last week. What a fantastic site for late October. It's a funny time of year here that can vary so much however thanks to a long summer, mild temperatures and a lack of the usual storms we have had by now that tend to strip plants and trees of their foliage this is still here to enjoy and looks set to stay for a week or two yet.

I have the Christmas playlist on, and I am loving it! Its a mixture of the traditional (carols) the modern (pop) Celtic, and original old english and medieval pieces both vocal and instrumental, and goes on for 10 hours! Well in theory, in practice it will be turned off in about 6 hours before Mr Dancin gets home, it will definitely be a little early for him to feel festive. Don't worry I wont be putting up decorations or anything, not for a long while yet, but this playlist makes me feel so happy, nostalgic, safe and excited about the approaching Christmas which will be our first with our soon to arrive daughter. I know there is still Halloween and Guy Fawkes to come yet but Christmas is the ultimate celebration, especially this year, and I am going to indulge myself without guilt. Bing Crosby and David Bowie are currently performing Little Drummer Boy, perfect!

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A few years ago we bought a jigsaw for my husbands parents for Christmas depicting bears standing on their hind legs in a meadow as swarms of butterflies ascended around them. It is the most beautiful jigsaw I have even seen and the image has stayed with me. Recently I have started looking for another copy to do myself as the image is so calming and it finally occurred to me to search for it online.  That lead me straight to the artist himself, Robert Bissell, and if you are not already familiar with his work I highly recommend you visit his website and have a look for yourself. I would dearly love to post a picture of his here but feel it unfair even with image credit without permission. So please believe me when I say it is worth a look. If nothing else go on Google Images and type in Robert Bissell Bears and Butterflies, or click HERE. I am also delighted to say that his website features a shop selling jigsaws, prints and note-lets amongst other things and anticipat...

I am sorting through old digital photos, as we have a new computer and organising them is long overdue, and I came across this taken in Wales a few years back.  We had gone for a dog walk along the cliff and I peered over the edge and caught this seal taking some time out on top of a pile of seaweed and rocks. Eventually he heard my camera after I had taken a few shots and looked straight at me. Feeling bad about disturbing him we moved on; no animals seem to like having their photo taken.  It was a wonderful moment to witness though and after our departure he returned to the business at hand, taking 5 and worshiping the sun.

I have just been for a glorious walk up the lane. The trees are really turning now, the sun is out, there is not a cloud in the sky and its cool and windy, perfect!  These are the best of the shots I took and typically when the oaks really started shedding their leaves into the air above my head my camera battery went flat! Never the less I enjoyed the spectacle.

According to colour psychology green is the colour of harmony and balance, growth and hope. I am aware of the power of colour and how it can be used to encourage certain reactions from people and situations although I seldom use it to its full advantage and prefer to rely on my instincts for colour preference however it is a useful tool to have and I have absolutely no doubt of the benefits of looking at the colour green. It represents our natural environment, the start of the growing season, new life and new food resources. And there are no greens, or other colours, so vibrant as the ones created in nature; we simply cannot replicate that. Winter is fast approaching and although I don't begrudge it at all, especially having had the longest summer, I do know I will miss the colour green. It will be there throughout the winter, with a whole host of other colours, but it will be a little harder to find. Autumn and winter can be a challenge and I know many people suffer f...

Jethro Tull have been my favourite band for many a year. I saw a documentary about them about 30 years ago as a teenager and was instantly transfixed by Ian Anderson: he was incredibly gifted, wonderfully weird and played music the likes of which I had yet to hear.  Image Credit: Goldmine I listen to them regularly and always have but every now and then I get a real Tull yearning and nothing else will do; its been like that for the past few weeks. So this morning I have played at my PC to Broadsword and the Beast and Songs from the Wood, two of my favourite albums, seriously not a bad song on either! Next I have Heavy Horses lined up. They are currently on a world tour with dates t hroughout 2017 noted on their website and I sincerely hope to get to see them again at some point. I have been several times but it is never enough. Categorised as progressive rock (of which I am a fan) it is their unique folk style that attracts me most and as such I have chosen th...

I mentioned a few days ago I had a longing to be by water and was able to make it to the river that very afternoon, unfortunately it has taken me until now to get my photos off my camera! Technology, great when working, not so much when failing! Anyway, I had a lovely walk, got down to the waters edge, saw the beginning of the autumn colours coming out and spent some time sitting there just listening to the river passing by, punctuated by the persistent barking of a spaniel who's lust for fetching sticks from the water could not be satiated.  It was perfect actually, all walks should be shared with a dog and unfortunately our pup cannot make the descent to the river at this point nowadays. She doesn't miss out though, there are plenty of walks she can do and she likes nothing more than sitting on a mountain side admiring the view which she gets to do daily.

As an arborist I predominantly manage amenity trees, and the frequent conflicts between them and people; this includes consideration of the wide variety of wildlife that rely on trees for habitat, food and navigation. As such I chose my tree house to be more natural and depict some of the creatures I have to look for and consider as part of my job inspecting and managing trees. This has been a great challenge and encouraged me to practice drawing some new things which has been a rewarding experience. This piece was created using soft pastels, coloured pencils and black pen. To join Creative Tuesdays (and its not too late to submit for this theme, the deadline is 18th October) or view other participants click on the banner below.

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Mr Dancin took this yesterday while out at work, when he showed me it we both said the same thing. I thought it would be interesting to see what other people thought on first glance.

We have had the most glorious summer and autumn here which are still going on. We have had so many sunny days and even now the temperature is starting to lower and we have had our first morning frost it is still so sunny and warm for the time of year.  The trouble is, I am missing water! I am for one reason or another less able to get out there at present and as such am restricted to local walks and short journeys (although not for much longer!) and looking through some photos yesterday I realised I need to be near water, a river, the sea, anything. Its odd what landscapes we get used to and what suits us and our primal needs. I follow a blogger who lives in the dessert and while I love all of his photos, without fail, I often think I couldn't live there, I would feel parched all the time. I definitely need trees and water in abundance. That will be the British side of me then, certainly on the water side! (With the exception of this year.) Anyway, the river is not...

I am practising drawing a Raven in silhouette, I mean how hard can it be, there is no shading to do, no features to add, its a silhouette! But, it must be said, practice is making for small improvements!

We had our first frost this morning and although it was only a light one it has put me in mind of frosty morning walks with the pups and made me so excited about winter. We have had a glorious summer here and so far a beautiful autumn with lots of sun; as such I don't feel cheated by the weather gods and am ready to welcome in the next season. I had a look through some of the photos I have on this device and found these which have made me chuckle and brought back memories of a lovely dog walk.  Buddy (in the foreground) is no longer with us and Roxy would struggle to exert this much energy these days but she still loves her walks and we think of our little boy Bud whenever we go out.  I am quite impressed I managed to find some pictures of them in focus as they never stayed still on walks and as such photos of the two of them were always a challenge!

So sleep alluded me last night and after deciding against the Wellingtonia I settled on attempting to draw a maple. These are my results in transition. Its not brilliant, and I hope to try again and improve, but I discovered some interesting techniques along the way and thoroughly enjoyed the process.

I have been doing more and more artwork these past couple of weeks since I joined in at Creative Tuesdays (CT) and have really enjoyed messing around, already noticing some improvement in my output. The next challenge for CT is a tree house and in preparation I have been mulling over some ideas and produced this during a sleepless Friday night. Its a cedar specimen and I am quite pleased. I am actually half hoping I cant sleep tonight so I can have a go at another tree I want to try, Wellingtonia ( Sequoiadendron giganteum ), as the wee small hours are quiet and free but that is only half hoping, sleep would be better!

I have had a great couple of days with my sister during which time we indulged in some art and doodling. It was brilliant fun and very therapeutic and these are my efforts from yesterday. Very topical I thought. I really enjoyed trying something new and just playing at it. Taking part in some kind of art is such good fun, there is no right or wrong, no good or bad, just the fun of your own expression.

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