MORNING'S HERE

After Walter Crane

Ink and watercolour in A4 sketchbook

I find myself really enjoying copying illustrations and it is giving me a lot of good practice - I am learning so much.

Because I used my sketchbook for this one the watercolour wash in the background did not work so well, (a white background would have been cleaner) but I am happy to have the practice.

I have learned that sometimes it's best to leave things well alone.

Positivity wins the day and determination to improve both my art and my outlook is paramount to progress.

Back to Fitness

20 mins sketch graphite on sketchpad

Working my way back to fitness, both physically and creatively. Poor health has kept me from my artwork for too long.

No more time for tears. No more wallowing. Now is the time for action.

One day at a time... gently stretching myself a little further each time, always improving, growing stronger all the way. I will show them, I won't be beaten.

Girl Holding Lemons

Graphite sketch of Girl Holding Lemons

Inspired by the Bouguereau Challenge at WetCanvas (Classical forum) this month.

First of all using graphite I did this preliminary sketch of the painting by the French artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau. I want to do several sketches before I even attempt to paint so that I can work out any difficulties beforehand.

Getting the hands correct was a bit of a problem and I shall have to watch that when I come to paint this. The foreshortening on the hand to the right (or model's left hand!) in particular was awkward and I feel I must study this more thoroughly.

Sorry that the left of the sketch is dark but this is due to poor scan of my sketchbook.

Teddy and the Cookie Jar

Teddy with the Cookie Jar - Ink sketch

Pencil sketch

Just sketching some ideas in readiness for my painting. I have already started the painting but I need to add stuff and these are some studies which should help when I get back to the painting.

I have recently been in hospital and unable to paint or even sketch. Glad to say I am on the mend and soooo happy to be getting back to my artwork. I have missed it so much.

Alice in Wonderland

Pen and graphite

My interpretation of Alice, inspired by the illustrations of Sir John Tenniel. I love doing penwork and this was no exception, it's just so therapeutic. I added a little shading with graphite for the background.

Just watched the Disney Alice in Wonderland (with Johnny Depp) - it was brilliant, very entertaining.

Wouldn't it be great to take off to a Wonderland and figure everything out so that when we returned our problems would easily be solved?

I find painting works in a similar way for me. It's like escaping to my own magical land for a while and when I put down the paintbrush I am better able to work through my real life difficulties. Painting is just magic!

Hunca Munca - after Beatrix Potter

Ink and watercolour wash 7" x 7"

I really enjoyed reading the stories of Beatrix Potter to my children and now I enjoy painting some of her little animals just for good practice. They are so delightful and Hunca Munca is one of my favourites.

Here she comes with her dustpan and brush to clean up the dolls' house.