Thursday, July 18, 2013

Catching Up

Hello!  It's time to bring you up to speed on the creative happenings in my life the past few months.

The art show back in January went well.  I received wonderful feedback on the pieces I entered in the show.  Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the artists' reception so missed out on the opportunity to meet new people and celebrate participation in my first art show.  Not to worry... there will be more art shows and artists' receptions -- like the one in August that I have just been accepted in to!

I have a few new pieces to share since my last post:

Mount Baker, Watercolour, 6" x 12"  --  SOLD
The "Mount Baker" picture was inspired by the view from Cattle Point in Victoria, BC.  Mount Baker is in Washington State, USA, but on a clear day we can see it from Victoria, Canada.  The paint was barely dry on this piece when someone asked to buy it.


Beauty at Rest, Watercolour, 6" x 12" 
The "Beauty at Rest" watercolour was just accepted in to a local art show to be held during the beginning of August!


Peach Rose, Coloured Pencil and Water Soluble Art Bar, 5" x 7"
I am crazy about roses.  Aren't they amazing flowers?  The "Peach Rose" is another piece accepted in to the August art show.

Inspired by Kristy Patterson of Flying Shoes Art Studio, I have been also playing around with coloured pencil art on old book pages.

Pear, Coloured Pencil on Book Page

Tranquil, Coloured Pencil on Book Page  --  SOLD

Working on pages from old books has its challenges.  I think I prefer the look I get when I put a thin layer of white ink under the coloured pencil.  On the "Pear" piece I used coloured pencil directly on the book page and decided I didn't particularly like how the text showed through.  On the "Tranquil" piece I put a pale white ink wash over the entire page and a slightly more opaque layer of ink under the bird and flower petals.  I prefer how the ink "under painting" mutes down how much of the text shows through.

My camera has been busy, too.  I had opportunity to visit a petting farm full of adorable animals and even more adorable babies - particularly baby goats and rabbits.  Here's a sneak peek at some of the pics.  Perhaps some of these (paired with humorous text) will become future greeting cards!






So there you have it... some of the things that have kept me busy since my last post.  I'm currently working on more watercolour paintings, which I'll share as they get a little further along in the process.  

Hoping all is well in your respective worlds, and that you're finding time to nurture your creativity.

7 comments:

  1. Yep, I know the problem of fitting in blogging when you are busy!! Glad to "catch up" though, Fern. It sounds like things are going well! I just love the painting of Mt Baker (reminds me of "home"), and am not surprised it sold so quickly.

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  2. Lovely to catch up on all your news, here on your Blog. It's great to see you both refining and playing with techniques and that this is leading to being accepted into shows. I love the crisp detail in your work that allows the subject to come alive. I can't wait to see what you do with these super cute animal photos. I would like to link this post to my new Pinterest Board Terra, which is all about living things on the land if that's ok. You really have a lovely sensibility to nature which others I am sure would enjoy seeing. :)

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  3. Another Art Show? That's amazing, Fern :D I hope you'll be able to go to the opening, this time :) Although I have to admit, to me it's very scary to be able to hear what people think of your work 'live' - stuff of courage :)

    Your work is beautiful as always - I love the almost ink-like lines in the painting of the mountain! The butterfly has you trademark stunning bright watercolours - and it reminds me - did you ever show your finished watercolours on gesso-piece here or somewhere else? I don't remember seeing it, and I'm very interested - the work in progress was amazing!!

    Love that you're still stretching creatively- trying new things! The paintings on the old book pages are beautiful :) Lovely to see what you've been up to :) Keep wielding the tools!! :) x

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  4. Ooooh, that mountain piece is gorgeous! The person who has it is truly lucky!

    And thank you for posting about drawing on old book pages. I bought myself an old encyclopedia just for this and I haven't used it yet but now I know how it behaves thanks to you. I'll use some white wash over the text as well. I LOVE the tranquil piece and the pear is wonderful too. I think they would make beautiful cards.

    Those photos of the little animals are adorable! Can't wait to see the lines you are going to put on them :)

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  5. Beautiful paintings and images (I also love your blog background)!

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  6. Congratulations on being accepted into the exhibitions Fern! Your work is really beautiful and developing well. Amazing subtlety of color and form as well as excellent compositional balance. The narrative elements of the pear and bird piece really caught my attention. Thank you for the updates and look forward to hearing and seeing more. :)

    Wishing you the very best in all of your endeavors artistic and otherwise,

    Shiloh

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