Sketch a Day Challenge

Day 67 - Spotty - 12.03.15 - Version One

1 - I was going to add more spots to this but rather liked it as it was. 30min Watercolour with Salt resist.

Day 67 - Spotty - 12.03.15 - Version Two.

2 - Attempted a larger A4 version. 40mins on this one, Watercolour with Salt resist.

Day 54 - Chickens - Watercolour

Day 58 - Lizard - March 2, 2015

Really enjoyed this one as very free as only had half hour before my class this evening. Not quite sure how I didn't fit him on the page though

Day 60 - Mushrooms. About 45mins, watercolour

Day 59 - Spoons - 50min Watercolour
This was rather tricky, didn't even attempt to make them realistic

Day 63 - Something Green - 40min Watercolour
Quite enjoyed this one, wasn't that regimented, tried to be loose and am pleased with the outcome.

Day 61 - Green - Watercolour and white pen - 1/2hr

 

Day 65 - Scissors - 20min Watercolour
Decided to restrict myself to less than half an hour today, I was surprised that I can actually produce something quite quickly. Might aim for 15mins tomorrow.

Sketch A Day 2015 - Day 56 - Mandala

I had no idea what a Mandala was when this topic was set apart from it being a round decorative image.....

http://timeavarga.com/

The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community.

A mandala is...

An integrated structure 

organized around a 

unifying center

Longchenpa

I came across this website that gives a really good explanation of how to attempt drawing a Mandala ... follow this link to see how.  How To Draw Mandalas  

I didn't follow these guides and ended up with the following attempt....

Not quite sure I properly embraced the meaning and belief behind them.  I think I'll try again and use my favorite medium watercolour as that would be a lot more relaxing.  Or perhaps it would just end up the same = Uncentered, I do feel like my life is a little off center and disorganised :)

Sticking to Resolutions - January Success

Well I did it!  I completed my resolution to do more drawing and general creativity!  I stuck to my 'Sketch a day' challenge and completed January!!  I am rather pleased with myself.

Day 22 - Book - 40 Minute Watercolour.

I'm not particularly pleased with this image, I feel it's too contrived and not as effective as my quicker more relaxed images.

Day 25 - Your Star Sign - Capricorn - 30 Minute Watercolour.

Again this wasn't what I'd pictured in my head but I quite like the outcome.  It's rather dark and mysterious.  My partner described it as a pixie goat, which I rather liked.

Day 24 - Something Sweet - 30 Minute Watercolour.

I rather like this one, the messy, carefree effect and of course the scrummy biscuits.  We don't normally have biscuits in the house so this was a treat to go and buy so many packs! :)

Day 26 - Weather - Our Changing Climate.  40 Minute Watercolour.

 The day before this topic was set I had literally been through all these types of weather.  I'd set off on a little outing with little Freya and wrapped up in so may layers then had to unwrap ourselves as the sun was out and shining.  On our return journey I encountered the most amazing hail and snow, I could see it ahead of us swirling down the road.  It was a shame Freya was asleep as I'm sure she would have loved it!

Day 27 - Snowdrops - 30 Minute Watercolour.

This topic was set as the following day was the commencement of the 'Scottish Snowdrop Festival – 31 January to 15 March 2015.  I rather liked doing this painting as I really like the form of snow drops.  I think I will revisit this as I can envisage a lovely repeat for a textile design.

Day 15 - Time - 40 Minute Watercolour.

I have to admit, this was inspired by various images I found online searching for Flying Time, I particularly wanted to include feathers and flying etc into this topic.  Especially appropriate for me, where has January gone to?

Day 16 - Birds - 40 Minute Watercolour - Humming Bird.

I spent longer on this than I had intended.  That seems top be a problem when I'm painting, I let the time fly and get sucked in to adding more detail. 

I'd like to really thank all the participants of the 'Sketch a Day' challenge as receiving the feedback and viewing others daily sketches is so encouraging.  I attempted a similar challenge last year to draw more, however I didn't have the daily support of such a group.  Thank you sketchers :)

Quit Your Day Job - Oooo this sounds very intriguing!

I'm currently listing new items over in my Etsy shop but got side tracked by this article that Etsy have just uploaded by the very talented team of Thief & Bandit....

In July 2012, Amie Cunningham packed up her family and her thriving screenprinted clothing companies, Thief&Bandit andThief&Bandit Kids, and moved from Virginia to Canada. The idea of starting over in a new city was daunting, but for Amie, who was expecting her second child, the perks of Canadian citizenship and the close proximity to her parents beckoned. The move marked another exciting shift for her business: Her husband, Johnston Foster, joined Thief&Bandit as a full-time screenprinter, and the duo built a print shop in a garage next to their new home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Then, they set to work finding new local supply sources and hiring a new photographer and seamstress.

I  especially like the ethos that this duo have, they hand print all there fabrics (organic jersey) using non toxic water based inks in there own home workshop hiring (and supporting) a local seamstress to make the clothing.  They fully support the 'Handmade' ethos which I greatly admire.

Oooo, right I'm off to have a proper browse of the lovely website of  Thief and Bandit.  Enjoy

New Cushion Designs

I've started to list my new cushion designs on Etsy, I have over forty new designs to be added which will really boost my shop.  I'm rather excited about the new feel to the shop once these have all been added.  

Handmade - 'Yorkshire' Cushion. Duck Feather Insert. One Off, made with vintage fabric, blue velvet backing.

Handmade - 1977 Royal Queen Silver Jubilee Cushion. Duck Feather Insert. One Off, made with vintage fabric, embellished with a cord trim.

Handmade Cushion - Great British After - 100% Duck Feather Insert, featuring a blue pom pom trim.

DETAIL  - Handmade Cushion - Great British After - 100% Duck Feather Insert, featuring a blue pom pom trim.

The Lion and The Unicorn - Vintage Fabric - Hand Made Large Cushion

I hope you like these vintage fabric finds as much as I do.  I feel that vintage fabrics in particular add character and an interesting aspect to any room, you have something that is unique and can't be purchased by everyone else.  These cushions will add panache to any sofa.  

Inspirational Illustrations - Ana Victoria Calderon

I've been carrying on with my 'Sketch a Day' challenge over the last week and am thoroughly enjoying it still.  I've mainly been using watercolour as I need to inject some colour to my work rather than sticking to my trusted black pen.

I've been inspired by the beautiful work of Ana Victoria Calderon.  She's an artist based in Mexico City, having been raised in Cancun.  Her work reflects this, being inspired by her surroundings of nature and vegetation.  She loves to use watercolor, ink and acrylics.  I'm especially enjoying her lettering and spiritual motifs.  

You can find more of her work over on her website: