It's Been A While...

Wow! It's been a wee while since I posted. I've had my mum visiting from Tasmania so blogging and creating time has been scarce. But, it's time now to get back into the swing of things and for life to return to "normal", whatever that may be!

My big news for the week is the somewhat dramatic (for her) arrival of my bird Daisy into our lives. She is a 6 month old gray cockatiel and is delightful beyond belief.  Read about her arrival here.

Over the last 3 weeks I've only created two paintings. The first one - "Portals" - came from inspiration from Tracy Verdugo. It's not really like Tracy's paintings in any way, shape or form, but I like the idea of portals into another scene. I'm going to attempt more too.

"Portals"

Pre "Portals"

I really do love experimenting with new ideas and learning new skills. The other painting I completed is one of these. Mum and I visited a charity shop and I bought a pre-loved canvas (although by looking at the painting on the canvas, I couldn't feel the love) and painted over it. I layered and layered, added flowers, marks, colours and used different techniques from my palette knife to water spraying and dripping. It was so much fun and I love the result. Mum said it looks like a messy cottage garden; she really liked it, seriously!

"Beyond the Garden"

I returned to the same charity shop on Friday and bought some more pre-loved canvasses and I'm looking forward to creating another painting in the above style, and also preparing for a stall I hope to start up in February.

Happy creating everyone!

Four Weeks...

Yes, it's four weeks until Christmas will be upon us. For me that means celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This year I've decided that it's a handmade Christmas. Everything I give must either be made by me, or bought from someone who has handmade it. So far I'm on track.

I'm notoriously bad for being slack about sending out Christmas cards. Usually I'll send out an e-card, which I make myself using a photo of my daughter and I with some photo art on it. This year, however, I've opted for scrapbooking paper, stencils and sparkles, and maybe some other embellishments. The photo shows my progress so far. Very basic!

Tonight I worked on one of my 'secret squirrel' Christmas paintings, which I absolutely LOVE! I can't wait to work on it some more tomorrow after I decide on some more colours.

Happy creating, Paula xo

Impromptu Napkin Art...

Since starting my art journal, I've spent a little time adding to it. I'm enjoying the challenge it provides, and also the ideas for new art work that keep popping into my head. I won't be sharing a great deal of my journal, but I will post a photo from time to time. One thing I do know is that it's helping me with create art every day, which is great.

Yesterday was a hot and humid day here in Brisbane, so to alleviate the discomfort my daughter and I went to a local McDonalds for lunch, and to fill in time before she went to a birthday party. She decided that she didn't want to play in the kiddies play areas, so I grabbed some napkins and we created. I had black ink pens and a small box of coloured pencils on hand.

I especially love my daughter's picture. She is so creative! Rainbows and flowers are her "thing" at present.

This week I get back to "work" on the commissioned triptych, and also finishing off some Christmas cards and gifts. Aside from my art journal, I'd better take tonight off painting as I desperately - and I mean DESPERATELY - need to get some housework done. Time to hire a cleaner ... ???

Art Every Day Month...

I've decided to participate in "Art Every Day Month" which was started by Leah at "Creative Every Day" as a way for artists to enjoy community, create something artistic every day, etc. Leah describes it better here.

I figured that since I've been doing some type of "artsy" thing every day this month that I may as well join AEDM.  The drawing below is a sketch I started last night of a bracelet I bought last week. It's a leather bracelet with the word 'believe' in silver (see a photo here).

I've started drawing a 1930s style theme on the top, which I've taken from a book of patterns from that decade. I'll also add another 1930s style pattern to the bottom. Once finished, I'm hoping to get this on canvas, or another support, to hang in my house.

Please also check out some other AEDM participant blogs here. There are so many here that my mind was blown when I scrolled down the list.

Paula xo

And Apple Tree Art Begins...

First works from Apple Tree Art

Sneak peek of sketch from current work in progress

Also join me at my art page on Facebook!