Boxing Day and onward

I only had the one page for Boxing Day but figured I could marry the two pages with colour.  The right hand side was created on December 28th.  

I really liked learning about pine cones, I had no idea how little I knew!!

Wildlife Photography Exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum

Self portrait Sunday

Thought I would do something a bit different for my second self portrait Sunday post, I was inspired by this magazine advertisement. As you can see I inserted myself into the watch face! I found working in this small 2” round area to be quite a challenge! 

Cheap BIC 4 in one pen!?! The extra “One” is the graphite. 

 

Snippets

These are snippets of my Christmas Day that I recorded in my sketchbook 

Self Portrait Sunday

Finishing off my Christmas wrapping today and thought I would also do a Self portrait before year ends (it has been awhile)! 

Blackwing 602 in my Stillman and Birn sketchbook (which does not have suitable paper for graphite!).  Oh well, I drew something today! 

A Christmas Wish

I don’t have a name for these berries but clearly they are ornamental as the birds never touch them.  That’s okay, I was able to grab this shot of them yesterday wearing their new winter white hats!  I think they make a nice seasonal card - Best wishes to all!

Christmas Bow

One medium- I’m not sure I’m done.  This is a Christmas bow but it could be a stand in for other occasions too!  I used a no bleed Sharpie on Fluid hot press watercolour paper 

Happy New Year greeting card

This was a challenge with Sketchbook Skool to “Draw This” photo.  It certainly was a challenge for me.  Then I thought....why not and made it a greeting card.

Watercolour in 100% cotton paper applied to a kraft paper card blank

Watching videos and making art

I watched Sketchbook Skool week 3 videos with Kathalie Kalbach  I saw that she used an image transfer on one of her pages and I had this packing tape transfer already previously prepared along with the background colour.  I had added some tissue to the page as well.  So while I watched I used my art supplies that I had at hand, gesso and water soluble crayons.  I really like the vintage wooden boat postcard that I found in a shop and I took a photocopy of it for this packing tape image transfer.  I especially like the fact that this boat was moored in Penetanguishene harbour which is not far from here. 

Indie Ale House and Vintage Photos

We spent a very nice afternoon in the neighbourhood called the Junction here in Toronto.  I bought some vintage photos and we had lunch at our favourite brew house! 

I enjoyed tasting a new set of beers that they had on offer.  Very delicious and a lovely lunch too!  In my Stillman and Birn sketchbook. 

Sketchbook Skool Mixed Media Week 2

I’ve dabbled with mixed media but never successfully. I did a background in May and left it until I watched Seth’s videos, then I got to work!  Thanks so much for a peek into your process. So funny but I can’t seem to work “linear”.  I lived a straight and narrow life for 37 years when I worked for a paramilitary organization. Now that I’ve begun my new chapter, it just isn’t in me to think that way.  Clearly I’m a bit all over the map. 

I found two colours of chalk paint that I got in a clearance bin some time ago. My favourite part of my page was how I finally was able to integrated the magazine image and remake it into “leaves” in a vase! The best part was it just turned out that way but with the pale green added a nice patina to “earthenware” vase!

 I used some scrapbook paper, a packing tape transfer, washi tape, book text, bits of a music sheet,  a photocopy of a hand written letter (play), lots of doodling and added a drawing of a bee. 

I’ve been called “B” back in the day (once upon a time) but I morphed it into Be Here Be Now, Just Be! That is definitely what I learned; if I play I’m in the here and now! At least the way I felt when I finished this two page spread.  My only regret is my spacing in the text but it is what it is, time to turn the page and move along. 

I finished this late yesterday afternoon but by that time it was too dark to photograph.

First Christmas Card finished

This is a Christmas card for a friend, I usually find a doggie portrait somewhere I can use.  This week it is the “Draw This” group challenge photo!

Ever since the Coloured Pencil Kassel I’m using my pencil crayons more and more. I used Palamino Blackwing graphite 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series 8B and a mix of yellow, orange and reddish brown pencil crayons.  

Marmalade meet up

I met up with this group of fibre artists (quilting and wearables).  I don’t....do fibre art.  I took a class years ago with these women so I get asked to join the meet ups.  They were playing with fabrics and Inktense pencils and I spent my time in my sketchbook while we chatted.  Sadly I couldn’t include the host because I ran out of room on my page!  

By the time I got home the sun had gone down and it was dull grey and  snowing again....., so...... my photo isn’t too fab. Oh well, it doesn’t matter, I documented my day. 

Queen of Hearts postcard

Thanks Lala from Sktchy app for the photo, I had a blast making this postcard! I think it is my favourite in the series! I used Palamino Blackwing 602 graphite pencil Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils black series 2B and 8B then added glitter for the crown! 

Postcard 10

Thanks to Sktchy for this photo, hands continue to be quite challenging for me! I used Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series 2B and 8B, and two Red Faber Castell polychromos pencil crayons. #postcard_art #postcardart #mail_art #mailart

Post a secret

I’ve spent quite a bit more time than usual reading this morning! 

How thoughtful that the postmaster saved this book for me! I was so thrilled, this is totally a first! 

I’m thinking of throwing a mixed media card together and adding my own secret.  It doesn’t matter to me if it is published or not or if the address still exists (the website appears to have a current address on it).  But....do I dare??!!  It would be nice to give my secret wings and let go of it. 

This isn’t the cover of the book just some secrets from inside!

Postcard 9

Thanks @Knitsie  from the Sktchy app for the terrific photo since the colour palette fits my limited supply postcard project. I used Palamino Blackwing 602 graphite pencil, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series 2B and 8B, two red Faber Castell polychromos pencil crayons I haven’tsealed this yet and I have a few days before I mail this out so I may add more darks. 

Inktober the last few days

As it always seems to happen, I end up starting a new project this month.  I’ve been keeping up with my little art “coins” but not posting. My granddaughters are on the left. 

I couldn’t think of anything for dizzy except this silly song keep spinning in my head!  Since my granddaughter drew a cute kitty with a coat, I attempted a different animal. I don’t know what kind of animal I drew but I made something. I wimped out on ride and gave my granddaughter a ticket “to ride” for her cute roller coaster. Sadly, I only come up with smelly socks for her awesome ripe peach!

Postcard 8

Postcard 8- Clearly, this one isn’t about the person but about the coat! Again, my thanks to Ima over on the Sktchy app for this catwalk photo.  I’m not a fashionista nor am I a fashion illustrator but the colour combination is in line with my current postcard project.  Sadly my drawing is a bit chunky but it can’t be fixed now; this is all the time I had for art today. I used Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series and 2 red Faber Castell polychromos pencil crayons. 

Postcard 7

Postcard 7- Thanks so much for this fun inspiration Emily , I so enjoyed this!!  I started this yesterday but I had an appointment in town so I couldn’t finish it until this morning.  I used my Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series 8B and two red Faber Castell polychromos pencil crayons on Fluid hot press watercolour paper 

Postcard 6

Postcard 6- Thanks for the awesome photo Lilo it is perfect for this project!  I used Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black series 8B and red pencil crayons on Fluid hot press  watercolour paper 

Postcard No. 5

Today is Postcard No. 5 with thanks to Jennie from Sktchy.  I loved her louvred glasses and the difficult facial expression. I used Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Series 2B and 8B. Red pencil crayon.  I can’t find my sandpaper so I used a horrible sandpaper block instead to clean the paper stomp. This one took more time than usual because I had a heck of a time trying to blend the skin tones.  On Fluid hot press 140 lb watercolour paper (because it is what I have on hand). 

Postcard 4

Postcard 4 - Thanks go out to Tata from the Sktchy app for a wonderful profile shot! Profile is a challenging pose for me and I enjoyed spending time completing this art card this morning. I used Palamino Blackwing 602 and Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black series 8B on Fluid hot press watercolour paper with a red pencil crayon. Just needs to be sealed before mailing.

Postcard 3

Postcard #3. Thanks go out to Jeff from Sktchy for the fun and inspiring photo! I had fun giving him a go.  Palomino Blackwing 602 and Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black 2B and 8B pencils on Fluid hot press watercolour paper. Pencil crayons or the red. #postcardart #postcard_art #mail_art #mailart #graphite

Fence Post Friday

Well now.... here we are.... it is another Friday already so it has to be Fence Post Friday time! Wishing everyone a great weekend!  This snap is from last week when I was driving through Perth, Ontario. I’ve been by it often over the years but never noticed it before; it was the golden leaves on the tree that caught my eye. I pulled over and read the plaque out front. 

This historic home was built 1830 for the first lawyer in Perth, Daniel McMartin (1798 - 1869).

Postcard 2

Thanks to Sktchy for this fun inspirational photo!  Those rubber gloves are the scariest thing ever when paired with lipstick!!! Postcard  2. I used a Palamino Blackwing 602, Staedtler Mars Lumograph black 8B and pencil crayons for the colour. I think I need a better set of alphabet stamps but no matter.... it will be ready to mail when I seal it. #postcardart #postcard_art #mailart #mail_art

Postcard Swap -One

I’m a bit bored with Inktober so I decided to do a graphite and coloured pencil drawing for an art postcard exchange I’ve joined.  If you are interested, check out Hanna Andersson website (www dot ihanna dot nu for information). 

I found a cheap pencil at the dollar store with 2mm lead so I thought I would give it a go.  Ugh, I didn’t realize it until today that it is a B! I’m a 2B girl.  Oh well, I just wanted to prove to myself that you don’t have to have “every” art supply in the world to make art.  Truth is, the quality of the graphite is less than stellar; very scratchy.  I think I will have to soon go and get a 2B by Staedtler (my favourite graphite brand). Hopefully they do make a 2B. 

There are a few areas I will have to tweak now that I see it through the eye of the camera but overall I’m happy.  The wonky areas are too far gone to fix at this juncture.  Once I seal it it will be ready to mail.

With thanks to Sktchy app for the muse. 

Inktober-Ancient

Clearly the definition of “ancient” can be fluid.  My granddaughter loves all things Egyptian and has her Cleopatra costume all ready for Halloween.  I just remember learning how to type on this big brute! I read that it weighed 30lbs.  I believe it too! We had some other clunkers at work (Remington).  Then we got the IBM Selectric, I hated that little ball thingie but it sure was a step up from the manual.  Typography continues to appeal to me!!#inktober #inktober2019 

Inktober-treasure

Behind on posting. Inktober art “coins -Treasure prompt.  I love my granddaughters jewel.  My “sea glass” was inspired by the “treasures” she found along the banks of the Humber River (Toronto).  She had a sandwich bag full of them. Funny thing is, I’ve always thought that  “sea glass” is only found along large bodies of water. 

Inktober 12 -Dragon

My granddaughter and I made our art coins today for Inktober 

Great Dane Puppy Cam

No prompt- I tried something a bit different today.

I found a puppy cam that my granddaughter loves to check in on.  Not much happens really except when mom gets tired or starts barking at something.  Most of the time there is a handler who keeps an eye on mom and the puppies but I like it when the owner sits with them (at least I think he is the owner).

Not a great rendering but that is okay; we enjoyed watching them. 

Purple Snow

Inktober #11-Snow.  The song by Prince popped into my head, Purple Rain.  I figure that purple snow would be suitable for this prompt. A few footsteps in the snow too. 

I think I will call these tiny pieces of art -“coins”!

Happy Fence Post Friday

Happy Fence Post Friday everyone! Happy Thanksgiving long weekend to all my Canadian family and friends. Enjoy spending time with family and friends and your turkey and pumpkin pie! 

Meet the cute “Belted Galloway” beef cow originally bred in Scotland.  Aren’t they so cute, just like an Oreo cookie.  They are suppose to be gentle beasts but this brute exuded a menacing aura that I could sense from where I stood. You might be able to tell by his stance that he was not best pleased that I was taking his photo.  He glared at me when I headed back to my car and he continued to glare as I drove away. 

Inktober #7-Enchanted

This is not what I had intended but what happened.  It is what it is.  I saw s face that turned into a “Moondoggie”! No relation to the heart throb of the Gidget movies.

Inktober #8-Frail

Inktober #8-Frail- I began this one using the same inks ad yesterday, black India ink, Bombay white and Burnt Umber acrylic ink.  A dead tree can still be beautiful. 2” circle #inktober #inktober2019 

Inktober #9 -Swing

Inktober #9 - Swing- Our granddaughter loves the tree swing my husband put up for her in our backyard.  It started out with a baby rocker swing and I think next year we will have to raise it up for her long legs!!! 2” circle- Various pens, acrylic ink background on watercolour paper. #inktober #inktober2019 

Ghouls have feelings

This was out of my comfort zone but I managed to complete the page regardless.  Thanks Sarah Trumpp for you interesting class, I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

It all started with a huge bump on the road.... I chose the wrong pen and picked a water soluble one. Ugh! So I gingerly applied the acrylic gouache hoping to cover the thick pen lines without smearing too much black all over the place.  I don’t think she really looks like a ghoul but I’m happy with her as is. 

Inktober #5-Build

I need a hatchet to build a fire.

Inktober- Bait

In our house Bait also means lure.

Inktober-Freeze

Inktober Day 4-Freeze. The prompt brought to mind our great white north here in Canada.  The “Inukshuk” represents a human and the thought of that sculpture also planted the idea of “cops and robbers” movies.  These stones were originally designed by the indigenous peoples of the far north, the people who live above the tree line (Canada and USA) to assist travelers; follow the direction of the outstretched arms. Acrylic ink background Uniball and Gelly Roll pens on cheap watercolour paper- 2 inch circle. 

Inktober-Ring

I used my hole punch to make the 2 inch circle.  I’m using this tiny format to see if I can actually be successful and complete this 31 day challenge.

Once upon a page that took forever to complete

This page took forever to complete!! The Quin gold background is off of my Gelli plate back in August.  At the time, I was making packing tape image transfers of some vintage photos I found at a shop in the big city.  I hadn’t realized that there was still quite a lot of glue on the tape and I was loath to remove them in case the paper peeled off.  I had originally put them on the page just so they had a place to remain flat. All I could do is “work with it”.  Then a story began to percolate in my brain.  I’m happy the way it turned out!

The chant is from a skipping rope song from when I was young and we would skip every recess at school.  Hmmm! Do kids do that anymore? I can’t recall the rest of the song so if anyone else does let me know.

Blind and semi blind contour drawings

These are only two that I created while I watched a meditation video by Salma Darling!  Very unusual.  I had never seen anything like it and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. 

Assembly required

We were helping our daughter and son-in-law today with a couple of new purchases,  a mower and a snow blower.  Thankfully the snow blower came assembled.  I enjoyed filling this page to document the conversation that my granddaughter and my daughter were having while assembling the push mower. I always had my daughter read the instruction manuals when we bought new stuff way back in the day. Seems this type of learning is being passed down.

Oh how I hate putting stuff together!! 

Uniball pen then Derwent lightfast pencil crayons in my small Moleskine sketchbook 

Self- portrait of sorts

Many thanks go out to Sabra Issa for the tutorial.   I gave it a go with what I had.  No grey toned paper so I trotted out to the recycling and cut up a cereal box.  I prepared my substrate with clear gesso.  Where there wasn’t any gesso the charcoal pencil wasn’t as dark.  I didn’t add the scribble lines as I thought I should quit while I was still satisfied.  The darn white gesso refused to dry so that was another factor as to why I chose to leave it as is.  I was worried that I would become precious with the outcome so I used my non-dominant hand for 98% of this drawing.  I will revisit this method of achieving an image as it was so relaxing to let go and just draw and make some marks.

T is for Tow Truck

I have been by this truck before but I’m always going somewhere and I don’t have the time to stop.

I thought I should on my way back from my visit and lunch in  Stayner.  It is s lovely little town of 4,200 people with s nice art store that also had some interesting art fir sale.

The bake shop is gone but in its place is a good thrift shop! 

I used my pencil crayons, Prismacolor and Derwent lightfast 

Quirky birdie

 I followed a “Quirky bird” tutorial by Tamara Laporte from Willowing dot org.   I used pencil, pen, Tombow marker, Lyra watercolour crayons, watercolour and gesso.  I used the gesso to calm the background down as I thought it was a bit over the top. This isn’t something quite a bit different from what I usually create but I did have loads of fun “switching things up” this afternoon!!

In my regular Moleskine sketchbook.  Note to self: I should have gesso’d the page at the beginning because all the water, paint and marker bled through to the other side. 

V is for the Village of Victoria Harbour

V is for village and the village of Victoria Harbour (Ontario).  The last time I was here this business was open; clearly that was awhile ago!  Sadly, the village mercantile is not just closed for the season but closed for good.  It is such a shame that the building is abandoned. I parked in the empty lot and while I created my page I got to enjoy the music from cars stopping to make the turn.  Well, okay do I didn’t “really” enjoy their music but I had no choice to listen to it regardless. 

Derwent pencil crayons in my regular Moleskine sketchbook.  I’ve since added watercolour over the top and I like it much better. 

Here is my final page with watercolour painted over the top of the pencil crayons. 

M is for Moonbeam Ontario

M is for moonbeams and for Moonbeam Ontario!!!  I learned about this area in Ontario yesterday from a friend who is currently visiting Vancouver in our most western province.  The place name appeared on display dedicated to Ontario.  I had never heard of s place with such a unique name.  I checked the map and sadly it is too far north for a day trip.  

It is believed that the name was given by the first settlers when they saw the auroral borealis.  Coincidentally the fist settlers were a couple from Quebec with the last name of Leonard (there is an accent on the e but I don’t have a French keyboard).  Who knew!! 

There really is a novelty flying saucer beside the tourist information office! 

This is my rendition in acrylic inks in a cheap Mont Marte sketchbook that I got from Winners.  Terrible paper but it lays flat, I use it for acrylic paint only.  This was loads of fun! 

I went to the library today

L = Library So happy that our property taxes also pays for a library card in town.  I had s book on hold so once I checked it out I decided to draw while I still had money in the parking metre.

I wasn’t able to finish my page as I didn’t want bylaw enforcement to issue me a ticket.  Regardless, I’m happy with what I was able to do in the time I had.  

Uniball and pencil crayons.