Metamorphosis...

Today I am sharing samples that I wasn't initially happy with. Having been cast aside for a while, I tried adding something to them. Hopefully a change for the better. For once, less isn't more. Firstly green painted tyvek (a remnant from this), changed to blue and then metallic paints added.
After a quick iron, I think it has transformed into a moth.
A red and yellow silk painting sample, was machine stitched, and then black oil pastel, red ink and metallic paint added. Has it become a short circuit?
A chocolate brown flower card, tries to become bronze with the help of acrylic paint.
An ink sample, is covered with oil pastels, scratched into, flooded with red ink, and then the pastel removed. An alternative flag?
It hasn't just been samples today, I have been in search of some Greek Art for UWA, more of that tomorrow. But for now, here is a friend I made on the way!

Follow the gourd!

My sketching has been ignored for some while. To get back in to the drawing mode some quick 5 minute sketches on small pieces of paper (far less intimidating than big sheets!). Firstly a fine looking gourd in pen and pencil, and then aquatone pencils.
A three legged badger in pastel (I only just realised he was missing a leg!).
And finally some tiny acorns.
If you wish to learn more about following the gourd (or alternatively the shoe), see this classic Monty Python sketch.

Pastels, spots and splashes!

Following on from my kingfisher painting, I decided to have a play with pastels. I remembered that I'd recently brought a black pad, and used this for the background. I think this makes the colours stand out more. However, it did make it difficult to photograph!
The posture of this kingfisher reminds me of a hummingbird. I don't think he is quite chunky enough to be a true kingfisher.

Trying to think more abstractly (and waste time on the computer!) I found a photo of a kingfisher and imported it in to paint.net. Using the pipette colour picker tool I transferred some shades of its coat to some random spots. I quite like how the colours work together. Would you have known it was inspired by a kingfisher?
And using a polystyrene pizza base I attempted to create stamps replicating kingfishers feather patterns. I printed them on a sheet of blue acetate, lakta paper and shiny blue paper. I like the contrast of the warm metallic colours and the backgrounds.

Birds Birds Birds...

This week I have been mostly drawing birdies...
A rather proud bullfinch in watercolour.
Charcoal and pastel birdies - I like the greedy gannet and the cute penguin belly myself.
Penguin cut outs, are they happy or sinister shapes?
Using charcoal and a wet brush to create a bird in water.
And finally a little blue tit resting on some cherry blossom.

Guinea pigs & Tapestry fiction

As a proud owner of two guinea pigs, when I brought some pastel pencils and wondered what to draw, the answer was obvious...
This I should point out is not one of my beasts (they wouldn't pose!) but one from a book. The marks of the pastel pencils remind me a little of Quentin Blake (he who illustrated Roald Dahl books).

I have also just finished reading The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. This is a fictional book based on the The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries. It tells the tale of a rather amorous painter who is asked to design a set of tapestries for a wealthy nobleman, and the Belgian weaver family who set about creating the pieces. The author describes the weaving process perfectly with great attention to period detail.