Weekend Reflections - Squirrel

Linking up with James for this weeks' Weekend Reflections.

When I downloaded these images I was surprised to find our house reflected in the squirrels eye.  Poor little tyke looks like he might have had a run in with something.  You'll see in some of the photos that one of his ears is split. 

  

 

Boy was he hungry, he just couldn't seem to get enough of the bird feed that I'd put out.

Have a great weekend everyone.

In The Studio

With temperatures over 100°F lately I've found myself spending more time inside painting.  Today I thought I would show you just how crazy and messy it can get when I'm let loose with an art project and some paint.



After a bit of a tidy up I also snapped the following photos.  They're a sneak peak of something new I've been working on.  I hope to have them in my Etsy shop soon.



So tell me, what does your workspace look like right now?  Is it neat and tidy with everything in its place or more of a war zone like mine?

Oh Deer

I love watching the deer that stroll through our yard.  This young male initially caught my eye with his two fuzzy antlers. I wonder what kind of rack he'll have as he matures.

With him was a young female.  They both looked a little on the thin side and you could definitely see their ribs.

You many not see it in the photos but they're always plagued by swarms of flies.  Stopping to flick their tail at them or having a good scratch is mandatory!

The young female really was the cutest thing.  Would you look at that face.



One of my favorite shots is where she's cleaning her tail.

They were both joined by a larger female that looked a little healthier.  I wonder if they're her offspring.

Texture Tuesday - Dream

Linking up with Kim for this weeks' Texture Tuesday. 

Image created by combining three photos and Kim's dream texture.

There is something, alluring and magical about a full moon. As a young child I found myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame. So many nights I lay in bed gazing at the moon through my bedroom window, it's comforting glow cradling me as I drifted off to sleep.

My hopes and dreams shone bright back then, twinkling like stars in the night sky. Those hopes and dreams may have faded a little over the years but every so often I look to the sky and find them there winking back at me.

Circle Of Life - New Textured Art Painting

 

Circle Of Life

Intrigued

Each time I drive by this old abandoned building I find myself intrigued.



I'm left wondering what stories it holds . . . . .

. . . . . who had the bright idea to plant so many large trees that close to it . . . . 

. . . . and why it now sits neglected.

Do you have any structures near you that you're intrigued by?

New This Week

Blue Tree Textured Art Notebook

Gold Heart Textured Art Notebook

Skipper

I'd never have thought I'd get excited about shooting a skipper but this little guy just drew me right in.

If I didn't know any better I'd think that he's smiling . . . and who can blame him with all that nectar!

I love how the macro enables me to appreciate creatures on a whole new level, noticing details that I'd normally dismiss or overlook.



Texture Tuesday - Aurora

Linking up with Kim for this weeks' Texture Tuesday.

Image created using two photos and Kim's Aurora texture.

 

 

There have been a few bambi's in our backyard recently. Each time I see one they make me smile. They are the cutest things.  I love how big their ears are too, like they need to grow into them.

Messing About On The Water

Yesterday my husband and I drove to Lake Anna.  It was crazy busy because of the warm weather but it was good to see so many people out having fun.

After a while we beached up in a quiet alcove to enjoy a spot of lunch.

I'm always nervous about getting in the water, especially when I don't know what's in there.  Every leaf looks like some ominous critter and every branch and twig a snake!  Still, after much coaxing my husband eventually managed to get me in the lake for a quick swim. 

As I was laying there floating I found myself covered in the most incredible blue dragonflies.  I had one on each foot and one that stayed perched on my hand.  It was a magical moment.

Further down the lake my husband tried a spot of fishing before we turned around and headed for home

What did you get up to this weekend?

Wish Upon A Star

I had some exciting news last night, I've been accepted into the Art on the Avenue show in Alexandria this October and I just can't wait.

With a large number of my pieces on consignment in a local store it means that I'm going to pull my finger out and get busy creating lots of new work.

I have a few ideas bouncing around but for now I'll leave you with this new addition to my Etsy Shop.  This memory/trinket box, just perfect for storing all your little treasures.

Wish Upon A Star - Memory/Trinket Box

TwigArt Feature

I've been blown away by the figurative work that my sister, Nic (a.k.a Twig) has been creating and couldn't resist the urge to share it with you.



I thought it would be fun to do it in the form of an interview where you can learn more about what inspires and motivates her as an artist.

Please give us a brief bio, where are you from and how did you get started?

I was born in South Wales but spent my childhood growing up in Oxfordshire. I have lived in various places throughout the UK and am looking forward to settling in Bournemouth for the next adventure.



I am self-taught as a painter but formally studied photography at GCSE as well as undertaking night classes in stained glass and silver smithing.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I have always painted and drawn but it was only ten years ago that I had the courage to share that work with others. I haven’t looked back since!

Growing up I was always drawn to anything creative and I have consistently tried my hand at various crafts and mediums.

Could you tell us about some of your work and your creative process?

Most of my art comes from an ‘emotional moment’. I am inspired by life and what it means to be an ordinary person. My paintings capture moments of quiet, nature, the ordinary every day activities.



Although some of my work is perceived as quite dark, I do try and inject humour where I can.

What inspires you and how do you keep yourself motivated?

Inspiration comes from many places, galleries, walks, magazines, conversations. Sometimes I produce three or four pieces in succession and at other times the process is a lot slower.



I keep myself motivated by ensuring my art is for pleasure.

How would you describe your style?

My style varies from bold abstract to impressionist.

Where do you get your ideas?

Mostly from my imagination.

Is there symbolic imagery in your work?

Sometimes. I like to use rats to symbolize love and honesty.

(my personal favorite)



What challenges have you faced in your work?

I would love to be formally trained but it has proven very difficult to find a part time foundation course.

What helped to shape you?

Life, Success and Failure.



What is your favorite piece that you’ve created to date?

Hmmm, probably ‘The Blizzard’.



Describe yourself in 5 words.

Artistic, Creative, Honest, Consciencous, Adventurous

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did creating it.  Do you have a favorite?

To follow Nic's creative journey visit her blog, TwigArt.  Her work can also be viewed on Flickr.