Creative Bank Deposit: Backgrounds

// November 7th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // creativity, painting, work in progress

I have a really busy week ahead and I know time will be short for creating art, so today’s Art Every Day Month project was to get a whole lot of backgrounds started so I could make the most of the time that I do have this week.

I feel good, like I’ve just made a big deposit into my creativity bank that I can draw from over the next few days.

Doing backgrounds has also become one of my favourite ways to beat creative blocks. They’re very non-threatening to do, and I always find myself getting into that artsy meditative state as I paint. When I do go to begin something, there’s no “blank canvas” to worry about, I’ve at least made a start.

Another great thing about painting backgrounds is that there’s very little at stake. Anything I come up with is fine, and I usually build a few layers up for my paintings these days. I love the textures and the aliveness they bring to a painting.

So if I mess one of them up, no problem. Another layer or two and it will be looking great.

New Painting – Sonata

// October 17th, 2010 // 8 Comments » // painting

So, after a week or so of almost zero painting time I got a few hours in the other day and finished off this painting for my Etsy Shop.

The hand holding the handkerchief nearly killed me. I spent more time repositioning, drawing practice sketches, and fussing around with that hand than I think I spent on the rest of the painting combined.

Anyway. Done, and done.

I like the way the colours look against the background of my blog, maybe I’ll just keep it, bang a nail in, and hang it here.

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The illustration for my last post, the penny farthing guy, got snapped up before I could put it in my shop.

Which is great!

This has happened a couple of times now, so I thought I might resurrect my abandoned newsletter by relaunching it as an advanced discount list.

(Except I hate the term advanced discount list. Might have to come up with another name for that–any suggestions welcome.)

I’d love to have a way to look after readers of this blog who might be interested in discounts on art and prints (coming soon), and even some giveaways (for buyers and non-buyers!)

I’m working out the details now, and will hopefully get it back up and running by the end of this week. Feel free to sign up now, though, if you’re interested–just fill in your details in the ‘Cup of Chai’ box on the right and you’ll hear from me very soon!

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Soar Like A Hamster

// July 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // doodle

What’s remarkable about an eagle soaring? Nothing.

No offense, ‘Majestic Bird of Prey’ riding those high-altitude air currents with your conveniently impressive wings, but that’s about as remarkable as me sitting on the couch in my PJ’s, thumbing the remote.

A hamster soaring? Now, THAT’S remarkable.

What does it take for a hamster to soar? Well, for starters, a willingness to get the hell out of her comfort zone.

That, and dissatisfaction with processed pellets and drip-fed water is a good start.

She needs the vision to get off the treadmill and the patience to wait for opportunity and seize it, like when their kid owner takes her out of the cage to hold her: this is the moment to bolt for the door!

She needs the courage to travel unknown paths, backyards, streets until finally she finds herself at the local playground.

She needs to dig deep and make that final commitment, to leap as a child runs past with their kite, coloured tail flapping behind.

She needs to grab that tail and hold on for dear life, shivering with exhilaration as the ground recedes and the sky opens up just for her.

Go hamster, and go YOU! Set your inner hamster loose and soar!