I AM WHAT I AM........

' I am what I am, I am my own special creation '.......this song has nothing to do with the Artwork am showing for Paint Party Friday, but when you severely doubt yourself, singing this really helps, especially when you sing it louder and louder...........lol  You gotta try it!

Lucille had a Dream

Not of Peaches and Cream

But of her other self Annaliese

Never again will she eat Cheese!

Am scheduling this post as am starting a new Art Class this morning and will catch up with you and everyone at Paint Party Friday when I get back.  In the meantime have a lovely weekend and take care of yourselves.  Just a few choruses of the song above and will be fighting fit for the new Class.  Hugs Annette x

Paint Party Friday

Hi, well they have changed my blog to the new blogger and to tell you the truth I don't like it, no, not one little bit..............moan moan....................

Today am showing 2 completed works for Paint Party Friday.

This was completed last week and popped it on Facebook

Decided to add the stone girl and give her something to sit on

Have also had a play in my Art Book with a Giraffe...............never drawn one of these before, you would never guess would you.......................lol

Thank you for popping in and hope you have a great weekend.  We are off to another Steam Festival and also a Beer Festival with a Jazz Band, so it should be good.  Take care of yourselves,
Hugs Annette xx

Nearly Finished - but not quite.................

Hi, having missed the party last week through being away in Stratford on Avon, didn't want to miss it again this week.  So am showing my latest drawing/acrylic paints on a reusable item.  There is still work to do on it but it won't take long.  After seeing this picture displayed in an art shop whilst we were away I roughly sketched it on an envelope so it could be painted when we got home.

The reusable item is this......................then wrapped some canvas paper around it ready for painting.

For those of you who haven't visited the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in Stratford I thought you might like to see this photo.  All three of the theatres are now like this inside - very much like the famous Globe Theatre in London.

At the moment am busy decoupatching a box ( Cath Kidston style ) for my sister's birthday which is taking me ages as it has to have so many layers of modge podge, hopefully I will get the wet and dry sanding done by the weekend, then the rest is decorating.  Had the decorations all planned when unfortunately my dear old Cuttlebug decided it didn't want to cut anymore so have ordered a Big Shot; grumpy old husband said " well thats your birthday present sorted  "........hmmmmmmmmm thats what he thinks..................lol

Thank you for popping in and hope you have a lovely weekend,  take care of yourselves. Hugs Annette xx

Just popped back to say have finished the painting and have put it on my Facebook page if you would like to look............xx

Work in Progress for Paint Party Friday

Hi, am still having fun painting the Flora Bowley way, this time I included finger painting, wow that was scary but exciting as well.  This is as far as I've got with this canvas sheet as am still thinking, yep am a great thinker.  Old habits die hard..............lol

Painted in acrylics , then applied a dotted stencil as my finger tips are too thick to do it any other way.  The birds still need work on them.  Wonder what they are gossiping about...........

This background of this piece was originally upside down, but didn't like it that way so turned it around and added the birds.

On Facebook Ange Lee took a wonderful photograph which included a girl garden statue, I asked her permission to sketch it and she very kindly let me.  Its in its barest bones at the moment as was wondering whether to add her to the painting. What do you think?

Am off to Paint Party Friday now to see all the wonderful paintings, which fill me with envy at the artists  awesome  talents.  Then I shall be looking at all your wonderful designs.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend.  Take care of yourself, hugs Annette x

Paint Party Friday plus Postcard and a Journal Page

Acrylics on Canvas

Hi, have three things to show you today, firstly the 2nd Stage of one of my WIP's from last Paint Party Friday.  Not sure if am going to add any more to it, what do you think?

Gesso, Distress Inks, Stamps by Stampotique, Lost Coast Designs and Paper Artsy. Plus Scraps.

We are going to one of my favourite places (Stratford on Avon)  in a couple of weeks for a few days and  have tickets for two plays at the RSC...........no prizes for guessing which ones they are..............lol  (ought to mention they are not being produced in the usual way and hopefully my page reflects this )

Lastly am showing a Postcard which has been watercoloured and stamped using a  Joanna Sheen stamp.  Crackle Glaze added plus Micra Beads.  Am hopefully going to enter it into the Crafty Cardmakers Challenge which is to show a beach scene, you can just see a little bit of sand if you look closely and the new Daring Cardmakers Challenge - Beside the Sea.

Thank you for popping in and have a lovely weekend, take care, hugs Annette x

Trying to Paint the Flora Bowley way..........works in progress

Hi, its Paint Party Friday, yaaaaaay and this week am showing you two works in progress.  There is no rush to finish them as want to think a bit more yet.  Anyways my book arrived by Flora Bowley called Brave Intuitive Painting....let go..be bold..unfold.....the backgrounds were a blast to do, have never slapped on the paint before............then just see what happens...........sounds exciting.......and it is.  The canvases used are previous works in progress which I didn't like,  so waste not want not and start afresh.

(18'' x 16 '')

(12'' x 10'')

Both very different but this made it very exciting for me.  Both Works in Progress are painted in Acrylics.  When your painting mojo is low this book certainly makes you want to get your paints out.

Am scheduling this post as need to get to town in the morning to buy some packaging.....yep somebody actually wanted to buy one of my previous canvases after seeing it on Facebook, plus a couple of my pendants,  can you believe it.....woo hoo...so the cash will be handy for some more acrylics and canvases.

Thanking you for popping in and will catch up with you all later.  Have a great weekend and take care of yourselves, hugs Annette xx

Pages from my Art Journal for Paint Party Friday

There is a Lady sweet and kind,
Was never face so pleased my mind;
I did but see her passing by,
And yet I love her till I die.............Anon

Had already prepared a background in my Art Journal when on the page this face suddenly appeared in my mind, now have to say this very rarely happens to me.  But had read the quote above a couple of days ago so it had obviously influenced  me without knowing it...............  The lady has been drawn and coloured with Graphitints (first time have used these)

This page is totally different which includes doodling, drawing, painting and stamping.  I will quickly try and explain..........life had been hectic and my aura was definitely red for panic...........juggling so many things and keeping my eye on the ball and in this case 5 balls at a time which all wanted to sail away from me and felt as if I was swimming against the tide.  First the Storm and then the Serenity of the Lady above........thats what I love about Art, we all express our feelings in different ways.

This is another background which is waiting to be added to, what,  I do not know, its all an adventure of emotions.

Am really looking forward to some playtime this weekend as have just purchased a new Art book by Flora Bowley called Brave Intuitive Painting.  Let Go, Be Bold, Unfold............. heaven only knows what will happen, it will all probably turn out to be a great mess but at least will have fun trying it Flora's way.

Sorry about the lengthy post and its boring content.........so will understand if you don't read it...... am off to Paint Party Friday to see loads of fab artwork and will be dropping by to see you  over the weekend, in between Being Bold with the paints...........lol  Take care and have a smashing weekend, Annette x

Works in Progress for Paint Party Friday

Hi, have missed a couple of weeks at PPF and should have probably missed this one as well as have only works in progress to show you and they look a bit rough to say the least................lol

Riding the Wind

A page in progress from my Art Book, have loads left to do on this one.

Hatched

Another page which needs work on.

This is an attempt to paint Abstract, but it really hasn't come off.............painted on a Pizza Box, but the title is true Lost In My World................

Am finding it a bit difficult to get enthused at the moment - is enthused a word, not sure.....as there is so much going on at the moment, family wise, so I usually only get the evenings free.  Which reminds me to tell you am away for the weekend, so won't be visiting you then, but will be back Monday as normal.

Thanks for popping in even if haven't much to show you and will be visiting as many of you as I can today.  Take care of yourselves and have a lovely weekend, hugs Annette x

Paint Party and Summer of Color Week 5

Hi, First I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dearest Mum, she is 87 today and is much loved by us all.
 

For Paint Party Friday am showing one of my Practice Sketches as The Encampment from last week is making ultra slow progress due to the fact we have been out a lot this week with one thing or another and when we get home I drop off to sleep...............its an age thing.............lol

These are the colors of next weeks Summer of Color (week 5) only one more week to go.  The icecream flavours are called ' Wild and Reckless' they are such fabulous colors

and this is my creation, yep some more houses, mainly because I love them, but this time with a twist to reflect the icecream title.

Products used:  A Manilla tag, Gesso, Distress Inks and Multi-matt Medium.  Stamps by Teesha Moore, Lindsay Mason and Kaisercraft.  Added to a digi frame from Pic Monkey and a digi mouse, least I think its a mouse......................

Many thanks to Eva and Kristin for hosting PPF and another lot of thanks to Kristin for bringing us Summer of Color.  Both fantastic sites to belong to and everyone who takes part has the greatest time, including me............

Thank you for popping in and making my day with your lovely comments.  Enjoy the weekend and lets hope the sun shines for us all.  Take care, hugs Annette xx

Painting with Flowers and Blueberries and a WIP

Hi, I totally forgot to post this on my blog, it was created for Unruly Paper Arts a few weeks ago.

Ingredients:  A flower, Distress Inks, Blueberries and Gesso, plus a couple of stamps from Lost Coast Design and Kelly Panacci.

Using a Flower, dab it into the distress inks and dab at random on your cardstock

As you can see many different colour distress inks were used

 For the Lady stamp I crushed up some Blueberries with a little Gesso,  then painted her hat and dress with it.  Rather pleased with the texture it produced.  Sharon asked how I came up with this idea and to tell you the truth haven't a clue.  All I know is,  Art is a great adventure and if you don't try you will never know.

PAINT PARTY FRIDAY

18 inches x 17 inches

 For Paint Party Friday am showing a Work in Progress.  'The Encampment'  is in its very basic first stage and have loads and loads yet to do on it.  Acrylics and humid weather are not a great mix so this could take some time...............lol

Thank you for popping in and giving me your support.  Wishing you a lovely weekend whatever you are doing. Take care, hugs Annette xx

Paint Party Friday

Hi, after all the stresses I could not make it last week for Paint Party Friday so am showing two paintings from my art journal today.

This page totally reflects the way I was feeling using Black Gesso and Acrylics.

and this page was made for fun in Acrylics.

Thank you for all your terrific support.  Am going today to visit my mother who is recovering well from her operation, so will be back later in the day to visit all your wonderful creations.
Take care of yourselves, hugs Annette xx

Paint Party Friday Time

Hi, its Paint Party Friday time again hosted by two lovely ladies Kristin and Eva.

Acrylic Paints on Heavy Duty Paper

Am showing my Art Class Homework today.  Not sure if its finished yet..............mmmm,  anyways I have to hand it in on Wednesday and am afraid I have been very naughty...................

This is what I should have imitated, BUT, got the angle of the head all wrong plus a couple of other things,  so instead of tearing it up I carried on.  Will probably have to do it properly next time as am sure she won't let me get away with it, especially after adding a bird..........lol
 

Frederick had passed through the Tunnel - only his Shadow remained !

Would also like to share with you today another Art challenge where Ariane has asked us to portray Shadow in anyway we like.  This piece was painted in my Art Journal, then I decoloured it and wrote the words digitally.  Not sure what inspired me to paint this but sometimes you just have to don't you.

Am off to catch up on all my friends blogs and visit the wonderful Artists at the Party.  Take care of yourselves and have a wonderful weekend.  Hugs Annette xx

Paint Party Friday.........................

Hi, Happy Friday to everyone and its Paint Party Friday, where the drink flows and nibbles are on hand....wow such a great place to be don't you think.......................lol
My tutor just went mmmmm about my portraits (shown last week) talk about constructive criticism, there was none.  Methinks I need a new art class................

Anyways onwards and upwards as they say..................am showing a mixed media piece which isn't quite finished.  Painted the background and stamped the butterflies from Lost Coast Designs and added a digital fairy.

This is as far as I've got with my Art Class Homework but hope to have it finished for the party next week.

Will be back tomorrow evening as I've joined in a new Art Challenge and have to tell you it was the greatest fun.  So please come back tomorrow as I think you will enjoy what am showing you.
It has to be Saturday evening as we are off to Loughborough for a Steam Train Ride and Dine, it was a present for my husband's 70th last year and we have only just got around to booking it.........

Have a smashing weekend and hopefully will see you tomorrow. Take care, hugs Annette x

A Pair of Sketches for Paint Party Friday

Hi, am showing my Art Class homework today............no painting involved just pencils.  When the tutor gave me these people to sketch, my heart sank I can tell you as its by far the most difficult thing have had to do.

Am hoping on  Wednesday when I take them to her she will be able to advise me, as would love to be able to do better than this.

Now am off to see some great art being produced at Paint Party Friday and to visit all my friends blogs between now and the weekend.

Wishing you a very happy weekend and thank you for all your fab support.  Take care, hugs Annette x

Paint Party Friday Time

Hi, its Paint Party Friday time again..............woo hoo hosted by Kristin and Eva and attended by some fabulous artists from amateurs to professionals....................  its like going to about 100 Art Galleries from all over the world all from your armchair...........how brill is that..............

Today am showing 4 pages from my sketchbook all painted in watercolours.  Yep am still practising.....one day I will get it right............fingers crossed............

Yesterday at Art Class I was given two portraits to do, one of David Jason with his Inspector Frost face on and the other one, well I haven't a clue hmmmm will see how I get on.  Regarding my mass of flowers canvas, shown last Friday, my tutor said put it away for a month and then finish it off...........she was being very kind for once............lol

Oooh I nearly forgot the new Summer of Colour challenge is back in June, this time with Icecream Colours hosted by the lovely Kristin

Its bound to be a load of fun as we all had a great time last year.  You can find it on Facebook as well.

Have a great weekend and lets hope we get some sunshine.  Thank you for all your terrific support, take care, hugs Annette xx

Work in Progress and some Sketches for Paint Party Friday

Hi, its Paint Party Friday again, hosted by Eva and Kristin.  Have very nearly finished Juliet, just a few minor adjustments and then she is complete.............woo hoo.

Acrylics

Have also been practising birds in my Sketchbook which have found quite difficult to do.  They are far from perfect, so its just practise practise practise.

From top left:  Gannet, Eastern Rosella, Eagle Owl and Snowy Owl (just in case you don't recognise them...lol )

Hoping to have my Art Homework complete for next Friday.  Its a huge blooming canvas, full of flowers and its driving me bonkers as it looks terrible at the moment, but always hopeful there will be a breakthrough......if not will just have to start again..............sob sob.

Wishing you a very happy weekend whatever you are doing.  Think mine will be spent drinking quite a lot of wine in the hope that inspiration will strike, that's providing it doesn't send me to sleep...............lol

Am off to the Party soon and to visit all your wonderful creations.  Take care, hugs Annette x

Paint Party Friday.........................

Hi, first I would like to thank everyone who sent me their good wishes yesterday.  Am so lucky to have such great blogging friends.   Have a completed canvas for Paint Party Friday.................woo hoo and a Work in Progress.

This was painted in Acrylic...............came across it  in a magazine and fell in love with this beautiful wistful maiden and had to paint her.  Don't know anything about the picture so if anyone knows I would be grateful if you could tell me please.  Thats if you can recognise her from my efforts..............lol

My Work in Progress is Juliet which was originally painted in Oils by John Waterhouse, again am working in Acrylics.  Not got very far and can already see errors.............  To be truthful I should be working on my Art Homework which is a mass of flowers on a large canvas but have come to a bit of a full stop plus my heart isn't in it.  It happens.................

Thank you for Kristin and Eva for being such great hostesses.  Our party numbers have grown tremendously which is fab because we get to see loads and loads of different artwork, pure heaven.

Thank you again for all your terrific support in my adventures into Art.  Will be visiting you all very soon.  In the meantime have a great weekend and take care of yourselves.  Hugs Annette x

Steampunkery with the Three Muses

Hi, its Paint Party Friday, but haven't any artwork to show this week thats worth seeing, but hopefully I will have next week.  In the meantime would like to submit this digi piece for The Three Muses which this week is Steampunk

To be honest not sure why I created this as don't do Steampunk at all well and my free digi programme is very basic.  But when I saw the main picture on The Graphics Fairy blog it was love at first sight, so then added some bits and pieces to it, the Lilac Fairy is  from the Sum of All Crafts  and altered it into a watercolour calendar page.  In the end was quite pleased with the result.

Thank you for visiting me and hope you all have a smashing weekend.
Take care of yourselves, Hugs Annette x

PS.  Golly Gumples have just realised its Friday the 13th, oh dear, think I had better stay in today......

Art Homework and Cards for Paint Party Friday

Hi, its time again for the best painting party ever......Paint Party Friday...... where we get to meet some fabulous artists and their creations thanks to Kristin and Eva our terrific hosts.

This is my latest Art Class Homework piece in Acrylics.  I was given an old Barclays Bank advertisement to copy.  When the other students saw what I had been given there was a lot of grimacing going on I can tell you.  Being fair minded I offered to swop with them but strangely enough nobody wanted to.............  This has to be the most difficult painting have ever done, so please be kind to me and don't judge too harshly as am sure when my tutor sees it there will be enough harsh comments to last me a lifetime.............lol

These Easter cards were made from an earlier water colour painting of mine and have now been received.  It gave me such a thrill to put my artwork onto cards.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter.  Take care of yourselves and will be seeing you soon.  Hugs Annette x

Art Class Homework and 'Spring Fever' for Paint Party Friday

Hi, its Paint Party Friday time again.........woo hoo, I say woo hoo because I get to see some fabulous art which is always so very inspiring.  Today am showing you my Art Class Homework;  we were provided with a scenic picture to interpret how we liked, but know from experience my tutor doesn't really mean it, but took her at her word and did my own thing...............result...........was mmmmmmmmm not bad.............. so that was better than I expected.........lol

Painted in Acrylics

Yesterday evening I needed to create something for fun and to try out these new paints from Happy Daze which are called Anilinky Vodove Barvy water colours.  Found the colours were very intense and solid,  not suitable for watercolourists but brilliant for Journals.  Am calling this creature 'Spring Fever', it was painted in an old book, which is great fun to do.

Am going to be busy on my blog for the next couple of days as everything seems to be happening at once, so no doubt will be visiting you all many times and you will be sick of seeing me............

Take care and have a very happy day, hugs Annette x