The four faces of Buddy the Staffy – getting ready to smile (he’s only a baby)
The Conqueror Challenges – my virtual Camino de Santiago pilgrimage
Only took 7 months of FitBit stepping! … Received my medal in the mail today. Now for another challenge!
A baby blanket for baby Georgia
This is the first time I have used acrylic yarn instead of wool, the reason being that the wool that was available in my local craft shop was too coarse, even the baby wool. I found this really lovely soft acrylic and am not disappointed with the results.
Beautiful new baby in our family
Baby Georgia – born 4/3/21 (Now that’s a good date!)
2020 Christmas card using chiaroscuro technique
A small journal drawing in Polychromo coloured pencils using chiaroscuro method of drawing.
Procreate using iPad and old-style stylus
It has taken a while to get back to Procreate. It was so much easier and quicker this time around.
I am using a very old stylus which I acquired years ago during the ‘Draw Something’ revolution. It’s a shame that app folded in its prime. Some amazing artwork was created by the users back in the day.
From what I understand, the stylus is not as intuitive as an Apple Pen. Look forward to upgrading in the not-too distant future.
This is my first attempt using Procreate. It took three days to create this artwork. Being too excited and impatient, I did not take enough time to research the available online tutorials and skipped over some of the valuable shortcuts; for example, I did all the colouring and filling by hand. I knew there was an easy way, but found the whole process so meditative, I wanted to continue as I was going, it was so enjoyable.
The other important thing I overlooked was not locking the layers as I worked and I had to start from scratch a few times. The illustration could also have benefited from exploring the settings for the brushes and smoothing some of the lines.
Knitted socks – knitted in the round on DPNs
Personal greeting cards
Portrait birthday cards for my grandchildren
Random artwork
Natural History Illustration 101
NewcastleX: NHI101x Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration 101
This introductory course in Natural History Illustration is offered by the University of Newcastle. It is an online, six week course, focusing on botanical illustration and animal study and anatomy.
The course is available for a very low price (around $50 Australian) if you desire a certificate on completion, or is offered free if you just wish to participate in the assignments and take part in the online forums. Either way, it is very worthwhile.
I enjoyed the exercises and the positive feedback provided by the other students. It is a very friendly and supportive community and I learned new and valuable skills. The time passed so quickly and I would like to explore this field further.
I saw the rock (top left) at Surf Beach on Phillip Island and I would just clarify that I observed the rock and photographed it. Of course I did not remove it from the beach. The colours were stunning and it caught my eye – it was exposed on the shore line at low tide. I may attempt painting it in colour some time.
I chose this gorgeous little numbat for my final piece. Photographic reference was kindly provided by Western Australian wildlife photographer, Rob McLean.