County Kerry Pass

Pass in County Kerry in Ireland in oil pastels. And yes, not "ripped-off" someone else's photo this time :). he he. Unfortunately, the camera doesn't show up the texture as in the real thing, which I'm quite excited about because I'm working out how to use the pastels better in that way. Well maybe it does, but being a techno-phobe I haven't bothered to read the instructions and as usual am using the camera at its basic level!

Baby portrait

Portrait of my niece as baby with ink, graphite pencil and white chalk (based on Kathleen's photo - see Tiny Purple Fish June). The likeness isn't really there, however, after watching Star Portraits with Rolf Harris I think from now on I need to do a number of sketches to get the face likeness first and then get serious. I don't think getting serious up front works, particularly with ink as once ink is on paper, the damage is done! (Except white chalk does help to cover it up).

Duck dedication

Polychromas pastels on paper. Ads this one is for you! Drawn from Waterbirds of South-West Wetlands, photographers Bert and Bab Wells/Conservation and Land Management. Woke up one morning wanting to draw ducks. Weird its true, but apparently ducks are a symbol for resourcefulness. And trying to find books on ducks is definitely something that you need resources to do! Not an easy task.

Wire wrapped jewellery

Choker and bracelet using wire wrapping technique. Not the best photo, bit blurry for some reason. Used brown gauge wire for the bracelet and used some really cool indian glass beads. Choker I think has 6 gauge wire. Think I want to do some sculpture next but not sure where to start. Any ideas appreciated!

The cup

Oil pastels on paper. Inspired by Justin's (Wasserproof) coffee plunger piece. It made me remember that sometimes one item on a page is all that you need. Back to wire jewellery again today, not great for keeping your hands pretty though, and really time consuming, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Too many ciders

Oil pastels on a night after some ciders.

Self-portrait

Self-portrait in acrylics on canvas. Decided that stretched canvas is more forgiving than canvas board.