Good Wednesday all my crafty friends! :) It feels so good to be back in the saddle!! Last week's post really helped "jump-start" me back in cyber-land! LOL It feels weird on one hand, but then at home on another! You know, our art community is like a lifetime friend......you may not see them for weeks, months or even years, but when you come back together, it's like you haven't missed a beat.....like you just saw them yesterday!! Well, that's how it feels to me! So....Gene Autry.....I'm riding in the art saddle again! LOL
So last week, I posted the Octo Art that I made for my sister!!! I mentioned it was for a friend, but just in case she happened to read my blog....I had to play it off!!! LOL It was for her birthday, which was Sunday. She is a great lover of octopus's and I had always wanted to do her one, so there you have it! The awkward bit is that her husband is an actual "professional artist," so I always feel a little beneath his amazing artistic talent when I send her things, but hey.....throw caution to the wind, right!!?? LOL So below, you will find the finished piece!
 |
| "Octo" in all his glory!! |
As I stated last week, this was all done in dip pen and ink. I have long loved dip pen and ink art. There is something very cathartic about it to me. Yes, it may take a little more time, but that is the beauty about it to me. Yes, I could use Micron pens for the same look, but it's the whole dipping and inking that I love. This was done on Arches cold-pressed watercolor paper. Because of the tooth of the paper, sometimes I get a little "catch" when drawing, but I love the feel of cold-pressed paper and so I just press on! I may try some hot-pressed in the future just to see the difference, which I know will be significant in terms of flow.
I did a real quick watercolor wash on Octo and around with my AMAZING Schmincke watercolor paints! I got this lovely set several years ago as a gift to myself and have never regretted it!! Now, I am certainly NOT a seasoned watercolor artist, but I am learning. It may take a lifetime, but I'm willing! By far, it is one of the more complex mediums I have worked with, but nevertheless, I am having fun! I did do some shading with a woodless graphite pencil afterward. I like a woodless graphite pencil, because I don't have to sharpen it as much (I am inherently lazy) and I can shade on the side better without the wood. And voila, it's done and put in the mail!!! I would usually try to frame things in a "floating frame," but I was already out of time and needed to get it in the mail! LOL
So what's on my desk today????? Well my next fun piece of course!!! This one I have been wanting to do for awhile as well!! But guess what.........it's FOR ME!!!!! LOL Yep, this one I want on my own wall! I'm still in the process and when I'm done, I will post it as well.
 |
| I'm getting there! LOL |
In the home I moved from, I had a huge walk-in closet that not only housed my clothes and shoes, you know thing it is actually supposed to do....hee hee....but it also housed my art station (that my ex husband built in) on one end and my spiritual station on the other. It was wonderful because it was my true "she cave!" I think I spent A LOT of time in that closet! LOL When I moved into my new apartment, I was real worried I wouldn't have a designated "art space," so all my art supplies stayed in the garage until I could figure it out! I actually found an amazing art drafting table at Walmart last year on sale for $99 and I snapped it up!! I love it! It inverts so I have a great incline for canvases and then sets down like a desk for other crafting! I thought even if it was less than quality, and at least lasted me a couple of years, I was only out $99!! LOL I have so enjoyed it! Now here it is in my "new" art space with lots of great natural light in my bedroom! I'm a happy "art-er" again! LOL
 |
| My Happy Place!!!!! |
So glad you have found a new art space that works where you live now Felicia. I bet your sister loved her gift. It is spectacular. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #5
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about sending art to someone like your BiL - I always feel like that when I send homemade cards to proper papercrafters not an amateur like me! Your octopus is gorgeous and I think the dip pen is a triumph, slowing down makes you enjoy the process even more.
ReplyDeleteHugs LLJ 2 xxx
Hi Felicia, love the octopus, and so will your sister. Great you found a way to make your space work for you and your art. Stay safe, have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #6. X
ReplyDeleteglad you're settling into your new art space - mine has taken over my living room (good job hardly anyone calls by!) Helen #3
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia. Well done - that octopus is incredible. I'm sure your sister loves it as it was specially made for her. A great art space in your new home. It takes time when you move into somewhere new, doesn't it, to get everywhere just right for doing art things.
ReplyDeleteTake care. God bless.
Margaret #4
Hi Felicia, I think I have exactly the same table, especially if the little drawers are fabric!! - it's currently stored in my attic as I don't have room in my craft room. Love it though! Congrats on getting your new space sorted. Great to do a project just for yourself - I have done a couple lately, and once my craftroom is decorated I am planning on having one wall for my projects. Thanks for stopping by earlier, I've never tried knitting - I thought crochet would be simpler. I like having a few things on the go, but even I have to admit it's been a bit crazy lately! Hopefuly things will quieten down after my daughter's wedding. Plus gardening will be less soon. Have a lovely week, Heather xx #17
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia, so loving your Octopus it's beautiful. Wishing you a happy week and a very creative woyww, Angela x12x
ReplyDeleteOh Felicia, your octopus is a real stunner! Your sister must be thrilled, and I defy your brother in law not to be really impressed. I have never drawn with dip pen and ink but I can see the attraction for a number of reasons. Your new desk is brilliant! I am so glad that in your new apartment, you have organised a dedicated art space. It looks so light and airy. Your new project for yourself looks to be very interesting - a lovely smiley sun to cheer you up! It very much looks as if you are really getting your life together again now and I really commend how positive you are being, after everything you have been through.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment and I'm so glad you approve of my various antics this week! Do let me know how you enjoy the tomato soup if you make it. It's always so nice to know that what you share inspires others and maybe gives them a new experience.
Unfortunately I don't live in your home town - hospital problems notwithstanding!! I wish I did. We'd have a lot of fun together, I think. So glad you liked my outfit this week - something a bit different for me! I finally bit the bullet yesterday and ordered the tunic top I'd seen online, which is a bit similar to the one I've got. It should come in a few days and I can then model it for you all! I'm having a lot of fun with my mini fashion shows! Thank you for your good wishes and prayers regarding my hospital problems. I was referred to a specialist colorectal surgeon at that hospital by my regular surgeon because he felt he had done all he could, and the new man is expert in reconstructive surgery and "difficult cases" like me lol! With everything that has gone on, I sometimes wonder if the surgery will ever happen...
Happy WOYWW and God bless,
Shoshi x #20
Your line drawing is amazing, I understand the love for pen and ink there's a sense of calm when having to stop and reload that nib. You must never underestimate your creativity we are all different don't worry about your work against your BIL as an artist each piece is personal and I more than sure your Sister would love her special Octo Art just for her.
ReplyDeleteLoving the desk, what a bargain. I'm glad you have found a happy Art place again.
Look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work, have fun & stay creative.
Tracey #7 xx
Love the line drawing I cannot even do a stick man lol great looking work space,
ReplyDeleteLilian B #`11
Terrific octopus ~ I'm sure she was thrilled that you made it for her. Good for you to make something for you too. I'm glad you made space in your apt. for your art ~ Enjoy creating ~ Love, Karen#32
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia, so sorry I couldn't visit earlier - I'm working from home now, which is sometimes in my favour and sometimes not! Things got a bit busy yesterday even though it was supposed to be my day off! I just love the coloured octopus - it was pretty striking even before you added the colour, now it's just mind-blowing! Would stand up to any contest with a professional artist - though I see why you would feel intimidated by your brother in law, LOL! How crafty of you saying it was for a friend, when actually it was for your sister! I bet she loved it! Your new desk and art space looks amazing - and hey, now the whole apartment can be your 'she cave'! The new project looks awesome too and I spotted that flower shaped paint palette on your desk - I've just picked one in the town a few hours ago - it looks identical to yours! What are the chances LOL! Enjoy your Friday and your weekend! I'm so glad you're back - and you're so right - you can be absent for a long time but when you come back it's like you never left! Hope to see you again soon! Stay safe xx
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is stunning! I love your octopus, and I love the smiley sunshape. Happy belated WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#14)
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy that lovely new art space. Your octo art is fab - you make inking sound so simple!! xx Jo #18
ReplyDeleteHi Felicia, your octopus is wonderful. I hope your sister and bil like it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you now have your art space again
Take care
Hugs
Lynnecrafts #19
I bet your sister loved her gift, it's gorgeous! Sorry I'm getting around so late.
ReplyDeleteStay safe!
Ellie #30