Paint Play and Computer Twiddles!!

Somewhat unexpectedly I find myself at home today instead of usual stitchy engagement. Car park being revamped and all the side streets full, so my companion and I decided, not walking miles, let's go home.  It cost me money though... on way home I decided to call in to the paper arts store, and bought some of these.

Yes I do have a bag of cosmetic sponges, but they soon disintegrate, plus I like the look of the tiny sharp point, so will give them a try.

I've been playing with paints... had the Gelli Plate® out for a play.  Ended up with about 20 prints of varying success.

I played with this one on the computer, mixing it up with a photo, and then mixing that result with another photo... it turned into this:

I may do things with this.... I do have specialist papers for an inkjet printer.

This piece is a different kind of computer play.  This is having stitch added to it, and if you are familiar with my art Facebook page you will see it in the heading. It is actually this:

I do really enjoy the non directed arty play, as in, just see what happens.  It may well also feed into an idea for a piece which is very specific.  Big challenge when the creative leanings are abstract, to make something which needs to be recognisable, but still retain the essence of what makes me tick.  I do abstract purely because its me, its what's in my head and flows out the fingers.... as a young child I would sit and cry in art lessons because I couldn't draw a tree or a butterfly.  These days I realise, much as I love beautiful artwork which is realistic, to actually do it, simply isn't me.

Got more ideas to play with, so think the paints will be coming out again today.

With the Compliments of Capt. John Harle 17-28 Feb

What will the new Year bring....

Happy New Year

hopefully still in time to say that....

though when it ceases to be 'of the moment' I've no idea.

Well I made a decision over the Xmas break, thought about it for a few days to make sure it was right.

Decided not to go ahead with an exhibition opportunity.  I give such options a LOT of thought, as in a huge amount, possibly more than is necessary.  I then give them as much thought when I decide No.

This time it was telling me what to do.... realistically if you have a deadline, months in advance and little has been done towards it, that has to say something.  When you've ruled out being lazy, just not doing, excuses for dithering there has to be other reasons, and I guess the truthful and simplest is....actually I'm not very excited about it.

My initial ideas, the deadline, the challenge, none of it has the buzz. 

Then I looked closer at the schedule.  I'm a firm believer in doing as asked, but this time I found I can't comply with the additional commitments needed to put on an exhibition. 

Every aspect would be a struggle.  It comes down to my 'word of the year' a struggle simply isn't FUN.

Exhibiting isn't always about the status or any financial reward (oops told a joke there) - but the journey to the end item should be more joyful than heavy task.  So if I am to take on board I need more Fun in my life, then well.....

I have another project which I'm also not attempting.  This one is the opposite, does excite, does challenge, would love to give it a try, but the reality of time between notice of the project and the deadline its just not manageable.  So, equally sensible but different reasoning, means another No.

So settle back with the knowns for the year and out of the blue another opportunity comes along.  Details still to be known before I can think that one through and assess it properly. My process of over thinking to consider it, begins!  However, its nice to be thought of.... as in really nice to be thought of.

I have news to share though.....very hot off the press, sizzling.  More info to follow, but look out for more work from The Material Girls at Rainham Hall in February.

In the meantime him indoors has had success with a photo he took, standing outside our patio door at around 5am. We have two cats which wake up at silly o'clock, and have now got their master very well trained!  His fault, he will get up and give them biscuits as a pre breakfast snack.

I'm guessing he will get far more success than me - given that I've found four local photographic exhibition opportunities in the past month!  Plus FREE, yes free, workshops.