I had done this sketch many moons ago, but decided to try a new (for me) technique where I would not have to use the original piece in the work.

So I transferred it onto tissue paper, as per Katie's amazing tutorials, and tips, then transferred the transfer onto a book page.  Lot's of gel medium involved.  Once dry, I was able to paint with watercolor crayons over the piece and maintain the translucency.

Spice Island

My humble tribute to Nick Bantock, who's art and story telling mesmerize, and enchant.  He is a curator of words, of philosophy, intuition and imagination.  When you visit his world, you walk into a time machine where the mind, the senses, all become heightened, enriched. 

  Yes.... I love his work!!! Thanks to "Digitalmania" for the re-visit!

"Mary, Mary quite contrary"

Happy new week to all. I should say.........happy Tuesday, as it is exactly 12:05AM.

Looking forward to an extremely busy month ~ creatively, and otherwise.  I'm taking an on-line class with Katie Kendrick, and have joined several group challenges.

As if my life isn't challenging enough!!!!!.......all good tho!

"Mary,Mary" ~ done in the style of Eduardo Recife for the Digitalmania group on Flickr

Ooh la la

This weeks theme on Three Muses was "newspaper" print.  MY inspiration began with this gorgeous man clearly depicted in the bottom left corner page of my contribution to the challenge.  I came across his photograph somewhere on Flickr, and it was love at first sight.  Can you blame me?!!!
On the upper right hand side is a quick sketch by me, of a most appreciative woman..........enjoying the scenery.   ;-)

"Want Ad"

But, then I started to think that maybe I was being a bit improper - given it would be shared on another site; so again, using newspaper print, part of my "old" paper stash,  I played with  a more sedate photograph ....borrowed from a  home decor magazine, thus creating an entirely different image (pun intended)!!!!!!!!

"Morning Paper"

Hope you enjoy both!!!  lol     Bev, I already know likes the first one...........hehehehehe

Aquarium of thoughts

This Mornings sketch, and a little added playtime on Photoshop.

Feeling mermaid..ish ;-)

Haute head

Here is my original sketch with a bit of color and shading added, prior to scanning.

For my digitally enhanced version  I used a beautiful old paper background courtesy of Kim Klassen, and a vintage postcard to which I added text.  The hat and face I continued painting using the Photoshop Elements brushes, and my trusty little mouse.  This is when a pen tablet would come in really handy!

For more eye candy from the gals at "Three Muses"  click here.........http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com

Journey

The theme for this weeks challenge over at thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com is Maps.  As it so happens, this particular subject led me UP a path I've been craving to travel........inwards!!!   It's been awhile.

"A moments insight can sometimes be worth a life's experience."  Oliver Wendell Holmes

The areas around the head and arms  disappeared  between the digital layers, becoming a happy 'accident'.  I was going to touch it up, and then realized the spiritual implication.... a perfect metaphor to my contemplation ......the ego melting away in transcendence.

The lovely image of the Traditional Indian dancer is from a magazine.  The grungy bordered background frame is courtesy of skeletalmess.  The map was found on Flickr, as was the beautiful sand dune and sky texture, borrowed from Moosebite, also on Flickr.  

Calling all angels

Another week, quickly gone by....it's Wednesday already!!!

Angels, as was this weeks theme on http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com/  inspired me to put together this piece

I did not do any original sketching on this one.  All of the credit for this gorgeous angel goes to Annie Swynerton and her painting titled "The sense of light", and the background is courtesy of the-portal-of-destiny-by-AutumsGoddess.  I used both images in Photoshop Elements, along with layers, lots of erasure,  masking, filters, etc. etc.
So much to learn........so little time.  I can devote hours on end experimenting with this digital program.  It is my good fortune to have met so many generous, incredibly creative and informative artisans via this blog.  Thank you all so very much for the inspiration.  Especially you Marie ;-)
P.S.  I'm leaving the obvious boo-boos un-retouched (fingers on left hand) more reason to practice!!! lol

I've been Zettied

Never completely happened :-(
I was in the process of assembling and sketching a Zetti collage, as was last weeks challenge on
 http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com.  I chose Greta Garbo as my famous person.   I too am (sometimes) affectionately called "Greta Garbo" by my loved one's..................hmmmmm, wonder why??????
Anywhoooo~on the day I began my piece, my mom had to be rushed to the hospital and required immediate surgery to remove a badly infected, pain wrenching, stone filled gallbladder.  She is doing well, and given that fact........so am I.  Never a dull moment in my life, but who's complaining.......................................
To make a long story short, I did not get to complete my very first Zetti in time - instead I played the unexpected role of Florence Nightingale.
My Momma (for whom I'll do anything) insists...I make a great nurse!!!
I'd just rather not ;-) LOL

This is my Greta sketch

This is my Greta in the process of becoming zettified.

 I will finish it sooner or later.......

Kissing her pink elephant goodbye

This is a journal page I created months ago.  I can't remember exactly why I chose to sketch a likeness of Amy Winehouse; probably listening to her amazing voice and wanted to capture some semblance of my thoughts for and of  her at the time.
Such a tremendous talent, and an even bigger loss.  Sweet dreams beautiful girl.

Orient Express

I came across this wonderful site filled with tons of fun and inspiration.  It is a weekly challenge where you create a piece of art based upon the theme for that week.  Here is the link.......http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com/  Go visit and participate.
I couldn't resist, and so here is my offering.

Today's contemplation

This is how I spent my day!

"Thirst drove me down to the water where I drank the moons reflection."  ~Rumi

Embrace your inner gypsy

I was not permitted to attend Woodstock in my early teens...and man did I try!!!  Strict (very strict) parents....not a bad thing.  I did although enjoy wearing plenty of hippie attire in those days. If the opportunity presented itself now,  for a creative, funky, camping in the woods, rockin event during these..... my baby boomer years,.......this is how I'd do it!!!!

photo's courtesy of discoveryourjoiedevivre.blogspot.com

Happy Fourth!

Experience the magic!

"Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of life's coming attractions."..... Albert Einstein (1879-1955)