What was I thinking?

Hi.

Possibly I'm regressing. Or maybe I'm making up for never getting the whole 'doll thing' when it was age appropriate. Or maybe I just shouldn't be allowed out of the house with money burning a hole in my pocket...but this is what I picked up yesterday, for no other reason then I had to have her.

Meet Catrine DeMew, a Monster High doll. She's the daughter of a Werecat and appears to like drawing, a lot and as far as I can gather she's a vegetarian. She is all jointed and even her tail moves. There were loads of different ones, and doubles and triples of almost all of them except her. And while I was getting a kick out of all of them, and thought they were pretty cool, when I excavated Her box out from behind all the rest I nearly squealed (or maybe I actually did) with delight.
A freaking cat girl doll. I mean...could I really resist?
I could. But I would have been sad. And that's all I'm going to say to justify it. I would have regretted not getting her, so I did. And she's awesome.
She comes with a stand, a little coffin with her art supplies and she's pretty easy to pose. If nothing else, she's a little mascot for me on my desk.

Work in Progress

On your Mat, Balancing Act  and Portal

I've been working on these the last three weeks or so in isolation of each other. So I was pleased this morning when I discovered that they actually balance each other out, as I hope to show them as a set when they are finished.

I am still working out what it is that I am working out...if that makes sense. Which I think most artists spend their lives doing. Over and over again.

All round Grey

I dare you not to love grey

The colour of  ducks 

and doves 

and down 

and swans 

and clouds 

and dreams 

and sleep.

I am feeling under the weather and the thought of drawing is making me feel ill (which is a sure sign that I'm not feeling great). But because of my genes, I can't lay idyl, so I decided to sort out my sewing box...which is one of those jobs that always gets left to last. For me, anyway. But I love it, I totally indulge the compulsion to have all the colours in groups, tonally, arranging them so they sit next to their complementary colours, making sure all the same brands and kinds are together...It is about the only thing in my whole studio that is meticulous...until I go to use it again.

Yesterday when I got home from work, Boo was waiting for me, slightly off centre (but he is anyway). Which was fitting, as it was Squeek's two year anniversary, and basically Boo's birthday. Happy Birthday Little Dude

And, during this week in the shop, this too cute flower pot came in (two of them, plastic, probably some sort of kid's toy or part of a set for showing kids how to grow fun stuff). ANYWAY, I had to have them, you know, for growing tiny beh beh plants in. And also for posing ridiculous scenarios such as this one. Pilea plant with snow leopard and giraffe. To go with the grey/orange theme of today's blog post, obviously.

Dear One

Poor Little Deer

May 2014

Sometimes I am simply without words. Know that I hold you in my Heart in and with love, always.

x

One Piece...so many possibilities!

 I think one of the things that initially drew me to creating digital illustrations, rather than 'proper' paintings/drawings was the endless possibilities of manipulating them in the future, without the consequence of altering the original. Because drawings are so precious, to work into them really has to be 'your thing'...and it's not mine. I'm just too...fearful!
So for today's post I wanted to show how one drawing has turned into lots of things (this isn't even the half of it!)

I can't exactly remember what started me off with this piece initially, if it was a call for submissions or something that I had a dream about (often my drawings are based on dreams)...but this is one of the first loose sketches. I think this one was actually for Doodlers Anonymous, they were putting together a colouring book.

Because I didn't make it into their colouring book, I decided to make my own, Philophobia, which is available for purchase. See the last page...look familiar?

All your problems are in your curls, which was part of The Invisible Circus show evolved from the above. 

And now, I am getting a few bits together for a yoga studio down the country, which has kindly offered me a spot. I've been messing all morning and wanted to share (as I find the 'making of' images just as interesting as the finished piece. I love process...) And people always say - god, how do you do it...I can't even begin to work it out. Well, without spoiling the magic, because really that's what its is, here's the next best thing.

I don't think this lady is anywhere near being retired. Her potential and variations are literally endless. Check back to see her finished for this piece entitled Breathe out so I can breathe you in soon!

Artists do all the things

I think the main attraction of living in the country is being able, to literally, put down roots. I know you can do that anywhere, really, but there is something about the space, gentle sounds and natural patterns that certainly appeals to me in a big way. And here, I can do all those things, those things I was desperately missing while I was away in Galway for college.

I don't think I've ever seen the Cherry trees this full of bloom!

The Blackthorn, Cherry Blossom and Cherry trees are in full bloom absolutely everywhere. Delicate tulips are bumping off hardy daffodils (now at their end) and my low aquilegia is battling a…well I don't actually know what it is, it's some sort of shrub that looks dreadful until it literally bursts with almost fake looking pale pink flowers against quite dark leaves…I may have to put manners on it today. I can see the Turn cap lilies crowning, the crocosmia is beginning to look like something. The onions and beetroot are in, and with any luck I'll get the various pumpkin/squash and marrows in this week or next. Hopefully the peas, spuds and whatever else we have will go in soon too. 

I say this every year but it is incredibly satisfying to grow your own. Whether that's a little herb patch, hanging baskets of strawberries (the only way, by the way) or a veg plot. Even having your own cut flowers is, for me anyway, pure joy. I love collecting them and arranging them all over the house. It brings colour and life everywhere and is truly magical.

Because I forget the names of things and where they are, a friend told me (duh) that you can paint stones (which we have no shortage of) and then weather-proof them with clear nail varnish. Now I have markers that are vernacular!

 I got stuck in to making some new little baby owlies over the weekend also. I had forgotten how much I enjoy making them, and their almost alchemical qualities. How a bundle of material and some buttons can go from looking like something that is 'left over' to something with a personality and soul.

"Buta", a tiny paisley owl being sewn up Easter Sunday in the wonderful, glorious sun.

Finally, as wonderful Frieda Kahlo said "dress everyday for paradise". Whatever your idea of paradise is. Don't let what other people say or think sway your own personal expression. When we live at our highest possible level, that energy radiates from us and effects those we come into contact with. You provide healing and bring joy just by being your purest self.

For the craic, I get totally dolled up to go to work. I probably to go a little over the top...more is more, right? :)

Whites

I think our relationship with colour changes throughout life. I used to not be able to entertain red at all, but in the last couple of years I've begun to appreciate it and sneak it in (admittedly forcefully) to my surroundings and wardrobe. Beige (tea, oatmeal, and browns) put me to sleep, but I've learned how to manage them and appreciate their gentle, grounding effect. Spring...Summer (what season is this officially now?!) used to be vibrant greens, soft pastel pinks and baby blue - I don't know if that stems from advertising or environment? But this year Spring is very much white, yellow and grey.
The bleeched white of the blackthorn in bloom - all of a sudden - like fluffy white clouds pinned down by the thorns. 

Not to mention the daffodils and narcissi, which are a riot of tones and textures. They are positively neon on dull days, and nearly vanish completely in full light! 

Grey is that soft colour that allows white to really show its brilliance and takes the sting out of yellow. Oh the glorious sun! How we appreciate your visits! 

1 litre Jupiler beer stein picked up in a charity shop in c.bar on Monday, chazzing with a dear friend. I love it's soft grey against the brilliance of yellow and cheeky pink. It's also a beautiful shape and has a wonderful weight to it. I can't imagine drinking beer from it though, it would be quite a workout!

My 'whites'. Nothing epitomizes a fine day in Ireland more than a washing line. Ignore if you can the chem trails in the background...