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Thanks for visiting this blog.
My new blog is over at www.wendy-louisesmith.blogspot.com.
Come on over and check out my latest artistic adventures!
Friday, 24 January 2014
Monday, 28 January 2013
MOON MOON
Welcome, Dear Guests, to today's blog.
I promised that I would post pictures of my Christmas makes, for you to see. And seeing as yesterday was a Full Moon, here's some pictures of the moon I painted in watercolour:
It turned out rather well and looked absolutely gorgeous and lovely mounted in a silver frame:
I promised that I would post pictures of my Christmas makes, for you to see. And seeing as yesterday was a Full Moon, here's some pictures of the moon I painted in watercolour:
It turned out rather well and looked absolutely gorgeous and lovely mounted in a silver frame:
The painting itself was 15inches by 15 inches, so it's quite big!!
I loved painting this moon. I used a mixture of Sennelier and Winsor and Newton watercolours which are so vibrant and tasty! It was fascinating to watch the different colours mixing and mingling, although I could hardly wait for the colours to dry! Patience, patience!!!!!
I'm very connected with the moon. Some folks would say that's why I'm as mad as I am! I'm an artist, so of course I'm a bit mad! HAR! Throughout the ages, the moon has been revered, worshiped and feared. Many of the ancient stone megaliths in the UK such as Stonehenge and Callanish, as well as stone structures in Europe and Central and South America, are thought to be linked with the moon. It was thought that the moon drew down powers and energies from the stars, to earth.
Moon is considered feminine, the Goddess, whereas the sun is considered masculine, the God. The moon is linked to many of the ancient Goddesses, including Diana, Helen, Artemis, Hathor, Hecate, Kuan Yin, Isis.
The cycle of the moon is fundamental to the life cycle of humans, plants and animals, and governs the tides. It is also thought to influence emotions. The words lunatic, lunacy and loony are all associated with the moon and "odd" or "mad" behaviours.
We had a full moon yesterday. I managed to catch a glimpse in between the rain and the snow! It was, as ever, magnificent. And I did manage to have a wee howl! Everybody should have a howl at the full moon!!!! You'll feel sooooooooo much better! HAR!
The moon is closest to the earth. It travels in an elliptical orbit because it is being pulled by both the earth and the sun. We see the same side of the moon all the time. The moon has no light, yet we see it because it reflects light from the sun. The moon appears to go through a cycle of birth and death as it travels in its orbit around the sun and the earth:
NEW MOON - this happens when the moon is positioned between the sun and the earth. It is known as the "dark moon", as we can't see it. The side of the moon facing earth is in darkness. This phase of the moon is linked to new beginnings, changes.
WAXING CRESCENT - the moon is about 45 degrees to the earth and the sun and only about a quarter of it is in sunlight. This phase of the moon is linked to intentions.
FIRST QUARTER - the moon is at 90 degrees to the earth and sun, and we can see that half of the moon is in sunlight. This phase of the moon is linked to decisions and action.
WAXING GIBBOUS - as the moon travels in its orbit, more than a quarter of it is in sunlight. This phase of the moon is linked to adjustments,
FULL MOON - as the planets travel in their orbits, the alignment shifts and with the moon now in its opposite position, the side of the moon facing earth is fully lit and we can see a full moon! This phase of the moon is connected to completion, awareness, fulfilment.
WANING GIBBOUS - as the moon continues on its journey, about three quarters of the moon surface is lit. This phase of the moon is linked with gratitude, sharing.
THIRD QUARTER - the moon is at 90 degrees to the earth and the sun, with half of it being lit by sunlight. This phase of the moon is linked with releasing and letting go.
WANING CRESCENT - as the moon continues towards it's "dark phase", it is now only around a quarter lit. This phase of the moon is connected with rest, recuperation.
NEW MOON - and the cycle begins again!
I hope you enjoyed today's blog. Thanks for stopping by. I'll be posting more pictures of my Christmas makes including owls, elvises and runners. Confused? All will become clear!!!!
My brain is flooded with ideas and inspiration and there's a lot on the go, including naive arty angels, power animal drawings and paintings, life drawing and more moons! I'll be posting regular updates on what I'm doing, so check back soon.
Wendy
x
Monday, 21 January 2013
Flamenco Friday
Hellooooo dear guests!
It has been quite some time since I last blogged! So much has been happening. And to top it all off, my computer and the machinations behind Blogger, have been playing up! (We won't mention my lack of left brain and IT skills on these matters!!!).
I have to tell you about the wonderful concert I was at on Friday night. I have quite varied tastes in music - I listen to all sorts of things. From heavy metal to Dolly Parton (o yes, I'm a HUGE Dolly fan!), to classical music. Although I'm perdominantly a fan of 'metal!
Anyhoos, on Friday night I went to see Vicente Amigo - one of the world's most renowned Flamenco Guitarists. And I have to say, dear guests, I am not yet recovered! What an experience! Absolutely amazing. Words can't describe. I didn't know anything about him before Friday, or what his music was like. The ticket for the show was a Christmas present and it was a bit strange going to see somebody I hadn't even heard of. But holy smokes! What an experience!!!!!
Carminho, a most amazing and wonderful Fado singer, started off proceedings. Her voice transported me to a whole n'other world. Absolutely jaw-dropping stuff! I was introduced to the music of Mariza a few years ago and from the first listening, was converted! Amazing. I seen her in concert a couple of times and was absolutely blown away. Both Carminho and Mariza have such wonderful energy and the language of Fado, the fables, the tales, the stories, are just amazing.
And to top it all off, we were right in the front row, seeing all the action, with an unblocked view of the evening's proceedings! I'm not that tall, and always, ALWAYS, at 'metal concerts, some big tall greasy guy who's less acquainted with a bar of soap and a can of deodorant than is proper, ALWAYS stands right in front of me. Blocking my view and sending my senses into oblivion with the reek! Yuk! And vomit! Eugh!
However, Friday's proceedings were MUCH more civilised!!!!
I was absolutely mesmerised by the colour, passion and pain that both artists portrayed through their singing and music. Still am! Quite an irony, given that as I type this, there is a few inches of snow accumulating outside and it's absolutely freezing!!!!! The music and songs were so vibrant. Invigorating even! I was seeing magentas, turquoises, vivid lilacs!!!! Luminescent music! I'm still on a high.......And I don't want to come down for quite some time!!!!!!
A few years ago when I was at college, I studied the culture and traditions of Mexico. I love all things Day of the Dead and the rituals, ceremonies, art works and music that's made to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on! Anyway, as part of this project, I painted these pictures of a Spanish guitar that was in the art room, neglected and unnoticed in a corner of the room. I thought it really sad that such an instrument should meet such a lonely and dusty demise!
This first painting is a still life, rendered in acrylics:
Now, THAT'S more like it!
Now that I've sorted out some of the IT issues, I'll be back later this week with more art, creativity and chatterboxing!
Thanks for stopping by today.
Wendy
It has been quite some time since I last blogged! So much has been happening. And to top it all off, my computer and the machinations behind Blogger, have been playing up! (We won't mention my lack of left brain and IT skills on these matters!!!).
I have to tell you about the wonderful concert I was at on Friday night. I have quite varied tastes in music - I listen to all sorts of things. From heavy metal to Dolly Parton (o yes, I'm a HUGE Dolly fan!), to classical music. Although I'm perdominantly a fan of 'metal!
Anyhoos, on Friday night I went to see Vicente Amigo - one of the world's most renowned Flamenco Guitarists. And I have to say, dear guests, I am not yet recovered! What an experience! Absolutely amazing. Words can't describe. I didn't know anything about him before Friday, or what his music was like. The ticket for the show was a Christmas present and it was a bit strange going to see somebody I hadn't even heard of. But holy smokes! What an experience!!!!!
Carminho, a most amazing and wonderful Fado singer, started off proceedings. Her voice transported me to a whole n'other world. Absolutely jaw-dropping stuff! I was introduced to the music of Mariza a few years ago and from the first listening, was converted! Amazing. I seen her in concert a couple of times and was absolutely blown away. Both Carminho and Mariza have such wonderful energy and the language of Fado, the fables, the tales, the stories, are just amazing.
And to top it all off, we were right in the front row, seeing all the action, with an unblocked view of the evening's proceedings! I'm not that tall, and always, ALWAYS, at 'metal concerts, some big tall greasy guy who's less acquainted with a bar of soap and a can of deodorant than is proper, ALWAYS stands right in front of me. Blocking my view and sending my senses into oblivion with the reek! Yuk! And vomit! Eugh!
However, Friday's proceedings were MUCH more civilised!!!!
I was absolutely mesmerised by the colour, passion and pain that both artists portrayed through their singing and music. Still am! Quite an irony, given that as I type this, there is a few inches of snow accumulating outside and it's absolutely freezing!!!!! The music and songs were so vibrant. Invigorating even! I was seeing magentas, turquoises, vivid lilacs!!!! Luminescent music! I'm still on a high.......And I don't want to come down for quite some time!!!!!!
A few years ago when I was at college, I studied the culture and traditions of Mexico. I love all things Day of the Dead and the rituals, ceremonies, art works and music that's made to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on! Anyway, as part of this project, I painted these pictures of a Spanish guitar that was in the art room, neglected and unnoticed in a corner of the room. I thought it really sad that such an instrument should meet such a lonely and dusty demise!
This first painting is a still life, rendered in acrylics:
This was my first foray into still life painting! I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, given how inexperienced I was at the time.
But of course, me being me, couldn't really cope with the "real life" colours of the still life objects. And with all the colour and passion of Mexican art and music that I'd been researching, I simply HAD to render the same objects in a much more vibrant way! And of course, include the obligatory skull in there somewhere! I love skulls too and will be doing a series of artworks based on skulls in the coming months!
But before all that, here is the second painting of the Spanish Guitar, based on the first still life:
Now, THAT'S more like it!
Now that I've sorted out some of the IT issues, I'll be back later this week with more art, creativity and chatterboxing!
Thanks for stopping by today.
Wendy
Saturday, 12 January 2013
Chatterbox
Hellooooo dear guests!
I promised that I would be posting pictures of all the Christmas makes I made.
However......there appears to be a problem with Blogger and all Blogger users (including me!) are unable to post pictures. Apparently it's being sorted and so I'll post pictures and we can proceed with the ArtyLicious ArtFest as soon as possible. Bummer!
In the meantime...........
I hope you are all recovered from Christmas and New Year celebrations and festivities. It all seems like such a long time ago now, doesn't it? And let's face it, the reality of being back to work, and getting back into the routines kinda blocks out all memory of those happy times over the holidays, when we were soooooooooo relaxed, chilled out on the sofa, watching rubbish on the TV, munching our way through a jynormis tin of Quality Street, ensuring we didn't dehydrate by consuming a bottle of wine or two, or in my case, a gallon or two of Pepsi Max......This process being repeated daily!!!!! Now of course, the only remaining (and indeed incriminating) evidence of such "happy times" are the extra inches on the waistline, the miraculous and sudden shrinkage of the denims that were a perfect fit at the beginning of December and the readout on the scales with numbers heading northward, numbers you didn't know existed except as measurements of the interstellar distance between stars. Shocking!
It was a rather mammoth session before Christmas, trying to get things sewn, quilted, drawn, painted, finished, varnished, threaded and ready to wrap! Of course, some things I had planned to do and had started in advance. Others came about from a Eureka! moment and sudden and last minute burst of creativity! Extreme Art right enough! So after all the flurry and excitement and flying paint, I'm taking a couple of weeks to regenerate (and tidy the mess I made!).
I'm slowly getting back in to the Creativity Mind Zone. I'm getting ideas and inspiration for new artworks and themes to explore.
Although it's probably just as well I'm not yet back into full creation mode yet, as I simply do not know how I could possibly portray and convey my absolute horror when I stepped on the scales!!! Edvard Munch's "Scream" might come close, but given that I'm not as skinny as the wee screaming person in that particular painting, it's definately not me in that picture! Ha!
I'll be back next week with more Art, Creativity and Chatterboxing!
I promised that I would be posting pictures of all the Christmas makes I made.
However......there appears to be a problem with Blogger and all Blogger users (including me!) are unable to post pictures. Apparently it's being sorted and so I'll post pictures and we can proceed with the ArtyLicious ArtFest as soon as possible. Bummer!
In the meantime...........
I hope you are all recovered from Christmas and New Year celebrations and festivities. It all seems like such a long time ago now, doesn't it? And let's face it, the reality of being back to work, and getting back into the routines kinda blocks out all memory of those happy times over the holidays, when we were soooooooooo relaxed, chilled out on the sofa, watching rubbish on the TV, munching our way through a jynormis tin of Quality Street, ensuring we didn't dehydrate by consuming a bottle of wine or two, or in my case, a gallon or two of Pepsi Max......This process being repeated daily!!!!! Now of course, the only remaining (and indeed incriminating) evidence of such "happy times" are the extra inches on the waistline, the miraculous and sudden shrinkage of the denims that were a perfect fit at the beginning of December and the readout on the scales with numbers heading northward, numbers you didn't know existed except as measurements of the interstellar distance between stars. Shocking!
It was a rather mammoth session before Christmas, trying to get things sewn, quilted, drawn, painted, finished, varnished, threaded and ready to wrap! Of course, some things I had planned to do and had started in advance. Others came about from a Eureka! moment and sudden and last minute burst of creativity! Extreme Art right enough! So after all the flurry and excitement and flying paint, I'm taking a couple of weeks to regenerate (and tidy the mess I made!).
I'm slowly getting back in to the Creativity Mind Zone. I'm getting ideas and inspiration for new artworks and themes to explore.
Although it's probably just as well I'm not yet back into full creation mode yet, as I simply do not know how I could possibly portray and convey my absolute horror when I stepped on the scales!!! Edvard Munch's "Scream" might come close, but given that I'm not as skinny as the wee screaming person in that particular painting, it's definately not me in that picture! Ha!
I'll be back next week with more Art, Creativity and Chatterboxing!
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Hopes and Dreams for 2013
Hellooooo folks.
Well, we are now in 2013! A new year, with new beginnings, new endings and a whole load of in-betweens!
I am sure, like me, you are in a state of flux, reflecting back on 2012 and hoping and dreaming of what will come in 2013.
There was a lot going on for me in 2012: good bits, bad bits, some REALLY bad bits, the seemed-bad-at-the-time-but-actually-alright bits, the what-the-hell-was-I-thinking bits, the somebody-should've-stopped-me bits, the I'm-too-feart-but-I-know-I-really-HAVE-to-do-this bits, the O-vomit-what-am-I-doing bits!
O yes indeedy - a whole loada bits, ups and downs made up my 2012. And while all the rollercoaster was going on, I survived. I think.
Major decisions were made in 2012. Life changing decisions. And not only the decisions, but the actions required, the follow-through, the consequences. I gave up my job of 11 years and 350 days. Just short of 12 years. I also gave up all the conditioning that went with it. The me-who-wasn't-really me.
After finishing up, I went into a state of shock or something. Can't quite describe it. Couldn't even so much as lift a paintbrush or look at any art! Thankfully, eventually, I came out of the shock and got stuck in to creating! ArtyAdvent was my first foray into making my art and thinkings public on this blog! And thanks to you all for your continued support and interest! I got such lovely messages and kindness from you. I will definately be continuing with the ArtyChattyness in 2013!
Throughout 2012 and all the decisions and thinking and processes and happenings, I had a whole load of love and support from family and friends. But also from the angels and other such miraculous and wondrous beings. I done some brave things in 2012, and I know that without these folks, both seen and unseen, I would definatley not be here, writing this blog and making all sorts of creations. I know that they are all with me as I go into 2013.
And so 2013 begins with me being in charge of my own fate and what a creative fate it will be!
ARTIST, CREATIVE, CHATTERBOX. That's the description I have under my name on this blog and on my website. It sums up (some) of what I am, seeing as there was a limitation on the number of characters that could be used. And seeing as I am so many things, and so many characters, I had to be selective!!!!!!
And so that's what I'll be fulfilling this year. I will be making loads more art, being very creative and of course, chattering away about it all here on my blog!
Here is a wee angel for you, to help you in processing 2012 and all that it brought your way, and to help guide and direct you in the coming year:
And here's a close-up:
So whatever you do in 2013, may you have love, peace and light to guide you.
Wendy
x
Well, we are now in 2013! A new year, with new beginnings, new endings and a whole load of in-betweens!
I am sure, like me, you are in a state of flux, reflecting back on 2012 and hoping and dreaming of what will come in 2013.
There was a lot going on for me in 2012: good bits, bad bits, some REALLY bad bits, the seemed-bad-at-the-time-but-actually-alright bits, the what-the-hell-was-I-thinking bits, the somebody-should've-stopped-me bits, the I'm-too-feart-but-I-know-I-really-HAVE-to-do-this bits, the O-vomit-what-am-I-doing bits!
O yes indeedy - a whole loada bits, ups and downs made up my 2012. And while all the rollercoaster was going on, I survived. I think.
Major decisions were made in 2012. Life changing decisions. And not only the decisions, but the actions required, the follow-through, the consequences. I gave up my job of 11 years and 350 days. Just short of 12 years. I also gave up all the conditioning that went with it. The me-who-wasn't-really me.
After finishing up, I went into a state of shock or something. Can't quite describe it. Couldn't even so much as lift a paintbrush or look at any art! Thankfully, eventually, I came out of the shock and got stuck in to creating! ArtyAdvent was my first foray into making my art and thinkings public on this blog! And thanks to you all for your continued support and interest! I got such lovely messages and kindness from you. I will definately be continuing with the ArtyChattyness in 2013!
Throughout 2012 and all the decisions and thinking and processes and happenings, I had a whole load of love and support from family and friends. But also from the angels and other such miraculous and wondrous beings. I done some brave things in 2012, and I know that without these folks, both seen and unseen, I would definatley not be here, writing this blog and making all sorts of creations. I know that they are all with me as I go into 2013.
And so 2013 begins with me being in charge of my own fate and what a creative fate it will be!
ARTIST, CREATIVE, CHATTERBOX. That's the description I have under my name on this blog and on my website. It sums up (some) of what I am, seeing as there was a limitation on the number of characters that could be used. And seeing as I am so many things, and so many characters, I had to be selective!!!!!!
And so that's what I'll be fulfilling this year. I will be making loads more art, being very creative and of course, chattering away about it all here on my blog!
Here is a wee angel for you, to help you in processing 2012 and all that it brought your way, and to help guide and direct you in the coming year:
And here's a close-up:
So whatever you do in 2013, may you have love, peace and light to guide you.
Wendy
x
Monday, 24 December 2012
ARTYADVENT: 24th December
CHRISTMAS MAKES AND BAKES.....
Hellooooo ArtyAdventers! I have been neglecting you!
Thank you for your kind messages that you sent in the absence of ArtyAdvent. Fortunately I didn't meet an apocalyptic end on Friday, although there's probably still time yet! I did eat far too much cake and mince pies, just in case The End came........and fortunately The End didn't come.
So - where the hell have I been, you ask! Well........I have been very very busy trying to finish off, and actually, start from the very beginning and finish, the Christmas gifts I've been making. O yes, why be prepared when you can leave it all to the last minute and have a whole load of stress. O yes indeedy, it just wouldn't do to have had everything made gradually, in a more gentile atmosphere, free of stress, a few months ago. Hell no. So I've been partaking in some extreme sewing, painting, drawing and quilting.
And I have to say, it's not like you see on the santa films - all the wee elves going into overdrive to get all the christmas toys made! That's all just made up nonsense. It's not real.
I am all the elves. It's just me!
But what IS true of course, is that all elfs need fuel to frantically make all these lovely makes! And so, today's ArtyAdvent is a HUGE slice of cake. Which I made myself.
There was a bit more of it earlier.............some of it appears to have disappeared! I presume so that you could all see better my lovely granny plate! I do love a lovely granny plate. They look so good with an almighty chunk of cake on them!
And of course, no ArtyAdvent would be the same without a close-up:
What a splendid continental shelf sized cake this is! It calls to me.........come eat me..........I'm delicious..............eat me eat me eat me........You can see that I've aleady given in to temptation! And I can't concentrate on all the extreme and rapid fire sewing and painting and drawing and quilting and so I have to go and eat some more cake.
I hope whatever you do today you get some time to eat some cake and relax. Even if, like me, it's in between frantic creativity!
I will post pictures of all the makes after Christmas, so as not to spoil the surprises! There won't be an ArtyAdvent tomorrow but I will be back at the end of the week with pictures of the Christmas Makes for you to see.
I wish you all a very merry, peaceful and joyous christmas, folks.
Wendy
Hellooooo ArtyAdventers! I have been neglecting you!
Thank you for your kind messages that you sent in the absence of ArtyAdvent. Fortunately I didn't meet an apocalyptic end on Friday, although there's probably still time yet! I did eat far too much cake and mince pies, just in case The End came........and fortunately The End didn't come.
So - where the hell have I been, you ask! Well........I have been very very busy trying to finish off, and actually, start from the very beginning and finish, the Christmas gifts I've been making. O yes, why be prepared when you can leave it all to the last minute and have a whole load of stress. O yes indeedy, it just wouldn't do to have had everything made gradually, in a more gentile atmosphere, free of stress, a few months ago. Hell no. So I've been partaking in some extreme sewing, painting, drawing and quilting.
And I have to say, it's not like you see on the santa films - all the wee elves going into overdrive to get all the christmas toys made! That's all just made up nonsense. It's not real.
I am all the elves. It's just me!
But what IS true of course, is that all elfs need fuel to frantically make all these lovely makes! And so, today's ArtyAdvent is a HUGE slice of cake. Which I made myself.
There was a bit more of it earlier.............some of it appears to have disappeared! I presume so that you could all see better my lovely granny plate! I do love a lovely granny plate. They look so good with an almighty chunk of cake on them!
And of course, no ArtyAdvent would be the same without a close-up:
What a splendid continental shelf sized cake this is! It calls to me.........come eat me..........I'm delicious..............eat me eat me eat me........You can see that I've aleady given in to temptation! And I can't concentrate on all the extreme and rapid fire sewing and painting and drawing and quilting and so I have to go and eat some more cake.
I hope whatever you do today you get some time to eat some cake and relax. Even if, like me, it's in between frantic creativity!
I will post pictures of all the makes after Christmas, so as not to spoil the surprises! There won't be an ArtyAdvent tomorrow but I will be back at the end of the week with pictures of the Christmas Makes for you to see.
I wish you all a very merry, peaceful and joyous christmas, folks.
Wendy
Friday, 21 December 2012
ARTYADVENT: 21st December
Well hellooooo ArtyAdventers.
Today marks a very special day. It is the winter solstice today - the shortest day of the year and longest night of the year. At 11:11GMT, the sun will be at its furthest point from the earth.
The solstice is also known as yule. Yuletime celebrates the birth of the Sun God and the rebirth of the sun. Love, creation and rebirth are significant at this time.
Today also marks the end of the Mayan long count calendar, which has an apocalyptic end. Doomsday!
Many believe that there will be devastating earth activity such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, major storms. Some believe that there will be an almighty alien invasion. Others believe that the enlightened will ascend into heaven.
I guess we'll find out soon enough what, if anything, happens......
And so, given that my time here on earth may be finished in just over an hour, I'm away to consume as many cakes, crisps and confections as I can. O, yes, well, just realised that I do that anyway. So I guess no, I'm not doing anything unusual to mark The End!
Thanks for stopping by. See you tomorrow for more ArtyAdvent.
Today marks a very special day. It is the winter solstice today - the shortest day of the year and longest night of the year. At 11:11GMT, the sun will be at its furthest point from the earth.
The solstice is also known as yule. Yuletime celebrates the birth of the Sun God and the rebirth of the sun. Love, creation and rebirth are significant at this time.
Today also marks the end of the Mayan long count calendar, which has an apocalyptic end. Doomsday!
Many believe that there will be devastating earth activity such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, major storms. Some believe that there will be an almighty alien invasion. Others believe that the enlightened will ascend into heaven.
I guess we'll find out soon enough what, if anything, happens......
And so, given that my time here on earth may be finished in just over an hour, I'm away to consume as many cakes, crisps and confections as I can. O, yes, well, just realised that I do that anyway. So I guess no, I'm not doing anything unusual to mark The End!
Thanks for stopping by. See you tomorrow for more ArtyAdvent.
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