Saturday 21 December 2013

Merry Xmas


It has been far too long since I last posted on my blog, and even longer since I spent any time visiting the blogs of my friends here in in blogland. As we all know, life sometimes has a habit of getting in the way. But I couldn't let Xmas pass without getting in here to send my very best wishes to you all.

The painting above is one I copied (for my own amusement and pleasure) from a Xmas card I received this year. For quite a long time I have been wanting to find a subject that would allow me to work again with watercolour and pencil, and I really liked the opportunity this scene provided. It's all a bit rushed, especially the buildings and background trees, but I like the way the graphite background has pushed the Robin, Holly and Post box to the front. I will definitely being doing more of this mixed media combination.

Though very busy I have been keeping my hand in with occasional small sketches. As you know I really like working with pen and soluble ink, and loose watery sketches like this one of a small church surrounded by fir trees was great fun to do and only took a few minutes. This was using a new Rotring ArtPen which was a birthday present back in October, and I really liked the way it flowed over the paper. I also received a set of Carbon Pencils which I haven't yet been able to do a lot with but I believe they can work quite well with water to, so I'm looking forward to playing with them in due course.

A few weeks ago I painted this Fairy for one of the Painting Projects in my Art Forum. This was something completely different for me as I studiously avoid painting people. That's something that I really must address and when I'm able to get back into my art properly I think 'people' must be high on my agenda of things to paint. It's too early yet to be thinking of New Years Resolutions but when we get to that point this may be a very good subject to put near the top of my Resolutions list.

On the other hand, I'm hoping good ol' Santa will bring me a new Macro lens for my camera. I have a page on my web site showing the flowers in my garden during every month of the year. The present photo's are passable but I'd really like to improve on them and then paint them. I quite fancy doing more floral work. Hey, if we were living in the sixties I could do paintings of the Flower People and kill two birds with one stone. lol.

Finally a word about 'motivation'. I have none. Lifes little tests have a way of knocking the stuffing out of us and robbing us of what inspiration and motivation we may have once had. I have recently come to realise that when I say "I haven't got time" I really mean "I don't feel like it". That has to change and I am determined that it will change.

I wish you all the very best Christmas you can have and, if I don't see you before, a very Happy and Peaceful New Year.


17 comments:

  1. I find that mixed media art very nice too John. And the fairy is sweet, nice shadow too. Sorry to hear that your motivation is gone. Sometimes life does that to you, I should know. But I´m sure it will come back to you when lifes abit easier on you again. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year John. Take care!

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    1. Thank you Catharina. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care. ;-)

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  2. Nice to see you back in blogland, John, I like the mixed media Christmas card! I hope you'll find your motivation back in the New Year. All the best wishes and Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you Judy ... and I hope to get round a few blogs soon too. Merry Christmas.

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  3. This is a nice collection of artwork, John. I especially like the Christmas card, but the Fairy is a close second.

    Setting yourself a goal is quite a good way of getting out of a rut, and painting a flower piece every month sounds like a good idea.

    Hope you have a very happy Christmas,
    Keith

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    1. I hadn't thought of attempting a flower painting every month Keith, but that's a great idea. Thank you. Merry Christmas.

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  4. Beautiful works...brought a huge smile to my spirit and face! Great Art can not be forced. It comes from the heart. Would love to view your flower photos and send a small rendition every now and then. Cheers!

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    1. Thank you very much Trudy. If you ever see a flower photo on my site that you would like to use for reference, please do. And if you want a higher resolution image just let me know. Take care!

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  5. Nice work John. And a very happy Chrismas to you and family. All the best.
    Vic.

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  6. Merry Christmas to you too John.

    I've been experimenting with pen and watersoluble ink since the summer, and am a convert. Love your drawing.

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    1. I'll cant wait to get across to your blog to have a look at your pen and soluble ink sketches. Thank you Sue.

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  7. Merry Christmas, John, to you and yours - and I hope next year sees you back to painting with renewed vigour xx

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  8. Dear John , your Christmas painting is so sweet and lovely, perfectly Christmas spirit ! But running a bit late, I wish you a very Happy New Year, and hope to see your beautiful works more often !

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  9. Just checked out your garden as I am a passionate 'gardener' myself. Love the abundancy and freshness of your flowers, those Fuchsia...wonderful !

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    1. Thank you Jane. I don't consider myself a 'gardener' as I measure my success by how much I manage not to kill. LOL. Fuchsia's are my favourite and I have hundreds. Happy New Year to you. ;-)

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