From my stitched home made sketchbook a bit of Easter flavour….
Tag #animal
Blue green Dragonfly
Dragonflies start to grow in water and then move into the air and fly. I like very much the symbolism of this insect .It represents metamorphosis and transformation. It could symbolise changes needed in our life in order to reach our full potential. On the more mundane level, I used watercolours and inks to achieve the shimmering aspect on the wings and body. The change here is about using mixed media and not just watercolour…the start of a new adventure.
Testing “Elegant Writer pen”
I had fun testing the elegant writer pen doing a painting of a dog inspired by Karlyn Holman. This pen gives 2 colours when you apply water once your drawing is done.
Watercolour can be used as well as pure water to mix different colours with this special ink.
Friends and and their 2 dogs at Café des Arcades Valbonne
This is a commissioned painting as a farewell present for someone ‘s friend leaving Valbonne.
I went to the Cafe des Arcades as an incognito tourist taking pictures of the friend in question while she was having a drink at one of the tables. This friend did not know me so could not have guessed why I was around taking photos. It was such fun and exciting !
The painting will be a total surprise as a gift and will go to Australia!
I hope this sunny scene will trigger happy memories of some good time spent with friends in the buzzing village of Valbonne.
In the past year I have done other commissioned paintings one of which went to Singapore. I am so pleased that my watercolours find homes all over the world!
Sea turtle
Marina at the art centre (hangarart.org) suggested turtles as they are always a great subject to paint. I did this one using masking fluid to draw the intricate design first before painting the shell. I love these amazing and beautiful creatures and here are a few facts about them :
“Sea turtles are one of the Earth’s most ancient creatures. The seven species that can be found today have been around for 110 million years, since the time of the dinosaurs. The sea turtle’s shell, or “carapace” is streamlined for swimming through the water. Unlike other turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their legs and head into their shells. Their color varies between yellow, greenish and black depending on the species.”
Seagull in Antibes
A huge seagull looking at passers by at Antibes old town ramparts. The light was particularly warm giving this pinkish tone to the sea. I got a very close look and it did not seem to mind thankfully ! I know in general that seagulls can be quite aggressive specially if you happen to eat something..; All I had in hand was my mobile phone… not so appetizing!
Crocodile on the French Riviera
This particular type of crocodile thrives on the Riviera, you can see them lurking around beaches and pools. They come out after a long hibernation in cupboards somehow quite deflated and with a bit of help, they recover their full weight to the greatest joy of children. They are very friendly and easy to tame…
Back at the English Book Centre in Valbonne
After an Autumn break, I am back with fresh new original paintings at the English Book Centre in Valbonne village. The paintings feature the shop and its beloved mascot Maggie the dog as well as Valbonne and its surroundings.
Two blackbirds above cars in Valbonne.
If they are not having a bath like in my previous post I was inspired this time by 2 blackbirds up in the sky, perched on the winter trees in Valbonne. I liked the row of trees and cars for the perspective effect and as usual I took artistic licence to create a new brand of car , increased the size of the birds and put some colours to brightened up the scene.
December is already upon us !
A bit of fun to be in the pre-Xmas mood… I used the wet on wet technique(wetting the paper first before applying the paint)to get the fluffy look and the soft fur effect.
Hobby Sketcher 