I have a small commission and I need to create something gentle based on the idea of rain. I’ve used the theme of raindrops and water running down glass as an idea. This was drawn in my Artrage app and it’s a digital finger painting. I will try and do the painting in metallic acrylic paint.
Today’s #bandofsketchers prompt was fruit. Lemon and limes sitting in a bowl for gin and tonics, but I haven’t had any gin in for weeks! Felt pen drawing, as usual. But I tried to use a minimal amount of black and not use much outlining, so it’s more solid colour.
I’m really enjoying the Tour de France this year. I don’t have all the names of the Cyclists, but it’s impressive to see the work they put in and the speeds they move at.
Today a breakaway of four riders stayed away until the end of the stage. There are three more days to go, with the final stage on Sunday when the current yellow jersey holder expected to win the overall three week tour.
Up and down mountains in blistering heat and massive rainstorms, this years tour has not been without incident. Motorbikes and cars in the way, crashes into barriers on fast, technical descents. The steepest stage (yesterday), for several years caused the rider who was second in the race to loose precious time during an individual time trial.
Ukrainian grain silos and stores came under fire in Oddessa yesterday after President Putin of Russia stopped allowing ships transporting grain to leave the port and travel in safety.
By doing this Russia is not only attacking the country of Ukraine and it’s Crimean cities, but also the countries that they supply with food.
Before the war started Ukraine exported food around the world. They helped feed hungry people. Now with all the war and vile behaviour the Russia has enacted on the country they are not able to continue. So the behaviour of one man is impacting on people in many countries.
I don’t know what the outcome will be, but the war and destruction, killing of innocent men women and children, and the threats against their infrastructure must stop.
Sorry, I’ve always loved cats, I’ve had cats since I was a child. We never had room for a dog, I don’t think my parents had the time to walk one while they were looking after all of us children.
Cats always seem aloof, but once you get one, and start to understand it they can be very loving. I used to whistle a little tune to get our cats to come home. I’d do it when they were due to be fed, or at bed time, and I suppose they understood the reason behind the whistle so they would come. So cats can be trained. I had one which would jump from one gate post to another when I tapped the post and whistled. She was very special and liked climbing up on my shoulder and having a little ride around the house or garden.
Don’t get me wrong though, I do like dogs, it’s just that when you go out to work all day it seems cruel to leave them shut in the house or tied up in a garden. At least cats can use cat flaps and enjoy independence. And I know you can get dogflaps but they look like a burglar could get in through them…
Also, thinking about cats, I think they are not as expensive to look after, although when you have multiple cats it’s not cheap. Maybe one day if we suddenly have lots of money I might get a dog.
A collaged image of a draughts board and chequers. I thought it had a slight look of a 1960’s pop music set. With this image hanging down as scenery behind a band like the new seekers, or Freddie and the Dreamers. I could imagine it on a black and white TV with microphone stands, guitars and a drumkit just waiting to be played.
I had a lovely afternoon out so I gave my friend this small painting to say thank you. It’s only about three inches square. We had gone to a garden center so I felt it would be nice to give her something floral. Poppies are my favourite flower, vibrant and silken looking. This is a simple painting in acrylic. Drops of dew or rain sit on the petals and shimmer in the light. A bud ready to burst sits next to the flower with it’s promise of further beauty.
For Tuesdays #bandofsketchers prompt club. A badly drawn King of Clubs. Too tired to draw much detail. I just used some felt pens again. I used collage app to redo it so both sides are the same x
Today I played chess for the first time in ten years. My friend has acquired a chess set, so we sat in a shady spot by a cafe and had a few games.
The result was 2 games to her 1 to me. Then I found out she’d been in a chess club at school and had been champion in one year! So I didn’t do too badly. I’m not trained so I made some surprising moves where she could see I should have done a different move. But it was fun.
We had a quick go at drafts but didn’t remember the rules. Anyway we will have another game in a few weeks. I need to find a set to practice. Hubby used to be good at it so we might play a game or two. Good for exercising the brain.