New paintings and regular art updates.
I love this old domed building in Stoke. I had thought it was a cinema, but apparently it was a co-operative shop before it closed down. I still think it was probably a cinema before that? It’s so grand. The white of the building and the browns and terracottas of the building on front of it make a good contrast. The hot was taken from the Spode Site car park in Eleanora Street, Stoke. The view is looking towards Hartshill and the D Road. It was taken on my phone one day last week.
When I drew this image in ArtRage oils, the free app, and then Layout to duplicate it, I didn’t really know how they worked. And yet I’m pleased with the results. I guess sometimes simpler things look better. My hubby reckons I overwork things, but I just think I want them to look finished, I am not exactly a perfectionist, but I know when somethings done…anyway I hope you like these….
Goodnight x
Each of these drawings were done slightly differently. The first and third in ArtRage app and the middle one used a photo which was drawn on with Sketcher free app.
Faces are interesting to draw, the first two are from life, the third is imagined. I’ve tried using free flowing pens and different textures backgrounds. Colours are tending towards the blue/green end of the spectrum.
I also thought about which side light falls on a face. I usually draw with light coming from the top right if I’m imagining an image, or from whichever direction it comes from if it’s from life.
More to follow as I create them.
X
My 31, one inch drawing challenge sketches. I’ve done them with Stoke Urban Sketchers. I have really enjoyed it. I’d be up for a November challenge. Its like keeping a diary, I didn’t realise how much I’d do in a month. I’m not posting the final drawing on the challenge page until tomorrow, but I thought I’d include it here.
X
I love blogging. Its almost two years since I started and I’ve got a few followers now. Each day I think what can I write about, and most days I come up with something, whether it’s about art, design, poetry, short stories or about science. My mind jumps around to various subjects, but that’s what kers me going. Perhaps I’m a frustrated teacher? I don’t know.
So Thank you everyone for taking the time to read and look at this blog. I probably post too much. I might slow down a bit?
Anyway there will no doubt be more.
X
All hallows eve. The night before all saints day, Halloween. October 31st. Tomorrow…
It was almost midnight. The moon was about half full, gliding in and out from behind the clouds. Smoke from an early November 5th bonfire drifted across the woodland. A mist was forming and swirling around the trees.
Why am I doing this? She thought for the thousandth time. Why do I want to be a Witch? It was all very strange. The recruitment, in a cafe! What did they think they were, spies?
Next to her stood her best friend, Gerry, she was slightly older and into Wiccan ideas, she had persuaded her to come along. Come on, whispered Gerry. It’s almost midnight.
They followed a short path through the trees. Their bare legs scratched and nettled. Not far now. They came out into a wide open space, a gap in the trees. One Oak sapling grew at the centre of the clearing. A crude rock alter lay in front of it. The clearing was full of women in black dresses and capes, holding broomsticks and with the traditional conical hats on their heads. She started to laugh. This was ridicuous. She shivered, all she and Gerry were wearing were dark cloaks like those of the women in front of her. What am I bloody well doing…..
Come forward, a tall woman ordered them. Kneel. Put your heads on the altar.
What? She struggled so two women grabbed her and pushed her down. She felt the slab of rock cold against her cheek.
People danced and a fire flickered, out of the corner of her eye she saw the leaves falling like snow from the trees although there was no wind or breeze.
She heard cackling laughter and the tall woman sat astride her broomstick. It lifted! Slowly the woman rose, all the while maniacal laughter flying from her mouth. Twice round the clearing. The witches gradually stepped forward and surrounded the two women at the altar.
The tall woman landed next to them.
You have both passed the test, she said. You are now witches. I salute you.
Would you like a Sloe Gin with tonic and ice ?
Horses, ponies, zebras too,
I like them all, yes I do.
Galloping, cantering, jumping high,
Flying hooves, hit the sky.
Running, flying, beautiful beast
Marvellous, wonderful, not the least
Beautiful figure, elegant grace
Examples of the eqine race.
These are shaggy ink caps, they are a species of fungus found in Britain in the autumn. They are actually edible before they start to mature too much when the fruiting bodies, the ink caps (also known as lawyers wigs) start to turn black and break down, which is where the ink bit of their name comes from. I will not post anymore images of fungi because its easy to confuse edible with poisonous. There are a few types that are unmistakable like huge parasol mushrooms with foot wide caps, also football sized and shaped fungi (forgotten the name) which when you cut them up have white mushroom flesh throughout them.
NEVER eat fungi you cannot identify. There are dangerous ones that can kill.
Just a doodle using the winter tree idea but with autumn leaves. The base is meant to be pebbles and rocks with a mountain stream running below the tree. Faces of spirits again populate the tree. I think they would be more aggressive or annoyed than the winter one, Im not sure why. Perhaps the cold autumn winds are getting on their nerves! I love the dark crystal film and the creatures in there, maybe that’s what’s influencing me?
X
I’m feeling peaceful… 
The sun’s out and my hubby is too. Gone for a cycle ride with his brother. They were talking for hours yesterday. Much as I love him I don’t really want to hear again what toy tanks they played with when they were little, or them comparing toy train anecdotes! It’s quite relaxing sitting and painting. I’m just hoping they stay out for a while longer. They’ve gon for a ride down the local canal towpath so it should be easy riding in cold but bright conditions. I’ve done it in the past but my hips and knees don’t really like it anymore. Peace. Perfect peace.
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