Turned the whirlpool into a seashell.

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I tried to change the whirlpool into a seashell… Then I added gold glitter kiss paint. It looks like sand. I put it through the photo director app , there is a way of creating bits flying off the picture. In the animation it looks like the seashell is under water, the bits coming off look like they are floating. Totally random  result. I wish I could share it here, but it’s on my Instagram account. X

Life drawing live

Just been drawing at the BBC life drawing live TV programme. A series of short poses of models, all done under social distancing rules. 15893172736382071260241553628239

It was quite stressful. Trying to see the model on the TV when you only have a small screen. I needed a closer view. But overall I enjoyed it.

Various things used to draw, ink pen, charcoal pencil, a metallic pencil and 5b pencil.

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Whirlpool

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Another abstract. Just silver glitter glue swirled around, then permanent markers using blues, greens and purple to create a spiralling pattern. Why? I don’t know. Spirals have always appealed to me. Spiral galaxies, spirals in ammonites, spiral cloud formations, spirals in the seed heads of sun flowers.

Of all the shapes I see in the world, these are my favourites.

I put this through photodirector and the subsequent animated clip is on my Instagram account.

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Old YouTube channel

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Ignore the photo. I was just trying to find a simple picture to post to illustrate this.

It’s been several years since I wanted to post something to YouTube. It’s clearly changed a lot, because although I could find my old videos on my mallchris channel, I could not sort out how to post videos to it. My only option was to create a new channel there. It also made me post in my full name. Not something I would have done in the past. Some of my old videos are me singing, which is why I wanted to disguise myself! I’m not bothered any more. They are harmless.

If you want to go and have a look. Be bored by my little train videos! I’ve also got a couple of short films about some of my art….

Bye for now.

Pinned down by my cat..

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As you can see I love cats! This is my Tom cat who fell asleep on my chest. Its good that he can be relaxed enough to sleep on me but I couldn’t move until he decided to get off! I snuck a photo of him. He is such a sweet and friendly cat. The painting is one I did several years ago (more than 30). It has been up on the wall for years.

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Growth, today’s challenge.

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My orchid plant is growing fast. Ariel roots are growing out of the pot.

The flowers have been there for a few weeks now. I don’t know what species it is, just that it’s quite pink!

Stoke Urban Sketchers challenge, day 23. Black ink pen and permanent marker pens.

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Portrait artist competition

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The Sky portrait artist of the year competition is on. Its not something I would do, but I did a quick forty minute sketch of the sitter, Rankin, to see how I could do. Working with a 0.5 unipin ink pen. Not too bad a likeness. I think I’ve got his nose too long and his eyes are a bit small…. But it’s good to practice.

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Using a new app.

The original sketch, with a bit of colour added, I did cat like eyes, added some gold glitter.

Then I used an app a friend recommended called photo director.

I was able to clone a section of the drawing and add a layer of old paint. I think I’m going to like using the app. It’s a bit hit and miss at the moment, but I’m learning all the time…

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Staring at me…

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Lined up, their beady eyes staring at me..

Two owls, mock leather and fake jewels. They sit on the sofa and look back at me. Is there a glint if evil in their eyes. If I fall asleep, will there be a great flapping of wings? Will they peck my face?

They are mocking me, watching me, sitting ready to pounce once I have closed my eyes. I just know it. Nightmares fastening their claws into my arms. Beaks ready to stab at my ears, eyes and mouth.

I remember being paralysed by the fear of them. Black and gold feathers brushing my hands. Their talons raking my veins, tangling in my hair.

How can I escape their gaze. Looking back at me. My reflection in their eyes? I want safety. Instead I may be trapped inside them, in their black lined guts. Lost forever in their gaze.