Rough sketches, three panel wordless piece. I experimented with colour and the positioning of the panels. Also could it be a front, side or top or bottom view of the cat and of it breaking out through the cat flap? Could the sequence change? What are the cats emotions? Why does it want to get out? Fear, adventure, looking for a friend? Lots of reasons, even sunshine….? Or a bird it’s seen singing outside… Oh dear!
My indoor boy cat went exploring tonight, in the dark. I called him in a few times but it was only after he’d gone onto the next door but one’s garden and got soaked in a heavy shower of rain that he came back in. In the meantime I had to prevent his sister from going out. I can’t cope with both out at the same time.
How did he get out? The cat flap had been forced open by the outside cat again. It’s just indoor boy hasn’t worked out how to open it outwards yet.
Now he’s lying quietly on the mat, having a gentle wash with total unconcern. I know I need to stop worrying though.
Another post-it note and monoprint collage, drawn over with fine liner ink pen. The subject I found was mythology. The unicorn/ zebra/pegasus is adding all the elements I like together, the merman is holding a cornucopia from which fish are leaping. A bit of fun.
View of Trent Vale and Clayton from Thistley Hough
We went for a walk in the evening yesterday, and instead of just taking photos I took a small sketch pad with me. I couldn’t draw all the details I could see and because its black and white it’s hard to get shade and tone, but I did my best. The two blobs in the sky were hot air balloons. Too far away to see any detail and they were travelling sideways on to us very slowly (left to right). This took about 15 minutes, just trying to get an impression of the view over the valley. I wish I didn’t shake, my lines are very wobbly!
Today’s #bandofsketchers prompt was Space. It is a favourite subject. I love the Sky at Night Programme on the BBC. I’ve tried to paint the Whirlpool galaxy, using Arteza metallic watercolours and some black and white acrylic. A bit splodgy but the detail on the photo was overwhelming.
A racoon, a baby owl and a falcon called Logan. They were all enjoying the sunny weather today.
Gentleshaw is a wildlife rescue centre and is based at Eccleshall in Staffordshire. It’s in a garden centre but is run seperatley. They offer bird flying experiences and take in animals that are unwanted by owners that cannot be placed in zoos. They give space and care for many birds and animals which could otherwise lose their lives.
My photos are a bit blurry but I also drew the birds and animals. See my next post!
Trying to make a ginger (orange flavour) cat jelly.
I was given a cat shaped jelly mould a few years ago but never used it. Then yesterday I decided to make an orange jelly for fun. I could have added fruit or trifle sponges to strengthen it but I wanted it to be pure jelly, and I was going to call it ginger and maybe take a few photos in different places before we have it for tea.
I tried mixing the jelly powder but I didn’t realise it hadn’t all dissolved until I cleaned the bowl I’d made it in, would that weaken the jelly? Then I couldn’t lie it down level because it’s head is higher so I had to prop it up in a bowl to put in the fridge. I let it set overnight. But how to get it loose? I tried running a thin knife round the edge, then turned it up on a plate, wobble, no! Tried running the mould under the hot tap, no! Tried tapping the mould, whoosh, a few bits dropped out, tried a knife again and tapping.. It finally came out, a saggy, wibbly wobbly brother cat to the solid mould.
Today I found someone at a place called Art Glass Lounge where they do glass workshops. I was really pleased because I had wanted to do some more glass pieces and my hubby wanted another go too.
We met a lovely glass artist who was very informative and helpful. Social distancing was used and at the end we bumped elbows. We had a go at grinding the glass to shape it, melting thin glass rods with either a candle or a blow torch to slump it or with the blow torch, fuse it together.