Animal Wednesday - Wasp

This summer we had so many different types of wasps, bees and flies on the curly mint that was blooming. I tried to draw them and then id them. Not all were id'd. I usually use colred pencils when I do bugs. They usually have lots of detail. Happy Animal Wednesday everyone.

Animal Wednesday - Goldfish

This is a watercolor that I did in my art class a couple of weeks ago. I have named it Fred. I had a goldfish that the kids won at the fair for several years. I just loved Fred so I was delighted when we were to paint this fishy.

We used some iridescent medium on this fish to give it that shiny quality that fishes show. This is one reason why I like to take art classes. You learn a new technique every once in awhile plus you get to be around people that like to paint or do other artsy things.

HAW to all you animal lovers out there.

Bloomin Tuesday

I sat down with a package of colored sharpies the other evening while watching a football game and I thought I would try to make a mandala. I ended up with a rose instead. Hmmmmmmm I don't know if I have a mandala in me. I think they are facinating.

Cactus Monday

Okay okay, I know, I'm almost late and this isn't a cactus. However if you look closely at this Iron Cross Begonia you can see its spiny personality coming out of the leaves. The stems are just as prickly looking. I hope you all had a Happy Cactus Monday anyway.

Animal Wednesday - Monarch Chrysalis

HAW to all of you that are enjoying this Wednesday as Animal Wednesday. I guess this little fellow qualifies as an animal. It is a Monarch chrysalis. We had several in the front garden this year. We took some pictures of its metamorphosis from caterpillar to this. I always wonder what chemical makes those golden dots on the chrysalis. This is the only creature that Iam aware of that can make gold. This is one of the atc's I made with my new toys.

Cactus Monday - Rose

Good day Cacuteers. I know, I know, this isn't exactly a cactus but it does have thorns and tiny ones that remind me of spines. I wish you all a good Cactus Monday anyway.

New Toys

Last weekned was so beautiful weather-wise I decided I had to go outside and actually use a travel set of water colors I bought several years ago. It was sort of like my bathing suit. I packed it just in case. I can't tell you how many trips and the wonderful places this watercolor set has been and NEVER been used until this weekend.

Crazy as it sounds it is true. So I set up outside in the Casa de Pantella to do some painting. I figured if I broke it in here I wouldn't be so timid about taking it out where we travel. Well, I am glad I did this here. It took quite awhile to tear off the cellophane wrapping on every little color. If I was on vacation I would probably give up before I got them all unwrapped.
I was concerned that I couldn't mix enough color in the small compartments for a painting. Well, just another excuse in my head I guess. I painted a couple of ATC's with this little set and I am quite pleased with the ease and colors available here.
I guess I am telling you this because I want to feel free to do more painting. I hope that everyone that reads this is inspired to take out their travel paints and do up a picture. Don't be timid like me. It is fun.

Animal Wednesday - Goldfinches

I was trying to do some ATC's. I found that it is difficult to paint such small images. These little goldfinches don't mind though. Happy Animal Wednesday.

Cactus Monday - Uebelmannia pectinifera

Happy Cactus Monday fellow Cacuteers. It is gonna be a good day. We are having company this afternoon and I am looking forward to it. If you want to see more cactus you can go to Teri's Painted Daisies for her cactus and others that are joining in on the cactus fun. Please join us if you have a prickly painting or drawing that would fit in.

I did this Uebelmannia pectinifera on blue paper using pencils. I had a difficult time photographing this because the wax from the pencils kept showing up. Anyway this cactus I like because it has a purple hue in the creases. I had a difficult time getting that color here because I don't have a purple pencil and the layering wasn't doing it for me. I sort of like the blue background. I wanted black but I didn't have any black paper. Maybe next time...

Animal Wednesday - Fuzzy Fly

Good Morning, HAW, and Welcome October. I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler shorter days of Autumn.