Blooming Lovely

My painting of yellow Gerbera daisies sold the day after Christmas at the San Clemente Art Gallery.

Christmas Colours

There is always something delightful to see at the beach. Sometimes it is something new, sometimes an interesting variation of something familiar.

I've seen lots of pelicans but never seen any with these bright colours on their beaks.

Season's Greetings

Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and New year.

Convincing

Sometimes I find it hard to choose a painting or drawing project because I can't make a decision. I don't know if it is a lack of inspiration, or motivation, or having too many choices. Sometimes I'm trying to be too serious or building up too many expectations as to how good I want something to turn out.

Then one day something drops into your lap (or post/letter box) that grabs your attention and gets the creative and fun juices flowing.

Such a day occurred for me when a promotional clothing booklet was posted to my house. I'd never heard of the company before and didn't think their style suited my beach life in southern California but I liked the book.

Inside were pictures of a model against a plain background.

I instantly knew I wanted to do something with this book but what? I kept it near and would think about it at odd moments during the days that followed.

Then I decided that the plain background was the perfect backdrop for scenes of my own invention.

This first picture was done quickly without much thought. But then I tried to match the background to an impression I felt the clothes gave off. So had there been a background what kind would the company have used?

The dress below reminded me a little of school wear.

The next two seemed to fit a snowy environment.

As you can see, the drawings are quick and quite crude in parts. I can draw very well but this exercise is not about 'proving' I can draw. It is about being creative, having fun, and doing something a little different from my usual artwork. Who knows but that it will spark an idea for something else in the future.

You don't have to have fabulous drawing skills to play in this way. Or even if you do, it is still fun to see what scenes you can create. If you don't want to draw you might cut out pictures of models in magazines and find new backgrounds to place them against creating a new 'story' than the one the magazine had originally intended.

Note: the paper in this book is not very absorbent. If I have to close the book before the ink is dry I put a plain piece of paper in that page to stop the ink from marking the opposite page.

Winter Beach

I love the beach during the winter. Although it does get cold (relatively speaking compared with our summer temperatures) we get lots of days when adding a sweater, a scarf and some socks and shoes keeps you comfy and cozy for as long as you want to visit.

Winter produces some beautiful sunset cloud colours.

With less people on the beach more birds come in closer to shore.

This egret was taking a walk along the beach well away from any water.

I love the patterns made by the reflections and ripples in the water.

Another beautiful sunset.

There's something special about about a Christmas tree on the beach.

Reading Art

It is frustrating not to be able to work on my art while I recoupurate from a car accident, but I have to think long term. 
Once thing I can do is read so I am catching up with some of the art books I have. 
One such book is a fun little book I received from a friend called 'Steal like an Artist'. I think it is meant for a younger audience but it was still interesting and had some good advice for artists of all ages.

I am currently reading 'Art as Therapy' which takes a thoughtful look at the various functions of art and the way in which it can make our lives better. One of my favourite portions so far is where the author says that paintings of people doing ordinary things (in the example given, drinking a cup of tea) can cause us to elevate our view of ordinary daily activities and therefore find greater happiness and satisfaction through them.

'Tis the Season 2

Here is part two of my trip to Roger's Garden Christmas Shop.

I love Olde Worlde Santas.

Loved these Santas.

There are ornaments for every themed tree you can think of.

Due to being injured in a car accident last month, my movements have become limited for the time being. So I may not be able to get out in search of more southern Californian Christmas cheer in the time between now and Christmas Day.

Therefore I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season for a Christmas post.

Hubby and I went to Roger's Garden, in early November, to see their annual Christmas Shop. Every year it is a riot of festive colour and style. 

Here are some of the photographs with minimum input from me.

These sweet treats have no calories.

Of course, in southern California, we don't really want snow, just the idea of snow.

A British-themed tree - my favourite.

More festive delights next time.