I always thought that watercolours were the realm of the ‘experts’, who alone were keepers of the deep, dark secrets of watercolours.  Probably because all my past attempts at watercolours were pretty well disastrous.

I think, perhaps, it might have been the subject matter I was trying to paint, as much as the medium.  I am much more comfortable painting small corners of the world, rather than big sweeping landscapes, and most books on the subject (that I had, anyway) tended more to the latter.

Of course, I have a much better understanding of colour theory than I did back then and no longer try to do things like shade objects by adding black to the colour!

Ive always been much happier with a more closeup subject matter – pots of flowers, window ledges, nooks and crannies etc. But, there comes a time in all our lives when we need to decide if we will rise to the challenge, lol.

Anyway, I painted this from a book (thats right, I cant manage this on my own, I need serious help) called ‘How to Paint Acrylics’ by Peter Jay.

The first one I painted was boys on the rocks, but, I couldnt possibly let you see THAT one. I’ll just chalk that up to a learning experience.

Anyway, being Scottish, but living in Australia, I appreciate the cold, wintery feel and I can almost smell that cold air, just looking at the picture.

The pot of daisies was sitting next to me on my desk this morning, and I felt they deserved to be painted.
I made the birds – my only attempt at carving (yes, I was going for the rustic look), and only justification for the dremel that I bought to do them.

I was intending to have veritable flocks of carved birds around – one day, maybe.

I love Jo Sonja’s work – she is an absolute inspiration to me.  She epitomises everything about folk art that I love, she has been true to the form and beauty of it.

I seem seen so much that has only served to cheapen this art form, and to generally deteriorate the image of the art form to the larger community.  Jo Sonja has stuck with her first love and obviously holds what she does in high regard.  I look up to her as an encouragement to follow my heart with my art, and not be tempted to do something that others might approve of as being ‘more worthy’.

Ill be getting up early to drive up to Sydney (to Maccentric at Warringah Mall) to buy my new Wacom Intuos 4 graphics tablet.

Ive spent the last few days on the net and the phone, trying to track down a medium size tablet, which, for some strange reason, was not as easy as I thought it was going to be.  I know, I could have been patient and ordered one in, but…..

Ive had a Wacom Intuos tablet (GD?) for some years now, and LOVE it.  Im looking forward to a renewed interest in sketching with the new tablet, and testing out the brushes etc that come with it.  It also has a nib stand (I lost the nibs on the old one on about day 2 or 3, so having nibs will be a novelty).

Being a folk and decorative painter from way back, I love the simple art of ‘doodling’ with a brush. Or a pencil.  Or whatever.  My plan is to fill up some sketchbooks, using another new found friend – Corel Sketch Pad.  Very simple, but very effective and convenient.