Children's Board Book

I bought a second hand children's board book from my local charity shop for only 99p.  I had to sit and pick the glossy film off of each of the pages (which in it's self was quite therapeutic) and gesso over the rough cardboard before I could begin painting.

It's only 6x6 inches, the perfect size to paint little quirky faces in, to play and experiment in. I don't think any of them took much more than half on hour to paint, but it's just enough to feed my painting addiction on those days when I don't have time to really indulge.

And here are some more pages, as you can probably tell I'm a big fan of Mindy Lacefield and my palette knife.

For the last 2 pages I was so excited about getting my new Winsor & Newton Antique White Oilbar that I didn't even gesso the cardboard before smearing acrylics and oilbar into them with my finger, resulting in a very rough finish and me being totally in love with my oilbar. It's sooooo thick and creamy and acrylics blend beautifully with it 

I still have 4 pages and the front/back to paint, who knew board books had so many pages?  I love my little board book and had already started a new one which is 7.5x8.5 inches, but there is just something about this size that I really love.  So I guess that means another trip to the charity shop, Wishing you all a wonderful day x x x

Sweet Dreams

 Hi Everyone,

I hope your having a great day and have or will manage to make a little you time in your day.  My art is what keeps me sane, a time to relax, escape from the madness called life and gently unwind while I listen to my heart.  Of course sometimes I can't hear a word my heart says because the voices in my head are so loud, but a little time with paint on my fingers does wonders for keeping them quiet.

Any hoo, I am a great fan of Juliette Crane's art, especially her beautiful owls and when I saw her dreams owls for the first time I was just so inspired.  So I wanted to have a go at painting a dream bunny and here she is

Queen of Her Own Destiny

I would like to introduce you to Maribel (she whispered her name softly to me as I painted her).  She was just so easy to paint, which is more than can be said about some of the characters that end up on my paper, the naughty step is the only place for them sometimes.

But not Maribel, she is such a gentle and wise soul.  I have her framed sits quietly on the edge of my desk, she gazing at me with such kind, understanding eyes that pass no judgment over me.  So you can understand why I love her company.

She silently reminds me that I am the Queen of my own destiny, that I have to trust myself and the journey I am taking.  That I must be brave and lead the way, for nobody can take this journey for me.