Yield

Theme for this week's Illustration Friday is yield. I mixed the idea of creating something for this challenge with my desire to continue learning to make new patterns and here's the result:

I think it fits the challenge theme well with all the products of nature that I fit into the picture. I tried a lot of new patterns with this one. Some I really liked, some not so much. Overall I am happy with the result, although I do think the butterfly is too busy. What do you think?

Diva's Weekly Challenge

This morning while exploring the world of tangles I ran into I Am the Diva blog and it's Weekly Challenge. The idea behind the challenge is to create something using a given tangle. This was perfect for me as I've been doing exactly what the challenge is made for - exploring and learning to draw various tangles.

The inspiration tangle this time is golven. I incorporated it into a postcard sized abstract. There is no special theme to it. The whole point was for me to try out different patterns and learn. Here it is:

See where it is? Up, the first horizontal thread. I like golven. It's easy to do and relaxing. I'll definitely use it again.

Overall I am happy with this card. I messed up some of the patterns, but managed to transform most of the mistakes into different patterns. The Celtic knot went wrong towards the right side. I didn't find a way to fix it, but I don't mind, it's not that noticeable, and even if it is, meh, I wasn't going for perfect anyway.

Learning To Tangle

Last week I was looking through crafts books in an online bookstore hoping to find something interesting to order. One of the covers that grabbed my attention was Zentangle Basics. I've seen that sort of drawings before, but I had no idea there was a whole concept behind it. I did a search for other books on the subject and finally decided to order Totally Tangled. I couldn't wait to receive the book before I started, so I searched the net for some info. I didn't go far before I just had to try it out. I grabbed my old little journal and a red pen and made this:

I did some more reading and looking around before I went back to the journal. When I did it turned out like this:

I like the first one better because the second one is just too busy. I didn't have much idea what I was doing, I just went for it. 

The next day when I passed by an art supply store I decided to go in and bought a bunch of goodies including a few sheets of card stock in different colors. I cut one of those into postcard sized bits and started drawing on one by making a letter B shape. I kept adding shapes and patterns and here's the result:

While I was not too happy with the image overall I really liked that mushroom like structure on the right, so I took that as an inspiration for the next postcard I made. This one:

This is so much fun. I can't wait to get the book and learn the techniques and tricks. In the meantime I am exploring Tangle Patterns and trying out new stuff, but more about that in my next post.

An Introduction

I used to draw and paint a lot. I used to trade atcs and postcards and loved exchanging art with wonderful artists from around the world. Then life got in the way. I neglected creating art while I handled first a new career and then health problems. Years have passed and I am happy to report that all is well both with my career and health. Finally, I am ready and eager to create once again.

Back in the day I had a blog where I displayed my art. It was a nice little blog, but I decided not to go back to it. I'll start fresh. This will not be only about my adventures in creating art, but also about my craft projects, travels, interests and whatever else is going on in my world.

This whole comeback was initiated by my recent numerous visits to various museums and escalated after I got back in touch with my dear friend Danny and hearing his encouraging words about my artistic abilities. Unlike me, he thinks I am talented. It's incredible how just a few kind words can make a huge difference.

I picked up a pen and after one very unsuccessful abstract doodle which shall not be shown here (or anywhere else) I doodled another picture. This one:

Except the nose, which I very much dislike and didn't know how to fix, I was quite happy with the result. So that made me want to go on and make something else.

Next stop a nude. Those were among of my favorites to create. I decided to go simple. This is the result:

Finally, I tested myself with a portrait. Black and white again. Here's how it turned out:

Both the above black and whites were done with a watercolor pencil, again one of my favorite mediums.

That was that, I am hooked again. This will be my place to share my creations and experiences. You are invited to follow my journey. Welcome!