DorsArt

Jessie checks out her portrait.

2012-01-25T00:41:00.001+11:00

What's the verdict Jessie. Does it look like you? She gave the lick of approval. :D

Jessie Finished

2012-01-19T18:47:00.000+11:00

Arches 300gsm. 21.5 x 34 cms

I am calling this finished. I am ready to move onto something in Graphite. I am not totally happy with it. I will do one in graphite and see how it turns out. At least I have a live model here. Hehehe.

WIP Jessie #3

2012-01-15T09:56:00.000+11:00

Arches 300gsm. 21.5 x 34 cms

WIP Jessie #2

2012-01-13T13:18:00.000+11:00

Jessie.

I have toned down the color a little on the hair, I felt it was too bright. Altered the eyes as on the photo they were a little too dark so using another photo of Jessie for her eyes which I feel looks better. More work on the right side and the nose. The tongue needs more layers. Quite a lot more to do yet.

Jessie.

2012-01-09T19:08:00.000+11:00

Arches 300gsm. 21.5 x 34 cms

Well It's a sort of WIP. LOL. I did get carried away and felt I was so rusty with the color pencils. I will have to do lots more practice. Anyway i will see how this goes. I can always do a take two, take 3 etc.

Just checking my portrait. .

2012-01-08T14:09:00.000+11:00

Jessie just checking to see how her portrait is coming along. LOL.

ATC Cat

2012-01-03T10:50:00.002+11:00

This is an ATC I did last year for the small PPN group. A nice catch up with friends and my 1st ATC.
in graphite. I thought I would show you this while I am drawing out my next project which is Jessie.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:50:00.002+11:00

To all my blogger friends and visitors.

Happy New Year.

I hope it's a good one for all.

WIP Jimmy Choo

2011-12-12T18:37:00.001+11:00

8 x 12" Arches Smooth 300gsm paper.

I think I will call this finished. I Will leave it for a day and make sure there is nothing to change.
It's been fun but curly white fur is always difficult.

WIP Jimmy Choo #3

2011-12-11T16:40:00.000+11:00

Jimmy is an Apricot/White Poodle. It's coming together but White fur is so so hard especially when it's also curly. I am getting there slowly. I have decided to mist her out at the bottom of the drawing ...cuts down on all the curls a little with not having a lot of time. Still quite a bit to do yet.

WIP #2 Jimmy Choo . ( Poodle)

2011-12-08T18:30:00.000+11:00

8 x 12" Arches Smooth 300gsm paper.

I managed to get a little more done on this yesterday. I am hoping to get this finished over the next couple of days so that I can get it in the mail.

Jimmy WIP

2011-12-07T00:05:00.001+11:00

8 x 12" Arches Smooth 300gsm paper.

I have managed to get down to drawing Jimmy. He is an apricot colored poodle. He is so cute.
I am hoping to get this finished and sent off to Perth to my son Greg and his Fiancee Tash for Christmas.
I think I will make it in time.

Busy time of the year

2011-11-30T10:50:00.001+11:00

Yes it's a busy time of the year. Heaps of preparation for one day ;). I love Christmas especially when children are around. I have spend many years making and fitting out Dolls houses etc. A long time ago now. My daughter and family live in Townsville Queensland, My son and partner are over in Western Australia (Perth). Nevs son, daughter and their families are in Melbourne (Victoria) We are spread all around our huge country. It's not always easy to get together. We will chat a lot on the phone especially Christmas morning.
So this year is is just Nev, me and Jessie. this year. Christmas day we will have Turkey (no fuss a nice Turkey Breast to slice). Ham of the bone and some King Prawns. Olive bread and salad. A bottle of wine. I have to have Plum pudding, Christmas cake, rum balls mince pies etc... you know all those watch the waistline foods. hehehe. Oh when I think of Christmas's many years ago when we had traditional Christmas dinner, it was nothing to have 15 - 18 family and friends around the table.
I am putting up the Christmas tree today which I always enjoy with the help of Jessie..LOL. I will post a photo when it's finished and the lights are on tonight.
I will be starting a WIP this week. A dog....Oh no it's not Jessie YET . Ity's my son Greg and his partner Tash's dog called Jimmy Choo. The drawing will be a gift. Ssshhhhhhhhh...

How is everyone's preparations going for Christmas?

Jessie

2011-11-19T16:05:00.001+11:00

We have at last got our Bully. We got her yesterday. Jessie was a show dog and has had 2 litters of puppies the last being only 9 weeks ago. She went by the name of Audrey. We will change to Jessie when she gets settled. She will be 4 yrs old in January.
Last night she was very worried and a little stressed. Today sees a huge change in her. very calm and seems well settled. She ate well at dinner last night and enjoys her walks. She walks well on the lead.
Now retired as we are...Jessie can enjoy a good life with no work and all play. We think she will be such a good companion for us and us for her. She loves the tummy rubs.

Bison (Buffalo) WIP finished.

2011-11-12T18:26:00.001+11:00

I think I will call this finished... I can fiddle with it for ever LOL. There comes a time to say sign it and call it done.
I have really enjoyed drawing this wonderful majestic animal. Now what can I do next.???? I am sure I will find something interesting from our trip.

Bison WIP #2

2011-11-10T12:12:00.000+11:00

Canson 220 gsm Paper. 30 x 18cm

Got a little further on the Bison yesterday. Still lots of detail to do yet. It's so much fun drawing him with his thick coat I'm not sure if they look like this all the time or if they are in the process of shedding the winter coat but then we took these photos in August/Sept.

WIP Bison

2011-11-06T17:22:00.002+11:00

Canson 220 gsm Paper. 30 x 18cm

Time I started drawing. A nice free day at last to draw. I am doing the complete animal so it will take me awhile. Lots of hair... It's good practice. It's pretty much at the ugly stage on the head. hopefully it will get better as I work on it.

Bluey having breakfast on the patio.

2011-11-04T16:08:00.001+11:00

Bluey having breakfast on the patio. a video by Nev Cross on Flickr.

My work has been featured. (Big Smiles)

2011-11-04T11:58:00.000+11:00

A nice surprise when an online company asked if they could feature my work. Here is the article.
http://pocketchange.become.com/2011/11/best-of-the-web-no-39.html

Thank you Max Shpungin. Also here is a link of interest from the company. http://tips.become.com/

Have a great weekend.

If this isn't the most handsome little Boy.

2011-10-22T12:56:00.005+11:00

More on our trip in Gallery.

I couldn't show you this before our trip as it was a surprise for friends of ours. Lee, Charlie who live in the US. This is their grandson Jake. He is 3 yrs old now. and still as handsome.

I can't remember what size I did this but it was quite large. It was great to meet young Jake in person. Our last visit to them was in 2004.

Photos of our trip.

2011-10-20T23:47:00.000+11:00

I am slowly working through some photos to upload to Picasa . I have created an album for China.

Please click on the Gallery Tab under the header on my blog site and click on the image for China 2011.

I hope to get back to my drawing board very soon now. I didn't get chance to draw while on the trip... Hope I have not gone rusty LOL. I have so many ref photos but not as many of wild life as I would have liked.

Hope you enjoy the photos. I will work on the USA next. this will be a large album as we were there for 6 weeks and visited so many places.

Back home

2011-10-16T19:58:00.002+11:00

Hi all.

I am back home after a wonderful 66 day holiday. Sorry for no posts during the China trip. China do not allow access to Blogger or Facebook. Grrrrrrrr

USA

We had a marvelous time in the USA as we have before. The country and the people. We cannot speak highly enough. Everyone is so friendly. It was so sad to leave.
Meeting our art friends was amazing - Jan http://petstoposies.blogspot.com/ Gary http://gkeimigart.blogspot.com/ Tom http://silversagegallery.blogspot.com/ It was great to see all Gary and Toms work in the gallery.
Deb. http://artshtickscorner.blogspot.com/ It was great to meet you all and wish we could have spent more time with you all. It was also great to meet up with a friend from Flickr Andrew and his beautiful Bully, Maycie. Last but not least meeting up with friends Charlie, Lee, Dawn, Mario and young Jake. It was great to see them and catch up again after 7 years.

We had a great time in the UK. My very dear Aunt who I love so much. Meeting up with a 2nd cousin twice removed whom I had not met before Dennis and Christine. We spent a wonderful 2 days with. It was just like we had known them forever.
I also met up with friends from my teenage years. We all had a great lunch.

China

Our first meal in Beijing with the tour group was Peking duck. which was lovely.

Beijing. It was great seeing the Pandas at the Zoo. The great wall, Tianaman square and the Forbidden City. I am sorry I do not have anything nice to say about the city in general...It was dirty and the Chinese spit everywhere, the toilets are disgusting except for in the shopping centers. It was difficult to find a western toilet at times. The Chinese don't seem to have any regard for personal space... they push, shove and they are neither friendly or smile. The only place we did see friendliness was in Suzhou where they smiled and said Hello. Came over to us at times to show off their babies, it was so nice.

We had lunch with a Chinese family in Xian which was very nice. We also visited a school in Xian where we had morning tea and entertained by dancing and singing from the children. It was a special school for children with learning difficulties. They were so sweet and we got up and did the chicken dance with them. so fun. We bought bracelets that they made and gave donations to help the school. www.westhuiling.org

We had two overnight train trips. 15 hours each on the tour. from Beijing to Xian and Xian to Suzhou. The first overnight train was a real culture shock with only squatting toilets (disgusting state). 6 bunks to a cabin. fortunately I was given a bottom bunk. The old Chinese man opposite me snored and slurped noodles through the night. Grrrrrrrrrrr. The second overnight train was a little better after getting over the shock. toilets the same but we managed to have all the tour group in 2 cabins next to each other so we had lots of laughs together. We took Imodium tablets to before getting on the train. haha to reduce using the hole in the floor toilets.

In Suzhou, we had a ride on a rickshaw which was fun and then on the gondola which was even more exciting with the Chinese men and women that rowed the gondolas sang as we wound our way through the waterways. I will post a video clip soon. It was awesome. In the evening we went with a couple from the group for a long walk along the canal where it was buzzing with life. went to a wine bar and relaxed with much laughter. Suzhou was a lovely surprise for us...I could have stayed there longer.

The Tour we did was the Intrepid. Our guide was Chinese but spoke good English, he was fun. There was a good measure of free time which was great. We had a mixture of food.... some Chinese ( not sure what we were ordering) LOL We tried to look for the restaurants that either had pictures or was written in English underneath the Chinese. We did find some Pizza Huts which amazingly had upstairs al a carte . We could get a steak, Pasta, Pizza. super desserts and WOW a glass of wine, and a western toilet with soap and hand drier. Pure luxury. The Chinese are not wine drinkers, especially white wine was so hard to get. OMG I think I dried out in China. ...hehehehe.

Our last train journey from Suzhou to Shanghai was on the bullet train. which traveled at 299 klm hour at times. We saw the old Shanghai and the New. We then got the MagLev train. ( Magnetic Levitation). to the airport. The speed reached over 300 km per hour. When the Maglev was tested it went 500 kmh. We got to the airport in 12 minutes. a taxi would have taken 1 hour.
Our group on the tour was small.... 3 Americans, 2 Canadians, 2 English and 3 Aussies.

It is nice to be home. We slept well last night in our comfy bed. In China all the beds are like concrete...they are so hard.

It feels good to be back with my friends on Blogger and back to my art board which I have plenty of ref photos to draw. I did not get as many wild life photos as I hope to get. I guess it was not the right time of year . We did get close to the Buffalo's which was great in the US.

I will post a lot of photos into Picasa and post the link in blogger for you.

Hugs
Dors. xx

More on our trip.

2011-09-12T13:53:00.001+10:00

B&B in Williamsburg. (Home from Home with great hosts at the Magnolia Manor).

Williamsburg. of early settlement.

At the Magnolia manor. dinner on the deck.

Lunch with Deb in most awesome place. Clydes Willow Bank.

Deb and I. It was so wonderful to meet Deb.

An Amish Farm in Lancaster.

I posted this oil painting to our wonderful friends Charlie & Lee in Connecticut about 8 years ago. Reunion yesterday so I got to present it officially. Friends for life and beyond.

Charlie, Jake and the drawing I did recently of Jake when he was a baby.... to present to them on this trip.

Oh wow what a dinner at a wonderful steak house in Connecticut. We had a great time with long time friends that we cherrish so much.
You know we have more friends in the USA than we have in Australia. that's a fact.

Presenting a drawing of Maycie to a dear friend in Connecticut. Andrew and his gorgious Bull Terrier Maycie.
Nev and Andrew met on a Bully site.. We had a wonderful day meeting them and lunch was at an old restaurant which was awesome. Smorgasboard of fine foods.. most enjoyable. Thank you Andrew.

North Carolina

2011-09-06T08:23:00.000+10:00

We had a wonderful time in North Carolina.
We met Jan and Dayle, stayed with them overnight. They treated us to a wonderful homecooked meal with specialty southern food which was so delicious. Spent some time in Jans studio which is super.
It was Nevs birthday that night so a special desert was made by Jan even dressed with candles.
It was sad to leave them as we had so much fun.

At Jans. Humming bird at the feeder.

Bear at an inclosure at Grandfather Mountain.. couldn'y get a pic of a wild one.

Deer at Granfather Mountain.

Mile High swing bridge.

We are having the most exciting time.

We are in Williamsburg 3nights.   Not uploaded the camera pic yet so hopefully tomorrow.   Staying at the Magnolia Manor.
We leave Williamsburg tomorrow after breakfast.... yummy B & B breakfast.
Meeting with Deb and Cliff for lunch at a super looking place that Deb chose.   Can't wait to see them.   Then we have to depart and make for Lancaster to check into our next B&B.

We have become addicted to the WalMart... LOL.   I wanna live here. :) They are a super store.

In Dubois

2011-08-30T12:18:00.000+10:00

We had a great day in Dubois Met up with Gary and Vicki Keimig. also Tom Lucas. We had lunch in a cafe in Dubois with Gary and Vicki. Then went into The Silver Sage Gallery to meet Tom.
Fabulous people and wow the art was superb in the gallery.

Here are a few photos we took. It was a very hot day. Gary was doing a workshop and we still had some driving to do to get to our destination that night in Rawlins on the way to Denver.

Gary and Dors

Tom and Dors.

Taking a look at Gary's work.

Silver Sage Gallery.

More on the USA's beautiful Country

2011-08-29T12:12:00.000+10:00

Buffalo Herd

We could not believe it ....We were driving along the road to take pictues of the Moulton Barn on Morman row Jackson hole. As we had not seen any Buffalo or Bison close up...Nev said no problem Doreen when we get toi the Barn the Buffalo will be there with the wife and kids and even the relos. Well we laughed so much because as we arrived there...Here were the herd and we stopped the car and they just strolled passed us...We could have touched them. No zooms here.

Just waiting to get the the photos resized from Dubois.
Oh we are having the best time and there is so much more to come....

In the USA

2011-08-28T14:36:00.001+10:00

OMG we are having so much fun. Glad we don't have to pay for rolls film and processing these days. taken so many photos. Not seen too much wildlife yet except for Buffalo and the odd deer.
We had a wonderful time in South Dakota. Met up with a dear driend of 4 yrs emailing. Maria was so lovely and it was like we had known each other all our lives.

Mt Rushmore.

Mt Rushmore was superb.
We went onto Jackson Hole and stayed in Jackson. It was our anniversary during our stay in Jackson. Great dinner

We left Jackson this morning..Oh I must say that the condo we stayed in "The Indian Painbrush" was superb. Everything we needed there and they went the extra mile with the nice little extras.

We drove up to Dubois from there and met up with Gary & Vick Keimig, Tom Lucas. We enjoyed a lunch together at their favourite cafe. The Silver Sage Gallery was awesome to see. All the wonderful work of Gary and Tom. Lots of hugs and photos. (to come). I even got their autographs. :)

We are now in the lovely B&B Ferris Mansions at Rawlins in Wyoming. Elegant, old and comfortable.

Ok time for bed after a long journey. Nev had done most of the driving but I can now say I have driven in the USA which is the opposite side of the road driving and left hand drive. It was a bit nerve wracking at first but good. just have to think all the time... we keep saying turn right and turn tight. LOL. or as Nev says follow the car in front of you. hehehe.

It's all fun.

The US is a fabulous country and we love the friendly people.

In the USA (Las Vegas)

2011-08-26T13:10:00.000+10:00

A fantastic Helicopter ride and Champagne Breakfast at the Grand Canyon.

Ok everyone has to put a dollar in the machine in Vegas.

A great time in Vegas but we are not Tinsel town people and as good as it was we were happy to move on to Denver.

In the USA

2011-08-25T15:32:00.001+10:00

Arrived safely in the USA. SF was fantastic.. We walked so much and saw so much. Walked from The Hilton to the Golden Gate Bridge.   walked over the bridge and back. wow sore feet but a great day.
We then flew to Las Vegas. Tinsel town LOL   Celine Dion concert was amazing as was the Helicopter down the Grand Canyon.   with Champagne breakfast and a delicious food hamper. Only 2 days in Vegas.   Photos tomorrow when we have resized.
I caught a cold in Vegas which went to my chest. Grrrrrr I barked worse than a dog. LOL ended up at the Dr's in Jackson. What with the altitude in Yellowstone and Teton being as high as 9,000 feet above sea level.   I gasped for breath and coughed .... On anti- Biotics and cough bottle and recovering well.
The we flew onto Denver got into our rental car and headed up to South Dakota.   where we met my long time friend Maria. (photos to follow).   Fabulous time in Spearfish, Rapid City. Mt Rushmore.
We will post photos as time permits.
We left South Dakota and arrived in Yellowtone National Park and onto Jackson Hole. Staying at Jackson in a Condo.... very comfy.   We are here until Saturday when we leave for Dubois to meet up with Gary and his wife Vicki. can't wait to see them.
Then to Rawlins for a night and then to Denvor for our flight to Charlotte.  I will leave it there until we have sorted out some pics....we have thousands already.
We love the USA.
Lots more to post..... soooooon.   Love to all and hope you are having fun painting. I can see I will have lots to catch up on. But for now we are having so much fun.
Hugs...Dors.

Koalas

2011-08-08T09:39:00.001+10:00

Koala drawings in Graphite. Arches 300 gsm smooth paper.

Just a couple of Koala and that's it until we return from our trip.

Watch out for the photos though.

We will post photos on here , FB and Flickr.

Happy drawing and painting. xx

Hugs to all We leave Tues and will have the night in Sydney so we are close to the airport for our early flight on Wednesday.

Kagaroo with Joey

2011-08-04T10:19:00.004+10:00

Kangaroo with Joey
Arches 300gsm smooth paper. 20 x 31cm

Still drawing Kangaroos here. I just could not resist drawing this Mom with here sweet little Joey.

WIP Kangaroo Finished.

2011-07-31T13:02:00.004+10:00

Kangaroo on Arches smooth 300gsm paper 30 x 20cm.

I really enjoy drawing these Kangaroos as they feel part of the family. They visit so often now.
Only 10 more sleeps before we are up up and away on our US/Uk/China trip.
I may be able to get one more drawing in before we leave. I don't think I will have much drawing time while away so I will post photos and keep you updated as to where we are. We will have the net book with us so I will try and keep up with reading and commenting on blogs as much as I can .

New arrival. Awwwwwwwwww

2011-07-26T21:13:00.005+10:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lCKc8tURtc This is an amazing video showing the birth of a Joey.

We had an idea this was happening and tonight there she was with baby Joey in the pouch. Couldn't you just cry with joy. Just beautiful and in our garden. This is truly heaven in the back yard.

They are tiny when they are born about 1" long, they find their own way after birth into Mum's pouch where they keep growing. I think Mum kicks them out when they are big enough and strong enough to walk.

WIP Kangaroo

2011-07-23T17:29:00.004+10:00

Kangaroo 30 x 20cm on Arches 300 gsm smooth paper.

Another Kangaroo. Nev took some great shot and now I am hooked on drawing them all. LOL.

I am getting in as much drawing as possible as while I am away I expect we will be too busy with all the sightseeing and taking photos. It will be a while before I put pencil to paper. Maybe I will get a little time in the evenings to do some quick sketches, especially when I have had my Dick Blick fix. I can't wait to get into that store. I will have to watch I don't spend to much of the holiday dollars. hehehe.

Cutie Bub (Kangaroo)

2011-07-20T16:25:00.008+10:00

Baby Kangaroo. 8 x 12" on Arches 300 gsm paper

Graphite Drawing.

Ooops no WIP's. I had better get back into them. I have just been playing around having fun with the photos that Nev took last week of the Kangaroos in our garden.

Today this gorgeous little one was right our side my window....almost like he was saying, Hey is that me you are drawing. LOL and yes it was.

Maycie Finished.

2011-07-15T18:54:00.001+10:00

Maycie. English Bull Terrier. graphite on Arches smooth 400gsm paper.

Well Maycie is finished. What's next. I think maybe one of the Kangaroos that visit us regular.
Nev took some great photos this week of them.

Maycie

2011-07-13T12:17:00.003+10:00

Maycie on Arches 300gsm smooth watercolor paper. 28 x 20cm

This is a gift for a friend in the USA where I will be delivering it by hand. I still have some tweaking to do on it. and to finish work on the front legs.

I have not had a lot of time to blog the last couple of weeks with finishing drawings and getting things sorted for our big trip. We are all sorted now, everything booked . I have done a little yummy clothes shopping but all is casual as I am not to much of a dressy up person. The good old faithfuls like jeans and Tees. LOL. I feel so at home in. A lot of our time will be sightseeing and cameras in hand which will be so exciting and to be able to meet up with a few blogger friends is a huge plus. There will be a bunch of photos .

Male Lion Finished.

2011-06-23T12:54:00.001+10:00

Lion. 28 x 42cm on Waterford & Bockingford drawing paper 300gsm

I finished it this morning. After many many hours work I am calling it done. It's been another project that I have really enjoyed.

Lion WIP #5

2011-06-19T12:56:00.001+10:00

Lion. 28 x 42cm on Waterford & Bockingford drawing paper 300gsm

The finish is slowing coming. I get so attached to these beautiful majestic animals that I never want to finish as they then come off the drawing board. I have been working on the hair and the features a little more. The bottom of the drawing is to be done yet which shouldn't take too long.

An Arty weekend to you all.

Lion WIP #4

2011-06-11T12:47:00.004+10:00

Lion. 28 x 42cm on Waterford & Bockingford drawing paper 300gsm

I got a little more done yesterday. It's slow work all the hair from now on is in the shadow. I am enjoying this challenging male very much.

It's been so cold here this week, a good excuse for staying indoors and in the art room. Our temps have been as low as 4 deg C with daytime high's 14 - 17. which is cold for us. It should be a little warmer today as the rain has set in. tossing up... housework - v- artwork. Maybe a little of each. LOL.

Lion WIP #3

2011-06-10T16:18:00.000+10:00

I managed to get more done the last 2 days on the Lion. More to do on the mouth and get those whiskers happening and a little more work on the hair especial the dark under hair. The top 2/3rds will then be complete. There is a rock at bottom right corner. I should have him finished over the weekend.

Hope you all have a great arty weekend.

Lion WIP #2

2011-06-03T12:07:00.001+10:00

Lion

I progressed a little more this week. I was hoping to be further along but I have had a week of running around. I still have a lot of work to do on his face and the hair/fur. He is slowly coming to life. As you will have noticed I dart all over the place. LOL I don't seem to be able to just work from a corner and concentrate on a small area at a time. :)
With so much detail on his face it's going to take a while but I am enjoying the challenge of this majestic lion..

WIP #1 Lion.

2011-05-28T11:43:00.004+10:00

Lion. 28 x 42cm on Waterford & Bockingford drawing paper 300gsm

I have roughed in the start of this piece. so much work to do on the long hair and the face. I think the eye is completed. A lot more challenging..LOL I love a challenge. Another quite large work. I am loving these giant lovable wild animals. This is mainly a head and shoulders and comes courtessy of the WetCanvas reference library.

Back grounds or not.

2011-05-26T11:54:00.001+10:00

Referring to the last project of Mags...the magpie.

I'm never sure about mixing mediums other than the little touch of color that I usually add. It's always hard to know if we should have a BG or not when we do animals in graphite. Some artists say without a BG the picture is not complete. I always feel that Pen & Ink can work without a BG . Watercolor and oils need a BG.What do you all think?
The housework done and our trip all finalized. All bookings made...so time to settle down back into my artwork. We just have to sit back now and wait for the big trip.

My next project is going to be a Male Lion...the mate to the Lioness. I should get started on that today.

Have a great Arty Day.

Mags Finished.

2011-05-21T11:26:00.001+10:00

Mags. 8 x 10" on Arches smooth paper.

I didn't really enjoy this piece. I did the BG in both pastel and prismacolor pencils. With the pastel dust it is hard to get the black working with Mags being in graphite. It has been a goos experiment all the same.

Mags...update.

2011-05-20T11:12:00.001+10:00

Mags.
Still a lot to do yet... working on tones especially on Mags and more work in the tree branches.

I have been having fun here with Mags. I subscribe to Ozsale.com. Where in au we buy thing as much as 70% off the retail price. You have to be quick to purchase as each sale is only up to 3 - 4 days. I was so excited when I saw Faber-Castel had a sale on there. I jumped in quick as these items were half price. I had to wait about 6 weeks to get them but they arrived on Wednesday. Here is what I purchased.

Colored Pitt Pens.. Chartcoal Pencil set. Graphite Pencil set. Pastels. Art sketch Diary.
The lot incl postage was $98. au.

I have already experimented with the lovely soft pastels on the BG here .

Mags WIP

2011-05-15T16:51:00.001+10:00

Mags on Arches smooth paper. 8 x 10"

Mags is our resident magpie. He comes every day along with his mate Sobersides and little bubs. LOL they are the names we have given to them. They have heart for breakfast and what ever they can can get the rest of the day, toast, bread, ham. They certainly don't go hungry. They have trained us well ;)
Still lots to do on Mags. Black feathers are difficult but I have more layers to work on yet.

Possums dinner time.

2011-05-08T18:52:00.000+10:00

This is the first time they have allowed me to hand feed them with Banana chips. They love them.as well as carrot, pumpkin and grapes. It's taken some time and patience, so worth the wait.
They are gorgeous.

Lioness Finished.

2011-05-03T11:26:00.010+10:00

Arches 300gsm Smooth Paper 43 x 35cm

I have finally finished the Lioness. She feel like a friend with the time it has taken to complete this. I did give you plenty of updates with her. I am thinking maybe a male Lion next to keep this lady company.

I would like to thank. Rod Haley ( Flickr). Thank you very much Rod for your permission to use one of your superb photos.

Lioness WIP 7

2011-04-20T10:22:00.002+10:00

Arches 300 gsm smooth paper 43 x 35cm

I should have this finished over the next couple of days. When it's finished I will miss seeing her face. LOL I get so attached to my animal drawing... It's like getting to know them and making friends while drawing them. I don't know about adding the touch of color to this one. There is the green grass but I am not sure.I need to think about it.

Lioness WIP #6

2011-04-14T18:48:00.008+10:00

I didn't get much done this week on the Lioness. I have had a sore throat and a cold which settled on my chest. Happy to say I am feeling a lot better and getting back to the drawing board.

Our Trip

We have been very busy lately working on the plans for our upcoming trip overseas later in the year (Aug/Sept/Oct). We are making this a special trip as we feel this will probably be our last trip overseas ... unless we win on the Lottery. ;) Most of our stops will be for 3-4 days. First call San Fransisco, Las Vegas (Celine Dion Concert) Grand Canyon by helicopter ) , Denver up to South Dakota ( Mt Rushmore) and most importantly to see my dear friend Maria, some of you may know Maria as Pencil Sanity. Then to Wyoming (Have a cuppa and dunk a ginger cookie with Gary and Vicki Keimig ). Visit Yellowstone National Park, A wildlife day tour. Then flying across to North Carolina and make our way over 3 weeks up to Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Meet up with very dear friends for many years that I met on the internet, the Maddare family that we have previously met when Nev and I married in Vermont 7 yrs ago. Charles Maddare walked me down the isle ...well the grass bank in the gardens of the lovely Fairbanks Hotel in St Johnsbury. does that count for an isle. LOL. Then we go to New Hampshire, Maine, I will meet up with my dear friend Jill in Maine that I met in an art forum a few years ago. Then finally onto Boston for a few days. Revisit "Cheers" where Nev had his 60th birthday on our last trip. Leaving the USA sadly and flying to the UK for 10days to see family, then flying to Beijing /Shanghai tour for 2 weeks, then a few days leasure to shop and just wander . Then back to Sydney and home.

Dry Cleaning Pad.

2011-04-11T12:07:00.004+10:00

1. I have recently found this amazing tool. I would not be without one now... The pad does not need washing as it cleans it's self. It is also great for cleaning drawing tools. shapers, brushes etc.

2. Fold as directed and rub to clean off any marks that you get around your drawing.

3. As you will see in the third image it leaves crumbs of rubber. Sweep them away with your brush.

4. It leaves a nice clean surface and no damage to the tooth on the surface.

I have researched the availability and most art stores carry them. Dick Blick has them. I paid $14.95 in Au ....They are much cheaper in the USA.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/alvin-dry-cleaning-pad/

Lioness WIP #5

2011-04-04T10:29:00.001+10:00

Now comes the hard part...All the rock :) Still lots to do yet. Her front paw will be outside the frame. I thought it would give a more 3D look. Hope she looks like she's jumping off the paper. LOL or maybe a friendly paw to be stroked.

Lioness WIP #4

2011-04-01T19:42:00.000+11:00

A little further on now. I have done quite a lot this afternoon but the light is not good now so I will post another update in the morning. It's interesting as this seems to have all the shades of graphite in it. I like that.

I have been Featured.

2011-04-01T10:46:00.004+11:00

Art is Fun
I am very thrilled and honored to be chosen Featured Artist on
"Art Is Fun"
Many thanks to Thaneeya.
Please take a look around the site while you are there, there are lots of interesting articles etc.

http://www.art-is-fun.com/detailed-pencil-drawings.html

Lioness WIP #3

2011-03-27T10:44:00.003+11:00

Arches 300 gsm smooth paper 43 x 35cm

I got a bit more done on this yesterday. There is still a lot more to do but the head is now taking shape.

Lioness WIP #2.

2011-03-25T11:28:00.001+11:00

Arches 300gsm paper 45 x 35 cm

Resuming the Lioness.

2011-03-21T12:14:00.001+11:00

Arches 300gsm smooth paper. 45 x 35 cm

Just to recap on where I am at with the Lioness. I am posting the last update. It's back on the drawing board. I should get a little done today.
A large drawing for a nice change. Just mapping out getting some base working. The size when finished will be 45 x 35 cm plus the border on Arches smooth 300 gsm paper.
The lioness ref photo comes courtesy of Rod Haley ( Flickr). Thank you very much Rod for the permission to use one of your superb photos.

Chakra WIP comission. Finished.

2011-03-16T11:24:00.004+11:00

10 x 8" Prismacolor Pencil and Graphite on Canson 220 gsm smooth Paper.

Here is Chakra all finished. I will leave it for a day and then look if it needs any tweaking.
The bottom of the Love Box is done in CP as it didn't have a good look in graphite.

Chakra WIP comission. #5

2011-03-15T10:36:00.000+11:00

A little more done. I still have work to do on the folds of the fabric and the fabric at the bottom.
This green is the only touch of color. The rest will be in graphite. I am not sure about the brown trim... I may change to graphite.. Having a thing about that. :)

Chakra WIP comission. #4

2011-03-13T19:20:00.001+11:00

Sorry for the poor image..It's late afternoon and light is not good.

I think Chakra is coming to life now. Still a lot more to be done. He looks so cute sitting in his " Love Box"
I like the challenge of CP and Graphite a little tricky where the two mediums join.

Chakra WIP comission. #3

2011-03-13T13:44:00.003+11:00

A little more done on Chakra. More layering of fur on his back and the highlight on the tail. more work on the chin whiskers ... Then it gets exciting.... with the touch of color.

Chakra WIP comission. #2

2011-03-12T17:08:00.001+11:00

Coming along better now I have changed to the smooth paper. I have had a good few hours at it today. Nice and relaxing. I need to correct the whisker over the eye. ;) It's good to post... as soon as I get a drawing posted on my blog I see where things need sweaking.

Chakra WIP comission. #1

2011-03-10T16:29:00.010+11:00

8 x 10" Canson 220 gsm smooth paper.

I am much happier with the above drawing on smooth paper. :)

8 x 10" Arches 300 gsm Medium Paper.

I am going to do this again as I am not happy with the paper for this work. It's a medium tooth paper and It is not working for me with the cat. so it's take two on a smoother paper.

This is not a pretty stage of the drawing. I like to get a rough blocking in and work on the fur once I know where everything needs to be placed. I can now get into the fine detail.
Chakra. is in his Love Box. I will try to do more postings with this WIP as I work through this beautiful cat. He looks so comfortable he makes me feel sleepy. LOL "Wake up Dors. work to do"

Finished Cat WIP (Update)

2011-03-03T12:38:00.003+11:00

Arches 300gsm smooth paper 10 x 10"

Another update. The eyes were a little too sad. Hope this has given Sheraz a look that fits her personality better. It is a little hard when photos are not very detailed, also working from a few images.

Finished Cat WIP. (Sheraz)

2011-03-01T17:55:00.000+11:00

Arches 300gsm smooth paper. 10 x 10"

I was not really happy with the fore leg that is tucked under her body. I feel it is looking better now.

Also Jan pointed the same thing out to me. Thank you Jan for your critique.

Finished Cat WIP

2011-02-28T14:49:00.006+11:00

Arches 300 gsm paper. 10 x 10"

I think I am calling this done. I will leave it a day and then take another look to see if it needs any tweaking.

Commission. Cat WIP #2

2011-02-26T11:06:00.000+11:00

A little more done on Sheraz. It's interesting drawing black cats, it really makes you look hard into the subject for markings, every little detail possible.

Commission. Cat

2011-02-25T12:58:00.001+11:00

Arches 300gsm smooth paper. 10 x 10"

I have finally made a start on the black cat after running out of 300gsm paper. I have plenty of 185gsm but I do like the 300gsm. I managed to get a sheet locally yesterday. I will order an A2 pad from Carrero Art Supplies who give a great service.
Starting to block in then build up the fir. As you all know Black Cats are the hardest to draw. The magnifying glass and zooming in should give me some detail although the ref photos don't show much detail. ..I will do my best and enjoy every pencil stroke. :)

Lioness WIP #2

2011-02-22T11:20:00.000+11:00

A little more done on her. I will put this on hold for a week as I have a commission to do. A black cat.
I will be doing a WIP on the commission cat so I will still be posting this week.

Hope your all having a great day.

Lioness WIP

2011-02-21T14:36:00.005+11:00

A large drawing for a nice change. Just mapping out getting some base working. The size when finished will be 45 x 35 cm plus the border on Arches smooth 300 gsm paper.
The lioness ref photo comes courtesy of Rod Haley ( Flickr). Thank you very much Rod for the permission to use one of your superb photos.

Revisited the cockatoo.

2011-02-18T16:11:00.001+11:00

I decided to add a tree breanch to balance this... also thinking it makes the whole cockatoo and this one more a pair.

Coyote Finished

2011-02-12T17:02:00.002+11:00

Coyotee.

25 x 22 cm on Canson 220 gsm paper.

Managed to get the Coyotee finished today. The Coyote was a nice change from the birds and wild animals we have here in Australia.

So what's next... Digging deep into my ref photos, I am sure I will find something to enjoy drawng.

Coyotee WIP #3

2011-02-11T10:24:00.003+11:00

Coyote is taking shape now but still a lot more work on the thick coat.

Coyote WIP #2

2011-02-10T11:27:00.000+11:00

A little bit further on. blocked in roughly ... Lot more to be done but it's progressing.

Coyote WIP #1

2011-02-07T14:28:00.001+11:00

20 x 20 cm on Canson 220 gsm paper.

I thought I would draw something a little different. This is a Coyote. Ref photo courtesy of Wet Canvas Ref Library.

Shading Brushes

2011-02-06T23:01:00.003+11:00

It is a good idea to cut the hair down short on the brush if it makes blending easier.

These are the shader brushes that I use... I am sorry but the brushes turn around every time I close the scanner. Grrrrrrrrrr They are Roymac shader brushes CB - 90. as you can see I have worn the #4 away almost to nothing. I tried to order a new one but the #4 is so hard to get...I had to order a #6. as you can see there is a huge difference in the size. I will keep searching for another #4 even if I have to order overseas.

(Lene...... this is the brush and it is not a rubber ended shader... it is a brush ...I am not sure what hair it is. it does not say when ordering. Laffin here, look at the state of my poor old #4. I have worn it to death. LOL.
I do hope I can get another #4 sometime soon.
I hope this is a clearer explanation for you Lene. :)

What Tools do you use ?

2011-02-05T15:51:00.008+11:00

Click image to enlarge.

I hope some of you find this interesting.

I was asked a question this week regarding the tools I use for blending graphite and it gave me an idea. Why don't we share our ideas on what works for us. I always wonder what tools other artists use for their work. Watercolor, Graphite, Acrylic, Oils, Pastels etc.

I purchased an embossing tool and to my dismay the ball was way too big for whiskers etc. The ball pulls out so I am thinking maybe I could get interchangable sizes ? At the moment I am using a home made stylus - a clutch pencil with a big darning needle inserted. Nev kindly rounded off the end for me. It works well as long as I keep some blue tac over it to stop the needle from rusting when not in use. Not a good idea to put rust on good drawing paper... LOL.

It is hard to see some of the names on the products so I will list them.
Roymac #6 CB-90 Shader Brush
Roymac #4 CB - 90 Shader Brush... I prefer the #4 but is hard to get.
Pastel shapers Taper Point and Flat chisel.
Tuff Stuff pencil eraser.
Koh-I-Nor Mephisto 0.05 clutch pencil.
Caran D'Ache Fixpencil. 2mm single
Jacar battery operated eraser.

Cockatoo Finished.

2011-02-02T18:43:00.005+11:00

Here is the finished Cockatoo. I have to say I did lose a little interest in completing this piece. We had a disastrous week and I know some will say "I told you so" and rightly so . We were feeding the Lorikeets and along came these big beautiful Cockatoos The Cockatoos are notorious for their destruction of gardens....Nevertheless
Nev was in raptures with the camera having so many lovely birds to photograph... so there was a need to feed all these birds so they will keep coming in for the photo shots. We even got to feed these gentle giants by hand. One morning this week Nev woke up and ventured outside to see the birds and feed them . OMG What a mess. The Cockatoos decided they would help themselves to the bucket of seed that had a lid on and was on the patio in a corner out of sight. They managed to remove the lid, had a good feed and while they were on the patio they thought they would do a little damage and chew through a lot of the branches on the plants on the patio. Beautiful Port Wine Magnolias, New plants that were waiting to be planted to make hedges in the garden, Blueberry shrubs etc.
We regretably have had to stop feeding the birds as we cannot feed some birds and say Hey you Cockatoos can't have any....They will just keep coming and multiplying. Shame but that life.
They have been back a couple of days to do more damage... They thought revenge is sweet. After covering all the plants with hessian that we can and taking the blueberries into the garage each night as they are in pots also the Port Wine Magnolias.
They have finally given up their destruction . HURRAY!!!!.
There are always lessons to be learnt in life. We feel sad that we can no longer feed the Rainbow Lorikeets as the Cockatoos are still around and watching, waiting for more food. Maybe soon we can feed the Lorikeets just for a short time each day and keep a vigilant look out for the Cockatoos.

Cockatoo WIP #3

2011-01-28T12:44:00.000+11:00

A little more done and our PJ is munching away on a sour Lemon. Now I know these birds will just about eat anything.
I still have more work to do on the feathers so the next posting will be finished .

Thank goodness we are having a cool day after the last few ranging from 36 C - 40 C

Have a great weekend.

Cockatoo WIP #2

2011-01-27T12:30:00.000+11:00

A bit more done to our friendly Cockatoo. We call him PJ as he looks like he is wearing white Pyjama pants.
The stolen ........ will soon be revieled. hehehe.

Wanna share that Cocky WIP

2011-01-26T12:22:00.003+11:00

Cockatoo on Arches 300 gms smooth paper.
7 x 11"

Here is another Cockatoo WIP. I am getting addicted to these birds. They are such characters,
It's so fun to watch them.
You will see what he is eating soon. He pinches things out of the garden... thinks we don't know when he hides in the tree and munches away on the stolen ...........

Yellow Crested Cockatoo WIP Finished

2011-01-25T13:53:00.000+11:00

Yellow Crested Cockatoo
20 x 30 cm on Arches 185 gsm Smooth Watercolor Paper.

Finished Cockatoo. I will put it aside for a few days and then see if it needs any tweaking.

My next project is a commission .

Yellow Crested Cockatoo WIP #2

2011-01-11T11:26:00.000+11:00

A bit more done and hope to have it finishedtoday or tomorrow.

Yellow Crested Cockatoo WIP

2011-01-07T11:30:00.003+11:00

Back to graphite for a change. This is one of our many visitors to our garden. We don't encourage these birds too much as they can destroy your garden not to mention the veggie patch. Up to now they have been good. Yesterday I think he brought the relos and friends. wow what a noice all squawking. OMG what a noice they make in numbers.

Happy drawing/painting

Checking out the Christmas tree

2011-01-05T23:45:00.000+11:00

Between Christmas and New Year we woke up one morning around 7am amazed. Here was the local Kangaroo looking in the family room window checking out our Christmas tree. I hope it met with his aproval. ;)

Lorikeets Finished

2011-01-02T12:24:00.004+11:00

SOLD

Here is the finished Lorikeets.

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T00:41:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year to everyone.

Wishing you Good health and Prosperity in 2011.

Image via Wikipedia

Sydney Harbour New Year

Back to the drawing board.

2010-12-30T00:25:00.004+11:00

Back home and after a wonderful Christmas with family.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that Santa was good to you.

Queensland was not the place to visit this Christmas. It was rain rain and more rain. a cyclone up north and floods everywhere. We unfortunately decided it best to cut our holiday short by one day and good job we did as the highway closed the next day. We made it home safely. pot holes in the road and rain most of the way home.

The year is almost at an end. I hope 2011 brings the best creations out for us artists. During 2010 I have enjoyed the wonderful standard of work shared by many blogger artists and I know 2011 will be even better.
Happy drawing and painting to you all.

Back into the Lorikeets now and should have it finished in the next few days.

2010-12-20T12:00:00.007+11:00

Merry Christmas.Image via Wikipedia

To all my blogger friends and guests. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas whether you are staying home or away on holiday. Stay safe and I look forward to sharing our art in the new year. Thank you for your support through the year which I have appreciated and enjoyed .

We will be heading off to meet my daughter Sandra and family for Xmas. We are each travelling halfway to make it easier for us all. Australia is such a big continent. They will travel from Townsville QLD and us from NSW. Staying at Harvey Bay QLD, which is approx halfway.
Hope the weather improves for us all. It's rain, floods or wind all down the east coast.

My very best wishes to you for a Healthy and Happy 2011.

Big Hugs. Dors. xx

Lorikeet WIP #3

2010-12-19T18:50:00.001+11:00

A little more done. Still have work to do on the lower part of the left bird. I wasn't happy with the lower part so some erasing/removing of color has been done so now to hopefully put that right. I think it will now stay on my drawing board until after Christmas. It will be something nice to come back to after the holiday break.

Lorikeet WIP 2

2010-12-13T12:30:00.001+11:00

Got a little more done over the last two days. I got on a roll yesterday amd forgot to post LOL Still have a lond way to go yet.

Rainbow Lorikeet WIP #1

2010-12-11T11:15:00.001+11:00

20 x 26 cm Canson 220gsm

Oh it seems forever since I did a piece in color pencil. I almost binned this LOL . I will keep going as it does seem to be slowly coming together. This should keep me busy for a while.

Rainbow Lorikeet

2010-12-06T11:39:00.000+11:00

Another addition to our garden. what will be next. ?

Kangaroos in our garden

2010-12-03T21:26:00.004+11:00

The family portrait.
Mum Dad and Bubs..

Look what we found munching on our grass in the garden late afternoon today. We have seen them really close but never in our own garden.
The house in the background is our next door neighbours. not sure if you can pick the wire fence between us. It was so exciting to see them. Hope they decide to come regular... there is plenty of grass to share with them. We are totally amazed at just how much wildlife we are getting on a 1/2 acrea lot.

Check out the short movie. The Kangaroos looking left then right to cross the road... leaving our garden.
http://www.youtube.com/user/dorspage?feature=mhum

Wildlife in our garden.

2010-12-01T09:03:00.002+11:00

More wildlife in our garden. We feed them all. The cheeky King Parrot helps himself to the tomatoes growing. photos taken by Nev http://www.flickr.com/photos/nevs_pics/

Long Billed Corella

Pink Galahs

Yellow Crested Cockatoo

King Parrot

Koala WIP Finished.

2010-11-18T19:15:00.002+11:00

SOLD

Here is the finished drawing of the Cutest Koala. Thank you again to Erik for the permission to use one of his wonderful photos.

Koala WIP 3

2010-11-15T18:00:00.000+11:00

Good news... My Carpal Tunnel is a lot better...no pain. I am moving along now with Cutie. still lots to do on the lower limbs of the Koala and the paws. Lots yet on the back ground. I should have it finished by the end of the week.

Koala #2 WIP

2010-11-08T11:11:00.001+11:00

A little more done on the little cutie. The Carpel Tunnel is playing up again so it's going a bit slow. I will get there.

Koala WIP #1

2010-11-05T16:32:00.002+11:00

Thank you Erik for your kindness in allowing me to drawing the cutest Koala.
Drawn on Arches smooth 300gsm watercolor paper. 22 x 32cm

I know you will all agree that he is the cutest little guy. It's day one so I will be going back over this as I see the need to change a little here and there.

I have really missed drawing and have been so busy lately with one thing and another. Now it's down to work on the drawing board and am I having fun. "You Bet" LOL.