Make art

These birds needed some more regal paper than the plain old cartridge they had been drawn upon. I mean, look at them - they're exotic, their plumage doesn't lift in any old damp wind, no it ruffles in tropical breezes laden with scents of spice and bloom.

One of them at least is destined to grace my final canvas from the Do What You Love retreat. It is so nearly finished... it just needs foliage and feathers for finishing finesse! I practiced a few and prepared to post them for Sunday Sketches, but they looked so sad in their black & white. These birds were meant for irridescent colour and songs to lift the heart. I treated them to a little swag and swirl and I think they feel much better for it. In fact, they've started squabbling over who gets to go in the painting, so it's getting a tad noisy round here... Time to move on.

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This next sketch went wrong. The poor lass had a mouth that didn't quite line up with her nose. However, there are never any mistakes or disasters in art - just opportunities to create something new (that's what I keep telling myself!).

First I dragged a wet brush over the watercolour crayons to smudge the colour, then I spiced her up in Photoshop with filters and blending - et voila - she sparkles! I learnt some new techniques by experimenting too. She's still hiding under that gossamer scarf though, despite the fact her features have undergone extensive PS surgery! Now, if only I could remember every step I went through for future reference...