Feathered inspiration

I managed to persuade my son to do some painting with me today. I even let him choose our subject matter - this rather resplendent yellow-billed turaco. Look at those feathers shimmering. His effort lasted around 60 seconds before he got bored - I took a bit more time with mine, but this was still a pretty quick study, so I thought I would share it with the Sunday Sketchers.

I have been drawn to collecting feathers lately. My boyfriend fears that the men in white coats will be taking me away as I present yet another 'haul' from one of my nature forays. My gathering to date has been somewhat monochrome - we don't have many exotic birds round these parts - the best I can usually hope for is the iridescent shine of a magpie's tail feather. I found a particularly excellent specimen recently simply by looking up into the trees and asking very nicely - sure enough, a few steps back along the path already trod, there was one right there in the middle just waiting for me :)

Last week though, my feathered friends decided I needed a treat ... just look! (yeah, I know there are some leaves and a twig in there too!). Alongside the peacock feathers there's also one from a jay - can you spot it?

Phoenix from the flame

I've been spending the week drawing snails - in particular grumpy snails, so yesterday when the 'slippery little suckers' all became a bit too much I reached for the bling.

This bird seriously dazzles - the scan doesn't quite do justice to the glimmer and glamour. I'm afraid I can't stake much claim to the originality of the look of this particular Phoenix though. I copied the drawing from a book (I'm also learning how to draw fantastical creatures as well as molluscs!). However, the colour and pattern is all me - what a burst of sunshine on (another) cloudy day!

I'm once again joining in with Summer of Colour - this week it's hot pink and orange. Very sherbet dib dab!

Looking for your wings?

Bet you're glad you're not a Goldfinch. Imagine having to cling precariously to a prickly teasel stem while trying to fish out a seed. I hope it's worth all the effort!

Pushed myself a bit this week for Take a Word's 'wings'challenge and moved away from painting poppies to tackle a feathered friend.

I just started thinking about Angry Birds and so now have an image of me pulling back this stem and sending him somersaulting into piles of piggies... Waheeeeee...........

I've been buying up piles of beautiful nature books from charity shops with the intention of painting the subjects within, but up to now all I've done is look at the pictures! Thank goodness for these art challenges around blogland that often give you the little push you need to try something a bit different!

I'm also joining in with Gritty Jane's 'painting a day for 10 days'. It's been easy so far with it being the weekend... I'm not too sure that I'll find much time tomorrow - might have to be a quick finger painting!

While we're on the subject of wings... I wanted to share with you a special something.

Find your Wings - an Art eCourse with a difference

Last year I ran an art course that changed lives. The feedback I received from some of my students literally brought tears to my eyes. It's time to run it again.

This isn't a course where I'll teach you to paint like me. Instead it's a series of exercises that encourage you to find your own style - to play and delve deep into the recesses of the imagination that may have got a bit dusty over the years.

What happens?

We have five weeks of lessons via a private blog and Facebook Group where you can share your work and hang out with other students.

Lessons start on Monday 1st April - an auspicious date if ever I saw one - and run for 5 consecutive weeks, but the classroom will remain open for another few weeks afterwards so you can work at your own pace.

Cost is just £35 - that's £7 per week if my maths is correct. However, get in early and you can take advantage of my early bird discount and pay just £30. You'll need to register by Monday 4th March 5pm GMT to take advantage of this special price though.

Places are strictly limited so I'm able to give everyone my attention - so sign up now before they disappear in a cloud of magic fairy dust!

Find out more and sign up over here at my new sparkling website which I made last week!

Who you lookin' at?

I've got my beady eyes on you sunshine - just watch yourself! Tap, tap, tapping on your door...

You've got to feel sorry for the crow family - much maligned. Not helped by this new series The Following - a serial killer obsessed with Poe. Creepy. This fellow is actually pretty friendly. He does have his eye on your jewellery though....

I bought a couple of bird books yesterday from a charity shop - I feel an urge to painted our winged friends (alongside the current floral obsessions). Had some of my poppy paintings printed up onto large canvas this week - the idea being to take them back to the galleries that showed an interest and see if I can persuade them to adorn their walls and tempt their customers. Wish me luck!

This fine black bird is thrilled to be visiting his brethren at the Take a Word challenge this week and he also put in a request to check out my friends at Sunday Sketches. Who am I to argue with him?

Love birds

Well, it is the season... All snuggled up keeping each other warm and loved. So sweet!

Makes me come over all romantic. This is the card I painted for 'himself'. He's already opened it as it dropped through his mailbox today and he's a bloke so doesn't wait for the actual day. That's his excuse - I reckon he just couldn't wait!

Sharing with Inspiration Avenue's February theme.

Acrylic background, watercolour birds painted over gesso.

A postcard from New Zealand

My how X and Y do travel the world. Apparently X was supposed to be in Norway last week, but she got called to New Zealand last minute... If only we could find out what exactly it is she does...

I thought we were nearly there this week, but it seems as if some slight inky mishap blighted the back of the card and both our and Y's chances of learning more about her mysterious travels...

As the text is a bit under the weather (aren't we all this week), I'll rewrite for you...

The 'Lesser Spotted' Kiwi

South Island, New Zealand

Do you remember the black & white parrot you sent me from Brazil?

When I saw the rainbow kiwi I knew you'd love it!"

Stop being so coy about who you are and what you do... It's time

to tell you that I work in...

Alas... we may never know....

What on earth will Y think when he gets this card?

Posting for the Postcard Challenge. Full back story can be found here (it's getting kind of long now...)