Two pieces I've been working on in the last 2 or 3 weeks. The pirate is a sort of commission, one of two paintings for a very old friend...two paintings I have been procrastinating over for....
embarrassed whisper...about 18 months! I'm simply not good with commissions, I worry about them too much and it makes it impossible to even start. When I paint a painting that I like (or at least am mostly happy with), and someone else happens to like the finished product, that is wonderful. But to paint something for someone, to try and live up to expectations (because there are always expectations even when people don't mean to have any), to try and make my work as good as, or better, than what they see in their mind's eye, that is another kettle of fish entirely. But here is one finished finally, now I must start on the other. I hope it's as good as she dreamed it would be!
I think it's called 'Land Ho!'
And a little bit of stitching that I began just before Christmas, inspired by all the wonderful photos of snow on my favourite blogs across the sea. You must understand that as an Aussie, snow has a magical fairytale quality for me, I've only ever experienced it once, and so such pictures are not only a delight but almost a necessity in the depths of our long hot summer! I'm still working on this one, it's just a bit of fun, so I don't know how it will turn out.
13 comments:
I love your little cloth...snow certainly does have a magical quality to those of us who dont get to experience it.
Wonderful painting. Your skies and the sea are so beautiful. Love the movement and colours.
Jacky xox
lol, I just finished a painting too.
I love your painting. I have a thing for flying ships too~
Both great... I love the curly, linear detail in the ocean waves.... and the bathrobe sail.... enchanting.
Even after living with snow for all of my life, I STILL am enchanted every time it comes. We've just had a new storm and the hemlocks are laden with snow. Today the sun is shining and crystals sparkle on the ground. It is as magical as ever!
my goodness, your painting is wonderful! I can understand your feelings over commissions,,, makes so much sense. And such a grand tiny fabric piece.
Could you get the permission of the commissionee to let you put prints of this painting on your Etsy? I think it's totally charming -- it would make a beautiful print for a little boy's room -- so many delightful details -- the bathrobe sail, the stuffed toy animal, the child in his jammies and a pirate hat. I love the way you do your moons and night skys. Reminds me of one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings -- Starry Night. It also gives a feeling of the stars as they seem to wheel around the pole star (it's the earth moving, not the stars!)
Your little bit of cloth would look nice as a little quilted embellishment to a pillow or as a quilt square.
What an amazing piece of work. I simply cannot get on with acrylic so I'm in awe of anyone who can make it work as beautifully as you manage to do. I will hope the commissionee can see the beauty of the piece.
Fabulous sky and waves, Mermaid. What a delightful piece. Your stitchery is amazing as well.
I think your friend will love the picture. I feel the same way about making something for someone. Its always a nightmare hoping that it lives up to their expectations and totally robs any of the enjoyment out of making the piece.
I live in central Texas and snow is a rarity here too. We usually manage to see it once a year. It will snow overnight and be glorious in the morning and by noon it is melted and only a memory. Love your blog and all your art. deb
I love your 'Land Ho' piece, its a wonderful illustration full of energy, light, movement and excitement!
It would make a fantastic children's book illustration...
And the stitchwork is so very delicate and evocative too...
I have an Australian friend who has lived here in the UK for ten years or more and I think she still feels that way about the snow... It's been a cold winter so far here though!
What a joyful painting. And your textile piece is beautiful. I love the idea of needle work, but I'm a complete disaster with it - I admire those who can do such wonderful things with needle, thread, and fabric.
Beautiful, just beautiful, i love it, the swirlings sea and sky! Hello Treasure i am catching up at last lol i am oh so sure the folksies who receive this will be over the highest of moons! We did have so much snow here, yet most were complaining, i loved every shivery moment and still think it is magical, your embroidered piece is grand. Hope you had a fab christas and wishing you wonderful things for this new year. ruthie x x x
OMG!!! I cant stand txt language but!! OMG!!
I just adore your painting, the pirate is perfect, amazing even. My little pirate girl would adore this and If your comission dosent work out send it this way!!
can you sell prints off a commision?? or is that not done, im not sure how it works?
love love love it!
and I know what you mean about snow, ive seen it twice now, lovely to look at, nice to leave, I cannot imagine living in it, it seems like some alternate universe to the dry sandy dust Im surrounded in every day. I would have the best ski field in my area though!
anywho, i also saw your work over at Joels page today, I loved the poem
xxx
sheree
raven moon magic
Just discovered this post, better late than never I suppose, must have slipped by in the post Christmas turmoil....
This piece is a joy, you must do more and more of it, you have a good eye and feel for the cloth. Wonderful.
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