willow trees

I've just come back from Otago, escaped all those aftershocks for a week, although it's a long way to go for a good nights sleep! The drive there goes through some of the most spectacular scenery NZ has to offer-Lake Tekapo, Pukaki, Lindis Pass, Burkes Pass and Lake Dunstan.


Every time I go I get fixated by all the willow trees lining the rivers, last time it was autumn and they were orange and yellow, this time it was spring, so it was all yellow and green.
I tried numerous ways of trying to capture that essence of water peeping through bark: photos, pastels, watercolour, and once home- acrylic.


I like the acrylic best

trying to loosen up

I've spent today trying water colours, I'm trying to "loosen up" a little...easier said than done.

Ended up resorting back to pastels and thinking of a a very good friend. I hope she likes it. I hope she recognises herself!!!!

                                      

        

flowers-expressionist style

Expressionism isn't something I've thought much about before doing this course.
It is, I have discovered, however a huge part of why i like or dislike a painting.


So I thought I'd have a go, being more "free" with my drawing.


I have been wanting to do some big flowers for a while and my garden and my rediscovery of my SLR have given me that chance.


What do you think? Its A3 size!

Comic Strips

Normality returning slightly, what should I find as coursework but a brief to do a page of comic strip about an event that happened to you this week.... I just couldn't resist!

Relaxation therapy

Well this weekend hasn't panned out as I expected.
Awoken at 4.35am on Saturday by the Christchurch earthquake.
Luckily we are unscathed and safe. The rest of Christchurch hasn't fared so well.
I feel a bit numb, happy to be ok, relieved definitely, following instructions, powerless to be useful in helping others.
So a little relaxation therapy was in order this afternoon.
30 sec poses from posemaniac.com turned into abstract colour, a suggestion by my tutor.
I quite like it. 

Have felt 3 or 4 aftershocks whilst I've been doing it and the dog is under my table!