Russian dolls update

Today I varnished the Russian Dolls - you can see them here

As they were done experimentally in felt pen line with Polychromos coloured pencils to add the colour, I was a bit worried in case the varnish smudged them. It didn't at all :>) They were absolutely fine.

They need another coat and then they can be wrapped.

What have you made for friends and family for Christmas?

Comments

Anita said…
I love your dolls. Maybe when my daughter starts a family, I might do something like this.
Every year I swear I am going to make all sorts of gifts for my family and every year I don't.
2:29 am
Sarah said…
love those dolls Viv, they will treasure them. I made a tiny felted robin with flappy wings tree ornament, last night to pop into my folks parcel, took half an hour and I didnt photo it but might make some more. I like to make decorations to go with presents.
9:30 am
Trevor Lingard said…
Lovely presents..Wouldnt mind one myself!
I am afraid I am not a good shopper especially at chrismas time. But I have to make sure my wife gets a nice prezzy.
Do have a lovely christmas.
Regards
11:59 am
vivien said…
Thanks Anita :>) I'm enjoying the recent series of paintings - I simply haven't had time to do much painting :>(

Sarah thanks :>) - those felted figures you've been making are gorgeous! I hope you do show us the robin after Christmas

Trevor Happy Christmas to you too
6:44 pm
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

looking at non traditional composition and quiet vs busy areas in paintings

Image
Paul Klee I thought I'd look at non-traditional composition - where the rule of thirds isn't the key but the painting relies on different compositional methods. in response to an excellent series of posts on the various ways of looking at composition by Katherine (link at end). These alternative considerations or breaking of rules - but making it work - appeal to me more than too heavy a reliance on the rule of thirds. The painting above, by Paul Klee is a 'field' painting' - the composition is overall, the eye travels around enjoying the glowing colour that he creates by juxtaposing complementary colours, subtle greyed greens enhancing the oranges/reds/pinks. Most of the image is composed of the various greens, greeny browns and khakis, with accents of the warm colours. When working this way it's important that the balance is unequal and that the accent colours are placed carefully to keep the eye moving in the way the artist wants. A couple of the brighter...
Read more

Hedges silhouetted agains the snow, winter light: watercolour and Derwent tinted charcoal pencils in Stillmand and Birn Beta Hardback sketchbook

Image
 Detail  I have always liked the calligraphic tangle of the hedges when they are sihouetted against the sky.   Recent snowfall meant even more opportunities with amazing light and the landscape simplified and hidden by the snow, throwing hedges into relief. Above is a detail of a double page sketch in the lovely Stillman and Birn Beta A4 hardback sketchbook.  This paper is so forgiving and the watercolour works beautifully with it.  It allowed me to work through wet washes with charcoal pencil - something that tears many papers, leaving holes.  Some of the hedge is paint, some tinted charcoal. First snow, more on the way, winter light: silhouetted hedges in watercolour and Derwent tinted charcoal in a Stillman and Birn A4 beta hardback sketchbook The earlier warm golden glow of the low sun is covered by clouds, threatening more snow to come.   The spiky calligraphic marks of the hedge and the underlying form of the bank, w...
Read more

The Eye, Urban/Rural exhibition

Image
Vivien Blackburn's work in the Urban/Rural show We've just hung a group show at the The Eye Project, Urban/Rural show.  If you want to come and see it it's on for a month - well worth seeing, 11 lovely artists and some fabulous work. Those large canvasses are 40 inches square. There are rural landscapes, flowerscapes, intriguing textile work including a large knitted building, abstracts .... something for everyone. It's in the gallery below the cafe in the Adult Education Centre at the top of Wellington street, Leicester, opposite Fenwicks.  Meet the Arttists day is Saturday 1st April 10-2.  Come and have a chat with us?
Read more