☆ Contemplation [friday art]

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I had grand plans this week.

Grand plans.

I was going to get stuck into some life book classes, paint a few canvases, and follow up on a few commissions.

Grand plans.

But as with all things in my life at the moment, the minute I create a plan, life interrupts me + I scramble to catch up.

This week it was the kids turn to be sick. Bean with a fever, Bug with a snotty nose + Wee Beastie with teeth that just wont come through!

So although I didn't manage create much in the studio this week, I did manage to paint this for Friday Art.

Contemplation

I am not sure if she is finished yet... the back ground is so much more subtle in person, but maybe it needs something? What do you think?

I hope you all have a great weekend, but before you head off -

☆ Have you seen this months AWESOME give away? I am super excited about this one!!
☆ Have you seen the new 'Under the Sea' TAG SWAP? I would love it if you joined us!!

[LINKING TO PAINT PARTY FRIDAY]

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☆ ANGEL [inspiration avenue]

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Angel

I had so much fun with this weeks prompt. I love winged things, and angels are one of my favourite subjects to paint. And this one came together so easily, I was done before I realised it.

Can you believe this is the last day of November? I again, it was done before I realised it. As is AEDM for another year. And although Leah from creative everyday has monthly prompts, I rarely remember to join in, which is a shame because there are so many creative members who join her on her monthly journeys.

But this year it was so much easier to participate, and I think this was due to several things.

1. I gave myself permission not to create if I didn't want to - which meant it wasn't a chore, and I wanted to, needed to do something daily.

2. My brothers wedding wasn't smack bang at the start of the month, derailing me from the word go. (although that was a party I wouldn't have missed for anything!!)

+ 3. I didn't feel the need to finish everything daily. I allowed myself to breathe + live with the painting rather than just churn it out. Which means I didn't feel like I had cheated myself + just painted by route, I actually let myself enjoy each painting.

So tomorrow I will post my final weekly round up for AEDM, + I thought I would try + put together a collage of all my finished pieces, so you can see them all together.

Did you participate in AEDM this year? How did you go? I would love to know you feelings now that the month is over...

On to another subject, and my Christmas Tag Swap sign up was due to close tomorrow, but I decided to give you the weekend to finish, weighing up the pros + cons. So Monday morning (Australian EST) the very first Listen to the Squeak Christmas Tag swap, will be closing to participants.

Thank you to every one who has signed up so far, I am very excited + have almost finished my tag off.

Want to join in? Click on the image below:

Have a great weekend.

Check out the other talent artists participating:

     

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☆ Purple Gum Tree Leaf Fairy [a LilliBean Designs Spotlight]

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Purple Gum Tree Leaf Fairy

AVAILABLE FOR SALE HERE

I am constantly inspired by the shapes and colours I see on my daily walks. Although I walk the same way most days, every day there is something new that I notice. The burst of colour from the spring flowers, the way the sun has highlighted the garden gnome in that houses front garden, the cracks in the side walk, the shape of white pebbles encased in the dirt, the gum tree leaves laying on the path.

The Gum Tree leaves are my favourite. The are such a variety of colours, shapes, lengths, and I have always thought that they look like wings. Tattered wings. Imperfect wings. And that appeals to me the most. The more tattered and imperfect the better. 

Because life is imperfect and tattered.

But even so, I believe there is beauty and inspiration to be found in the imperfections and I find flaws so much more attractive and interesting than perfection...

Sometimes I need a reminder that life is full of beauty and inspiration and my gum tree leaf fairies are a reflection of this need. 

Purple Gum Tree Leaf Fairy is a mixed media acrylic painting, and is 8.3 x 5.8" - the perfect size to fit into a standard sized frame. I have applied a matt acrylic varnish (after photographing) to preserve the painting.

More details about the painting are available here.

How are you inspired by the every day -  I would love you to share your stories below (or even leave a link to your every day inspiration!)

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☆ SURPRISE [a lillibean designs spotlight]

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SURPRISE
Original available for sale here
8.3 x 5.8" (210 x 148 mm), mixed media acrylic.

I would love to one day wake up with my own set of wings.

And because I am not totally living in fantasy land, I know that if I want my own wings, they I will have to tattoo them on.

And while I am totally ok with having wings as a tattoo, I am equally hesitant - I can't imagine being ninety with my own wings tattoo. 

But on the other hand, exactly who is going to be seeing my naked back at ninety, except of course Mr Mac? (because he and I have a pact that he can't die before me....)

And maybe the grand kids will remember me as cool granny K with the wrinkly wings?

So out of this internal debate came this painting - 'Surprise' was inspired by the idea that one day I might sprout my own wings.

'Surprise' is a mixed media original painting on quality water colour paper. (a collaged instructional paper base, acrylic paint and graphite pencil.) 

The painting is 8.3 x 5.8" (210 x 148 mm) and will slide easily into a standard sized frame with out alteration. 

Surprise is available from my Etsy shop - LilliBean Designs.


In other news, the Mac tribe is going to be expanding in the new year. Wee Beastie Mac's eta is New Years Eve (well timed I know!) but we are all super excited!

Have a great day

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☆ Grounded [Illustration Friday]

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Grounded
©2012 Kirstin McCulloch

 She felt the wind in her hair, and ruffling through her feathers, her wings lifted, and she forgot for just a moment that she was still grounded...

P.S. Make sure your here tomorrow for my very first give away for a chance to win one of my paintings x

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