Star and Hare mixed media picture

I have been working through the bonus videos from Wanderlust 2021 and one was a workshop with Laly Mille called True North Star.  I watched the videos and then created my own version of the image.  I used a piece of cardboard packing for the base and then used collage, patterned papers, texture paste, embossed paper, tissue paper, die cuts, acrylic paint, watercolour pencils, stamps, glitter and words.  I learnt that by mixing acrylic paint with matt medium, you can create glazes of paint and then layer them up.  This is a technique I shall be using again.  For my text, I thought of 'Vincent' by Don Maclean, (which is one of my favourite songs, with such beautiful words), wrote it on tissue paper and applied it backwards onto the top hill.  The other words are from a little French Christmas song which came back into my memory from a previous job as a teaching assistant.  It just seemed to fit well.

I added my own touches, such as this little hare.

My star was a small glittery one, set within a swirling star die cut.

Above is the piece by Lally Mille which she created in the workshop. I did try not to look at it again until I had finished my piece.  Hers has a more dreamlike quality I think, where as mine is much more solid-looking.

Here's another look at mine.

I really enjoyed creating this piece and it is something quite different for me.

Late summer into Autumn in the garden

There is a definite change in the air now.  Apart from the unusually hot days this week, the overall feeling has been cooling.  There is still lots to enjoy in the garden, but watering has to be done before 7.30 pm as it starts to get too dark to see by then.  Above is Penstemon Garnet which is in a pot and has come through quite a few winters.

Clematis Alpina Rosy Pagoda still brings interest with the fluffy seedheads.

They are so tactile.

Rose Shakespeare 2000, which took a while to decide to flower but kept on going once it was.

Crocosmis Emily Mackenzie bringing some scorching hot orange to the mix.

Geranium sanguineum striatum leaves starting to colour up.

Hydrangea Sundae Fraise (I think).

This was my newest Hydrangea (paniculata Little Spooky)  a few weeks ago...

...here it is now, looking gorgeous!

Creamy lime green flowers.

Good old Liriope Muscari which gets completely neglected but which flowers through the autumn.

Rose Olivia Rose Austin (who has featured many times since she was purchased), giving us another flush of roses to enjoy.

Dwarf cosmos adding fuchsia pink to the pastels.

Asters starting to come into flower. 

Clematis New Love in the border. It has a pleasant fragrance which reminds me a bit of soap.

Anemone Bressingham Glow which has been in flower for weeks and is a joy to see.

A Creative 2021 - Wanderlust 2021

 I was in need of a creative project for 2021 and I have found one that looks perfect for me.  I am very excited to say that I have signed up to 'Wanderlust 2021'.

"What is this?", I hear you ask.  Well, it is a year long online course about art journaling using mixed media.  It is made up of weekly lessons by art practitioners and each lesson will bring something different.  I already follow several of the teachers on their blogs or on Youtube, so I know a little bit of what to expect. 

As I have signed up early, I also have access to bonus videos and handouts and downloads, which I have been working my way through.  The cost for the year is $99, until 9th September, which worked out to £72.00 and I think this is very good value.  After 9th September, the price goes up to $175.00, but people can still join until 31st December 2020.  I am hoping that the course will help me to develop my own style and 'voice' as well as show me lots of mixed media ideas and techniques.

I will also be given bonus videos on 'Braving the Blank Page' which will appear on 14th September, again, because I signed up in good time.   The other good thing is that I have pretty much all the supplies suggested and I have just bought a new and rather nice art journal to work in.  I also have a journal for notes, sketches and other bits and pieces - more of a working document.

Here is a link to the website, in case you are interested/curious - Wanderlust 2021.  I have enjoyed the videos so far and am working on a mixed media piece with a star theme which I will share when it is finished.

I am hoping that 2021 will be my most creative year yet and I am looking forward to getting started in January.