Mini Painting: Patch the Cockatiel

Just last month we were devastated to lose our beautiful cockatiel, Patch. Having previously painted him in watercolours (check out my cockatiels tag) with his partners Georgie and JayJay, I wanted to do a small acrylic painting of just him. It's been a while since I had my trusty acrylics out - so long in fact that some of them had dried up! But it was good to get back in to painting, and my husband was thrilled with this small gift to remember a very handsome boy.

Abstract Painted Pumpkin

I am regularly inspired by Alisa Burke's wonderful creations, and I was intrigued by her concept of decorating pumpkins in non-traditional ways. I decided that I wanted to apply my current abstract style of painting to a pumpkin, and I really enjoyed working colour, pattern and detail on to a 3D surface.

I used regular acrylic paints and my "normal" techniques for applying paint. However, I ended up drawing the patterns on with a biro, as my permanent markers were just not making clear enough marks! I think I've learnt not to be afraid to use non traditional items as a canvas for art, and it felt good to be applying paint to something so natural and organic, and working with it's natural colour scheme.

Star Wars: Defend and Protect Painting

With my health this last year, large paintings have simply not been possible for me. However, with recent small improvements and a huge kick of motivation, I decided I wanted my husband to have this piece of artwork for Christmas! I began in October, and had it finished at the beginning of December, which felt amazing! I'm afraid most of the progress pictures were taken on my phone, but I thought you'd like to see the stages nonetheless.

I did not design this, I based it on this wonderful poster by Mike Kungl. I knew how much my husband would love seeing a hand painted version of this poster on his wall every day, and couldn't resist making that dream a reality. I take no credit for the design!

Lotus Flower Canvas

I have had so much fun working on this commission for a friend!

The inspiration was a lotus flower, India, bright reds, pinks and golds, and a bit of sparkle!

I know it's hard to see, but the petals have pearly highlights, and the background is scattered with gold and red glitter... A lovely sparkle in the sun :)

[Acrylics on canvas.]

Peacock painting!

My word, I haven't finished a painting since last December. That's... a while. It's been one of those years! Yesterday I woke up feeling inspired. I was going to just get stuck into Christmas cards, but my husband told me to paint instead. So I did...

This painting I started June/July 2010, when I discovered masking fluid. It is of a peacock we met on honeymoon, who rather enjoyed exploring our boat!

The background was created using masking fluid (to create the white relief) and a thin acrylic wash. I then painted the peacock in all his feathery glory, and added the 3 other peacock feathers to add more interest to the piece.

I am really pleased with it! And I love the contrast with both strength of colour and detail between the peacock and the feathers.

And the rainbow colours of the feathers brings back memories of our rainbow wedding too, so a very special painting for me and my husband. We were laughing yesterday if I'll ever be ready to sell something I paint!