Janets dibbydabby.com illustrator journey

Illustration Friday - Intention

2012-03-06T10:55:00.001+10:30

Hello my wonderful blogger friends, I'm so sorry I have been MIA for such a long time. I have been busssyyyyyy - hectic and on top of that having "blogger issues" so I cant just pop in for 5 minutes when I have a chance. I hope you are all still with me and I hope to rectify the " I never have time " syndrome that has been plaguing me.

Anyway here is my IF entry for "Intention"

Meet Wild Bill Hic-croc! Its his intention to keep the west safe from varmints and if I were you, I wouldn't stand in his way!

Hey Pardner.... whats your intention?

You might ask whats a crocodile doing way out in desert country... but I wouldn't!

He has dedicated his life to his mission, he will go wherever he needs to.

Illustration Friday - Suspense

2012-02-10T22:19:00.001+10:30

Better late than never.

And the winner is........

Illustration Friday Forward

2012-02-02T17:55:00.003+10:30

This illustration is an older one and it came to mind when I saw the topic for this week as I see him as being a very upwardly mobile business rhino and the only way for him in his career is forward!
I gave him an appropriate background and here he is, ready to share his success with you!

Anniversary trip

2012-02-01T19:19:00.000+10:30

Oh its been ages since I posted, sorry, I'm back at work and in full swing!
I have had a lovely break though, it was our anniversary so we ( the family ) went down the coast and had a wonderful "time out" from everyday activity.
The place we stayed was idyllic, it is a working farm with accommodation, just out of a small town but far enough away from everything that it was completely tranquil and serene.
The sun went down in the evening to a chorus of birds of lots of varieties and came up to more of the same.
We had breakfast out in our covered porch in our own little piece of paradise, visited by the farmers dogs and cat after a bit of anything they could get their paws on to eat, and sheep at our back door.
We went to the small local beaches which were dotted along the coastline and the water was gorgeous, calm mostly and deep blues and aqua greens.
After 5 o'clock we had to travel 1/2 an hour to get to find anything open (shops restaurants etc) and on our evening trips out to get dinner from a bigger town we would pass loads of kangaroos grazing happily in paddocks.
I absolutely loved the colours, being our summer the earth was pretty parched and dry but the colours just looked gorgeous together!These and the landscape reminded me of my home town growing up (albeit that wasn't coastal) but it did have a lot of familiar looking scenery.

Safe to say that a wonderful and relating time was had by all!

Some piccs below!

The colours

Ahhh feel the serenity!

Dibbydabby sand art :-)

Sunsets

A wet dog imprint - I thought it looked pretty cool!

An emu!

Okay, that's the family picc 'slide show' over... hope you enjoyed it :)

I enjoy seeing other peoples lovely photos, especially of places I have never been, that's why i thought i would share ours.

xxxx Janet

Creative Tuesday Bubblegum

2012-01-18T06:34:00.002+10:30

Ned is not pleased!

Please dispose of your bubblegum thoughtfully, this has been a 'Ned' community announcement.

The creative Tuesday word this week is Bubblegum ( in case you haven't figured it out :P) See the other interpretations at http://creativetuesdays.blogspot.com/

Excuse the dullness of the photo of Ned, its 0630 here and I'm doing this while getting ready for work. I've had the illustration done for days. There is something to be said about doing things last minute

xx Janet

Illustration Friday _ Prepare

2012-01-15T12:28:00.000+10:30

Julia was having a dinner party. Time to prepare!

2012-01-13T19:32:00.001+10:30

Someone you care about will be glad you did!
Face book store https://www.facebook.com/dibbydabby.art?sk=app_138996027389
dibbydabby.com website http://www.dibbydabby.com.au/website/hand-painted_cards_home.html

Illustration Friday - Grounded

2012-01-10T17:07:00.001+10:30

Well, when I received the notification of this weeks Illustration Friday prompt I just happened to be reading a shoe catalogue (well going through it, I didn't actually read it per say) and dreaming about all the lovely shoes I would love to have. The word grounded just seemed to fit so I sketched a pair of shoes by combining attributes of a few pairs I particularly admired and there you go!
I must say though, I infrequently wear real heels these days so I may not stay 'grounded' too long (or the wrong bits of me would be hitting the ground) if I did get these. They were lovely though...

Then I was having a bit of a play in my sketchbook and Clara popped up! She wanted to try ice skating but felt the safest way to do it was without skates to begin with.....Mmm looks like she has a bit of a thing for shoes too this week.

Ive moved back on to my art room

2012-01-08T18:27:00.000+10:30

Well, you may remember a little while ago I was saying how happy I was with the new shelving going up in my art room. Its all done now, with even more shelves and a bit of tweaking here and there to give me maximum space and usability and I am soooo happy!
Its probably 88.9% restocked, I have a few more things to arrange but I just wanted to get in and paint so the 'unpacking' is on hold!
I love it, I love working in there and I feel like I can just relax and paint or whatever I need to do without going looking for things! Yah!
Oh and I must say, I promised my daughter some time ago it was a shared resource so I should be saying "our art room" (mind you mummy does hide the 'good supplies' just yet.
Thanks again to my wonderful husband...

I even have a drying rack... Yah!

And a couple of daylight lamps - they really are great!

A sketch form my sketchbook just because.... I cant stop painting in there :-)

Creative Tuesday_12 Days of Christmas

2012-01-04T06:32:00.000+10:30

Mabel and the girls where extremely proud to have been chosen to play the 3 French hens in this years rousing rendition of the 12 days of Christmas.

(Apologies to any French viewers for the terrible stereotyping.... )

For Creative Tuesdays 12 Days of Christmas theme. Pop along to the Creative Tuesdays blog for a look at some other renditions of the theme.

I love the internet!

2012-01-02T14:58:00.001+10:30

I love that I can wake up in the morning and think - mmmm I would really like to do this.... and pretty much whatever it is I can learn right here, right now on the Internet. Today it was creating a seamless pattern from an illustration. This ones a bit rough but I just wanted to have a go at it...

A bevy of Kelvins!

These were my tutors for today, Much thanks to the authors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDiTE4Fe_24 ( a very simple little video tutorial - you might want to go forward to the actual photoshop part)
http://www.designsponge.com/2008/05/welcome-julia-and-how-to-make-a-repeat-pattern.html (on papaer not photoshop)

Illustration Friday - Highlight

2012-01-01T19:10:00.002+10:30

The highlight of Kelvins week was Sunday, that was Roast day and it almost always meant a little something extra after dinner.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-12-31T23:17:00.000+10:30

Well, the sun has set on my second year of a blog outlining my illustration journey. As this time of year is one of reflection I have given much thought to where I have come from and where I want to go.
I know i don't spend as much time blogging as I possibly should but I have to say I am happy plodding along as I do and I am so happy every time I open my blog and see a comment to one of my posts, Ive said it before but it makes me feel connected and a part of something much larger and very special.
In terms of my illustration I am am happy with where I am going with that too, I feel improvement and best of all I feel a confidence that has grown over the year and a 1/2 I have been at this. I know I will get to where I want to be and I'm happy to enjoy the journey.
I hope Dibbydabby will be bigger and better in 2012 but i also hope I continue to enjoy every minute of what I do and just have fun along the way as well.
I thank everyone who has liked and continues to enjoy my art and my blog, especially the regular people who come back time and again, I really do consider you friends even though we have never met.

Happy New Year Everyone! May 2012 bring happiness, peace and joy.

My art room will be organised for once.... Yah!

2011-12-30T00:09:00.000+10:30

I am very fortunate to have a very loving and for the most part patient husband who supports my art and me 100%. This afternoon into this evening he has been fixing my studio with more shelving space for all my art supplies and tools. This in turn frees up more of my work space for actual artwork and I have no excuse now for trying to work around piles of things I want close at hand on my painting table. They can all be in easy reach and easy to find spaces. This shelving set is an addition and modification of some he set up for me last year which I ‘outgrew’ art supply wise. I’ll stick up an0ther photo once I get my gear back in there.

Just for fun, a little illo on something I mailed today.

Illustration Friday _ Messenger

2011-12-27T21:45:00.001+10:30

I thought I would hire a spruiker to pass on my New Years message this year.
Hear Ye hear Ye! dibbydabby decrees that she hopes everyone has a lovely New year!

Boxing day evening on the beach

2011-12-27T21:41:00.000+10:30

Boxing day evening on the beach

A confused pidgeon? I think he thinks he is a sea gull

Illustration Friday - Sink

2011-12-21T08:53:00.000+10:30

I have an illustration from an art course I have completed that is absolutely perfect for this weeks word 'sink'. Well my illustration shows what happens under the sink when the doors are closed and no one is around.
Hope you enjoy it. It was a lot of fun to do.

Find me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dibbydabby.art

dibbydabby has a new facebook shop!

2011-12-20T12:48:00.000+10:30

Hello everyone, I just wanted to share the exciting news that I have today launched my Facebook shop (imagine the sound of champagne corks popping, balloons rustling in the gentle breeze and people cheeringJ).

It has a selection of my printed and hand painted cards and Aceos with more coming soon including my hand made glass tile pendants and magnets.

There are special offers for those who like my page, as my way of showing my appreciation I have taken 10% off prices for you.

Please consider my shop for your greeting card needs and also pass my information on to your friends and family who enjoy unique and special greetings and products for occasions and events.

As a special treat I thought I would give away two hand painted cards (postage free) to one of my old or new page likes. To enter simply visit dibbydabby illustrations on fb and comment on the post about my new shop saying what you like about my cards or illustrations. I look forward to hearing from you. The draw will start once I reach 25 comments or the 28^th of December 2011, whichever comes first.

Dibbydabby Illustrations - Hand painted greeting cards

2011-12-10T15:36:00.001+10:30

I have updated my page layout and my hand painted greeting cards have gone up on my website, well some of them, there are a few more to upload but its a time consuming process. I have to leave off now and do some special commission cards for an event tomorrow. Anyway, feel free to browse and of course if you are interested please feel free to purchase :-)

This is a direct link to the site.

http://www.dibbydabby.com.au/website/hand-painted_cards_home.html

Soon I will start on doing the same for my printed cards.

Sunshine award

2011-12-04T15:34:00.003+10:30

A while ago I was very happy to receive an award from someone who I admire as an artist and who’s blog I thoroughly enjoy visiting. It was an honour to receive and I felt very chuffed. As life has been busy with a new job and lots of other things, I haven’t had an opportunity to acknowledge the award on my blog but I often think if it and of the wonderful blogs I know that should also enjoy being recipients of the wonderful “Sunshine award”. So… finally… here I am… Thank you so much Michelle from Mushroom Tender blog for the award!

There are some “rules” for receiving the award:

- Thank the person who gave you the award.
- Write a post about it.
- Answer the questions below.
- Pass it on to 10 bloggers who you think really deserve it and send them a message to let them know.

10 questions.

My favorite color: Purple
My favorite animal: Dog
My favorite number: I have three, they crop up everywhere 3,4 & 7
My favorite non-alcoholic drink: Coke zero
Facebook or Twitter? Facebbok
My passion: Just 1? Family
Getting or giving presents? Giving
My favorite pattern: repeating spirals
My favorite day of the week: Friday - TGIF
My favorite flower: Deep red fragrant rose – not sure of their official name

My 10 Favourite Bloggers:
Mushroom tender – not because she gave me one, I love Michelle’s work
Crotchety Comics – Ted’s pages always give me a real belly laugh and I really appreciate his talent and his funny and at times informative comments on my blog.
Images by Cassandra – Cassandras photos are something to be seen to be believed, they are exceptional! Cassandra and I have known each other through Blogging for a while now and it’s lovely to have such connections
JA has also been a long term blogging friend and is always so encouraging and supportive.
From Jens pen – Jens work is so lovely and I love to see and read of her accomplishments as it makes me feel like maybe one day I will be there myself. I love Jens style.
ElizabethRoseStantons / Penspaper studio – Elizabeth’s work is brilliant, so technically and aesthetically perfect and clever and witty as well
Tea Time Beth Anne’s work is so lovely and soft and gentle, I enjoy visiting her sweet characters
Kind Dog Jane has a fantastic Facebook page which is where I first found her work, she has gorgeous characters and a lovely style. I think I was first drawn to her work as I see a bit of similarity now and then in some of the way we work maybe that’s why her art appeals so much.
Stacey Curtis – Stacey is amazingly talented and I love to drop by and see what he has whipped up lately.
Melissa T Liban Missy is so generous with the things she learns on her illustration journey and her art is fun too.

Wow mammoth post here I know but I want everyone to know why I think the above blogs deserve an award and there others I would have put on the list as well but its sometimes imortant to have limits - or i would be here all day..

Thanks again Michelle!

Illustration Friday - Brigade

2011-12-03T11:37:00.000+10:30

The cats had gone too far this time! The D Battalion joined the brigade and set out to make things right!

I wouldn't want to be one of those smart alec cats now!

D battalion led by "Aussie Bob Basset" join the brigade 3-12-11

Illustration Friday Round

2011-11-27T16:50:00.000+10:30

I'd like you to meet Butch, he really is quite a sweet fellow, a very well rounded character too. Just don't get between him and his lunch!

Creative Tuesdays Three

2011-11-23T10:48:00.001+10:30

I recently did some little black and white illustrations for my daughters school for the children to colour and use for their Christmas cards, this is one and I thought it might fit the bill for the CT word three.

if you have any young children who might like to use the image for colouring feel free to print it out. if you would like to, send me a scan / picc of the finished product and I will display it on my blog or face book page.

Sorry everyone, I cant view or comment on posts etc until later tonight, I'm at work at the moment and even with a lunch break thrown in, just wont get time. xo

Opps sorry i forgot to link to the Creative tuesday page - click here to see what others have done.

Illustration Friday - Vanity

2011-11-22T17:53:00.001+10:30

The reflection of Narcissus

I only have time for fleeting sketches just at the moment I am afraid but at least I still get to post something :-)

Creative Tuesday_ Thank you

2011-11-07T21:31:00.001+10:30

Something a little different for me tonight, for Creative Tuesdays word / s "thanksgiving or thank you".

We don't traditionally have a thanks giving here but I have many things to be thankful for and despite life's downs which must come with the ups, I have had (and continue to have) many wonderful lives touch my own in varying degrees. Each has a special place, no matter how small and I appreciate each and every one.

Yikes that is sounding a bit mushy now.... better go!

See the other amazing entries once it opens up on http://creativetuesdays.blogspot.com/

Illustration Friday - Stripes

2011-11-06T11:46:00.000+10:30

Stripes ? What could be better than a nice pinstripe suit, more suited perhaps to a business man but aristocrats (or dogs) can wear them too!

Lord Chauncey Baskerville

Illustration_Friday_Scary

2011-11-03T18:21:00.001+10:30

Dawn dearly wanted to be taken seriously as a scary witch

but she just couldn't help herself and was better known for doing good deeds for people.

(Her two little spider pets on the other hand were another matter!)

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T19:51:00.000+10:30

Well hello friends, I'm sorry I have been a baaaaaaddddd blogger! I seem to be saying that far too often these days and coming up with all sorts of what must seem like excuses but I kid you not, life has been that hectic!
Most recently - getting ready for my families first real Halloween party. You may or may not know I am Australian and we don't officially'celbrate' Halloween over here but it is becoming more prevalent and I have been a fan all my life, being that growing up I loved all things spooky and most things American. It always sounded like so much fun in the comics (graphic novels I guess we call them now) and in the movies.
Anyway, we had it and it was a great night, so much fun for the kids!

Fun games

Friends

Competitions

Fun food (witches toes)

Decorations (my girl and I worked hard on making our decorations and had such fun doing it)! I hope you all had as much fun as my family did if you celebrate Halloween!

Illustration Friday_scattered

2011-10-20T21:27:00.001+10:30

Wow, I didn’t realise how long it had been since i had been into my blog... its been a really busy week or two. Lots of people I speak to say the same. Does it ever feel like that for you, that some weeks fly by quicker than others...

Anyway, scattered - I can’t think of that word without thinking of confetti! I remember a time where you could go to a wedding and throw confetti and for me that was the best part of it. I was pretty young at the time so that is probably why, but I have such fond memories of it and I found it so sad when they stopped allowing people to use it.

I know we have to protect our planet as well so I was quite happy to see a reference to ecofetti – an environmentally friendly confetti that “dissolves in 24 – 48 hours”! Yah! Next time I go to a wedding, I am packing myself some ecofetti and I can relive one of the spenders of my childhood!

Ill be by to visit my wonderful blog buddies beaut blogs soon!

Creative Tuesday_cupcake

2011-10-04T23:05:00.009+10:30

Well, so many ideas and so little time. Unfortunately my first creative foray for this topic just didn't work out, I'm not sure what it is with me and cupcakes but I am just not that good at representing them artistically. I can make them and they taste good... but..
Here is my Creative Tuesday post and a picture of some cupcakes I made some time ago, I love making the fun ones but don't always take pics! These ones are a bit messy, my little girl and I do them together so sometimes they go a little awry
Please pop along to http://creativetuesdays.blogspot.com/ for the other cupcake works

Okay, I have just realised I have done this a week early and here I was thinking I was running late.... Oh well, I will file this way for next week now.
12/10/11 Ta -Dah - here is a post I prepared earlier - all ready to pop on my blog. xx

Illustration Friday - Hibernate

2011-10-04T10:33:00.001+10:30

In her new bear hat on her way home from a fun day at her grandparents

and in the warm car which felt like a big cosy cave

she couldn't help getting sleepy,

maybe she was hibernating like a real bear...

Another quick one, not the drawing per say but the finishing, I am becoming quite used to 'quick art', it might not necessarily be good art all the time but it lets me get something up on here, which I enjoy.

Illustration Friday _ Ferrocious

2011-09-29T18:04:00.000+09:30

Have you ever had much to do with Alpacas? They look all docile and sweet but they can be quite mean when they get their dander up!
We first learnt this when we went on a holiday with our pooch and stayed at an Alpaca farm. "Make sure your dog doesn't go near the Alpacas" he said, "they will rip it apart" (might have been nice to include that in the brochure....)
Alpacas are used quite successfully on some farms in Australia (and worldwide) to protect the animal herds like sheep or cattle. I've placed a little info and some links below if you are interested.

Meet Al "Paccino" Pacca

This was my first one until I realised I was wrong... but I still like it! Sorry Mr Paccino, Sorry Mr De Niro...

Alpacas -
Apparently they have an aversion to canines and foxes, coyotes etc. Can rear up on their hind legs and stomp them
"Screaming and neck wrestling are behaviors alpaca males display when trying to establish dominance. They try to bite testicles and run at break-neck speeds around the pastures." - Reference article here: http://www.owning-alpaca.com/alpaca-males.html
"Alpacas are very alert, with excellent eyesight. A loud distress or warning call quickly sees the adults in a herd encircle the young to protect them from approaching danger. Much to the
intruder’s surprise, the assertive leaders then approach with great speed, stomping, kicking,
spitting or biting which soon gets the message across and sees the aggressor fleeing for cover." Reference article here: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/37800/Australian_Alpacas.pdf
Another article: http://www.alpaca.asn.au/docs/about/info/6herdprotectors.pdf

Creative Tuesday - Morning

2011-09-27T21:59:00.001+09:30

Well Mortimer Mouse has trouble getting up early and so do I! I love mornings but find getting out of bed on work days to be quite difficult some times.

What a day I have had with computers today. I did my initial sketch this morning during three consecutive waiting periods for my work PC to reboot after three major crashes (resulting in that awful blue screen that has such a bad reputation!) Then tonight I was colouring it at home earlier and - you guessed it - crash! I hadn't saved so lost it all. This is a really quick colouring I have done before I take myself off to bed. If I stay up much longer it will be even harder to get up in the morning than usual!

Please 'do yourself a favour' and check out all the toasty treats for the theme of "morning" at http://goodteatoo.blogspot.com/

Moving forward

2011-09-22T14:34:00.000+09:30

Well I am going to soon move into a new stage with my work, I will attend my first market within the next few months... I haven't narrowed it down to which one yet :-) - perhaps that had better come first, but I haven't been completely without preparation or research, I have been scoping the best place for me to start for a while now. I just want something small and intimate as I just want to see how my work is received out there, plus that is more my style. My ultimate path is to do children's book illustration but this might be a nice entry point. I would love to get a little money from what I do to fund more of what I want to do. It would be great if my art paid for my equipment, some new art goodies - there are so many things I want to try in terms of products and do in terms of techniques- and even get me some of the reference books I have been craving but haven't gotten to yet and some online courses I like.
Wow ... I don't want much do I?
Anyway, Ill keep you posted.
This is a little card front I have developed today, a reworking of one of my sketch book illustrations I liked.

Illustration Friday _ Mesmerizing

2011-09-18T10:47:00.000+09:30

Puss had been taking some online night classes on hypnotism,

he couldn't wait to see if they worked!

Only trouble was - he hadn't thought about the fact he

hadn't learnt how to undo the process yet...

Illustration Friday - Boundaries

2011-09-15T21:44:00.000+09:30

Well hello everyone! Sorry I haven’t been on here for ages, we have had a busy week with family celebrations, work, normal routine and house guests... I’m being a little rude tonight I guess by setting myself up in the computer room and getting this little image done for illustration Friday but I didn’t want to miss a week if I could help it, I enjoy the challenge and I’m sure our visitors understand, they are very supportive of my art.

The boundaries I am depicting here are the ones that come purely from the wonderful colours in the country side, from the different shades and shapes and spaces that are defined by the crops or landscape that fills them. You don’t need fences, the divisions are drawn by the essence of that for which each area is being farmed. I was inspired for this image by my trips ‘home’ through the NSW country side; I love to travel the country roads, flanked by the rich tapestries of colour that always seem to beckon and welcome me back .

Feeling blue... or should that be green

2011-09-09T13:32:00.000+09:30

Well I have the flu - again- but this time marked with a really nasty insistent and tiring cough.
I tried to do some painting yesterday and everything I set out to do kind of worked out wrong, it was like my artistic eye was off. that set me to thinking, I wonder if just as we are physically off when we are sick, we may also be artistically impacted as well?
I don't know but it was disconcerting. Ive had days like that before of course but now I wonder if I might have felt under the weather then too... ah I'll have to ponder it a bit more...

Illustration Friday - Mysterious

2011-09-03T16:38:00.001+09:30

Alana had heard the stories of the mysterious big black cats that had been terrorising towns and taking cattle but when this little fella rocked up on her doorstep she was sure he was just an ordinary kitty... wasn't he?

There have long been tales of mysterious big cats roaming Australian bushland with stories of escaped zoo animals or freed mascots that had gone out and bred with the feral cats in the wild. There is even talk of the big cats being ferrals and that have genetically engineered themselves over time to be bigger and stronger to deal with a life in the wild.

Whatever they are, I've seen one, years ago, out with my brother and cousins and a friend on a farm, we all saw it and all were stunned and amazed at the size and speed of the animal we saw. All we do know is that it wasn't a domestic cat.

Seems lots of people have seen them. Here are a few links about the mysterious big cats. Fact or fiction, you decide!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHWhC9tO3dM (fast forward past the football)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_cat

my entry in the London Art College 2011 art competition

2011-09-03T10:08:00.004+09:30

Well its that time of year again and the Art College I study with are having their annual art competition. I have chosen to use this piece for my entry, inspired by an early morning walk through the botanical garden next to my workplace when the lovely water lily pond was in full bloom. It truly was sight to behold and imprinted on my memory so I wanted to capture that in this little piece. You need to be a student of the college to enter and entries have now closed, I only got in by the skin of my teeth as I have been away from my course work for a little while.

I love this college as I have done a prior course, straight into my current and have plans for more, for me its like getting my BA but being able to pick and chose exactly what I want to study and work on my personal limitations and strengths. The true learner centred adult learning environment! Of course I won't hold a BA but for me its more about the knowledge and skill I achieve and once I finish I hope to hold a few Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. The other great thing about it are the wonderfully helpful staff and supportive learning environment. Being an adult educator myself I value what they provide.

London Art College: http://www.londonartcollege.co.uk/

Water lily

All images on appear on this blog are copyright Janet Trotta

I'm bonkers for bunnies!

2011-09-01T18:12:00.001+09:30

I told you I had a thing for bunnies at the moment! Expect to see more!

I also have a thing for experimenting but that's not new, maybe I am just more confident about putting my artistic musings on my blog now :-)

Sunny day bunnies in love!

I find a lot of my work is quick, but that's often so I can get some done as I don't have a lot of time to paint and draw, it has to fit around the rest of my world but it is such an important part i need to maximise what time I do have. Maybe I will work these up into a "proper" illustration one day

I actually have several projects I need to start working on so better start focusing on them.

xx Janet

Creative Tuesday - ideal coffee break

2011-08-30T21:40:00.011+09:30

Cappuccino's with the bunny girl pals. (I have a thing for bunnies at the moment)

The kids are playing happily together, we have time to catch up, chat, laugh, and relax. An ideal way to unwind and treat yourself: good friends, nice coffee and a lightness that comes with familiarity, being yourself and just enjoying each others company.

Sorry, ths is a real quick one, done in a bit of a rough and experimental style. Im not sure that I like it.... oh well.

To check out all the other lovely artworks pelase go to http://goodteatoo.blogspot.com/

Cheers - have a great day everyone.

Illustration Friday - Disguise

2011-08-28T12:33:00.000+09:30

Just like any good business person the Easter bunny needed to maximise his profits. Every year in his non peak seasons he disguises himself as a local chicken farmer to pedal some of his surplus stock

This is a bit of a dalliance with vector art. I did an online tutorial recently which gave me a few basics so I could experiment and give it a try, I have done one or two other little trials, I might pop them up later. I don't know that it is for me though, the symmetry is off putting for me - not really my style. This is a blended approach, not all vector.

I know there are some vector artists out there that do stunning work, so I certainly won't right it off for myself just yet, I will practice when I can and see what comes. I do love experimenting with new things and teaching myself new skills. :-)

This is the vector tutorial I used, I found it really straight forward and simple to follow. It's for fireworks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvaUr67KB00&feature=relmfu uploaded by mlwebconsultation

Then I developed this in illustrator with the knowledge I learnt from the above tutorial. I must say, I find illustrator quite hard to work with and ended up doing my outlines there and all of the painting in photoshop. More tutorials required i feel :-D If anyone knows any good ones, please let me know.

Illustration Friday _ Influence

2011-08-23T21:15:00.000+09:30

My illustration is a little personal this week. When the word was influence I immediately thought of our little pooch Tuvoc, who sadly isn't with us anymore, but as such a huge part of all of our lives there is not a day that goes past where we don't mention her, or tell a funny story, or shed a quiet tear, or think of her in some way. She was truly an important part of our family.

Her influence,

Live life everyday, love the people who love you and show them how much you care, with carefree abandon! Never hold back. love the sun on your back and the wind in your face and most of all, never grow old, enjoy every minute as if you were young enough to roll on the grass, chase butterflies, run like the wind, dig holes in the sand, and jump into any close body of water when you know you really shouldn't, all just because it feels so good!

She got the nickname "little pig" when my brother was telling us he had heard the only animal that can't be successfully put in a harness is a pig because of their rotund body shape - of course this was while we were trying to her harness on for a walk one day and she kept backing out of it! Most unkind but the name stuck!

Having a great time ripping paper after one of our moves

Creative Tuesday = Moon

2011-08-17T06:49:00.000+09:30

I've been watching a lot of the TV show "true blood" lately and the significance of a full moon is often talked about there, but more than anything I was drawn to the majesty of the wolf, I'm very much a canine person and what could be more lunar than a wolf baying at the moon.

Just a little aside, we get much amusement as our little girl misunderstood what we said when she heard us talking about the moon one night and now she calls her (moon) mooner (instead of lunar).

I'm sorry folks, I won't be able to comment on other images until later, I'm off to work in a short time. Its going to be a hard day after about 1 hour sleep overnight as I have been up with my little munchkin who has had a bad earache - all night! Poor poppet, so the moon has been our companion over the past 8 hours. Dad has taken over now, so its hi ho hi ho ... for me.

check out all the other images at Hot Toast and Jam

Illustration Friday - swell

2011-08-15T16:35:00.000+09:30

When Theodore set out the weather prediction was for sunshine and smooth sailing, but when he hit the open water, things began to change. The swell had picked up and it was becoming quite choppy. Grey clouds rolled in.

Illustration Friday - Imperfect

2011-08-07T14:07:00.000+09:30

Hello, just a quick illo this week, whats new I hear you ask?

This little image was inspired by the illustration Friday word imperfect which brought back some childhood memories of mine. We had chooks ( chickens) and they were allowed to roam free around our yard, they laid our egg supply but we also had broody hens and chicks from time to time.

On at least two occasions i remember there was a little chick born with a deformed leg. These little chickens really fought for survival and to keep up with their much healthier siblings and mum but alas, they could never really compete. When they could no longer keep up and things were glum we would take them inside and put them in an ice cream container with lots of soft padding and keep them warm, feeding them with an eye dropper until their time came.

I like to think we brought those little chicks some comfort at that time.

Of course it all seems a little rosier in this little picc.

ice cream - creative tuesday

2011-08-02T19:26:00.001+09:30

Well I have decided to join in with the creative and talented crew of Mr Toasts Creative Tuesday and pop in an illustration of my own. I'm so excited about it, I have two.

The first one is one I did specifically but the second is one that my little girl and I did together for Creative Tuesday, when I first decided I would join in when I can. When I sat down to have a sketch in the lounge room and told her about the theme she sat with me and then the pencils and texta's came out and we had baby bear ready for uploading ( I did a little touch up in a few spots ) but many of the colours - especially the ice cream flavours ( strawberry and banana - her favourites) , choice of topping and lots of bits are hers.

Don't expect two too often - finding time for one is usually a drama for me.

Babies first ice cream

I hope you enjoy these for now. Cheers Janet

Click the link above or here to visit Hot Toast and Jam website

Illustration Friday - Obsession

2011-08-01T20:16:00.002+09:30

What a great word this week!

My adapted sketch this week reflects that obsession can be a potentially dark subject but I don't need to explain that!

What is his story, why is he there?

Who has that uncomfortable feeling they are being watched but can't pinpoint whats causing it ?

How long has he been there?

Lets hope that he has a good reason for being there!

my tooth is feeling better! Yah!

2011-07-27T19:31:00.000+09:30

Me over the weekend

Well.... I didn't actually wear a thing around my head but that's all I could think about - those cartoon characters with the bandage around their face when they had a sore tooth. 1 root canal (1/2 done?) and I feel so much better, just the residual discomfort from the work now. 1 - 2 more to go to complete the process in 1 month and then eventually a crown.

I just want to say, even know he will never read this, a huge thank you to the endodontist who helped me, Dr Farmer - he was fantastic and took great care and made sure I was pain free and relaxed the whole time. A lovely man who is wonderful at his job and has a wonderful respect for his patients. A big thank you to all endodentists and dentists and health workers out there who read this post! You make a big difference in peoples lives!

Thanks also to everyone who popped by my last post with reassurance, it really meant a lot and you were all right, it didn't hurt and I just kept my eye on the prize - relief !

xo Janet

Illustration Friday - Purr-ennial

2011-07-24T16:53:00.000+09:30

I'm afraid my take on illustration Friday has been led a touch astray by a little folly this week. I thought of lots of true perennial things and was going to do a little tribute to the Australian gum tree which grows to majestic heights and lives for many hundreds of years... but I needed something cheery in my week this weekend - I'm nursing a cracked and infected molar, going for root canal tomorrow ( Ive never had one before so I'm a bit apprehensive as well as sore :-/) and just wanted to have some fun!

Meet Miss Kitty and the illustration Friday image this week is about her purr - ennial drive to be a fashionista, looked up to by the kitties in her group and to always make a positive fashion statement (and not become a fashion victim)

Business kitty Glamour puss Kitty next door

Illustration friday - Gesture.... Bunny makes a wish

2011-07-21T17:51:00.001+09:30

Just something I'm trialling.... I move between digital and traditional illustration a lot, I guess I have grown to love creating in both mediums so that's a good thing.

That night, before she turned out her light and went to sleep

bunny looked to the stars and made a wish

Hoping all of your wishes come true :-)

Now I have decided to make this my Illustration Friday entry as well. It's my gesture of friendship to all of you wonderful people who visit my blog and make this a shared experience which is rewarding and so very enjoyable for me! xo Janet

meet Anty

2011-07-18T18:25:00.003+09:30

I just thought I would introduce you to Anty, it’s her birthday today!

Anty started life as an empty, folded, sipper straw packet, which just happened to fit neatly over my little girls finger and ~ ta – da ta – da ~ Anty was born. Don’t you just love how children can find characters and stories seemingly from nowhere!

Well anyway, ever since that first day, five days ago, my little girl has been planning a lovely birthday party for Anty, we just hadn’t had a chance to do it yet. In the mean time Anty 1 was left at Nonna's after a visit so there was another Anty, similarly made. Then, poor Anty 2 was accidentally thrown away by dad and she still hadn't had her birthday party yet!

So today, seeing we had time and we always love doing things together we decided to have Anty re-enter the world in style and give her a party she would be proud of and that’s what we did!
Enjoy her party photos! Hopefully you will feel like you were here celebrating with her.

Party friends - the purple spot is Anty's tattoo - " a balloon"

card, gift and a very excited Anty

Anty's card

Anty's cake and her 'present' - plastic knife, fork and spoon

My little girls very cleverly crafted pretend cake

But we made some cupcakes too

A little help with Anty's present.

All in all, a lovely day had by all, and Anty is still smiling! Even Dad came to Antys party!

We hope you enjoy it too!

Illustration Friday - Stay

2011-07-15T08:42:00.001+09:30

Max the king prawn couldn't decide if he should stay in the rut he was feeling and keep with his day job or seek out the bright lights of fame and fortune in that magically enchanting place called 'land' so he decided to consult under water worlds most renowned tea leaf reader Madame Zelda...

Let me know what you think the outcome should be? Should he stay or follow his dreams and go? You can vote on this over to to the right of this page :D

Illustration Friday _ Remedy

2011-07-04T10:09:00.000+09:30

To find a remedy one must first understand the ailment .....

Bob had heard about this.... if he could just somehow fuse himself to the

table it would be all right!

What did Geoffrey land in?

2011-06-25T18:14:00.000+09:30

Well for those of you hanging out to see what Geoffrey landed in I have made a special page just for you! Because I never want anyone who visits my blog to leave disappointed, just click on the corresponding heading below to find your choice and see how he ended up…is he there?

:) (Please let me know if it doesn’t work – its something new I’m trying)

Geoffrey gets muddy

Geoffrey and the cotton candy

Geoffrey in the crisp autumn leaves

Illustration friday _ Launch

2011-06-19T11:26:00.000+09:30

Geoffrey the gerbil loves fun and he cant wait to launch into a bit more! The thing is, you get to decide what he is going to launch into, a wonderfully crisp pile of autumn leaves leaves, a mountain of fairy floss ( cotton candy) he wants to eat his way through or a big slimy squelchy mud puddle.
My little girl helped me with the options for his launch, I wont tell you her favorite until later :-)

Illustration Friday _ swept

2011-06-16T12:29:00.000+09:30

Sorry but all I can muster this week is a rather messy little sketch from my sketchbook but I really don't want to miss a chance to put something up for Illustration Friday. I had had plans to sketch them up and paint them but that will have to come another day.

Vince's near sightedness had gotten him into trouble before,

his friends had kept nagging him to get new glasses.

I have been very busy making gifts and cards for little friends of my daughter - have you ever noticed that kids birthday parties seem to come in groups and its frequent that there is more than one on in one day... I'm so happy that she has such lovely little friends and such a lovely little social life!

Known Issues for Blogger: We're investigating an issue which is preventing l...

2011-06-10T16:31:00.000+09:30

I'm still completely frustrated by blogger, might soon be time to move services I think. This has really impacted on my ability to stay current with what i used my blog for. Is anyone else having this problem or is it only me..... I feel so alone here. Oh well all I can do is see if they get it sorted before I'm driven to finding a new blog home :-(.

Known Issues for Blogger: We're investigating an issue which is preventing l...: "We're investigating an issue which is preventing login and comment posting for some users, and hope to have a fix released shortly. Thanks..."

Illustration Friday - Shadow

2011-06-06T21:47:00.001+09:30

I'm finally getting an illustration in well before the end of the week - yay me! Its a bit like the old saying though, the paints not even dry....I have been so busy lately with Dibbydabby things, I will post about that at the end of the week. Well this is my entry, the concept is probably as old as the hills but I just couldn't resist a mischievous shadow.

Hal just couldn't put his finger on it, something didn't feel right, he felt like he was being followed but when he turned around there was nothing there ...

I am finding it so hard with blogger lately, its disappointing me as I am having great problems with signing in and being able to comment on other peoples wonderful blogs so its been painful. I've removed my face book "like" button just in case that's the problem - I know that is probably highly unlikely but I will give it a go, you never know the magic of wishful thinking :-). Also we recently changed one of our email addresses so I'm wondering if the conflict with that is causing it... anyway, I vow to get to the bottom of it... when I get time! Please know I am going out there looking at the wonderful funny, creative, pretty and mind blowing works you are all putting up there, I just sometimes can't go in as me to comment, and some blogs don't allow anonymous users ... so if it feels like what Hal here sometimes feels and you sense a lurking and that your never alone (in blog land) it might be me...

Illustration Friday - Asleep

2011-06-02T19:55:00.000+09:30

While I was enjoying bugging around I decided to do my illustration Friday illustration while i was at it. Its funny isn't it how you don't notice things until you scan them... like I forgot the wings - yeesh! never mind through the magic of photo shop I popped some on and I can take my time and put some water colour ones on the original at my leisure.
This little bee wanted to go out with dad and collect honey like a big bee... but after a few flowers he began to fell very very tired...

The lady birds and the bee's

2011-06-02T19:48:00.000+09:30

What a fun day I've had today, spending lots of it in my studio, in between physio and other appointments, catching up with some little buggy friends. I wanted to do some bugs for a little project I am working on and chose bee's and lady birds, so did a quick little research into them and then had lots of fun.
Scanning is still not working well for me.... but at this time of night the lights not good for digital pictures anyway.

sketchbook antics (or should that be bee-tics)

Looking at lady bugs close up was kind of creepy - their legs look a little too like spiders legs for my liking - and i couldn't look too long at the pictures as they were losing thier cute factor ~fast~!

The little bee at the top is starting school, he has his lunch and this bag and he is ready to go.

Illustration Friday _ soaked _ 2

2011-05-25T21:26:00.000+09:30

Couldn't help myself, some sketching while holed up on my sick bed. Feeling crap but at least I can draw to keep me feeling some enjoyment! There is only so much TV I can watch...

Playing in the puddles and having a good old roll seemed such a good idea ... until his human caught him and told him it was time for a good old soak in the bath!

Illustration Friday - Soaked

2011-05-22T14:34:00.001+09:30

This little image is one I sketched up last night for my little girl. She was so sad missing her most special little companion & favourite toy Sugar Pup who she has not spent a night away from in four years. Sug got left in the car after dancing yesterday and we didn't realise until last nights bedtime. Daddy had taken the car to work on a night shift ( too far away for us to go and collect Sug) so the IF theme of soaked fits in with a little girls tear soaked pillow last night at bedtime.
There was a very loving and special reunion this morning when Sugar pup made her way home with Daddy. We wondered what adventures she might have gotten up to over night.

She must have approved of the image as when she found it this morning she asked me ot do a big one of it for her room. (This one is in my sketchbook) Have a great week everyone! Janet

A worthy little competition _ we need to save our frogs

2011-05-17T20:08:00.001+09:30

From the save the forgs webiste.

Frog Art Contest:

SAVE THE FROGS! Nonprofit Organization (www.savethefrogs.com) has announced its international Frog Art Contest. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness of the mass extinction of amphibians that is currently taking place worldwide. There are cash prizes and the best art will be used on eco-friendly SAVE THE FROGS! merchandise and in books to raise funds for their amphibian conservation efforts. Please spread the word to any artists or teachers you know, and feel free to submit your finest frog art. Please visit www.savethefrogs.com/art to learn more. Thanks!

Illustration Friday _ Safari

2011-05-15T12:29:00.003+09:30

Wow, great topic.
This is a small section of a larger illustration i did for course work some time ago and it tells the story of two friends reminiscing on a great journey they had had together. Let me know if you want to see the rest of the illustration and I will post it. Kindest Regards Janet

Thanks for the request guys, can I say "by popular demand...." sounds nice and feels good even if it is a large exaggeration :-)

Here is the illustration in its entirety.

The brief called for a cow who finds a friendship with an "unlikely" friend - a type of bird - and depict what they find out about the world around them and what they see as they travel around together.

I chose to show their adventures together by depicting what they did across the four seasons. I capture them at the end reminiscing on their wonderful times. The space at the top was left for text (specified amount but shape not specified).

I really enjoyed doing this one. Well... i actually enjoyed doing them all :-)

As with all of my images: copyright: J trotta. 2011

Missing my blog and blogging friends & my little girl is off at school

2011-05-15T12:12:00.000+09:30

Well with problems with blogger all through the week I didn't have many people view my illustration Friday illustration or get any comments, which was a bit sad. I have gotten so used to the lovely supportive comments and shared encouragement that happens within the artistic blogging community I really missed it.

I also missed blogging so much when I couldn't do it because the site was down I posted my blog entry to Facebook. (Usually I am constrained by time, not the blog itself!)

Oh how used to this wonderful medium I have become, so much so I miss it very much when it is not there. Here is the image I posted on Friday to my Facebook pages, I was missing my little girl when she was off at school.

Well today has been my first 'weekday' day off now Angelina has started school. I missed my little partner! These days are going to allow me to concentrate a little more on my art so thats a plus, but I enjoy doing it with my girl. Never mind, we have all weekend together. Something inspired by the influences of my day. :-)

Illustration Friday - Beginner

2011-05-12T20:56:00.000+09:30

Wow, I have noticed my own absence, I have been missing my blog. I have been back at work after a mini holiday over Easter and I'm just not in my groove yet.
This is my entry for "beginner", she is new to gardening and has found it to be very rewarding... I decided I liked the cockatoo as well ( he initially came up in an earlier illustration) so he came too.
Prior to this I had a tight rope walker I had illustrated as I think that must be one of the hardest jobs out there to start off in, even with safety nets or only a few feet off the ground it would still be very daunting... but I didn't like him much so the little girl came to greet you instead.

Illustration Friday _ Lesson

2011-04-30T19:23:00.000+09:30

Hi, this little illustration was one I did for a small project a few months ago which I didn't use but I think it fits in well here.

I believe some of the most important lessons we learn in life as children are from sharing love and companionship with a pet. I think dogs in particularly help us learn more about compassion and humanity than many other things we do and I believe its important for children to grow up with a pet to care for and about. I think these lessons carry us well into adult hood and help us learn how to share, how to care and nurture, how to trust and many other wonderful lessons. I still learn from animals as an adult.
Or maybe I have just been incredibly fortunate with the wonderful and loving pets I have had the pleasure to know throughout my life to this point.

Pages from my sketchbook

2011-04-29T13:03:00.001+09:30

These are just some warts and all pages from my sketch book, nothing polished or certainly fancy, just playing around when I get time and having fun with whats around me. I thought I would share them as I have been away and haven't blogged much illustration stuff over the last week and I am on a short break from work so i have TIME which is generally a rare commodity so I thought I would strike while the iron is hot!

Some gnome fellows, inspired by Preston Blair

(Book info: http://www.amazon.com/Cartoon-Animation-Collectors-Preston-Blair/dp/1560100842)

Coloured butterfly, I added a bit of colour to the black lino print (my first lino print)

A couple of likely lads! Mmm Im still not happy with the scan. If anyone can lead me to some tips on the getting the best quality from your scans I would be very pleased

Mmmm thats an official Dora the Explorer sticker up there, Im certainly not taking credit for that :-)

Some holiday sketches for fun

2011-04-27T17:51:00.001+09:30

These are a few little fun sketches done over our holidays and probably more to come, it's great finding time to sketch!
Even Angelina and Ben got in on the act.

Some piccs from "home"

2011-04-25T14:46:00.001+09:30

A few of my favourite things! Looking at some of the things that have a lot of sentimental memories attached for me, particularly the pepper tree, many hours were spent around them growing up with my brother and sister, and my best friend, looking for cicada pupae casings and generally playing, to the date palm my mum loved so much! It's nice coming "home" and now sharing memories with my little girl.

Illustration Friday: bycycle

2011-04-24T16:32:00.005+09:30

Bears on bikes!
This little image was done in my sketch book, the picture is taken and uploaded on our tablet which we are just getting the hang of so it might not be the best quality. Anyway enjoy! And happy easter!

Updated 29/4/11 - I thought I would scan the image now we are home, to see how much difference there is. The scanning process has made it look much harsher than it is in 'real life' but at least it is clearer. Clicking for a large view gives it more definition.

Road trip

2011-04-24T10:16:00.001+09:30

Well I may have missed the IF word Journey,but we are on one of our own, up to country NSW (Australia) to see my Dad and family. Its been a while and im looking forward to it but have also been a bit hesitant in some ways as things never stay the same.
I thought I would post some random piccs along the way. Im sure other people find it interesting as I do, seeing countryside and things that are different to where we live oursleves, I'll work on my IF picc along the way too!

Some random piccs tonight

2011-04-17T21:53:00.002+09:30

I just had to take a photo of these. My little girl wanted to play cooking while I was preparing dinner last night so I gave her some peels to mix in her little bowl while i got on with dinner. There were some patty pans in the bench so she grabbed them and used some to "serve" up her dinner. Quite inedible (well unless your a bunny) but very pretty I thought!

These were some cupcakes she helped ice

Lovely fresh strawberries, looked too pretty not to snap while I had my camera handy.

Geraniums from our garden

Illustration Friday - Bottled

2011-04-13T21:13:00.000+09:30

I was saying in a response to the lovely people who commented on my last post I have an idea I’d love to do for “bottled” but time is rushing by on this one and by the time I could do it justice it will be a new word. I actually did this image some time ago in my Children’s book illustration course as one of my activities and I remembered it when the topic name came up so I thought I would go with it instead of my other idea…. Well long story short, here is my entry this week, I hope you like it & thanks for visting!

Illustration Friday - Duet

2011-04-08T11:11:00.002+09:30

Them good ol' boys were drinkin' whiskey 'n' rye

Singin this will be the day that I die.

This is a couple of Aussie brush tail possums drinking up a Storm. The suns come up but they are still going. Not sure where the American Pie reference came from. I must be channeling them singing.

Old sketches

2011-04-04T19:04:00.000+09:30

Well today I spent the whole day cleaning up my studio / craft room. As it is occasionally a shared room for creative pursuits for me and my little budding artist it gets messy from time to time. I must say it has also become a bit of a family drop zone - if any ones not sure of where something belongs it ends up in there.
All in all it hasn't been very conducive for creativity lately so Ive really gone to town, tidying and sorting. Ive emptied every cupboard and shelve and bought heaps of new storage containers etc so it will be a lot easier to find things. Now I've got no time left this evening to create and I feel really invigorated to do so! Never mind, its ready to go when I am...
In the process I found a one of my existing old sketch books so thought Id blog a few of my old pics.

My grand mothers cat?

Kerrie

Super hero

Varied characters, not sure what gave me the inspiration for the guy in the apron :-)

I used to love drawing "fashions"

It kind of saddens me that I never pursued art right from the get go...I used to draw all the time as a child growing up and into my early teens, then I went out and pursued a "career". I didn't have a lot of time for it but never forgot it and met my creative streak by doodling here there and everywhere. Finding it again and devoting more time to it has been a wonderful for me and I a loving every bit of it.

Funday - Sunday - Art day

2011-04-03T21:04:00.001+09:30

Well today it was that time again and another fun art day for me and my friend and art buddy Lucrezia. Today we experimented with lino block cutting, something which is new to us both (I’d done it before in school but that was a while ago :-) )We both found it strangely calming and relaxing. I thought it would be a lot harder as I had done some research on the net this morning and a few people had said the lino could be hard to cut but this was quite easy to use. I think I may have inadvertently but rather pleasingly bought the easy carve lino tiles without knowing the difference. Today was a bit of a play but we both want to do more! We also celebrated Lucrezia’s recent birthday too, another fine day had by all!
Here are some piccs.

My first attempt (well since school years ago) Its rough but I like the roughness It was good fun.

Above and below, our 'wares'.

Some fun shots, I love the colours together in the one below.

The birthday cake.

I hope you had a fun Sunday too!

Illustration Friday - Toy

2011-03-29T20:58:00.002+10:30

This is Princess with a few of her favourite things. she knows she is on a good wicket. She is a very lucky girl.

I think I will have to call myself the 30 - 40 minute illustrator. All I seem to have time for these days are quick illo's but it keeps the creative juices flowing and I'm sure it is excellent practice and builds my practical skill. Kudos to Ed Emberley too, his images have influenced Princess and I am loving his amazing work and it brings memories of childhood, I only had one of his simpler books with faces to draw but I loved that book. Our daughter got one of this books for her birthday.

Have a great week everyone.

My busy few weeks

2011-03-27T17:56:00.001+10:30

Well i promised I would post about one of the main things keeping me happily busy over the past few weeks and this was one very special one. Our little girls birthday. She was very lucky this year and had two parties, one with family and one with friends. I made two cakes ( one for each party) and of course the family one came first so they thought they were the Guinea pigs but didn't mind as I think it tasted okay - well they told me it did. I was really happy with the result as I have never made a "proper birthday cake" before. Let me know what you think. Not only did we have her two parties we had parties for friends to attend as well so we have been having a jolly and fun time.

Birthday cake number 1, trial run

Some butterfly cupcakes and dragon fly biscuits

Birthday cake 2 - the big party

Our fairy princess

Opening a present from the fairy hosts

Fairy kisses

Illustration Friday - Cultivate

2011-03-23T21:11:00.001+10:30

Miss mouse' lovely garden

Just a little illustration tonight, I have been so busy lately. She may be simple but I have been thinking of her for a few days keen to get pen to paper. I haven’t had much sketch time over the last few days and I miss it.

We have had a busy and lovely time with a special birthday and a few parties thrown in, all in all a very happy and exciting few weeks. I will post some birthday party photos in a day or two.

Adding to the other activity in our lives at present I have had work and it’s been particularly busy there too with some of my heaviest programs running over the last few weeks but I completed the last of those for this year today (yay!) I enjoy them but they can be exhausting. Thank you everyone who has posted your wonderful comments over this busy time, I apologise for my delay in response but plan to make up for it over the next few days. I really do love seeing and reading them. I haven’t had time to comment as often as I like but I go in and read every day.

I have four glorious days off with my beautiful family now and I’m going to enjoy every single minute. Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxed weekend too!

Childrens art

2011-03-15T21:16:00.001+10:30

I absolutely love children's art, the freedom and joy that each painting brings. Thats what it should all be about isnt it. I especially love my own daughters art, Ive said it before and i'll say it again, I see something special in her paintings - but I know i could well be biased in the matter. I love her gift to me today.

Happy birthday beautiful girl

2011-03-14T11:16:00.000+10:30

Mummy and Daddy love you very much!

Illustration Friday _ Stir

2011-03-13T16:23:00.000+10:30

This is Macca, he is none too happy about ending up in stir!

"I was framed" he says, "it was that cat stirring up trouble!" "Somebody get me out of here, Im going stir crazy!"

Illustration Friday = Warning

2011-03-07T20:00:00.001+10:30

Beware of Rambo Cocky!

I did this quick little picc for a friend not so long ago when she was waging war against a very naughty cockatoo who was wantonly picking off the tops of her newly planted prize winning iris bulbs as they started to grow.
I think he ended up winning too!

Illustration Friday - swarm

2011-03-04T19:50:00.001+10:30

Well I didn't think I would get anything in this week, all I could think of were locusts which are quite a devastating problem here and I did not want to honour them with an illustration. Plus I have been quite busy.
I have been painting some little name tag cards for lolly bags for our daughters birthday party in a few weeks and I just looked down at them 1/2 an hour ago and thought "oh my - A swarm of fairies!"
They are not finished yet and sit on my craft room table but here are a few piccs anyway. Plus they add to my '100 faces theme' - Ive done 19 so that's up to 29 faces now - wow its flying along :-)

100 faces

2011-02-27T20:22:00.003+10:30

In Carla Sonheim's book Drawing Lab for mixed media artists one of the 'activites' involves drawing faces, 100 in fact! - from life, from imagination, self portraits and contour drawings - basically you name you can try it.
I plan to do 100 as opportunities present and as I will put up more as I go, until I meet my quota. I think it will be fun. While I have lots of others I have done before I wanted start fresh and these are quick rough sketches but that is the name of the game. There is no protocol that must be adhered to.
These are some of my first, from my sketchbook. This creative exercise was started on the 25th of February 2011.
Below is 1,2 & 3

Here are 4, 5 6 & 7.

8 appears in an earlier post.

Here is 9. I dont think anything stipulates they must be human faces.

Creativity Day

2011-02-27T19:16:00.003+10:30

Well today was the second event of the Creative Art Days my friend Lucrezia and I decided to schedule as a regular occurrence and it didn't disappoint. We both learnt new things and had a lot of fun doing it!
Some pic's from today.

Lucrezia working her magic

Paint marks

Brown paper portrait - I'm working on '100 faces' an idea from Carla Sonheims book This is number 8, i'll upload the other 7 later.

What more could we want, art, chocolate, nice coffee and good company.

Working on some card ideas

All in all a very very pleasant day! Next one is coming up in early April, we already have plans for what we will try. I'll keep you posted! Janet

Illustration Friday - layers

2011-02-20T17:08:00.003+10:30

World news tonight!
Famous Archaeologist Boris P Bunnito finds fossil evidence of Paleolithic bunnies!

About fossils

What Are Fossils?

•Fossils are the remains or imprints left behind from plants and animals. They can be whole parts of an animal, or just pieces of their remains. They can also include movement remnants of animals, such as footprints or imprints.

How Do They Form

•In order for a fossil to form, an animal or plant must be trapped into a material. In many instances, fossils are found in sediment. Layers of sediment will envelop the remains; this can continue for thousands of years. The actual remains that are found aren't the animal or plant at all. Instead, the remains begin to decay within the sediment. Minerals then replace the space that was once the remains. The mineral hardens and makes an impression of the animal or plant. What is left is what is known as a fossil.

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4928233_fossils-form.html
Obviously mine didn't decay too much :-)

Read more: How Do Fossils Form?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4928233_fossils-form.html#ixzz1EUNjY5RS

Illustration Friday - Sweater

2011-02-17T21:55:00.000+10:30

Oh my, the week is flying, I have had a rough sketch in my sketch book for this weeks topic since Saturday and tonight I thought I had to make a move or the new topic will be here and I wont have had a chance to post. It is Thursday evening here as I write this so I have done a real quick digital rendition of my illustration. Its not at all how I had envisioned it when I was planing it, I thought I might like to do a ink and soft water colour wash ... maybe that can be a future project.
I really liked the topic this week and my immediate thoughts went to this. I really feel sorry for the doggies who have people who dress them in jumpers (sweaters) or outfits and make them go out side like that. I am sure the other doggies laugh at them ( not that I advocate laughing behind any ones back, these guys are really only engaging in some friendly ribbing). This poor little guy just wants to go home now...please mum....please...

Fireworks

2011-02-13T14:23:00.001+10:30

The Barber family enjoying fireworks over the waterfront.

This is a little chalk & gel pen highlight illustration on black paper I did a few months ago... I was cleaning a cupboard in my studio and found it again. The scan doesn't really show up the highlights in the fireworks created by the glittery gel pens but I like the look none the less.
I love fireworks myself so I understand why this little family is enjoying them so much.

Pretty pictures

2011-02-13T10:05:00.001+10:30

I just love the colours and the beautiful faces on these sea animals on a little shopping centre merry-go-round, my little girl loves them too, these are her favourites. I like them so much I wanted to put them on my blog :-)

Illustration Friday - Reverse

2011-02-05T18:18:00.001+10:30

Everything was going well with the game until Ronald got himself stuck under the log. All of the other animals were helping him to reverse himself out, well everyone except Conrad who was quite annoyed as he was winning the game until this happened!

Just trying something different with the paint application.

A peaceful start to the day

2011-02-03T19:46:00.001+10:30

When I drive in to work I have to park a ways away and so I walk and I cut through the botanic garden and I find it a brief ten minute excursion into peace and tranquillity. I just love the way the golden light warms everything. Here are a few photos I thought it would be nice to share. I took them with my mobile so they are not perfect but nice enough.

Yes I am particularly taken with the lillies

My fellow commuters

Trees in the early morning sunlight

And yes, the only problem is that I dont want to go to work then.... :-)

Illustration Friday - Surrender

2011-01-29T17:11:00.001+10:30

This little lady is definately NOT going to surrender....

well maybe not until mum or dad really push the issue.

art play

2011-01-26T18:09:00.002+10:30

I had a great day yesterday making lots of little animals with my watercolours. I started out on a project and it just wasn't going anywhere so I took a break and just let the brush take me where it wanted and these little critters emerged. The kangaroo on my last post was also one of three.

There was a general meeting of the ministry of bugs and

it was decided someone just had to tell Francoise that he wasn't a beetle!

No-one wanted to take responsibility for the telling however.

Lady McAnt

Things that fly

Ducky

There were horses too!

Please remember all images are copyright protected

Happy Australia Day everyone!

2011-01-26T11:27:00.000+10:30

For all of my Australian friends and family I hope you all have a wonderful Australia Day whatever you chose to do today!
We are blessed to live in such a wonderful and beautiful country.
:-) xoxoxoxo

Illustration Friday - Dusty

2011-01-22T20:10:00.003+10:30

This is Dusty, so named because of his colour although most of his friends call him Ginger!
He is pleased to meet you!

Happy Anniversary Honey - Andrews anniversary card

2011-01-21T20:42:00.000+10:30

Happy Anniversary Andrew, I love you!

Not usually one for big public displays of affection I did want to acknowledge my wedding anniversary (yesterday) in a special way.

I am lucky to have a wonderful husband who loves me very much, who supports and encourages everything I do, who is protective of me ( in the right ways) by upholding my rights , standing by me and standing up for me and who is a wonderful and loving dad to our daughter as well. We’ve been through a lot of good times together and some hard times too, you have been beside me for all of those and we have shared the burdens and the laughter and that’s what marriage is about to me.

Love ya.

Janet

Illustration Friday - Chicken

2011-01-21T09:02:00.000+10:30

Hello all, I decided to depict 'life in the coup' and this little group have been at Mrs Pullet’s school of flight just before this image was made, Mrs Pullet seems to have inspired a few but some of the others just aren’t getting it yet.

I used photos of yellow pom poms for my chicks bodies. They had just the right amount of yellow and fluffiness I thought.