Koalas

As the end of the year approaches I felt the need to finish a piece featuring an animal I love. Having lived in my home for over 40 years and before the housing developments encroached on our area, we regularly encountered koalas in the wild. Such is not the case any longer. Sadly our koala population is depleted and in grave danger as their habitat is being destroyed on a monumental scale.
I love to draw them. My piece "Safe with Mum" is now finished and I love this sweet duo......the process.....

And the finished piece......

Of course there always  seems to be a new project waiting for me. I have just begun a new piece of a gorgeous Azure Kingfisher. Captured on the Yellow Water Billabong Kakadu. Prelim drawing done and first layers of pencil going down....can you see him there?

Ahhh! Love what I do.....

As the saying goes...."No tree.....No me!"
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

In My Journal

I have a small collection of watercolour pencils and I love using them with a black pen. I wondered what some little Christmas drawings for some cards that I have in mind would look like.....so my trusty journal was the place to experiment.

I had such fun with them....I might try a few on real cards now....maybe try a couple of other designs too.
I love handmade Christmas!

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Calling it Done

My Scratchboard effort of the young male lion has taken me quite a while and I have decided enough is enough.....he is done! You can see how he has developed from the beginning.

Boy oh boy more practice needed......besides I want to get on and finish my coloured pencil version of him which has been languishing in my art folder. I now need a new (victim) model to go under the scalpel blade.
My other little finish is the otter in pastel pencils. Once again....MORE PRACTICE NEEDED! But I think he is adorable.

Getting my head around what the different tools and pencils are capable of and how to use their particular strengths is proving a wee bit challenging I must say.
My next challenge is to rethink a couple of pieces I had put aside. Particularly this one.....

I loved this rusty old beast but I definitely didn't think how to use it in a composition to advantage. I have done so much work on it that I want to make it work. So thinking cap is on!
Have a deliciously creative day.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

More Pastel Pencils

After enjoying the recent workshop I attended, I have been keen to do more with Pastel Pencils. I have been using lovely Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils. They are great on furry subjects.
I chose a cheeky fellow I snapped at Dubbo Zoo.....a cute little Otter.
Work is progressing and I am slowly getting the hang of it.......I think lol!

Plus I didn't get tooooo dirty.....hate pastel dust!
Whilst at QWASI exhibition last week I snapped this piccie of teeny tiny sedge frogs....hope you can see it in my photo. Just beautiful!

Can you see it on the bud.....about the size of my thumb nail. The other you may not see as it is on the Lily stem....green on green.

I think everyone who visited was captivated by these beautiful lilies......

I know I was.
I wish you all a creative weekend.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Enjoyment Plus

My first participation in a Queensland Wildlife Artist's Society Exhibition has come to an end and I have to say I loved every second.....loved demonstrating and talking to such interesting and nice folks......hopefully encouraging a few to take a chance and have a go.

I had lovely family and friends come to visit.....thank you so much.....your encouragement and support meant so much.
Fiona and her hubby came down from her big hill which was so nice.

The Grandies enjoyed it too.......due consideration in their Viewers Choice Selection paper was an important decision.

My cousin and his lovely wife popped by......a very nice catchup.

These were my exhibition pieces....

My demonstration piece that I was working on was a special project and I am really pleased with how it has turned out...for those of you who saw it in various stages. "Bluefaced Honeyeater in Pandanus"

If someone had told me 4 years ago that my wild and secret little dream to become a wildlife artist was not only possible but would come to fruition, I would have told them to  have their head examined lol! I am beyond thrilled to have lots to look forward to, learning, improving and honing my skills doing something that I truly love......

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Working Those Pencils

I have had a lovely time out at the Australia Wild Art exhibition. Yesterday was spent talking to lovely visitors, working away with very talented friends and exercising my beautiful pencils.....

The very talented Sandra Temple working on doggie portraits in pastel pencil.....just gorgeous!

Such wonderful detailed graphite and scratchboard work from Diane Smith.

Friend Esther had huge interest in her beautiful scratchboard work. I am sure she inspired many to give it a try.

The Botanical Gardens is such a lovely place too. I shall be back there on the weekend. Can't wait!
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx