Friday, 27 September 2019

Back at My Journal

Well I didn't expect to be posting again so soon but I am determined to get the 30 nature items CHALLENGE completed....NO piking this time around.
So here we go .....
26. SCRUNCHY
I chose Autumn leaves...the ones that crunch and scrunch when you walk on them. They were delightful to do...Lots of layers and blending those gorgeous colours.

27. ANIMAL
Oh boy so many to choose from....but a cheeky raccoon is it! I think they are so beautiful with their bandit masks.....probably wouldn't agree if they were in your bins lol!
A bit rushed....I was trying to draw it from a photo on my tablet....not the easiest but got a likeness and  hey only 3 more to go......yippee!
 Ok....drawing or stitching? Decisions! Decisions!
I wish you a happy weekend....however you choose to spend it.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Thursday, 26 September 2019

Local Beauties

As my sleepy wombat is taking quite a while to complete I thought I would share an update of him with you and then share some of my local wetlands I have been reacquainting myself with of late.
It is also my aim here to share more of my experiences in our natural places, as they really do inspire me to want to capture their essence with my pencils.....so you have been *warned folks lol!
First to Wombat....I was starting to nickname him "Wombat Pasta" as all that tough grass was looking like spaghetti lol! I am beginning to have hope that it will not be the case!
Last weekend the man in my life and I went for a visit to Berrinba Wetlands. Which is a short drive from home for us. We started at the Scrubby Creek end....a side note....this beautiful sculpture by John Coleman (situated in the picnic area precinct) called Synergy is an amazing solar powered Sea Eagle known as Mibunn by local indigenous people and is the guardian of Scrubby Creek.....love it!
It was a very relaxing wander along the creek and around the main lagoon. Amazingly beautiful clouds reflected here...
Over bridges and creeks we went.....
And around fallen giants...who now have a new purpose...habitat for critters.
We chose a pretty spot for morning tea....we were entertained by wee fairy Wrens but were too quick for my cameraman! All we got were just little blue flashes!
Ferns and Banksias....

And of course water....


I love the reflections in some of these photos. We are definitely planning another visit.
This morning I wanted to visit the duck pond at Rochedale and get some photos of Waterlillies for a project I have in mind....and there were loads of ducks....captured by my favourite cameraman....not me.  I am only good for the overall landscapes.
So tranquil and pretty....more photos...sorry lol!
From the boardwalk that cuts across the pond at the far end.....

There is something I truly love about Paperback trees. Their texture and the look of them in a stand on the banks of rivers and lakes.
I loved the wake of little ducks scooting across the pond.
This white goose was trying hard to fit in with the locals. Bit hard when you wear white all the time!
The bottlebrush trees in blossom were keeping the Lorikeets happy.
Where is the Lorikeet you ask? Flew straight over my head as I clicked lol!
You know it is so easy to encounter and enjoy nature, even if you live in suburbia as I do.....it just takes a little bit of effort on our part to seek out those special little oasis that are so good for your soul. I think if you experience natural environments and the wildlife who call it home, you are more inclined to ensure its safety and health. I have hope at least that it's true.
If you hung in there thanks.....

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

Tuesday, 10 September 2019

Hello Out There

I thought I had better pop in and say hello.....as some of you may know I have been off exploring some of my home State. I would like to be able to say I sketched up a storm but the truth of the matter I was too busy absorbing all the amazing scenery and experiences I had.
It was wonderful to see artworks and sculptures in little country towns along the way.....reinforcing my view that Art is beneficial for everyone.
Some of my favs.....
Two Murals in mining town Moura...

Loved the Giant Van Gogh replica in Emerald....
In the historic town of Croydon I was very taken with this sculpture honouring the Stockman.
Another in the tropical town of Mossman.....very striking against the mountainous backdrop.
This sweet Olive backed Sunbird sculpture in Townsville...
Pretty mosaics in Bowen...

All so enjoyable to admire.
It certainly has taken me a while to get the right end of my pencils back into action.
My poor neglected Wombat is once again getting some attention.
I am working on the rough grass and grass roots  around his burrow.....you will probably think.....what on earth?
It does look  a little strange but there is loads of detail to work yet!
It is now at the OMYGOODNESS! Will this work out ok stage??
We shall see!
I am trying hard to resist beginning any new pieces although the urge to express some of what I have seen is very tempting.
Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx