Penguin Progress

Good morning lovely people!
Not a lot to share as I am very much amongst the leaves with my Fairy Penguin.
But I think you will see some progress....

As you can see some of the negative spacing is being created....makes such a huge difference. I was always hesitant about it...But now I love how it makes your work pop and gives depth to your piece.

The other thing I love to do, is to sketch little one dimensional drawings that are suitable for my other love....needle and thread......these are Christmas ones that I shared on my quilting blog as a little freebie.
With the devastation caused to our wildlife from the on going bushfires in my country, I had to pop a little Koala in one....with a little reminder that KINDNESS is such a gift....even if you feel you have nothing to offer....you can always, always offer KINDNESS.

So that folks is how I have been spending my pencil time.
Before I go, I want to share a book with you that I reread often.....especially when I doubt my own ability and get into the comparing game.....it happens sometimes despite my best efforts. I think we all suffer from " I am not good enough" blues at times.  I count myself fortunate that I have found myself amongst supportive and encouraging friends and like minded people in both my loves....needlework and art.....so it doesn't come calling too often....or...I am able to send it on its way quickly.
A lot of you may already know it or have read it. I originally borrowed it from the library on the advice of a friend but was always extending so much I bought myself a copy....

Just thought it may appeal.....
If your first intention is to create for yourself....what you love......no matter what it is, you have found yourself at the heart of the matter.

Namaste and blessings Michelle xxx

Fairies....Not Quite in My Garden

Whilst on holidays with family to Philip Island in Victoria in 2016, we explored the place after the Motorbike racing was done. Part of that exploring was a wander along the extensive boardwalk at Seal Rock. Here there are lots of manmade nesting boxes for the little blue penguins (they will always be Fairy Penguins to me) and we discovered some made by their very own little selves. I took this photo when I discovered it's resident keeping a watchful eye on us......I didn't want to cause distress so I didn't get too close....hence not a great shot!

But I have longed to draw it....so I am having a good old go at it.
My progress so far....

Crazy person that I am,  I am enjoying those leaves so much lol!
Speaking of leaves......our Australian gum leaves have always been a favourite of mine. I love the different colours from brand new glossy red tipped leaves, through the sage to the faded rust and sandy colours of decay.....add a few insect nibbles and blights ...... love them! I have been gathering a few and have a little collection that I fancy drawing as a collage....

 Looking forward to drawing these and seeing the results in pencil.
Must away.....I have a little Fairy waiting on my drawing board!

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

QWASI Exhibition 2019

This is where I have spent my time for the last 4 days. At the wonderful Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. I have enjoyed every minute of it. We out did ourselves this year in the quality and amount of BEAUTIFUL artwork exhibited. Our committee worked extremely hard to make it such a success.

This is only a small selection of what was on offer. Lots of merchandise seemed to walk out the door with very happy folk....pleased with a head start on Christmas shopping...

The highlights for me were seeing my pieces hung in such illustrious company...

Demonstrating my art, discussing wildlife......talking to and encouraging others to follow their hearts and pick up that pencil or brush and have a go as the saying goes.......and having my lovely friend Di Smith beside me, doing the same and sharing time and laughs together. I can't tell you what sitting amongst all this beautiful work does for you......

My friend Di won Best in Show for her gorgeous African Dogs and Best International Art for her Lions......Amazing pieces!

So well deserved........ a more talented and encouraging lady you  would be hard pressed to find. Congratulations my lovely friend!
I took my Major Mitchell cockatoo to work on......

And if you read last post you will see a bit of progress....

Patrons to the exhibition could enjoy a cuppa and treat from these beautiful handmade cups and saucers......so pretty! They were like little gems....LOVE!

On Saturday morning I arrived early to go for a wander around the gardens which is something I love to do.

Say G'day to a local as I pass by...

I hadn't photographed this sculpture before...

I love the sculptural look of Bromeliads.....

I of course can never stay away from the Sacred Lotus pond......

 Always hoping and looking to find one of my teeny tiny green friends.....can you see it? Tiny things really can fill your heart with joy!

So folks that's how I have spent my time of late....if you are still with me, thank you.
On a final note, the amount of people who LOVE the natural world as we do is very encouraging and gives me hope to hang on to in these difficult times.....we just have to keep on taking care of our corner and doing whatever we can, whenever and wherever we can to cherish our wildlife and this world of ours.

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx

A Finish and Hello November

Brunswick River Local is finished and I have scratched the "tyres on the pylon" itch.

I have been slowly making progress on Major Mitchell.....

I shall take it with me at the weekend to work on at....

Drop by for a look see..... a cuppa .... entry is  gold coin donation!
This beautiful colour has made me happy this week....
Purple Rain....

Namaste and Blessings Michelle xxx