Fun in Flatland

Primer time

This is a block of Aquarelle paper that I am applying gesso to. It will be an experiment on a smaller scale since I keep getting side tracked with my 16x20 canvases that I'm still noodling (obscure painting term) with. This small page will be a test run for my ideas. Along with making the paper smoother the gesso also adds a flexible durability to the surface which I like.
The gesso is already dry and since I can't tear myself away from this project just yet I'm going to start with a light wash of orange. Have you heard that orange is the new black? Um, okay I don't know that for a fact, but I do know that you don't come here to read about fashion :p Bye for now.

Doooodle

Mystery project day two

This morning two pieces of the mystery project are clear. The only things visible are the brush strokes in the gel medium.

I used the secret weapon for this piece, and as a result the surface is very smooth. I really like this effect quite a bit.

Flatlander gets off of floor. Evolution at the basic level is achieved!

Hi there! I'm working at a table now like most people normally do. I can't say that sitting on the floor was too bad, but it did make for some stiff legs after awhile. Anyway, here is the latest painting carnage:

First, something different. What is this mysterious, opaque something or other?... come back again later and find out what becomes of this piece
and this piece. I guarantee you will be surprised!
One of my new brushes- it's nice! Perfect for this acrylic medium.
New additions to the midnight episode 2 piece..

Close up on some details

Stopping here for tonight.

Lights, camera, ACTION!!

Loot & a coupon

Michael's craft store was having a 4 hour "madness" sale with a 25% off your total bill (if you brought in the coupon) including items that were on sale. I got two 2-packs of 16x20 canvas, some liquid copper, 3 synth. brushes suitable for acrylic, black acrylic, and an extender for my paint. I'm looking forward to some paintin'.

I forgot a few things.. tape for making curves. It's like pin-striping tape and I thought of ways I can use it on the canvas, so I got two; also a seam ripper that has a mini sewing kit stashed in the handle.

Here is the old Mars Black R.I.P. When I opened the lid powder poured out of the tube- she's a goner fer sure.

Here is my first hand made toy for you know who, whose name will probably be "Violet" unless we find another name that better suits her ~~personality~~ birdonality.

I found a few web pages that sold bird safe vegetable tanned leather, beads, and other knick-knacks to chew on and bought some stuff. Pet toys are expensive, and I'd rather spend the 40 bucks and make several of my own toys than spend the same amt. on maybe 3 big toys. Besides Violet isn't going to be that big of a bird and going the DIY route gives me lots of flexibility in toy making, especially once I see what she likes.

Flatland goes flat

Painting in Flatland doesn't happen very often, but recently I've been wanting to do something creative and painting kept coming to mind. Some techniques I've seen recently have inspired me to just do it.
Painting at midnight, episode 1:

Painting at midnight, episode 2:
I want to doodle with the paintbrush loaded with red paint on a wet canvas primed with a medium.

I didn't like the result so I managed some fancy erasing and started again. This time doodling with the paint straight from the tube.
Nah..
Erasing some more, but this time I add color and continue erasing.
The secret weapon... shh.

I like how it looks at this point, and it gave me an idea for another set of canvas after seeing it next to the episode 1 piece. The gold paint in both paintings is very bright and sparkly without appearing like glitter. For some reason I had the James Bond Gold Fingggaaaarrrr sound track going through my mind when I used it.. I can't imagine why.

Put your tribulations into perspective

Read about this man: Randy Pausch Watch his video "The Last Lecture."

A Final Farewell
How Randy Pausch, a 47-year-old college professor, came to teach his family about love, courage -- and saying goodbye
By JEFFREY ZASLOW
May 3, 2008; Page R1 The Wall Street Journal.

Illustration Friday: Poof

I made these two very quick sketches for Illustration Friday this week but won't submit them. Next topic word is SAIL.

Thumbnail jpegs have to be made when you submit to Illus. Fri. this is my test. Now I guess I'll think about the next topic.

It's official- bird has blog

Please visit the new blog of my feathered friend (her name yet to be determined). She is so excited and pleased with herself. She has titled the blog The Pionus Point of View. Don't forget to bookmark it! ☺

Here's how I look today..

...Not much different than yesterday! ☺ I manage to maintain a high level of cuteness no matter what day of the week it is though. Oh yeah! Good news!! I will be getting my own blog page, so stay tuned for that in the next few days (hopefully sooner).
I was biting my human today and pinched her hard, but she didn't flinch or say anything about it, so I stopped! I guess it's not worth doing if I don't get a reaction. Still, I am having a difficult time getting used to being stroked on my body even though she is very gentle and only uses one finger to pet me; I still need to squawk my opinion. I hear I'm getting a flight suit... what ever that is. I overheard that the suit will be delivered tomorrow or Friday.

Here is one of my friends. She is worried about the cell phone taking her picture, and that is why she is looking stretched out and thin. We birds have lots of things to get used to when living around people.