Meet Ollie ...

I wanted to share my newest attempt at water color, meet Ollie the Ostrich. Why did I decide to paint an ostrich, I’m not sure, why did I decide to name him Ollie because it starts with an “o” and this bird did not look like an Oscar.

I was a little ugh yesterday afternoon. Abigail really put me through the ringer in the morning and by the time I came home from taking her to preschool I wanted to escape. She is an angel at school and at home she can be the sweetest, most loving, funny little girl you have ever met and then there are times I feel like I am dealing with a self-centered, pretentious 14 year old who acts like Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the new one I hate the original, it scares me).

Actually I chose to pick an Ostrich because I was going through my collection of bird photos and came across the goofy ostriches from the zoo. Whenever we visit they come up to the fence and pretend to peck at it. It’s like they are trying to eat something that isn’t there. When I saw this one particular shot of the odd bird it made me laugh and I knew painting him was just what I needed. I finished painting him this morning at the sunny kitchen table while the princess was preoccupied playing.

I am trying to develop my own style with water colors. the last two pieces I have done I have started with a simple pen drawing and then used the water colors to complete the art. There are so many amazing water color artist and I really want to stand out with my own look. I want you to know it is mine and no one else’s.

Along with finishing this crazy bird I have come up with a few new ideas today that I am excited to start!
Have a great weekend!

2012 did not exactly start the way I had hoped. I woke up on the 4th and felt like someone sucked the life out of me and then ran me over. That same night Abigail began throwing up and for the next six days all I did was sleep. Not a very prosperous start to the New Year. You would think I could get some art created since I was lying around, nope that didn’t happen even my arms ached and were tired. This past Tuesday Abbey went back to school and when I came home from taking her I crawled into bed slept. Tuesday was the last day I took a nap!

Thankfully when I woke up Wednesday I felt so much better. I had gotten a water color set when I was sick and I was super excited to try it out. I have not created in water color since college and I really want to learn to work with this beautiful medium. The plan was to sit all afternoon and play when Abbey was at school that did not happen. Isabel decided to find a dead mouse in the backyard and roll in it. She thought she smelled pretty I did not, Yuk. So while Abbey was at school had to wash the pooch it was fabulous!

I woke up at 5 Thursday so I would have a chance to paint in peace. My kids have radar because by 6 it was can I have a snack, and bickering and the TV was on. Thursday was a whirlwind of taking Christmas decorations down, cleaning, laundry, playing with Abbey, home work, and dinner. Michael was out of town Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I hate when he is gone. I always tease him and say he doesn’t do much, but it is nice to have another grown up here to battle the children.

I woke early yesterday and did some more work on the owl family piece. This is the first water color I have done since collage. What do you think? I find it relaxing and calming to work in. I love acrylic and colored pencil because how bold they are, so I am trying to adapt the watercolor to fit my style. I would really love to hear some feedback, good or bad. I think that is the only way I will get better.

Along with playing with the water colors yesterday Michael and I finally went out to dinner for our anniversary, it was really nice. I can’t remember the last time we went to dinner together. I also took Abbey to see Beauty and The Beast in the theater. If you have a little girl or a little boy who likes Beauty and the Beast go see it! It was so good! I love that movie and it was so special to see it with Abigail.

Have a great weekend!