Abstract Nail Art

 

I am a girl and I love getting my nails done but having it done professionally is quite expensive. Since I love painting anyway, it works to my advantage to paint my own nails! Since I was a teenager, I have always aimed for clean, evenly spread nail varnish. No bubbles, no marks. With this, I now ask… WHY???

It has always bothered me as to how nails always have to look so perfect. When you go a nail salon, you don’t exactly request for your nail design to be as messy as possible. In fact, people always want for the design to be consistent, accurate and perfect. I think I’m going to rebel against the norm and mess up my nail design as much as I possibly can. I’m going abstract! All I have to do is splatter nail polish to my heart’s content!

 

The end product? Messy, but satisfying! Kind of cute too!

 

DeviantArt Wear! Quit Work and be a Panda!

 

When I was unemployed, I saw a shirt on DeviantWear that I really liked! I suppose it was because it fit the situation that I was in at that time. But more than anything, it was on sale and the panda was just really cute!!!

I have just received the shirt via post, all the way from USA! I thought I would share my new purchase!

 

Something that made me laugh hysterically! Despicable Me Minions!

 

I find the minions in Despicable absolutely adorable! They are so cute! If you don’t know what I’m referring to, then here they are… To fully appreciate these Minions, it is best to watch Despicable Me so you can have an insight on their behaviour and charactertistics. If you have seen it, great! If not, go watch it!

 

 

Now that you know who the Minions are, I am now going to show you the trailer to Despicable Me 2! This kept me laughing for almost a whole hour. It is just ridiculously awesome!

I hope this made you laugh as much as me!x :)

Self Portrait Digital Painting on Gimp

 

Painting or creating portraits for some reason is a scary thing to pursue. You might think I’m a little bonkers for thinking that, but the reason why I believe this is because I may not be able to transfer onto my work the person I am trying to capture. It would be a bit embarrassing to show anyone’s portrait if it doesn’t look like them!

So anyway, I thought that I will just have to get on with it and try it. If I drew myself, then at least I know I am not going to offend anyone! :) To make things simple and easy, I decided to draw a portrait digitally. I’m starting to fall in love with digital art so I think this is the way to go!

 

A quick sketch to begin with.

 

Coloured in… and realised that she doesn’t exactly look like me.

 

And here is the final piece.

And a second final piece…

 

So here is the first attempt. This is also the first time I have used this painting technique in digital art. I do like it but I still need to establish my style. Well, I may try and paint somebody else and see what happens then… or I can try another cartoon character! Actually, I am thinking of painting some characters and turning them into humans. That sounds a little bit wrong, since I cannot explain myself properly, so I think I’m just going to do it and then write about it afterwards.

Since I have been looking at myself a lot today with this self portrait, I thought I would also give an update on my life as we speak. I’ve been unemployed for a almost a month and I think I have been successful in getting a new job! I have yet to discuss the details with the employer this coming Monday, but I am really excited! I know I will be spending a lot less time with my art, but duty calls! Having a job hasn’t really stopped me. I will still be doing some art when I have free time.

That is all for now… HAPPY WEEKEND everyone!

Evil Smurfs aren’t very Smurfy… They’re Scary!

 

I have been painting quite a lot recently and I think I need a break from the traditional paint. I decided to do some digital painting and hopefully turn them into prints if it becomes successful! I have also missed using Gimp since I’ve been so focused on MyPaint… I think I need to pay a little more attention on Gimp on this one with the effect that I want to achieve.

So who is my inspiration on this piece? I have created Spongebob last year when I first had my Wacom tablet. I was really inspired by David Rapoza’s realistic art characters. I know that I am not even close to his skill, but it is nice to think that I will get there someday! Anyway, there is only one way to find out and that is to create another character and see how it turns out.

Since I have been really addicted to the Smurfs, I had the sudden urge to create them… only a bit more Scary than Smurfy! I decided that I was going to take my time on this piece and make sure that it goes the way I would like it to.

I thought that I would take screen shots of the progress.

 

Here is the initial sketch… There is still a possibility that I might change this. I’m not too sure about the position of the feet. I also know that Smurfs do not have elf ears, but I really think that he looks more evil that way!

 

 

The eyes! The point was to make him as scary as possible! I thought that I got it as bloodshot as I would like it to be.

 

 

And then the skin… It is very so blue!

 

 

I decided to add some really dirty sharp teeth and a little bit of texture to his skin… althought I think that still needs some fixing.

 

Okay, I have officially spent about 5 – 6 hours on this piece and it I haven’t even finished evil smurfs face. I’m really sleepy now so I think I’m going to leave it for now and go to sleep. I shall continue creating this little monster tomorrow.

 

THE NEXT DAY…

 

Okay, I have now finished this devil looking Smurf and this is how he looks like…

 

 

I am quite happy with the result and it is a big improvement in comparison to my older digital pieces…  The only thing that I rely a lot on is the black outline. I believe that this is the main thing that makes this Smurf look less realistic. Then again, the Smurf is a cartoon so I suppose it still works! :)

Now I’m thinking of creating my Squibbulb characters but in the same style as this Smurf… Now that will be quite interesting!

Round Kokeshi Dolls as Paintings!

 

I really love the Kokeshi Dolls that I have been painting, but I think that developing my love for these Kokeshi Dolls shouldn’t be limited. As always, I have been searching for Kokeshi Dolls online. What I love about them is that you can be ‘creative’ and make your Kokeshi to however shape or make that you feel like doing. I’m not too sure if it is because it is nearing easter, but the Kokeshi’s that came out when I painted were shaped a bit like eggs!

 

 

Despite the egg-shaped body, I think they are so cute! I personally like them because they are not your typical Kokeshi! I have come across a few photos that resemble these Kokeshi which is where I got my inspiration from!

 

 

So yes, I love them and I think I’ll be making some more! Also, these paintings are currently for sale! If you are interested, just send me a message!

Greeting Card Designs… To submit?

 

I have decided to create some greeting card designs since I couldn’t think of anything to draw! I suppose it is good that my imagination still roams where it feels like going! I came up with a Kokeshi character integrated with a Birthday and Holloween. I have never created a greeting card design before so this is all too new for me. Then again, I am quite happy with the outcome! These pieces were originally created by hand and then coloured in digitally.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

 

 

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN

 

Anime or Kokeshi? Hybrid of both?

 

Since my previous attempts to paint Kokeshi doll has been successful in selling on Ebay, I decided to create a few more! The good part in that is that I am motivated! The bad news is, these paintings didn’t sell as well as the first ones. I have relisted them again and hopefully they sell this time (finger’s crossed).

Looking at these pieces now, it seems I think the anime within me is starting to creep up again and my latest paintings do look like anime characters rather than Kokeshi dolls! Then again, I still think they are quite cute!

 

 

Well, wish me luck and hopefully I sell these paintings soon! If you are interested, just visit my Ebay Shop. :)

Pen drawing + Digital Painting in Gimp

 

I have been thinking about various ways to experiment on my Kokeshi dolls. I started off drawing on a 200 GSM watercolour paper with the intention of creating a watercolour piece with details using a black ink pen. Then again, I got little bit carried away with the pen and ended up creating this piece.

 

 

I really like the result without having to colour it in so I thought I would leave it for the time being. There is only one thing that bugged me about it. The cherry blossoms on the floor looked like dead flies in which case, I have created one very smelly Kokeshi doll. LMAO. Nevertheless, to try get the best of both worlds, I have decided to colour her in digitally and leave the original as is. This is what I came up with.

 

 

I honestly do think that the coloured version is a lot better! However, I know that if I coloured the original piece with watercolour, it will not have the same effect as this. The advantage with working digitally is having the ability to make the colours as vibrant as you possibly can and manipulate the effect to however you desire. I think when I do have more confidence, I might colour her in properly. For now, I think I’ll stick to digital!

Tim Whyatt, an amazing cartoonist!

 

I was going around in Paperchase and came across a very hilarious Australian cartoonist, Tim Whyatt (Traces of Nuts). Despire the fact that each greeting card cost £2.00, I still felt that I really needed to purchase his designs because they were just ridiculously funny! I think it is better if you just see this for yourself!

If you aren’t laughing now, then there is something wrong with you! *laughs*

Meiji Hello Panda, biscuits with chocolate cream comes in a tin!

 

I was going around Selfridges in Birmingham Bull Ring when I came across one of my favourite snacks. Meiji Hello Panda but rather than in small boxes, came in a big tin! I just had to buy it! Also, it comes in NEW SPORTS PRINTING which is why I had to take a photo of the little panda prints! They look really cute and they are very yummy as well!

 

 

Here are the printing designs!

 

The tin is now halfway… and I’m not going to deny that I am responsible for eating this amazing snack!

Kokeshi Doll Polymer Clay

Finally, I have finished my first polymer clay Kokeshi doll! My mum has officially named her ‘Suki’ so I think I will officially name her as such! She is just under 2 inches in height so she is very small! :)

 

More Kokeshi Doll Acrylic Paintings

 

I have definitely been painting more. In fact, I’m a little bit excited since my paintings are being bid and watched on ebay that I decided to make some more. These paintings are still Kokeshi dolls but they are a little bit different. They took a little bit longer to create in comparison to the previous kokeshi dolls and that is because there is more detail to the characters now.

 

 

 

Kokeshi Japanese Dolls

 

I have recently been into Kokeshi Japanese Dolls. Just to give you a brief overview…

“This is a doll made of wood and is one of the most famous Japanese dolls and toys. There are two types: the 'Traditional Kokeshi dolls' and the 'Creative Kokeshi dolls'. The 'Traditional Kokeshi dolls ' is born from the technology of the potter's wheel, and its keynote is tradition. In contrast, the 'Creative Kokeshi dolls' has creation as its keynote. 'Traditional Kokeshi dolls' are said to have the Naruko style or the Tsuchiyu style etc. according to the region they are made in Japan. They each have peculiar forms and patterns, and the production technique has been handed down from teacher to pupil, from the past to the present day.

On the other hand, the 'Creative Kokeshi dolls' is formed from the free conception of the maker individually and is produced using an original technique. It is a craftwork that develops swimming with the current of the times, like a messenger of peace. The creation activity is the result of the study effort of many designers. Particular care is given to ensuring the peculiar beauty of the 'Creative Kokeshi dolls' by careful use of the artistic techniques of the potter's wheel such as carving and firing. Articles by famous writers have led to the product being evaluated as a unique type of art craft. The warmth of wood can be indescribable, and if you see the lovely appearance of Kokeshi dolls, your mind will be calmed and you will feel drawn to the Kokeshi dolls.

There are many ardent collectors of Kokeshi dolls since its charm appeals and spreads like magic, and the Kokeshi dolls is likely to be cherished for many years Why don't you experience the charm of the Kokeshi dolls, too? Just seeing the Kokeshi dolls will almost certainly have a healing effect on you.”

http://www.wahooya.com/kokeshi.html

 

So yes, I think the Creative Kokeshi has definitely gotten over me because now, I have been painting several Kokeshi Dolls! These are the paintings that I have been selling on Ebay and are currently going quite well, which I’m really proud of! Now, I definitely have a current love for these cute dolls! I don’t know it is going to last long, but I’m savouring every moment of it because I absolutely love it!

 

 

 

There are definitely more designs to come. In fact, it won’t be very long before I update again on another Kokeshi doll. Look out for it guys!x

Polymer Clay Experimentation day on Strawberries, Daisies and Kokeshi Dolls!

Before I start going on about my polymer clay adventures today, I would just like to say a further few updates about my life as an artist. If you still care to know, read on…

First, I have now quite my job at Ford and I am again officially unemployed. There has been a few issues in regards to travel and now I’m trying to find a job that is also closer to home! This means that whilst I am looking for a job that is closer, I have had the time to do more art and do what I actually want to do. I will still need a proper full time job where I have a stable income, but having a break is quite refreshing!

 

Second, I have started selling some of my works on Ebay. the great thing is, I have successfully sold my first ACEO card and painting! Well, it is still currently in auction and people have bid, which is a real progress in comparison to me previous attempts. I didn’t sell my painting for an expensive price because I thought it might be a good idea to start low and gradually increase when people start to know more about me. So in that respect, GO ME!

 

Third, I have also focused on ‘promoting’ myself on facebook seeing as this is what most artists are doing nowadays. I’m not entirely sure if there is going to be a convincingly amazing effect on my publicity, but I have only started properly 3 days ago and I managed to get myself more likers I have also met quite a lot of amazing people on facebook which I think I will be blogging about as well soon! The amount of talent out there is remarkable and I feel the need to share their art to the world! By the way, if you do like my art and what I blog about, please like my FACEBOOK PAGE as well!

 

Fourth, Well, lets get on with the polymer clay experiment! So her e is a sneak preview of the work in progress! My mum has quite happy created the Strawberries and she absolutely loved it! I wasn’t able to do a lot since I was focusing on the Kokeshi Doll more than anything. It was a little bit tricky trying to do her head! Nevertheless, I got there in the end and it is definitely worth it!

 

 

Here is mum completed engrossed with that she is doing that she was completely oblivious to the things around her! Then again, it if it wasn’t for her energy and enthusiasm, I don’t think I would have been motivated to start on my kokeshi creation. So keep up the good work mother!

 

I just thought I would also share what happens when you try and cook clay in the wrong temperature! This is the attempt for the main body of my kokeshi doll. Obviously, that wasn’t the right way to go as my oven was a bit too hot for the Fimo Clay’s liking. Look at the air bubbles! If I was trying to create a toad, it would probably have worked. Buy yes, a definite fail on this one. Quite funny actually!

And this is our amazing baking tray with half done Strawberries (they look like disfigured tomatoes) and Daisies (either they look like marshmallows or I’m just hungry) along with a faceless kokeshi doll. It was getting a bit late and the lighting in the room was getting too dark to be able to function properly. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any brighter lights since we were working in the conservatory so we just called it a day! I still need to paint the dots on the Strawberries and the Kokeshi Doll’s face anyway and that will have to wait for now.

 

Anyway, this is the update for today and I will be posting again when we have finished our little experiment!