Second Anniversary Giveaway

I have only had time to produce one image for this post. This is an ink and watercolour painting of an Easter Bird. Why Easter Bird - no idea, but it is Easter and it is a bird. We are having a bit of a wild and woolly Easter actually but buds are breaking through on the trees and hedges and the daffs and tulips are gorgeous so no complaints from me.

Its giveaway time at long last. I said I was going to have a giveaway for my 100th post which was last year but I forgot all about it, so I have saved that giveaway and added it to my 2nd anniversary of blogging giveaway. My first post was April 14 2008 and the first person to comment back then who is still commenting today is Stephanie of Primitive Folk Art who creates beautiful primitive dolls and ornaments. Thanks for your support Stephanie. Also a huge thanks to everyone who pops in to see what I have found in the wonderful world of art and craft each week.

When I started blogging two years ago I didn't think I would still be blogging today - but here I am. Anyway, back to the giveaway - I will choose four people randomly who leave a comment on THIS post and they can pick whichever one of the three pointillism prints below that they fancy. These are drawings I did many years ago and had professionally printed for some exhibitions. Although it doesn't show they are signed and titled on the print. I will also include with each print a selection of my handmade greetings cards. I will draw the names on Sunday 11 April in time for my next blog post.

Watching Fox

Siamese Cat

Sheep

The lovely paintings below are by Scottish artist Ingebjorg Smith. Ingebjorg originally worked as an illustrator, lecturer and theatre designer but since moving to Tain in the Scottish Highlands she has concentrated on her mixed media collage paintings. Her work particularly involves animals, birds and nature scenes and, to me, it has a magical charm. You can find her work in many places on the Internet but two places are here at the Kilmorack Gallery and here at Nantais Gallery, and of course her own website here.

Winter Songthrush

Winter Woodcock


I have been out and about with my camera a bit more since spring has sprung. Here are two images from the old year

and two images from the new

I found a rather nice looking nest box in a huge tree on one of my forays the other day. When you notice one, you start noticing that there are lots of them around. I wonder if anyone has taken up residence.

Starling Silhouette

Crow Silhouette

I found a lovely children's book at a charity shop a few weeks ago. It is called The Gift Of The Magi by O Henry and is illustrated by Austrian artist Lisbeth Zwerger. It is a lovely story about a couple who have to sell things very precious to them in order to buy each other Christmas gifts. I hadn't come across Lisbeth Zwerger before but she is a very popular award wining artist who has illustrated lots of childrens' stories in her lovely, delicate watercolour style.

You may recognise the image of Dot below, by American ceramicist Kelly Connole as being on the front cover of the wonderful Lark resource "500 Animals In Clay". Kelly is a very gifted ceramicist who produces the most deliciously quirky and loveable hares and rabbits and crows and other animals. She admits to having a deep connection to the earth, animals and nature in general and to being inspired by them. I certainly find her work very inspirational. You can find lots more lovely ceramics here on her website.

Dot

Savouring A Pear Flavoured Cup

Ida And Ivy

George Underwood painted the three incredible images below. In the past he has worked in the music industry and as an illustrator. He has produced lots of album covers for musicians, book covers, portraits etc. In fact the fascinating welcome page painting on his website shows his latest album cover. His work is described as fantasy realism. I think his figures are very mysterious and exquisitely painted. You can see lots more of his work on his website here. I particularly love his attention to headwear.

Be somebody

Close-Up

Magnolia