The Willows Nest

A recap and some Gorilla love for 2012

2012-01-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

I have been immersing myself in my sweet little family and dear friends over the holiday period , I have been enjoying expressing my creativity through baking, creating gifts , and hosting special Christmas soiree's..

here are a few moments...

I'm so glad I took the time out to revel in the joys of creating for people I love , I had so much fun and didn't feel like I was being torn in a hundred directions :)..

Now our gorgeous new year is here, full of bubbling promise and glorious potential for magical happenings... sending you lots of love for your amazing 2012..xxxxxx

here is a precious little true story that found it's way to me on new years day.... sniff'..

watch if you love nature and sweet miracles...

Love Helen

New Customizable Journal range.. and a gift to the whales

2011-12-10T05:12:00.001-08:00

I have been working on creating a product that is 'useable art' and

I'm so happy to share my new journal range with you.

I have been having so much fun blending my original watercolor art with vintage ephemera and textures on photoshop to create unique, ethereal artwork.

here is the 'Beekeeper' journal...

and ..' Humpback Angel friend '

A great added feature is that these journals are customizable. You will have your name or the name of your 'special someone' printed on the inside cover i.e... Eva's little book of miracles, or Helen's little book of words , or dreams', whatever you choose. :)

here is the back inside cover..

and the back of the journal.

$2 from every journal sold will be donated to The Great Whale Conservancy to help them in their efforts striving to protect Blue Whales and Humpbacks.

I love gifts that keep on giving :)

These journals are available for purchase at The Sacred Gift ' store.

Thanks for visiting.. :) Love Helen xxx

silk,sheep, bamboo... and a new blog

2011-11-22T10:24:00.001-08:00

My energy has been a little focused in other directions the last few weeks..

I decided I would learn to knit myself some fingerless mittens for the coming cooler months..

I found the most beautiful yarn, it is made from silk, merino wool and Alpaca..

here is the pattern I used ..so easy , truly ...

I really like the feel of using bamboo needles.

These mitts are so quick to knit up , they would make great Christmas gifts..

and what a lovely sense of satisfaction to know that you knit them yourself!

Great for all of you 'coy wannabe knitters' out there.. c'mon ..you know who you are!!

I have also felt the 'nudge' to create a second blog, called 'Whole Soul Living'.. if you would like to check it out, I have recently posted a lovely recipe for a natural counter spray ( which smells quite heavenly').. :)

Have a wonderful joyful Thanksgiving' holiday for all of those in the USA..have lots of fun spending time with the people that you love :)

Hugs , Helen xxxxxxx

Magical whale encounter..true story..

2011-11-15T09:01:00.001-08:00

so beautiful to watch.. I hope you all enjoy it. Love Helen xxx

Studio views..

2011-11-12T11:56:00.001-08:00

Just showing you a few pics of supplies from my studio.. as I am so proud how tidy it is this week ..hehe..

I love these bright colors..

I love the peeling paint on these wooden holders..

great for storing weird studio stuff'..

gorgeous old frames with lots of 'sweet patina' waiting for the perfect project..

I am feeling so inspired to get to work now with a clean space.. amazing what great energy a little clean out can bring :)

xx Helen

Illustration Friday - Silent

2011-11-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

The topic for my Illustration group ( Illustration Friday) , this week is 'Silent'..

this reminded me of a a painting I did last year called 'Silent Navigator'..

you can view this post here..

this was actually my first whale painting..I had forgotten about it as I have been so excited over my latest watercolor version.

I apologize to my regular followers who have seen this one this week already.. but I really love the idea of re -presenting to the Illustration Friday group the NEW silent one a year later..

'Silent and Sacred'

watercolor

9 x 12

hot press

I really love whales.. the silent giants of the ocean.. this is the first of my 'Sacred Ocean' series.
I'm feeling a Sperm Whale or Blue Whale coming next..

Thanks for visiting.. Sending you some whale love for your weekend.. !

Helen xxxxxxx

Humpback Whale in watercolor...

2011-11-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here he is .. now swathed in his watery watercolor layers..

I have felt such a connection to this piece that I had resisted getting to the watercolor as I had so enjoyed my humpback friend even in the early stages as seen here.. in a previous post.

but I am so happy with the result.. painting this was such a beautiful experience ' almost a spiritual journey' .. I feel like I had celestial company alongside my brush.

This is the first in my new series titled -'Sacred Ocean'

'Humpback'

8.5 x 11 inches

Watercolor

Hotpress 140 lb

I hope you can get a sense of the sacred connection I was feeling for this gentle giant as he appeared on my paper...

XX Helen

PS.. so happy to have prints available in my little store The Willows Nest..

Commission Delivered..Azure and Saffron

2011-11-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

I can finally show you this piece ( it was a surprise commission by a lady for her husband's birthday) he was delighted, (these birds have long been a collectible favorite for him)

I showed a peek in this post ..

It's a wee Kingfisher ... :)

( I love that out of all the birds , these ones have touched this man so much , he has many books and works of art dedicated to the subject)

I learned so much about them while researching.. they have a protective layer which shoots across their eye when diving underwater for fish.. I also didn't realize that their feet are a bright orange/red and they are so tiny compared to the rest of their body :)

I think they are so precious..

thanks for visiting...

Sending you all a magical week ahead xxxxx Helen

In progress... regal ocean dweller..

2011-11-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

yay.. I finally have a whale coming out of the end of my pencil..

just showing you there is some art going on here after all the Halloween fun ( I think we had about 3 Halloweens this year.. it just went on and on ..) haha..

I love whales...

have wanted to paint one for a while..

I'm happy...

Love H xx

bats and spiders everywhere..

2011-10-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

we have been taken over ..

with little bats..

spiders..

and ghosts.

pretty piles of cookies in their 'natural' state.. wearing just their lovely

pale ochre and sepia colors..

I kinda liked them how they were..
but I wasn't going to get away with that :)

Have a fun Halloween !!! xxx H

Porcelain patina in the studio..

2011-10-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I have a love for 'aged things'.. I find it hard to pass up a delightfully 'weathered ' item that shows it's years... here are a few pics of some old preloved friends that inhabit my studio..

All with their own stories to tell..

carefully selected for their perfect 'imperfections'..

I am delighted by the wear that proves they were well loved when in their prime..

I get so inspired by these fabulous textures and patina..

Still wearing their fine gauzy linen dresses now tea stained with time.

Do you too find delight in collecting 'imperfection' ?

Can you guess what it is?

2011-10-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am working on a watercolor commission... can you guess what it is?

My client has commissioned it as a surprise for her husband.. sweet huh?

so I can't show it yet... just a sneak peek..

happy Tuesday to you all...

2011-10-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

A little piece I finished on wood last week, I am enjoying the sunny yellow..

Happy , Lazy Sunday to you all... xxxx

Letting the mind unravel a little... collage art journal

2011-10-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have long been a lover of journalling.. page after page filled with my gorgeous painstakingly delicate renderings, filled with inspiring words and colorful delightful artwork.......

right?..

um... nope.

More like pages of ramblings, scribbles, shopping lists mixed in with 'dream lists', new art ideas jammed in between Christmas present lists, my 4 year old's scrawls covering my fabulous new 'gratitude list' and sketches interspersed between inspiring quotes I have found. Lets not forget favorite songs I would like to download nudging up against multiple paragraphs of epiphanies I have discovered through lengthy chats with my awesome supernatural internal spiritual SWAT team. ( I am very partial to a great epiphany !)

You've all seen those mind blowing journals of artists , that are presented when interviewed and asked ..

" may we take a peek into your journal " ?.....

HA.. honey you do not want to peek into mine!!!

But I love the freedom of not trying to keep it all tidy.. my journals are an extension of me.. my current spot on my journey.. I can let it all hang out.. no holds barred.. NAKED MIND UNRAVELLINGS...exploring/pondering all showcased in the glorious exciting color of..

black ballpoint... yup.. even the drawings.

So anyhoo.. no gorgeous inside journal pics here..

( where the heck do these people find the time !!!...hmmm... maybe if I gave up showering.....)

BUT

I can make the outside pretty... for my latest two I collaged on old ephemera and some of my 'imperfect' prints ( little bit 'o' recycling points here people !), splurged on some paint , pastels and ink.

Care to take a peek at the outside of my journals?..

So I guess I will continue to leave the 'oh so gorgeous' art journalling to 'them that don't need to shower'..

:) Cheers , Helen

All is perfect..

2011-10-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ahem.. I must confess i went away to Colorado .. had a wonderful time.. and fell off my wee 'blogging wagon'.. but..

I'm back.. "hello" :)

Ive finished a new original piece.. wanna see ?

I had fun with collaged ephemera, graphite, ink, acrylic and colored pencil.

'All is perfect and as it should be...'

Mixed media on wood panel 8 x 8..

I like how it fits in with my 'little cupboard collection'.. but it will be in my etsy store tomorrow.. 'sigh'

Thanks for visiting.. Cheers , Helen xx

The new studio assistant '......

2011-09-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Meet my new magical friend.. a gift to my artist self.

ooh.. yes ...27 inches of sparkly screen ... and just screen .. no big ugly box, everything is cordless, yay! I love Apple ! the resolution on this device is seriously quite mind-blowing,

it makes my art work look very delicious! ( the fishes below are not mine.. they are sweet Mac screensaver fishies !

I'm off to Colorado tomorrow with some girl friends for four days.. feeling quite delighted about only having to pack my OWN underwear for once .. or not ;) ... hehe..

I'll catch up with you all upon my return.. Luv H xx

Illustration friday - Little Owl watercolor painting..

2011-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

The topic this week that has been selected by my Illustration Friday group is ..'Mesmerizing'..

the first thing that sprang to my mind was an Owl.

This little owlet may be tiny but she had me mesmerized while I painted her.

There is something about owls with their magical eyes'.. I would love to find this wee one peeking out from my pumpkin this fall...

have a great , lazy Sunday afternoon :)..
Luv Helen

Hummingbird... dreams do come true..

2011-09-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

I was in my tomato patch the other day when a little hummingbird came buzzing around me seeking his favorite flowers.

Not expecting me to be there he zoomed right up to about an inch from my face. I held my breath in delight as he slammed on his brakes hovering for a while before flying over to the fence pole.

He watched me for a few minutes, as I marveled at his 'tiny perfectness' and wished one day to be able to get even closer to one.

My wish came true 2 days ago....

I was coming out of our local supermarket when I saw a tiny hummingbird sitting right in the path of all the shopping carts.. eek!! I dove in front of a cart... and picked him up..

Oh.. so precious.. sitting quietly in my hand.. I imagine he had flown into one of the glass windows and was still dazed.

I took him away from all the concrete mayhem as he was still too weak to fly.. to release him at our hummingbird haven 2 minutes away.

We sat him outside on this little nest while he was waking up so he had something to grasp onto.

We were lucky to be able to snap a couple of quick pics while he gathered himself...

Aren't they just so amazing ?

I like to think that when I painted this in July I was 'creating my own reality'..

Dreams do come true....

Luv Helen :

Art, the ocean and a little green friend...

2011-09-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

We ran away to the sea for a while..

reveling in sunsets like these...

Just before we left I delivered these two large abstract paintings to a gallery in Austin

Navigation

mixed media on canvas

24 x 30

Balance

mixed media on canvas

36 x 24

Yesterday I was picking some vegetables from the garden for dinner..

When I spied this gorgeous green gecko checking me out from his Swiss Chard 'home'

he was a pretty chilled out little guy.. quite happy to let me hang out real close with my camera lens :)

I hope you all have a fun filled weekend ..

Cheers , Helen

Bottoms up in the Russian Sage '

2011-08-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

My bees ( from my two beehives) are so happy the sage is finally in bloom outside my studio..

hmm.. I can't wait to try sage flavored honey....

Satin Bower bird watercolor for Illustration Friday - Disguise

2011-08-28T12:02:00.001-07:00

Alberto is feeling quite confident that the ladies will swoon over his beautifully decorated bower. All thanks to his ingenious disguise, Alberto had the courage this year to steal the 'most delightful blue treasures' he had ever seen.
.. Alberto is a lover not a fighter.. .

The Satin Bower Bird hails from Australia.. the male is well known for stealing all manner of blue objects with which to decorate his bower nest'.. the 'blue bower' is to attract the female, who apparently is delighted by pretty blue things that match the eyes and shining plumage of the male. Blue pegs ( New Zealand speak for 'clothespin' ) and drinking straws are obviously very alluring.. they are often found outside decorating the bower.

Ready for love'
Watercolor on paper
9 x 12
Helen Wheeler Shaw

Luv H xx

Unusual collections - texture and patina

2011-08-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love little unusual collections with a vintage/ botanical / nature feel, showing interesting, contrasting textures.. here is a peek at one of my corners...

The Chanterelle 'shrooms are from Fog and Swell... amazing tiny little stitches.. dyed with onion skins a beautiful warm ochre color.

I picked up this old cabinet and the vintage apothecary bottles from an Austin antique fair.

Mixed in with some old silver and a very old tiny bible which hangs from a chain ( designed to be worn around the neck.. a very long time ago..it was passed down to my husband from his parents).

Vintage scissors, old metal implements, a cicada, birds nest and copper colored pods found outside my studio...

Love H xxxxx

Wednesday Etsy Finds..Clay

2011-08-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed discovering these this morning..

Pfeiffer Studio

Villarreal ceramics

One Clay Bead

I love to work with clay..

I know I will return to the medium again some day...but at the moment I am content enjoying the delightful work of others..

Hope you all have a peaceful Wednesday .......

Luv Helen xx

IF - ' Influence' - Storm Petrel watercolor bird painting..

2011-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday's topic this week is 'Influence'..

I decided I would like to influence the weather patterns'.. whisper softly in Mother Nature's ear..
here in Texas it has been 103 degrees every day for months with no rain.. I sure love the sun.. but the plants, trees and little creatures need some moisture.

I have brought a Storm Petrel to Texas.. to share his rain love.. the Storm Petrel bird is a very strong omen to fisherman.. when he is hovering around.. rain and storms will follow..

'Rain Maker'

Watercolor

9 x 12 inches

Helen Wheeler Shaw

I'll let you know how it goes'.. xx H

yay we finally did get some rain!!!!!!!

Feather love..

2011-08-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

I think feathers are quite magical,

as are little eggs and old leaves..

I was enjoying painting these feathers I had collected from my guinea fowl and hens yesterday..

I took a break and went out to check on our two beehives..

lying right next to one hive I found a gift..

A beautiful, perfect feather from a Blue Jay.. so precious.. with it's deep iridescent blues.
Happy me :) thank you gift giver.

IF - Swell - Ink and watercolor on vintage ephemera.. Puffer fish.

2011-08-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

Like most Puffer fish..Pedro did not take kindly to the old standing joke..
" Gee Pedro you sure are looking swell "..
He found it most offensive and not in the least bit funny.

'Looking Swell'

watercolor, Indian ink, acrylic

On vintage ephemera from 1949 and 1907

Ephemera 8 x 6 set on watercolor paper 300 gm 9 x 12

This original piece is available here

Have a happy Tuesday visitors !

Cheers , Helen

Texture and patina- vintage love

2011-08-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you another side of me...

Apart from my love for nature and creating, I also have a passion for interesting patinas and textures.
Multiple layers of peeling paint and a healthy dose of rust can send me into a squealing, hyperventilating spin.
Antique shows and junk shops is like a candy factory for me.. :)

I love pieces that show their story, ..you can see they have had quite a history.

With this first post I'll start with showing some new pieces I found yesterday at a big vintage show in Austin.

This delightful pie chest is over a hundred years old... it was just right for some of my old art papers and supplies

the fan still works and oscillates beautifully..

My 4 year old loves this 'new' hole punch.... little white circles are all over my floor :)

Croquet anyone ?

Ink on stone - turtle paperweight

2011-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

find the most perfect river stone..

add a little Indian Ink love..

.. turtle friend.

xx Helen

Imperfect. IF - Sea Turtle watercolor painting..

2011-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Joining in this weeks topic for the Illustration Friday' group..

'Imperfect'

This little sea turtle was inspired by Allison'.. a sea turtle at South Padre Turtle Rescue, Sea Turtle Inc; who after losing 3 of her flippers to a predator was able to swim again after being fitted with a special prosthesis.
I am sure being able to glide through the water again seemed 'most perfect 'to Allison, no matter how imperfect she may look.

'Perfect'

Indian ink and watercolor

9 x 12

Helen Wheeler Shaw

we have a winner. !......eye pillow give away

2011-08-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun for the fishy' eye pillow give away..this is how it went down..

Lisa from Lil' Fish Studio's ...!!!!!! yay!!!!!!
( irony : a fish for the fish studio haha! )

( no Random Generator here people.. my 12 year old  was way too excited to be the one to do the draw :)

Thanks again everyone who commented.. I am so excited with all the sea life suggestions.. my creative wheels are spinning in delight.

Lisa if you can email me your address , this little chap will be sent off to you toot sweet' ( a crazy Kiwi' saying..it means pronto'..um..fast )

Tomorrow I will be posting my illustration for Illustration Friday .. the theme was 'Imperfect'.. awww this one is about a true sweet story.. I better go and get her finished...

Ciao , Helen xx

Fish art eye pillow give away !!

2011-08-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the end of my fun fishy' week, I have a give away for all you fabulous readers to enter..

Using the watercolor fish from Wednesday's post, I printed it onto cotton fabric and made an eye pillow filled with organic flax seeds and heavenly Texas hill country lavender.

Perfect for an afternoon snooze, helping you to relax on a long flight, relief from a headache or eye tension, use during meditation or after yoga..or throw it around just for a little aromatherapy lavender magic'.
If you shake it up a little, the flax seeds press against the lavender buds to release more delicious aroma.

To enter ..
just leave a comment below.. stating what type of sea life/creature/animal you would like to see me draw next...
that's it.. ( just remember to leave a way for me to reach you if you are the winner and don't have a blog :)

The winner will be drawn from a hat ( yes.. a real one) On Monday the 8th August .
yay for winning stuff !! What is more fun than resting with a nice cool fish on your face?

Good luck.. Cheers , H xx

PS . pop your fishy' friend in the freezer for a bit..ahhhh...nice...

Ocean life from linen and stitchery..

2011-08-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have a crush....
on the little magical marine creatures that live at the end of K.Pederson's needle..

all images used with permission from K.Pederson. Fog and Swell

Bringing the ocean and it's mysteries inside..with lots of home dyed, textural goodness.

For a visual treat for your ocean loving soul' zoom on over to K's online store..Fog and Swell.

or kick back with a coffee and peruse her 'inspired by the west coast' blog..

I'll show you my 2 treasures I've ordered when they arrive.. Cheers , H xx

Illustration Friday - Watercolor fish..

2011-08-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in on this weeks theme - 'Obsession ' for Illustration Friday

It's all about fish for me at the moment... this little guy was inspired by yesterdays post 'Fish..paintings and metal sculptures'... My little steampunk influenced version....

'Fish .1.'

Indian ink and watercolor

9 x 12

Helen Wheeler-Shaw

I feel he fitted in well with my fish obsession for this week..
but wait there's more....
.. I stumbled upon a super fishy fibre artist.. more details tomorrow...
Love.. H xx

Fish ...... paintings and metal wall sculptures

2011-08-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with these fabulous fish wall sculptures while away at the beach.

They are made by an artist called Michael Gilbert. He uses metal from old car doors, panels and other interesting bits he comes across.. they have a delicious old patina , rusty, chippy, faded paintwork.. It was so hard to choose which ones would join my little 'school' on the wall. But I eventually settled on these 5 ( out of about 20 I wanted to swim away with :)

Continuing on our 'fishy' theme.. I just found out that the 2 abstract fish paintings I painted recently have just sold ..I guess I was to buy and sell 'fish' this month :)

'Uncharted Passage'

Mixed Media on canvas

'Navigating New Waters'

Mixed Media on canvas

Cheers , H xxx

gathering ocean inspiration..

2011-08-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

sweet, salty, summer bliss.......

Recharging...

2011-07-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

A little bird with a touch of Verdigris...

2011-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Verdigris : the beautiful aged green patina that forms on copper after it has been exposed to the elements for a length of time..Its name comes from the Middle English vertegrez, from the Old French verte grez, an alteration of vert-de-Grice — verd (green), de (of), and Grice (Greece)— "green of Greece".

I decided to 'age' a gold frame that had an appealing design and shape. I painted it with a copper metallic paint and then used this 'verdigris' ageing solution.
Pleased with the results I painted this little chap in watercolor over the top of some old ephemera. To enhance the frame color I painted his feathers a similar green/blue verdigris shade. At a later date I will add a hand stamped copper plate inside the frame and then fill it with resin. This will give the work a clear glass protective coating which will make the frame an essential , connected part of the artwork .

I will post this again when it is finished.. Cheers , H xx

Succulent Love..

2011-07-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Coral Cactus

The plants need to be tough here in Texas where it has been 100 degrees every day for a month and no rain for a loooong time ...

I was delighted to see my Desert Rose plant flower for the first time ...I truly love succulents and cacti.. such fascinating architectural design elements and they flourish in the Texas heat.

Catch you later . :) Helen xx

Illustration Friday - Number 2 in the series..

2011-07-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my piece to submit for this weeks "Illustration Friday ' group.. the theme was... 'Stay'

Hoping he will...
'Stay a while'
Watercolor on paper
9 x 12
Helen Wheeler-Shaw

Thanks for visiting xxxx Helen

ps ( a 2nd shout out to my great hand model Luke ..my 12 year old son :)

Summer Garden

2011-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

My first real, big girl' garden.....with the luscious heat of Texas and some organic 'love' I am delighted by the tasty , pretty results.

Fresh ,organic and home grown. I'm a convert :)
Happy Sunday. Love Helen xx

Early morning start... . what's on my table..

2011-07-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Up with the birds this morning.. sketching out my next mixed media piece.. here is a peek..

About to start the watercolor...( yay !) have a fun , creative Thursday, xx H.

Remedy- Illustration Friday

2011-07-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

This week for Illo' Friday.. the theme was 'Remedy'

I decided to paint a natural remedy from my home country New Zealand.

Wild Tea tree ( Manuka is the name given by the New Zealand Maori) is covered in rosy pink or white clusters of flowers in the summer, much to the bees delight.. ( they make the very popular tasty ,medicinal 'Manuka Honey', from the pollen.

'Manuka'
Watercolor on paper 8.5 x 11
Helen Wheeler-Shaw

Manuka has many health benefits, the essential oil from the leaves is a miracle in a bottle, full of antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. I always have a bottle in my bathroom cupboard.. and often have a few drops in my bath . The scent is a fresh, clean 'pine' type smell and combined with all the magical anti-bacterial powers', it also makes a fantastic natural cleaning spray.

Thanks for visiting.. sending you all fun, happy 4th July wishes for all in the USA :)
Cheers , Helen xx

Limoncello and raspberries ,cupcake decadence

2011-06-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Just think.. Limoncello, lemon curd filling, cream cheese frosting and fresh raspberries all tied up in a cute little cupcake package.. oh yes I'm getting me some of that action..

They were delicious and really fun to make..

Recipe courtesy of 'The Comfort of Cooking'..... if you are in the mood for a little wicked lemony cupcake love'..you have gotta try these...

Cheers , Helen :)

Eating from my hand... new painting..

2011-06-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hi people.. well I managed to squeeze in a good painting session EVEN with the kids home for the summer !
Hope all you mama artists out there are scheduling in some art 'sanity' time ..hehe..

I'm still yet to name this one ..

9 x 12 -Watercolor

I had fun with this.. I had never drawn a hand before so I used my son Luke as a 'hand model'. He is very excited he thinks his hand is famous now :)

Let me know your thoughts on a good title for this painting..

I have lots of ideas bubbling over for ideas with this concept.. stay tuned..
Lots of love .. Helen xx

our first summer art project...

2011-06-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

My two gorgeous boys were running around in the sunshine yesterday.. I couldn't resist snapping some shots...
and using this old window I found with only 2 panes left intact..

We had lots of fun putting this together this morning.....a memento for the summer of 2011..

Happy weekend to you all :)

fancy little bit 'o' art press..

2011-05-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

After seeing my work in an Austin gallery, the editor of Whole Lifestyle magazine aproached me about being a featured artist in their Feb/March issue. This issue was to be about their 'favorite yogi's and artists;' .
( hmm... little moment of happy :)

Such a gorgeous, glossy magazine full of fabulous articles and brilliant art :)
I was thrilled to see that my artwork had been specially featured at the top of the content page..

and on the 'Artists we love' cover page... umm.. twice..

( twice as nice' :)

and then on the featured artist page..

Nice.....
Kinda happy with that..
Cheers , from 'Fancy Pants' ..Helen xx

The bees are buzzing...

2011-05-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yup they are here.. it was kinda wild to be driving around with 60,000 bees in the car!
That's a total of 5 hives 'worth'.. there was 12,000 in each 'package' of bees. 2 for us.. and some for 2 different lots of friends.

Soo much excitement. ....here are some shots of our sexy outfits...ooh yes.. the latest in pin-up for beekepers'..hehe

Fellow 'Newbie beekeeper' Leslie made gorgeous honey sangria' to sweeten our nerves while hiving our new friends. YUM!! beekeper nectar..essential!

Here is a shot of Leslie 'testing' if the 'calming effects 'were working..

Now we just have to feed our little buzzy friends lots of sugar water.. and pollen patties until they get established..

Here is a pic of one of their new homes....

Yup.. that is a viewing door.. so fab to be able to open it up and peek in through their perspex window.. and jus' see what's up in bee land.. ( created by Master wood artist' Jess) :)

Viva Bees'..

Love from ....Beekeeper Helen XXXx

the honeybees are coming......

2011-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am so excited.. we are getting 2 hives of bees on May 1st.. well ,we get the bees in a package.. WE have to get them into the hive.. but that will be another story...hehe....
We have a group of friends who also want to do their bit to help the sweet little pollinators', so we all decided to jump in together and all order hives.

In order to celebrate their impending arrival, I made this cake to take to a fab soiree' at Leslie's house ( she is one of the soon to be beekeepers also).

Ooh. check out that cute cake stand I found at William and Sonoma'. that's right people...honeycomb and bees !! ( I know..I know.. I'm nuts!)

But here is the best part .. this gorgeous 'oh so pretty 'cake made with lemon zest and honey and filled with luscious gooey 'lemon curd'.... had the delicate texture of...

a brick.

Haha. yup that's right.. don't ever get an artist to make your cake... all about aesthetics!!! haha.. Methinks I gotta' keep practicing my 'light as a feather' cake skills.

But 3 cheers to the brave souls who happily helped me eat 'pretty / honey/ brick cake . :)

Lossa love , Helen xxxx

Nothing like a little birthday chaos..turning' number 4 '.. :)

2011-04-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

My sweet little rascally redhead turned 'number 4' this weekend.. here is a few shots of the party fun..

Bouncy castle with slide....yay!!

Hanging out with buddies...

cake time !!..

oops.. fingers were too quick for the photographer !

big brother taking a break from helping out all the wild 4 year olds!!

Crazy Alien pinata'....

being modelled by big brother...

pretty party mummies ..

the presents. .woohoo!

a very happy ( and tired) birthday boy.. chilling at the end of a momentous day..
extremely delighted to be (finally) the ripe ol' age of 4 !!!
Happy Birthday my precious..:)

Spring Skiing and some art sales..

2011-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a fabulous skiing holiday staying in the delightful and quaint town of Breckenridge , Colorado.

It snowed the evening we arrived so we stepped out onto gorgeous powder and blue skies for our first morning on the slopes.

I got to cruise down the mountain with my two favorite crazy skiiers in their 'Mental hats'..hehe

Staying at the Beaver Run Resort has spoiled me wickedly.. aah.. staying right on the slopes, clicking on my skiis and skiing right down to the chair lift.. no lugging skiis and boots everywhere now that's the life !
Here is the view from our window...

Little Zackary thought it was a bit weird with all this snow everywhere but he soon started enjoying riding up and skiing down the little slopes.. ( he loved that magic carpet..)

Luke and Zackary taking a break after a 'hard' day on the slopes....

It was great to be soaking in the hot tub after hauling off my ski's( soothing my sore' ski muscles )and get an email that 2 more of my paintings sold in the Austin gallery yay !.. Thanks to Candace and another mystery buyer :)

Bye..Bye to..

'Solitary Sentinel'

SOLD

and to..

'Inside A Memory'

SOLD

Thanks for popping in !!

Ciao , Helen xxxxxxxx

snowballs in texas..yeeha!

2011-02-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

My pretty snowy driveway in the Texas hillcountry this morning!
Yowza.it's cold..I don't know how you people do this every day!! First time like this here in 20 or so years!

The kids are having a blAST!!! this is outside the back door..
schools are closed ..yay!!!

the sun is starting to come out.. that will be the end of it for another bunch of years I guess...

I managed to catch this cute little man at my feeder yesterday... bet he is cold this mornin!
Have a lovely weekend everyone from us here in SNOWY TEXAS !! hehe!

pour a little honey on me....

2011-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Would you look at that !! Golden nectar from buzzing friends..and a 94 year old beekeeper... ( who so loves his bees)

I pulled out my latest honey haul from the farmers market to decant..and I saw it catch the light...
....caught my breath.. I just want to swim in there..what a delight..

A drop fell on the wood and sat there so precious like a jewel..

It just blows my mind how this gorgeous sweet treat comes to existence..jus' taking a minute to appreciate a 'pebble on the side of the road' of our magnificent earth journey..

have a lovely , fun weekend everybody.
Luv Helen Xx

A happy Mind /Body/Spirit today..

2011-01-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

I just finished an AMAZing yoga class this morning.. and I DID NOT have the delicious egg and pesto quesadilla at the gym cafe afterward.. but I came back and ate all this above!!!
Yes.. a Vege fest !!

Oh. alright . I did juice it first..

Yum!.. yep that's what beetroot,apple,raw ginger,celery,carrot and kale juice looks like people..delicious!..But Um.. don't spill any on your white shirt!! ( don't ask me how I know this...)

All the pretty pulp goes straight to my most excited chicken friends ,who will turn it into blue eggs .. :)

wow.. my body feels good.... Viva veges !!
Love H

Wanna take a peek inside my studio?

2011-01-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

I always love seeing where all other artists create... soooo I thought maybe some of you might like to pop in and visit my little spot!
The old ...'but it;s not finished yet' story was holding me back but I finally realized... ha! you're all my mates ,so you don't care , you'd probably prefer to see the before and afters anyway.

This is a snap of the outside..it sits up on a little hill away from our house, nestled amongst the trees on our 2 acre hillcountry property in Texas. (click to see better.. sorry the Photography Department had the day off today,,)

So no slick pics like in the magazines people .. but I am very grateful just to have my own space.. and I love my 'little work in progress'!!

Soo.. if you spotted the electric frying pan and griddle.. you get the prize!! umm.. nope .. (telling fib's) no prize and no pancakes getting whipped up here,,that is the 'encaustic' department. here at The Willows Nest.. yup.. lots of melting wax and resin .. cool stuff

I thought I'd show you a kinda tidy corner.. (cause we are trying to be flash)

I love old cameras... and books....and books..... books stuffed everywhere in here

Ahh.. the meditation corner where the staff ( that would be me and a Shar-Pei) in The Willows Nest can recline back on the chaise under the chandelier and dream up their next fantastic idea. ( Or realistically where the toddler can smear jam on toast.. and try and stuff his Play-Doh)

Hmm.. could she get anything else on this surface??

Haha.. check out that chaos!!! I bet some of you are thinking.. man I need to get in there with some serious shelving .. and .. um.. planning!
I know , I know.. if I wasn't such a blinkin' dilettante when it comes to art mediums and products... we might be in better shape.

But I promise ...one day I am going to use up all 940 different types of products in this studio.. and I won't buy any new ones!!
( I am so lying!!!!)

I just realised I haven't got any great 'gobs of paint tubes' types of cool shots.. but as this is going to be updated I'll get one next time. Ok .. so yes i perhaps should have 'set up' some special scenes to take pics of like real 'fancy' blogs.. but I just walked in and thought I'd take some as is'..

Ok . friends .. I showed you mine.. you so know how that line finishes.. Let's be having them..

Hey we could start our own book.. "Where Women REALLY Create" !

Luv ya H

Art sales, green eggs and a Caribbean cruise..

2011-01-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ok.. stuff happened between my last post and January the 19th.. and this is it in a nutshell..

A fantabulous cruise to Jamaica, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands for the whole fam'.. (clever me for having such a spiffing idea),

Blissing out in the Cayman Islands.....aaahh....

Zackary and new found friend in Jamaica....

My new chickens (finally ) started laying.. lovely spotted eggies from 'Pepper' and some gorgeous green hued eggs from 'Hawk' the Aracauna hen,

New representation by a gallery in Austin resulting in two sales in the first 10 days..(yay!)

Innovation
Mixed Media
24 x 30 inches SOLD

Happy Birthday Helen ..41 and hot !! hehe!! I was totally spoilt this year and my fab friend Leslie threw me a super soiree' complete with the most precious and yummy cake.. check it out... prettiness'.. ( hmm.. sorry for the crappola' iphone photo..not so pretty.. :(

Lossa new work happening, tons of fun with mixed media.. "Holy creative freedom Batman" ( ok that was weird!)
here is the latest.. a jolly huge 36 x 48 inches yup.. 3 x 4 foot ..now that sounds whopping!

The New Beginning

SOLD

Ok ..more stuff happened than that.. but enough looking back.. we all know we gotta spend time 'in the present' to reap all the goodies.. so a fond farewell to 2010.. my fab 40th year...

and all engines revving, guns blazing and vision board a'pasted for a magical 2011 ahead.

Yahoo.......... aannd there off..........

.. buckets of love and magical happenings to you all..
luv.. Helen xx

Do you ever feel like you are...

2010-11-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

'Between Two Worlds'

(Mixed Media on canvas)

An apple a day.......

2010-11-08T05:28:00.000-08:00

Provides a fun perching spot for this little fella'

'Apple'

Watercolor

Here's to a wonderful creative week everyone.. wow ..I can't believe it's already November!

It seems these days that even the weeks have wings..

Luv.. H xx

'Lime'

2010-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

You didn't think I'd leave out 'lemon's' little green cousin did you?

A drop of tequila , a lick of salt and this little bird is ready for margarita time '

I know what you're thinking.. this one is very ...

....um...

...green.

Yup.. but I like green.. so 'very green' it is..

the truth be told I tried some 'Fancy Fabriano hot press' watercolor paper instead of my usual cold press... hmm kinda didn't like it..

I felt I had less control with layering.. so I guess I'm a cold press kinda girl.. ( that's how I like my olive oil too). Olives are green too .. so yes that last statement is TOTALLY relevant to this post !

Hehe.. I am just rambling..

Toodle..oo ! Luv H x

Oranges and lemons...

2010-10-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I had to follow the last lemony post with an orange chap sitting .. well.. on an orange.

Continuing my birds and citrus moment.. I present for your perusal..um..

'Orange'
(Watercolor)

Happy creative Wednesday ! I'm off to puppy training classes tonight.. hmm toilet training a pup is sooo much fun! ( lucky he is ridiculously cute!) :)

Cheers , Helen

What will you teach the new generation about creativity?

2010-10-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. I'm joining in on We Scout Wednesday .. the topic is 'What will you teach the new generation about creativity?
.. hmm.. I never usually do this sort of thing.. but I'm gonna play!

A couple of the major aspects regarding creativity that I am passionate about ( aka ..I have learned this the hard way).. is ..

1)Any creative path is just that.. a path.. a journey.. keep going.. sometimes just one foot in front of the other.

I have had times of great despair with my art.. not liking the work I am producing ..becoming frustrated and overwhelmed.. but I have always found that if I find at least ONE thing about the work that I like.. and create another .. and another.. I can see definite improvement remarkably with each one.
My old pattern of throwing it under the bed in disgust.. giving up and berating myself mercilessly for days isn't that helpful, productive ( or enjoyable!).

I have found it best to just allow the work to come, ..acknowledge it, If I don't particularly dig it, then calmly press on to the next one. If I LOVE it .. then dance around the room like a wild woman.

2.. We are all artists.

It's true.. I know this one to be true.. If we wanna do it. .we can.. the untapped artist is in us all.
I tapped into mine at age 30.. sitting there patiently all that time..while I told people I could only draw stick figures..

Guess what.. I hadn't ever really tried.. I think I thought it had to be programmed into the DNA.. you have to have an 'artist father' or close relative. But when I decided 'I need to paint..I need to draw.. well... I did.
Many bizarre, hideous, moving and beautiful drawings later. I'm still painting.
It's so great ..with this facebook thing, people from highschool find my site and write.. 'Wow your artwork is amazing I can't believe that I didn't remember you were an artist!".

haha.. cause I wasn't. I decided I would be later on.. I made a choice..
and took action.. peeled back some veils and layers of doubt and voila..
( oh yeagh I also spent many , many hours practicing)

the great news is .. there is tons of crazy dancing around here now.. and it's pretty clean under the bed !

So to recap..

* Nurture and cherish your creative spark..

*Believe in yourself..

*We are all artists in some form or another, it just depends on how you choose to express it,

*If you want it bad enough .. keep going. and try to be nice to yourself.. ( tell that crappy voice in your head to shutup!)

Oh and I think it goes without saying.. be very careful who you ask for feedback from.. some of the ones we love the most... hmm.. not always the best for this kind of thing :) some weird, screwed up 'protecting/sabotaging package' often involved there.
Luv ..Helen xx
New Zealand Fantail
Watercolor

(One that didn't go under the bed..)

Lemon

2010-10-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

A splash of yellow !

.. A tidbit of info about me.. I drink hot water with lemon and honey every morning to wake up..

I'm just not a coffee or tea girl..

I love lemons.. the scent of lemon blossom just sends me... xxx

Number 3..talking birds..

2010-10-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. a little watercolor for thursday..

A new furry baby for us....

2010-10-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Little Oscar is 10 weeks old.. a wee Miniature Schnauzer... he is too cute!

Creative hump day...

2010-10-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

I feel so very 'Earth Mothery' today.. Zackary and I made home made play dough! ...Yes... I know this is not very exciting.. but I haven't 'got around to it' for so long..

here is Z livin' the dream....

While he was thus occupied... I was able to paint another in my little series of 'birds with nice things to say' hehe... It's so great to be working in watercolors again.. fast, easy and very portable! If you have never tried .. get yourself a few colors and get playing! But do yourself a favor.. buy a decent brush.. one is all you need to start.. I painted this picture with a n0. 4 ..

Taklon round. I love em'..

hmm.. you'll probably need to click on this fella to really check him out..

Did you get any fun creative time today?

Love ..Helen xxx

Ilustration Friday..'.Beneath'

2010-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody!! I've joined in on this weeks 'Illustration Friday' prompt..

this wee bird has a powerful word beneath his feet.... one we cannot do without in this world..a sure way to find peace..

A little watercolor while Zackary plays about my feet...

Have a joyous weekend people..

Love Helen xx

Never underestimate the love of a chicken.....

2010-09-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. hope you all had a wonderful summer!!
Mine was perfect.. I made the decision to unplug store/blog/website to immerse myself in fun with the kiddies.. they sure do grow up fast.....!

Here is a pic of Zackary with his special friend Lola..

she thinks she's a human.. loves to sleep on our lap..

listen to Z play the keyboard..

play in a tree with Luke...

In order to help remind Lola that she really is a chicken.. we bought some new varieties.. 2 Barred Rock..4 Araucauna's ( they lay blue eggs!) and 2 Guinea Fowl ( just to confuse her).

Here she is examining the new arrivals ....

( I promise my house isn't really a hen house.. they looked a bit stressed and hot so I was cooling them down in the AC for a bit before they went out into the VERY hot Texan summer.

Lola thought they were awesome fun...for about 10 mins... then she decided it would be more fun to play with the knobs on Zackary's train set!

oh..chickens these days...

they just seem to want it all!

haha... glad to be back ..hope you all had a great summer!

Love , Helen xxxxxx

what's going on......

2010-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hi there everybody.. we have been having fun around here as we are getting a completely new kitchen yay!!! It should be ALL finished next Sunday.. boy there is nothing quite like the joy you get from washing dishes in the bath! ( not!) Anyway it will look light , bright and glorious! Will definitely post a pic when done..

Tonight in San Antonio I will be one of the featured artists on the Tobin Hill Artwalk.. at the Gallery Josephine..
here is the details Love to see you there,!

I was delighted to be one of the artists featured in the June newspaper publication of La Prensa... nothing like a little great press :D

check it out.. I start near the top of the second column.. Connecting Art and Nature.. ( you will definitely need to enlarge to read it)

My days are filled right now with swim lessons, karate lessons and the odd magical yoga class squeezed in for mama when I can !. Living the dream! hehe
Cheers , Helen

Something a bit different..art.. for the love of bees..

2010-06-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

This was inspired in part by my new source of delicious local raw honey.. a little 94 year old man.. who never wants to stop keeping bees.. as he just loves them so.. and worries about who will care for them..
awwww.. melts my heart..

'The Beekeeper'
Acrylic on canvas ..
30 x 40 inches..

My son has decided this is the new version of the Mona Lisa.. he says her eyes follow him around the room..

Hope you are all keeping cool on these wonderful summer days!

Luv . H

I'm back ! with new work..

2010-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hi !... ummm yup.. I kinda went to another planet for just a wee while there.. Life stuff happening.. had skin cancer surgery ( all sweet now!..got rid o' that!) I think my face has a cool pirate look now !! hehe.. kids home for the summer.. social whirl.. oh... and my artwork in an exhibition show this Friday ,yay for art and music and fun!

New work is coming off the end of my brush.. guardians that are being sent to the earth to care for our natural world.. ( as the humans aren't very good at it!)
Here is a pic of one in the exhibition that you guys haven't seen.. she's another large one.. 24 '' x 48 inches..

'The Keeper of the Deer'
If anyone is in San Antonio this Friday.. come and say hi .. I'll be part of the 2nd Friday Artwalk in Tobin Hill.. at the Josephine Theater.. live music playing.. 5 bands and 5 visual artists.. great fun!
Here is the link .. Tobin Hill Artwalk..

Hope you are all ' living the dream'..
Cheers , Helen

Illustration Friday..

2010-05-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely people.. here is my contribution. for 'Fearless'

This little chap is sitting facing the world pretty fearlessly...

mind you I had to face a few fears myself painting this.. it's HUGE for me.. this canvas is 32 x 40 inches.. a whopper.. this little birdie is the size of Zackary! hehe..

Hope you all have a peaceful Wednesday!...Helen

New series of work and art show..

2010-05-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone .. I thought I would share a few pics of my latest escapades..

I have begun a new series called 'Serenity within Chaos'

I was reflecting on this amazing age that we are living in, with so much technology and information available to us at the click of a button. This brings with it a lot of excitement , discovery and growth..but for many, it also creates questions that seem to have no answers, feelings of confusion, anxiety and being overwhelmed.

This new work reflects my thoughts on how peace can be found through living in the present moment and our best answers always come from within. We can be our own island of serenity while still walking amongst our world of chaos.
I am using texture, layers and movement to depict the turbulent times, framing a peaceful moment snapped in time, where those within appear oblivious to all the noise and confusion that surrounds them.

This is number three in the series called 'A Moment of Stillness'
( mixed media on canvas)

I had a full on weekend doing a 2 day show.. that was my first 2 day.. boy was I tired!.. Lots of fun though I had my friend showing with me , so we had a blast. Check out one view of our display..

It was great to sell prints, paintings, magnets and pendants.. but I was also thrilled that everybody loved my tiny ceramic pots as that was something new for me. And so easy to package up for the buyers as I had already packaged them in little sweet boxes.. here is what they looked like..

I hope you all find plenty of precious moments this week..

Love Helen

Art catchup..

2010-04-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

I've been busy busy.. around here we have just had new concrete poured around the house.. with a rather large patio which has triggered massive loads of pots , plants, mulch and soil. It just takes one lovely upgrade to trigger an avalanche of new fabulous changes. The kids are loving zooming around on their skateboards and bikes!
This coming weekend is my first art show this season.. so have been working pretty full on for that.. here is a glimpse of some new pieces..

a mixed media piece with resin on the top..

this one is on a big chunky canvas...

feeling the need to get my hands in earthen clay again. ..I suddenly decided to make some little 'pods' . Inspired by shapes in nature I am really trying to keep their 'made in my hand' irregular look.. highlighting the 'hand hewn' finish as opposed to machine made / molded.. they are not finished or fired in the kiln or glazed yet.. but here is a little preview..
they are so cute for holding earrings, rings or even for spices etc..

Some of you will remember this wee bird :).. I cut out the original watercolor with an xacto knife (scary) and gave it a bit of pizazz ..creating a 3D mixed media piece in a shadow box..fun! ( special bonus.. you can even see me taking the pic reflected in the glass :p )

lots going on.. hope you are all having some fun with your muse!
Helen xx

The little viking turns three !

2010-04-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my little pirate.. getting so big.. as he said today.. " Mummy I never , no more 2.. no no.. only ever 3 now" .. with big wide earnest eyes.. as the auspicious occasion registered upon him.. aww so sweet!
Life's tough at this age.. like yesterday.. he was so sad.. he lost a friend forever.. he came in so excited as he had found a caterpillar..
" Mummy look my new friend.. he a green one.. we be careful, we don't squeeze.. no no! "
He happily went off to play with his 'friend' .. coming in so sad 10 mins later.. " Oh Mummy my friend is gone!! He fell off the motorbike,, I miss him so much all these days!!!" hehe.. such a looong friendship .( all of 10 mins!) Funny little man... ( don't worry,he was sitting on big brothers 4 wheeler bike, he doesn't ride it .. but by golly he wants to!)

The world would surely stop turning if we didn't have a spiderman cake so here it is in all it's glory..
"yay Spidey!

The 'man of the moment' wee Zackary -- 'who will never no more be 2'

( this was the only photo I could get of him standing still.. that wasn't blurry.. excited is an under- statement!!)

I found a pic of last year.. when Zackary was ' never no more be 1'

Growing up little one ! :)

'Birds and the bees '

2010-04-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun playing with some mixed media.. old papers.. ridiculously gorgeous ephemera and than painting over the top.. here is two I have just completed.. on wooden blocks.

The first one I used the image that I drew yesterday, I redrew it ( is that a word?) over a gorgeous old paper and then painted it up with lots of fun stuff...

the next one is showing my love for bees.. lots of fine papercutting.. painting, drawing.. the first time I have tried drawing a beehive... :) (this definitely looks better if you click on the pic to enlarge)

this one was inspired by a swarm of bees that flew past my studio yesterday.. it sounded like a bomber jet coming! I was just so excited .. yay bees!! I just hope someone hadn't destroyed their hive..

Thanks for looking at what has been keeping my little self occupied :) Bye..H

Illustration Friday..'linked'

2010-04-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hi visitors... here is a Helen version of an illustration showing 'linked'

these two are linked through their early morning song'.....

Watercolor on paper....thanks for taking a peek!
Cheers , Helen

Spring.. eggs and blossoms

2010-04-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.. our long weekend was lots of fun.. here is a few shots..

I thought I'd first share some of the color on our Texas hill country property this spring..
Sweet Broom .. smells like heaven..

The most beautiful periwinkle wildflowers pop up everywhere..

The famous 'Texas Bluebonnet' in a field outside my studio window...

Ah.. the divine smell of the 'Texas Mountain Laurel' .. our property has about 6 of these magical trees.. which are covered in purple blossoms in the Spring.. the beautiful scent only lasts around 4 weeks.. so we have to make the most of it..

Fitting in with the spring theme.. this painting arrived in the post from New Zealand just before Easter. It is titled 'Spring Garden' and is a giveaway gift from a fellow blogger Katrina Cook... she likes to use lots of great texture.. thank you Katrina!

Easter goodies!! I thought this little chocolate duck was cute ..it looked sooo.oo like a real rubber duck!
I thought Luke would think that it was cool.. which he did.. I think it kinda tasted like soap though..oh well! it was cute! hehe

Zackary loved his little wind-up chicken that lays bubble gum eggs.. I had to get one of these as a tribute to our new family members..

Real chicken- lickens yay!! We had such fun going to pick them up in Easter Saturday.. the kiddles very excited at holding their new friends and making nests for them out of hay in their nesting boxes.. I think Zackary only came away from them to eat.. then it was "Oh my chickens are missing me..Bye" off for another 2 hours in the hen house! hehe.

There is nothing happier on this earth than true 'free- range' chickens.. these girls are having a ball!

They are great at weeding too! Scritch scratching with those legs.. the weeds are history.. while they get the little bugs underneath..

On Easter Sunday.. the best egg of them all!.. our first gift from the chickens... found by Zackary.. much to his absolute delight.. "Oh Mummy ..look my chickens made me an egg!" ... holding his treasure high he sped down from the hen house so fast to show us.. eventually ( after I go this pic) he of course cracked his egg with so much love.. so I grabbed the frypan ..managed to salavage about half of it into the pan..quickly cooked it up for Z before the tears could start!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend too!
Cheers , Helen

Studio update..

2010-03-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to thank all you gorgeous people for your most encouraging and uplifting comments regarding my last post! Viva authenticity!!!!!!...

Right so.. what have I been doing .. we decided at 7.30 saturday morning to take off to the beach for 2 days.. glorious weather.. for those of you still with snow.. summer IS COMING!!

Here is a pic of my little beaching family...

Zackary soon figured out what the man 'playing the song' had in his little cart!

When we got back I hit the studio ready to roll.. here is a couple of pieces I have just listed today in 'The Willows Nest Shoppe'..
this first one is along the same lines as the 'choose bliss' bird but this one is painted with acrylic, colored pencil and Indian Ink directly on to a wood panel. I really like the clean 'Scandinavian feel' with the bare wood.

This next one I had plenty of fun with.. I applied copper leaf to the back of a shadow box.. then created a 3D effect with one of my paintings.. lifting elements forward with vintage domino pieces.
I stamped some copper sheet with the words 'Stillness'.. I love this one.. so peaceful.. but also so alive with the copper leaf ablaze in the background when the light shifts. Tricky to photograph with the glass front.. but here is a few..

here is one before it is in the shadow box.. without the glass..

Lastly I want to thank some special people who have bestowed upon me some lovely awards..
being a newbie blogger up until recently I thought these awards for for winning some kind of a competition! hehe!! (I'm getting there..)

First up, thank you to the fabulous Amalia from TranslucentBlue
for giving me my first award ever, The Sunshine award,,

aww nice... thanks.. Amalia!

Then the lovely Shirley has graced me also with the Sunshine award! ( ooh.. just a ray of sunshine . am I .hehe) thanks Shirley!!!!

And lucky last , the Sensational Ces has chosen to gift me a most special award .. called 'The Renee Award.'.

in honor of someone very special and dear to her heart.. here is the story behind this award... beautiful ...
thank you Ces..

I really value all you wonderful, generous, caring ,creative women.. thank you so much for sharing your attention..comments..brilliant insight, talent and great sense of humor. You all make blogsville a much more colorful place.
Cheers and much laughter and hugs to you all .. Helen xxxxxxxxooooo

Coming to my own rescue.. with creative honesty..

2010-03-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday visitors.. Welcome !.. feel free to scroll down to the illo at the bottom..
all you other troopers.. thank you for your encouraging and comforting presence alongside me on my creative journey.. I congratulate you if you make it to the end of this long post.. just read it with your 'open mind'.. it may get a bit 'out there' for some.. hehe
I finally figured out.. that the only way to know what I 'really wanted to paint'.. or would feel 'fulfilled' by painting.. was to truly get down and have a 'close encounter' with myself.. or to visit the 'temple of Helen'.
While contemplating this 'quest'.. I pondered that I was seeking a conversation with my spirit, my soul, the 'essence of Helen'. My intention was to receive' .. to receive information, to receive inspiration.. so I mused.. if I want to receive.. perhaps i should clear the 'old' to make room for the 'new'.. also .. if I want to receive' .. perhaps I should also 'give'.. I felt that this was a holistic exercise.. this is not just about 'what should I paint?.. this had now become a detailed look at my whole life ..what is out of balance?
So this last week has been a whirlwind.. first up.. tidy studio.. no painting.. just sort and prepare.. ( welcoming in my new special visitor.. laden with gifts) hehe
then I decided to start a new fresh beautiful journal.. which I would write down my thoughts in every day.. no matter what I felt ..in preparation for my 'gifts' to arrive.. my authentic voice and guidance.
Then I hauled out everything in my closet. dumped it all out on the bed ( and floor).. removing all things.. that no longer 'feel like me.. the me I am now.. the me I am becoming'... this was getting exciting.. my authentic self is coming 'out of the closet'.. ( even the closet needs to be authentically honest lol!) Everything was removed from my bedroom and around the house that no longer 'seemed to fit'... pared down to 'basically what delights or inspires'..... me.

Next on the list.. was a new pair of gorgeous jeans that 'fit just right'.. and pretty ,blonde highlights.. fresh for spring.. ooh .. the goddess in me was starting to awake from her slumber!!

Then we tackled my diet .. crappy winter junk had snuck in and taken over.. I started making fresh juices from carrots, apples and parsley.. yum.. started eating lots of fresh salads, fruits and vegetables.. lots of water.. stretching and yoga.. you get the picture..
Well the energy levels are rising.. I am feeling and looking good.. getting very excited about life .. feeling a lot of possibility and potential in the air.
I started spending more time outside watching the birds busy preparing their nests and viewing the beautiful spring blossoms shooting out everywhere here in the hill country. Inspiration is starting to bubble up and over. The birds excite me . I could watch them for hours.. in fact .. they delight me.! I have always felt a real spiritual connection with birds.. I have had many 'magical, uncanny experiences with them throughout my life.

So to the diary.. we started out with some grumbling.. confusion and despair.. .....and ended up with peace, direction,clarification and excitement!!

At the beginning of this week.. I thought it would be good to get drunk with friends.. it was good .. it shut up the damn ' what kind of an artist are you anyway' voices.. I felt free ,I laughed , I asked a very good friend .. in his opinion what did he think I should paint? ( not usually a good idea) .. he never hesitated .. looked me straight in the eye and said .. "your birds.. take me to another place".

Hmmm.. the next day I was browsing other successful artists work online ( a masochistic artist moment!)..one artist in particular struck me .. I thought disgruntled.. " Oh well it's easy for her to be successful . all she has to do all day is paint gorgeous birds!! "
You'd think I would start putting this all together at this point people .. but nope!! Still stuck within the veils of denial.. hehe..

The next day.. I passed our garage.. there was a little dove sitting inside on the window sill.. I paused .. drank it in.. and raced off to answer the phone.. the two garage doors are open , so I knew it could fly out easily.
Two hours later I go to get something from the car.. there is the dove sitting there .. I slowly walked up to it.. talking quietly.. thinking I would help to direct it to the open door.. it sat there bobbing it's head at me.. ever so slowly I reached out my hands .. and picked it up. I held that little bird in my hands .. and knew in that instant.. it was a messenger.. from my higher self... of peace.. paint peace..paint messages from your heart to others.. paint what this moment feels like... paint what delights you and fills you up like you will burst...
....birds.

Oh .. such a tender special moment .. with the little dove sitting so quietly,looking up at me trustingly with it's bright, shiny eyes.. soft, warm, quivering feathers, a priceless gift of insight.. from myself.. and this precious little messenger. I thanked it for taking part 'in the play' of my life, released it over near the door and it flew up to the top of an old oak tree where it's mate was waiting.. delightful serendipity.

So straight off to write in the diary.. a torrent of inspiration flowing out onto the paper. I could hardly write fast enough.. so many ideas .. thoughts.. birds .. messages.. different media etc.. Yay!!!!

So some of you will be scratching your head going ... ummm... "this chick is bonkers.. she already paints some birds ... and her blog AND online store is called THE WILLOWS NEST .. hehe ,,!!!!!! I know isn't it great .. sweet layers of self doubt and confusion .. they can mask anything!

So here it is ..this may all change .. but as of right now.. I paint birds .. beautiful, uplifting, magical birds.. some with a message.. some capturing a moment.. a feeling.. but all are a direct expression of me.. so I say phooey!!! to the crappy self doubting voices.. ... I paint birds.. my higher self/inner goddess/spirit/intuition/soul told me so!.

Yes I have painted some birds before .. and then ladies and then a rhino .. and then flowers .. and then a raccoon.. and then.. hehe.. there is always a nature element.. but I would get so distracted by what others are doing.. and never think my own ideas would be quite good enough.. if it was so great why wasn't someone else doing it"???? ( oh blessed self sabotage)..

So to anyone who is still with me at the bottom of this post.. I so appreciate you.. here is the first gift from within .. for me to place upon my wall .. to remember to express what delights me .. and fills me up.

The simple life recipe on 'How to Rescue Myself.. when all seems lost and veiled in confusion..
Just.................... Choose Bliss..

Sending out lots of Love and bliss to you people... from a lucky woman who 'just gets to paint pretty birds all day'... Helen xoxo

Creative Honesty.

2010-03-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hmm.. I have been unplugged for a few days.. thoughts swirling in my head. I 've been pondering my need for more of an ' authentic connection' with my art, complete creative honesty, transparent soul expression... I'm not completely sure what this means or what it will look like .. but I'm taking a fresh new step toward finding it.

Deep within me , there is a knowing that I am 'skimming the surface', not digging deep enough to where my soul truths lie hidden, swathed in layers of 'what others expect' and ' my own insecurities'. But I am coming to the realization that anything that does not come from the authentic voice.. will provide very fleeting satisfaction and fulfillment.

I apologize to anyone who visited here today looking for something light to muse upon and have instead been met with a 'hunk of heavy lead' .. nothing will cheer you up faster than a good dose of 'artistic torment' hehe..

Ordinarily I would say nothing.. not post....but that is not fitting in with my new ..
'Creative Honesty' mantle. So do any of you amazing artists/creatives out there ever wonder.. what have I really come here to say? If you could say anything to the whole world for 2 mins.. what would it be? Can you convey this through your work?

If you share some of your thoughts.. Z willgive you a flower just like the one he gave mummy last night..

Cheers , people..

Results of Etsy Showcase and featured Artist Lauren Gray

2010-03-12T12:23:00.000-08:00

Ok.. Featured artist .. that sounds a bit grand doesn't it.. in reality..

I found this lovely artist's work on etsy.. fell madly in love with it.. had to have..
pressed the big BUY NOW button .. and am soo.oo happy

Her name is Lauren Gray .. she is cool , her blog is cool and her artwork blows my mind.. so I thought you all should meet her..

Pyrography .. didn't know it existed until I found this cool chick.. yup.. you get to burn stuff!!
NOTHING IS PAINTED.. only burning with a magical hot pen thingy.. YES !

Check this out!!
Titled : Tree Study
8 x 10

Here is a pic sitting proudly in all it's little 'wooden block goodness'

Y'all know I love birds!.. well I also really love trees.. look at those roots.. they are grounding. .people.. I could ALWAYS do with a li'l more of that! hehe

Now .. go check out Lauren's blog.. lossa good stuff.. but WAIT .. not yet I haven't finished talking..hehe

So..oo if you have never purchased an etsy showcase spot , here 'tis

I paid $7 .. one of my artworks is featured for 24 hours on the art showcase..
Here are the stats.. Thursday pre showcase vs Thursday day of showcase

items viewed in my shop none / 291

items sold none / 1 original painting

art bookmarked ( hearted) none / 15

my shop bookmarked (hearted) none / 10

Now I am not that great at math .. but that wasn't bad for 7 bucks methinks!

I decided marketing is probably something I need to buckle up and do.. yes it's boring and kinda sucks.. but Helen Wheeler-Shaw and The Willows Nest shall remain 'undiscovered no longer .. amid the sea of 40 billion other artists on etsy hehe!!

Ok.. go get some eye candy .. now.. be warned it's very irresistible.. click on Lauren's link below..
Lauren Gray and The Haunted Hollow Tree

Love Helen xxxxx

Shop Update.. yes actual originals!

2010-03-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Well.. I have really got my act into gear and posted some original work into my shop..

I finally managed to get a paid spot in the Etsy Art Showcase.. so I'll let you know how many people checked out my shop in response to that wee bit of marketing.

Here is a sample of a few pieces..
Mixed Media on wood .. layered with encaustic wax medium.. gives them a lovely dreamy feel..

Lots of incising, filled with oil paint gives lots of yummy texture

This little chap I fell in love with,, so humble but grand with a whole background of gold leaf behind him.. ( I haven't played with that stuff in ages!)
The little bird is graphite, colored pencil and acrylic.. I gave the leaf an antique wash in parts.. I'm very happy with how this turned out. I can see a few more in this line.
update ( SOLD) .. ooh that was exciting .. now I feel like a fancy blogger!
Thank you so much!

A little chick encased in ethereal waxy encaustic..

I thought it would be fun to create gorgeous backs to these wooden blocks.. so I went wild with some super papers and antiquing wash.

All holes drilled on the back.. ready to hang up!

Hope that was kinda interesting to you fab guys.. I had fun..

I'll let you know how the showcase spot goes..

Fingers crossed.....

Surreal whale painting..

2010-03-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about how in life we don't always know where our assistance is coming from ..
just gotta have faith..

'Silent Navigator'

Acrylic on canvas
20 x 16

Happy Tuesday.. Don't forget to put your clocks forward this weekend!!
Ciao .. Helen

Fly me to the moon..

2010-03-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought what it would be like ... for just one day, to be able to go and visit someone you have loved fiercely, who no longer walks this earth with you?..

'Just One More Day'

Acrylic on canvas... 22 x 28

I was just thinking.....

.. this also fits .. the Illustration Friday prompt for this week.. 'Brave'.. she looks like she's heading off to the sunset pretty bravely to me..

Luv .. H

Illustration Friday... on Tuesday

2010-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hi people, I'm back in the saddle after our 'wee setback'.. I returned to the studio yesterday finally.. , I found it pretty difficult at first without my loyal 'studio buddy'. Eventually I felt her presence around me and managed to produce this piece.. I guess it's a bit of a self-portrait.. her face reflects my heavy heart.. but the butterflies symbolize the presence of those unseen.. silent supporters and bringers of light and love.

The theme for Illustration Friday this week was 'Perspective'...
hmm. I guess this is ... 'Losing someone you love, puts All .. into Perspective..'

But. today .. the sun is shining in Texas.. it's a new day.. have a lovely , joyful day everyone!!

Love and light to you all.. Cheers , Helen

Goodbye.... for now..

2010-02-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

To the sweetest friend and most loving companion.. you gave so much..yet asked for so little..

You can now run with Zulu again... dear Shaka....our tears fall like rain..

Sweet girl ...you touched our lives in so many ways..

Till we meet again...
beautiful girl.. we'll love you forever.. Helen, Eddie , Luke and Zackary..

Sparrow King Print

2010-02-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

I really like this guy, he is just so down- to-earth..
You'd never know he was a blue- blood if it wasn't for his flippin' gorgeous headgear..

Aww... I just love a bird with a crown...

Yup.. been messing with my watercolors again!!

Sparrow King Limited edition print available at The Willows Nest Shoppe . with free shipping for USA and CA

Good lordy.. 2 posts in 2 days.. we might be making that new years reso' after all!

Hope you all get some good ol' Saturday night fun tonight!!!
H

New Artwork update

2010-02-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

Ok, folks .. you may need smelling salts .. I am actually putting a new item in my etsy store!!

That's right , I have added a new print of the lovely Zinnia..

She's a pretty laid back kind of gal..

prints of the original watercolor are available online at
The Willows Nest store..

We are celebrating with Free shipping to America or Canada for this item..

Rhino's rock!!! haha.. have a lovely weekend!

Cheers , Helen

Illustration Friday..Adrift..

2010-02-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Ok I know Illustration Friday On a Wednesday...?
Well I am just glad I got to do it at all .. sick Toddler home with Scarlet Fever...

I thought that went out with the Plague!!!... maybe I need to hang a skull and Crossbones on the door?
Any way.. the theme this week was ...adrift.. here is my effort completed at midnight last night..

Adrift on a sea of tea...

Have a lovely Wednesday !
Cheers , H

Can I embed a link?

2010-02-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is a test to see if I have learned a small step for mankind but a huge step for 'Helen'.. let's pop over and visit ...'the shop' haha!!!! yeeha it worked!!

I am so sorry you technical ones , I know you must think I have some quite serious 'brain problems'( which I probably do) .. but that is just something that I hadn;t figured out.. now I know that it is sooo.oooo easy .. um.. yes I do feel a bit silly.. IF there is ANYONE out there besides me who doesn't know how to do this I found out how to do it here ..
Good lord .. I did it again!! I so rock!
ok .. all you 'fancy bloggers .. look out ..'The Willows Nest is coming into the '90's !!!! hehe

Life begins at 40!.

2010-02-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

Oh the joys of turning 40!!!!
I am Lovin' it!
My big day started out with lots of fun things planned on my day... shopping ( kid free) at Anthropologie,, a little art workshop.. time browsing books for hours at Barnes and Nobles...yay!! Then home to find champagne, roses and choccie dipped strawberries ( which the kids dipped with daddy) ( I am so spoilt)!

the kiddles chose these gorgeous blooms for mummy..

lots of lovely cards and pressies..

even Shaka joined in on the fun ( albeit reluctantly)

Then a few days later I had a fabulous do at a jazz and wine bar with my amazing friends!! Just too much fun for one girl!
This pic is taken before we went out by my awesome friend Lainie who came down from Houston specially for me!!

In fact here is a pic of my gorgeous friend....

For my birthday present this year I wanted a fabulous experience ... not a 'thing' to gather dust.. So synchronicity at it's finest 'helped' me stumble across Patricia Baldwin-Seggebruch.
I purchased her book on Encaustic painting.. started playing around with the medium and having lots of fun. I then realised ( the synchronicity element) this awesome teacher from Seattle was going to be doing a 4 day workshop in San Antonio ( aha! I cried .. fabulous birthday experience present!) So I went , had a blast , met a bunch of brilliant artists, made new friends.. and learned tons , played tons and garnered inspiration aplenty!

Here is a shot of our deliciously messy , creative table..

I was quite delighted to meet an extremely fun and talented artist who lives 'up the road' in Austin ......... here she is with her creative mojo hard at work!

check out her cool art...www.Stephanie Rubiano.com hmm... Stephanie gives me a fun excuse to pop up and visit the grooviest Texan city again.

So lots of wild inspiration bubbling away in my studio.. The smell of hot wax pervading.. here is a sneak peek..

Excited to report that my new wide format Epson printer arrives any day now ( will be so cool to be able to create my own prints rather than sending everything away!)

Well.. Little 'Z' plaintively declared to me the other day..."'Mummy I lost the sea....
D' you know where tis?... "
After Mummy woefully admitted to missing the sea too ( after our amazing month by the ocean in New Zealand).. Zackary quickly clambered aboard his tricycle and headed toward the driveway hollering.. " Don't worry Mummy I go find it"!!

"ohhhhhhh.... break mummy's heart!!!

You will all be pleased to know we have a large gate so he can't get out on the said wee trike... and we have booked a holiday at the beach in April .. yay!!!

Here is a pic of Z enjoying his beloved ' recently discovered 'sea while in New Zealand in December.

Cheers . H xxxxx

Illustration Friday...

2010-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hi there .. this weeks , illustration topic is 'Focused'..
I thought this little watercolor I have just completed 'fit's the bill' quite nicely..

'this wee Fantail is pretty focused on a 'flutterby lunch'..

100% Print Sales going to Haiti

2010-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

Purchase a print from my etsy store until the end of January... and help out Haiti!
All profits will be donated to the Relief fund.
Purchase one for your self.. or birthday presents for mum, friend or little nephews etcc..

Let's help through Art however we can...

Visit the site here http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWillowsNest or click on the name of my shop on the right hand side bar

Cheers , Helen

Number 2 in the series..

2010-01-15T13:49:00.001-08:00

watercolor bird and butterfly.jpg, originally uploaded by the willows nest.

Birds and Trees..
I'm quite happy with the addition of leaves and the butterfly in this one..
this bird is based on a Fantail, a gorgeous little New Zealand bird that darts around very playfully. When I was growing up in the Far North they would dance about and follow us on our way to swim in the river at the back of the farm.. The Fantail is known for it's beautiful tail ,that opens up like a fan as well as it's gregarious , fun loving nature.
Hope you all have a super weekend!
Cheers , Helen

The Drought has broken..hurray!

2010-01-14T16:18:00.001-08:00

bird.jpg, originally uploaded by the willows nest.

Hi everybody !..I got so stuck in the 'It's the New Year and I must get organized' mode..... that I have not been creating!

All that fabulous sorting,purging,chucking.arranging,new diary filling is not very conducive to art making!!

But here it is , a little muse flew by me and was quickly captured on some watercolor paper before I could think too much about it!

We are in the saddle again .Yahoo!

The plan is to actually do a little series of these guys while I am warming up ( wow! painting more than one of an idea.. now there's a novel thought Helen!)

I hope you enjoy this little fella..
Helen

I'm back..and it's 2010!!!

2010-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Yahoo I am excited about this year!!!!
It's a new decade ...I'm turning 40.....I have a new studio space...have just returned from New Zealand loaded up with inspiration!!! The little guy has just started a little pre-school down the road and LOVES it!!!! yay!!!

New direction ahead with my art this year ..very exciting...

This is where we have been for the last month or so......

If you ever get a chance to explore New Zealand....... go for it....!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love Helen xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Illustration Friday..and leaving on a jet plane!

2009-11-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Ok guys , here is my offering for Illustration friday.. 'Unbalanced'

A little bit of a reach here ..BUT as I am flying out to New Zealand in an hours time for a month with my 2 year old ON MY OWN ( so help me God...) I trust that you will forgive me..

I have become VERY UNBALANCED even thinking about changing planes 4 times over 24 hours with my blessed one....

This is a watercolor illo I have just completed for my brand new baby niece ( who we will be visiting in New Zealand) along with Grandma and Grandpa

This is for 'Eleni Rose' welcome to the world baby girl.......

I will have my laptop with me , so I look forward to visiting all your beautiful 'Unbalanced Ones'
Cheers , People,
Helen

Illustration Friday...Blur..

2009-11-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Jasper knew he wasn't the fastest in the flying competition so he thought his costume would psyche out the opposition...

Illustration Friday prompt ...blur....

"I'm a fast flying owl...... I'm a blur... I'm a fast flying owl.. I'm a .."
Have a great weekend people!!!!!

Helen xxx

2009-11-03T08:58:00.001-08:00

Illustration Friday - ummmm...on Tuesday!!

But I have done it people ,( sick toddler caused a wee delay)!

This week the prompt was ...skinny..

I thought it was only right to do a self portrait of me at 7 yrs

(click on her to get a better view)

ummm... yes I was a pathetically ( is that a word) skinny wee thing...but...
it paid off in the end... still fittin.. in them jeans!!!! ( it was worth the torturous teasing!)

Hee hee!!

new illustration - 'skinny minnie'

2009-11-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

Illustration Friday - 'Fast'

2009-10-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my first wee drawing for the 'Illustration Friday" group, ( which is my latest cool discovery!)
This friday's topic was 'Fast"

umm... 'fast bunny' ( I thought in keeping to the spirit of this weeks topic, I should draw him fast as well, hence a scribbly belly!)

Added a dash of watercolor. printed it out on some card.
I am happy to say thanks to 'Illustration friday'

I have my first Christmas card!

Thanks for peeking in here , hope you all have a lovely friday!