Paint Party Friday - Jenn's Seagull

Happy Halloween!

Welcome to Paint Party Friday! Today's piece is entitled 'Jenn's Seagull' because it was inspired by a photo Jenn posted on her blog the other day. She kindly gave me permission to use it. The piece is done in my art journal in watercolour pencil (5"h x 7"w).

This is Jenn's photo:

A Good Book

Fall Afternoon

I just finished reading the memoir 'Shattered Love' by Richard Chamberlain (remember Dr. Kildare? Shogun? The Thornbirds?). It was published in 2003 and he decided to 'come out' as a then 69 year old gay man. The Amazon reviews sum the book up accurately. If you are expecting a sensational 'coming out' this is not the book for you. He is simply a gay man focussed (or focused) on spirituality and a deeper meaning of life. He is an artistic, intelligent, (I would say introverted) writer and I enjoyed the read. He did not have a good relationship with his father, a reformed alcoholic, now deceased. The father was a domineering patriarch. It was interesting how Richard came to forgive and realize his love for his father well after the man's death.

Discriminatory?

Carpet of Leaves

'All About That Bass' by singer Meghan Trainor has become a number one song worldwide this year. This fun song is about a positive body image for more voluptuous females. I thought it was great until I heard all the skinny females were complaining that the song was discriminatory! One has to be so careful these days.

Creative Tuesdays - Minty

Creative Tuesdays' current theme is 'Minty'. I did a greeting card (4 1/2"h x 5"w) in acrylic on some glossy paper scrap I had lying around. Mint Chocolate Cake anyone?

Chemistry of Happiness

Just a cool fall photo

I was reading the October 2014 issue of Best Health magazine and there was an article by Susan Biali on  'the chemistry of happiness'.  I won't go into the details of the body chemicals involved (dopamine, oxytocin, etc.) but if we didn't know it already, listening to music you love, daily exercise, eating right, carbohydrates, lots of hugs, a hot bath, meditation can all be used to induce happiness.

Sunday Sketches - A Face

This piece is entitled 'A Face'. I started sketching this face I saw in a magazine, it evolved into this girl. It looks nothing like the original, but she is appealing nonetheless.  Her features are a bit crooked, I didn't spend a lot of time perfecting the drawing.  It's done in my art journal in watercolour pencil (5"h x 7"w).  Happy Sunday Sketches!

Coconut Shake and Bake

I tried this recipe I found in Roger Mooking's cookbook. It's called Coconut Shake and Bake. It was easy and delicious. The breading consists of half a cup of Panko breadcrumbs, and 3/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. It's a winner!