Garden Sketchbook

[This post contains 4 images.] I was given a Moleskine sketchbook as a gift and needless to say, I was thrilled as I find sketchbook art fascinating. It opens up endless possibilities and the art is spontaneous. Even errors (within reason) can be overlooked. The page size of the book is only 13cm x 21cm!...

Painted Fantasy Characters.

[This post contains 9 painted images, set in 3 collages] I usually paint realistically, but I find that more and more these days, I am painting something that leans towards fantasy or whimsy. I enjoy the freedom that comes with this kind of art. It does not require much planning. I start a drawing and...

THE HUMBLEST FLOWER.

(This post contains poetry and seven images.) THE HUMBLEST FLOWER © The gracious tulip, renowned For its hue and beauty, Humbly bows down Towards the ground. Its posture offers a view of its being, Which glows in a shaft of light. A scintilla of heavenly blue Enhances its purple hues. Minute fingers dusted with pollen...

Fascinating to photograph. The Dragonfly.

There is nothing more fascinating to photograph than the dragonfly. First there is the exciting moment when you spot one, usually near water, but I also find them hovering in my garden on a favorite plant. Once they find a plant they like, they will usually be there for a while. Now, I run for...

Birds of Kruger National Park. 2019

(This post contains 28 images.) For many a trip to the Kruger Park is about the mammals, and yes, so it should be, I love them too! But for me the excitement is about the birds, because they could appear anywhere, even on the loneliest, dullest drive. It is like a treasure hunt - and...

A tree with an exquisite flower and the ugliest fruit.

(This post contains 11 images). Photography has led me into a whole new world of flora. I am no longer happy just photographing these creations, but find myself doing little studies on them as well. I have always been fascinated by the sausage tree but then, who would not be? This amazing tree is common...

ROSES IN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS AND STYLES.

[This post contains 11 images] I was one of those artists who avoided painting roses for many years. The first few miserable attempts I made, I found myself drowning in petals. It was all too confusing to say the least - the way the petals slip in behind each other - the gentle tapering curves...

I Choose Not To Be A Sloth.

[Art and Poetry. This blog contains a poem and image of a Sloth, painted in oils.]  As I live in South Africa, the sloth was never on my list of animals to paint.  It is usually lions, elephants, buck etc., however, I was looking around for a very furry animal to paint and came across...

If at first you don’t see her, look again!

[This blog contains 5 engaging images.] I happened to see this female African Migrant (Catopsilia florella) butterfly in flight. If I was not in this fortunate position I would never have seen her settle (above) in the Snow Queen Hibiscus in my garden, as the shrub has many white leaves and this offers perfect camouflage...

Minutes After Birth!

This video was taken in the Kruger National Park. When I arrived on the scene the impala had just given birth and the little one was lying in the dead bush. The ground was hot to the touch as it was 45 degrees Celsius, and the impalas were gathered under the meager shade of a...

One Cheeky Little Hornbill!

If you think a parrot has character, wait until you meet a hornbill up close.

Still-Life Digital Art

I keep digital art 'real', and would be able to recreate each creation onto canvas using brush and paint.

They do not sow, nor reap, nor gather.

This post was originally published on 7/9/2017.  Updated on 15/10/2018. Birds have that something that is a little more challenging for me as an artist than most subjects.  I am a bird-lover and I guess the main reason why I am attracted to birds, besides their beauty is their happiness!  Painting and photographing birds have filled many...

‘Bubble’ Bugs.

I first discovered these unusual creatures on a lovely summer day.  It was a hot day and I had the sensation on water been dripped onto my skin, as if someone was flicking their wet fingers at me.  The coolness of the drips was quite refreshing, and as I am not one to ignore anything...

A Picture Poem (video) about Forrest & Celeste, the Thick-Billed Weavers.

Over the years I have taken photos of the thick-billed weavers building their nests and I thought the best way to make use of the photographs was to create a video with words and music.  I hope you enjoy!  Don' forget to turn the sound on! DID YOU KNOW? The thick-billed weaver differs from other...

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

  BEAUTY FOR ASHES© Beaten down? I will raise you up and set your crown. Torn and forlorn? Have you noticed, there is always a new morn. Fearful and alone? I am with you, I will protect and save you. Sick and frail? I will be your guard rail - You will prevail. Do you...

Slithering Snakes!

Spotted bush snakes (Know the snake )are quite regular visitors to my garden.  I am not a snake lover, but these guys are quite harmless and if I was ever asked what my favorite snake is, which would be an odd question, I would say the spotted bush snake.  These snakes are about a meter long...

Okay, so I am feeling spring silly!

Like I said, I am feeling 'Spring Silly'.  I know I am not the only one, it affects the best of us!  I love spring...I could jump and shout and go on and on and on about this crazy season, but I won't (I bet some are saying, 'thank goodness for that'. BUT, I did...

CREATION DAY ONE TO SIX, ON CANVAS.

He [God] spoke and galaxies whirled into place, stars burned in the heavens, and planets began orbiting their suns - words of awesome, unlimited, unleashed power.  He spoke again and the waters and lands were filled with plants and creatures, running, swimming, growing, multiplying - words of animating, breathing, pulsing life.  Again he spoke and man...

#PAINT MY BEAR

Hello! My name is Eli!  I am a brand new bear for a brand new baby.  I was painted in oils by the artist Caroline Street. Do you want your old Teddy Bear painted -  you know, that old teddy you have stashed in storage, covered in wrapping and moth balls, hoping he does not fall...

What frogs get up to after dark.

No sooner is spring sprung and so are the frogs!  They usually croak at night from 10.00: pm until 2.00:am.  Yes, you have guessed it, there is not much sleep to be had.  At first I used to collect them in a bucket and put them over the wall, hoping they would head on over...

A Rhino’s Tale.

  A RHINO'S TALE.© I was born free on the African plains, Underneath the umbrella thorn tree. Whilst still wet from birth, I lay in the long sweet grass, As the gentle morning sun spread its warmth Throughout perfect little me. I welcomed the world cosseted and carefree.   That first sweet drink Of my...

Water Striders

What attracted me to these insects was the strange 'stuff' attached to their feet, and as they moved very quickly little bubbles were produced around the feet.  Fortunately, I had my camera with me and took a few pics of these odd insects. They look like spiders but they are insects from the family called...

The Penguin.©

I am an Emperor Penguin, Suited in black and white. I’m trekking many miles Across the Antarctic Ice. My journey will take me to a colony Of others just like me, Where I will procure a mate to procreate, And she’ll produce ONE precious egg. I will incubate my offspring, My ‘Empress’ will hunt for...

Water Lily Photography

The water lily is my favourite flower to photograph.  Whenever I visit the local Botanical Garden, I head straight to the water lily pond.  I am never disappointed! I find that at any time of the day, water lilies photograph well, even when the sun is at its highest, however I have been fortunate enough...

The New Earth

A fantasy has not been told, but truth which must be extolled. A true account of eternal life and death as revealed by God in Heaven to the apostle John in a vision, who committed the prophecy to parchment, known as the unquestionable Revelation.   The day draws near when every eye will see the birth...

BATIK; Know how to do this ancient and exciting art form.

Batik is an ancient art form.  I am not going to go into the history of this art as Google can tell you all you need to know, instead I am going to show you some of my batiks and tell you how to create a simple batik. If you are the creative type you...

Fascinatingly Creepy!

I am increasingly fascinated with little creatures, and this happened a few years ago when I started with flower macro photography. I often found bugs on the flowers and this lead me to 'bug hunting'. I am fortunate to have a generous garden that produces an array of little creatures. A week ago I discovered...

Creating art in a moving vehicle.

Like many other artists, I do not like been taken away from my studio, just in case I am inspired to do something - and that something would have to be done now!  So when I have to go visiting, which I do enjoy, I try to combine art and the trip. I find travelling...

Death of a Child.

A child is a remarkable blessing, Surpassing all the treasures on Earth, Who brings forth indescribable happiness From the moment of inception to incredible birth. The little being who adds significance To our existence on Earth.   An astounding miniature of human form, With wispy hair and downy skin, Tiny fingers that reach out for...

The Woman of the Seine.

WHY I PAINTED THIS My interest in this subject arose from an art challenge to paint the death mask of this unfortunate girl, named ‘The Unknown Woman of the Seine’ or  'L'Inconnue de la Seine'.  I was intrigued by the subject, as unrequited love and death often go hand in hand. The fact that she...

Sweet Mother of Mine.©

  Sweet Mother of Mine. © Sweet Mother of mine, your length of days has passed. Your spirit is free – finally released    into the hands of God. Your absence has left an emptiness.   Your sprinkles of sweetness are no longer here to enrich. Your rare conversation echoes and most memories give me no...

Art/Poetry: ‘Take a Walk with Me’. Twenty years in the making.

Through my journey of discovering nature and trying to fathom out life, people and relationships I came to the realisation that I was pouring all of these experiences into my art, poetry and photography.

Aqua Daisy. Cross-Hatching Drawing

[This post contains 6 images] I experiment quite a bit with art and thought I’d give cross hatching a try. It is something I am familiar with, having practiced it a lot when I did a drawing course years ago, but I never did keep up with it. I started with a simple pen drawing,...