Refurbished old items in the spirit of reuse/recycle.

Over the years I have collected garden paraphernalia but eventually the weather takes it toll on everything. Things get broken and colors fade. It is at this point these items usually get discarded. Well, I decided, not this time!

I went down to the lilypond, and I was in for a big, creepy surprise!

Beautiful lilies, but look again! Wow!

Lino Printing. A Kingfisher.

I seldom do lino printing, but I enjoy the process. The prints are exciting, because one never quite knows what results will be achieved.

God’s Kitchen on Canvas.

I enjoy still-life art, usually the type with food and crockery painted in oils. However, this series of still-life focuses on the details of the food.

The Best Memories Are Handmade.

Long after the treats and presents have been utilised and forgotten, the cards remain.

Sunflowers and Stars.

I recently went on a road trip and took my trusted box of felt tip pens and a small drawing pad. Sunflowers and Stars was the result.

New Still-Life Art

I work purely out of the need to create. I love all conventional mediums, but in the absence of these, honest digital drawing does me just fine!

The Alley Cat.

I have drawn house cats: well fed, beautiful, pampered cats, however, this time I decided to draw an alley cat in a dingy alley. A large, ferocious, brave cat, the type that has to fight for survival.

The Endearing Steenbok.

The Steenbok is probably the cutest little buck you will see in the Kruger National Park.

A Spring Bonanza!

We have moved into spring, and usually at this stage of the season here in the Lowveld of South Africa it is already quite hot, this year the weather has for the most part been kind and cool with soaking drizzle every few days. Coming out of six months of various stages of lock down,...

The Artist.

The artists of this world are bold - Their sensitivities are untold; Criticism they stoically bear, But ultimately their visions sprout, They are the world's creative fount.

Handcrafted Decoy Ducks.

In short, a decoy duck resembles a real duck. They were used in duck hunting to attract real ducks. Originally these ducks were carved from wood, even cork. Modern ducks are made from canvas or plastic. They are painted to look like a genuine duck. Historical ducks today are collector's pieces and the price can...

A Sequence of Pics of the Purple Crested Lourie.

I photographed this lourie (turaco) in my garden. I had previously made a number of attempts to photograph these birds but to no avail. At the sight of me, they took off. This day I was fortunate, as you can see. I think those palm berries were too delicious for the bird to abandon! The...

The Secret Life of Peafowl.

Can you eat a Peafowl? In Medieval times the birds were prepared by roasting and then the feathers were arranged on and around the roast. This made it appear as if the fowl was still alive! Here’s the presentation instructions from Medieval times; “wynde the skyn wit the fethurs and the taile abought the body,...

Snow Queens.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Snow Queen' SNOW QUEENS   I look up. The hibiscuses are invariably there! Peering through their snow-streaked leaves. Gazing down from the heights,   Like inquisitive, spruced up socialites.   Curious they are about their surrounds – What is in the air and on the ground.   They twist and twirl in all...

Creation Celebration.

Creation Celebration. Oil. H510mm x W610mm I have painted the six days of creation, and in so doing I developed a love for jungle themes. I love the colours, plants and animals. Painting a jungle scene can be quite daunting for me, as I never know at what point in the canvas to start. I...

The Seed of Gold.

THE SEED OF GOLD. The ground was mould and mirey soil, Choked by weed, briar and toil. But as the mystery of life unfolds, A being swathed in virtuous light Into the sludge, placed he a seed of gold.   By-and-by, the seed was birthed With pains at first, Battling rebellious thorn and dirt. Miraculously...

Daisy! In pics and words.

DAES EAGE. Daes eage quietly unfurls its rays at dawn. Peace and elation, it brings to all. Even in distress, it makes one smile, No wonder! Its fame is far and wide.   Found in every jubilant colour, but blue. Symbolic of joy, not moods. It is spread far and wide across all terrains, From...

Recycled Art Canvas.

1. One old canvas to which a new drawing is added. 2. Fresh oil paint. 3. The painting begins! I have a few old paintings that I never liked, so instead of throwing them in the trash, I am recycling them. Canvasses are expensive, so if one can recycle, why not? The original painting was...

Feed the Birds.

FEED THE BIRDS. Early morning risers, Some wet to the bone, Snatching sleep Huddling on cold stone.   Not much rest after a night of rain, Shelter is scarce. Trees drenched, Big rain drops, Those that make the feathers flop!   Ahhh! A ray of sunshine, Breaking through the cold, purple dawn. Those still wet...

Mystic Blue

Using blue in a painting, other than where it is considered natural, generally promotes feelings of depression, sadness and mystery. One of my favourite artists who went through a ‘blue period’ was Picasso, from 1901 to 1906.  All of his works during this time depict strong feelings of gloom and despair. The Absinthe Drinker (after...

Once Upon A Leaf

I am in awe of leaves. They are perfect for abstract photography. I'm usually thinking 'leaf planet' when I photograph them. Hence, the poem, 'Once Upon a Leaf'. ONCE UPON A LEAF. How curious can I possibly be?   To envision a day upon a leaf. A Tom Thumb I would need to be! To...

May my soul be like a flower.

"May my soul be like a flower; beautiful, yet humble; unique, timeous, bold and perfect. May it colour lives unselfishly, and bring joy to others, even if just for a moment. May it flourish in the 'light' and never wilt in shifting shadows, or die in darkness. May it continuously look up to the heavens...

Art, Photography, Crotons and Butterflies.

BUTTERFLIES ON CROTON LEAVES. https://fineartamerica.com/featured/butterflies-on-croton-leaves-caroline-street.html [This post features 4 images.] I have many favorite things in my life, and I have combined four of them in this post, i.e., art, photography, crotons and butterflies. (You know, those flowers that fly around 🦋🦋🦋 and bring such joy to the heart ❤️! I am fortunate to have...

A sequence of Covid19 Art.

What started off as a fairly good year, filled with positive thoughts in fact turned into a nightmare for people all over the world. In South Africa, the virus took a while to reach our shores, but the inevitable happened. It seems that most countries have reached their peak, but in SA it is said...

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 as 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 an 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...

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

[This blog contains 5 engaging images.] I just 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 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.

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 of my hours.  The featured image in this post...

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 about Forrest and 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. Hopeless and forlorn? There is always a new morn. Fearful and alone? I am with you, I will preserve you. Sick and frail? I will be your guard rail, You will prevail. Do you flounder in the dark? My light will...

Slithering Snakes!

Spotted bush snakes are regular visitors to my garden.  I am not a snake lover, but these snakes are quite harmless. If I was ever asked what my favorite snake is, I would say the spotted bush snake.  They are slender snakes, and reach a length of one metre. They hunt gecko and frogs and...

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 about this crazy season, but I won't! BUT I did do some crazy stuff with my spring photographs.  Just for...

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

Do you want your old Teddy Bear painted -  you know, that old teddy you have stashed away in storage, covered in wrapping and moth balls, hoping he does not fall apart?  The chances are your old bear will probably fall apart, so why not capture your bear on canvas? Just send me a good photo of...

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 p.m until 2:00 a.m. At first I used to collect them in a bucket and put them over the wall, hoping they would head on over to the vlei (stream) behind my house. My efforts were futile. These...

Creatively Nostalgic About Rhinos.

African wildlife has always featured in my life. I have a special place in my heart for rhinos, as do many South Africans, because they are such amazing animals, ad they are under threat of extinction. The main featured image, above, is of a rhino which I created in mosaic. Beneath is more art of...

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.

The Heroic Poppy.

I have always admired the beauty of the poppy, and am intrigued that such a soft, delicate, flower has wreaked havoc and death in peoples lives by the opium produced from the seeds. The flower is also a symbol of remembrance of 20 million deaths in the first world war.