* The Lady Beth ...

I'm linking this over to The Butterfly Effect, where they are talking about art and story telling.  I love the two together and my paintings often surprise me and come with their own stories. 

Lady Beth is the daughter of a merchant, a relatively new class in Elizabethan England.  She is not entitled to the "Lady", however, Beth so longs to be part of the Nobel Class, her mother has endowed her with this term of endearment simply because it makes Beth happy.  Although her family is wealthy, she will never be invited to attend court.  Money does not equal nobility. 

Beth's father owns the largest, most prosperous woolen mill in all of England.  Lady Beth has a private tutor and learns about many things not normally taught to a woman, however she will never be allowed to study at a University or work outside the home.  Beth adores her lessons in art and art history.   She is passionate about creating.  She longs to do more, to be an artist selling work like men are able to to.

By day, Beth spends her time in a beautiful upstairs studio overlooking the sea, playing and allowing her imagination to take her where it will.  By night she sleeps in her magnificent hand carved mahogany four poster bed, on the new feather mattress which has replaced the one made of straw. These beds are something which were not in existence prior to this time.  They are highly valued.  The bed will be part of the dowry which she will take to her marriage.  It will no doubt be listed in her last will and testament, as it is considered a very valuable item.

Lady Beth is still young, however soon her parents will be looking for a suitable marriage which will expand the holdings of the woolen mills, make a powerful union both for Beth and for the finances of the family.  Beth will always obey her husband.  She will bring a dowry to the marriage and forever be his 'possession'.  She will have absolutely no rights in law.

Beth's parents love her very much and are aware of these misfortunes.  They seek a kind, gentle, and prosperous gentleman from a good family with massive holdings, who will love and cherish their daughter.

But for now, Lady Beth is in no danger.  She walks by the sea with her companion, collecting shells and feathers and rocks, which she takes home and magically turns into pictures.  Her work is stacking up, and her personal maid has had to put some of it into storage in order to make room in the studio for Beth to work.   Everything is still done by hand, and Beth has a small band of women who sew for her.  Beth designs, the women spend the day stitching.  Her closet contains some stunning dresses.  And then there is the jewelry.  She makes her own, and in fact made the jewels which adorn her hair in this portrait.  Cook is particularly fond of Lady Beth, brings her snacks during the day, and generally spoils her.  In return, Beth teases Cook without mercy, switching spices in their bottles and hiding food from the larder.   Beth also sews cook jaw dropping aprons, the likes of which have not been seen in these times.

I could go on, however, you get the drift. :o)  Lady Beth is young, happy and full of a little mischief.  I hope you like her portrait.

The Lady Beth

You've stopped by my blog again!  How lovely of you.  I appreciate it VERY MUCH!  I hope you will make yourself a wonderful day.  xxoo

Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in the imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable surprise, gratifies its curiosity, and gives it an idea of which it was not before possessed.   ~ Joseph Addison

* Erosion Bundle Art and the Elizabethan Lady

Finally, I got all the bits and pieces together from my erosion bundle, had a good look at it, and decided it was time.  Time to either chuck it, or do something.  After some thought, and sorting through the pile, I did come up with an idea and began the project today.  I should be finished by next week, so I'll keep you in suspense until then. :o)

My Elizabethan Lady and I are somewhat at odds with each other.  It's sort of crazy making trying to paint or draw people without a model.  I'm not sure why I do it.  Sometimes, I'm nearly driven to distraction, trying to figure out how much of their hair I would see from this angle, how much of the side of their face would show and how much would disappear on the other side.  Like I said, it can drive me a little loonie.  (don't say it!)

She's going to have jewels in her hair.  I have moved them umpteen times, and now her head is getting poka dots.  Also having a challenge with her eyes.  It's the angle her head is at .. and I know her left eye is -- well let's just say it's wonky.  I know if Nina saw her she would say she doesn't look real.  WELL, I don't particularly want her to look real.  I like those big black unreal looking eyes, thank you very much.  So, I shall keep trying, experimenting, playing and hopefully she will end up on the wall, not in the bin.

Lenna commented that she liked the pattern of her dress.  Secret:  It's a stencil.  Sort of a huge flourish.  I thought it would be fun to try and make her dress.  Her right shoulder needs to be lifted just a tad, however, I like it and using different colours of paints as I moved the portion of the stencil I was using was fun.  One has to keep ones creative life interesting!  

So, my lovelies, hope you had a great week.  The weekend is upon us.  May it be a wonderful relaxing time for all of us.  Take care, and again, I so love it when you drop in.  xxoo

Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time, to figure out whether you like it or not.  ~ Virgil Garnett Thomson

* Post Card Swap

Before I get going this morning RED ALERT:  Blog Candy over at Lenna's.  She's done 1000 posts and is CELEBRATING in a big way.  Check it out!

Two lovelies have arrived.  I wanted to share, as both these woman have super duper blogs.

Drop in and see Marie's work HERE.  Some delicious stuff is goin' on over there.

From Solvenia, pop over and meet this delightful young woman who creates wonderful art HERE.  Believe me, she's one busy lady!

Last, but never least, Habibi fast asleep in my arms.  He's been drinking again!

Hope you all have a great day.  Thanks for stopping in.  It's a beautiful day for a chat. 

I find the following quote helpful in so many ways.  It helps me to usher my critic out the door when he comes to call.  I hope it will help you when your critic is being obnoxious!  xxoo

Our Deepest Fear
By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were all meant to shine, as children do.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

* An Elizabethan Moment

I've had an Elizabethan moment.  Oh, I've always, since I can remember been fascinated with the time period.  Elizabeth's father, Henry, all his wives, Mary Queen of Scots, her cousin ... all the intrigue.   Living in London, I sought out Elizabethan places to explore.  As you know, Hampton Court was a favorite of mine.  The costuming of the period is also tremendously interesting.  All those high ruffled collars.  Can you imagine wearing one?  The tight bodices and the bejeweled hair doos.  Costumes (fashion) from most eras fascinate me, but Elizabethan times seems to hold a special pull.  I've read a lot about it.  Wouldn't want to have lived then, but find it absolutely fascinating.

Together with my iconic women, there are a few Elizabethan women floating around in my head.  Today I blocked one out on canvas.  Only the beginning.  Have no idea where I'm going with this.  We will see.  Here is the 'first draft'.

First block in.

Thanks for dropping in. Hope you have a great day. 

There is a feeling of Elizabethan, and there's a feeling of timelessness. My desire is to make the past present, that it speaks to us today. A feeling of ancient ancestors who court and woo each other, so that it's kind of transparent and the audience can enter into this.

~ Dean Gilmour

(if I ever was good enough, it would be lovely to have a painting do that, wouldn't it?)

Feeling like the world is CRASHING around you?

Visiting because you have popped over from 'The Butterfly Effect'?  Scroll down  and please read the paragraphs above and below My Lady.  They talk to me as I paint them. xxoo

Feeling Better Yet?  This certainly revived me.  Trust the Brits!  Good stuff, in a world with far too much gloom and doom.  Did I tell you I gave up the news and television?  News about two years ago, television when I came to Mexico.  I don't feel like I'm missing a thing.  After all, I know the stock market is crashing don't I?  What else does one need to really know.  (tongue in cheek of course)  The grape vine is still in business and if I do feel out of touch I check computer headlines.  Most of the time, that's as far as I have to go to have my curiosity satisfied.  Frankly, I'd much rather be doing something much more FUN!

On that note, I finished my next Iconic Lady yesterday. She was very demanding ... I want more of this, I want that.  I've got her up on the fireplace at the moment, and she is asking for more dark in her wings!  Other than that, I think she is finished.  Acrylics were the order of the day for this painting.  A challenge for me, especially being in the high and dry desert where the air sucks the moisture out of everything in seconds.  At one point my critic returned from extended leave and tried to ruin my day.  I ushered him out the door.  (don't know how the little sucker got in, I had the locks changed!).  After that is was patience and working through the process of learning to blend and work with acrylics.  As you know, as we do, so we learn.  I'll keep at it for awhile.  Here she is.  Her big debut.

"Shepherd of My Soul"

As you know, these iconic women talk to me as I paint.  Telling me what they have brought with them and how they would like to look like.  "Shepherd of my Soul" has indicated she is here to 'be' with me.  She brings me happiness and light (the sun over her right shoulder), and much abundance in many things (represented by the apple and the 'bale of cotton' I had to turn into a few sprigs.  As I told her ... how is she supposed to carry around a bale of cotton for the rest of her days!  She agreed. She told me the flowers which grow permanently around her represent new growth and the potential I carry with me.  Always the potential to learn more, to move forward and to live my best life.   Much to my surprise the other day, she presented me with wings.  Wings to fly.  Wings to reach my full potential.  Wings to become exactly what I am meant to become. Wings so I would no longer be afraid I might not become 'airborne' when I take the leap of faith.  I was shocked.  She is a guardian angel.



Did I mentioned I was not too happy with the smaller canvas I had chosen.  Ironically, she fits perfectly on my fireplace chimney.  I had been looking for a piece of art for this place. 

Now, I had better do some work on "Sunday Afternoon" before Nina shows up on Tuesday and it still looks the same!  

What creative wonders are you getting up to today.  Thanks so much for stopping by, for taking time out of your busy day just for me!  I like that thought.  It makes my heart sing.  And remember, when readying ourselves to receive, allow a lovely huge big space so we are able to receive the MAX.  xxoo  (I know, I know, I'm having challenges with that one too, however, I must say I am improving comparatively speaking.)

When you come looking for sugar,
your bag will be examined
to see how much it can hold;
it will be filled accordingly.  ~ Rumi

* Today in the Studio

Couldn't get started today.  Nothing would come, so I got caught up on some letter writing and a little mail art.  While I sat at my table, I would glance up at my lady.  Suddenly I just had the urge to grab a brush, and I began to work.  That was about three hours ago.  I worked mostly on her hands.  No easy task, considering the position they are in the fact I have no model.

I don't think they are right .. however, had to walk away.  Will begin again later.  In the middle of all this she presented me with wings.  Wings for me.  My wings.  Wings so I can fly and reach my full potential.  I was surprised.  I've never been given a pair of wings before.  Having so much difficulty working in acrylics.  This, however, is the way one learns which is good.  I want to learn to work in acrylics.  Here's where I left off today.  I have a feeling there is a lot more coming ...

And now for a little mail art.

Thanks so much for dropping by.  Have a wonderful day.

You wander from room to room
Hunting for the diamond necklace
That is already around your neck! ~ Rumi

* Painting, Painting

Began another painting which has also been in my head.  I seem to have a series of these Iconic women on the way.  When I bought a canvas the other day, I bought a small one.  Oh, I chose a large one to begin with, then talked myself into a small one because, really, where am I going to have room to keep hanging these huge canvas pieces I love to paint on. 

It's strange working on a small space.  I don't particularly like it.  I'm also using acrylics on this piece.  I don't particularly like that either.  The paint is almost dry before I get it off the brush, I have challenges blending it, and for whatever reasons, I just don't think it looks as 'rich' as the oils.  Having said that, I really want to become proficient with acrylics ... so I am persevering.  I began this painting on Monday ... long way to go.

The sun rises over her right shoulder.  She carries an apple and a bale of cotton.  Now, how on earth do I represent a bale of cotton.  I think a few sprigs in her hands which have popped open.  More than this, I do not know.  She is evolving as I go.

Today, Nina came to my house, which was lovely.  I worked on 'Sunday Afternoon'.  I'm happier with the female body, although there are still a few things to be fixed.  The male body needs more blocking in .. I will work on that this week.

Now waiting for the oil to dry again, before I add another layer.

I've enjoyed visiting all your blogs this week, as I always do.  Such talented women.  The quality of art which is produced by this small circle, never ceases to amaze me.  I know you are all having fun, otherwise we would not be doing any of this.  Thanks so much for dropping by.  Thanks for leaving such wonderful supportive comments.  You truly are my inspiration.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.  Happiness never decreases by being shared.  ~Buddha

* Together as requested

I hung My Lady of Abundant Blessings and Intentional Flight together today.  Although they are very different, they were obviously meant for each other.  After all, it was a request.  (Oh, I could get really critical, however, I changed the locks on the doors and locked my critic out .. remember?)

 

Also received my first postcard from the "Liberate Your Art" swap.  Absolutely beautiful quilts.  

Have a peek at Di's blog HERE.  Nancy, I know you will have fun exploring over at Random Thoughts.  Di's quilts are stunning.

“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”

* Intentional Flight

Finished the heart with wings painting today.  I used acrylics, so it dried  quickly.  Lovely old vintage yellowed paper which I found  in an old book was used to write out all my intentions.  They were torn into strips with one intention on each strip.  Applied all of them will gel medium to the main part of the heart.  There are also three on each wing.  Painted over them, added Milagros, with Our Lady of Guadalaupe being the main figure.  She is sooooo symbolic for me.

I wrote each intention with great thought, purposefully and mindfully.  It will no doubt assist my intentions in coming to fruition.  I'm calling this piece "Intentional Flight".

This piece is very different from My Lady, and yet somehow they compliment each other.  Need some help to hang it up though.  Anyone want to pop over?  Also added pearls, to represent the stars and also the 'pearls of wisdom' the Universe will no doubt supply regarding my intentions.

That's about it for today.  Hope this finds you all well and happy.  Thanks for dropping over.  Take care.  :o)

”The goal for greater wisdom isn't to learn to use larger portions of your brain. It's about developing your intuition, your relationship with your Spirit part of you. As you become a better channel for your Spirit's communication with you, and you follow your Spirit's clear guidance, you access greater wisdom in your life. Using your intuition more is what activates greater portions of your brain and more of your wisdom.”
Karen Whitaker

* Playing with Ledger Books

I've been a naughty girl ... e-baying again!  I've been very strict with myself lately because of this mess with the house, however, I saw these old ledger's and couldn't resist.  There were two sets of two.  I bid on both, minimum bid and forgot about it.  Much to my amazement, no one else bid, so I ended up with four books all from the early 1920's.  YUM.

I cut one apart and made a journal.  All my supplies have arrived now for book binding.  I have the waxed linen thread and book binding cloth in stock ... so I can 'go for it' whenever I feel the urge to play.

I did an open spine binding and had some challenges with this one.  I'm not sure why, although I think it was because I had so many of the pages different lengths and they kept shifting.  At one point I pulled the thread to tight in the wrong direction and ripped one of the signatures quite badly.  Alas and Alak!  Such is life.  I carried on, had fun finishing the book. Decided to collage the front.

 

Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful summer weekend.  Thanks for dropping in .. the Sangria is on this week.  We can sit on the terrace and chat!

Travelers, it is late.
Life's sun is going to set.
During these brief days that you have strength,
be quick and spare no effort of your wings.  ~ Rumi