DaisyLou Designs

Zazzle necklace from Lyn Hurring: Butterfly

2011-11-18T14:13:00.000+13:00

Check out the necklace that I designed at Zazzle.com

Butterfly by Lynzart
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Art Sale on now - click here for great bargains

2011-11-15T13:51:00.003+13:00

Generated 15 November, 1:51PM

Security Note: Trade Me will never ask you for your password via email

Great buying for original kiwi art!

I'm selling off a few pieces to help Grace raise money so she can go to the Girl Guide Jamboree next year. Have a look, and remember to check out all my listings, there's some great bargains to be had! :) xxx

Studio Clear out $1 reserve! Art by Lyn Hurring

Dunedin, Otago

Closes on Mon, 21 Nov

$1.00

www.trademe.co.nz

Cats on Red Chair

2011-10-18T21:49:00.001+13:00

"Cats on Red Chair"

acrylic on board

290 x 220 mm

experimenting with monoprinting, watersoluble pastels, fibre tip pens & ink

2011-08-10T20:56:00.003+12:00

Was sitting around twiddling my thumbs last night, when I suddenly had this urgent need to try out some new art materials I bought recently. And here's the result........

"Fancy Dress"
mixed media on paper

This was done using Caran d'ache water soluble wax pastels, Staedtler fibre tip pens, and ink. First I did a mono print by creating the drawing with water soluble pastels on a plate, then printing it on to dampened paper. Used the trusty rolling pin for the printing as I don't have a printing press lying around the house! This gave me a fairly good image, which I sketched around with an ink pen, then went over again with the pastels here and there to add a bit more colour. I used the fibre tip pens to add some of the detail and a little bit of shading, and lastly I used a paintbrush dipped in water to "wash" the pastel background.

I had fun using these pens and pastels, and I really like the colours and textures that can be created with them. Have lots of ideas popping in to my head about what else I could try creating with them, so here's hoping you'll see some more here soon!

Fw: I've gone all abstracty...

2011-08-04T21:10:00.000+12:00

Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

---- Original message ----
From: Lyn Hurring <lynhurring@gmail.com>
Sent: 04/08/2011 8:57 pm
To: mrs.huzza.daisylou@blogger.com
Subject: I've gone all abstracty...

Just a snippet of something i'm working on right now. I'm having fun drawing and shading shapes and patterns in a semi random fashion. Not sure where this new mood is leading but I think it could be fun to find out...

Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

Sold!

2011-03-31T21:01:00.000+13:00

Sold!

Thanks to the lovely lady from Invercargill who won the auction for this painting, it's great to be able to help the people in Christchurch with the proceeds.

All monies have been forwarded to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal as promised.

Thanks to all those of you who were good enough to bid in the auction, sorry you missed out, but your bids meant that I was able to donate more than I expected, so I appreciate that.

My Christchurch Fundraiser Piece....

2011-03-22T20:48:00.000+13:00

"Love, Hope, & Prayers"
A painting for Christchurch by Lyn Hurring
500 x 250 mm
acrylic & graphite on canvas

So here it is, as promised my Christchurch Earthquake fundraiser piece. Just listed on Trademe, please check out my auction! All proceeds will be donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Red Cross appeal; Hope it does well! It may only fetch a little bit but every little bit helps I figure. It was painted with love and is my own heartfelt message of love and hope for the people of Christchurch. As with the rest of the country, I just wish I could do more.....

Fundraising for people affected by Christchurch Earthquake

2011-02-28T13:04:00.000+13:00

.........Just a quick update to let you know that I am working on a painting which I hope to finish and sell as soon as possible, with all proceeds going to help (in some small way) the people affected by the Christchurch Earthquake. I started working on the piece at the weekend, and have made great progress, but still a lot of work to do to make it saleable, so it will take me a little more time to finish it. In the meantime, if you would like to help those affected by this terrible event, please make a donation to NZ Red Cross. Any and all help is needed and greatly appreciated.....

Thank you

Time for a progress report....

2011-02-02T20:28:00.000+13:00

"Chopper" - (work in progress)

watercolour pencil on paper

Gosh, it's been a busy summer! All that time off work went way too quickly, was filled with many many activities, like Xmas, time with family, doing stuff with the kids, all of which left me only a little time to concentrate on some of my art projects. However I haven't been completely neglecting my creative side, just spending a lot of time ruminating on what to do next. I've been working for some time on the above piece, which is almost, but as yet unfinished. It's kind of a tribute to the past (yes another one, childhood themes are big with me), the good old "Chopper" bike - remember those? I never had one, but I had a friend who did, and it was on that bike that I learnt how to ride on two wheels. My 7 yr old saw this and is doing his best to convince me to give it to him when it's finished, plus he now wants his next bike to be a Chopper like this one. I'm not sure they even still make them these days......??.

T-shirt designs available now!

2010-10-22T14:44:00.000+13:00

Get 'em while they're hot!

For those who like frogs......

2010-10-14T16:48:00.000+13:00

Frog - on handmade paper

Bugs.... in black and white.....

2010-10-12T21:16:00.001+13:00

Dragonfly

Butterfly

I love drawing. And I have loved drawing these wee fellas, done with very inexpensive and non-arty-farty ballpoint pen on reasonably pricey arty-farty paper. Have some plans for these..... but I will save that for another post.....soon, I promise :)

Bubbles....... for some reason......

2010-09-22T22:41:00.000+12:00

Nope, I don't know why. I mean, why bubbles? I dunno, but they look kind of pretty don't they? Sometimes ideas just drop into your head and you have to go with it, you never know what the outcome might be. I did these with watercolour pencil and ink, and had a bit of a play with a few different techniques as well. Fun times. These two are headed to the OAS Spring Exhibition which opens next week at the Art Station. They will be for sale, if you're mad keen to get your hands on them!!

A Surprise in the Letterbox!

2010-09-04T17:25:00.001+12:00

Look what arrived in the mail today!

Samples of my cards available @ NZ Niche Greetgings Kiwi Kids Range, modelled here by the lovely Grace! Wasn't expecting that! Was so excited to find them in the letterbox. They sent me one of each, and they even have all my details, including a short blurb about me, printed on the back. They look very professional, and grown up even! Hoping to spot them in a real life shop somewhere soon :).

I have entered the Greeting Card Business!

2010-08-26T16:59:00.000+12:00

Check this out! My art on NZ Niche Greetings - Kiwi Kids Range

I am so excited to be part of this site, can't wait to see how it all goes. It was hard work getting all the images finished on time, have to say the house looks a complete bomb-site due to lack of attention, as I have spent many hours slaving over these wee characters. Yeah, OK it WAS much more fun than housework anyway.

NZ Niche Greetings are a New Zealand owned and operated, print and wholesale distribution company, specializing in the production of greeting cards and small matted prints for the retail gift market. Their emphasis is exclusively images, artists, photographers and designers from NZ and the Pacific Islands. They sell these on a wholesale basis, mainly to galleries, cafe-galleries, museums, picture framers, selected tourist outlets, selected gift retailers and independent booksellers.

Here's a sample of my art that will be available for retailers to buy:

They like 'em so far!

2010-08-04T20:19:00.000+12:00

Sent some of my sample illustrations off to the greeting card people the other day and they tell me that they really like them! Yay! This illustrating bizzo is hard work, but OMG I am soooooo enjoying it!!

Must have been watching too much rugby lately....

2010-08-03T21:33:00.000+12:00

Well, what else am I going to think about when standing on the sidelines on those chilly Saturday mornings? The kids are so colourful in their rugby gear and they're all having such a good time, they're just crying out to be the stars of a colourful picture or two.......

At last, the Great Unveiling! I'm very proud to be part of this wonderful project....

2010-07-02T22:38:00.000+12:00

NZ Art Guild Proudly Presents the 2010 collaborative project "BLOOM"

2010 Collaborative project "BLOOM"

"Bloom" is a unique artwork which comprises of 64 individual artworks by 62 artists from all over NZ. The theme of this artwork is New Beginnings and Growth. This artwork will be auctioned on Trademe from July 17th with 100% of the proceeds donated to MHF. (Keyword search is NZ Art Guild). The finished artwork is 1.3m x 1.3m - Mixed media - wood frame.

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS (Left to right):

Row 1:

1) Ana ter Huurne
2) Melissa Muirhead
3) Amanda Hook
4) Chelsea Davies
5) Michelle Whitehouse
6) Jacqueline Runham
7) Caroline Viesnik
8) Sophia Elise

Row 2:

9) Marilyn Andrews
10) Bill Rutledge
11) Wendy Matthews
12) Cath Sheard
13) Silver Dunlop
14) Angela Laby
15) Sheryl Eustace
16) Neala Glass

Row 3:

17) Nancy Frazer
18) Natasha Wheeler
19) Gail Boyle
20) Melissa Muirhead
21) Anni Morris
22) Tracy McDonlad
23) Chris Cruickshank
24) Melodie Joseph

Row 4:

25) Tessa Birks
26) Julie Sills
27) Sally Blyth
28) Beate Minderjahn
29) Sandra Toornstra
30) Michelle Whitehouse
31) Rochelle van der Werff
32) Amy Mackiewicz

Row 5:

33) Chavah Kinloch
34) Sharlene Schmidt
35) Jane Bold
36) Helen Sherrock
37) Ronda Turk
38) Theresa Rodger
39) Christine Dempster
40) Paulette Shepherd

Row 6:

41) Lei Wen
42) Victoria Anderson
43) Jo Mallinger
44) Cheryl Irwin
45) Lyn Hurring
46) Linda Paul
47) Stan Blanch
48) Shaun Hedley

Row 7:

49) Dennis Clark
50) Michele Courage
51) Shelly van Soest
52) Marimba Powley
53) Tineswari Maruthamuthu
54) Fiona Woods
55) Michelle Thorby
56) Helen McNamara

Row 8:

57) Pam Tapp
58) Ron Esplin
59) Natalie Makeef
60) Rachael Inch
61) Tanya Dann
62) Pam Buffery
63) Sofia Spirtova
64) Tama Florentina

Limited edition prints of "BLOOM" are available for purchase.

Details:

Printed on archival art paper by specialist fine art printers

Comes un-mounted so you can select your framing

(We recommend Lesley’s Picture Framing - email: lpfg@xtra.co.nz)

Size: 410 mm x 410mm. (unframed)

Print run limited to 100 prints – all prints are numbered

Delivery will be approx 2 weeks from the date of order.

$5 from every print sale is donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ

Prices:

Bloom Limited Edition Print $79.00

Postage – North Island $8.00

Postage – South Island $12.00

Postage – Rural $15.00

How to order your print:

via the NZ Art Guild website www.nzartguild.co.nz

or by email admin@nzartguild.co.nz

Time for some snippets...............

2010-06-25T20:30:00.000+12:00

Well, I've been busy busy busy, drawing up a storm! I'm working on a whole lot of new designs featuring my "kid characters" which will hopefully end up on some real-life greeting cards in the next few months. I'm pretty excited about that, as you may have guessed. Here's just a couple of snippets of some progress designs that I'm working on right now, this very minute in fact......

Having great fun doing these, lots more designs to come, and of course these are just progress views, not the finished article!........ ah well, back to work!! Happy Drawing!!

A Tribute to Our Soccer Super Heroes.....

2010-06-21T21:24:00.001+12:00

All White Super Heroes Topple Italian Giant at Fifa World Cup!

Go the All Whites!!! Well Done!!

Love from me

xxx

Illustration earns a "Today’s Best" @ Zazzle!

2010-06-18T09:41:00.002+12:00

My "Motorpacing @ the Velodrome" illustration has been featured on Zazzle's "Today's Best" page for 17 June 2010!

Today’s Best for T-Shirts, Gifts, Art, Posters, and more at Zazzle

Another instalment for Cycling illustrated....

2010-06-17T20:19:00.002+12:00

http://www.zazzle.com/motorpacing_the_velodrome_poster-228928217998859996?rf=238995485370638066 by Lynzart
See other Bike Posters

.....The next instalment in my "cycling illustrated" project. The original is watercolour pencil on paper; prints and other merchandise are available at http://www.zazzle.com/lynzart*.

Another Beautiful Baby

2010-06-11T11:13:00.001+12:00

Another baby portrait, completed recently. This was commissioned by a friend, who wanted a special Christening present for her Godson. Isn't he just beautiful!! Just want to pick him up and snuggle him! Obviously, this was a very enjoyable piece to work on, and apparently went down very well with the wee guy's parents, who were over the moon to recieve it on his Christening Day. Well, have to say I enjoyed doing it just as much as they enjoyed recieving it!

Postcard Sales.......

2010-06-09T11:11:00.003+12:00

I just sold some of these postcards over at Zazzle.

Thank you to whoever my mystery buyer is! I have lots of other designs and products available on Zazzle at the moment, check them out here if you're interested.

I'm currently working on more cycling/bike-related designs, using watercolour pencils; They're bright and colourful, and they'll be up on my Zazzle Store very soon. Stay tuned!!

Oh, I am in HEAVEN.......

2010-06-06T20:59:00.001+12:00

Yes, that's right, heaven! Because today I bought something that makes me truly happy, something that is beautiful, unique and awesomely inspiring.

Today I finally got my hands on a copy of Shaun Tan's book"The Arrival".

This beautifully presented book is completely wordless, an epic story told only pictures. The illustrations are all pencil drawings, with no colour, which the artist took 4 years to complete.

It is a migrant story - a man leaves his wife and child to seek a better life for them in a new world; The world he encounters is fantastic, exciting and strange.....

He stuggles to understand the many strange experiences, people, and creatures he encounters while he searches for work and a place for his family; and he makes some interesting new friends.

Every single illustration is just amazing, and there are hundreds of them! I LOVE pencil drawings, so now you begin to see why I am in heaven over this book.....

I am in awe of the work that has gone into creating this wonderful story. I cannot say enough about the beauty of the illustrations, and the skill and dedication of the artist, which is more than amazing. I think this book is an absolute treasure, and I will cherish it for the rest of my days. Thank you Mr Tan!

PS. I can also recommend "The Lost Thing" by Shaun Tan,

which I don't own (yet), but recently borrowed from the library and thoroughly enjoyed. Another wonderful story, with a few words this time, though not many; and a quite grown up theme, so that, although you'll most likely find it in the childrens section, just as with "The Arrival", it probably appeals more to adults than children. And of course, this book also is full of wonderful illustrations - goes without saying really!

A Lady in Lycra.............

2010-06-01T19:52:00.000+12:00

"See You on the Other Side..."

watercolour pencil on paper

Just finished this one;

Remember I gave you a taste of it a few weeks ago?

So that's one for the proposed calendar...... only 11 more to go!

Excited to be featured on Zazzle Tops

2010-05-25T10:13:00.000+12:00

One of my postcards has been featured on Zazzle Tops!

It was this one:

"The Twins Birthday"

My twin sister and I used to open our birthday presents sitting back to back, so that we wouldn't see what the other got before we'd opened our own gift. Most years our birthday presents were identical, except for being a different colour so that we would know who's was who's. This was our solution to ensure our pressy remained a surprise. Obviously we didn't consider being in separate rooms while opening presents! :)

I created some other postcards over at Zazzle, check them out.....

http://www.zazzle.com/cup_of_tea_grandmas_postcard_by_lyn_hurring-239863972801980878 Tiki Girl

Cycle Race Crash

The Back End of the Bunch

Sunday Ride

Printmaking on a Saturday afternoon..........

2010-05-16T19:07:00.001+12:00

Yesterday, I had the BEST 2 hours of art education I've had in a long time. The place was the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the event was a Printmaking Workshop, run by Pauline Bellamy. I've been wanting to try some printmaking for such a long time, but it's tricky when you're not sure what materials to use and you don't actually have a printing press. This course promised to let me in on at least some of the mysteries of printmaking, and it definitely sounded like an excellent way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The workshop delivered all I was expecting, and a little more - not the least being 3 very satisfying finished pieces to take home and treasure. The main focus of the afternoon was on the processes of drypoint etching and monoprinting.

Drypoint etching, in this workshop, involved scratching a design into mylar plastic, inking up the plate, rubbing off the ink, then using a cotton bud to pull out some highlights which would show as white areas on the print. After that was done, the plate was put through a press and the image printed onto some beautiful paper which had been soaked and dampened prior to printing, You can see my effort at the side here.

"Striped Cat" - drypoint etching

Some of us then moved on to try some monoprinting, something I had meddled with unsuccessfully at home from time to time. But it's SO simple! You just need to use the right materials. In this case the image was painted directly onto the mylar (no scratching involved here), using the same etching inks that we had just used for the drypoint etchings. The secret of these inks is really their long drying time as opposed to other materials - makes it a lot easier to get decent prints. Once the image is painted onto the mylar, the plate is put through the press with some dampened paper just as before. I got some surprising and pleasing results with this process which you can see here:

"Red & Black Dress" - monoprint

"Dancer" - monoprint

Pauline was generous enough to let us take some of the materials home to have a bit of play with, so this afternoon I used up the last of the ink and managed to get a couple more prints of my "Striped Cat" using a hand-held block in place of the printing press. The image was never going to be as good without a proper press, but I did get something that was at least recognisable.

I have (predictably) fallen in love with printmaking now..... Ideas are jumping out at me from all over the place. Will just have to invest in some of the inks and papers........and find a press to use!

I Love Red Dot Stickers!

2010-05-08T17:23:00.000+12:00

What an absolute thrill! Popped in to the Hope and Sons Exhibition this afternoon, accompanied by the lovely Tracie, expecting to indulge in a couple of hours ogling some good art, enjoy some good company, and then a coffee and chat afterwards; and found to my extreme surprise and immense satisfaction, that not only did I get all of the above, but also that my painting "Old Car Near St Bathans" had a little red dot sticker beside it, which of course means that somebody has been kind enough to buy it! Yippeee!

Can thoroughly recommend the exhibition to anyone thinking of going, well worth putting aside an hour or two; some wonderful pieces and very deserving winners. I enjoyed my afternoon, was great to go to an exhibition with a friend who loves art, and it was fun to compare our likes and dislikes.

....And after a most productive chat over coffee afterwards I have come home full of enthusiasm and energy for a possible new project.............but more about that in the future...... (Yes Tracie, I AM excited! and thanx for a lovely afternoon.. :)...... )

From the pages of the Otago Art Society: Results of the Hope and Sons Art Awards 2010

2010-05-07T13:53:00.000+12:00

Otago Art Society:

Hope and Sons Art Awards 2010 - 1st to 30th May

This is the 7th exhibition sponsored by Hope and Sons and is living up to expectations. The standard of work is very high and it will take several visits to truly appreciate all that is on offer. There were almost 300 entries, these had to be selected down to 174 paintings, even so the four galleries are well filled with delicious art works.

The Judge, Robyn Notman, from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery has awarded the following prizes.

First Prize went to Paul Lindsay for his work in acrylic Two chairs - No waiting.

Second Prize to Robert Ireland for his oil painting Stormy Landscape

Third prize to Jane McLeod for her acrylic painting Last of the Roast Lamb

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery awarded a further four merit prizes to Bruce McIntosh's Post Office Bus Stop, Liana Murray's The Longest Shed, Gemma Baldock's Washing Day and Pauline Bellamy's New Season Collection.

Have you seen the 'new look' Sales Gallery? The deep coloured walls have added a new dimension to the paintings displayed.

What's Next?

2010-04-27T21:08:00.000+12:00

Ok, I've managed to finish off a few projects that have been keeping me busy lately. So, now, feeling the uncontrollable need to keep my life as busy as possible, I have moved on to begin a few more......So what's next?

Welllll....

For one, I have embarked on a series of watercolour pencil illustrations with a cycling theme, a bit like those you can see on the right here. I've been selling these ones for a number of years now as prints, cards, and t-shirts ; they do pretty well, and I think it's time they had some friends to go with them.
So if you're a fan of the sport of cycling, (and I know some of you are :)), then keep a look out. I'll let you know when and where the new prints are available. Hopefully I'll get enough designs together to publish a calendar for 2011.......

Here's a teaser of an illustration I have in progress.......

But what else do I have on the go?

I have a couple of other illustration projects waiting, all designed to broaden my experience in this field. As I don't seem to have any authors falling over themselves to offer me books to illustrate, I decided to just get on with my own ideas. Not necessarily for the purposes of publishing and selling (although that would be a welcome bonus), but much more to get into the swing of carrying out and completing a lengthy illustration project. Problem is I'm not much of a writer, so coming up with my own childrens' book to illustrate proved to be a bit difficult. So I've hunted around for a couple of older "public-domain" stories and songs that lend themselves quite well to an illustration project; and because they're in the "public-domain" I avoid any copyright issues (I think). Can't tell you what the stories are just yet; well I could, but then I might have to kill you :). Some tweaking will be needed and then I'll start working up some sketches; once I'm further down that track I might divulge what I'm up to, that is if I haven't given up hope and trashed the whole thing by then!

These paintings are still under way; Good things DO take time, but I am hoping to get some more work done on these soon. They've both been hanging around for quite a while now!

I've also started some new paintings that have a bit of a Cupid, Adam & Eve thing going on. Just a bit of humour to lighten up the day, nothing too serious. I enjoy painting something so much more if I can get a bit of a laugh out of it. Sorry, no pics just yet, but will definitely put up some progress photos soon.

And then, when I'm not doing any of the above, I'm still making monsters.

Here's a monster key ring I made recently

And here are a couple of the larger variety that are still hanging out at home.

If anyone out there is interested in getting their hands on one of my monsters (they make a great gifts :)) prices are as follows:

Keyrings $10 p+p
Monster Doll (medium) $20 p+p
Monster Doll (large) $30 p+p.

Each one unique, no two alike, and I'm happy to make to order. click here to email me if you'd like one... I'm thinking of branching out into sock monkeys soon too........

Gosh, so much to do! And as usual SO LITTLE TIME!!!! But at least I am almost never bored, so that's a blessing :).

If you have any great ideas for an illustration project, happen to know any fabulous authors in desperate need of an illustrator, or would simply like to commission me for an art work, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to comment........

YESSS!!!! Got Accepted!!

2010-04-27T20:43:00.000+12:00

Yay! Just got the email! "Little Old Car Near St Bathans" has been accepted for the Hope & Sons Art Awards!! Very excited as this means I must have survived the Judges cull of at least 120 pieces!!!! Yay for the judge (whoever it is :))!

The awards are announced this Friday 30th April, and the exhibition is open to the public from Saturday 1st May till Sunday 30th May, at the Otago Art Society - the Art Station Gallery at the Dunedin Railway Station. If you want to see some great art and show your support for some wonderful NZ artists, please go and check out this fantastic exhibition!

Oil painting of Dunedin Railway Station by David Corballis

A Little Old Car

2010-04-11T21:39:00.001+12:00

"Old Car Near St Bathans"

I've been planning to do this one for such a long time...... since way back in 2005 I think, when a couple of friends and I found this little gem tucked away in a shed on the road to St Bathans. We had been away on a bit of a girls' weekend in nearby Naseby, something we called our "Naseby Art Retreat", which mainly entailed us talking, eating and drinking over sketch pads and paint pots. A fantastic weekend that was a little bit about art and a lot about friendship. I think it was the Saturday afternoon that we ventured out with our cameras, for a bit of a drive to St Bathans, and on the way found this great little spot which was clearly put there just for us to take photos! I took several of this old car, we all did I think, and over the past few years I've dragged the images out many times, thinking that I would definitely have to paint or draw this old forgotten treasure. Well, I finally stopped thinking about it, as you can see. I'm pretty pleased with it; I tried out some techniques I hadn't used before, and I think they worked pretty well. I'm planning to enter this one in the Hope & Sons Art Award at the Otago Art Society later this month. Fingers crossed it makes it through selection!

"Under My Umbrella" Fine Art Print by DaisyLouDesign [4766964-1] - RedBubble

2010-03-06T22:13:00.001+13:00

"Under My Umbrella" Fine Art Print by DaisyLouDesign [4766964-1] - RedBubble

...And We're Done!

2010-03-06T16:40:00.003+13:00

Voila!

illustration progress......

2010-03-04T22:01:00.004+13:00

Another couple of hours and you get this......

Lots more to do, but I am having great fun experimenting with

the tablet. I love being able to play with colours and tools and then just clicking "undo" when the effect is not so successful. Almost wish it was that easy with 'real' painting! Yes yes, I know, that would take the all the fun out of it! But I can think of several times when I could have done with an undo button attached to the canvas......

Trying something new....

2010-03-03T22:45:00.005+13:00

I am still trying to get to grips with my lovely Bamboo drawing tablet; I need LOTS more practice, so I have decided to try and do some whimsical illustrations that might suitable for greeting cards and the like.

With that in mind, here is a progress illustration, which I think I will call "Under My Umbrella". What you see here represents about 2 hours of fluffing about with the tablet and associated drawing program. I did the initial sketch the old fashioned way - with pencil and paper - then scanned it in to the hp mini (my new best friend btw), and began the colouring-in process using Corel Painter Essentials. Took me a while to decide what tools to use, but eventually I managed to work it out.

I'm pretty happy with the result so far and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out!

Moeraki Boulders Art work

2010-03-02T10:02:00.002+13:00

Pencil drawing of Moeraki Boulders, NZ - prints and cards available at my Redbubble store now!

The original drawing is also for sale, unframed;

done on A4 watercolour board with a fine point 0.7 4B clutch pencil.

Please email me for a price
:0

New Zealand's Got Talent exhibition opening this week in Invercargill

2010-03-01T11:00:00.001+13:00

New T-Shirt Design....buy now on Redbubble!

2010-02-25T22:24:00.004+13:00

"Sock Buddies" T-Shirt

Available now at my Redbubble store!

Sock Buddies

A Pencil Portrait...

2010-02-22T13:32:00.003+13:00

Just wanted to post this pencil portrait I finished at the weekend. I'm proud of it because I managed to get it done in 5 days - with only a few hours on some of those days available to work on it.

I was commissioned to do the portrait last Wednesday, and the client stipulated that it had to be finished by Sunday. He provided me with a couple of photos, we agreed on a price and I set to work, at the same time as fitting in all my other family and work commitments over the next few days.

I stressed somewhat in the initial stages of the drawing, as I focussed really hard on getting the shapes of the face, eyes and mouth just right. Inevitably this took a few attempts, and the eraser got a bit of a work out. I had a few moments when I thought it would never look right, but a little tweaking of lines here and there, and suddenly it started to come together. I'm pleased I spent the extra time getting the base image right, it made for a much easier time when it came to putting in all the detail and shading.

A predictably nervous moment when the client arrived on Sunday morning to see the portrait, but he was apparently "stoked" with my efforts and promptly paid up. Felt good to be paid but felt better being able to make someone happy. :)

A work in progress.....update

2010-02-14T18:54:00.003+13:00

OK, just to prove I wasn't just saying it, I actually spent some time on this piece (had to dust it off first). It may be hard to tell what's changed, admittedly it's only a small start, but at least it's something...and now that I have finally got going on it again I can't believe I ever stopped. I think it's destined to be one of my favourite pieces.......

Ok, so if you can't tell what's changed I'll put you out of your misery... worked mainly on the hair, more colour and detail, changed the shape of Grace's face (little girl in painting), and painted in the base colours for the lamp (big triangly shape top-left) and windowsill and table. Doesn't sound like much but took me an extremely satisfying hour or two.

See, it's the hair - more colour......

....and detail........

A work in progress..........

2010-02-03T21:21:00.004+13:00

I am revisiting this painting in an effort to get my A into G and get it finished. It has been hanging, unfinished, in my studio for some time and I really think it deserves better. So I thought I would post some Work in Progress photos, to show the progression of this piece so far, and to motivate me into doing some more work on it...

Progress 1 - the Sketch

I was so proud of this sketch when I finished it, still am actually. I had just been given a book of Michael Smithers paintings and I loved the way he depicted the people in his family, especially the children. This sketch was my humble attempt to capture that style..

Progress 2: Onto Canvas

The first progress photo after getting it onto canvas..Just a background and some strange looking faces.....

Progress 3: Add Some Colour...

Well now it's starting to look like something. Still a long way to go though. Sadly it's been in this state for a while now, other projects seem to keep getting in the way. However I have resolved that this painting will get what it deserves and get finished, so I am going to be spending some time doing this very soon, and will post some more progress photos in the near future.

Happy Painting, Lyn :)

A Summery Day in the Garden....

2010-02-03T14:49:00.003+13:00

A lovely summery day at the weekend saw me out in the garden with my camera, trying to capture some of the essence of summer. I managed to get these pretty cool shots, with thanks to the bees and flowers for their consent to be involved....I think I am inspired to start painting flowers!! And bees, of course!!

New Card Designs - available now!

2009-11-18T13:47:00.001+13:00

Sunday Ride Card by Lynzart
Create design your own notecards with zazzle

Good to be home card by Lynzart
Design custom picture note cards onine with zazzle.co.nz

Wash Day Note Card by Lynzart
See many other cards on zazzle.co.nz

Always got her head in a book card by Lynzart
Design a personalized notecard with zazzle.co.nz

2009-09-22T10:22:00.003+12:00

"She's My Girl & I Love Her"

acrylic on canvas

approx 12" x 12"

This is a piece I finished recently and have entered in the Otago Art Society Spring Exhibition, at the Dunedin Railway Station here in Dunedin.

These are my two munchkins, dancing and singing in the lounge. It's taken from a sketch I did of them about 3 years ago, when they were 6 and 3 years old, and I finally managed to get it on canvas. The title is taken from the words my son was singing to his sister as he bobbled around the room with her. At the time she didn't know whether to laugh or tell him to get lost, hence the slightly defensive attitude she's giving off in the picture.

I'm really happy with the colours and feel of this piece. I painted it quite quickly - an underpainting one evening, and then a whole Saturday afternoon to get the main painting done. I think I like the results when I work quickly and just let it happen, instead of "worrying" it to death which in my case usually makes a piece look awkward. I like the style I've achieved here, so am planning to do some more like this.

The Exhibition at the Art Station in Dunedin runs from 19 September to 4th October, and is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Please check it out if you are in town.

Winter Smiles

2009-08-25T10:27:00.002+12:00

"Winter Smiles"
pencil on bockingford sketch paper
by Lyn Hurring

This is my latest drawing - I so love working with pencil and paper! You may have guessed that by the way I have kind of gotten carried away with illustrating the patterns on the scarf. I've been pottering away at this one off and on for a few months now, and I'm pretty pleased with the results.

You can see this piece in my new online gallery at illustrationangel and while your there why not check out my illustration blog. Feel free to drop me a line if you've got any comments!

New Website - "Illustration Angel"

2009-06-25T12:02:00.003+12:00

I have decided to focus my attentions on the art of illustration, as opposed to "fine art", and in view of that I have started up a new website:

The Illustration Angel

I would love you to go there and check it out!

Ode to a Domestic Goddess

2009-04-20T09:53:00.001+12:00

"Ode to a Domestic Goddess"

watercolour pencil on paper

approx a4 size

NZD$200 (framed)

Passing Lanes

2009-04-20T09:50:00.003+12:00

"Passing Lanes"

watercolour pencil & pastel on paper

approx A4 size

NZD$200 (framed)

A Childhood Treasure

2009-02-27T09:45:00.003+13:00

"My Treasured Green Plastic Tiki"

graphite on paper (A4)

NZD$100 (unframed)

This is another childhood memory...... Back in the days when I was still wearing jandals, short pants and pigtails, I had a mad craving to purchase a green plastic Tiki necklace that was for sale at the local stationery shop. I saved my pocket money for ages, or so I recall, bought the necklace, complete with it's chain made of string, and subsequently treasured it for many years. I bought it when I was at primary school, so maybe 7 or 8 years old, and can remember doing a painting of some sort depicting it when I was at High school, so it really was something I was proud of for many years.

Tea Cups

2009-02-18T09:36:00.002+13:00

"Tea Cups"

acrylic on canvas

for sale

$150NZD

Started this one the other day and finished it last night. I was in a bit of bad mood on Sunday, so got out the paint brushes and did about 80% of the work on this in just an hour or two. Nothing like painting in anger! Cheered me up no end.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting it will be on display at the Otago Art Society library plaza sale this Saturday and Sunday 21 & 22 February 2009, at the Dunedin Public Library car park from 10 am to 4 pm. Hope to see you there!

2009-02-17T09:34:00.003+13:00

SOLD

"367 High St, Dunedin, NZ"

mixed media on paper

This one was completed in 2002 and was one of the submissions that gained me entry as an artist member of the Otago Art Society. Just last week I was contacted out of the blue by a person in Tauranga who purchased this painting for a family member who has connections with the house itself.

2009-02-17T09:32:00.002+13:00

SOLD

"All You Need is Love"

pencil on paper

This piece was exhibited at the Otago Art Society Spring Exhibition in 2008 and sold for $140!

2009-02-17T09:28:00.001+13:00

SOLD

"Once in a Blue Moon"

acrylic on canvas - small

2009-02-17T09:26:00.002+13:00

SOLD

"Always got her head in a Book"

acrylic on canvas - small

Check out the "doodleography" blog!

2008-09-02T11:52:00.005+12:00

Please check out my new (additional) blog - Doodleography !

This is the place where I am going to post my daily doodles, and my thoughts about the practise and benefits of doodling. I think doodling is something everyone should do, whether you think you're an artist or not. It's a great way to get ideas out of your head and onto paper, I call it "constructive day-dreaming". Might as well get something out of those minutes where you're drifting off to another place.....

My Doodleography blog will contain not only my random doodles, but also finished pencil drawings, which are often the result of random doodling.. Anyhow, I just figured I needed a place to show off some of these drawings, so that's what my new blog is all about. Hope you enjoy it!

Rub a Dub Dub....

2008-06-09T11:45:00.003+12:00

"Three Men in a Tub"

pencil on paper

This drawing was done in honour of Drawing Day, but I didn't actually get it finished in time to post on the day.

This idea has been nagging at me for some time, I've always thought that this nursery rhyme would make a great painting. Of course lots of nursery rhymes lend themselves to what could be some interesting art, especially when you research the meanings behind some them. Haven't yet found any significant meaning to this one, but will keep searching. :)

From my new "Flower Girl" series....

2008-05-23T14:20:00.003+12:00

"Lil' Daisy"

by Lyn Hurring

acrylic on canvas

approx a4 size

Prints available at http://redbubble.com/people/lynzart

Some new drawings...

2008-05-15T19:19:00.004+12:00

Hi all

Just wanted to give an update on what I've been up to just recently. Not too much painting right now, but have been doing some drawing instead. I like these two; I may turn them into paintings if I ever get time.....

"Paddling Out"

pencil on paper

approx a4 size

"Cadmium Red Medium"

pencil on paper

approx A4 size

More of my art available at http://www.redbubble.com

2008-05-09T14:12:00.008+12:00

You can now buy prints of these works at redbubble

Click on any of the redbubble links, or click the images below:

This is Duncan

http://www.redbubble.com/products/configure/3755469-cup-of-tea-grandmas

Cup of Tea @ Grandma's...

2008-05-07T09:34:00.004+12:00

SOLD
"Cup of Tea @ Grandma's"
pencil on paper, approx A4 size

Have to say I wasn't all that close to my Grandma, but what I do remember most from the times we visited her is that we would get a cup of the strongest black tea you could possibly imagine - I mean you could literally stand a spoon up in it! Added to this was at least 3 teaspoons of sugar. So a cup of tea at Grandma's was quite a memorable experience!

Well I finally managed it.....

2008-05-06T11:32:00.003+12:00

Yay! I finally manged a successful portrait of my dad aka Grandad Frank. This portrait is quite an achievement for me, as I've tried several times to paint him but have failed miserably up to now. Dad passed away 4 years ago, so painting him was always difficult emotionally. This time seemed different however, I kind of felt like Dad was looking over my shoulder and cheering me on. Especially as this attempt seemed at first to be going the same way as all the others, a complete disaster, then suddenly it all started to come together.....

"Grandad Frank"

acrylic on canvas,

April 2008

I am pretty happy with the result. Thanks Dad...

I've just found this great site..

2008-04-18T16:01:00.002+12:00

It's http://www.redbubble.com/, which is a place where artists (like me) can host their work and people (like you) can buy cards, posters, wall art, and t-shirts which feature my work, or the work of other artists if you prefer. I recommend checking it out, it really is quite cool. I have put a few pieces from this site on redbubble, and some are available for sale as prints or cards etc, so check it out if you are interested. click on the images below....

"Windy Day" acrylic, framed

2008-03-03T19:58:00.005+13:00

SOLD

"Windy Day"
acrylic on canvas
approx 65cm x 55cm (incl frame)

contact mrs_huzza@hotmail.com

This was recently exhibited at the Otago Art Society Fiesta exhibiton, February 2008.

Just a bit of fun and my way of getting back at all the umbrella's I've ever had to throw away because they haven't stood up to any kind of bad weather!!

My latest Sunny Day Painiting......

2007-11-21T09:42:00.000+13:00

"Girl on A Swing"

Staying Young #1

21cm x 15cm x 3cm

acrylic on stretched canvas

We're having such beautiful sunny days at the moment, I just want to capture all that blue sky and green, green grass, and the feeling of a bright happy summer to look forward to......

2007-11-13T10:04:00.000+13:00

SOLD
"Favourites on Wash Day"
approx 22cm x 14cm
acrylic on canvas board

New Artwork Painted on Recycled Wood

2007-10-19T09:49:00.000+13:00

SOLD

"A Spring Wedding"

by Lyn Hurring

1170 x 980 x 630

acrylic on recycled wood

UPDATE 6 NOVEMBER 2007

Just heard that this piece has been accepted for the City of Dunedin Art Awards! I am absolutely wrapped! I really love this piece so I hope that there are others out there who will love it too. If you are in Dunedin over the next few weeks, be sure and visit this exhibition which opens on Sunday 11 November 2007 and runs until Sunday 25 November 2007, at the Otago Art Society Art Station, upstairs at the Dunedin Railway Station. Hope to see you there!

original Post

I am entering this in the City of Dunedin Art Awards, which are opening at the Otago Art Society in November. Hopefully I will make it through the selection process.

This piece was kind of difficult to hang, being a triangle, had to get hubby to help get the d-rings in the right place to make sure it hangs straight. All accomplished in the end thank goodness.

2007-10-05T14:44:00.001+13:00

"Birds and Bees"

12" x 12"

Acrylic on canvas

Recently exhibited at the NZAG 2007 "Off the Brush" Exhibition in Auckland, and winner "most creative use of theme" NZAG fortnightly theme challenge (theme: "conception").

2007-10-05T14:42:00.000+13:00

SOLD

"Honey Bees"

12" x 12"
Acrylic on canvas

Recently exhibited at the NZAG 2007 "Off the Brush" Exhibition in Auckland

2007-10-05T14:39:00.000+13:00

SOLD

"Braided Water"

10" x 10"

Acrylic on canvas

Recently exhibited at the Otago Art Society 2007 Spring Exhibition

2007-10-05T14:38:00.000+13:00

SOLD

"Tap Water"

10" x 10"
Acrylic on canvas

Recently exhibited at the Otago Art Society 2007 Spring Exhibition

2007-10-05T14:31:00.000+13:00

SOLD

"Running Water"

10" x 10"

Acrylic on Canvas

Recently exhibited at the Otago Art Society 2007 Spring Exhibition

2007-09-21T09:24:00.000+12:00

Sam & Rachel, 11 yrs

2007-09-12T13:28:00.000+12:00

"Sunset @ Lake Te Anau"

Oil on canvas board
September 2007

Print Workshop

2007-08-31T09:53:00.000+12:00

Earlier this month I went to a wood-cut printing workshop at a local high school. It was a fun way to spend a wintry Saturday, and wood-cut printing is something I have long been wanting to have a go at.

"The Feather", 1/3 woodcut on paper

Unfortunately I went along without a single idea in my head about what I was going to print, somehow I thought we might be given some ideas when we got there. However after a brief run-down of techniques we were pretty much told to just "go for it", and obviously everyone else had thought to bring something along to do, I was the only sad case who hadn't.

So after a few doodles on a bit of paper, I managed to finally come up with these two ideas.

"Spring Trees", 1/2 woodcut on paper

I was pretty pleased with them, given that they kind of came straight out of the blue, so to speak.

I really loved using this medium and would dearly love to explore it some more. Not sure how I can do this when I don't actually have access to a printing press, but maybe some kind of kiwi ingenuity could be called for....
Any ideas anyone? How can I continue to explore the world of printing without having to spend thousands on equipment? I have a few ideas for different methods, but whether they'll work or not is yet to be seen. Hope to give it a go over the next few months.

Patchworks, an NZ Art Guild Collaborative Project

2007-08-03T13:02:00.000+12:00

The NZ Art Guild are very proud to bring you one of the most amazing, soul touching, inspirational quilts you will ever see. Created by 66 individual artists from the far north to the deep south of NZ, this piece will touch your soul as well. The Patchworks idea was devised by Sophia Elise and Antonia Marino in January 2007 using the theme 'soul' as the inspiration behind every piece.

Join Sophia, Antonia, the NZAG members, and many art lovers from across the nation watch the Patchworks auction on TradeMe on Tues 28th August, where the auction is expected to end at 8pm.

Information:
Artists: 66 individual New Zealand artists painting 88 separate patches
Media: Mixed on 100 canvas squares, stitched (12 blank)
Size: 1500x1500mm.
Extras: Sold with hanging rod & brackets, artist list & informational story
Organizers: Sophia Elise & Antonia Marino, NZ Art Guild Managers
Auction: Starts Saturday 18th August via http://www.trademe.co.nz/ Keyword: NZAG
Auction finishes: Thursday 28th August, approximately 8pm

Artists (by row from top left):

Stevie Marino, Rachel Burrell, Rochelle van der Werff, Regina Dredge, Beth Ofe-Grant, Sharon Ann Burger, Cairyn Tomokino, Anna Mollekin, Regina Dredge, Sophia Elise
Terri Dangen, Albert Maier, John Sargeant, Moira Marshall, Marilyn Davies, Paulette Shepherd, Julia Dungan, Shiree Meikle
Lisz Bodsworth, Natasha Shackleton, Sophia Elise, Sher Green, Nigel Morgan, Tania Verrant, Angela Laby, Bronwyn Bateman
Moira Marshall, Fiona Woods, Esther Dexter, Julia Clements, Carol Winterburn, Andy Elliot, Stevie Marino, Erika Husselmann
Julia Clements, Kirsty Black, Toni Eyre, Tracey Stringer, Erika Husselmann, Donna Steel, RifRaf, Christine Dempster, Anni Morris, Natalie Makeef
Tessa Birks, Bronwyn Bateman, Debbie Morgan, Shelly Van Soest, Beth Ofe-Grant, Ingrid Boot, Antonia Marino, Catherine Outwin, Lyn Morrison, Lesley Carew
Angela Mitchell, Lisz Bodsworth, Lisa Ormsby, Lisa Brook, Leao Tildsley, Melanie Wrigley, Kirsty Black, Marlene Faithful
Lisa Brook, Sophia Elise, Teresa Rodger, Ronda Turk, Tanya Dann, Tereana Davies, Tines Maruthamutha, Tania Cretney
Angela Mitchell, Pam Mayos, Jen Longshaw, Eleanor Wenman, Leao Tildsley, Melissa Manson, Antonia Marino, Lyn Hurring
Antonia Marino, Tanya Dann, Amanda Cass, Lesley Carew, Anna Mollekin, Paulette Shepherd, Tracey Stringer, Donna Steel, Deanna Gracie, Debbie Price-Ewen

The Edinburgh Realty Premier Art Awards, Otago Art Society, Art Station Dunedin, Opening 3 August 2007

2007-07-17T10:59:00.001+12:00

"The Rescue"

by Lyn Hurring,

Acrylic on canvas
July 2007

Have submitted this one for a major exhibition, crossing my fingers that it passes selection. It was inspired by a picture of an ancient fish-hook I came across in a magazine. Part of my method is to cut pictures from magazines that take my fancy, which I then stick in my current "ideas" journal to use later for reference when painting. This journal also contains sketches and other ideas that I jot down as they come to me. It is like my little art bible! I only started doing this in 2006 and "The Rescue", which you see above, is the first completed piece to come from a long list of ideas.

Wish me luck for the exhibition selection.........

Update as of 26 July 2007:

This piece has been ACCEPTED to be exhibited at the Otago Art Society Edinburgh Realty Premier Art Awards! The exhibition opens at the Dunedin Railway Station on Friday 3rd of August, and is open to the public from Saturday 4th August to Sunday 19th of August. I am very excited to be accepted. Hope some of you can make it along to this great exhibition. :)

NZ Art Guild Exhibition, Auckland NZ, August 2007

2007-07-13T09:52:00.000+12:00

If you're in Auckland in August '07, please check this out! Click on the image above or go to http://www.nzartguild.co.nz to find out all about this great exhibition, and get yourself there!

"Honey Bees"

2007-06-26T13:37:00.000+12:00

"Honey Bees"

12" x 12"

Acrylic on canvas

Fresh from the easel!

2007-05-21T20:50:00.000+12:00

"Birds and Bees"

12"x12"

acrylic on canvas

(winner "most creative use of theme" NZAG theme - "Conception" May 2007)

Freshly finished - just about 30mins ago in fact. Had a lot of fun doing this one. Really pleased with the illustrative quality I think I achieved.

This piece will be for sale later this year.

2007-05-17T10:38:00.000+12:00

"Thirteen"

12" x 12"

acrylic on canvas

Inspired by Franz Marc....

2007-05-02T11:36:00.000+12:00

"My Two Cats"
watercolour pencil on paper
30cm x 21cm

Completed this one for the April NZ Art Guild Masters Challenge, which was based this time on Franz Marc. I admired his great use of colour and his evident love of animals, so I copied the composition of his "Two Cats" piece, and added some of my own touches to represent my own two cats, Pepper & Lucky. Of course, this piece is not for sale, as it is merely an exercise in emulating one of the great masters, which is the objective of the NZAG Monthly Masters Challenge.

Check out my newly finished studio!!!

2007-04-03T11:03:00.000+12:00

Welcome to the LYNZART STUDIO! This is the first time in my life that I have actually had a space entirely dedicated to my obsession, ie art!! I feel very blessed. I am used to having to haul my materials to the dining table or the benchtop, and then put everything away afterwards, such a drag. Well those days are over!

This room is one of the last in our new house to be finished; It has seen several transitions over the past 12 months - storage for building materials, storage for household items, place to keep kitten's dirt box(!!!!!!!!) - but now it has been carpeted and painted, and it is totally and completely MINE!

So excited about it, just makes me want to get in and get cracking on something. As you can see, on my table I have a couple of pieces ready to go - yes I know they look like blank canvases, but they do have the basic first lines on them I promise! Plus check out the home-made noticeboard on the wall - I'm very proud of that (strangely). Anyway it's a great little room, and I can't wait to get home tonight to use it. Kids and hubby might have to go hungry from now on as I can't see myself ever wanting to leave my little studio (he he).... specially not to do boring things like cook dinner and do housework.............

2007-03-29T10:49:00.000+12:00

"The Gardeners"
textured acrylic on canvas, 24cm x 33cm, March 2007

This is a piece I have just finished, though I have been working on it for at least 6 months. Kind of got stuck with it, so left it for quite a while. In the last few days it seemed to be begging me to finish it off, so I did. I think it has turned out OK. It was inspired by my dear departed Dad, who kept a large vege garden when I was young, though in all honesty I can't ever remember helping him tend it as the little girl in this piece is doing. However now that he is gone, I think it is kind of symbolic of the wisdom he left behind for me and my sisters - the tools that we now use to help our own children grow.

A Walk at the Beach

2007-03-16T10:25:00.000+13:00

"A Walk at the Beach" - St Clair, Dunedin 2006

Stephen & Grace

2007-03-16T10:22:00.000+13:00

"Stephen & Grace" - St Kilda Beach 2002

Hey, it's been a while!

2007-03-13T09:28:00.000+13:00

Well, gosh it has been a while hasn't it?? All that rush at Christmas, and then a relaxing holiday at home with the kids, and then the big rush back to work and school left me with little or no time for keeping up with my posts! Anyway, much has happened since I last posted. I've sold THREE paintings just recently, which makes me feel pretty good, plus I am working on my first commission. So feeling pretty good about my art at the moment...

This is a photo of my latest sale - have ventured into oils for the first time, and so far am pretty pleased with the results. Have always shied away from them mainly because I have small children and the thought of oil paint being inadvertantly plastered over my walls and carpet by small hands was, well, I just didn't want to go there! However, the kids are of an age now where they have learnt that Mummy's painting stuff is "off limits" so thought I would risk it. So far, so good.

As I said, at the moment I am working on my first commission, a variation of "The Hair Plaiters" which seemed to be quite popular. Am also working on a painting to be auctioned to raise money for my husband's road cycling club, so obviously the theme of that one will be bike racing. Lots to do, but am a bit hampered at the moment by the fact that my "studio" is currently undergoing painting and carpeting prep, so no chance of using it for any art stuff at the mo, and all my materials are currently stacked in the hallway! Still I do my best.......

Great to be back!

Lyn

PS I did get the sculptures finished, though only just!

Sculpture Update

2006-12-12T18:56:00.000+13:00

Well, one finished and another started! How many days till Christmas now?........... It's raining in Dunedin tonight, and as this is strictly an outdoor project I don't think I'll be getting much done :( Have to attend 5-yr old's first Xmas concert tomorrow (yes very excited!!), so probably no progress then either, and am out to dinner on Thursday, oh b#*#&*er! Will she do it???? I may have to package up some "IOU's" if I get desperate, and finish them later, but that is certainly not my plan, so looks like Saturday & Sunday will see hard work getting done. (Stuff the housework, he he he). Hmmmm family coming round on Sunday afternoon, may have to clean house in there somewhere........ Anyone know a cheap maid? fairy-godmother? Superwoman? ...... maybe if I clap my hands and really believe....... See what all this pressure is doing to me!

Nah, it's all cool, still having fun and I'm sure I will get there - somehow. Am missing my paintbrushes though......

Now for Something Different

2006-12-05T09:32:00.000+13:00

Yes, trying my hand at limestone sculpture!

Attended my very first workshop about a month ago, and had such a ball I decided to have a crack at making some more. These pictures represent more or less a morning's work (Sunday morning in fact), and the piece is nowhere near finished, but not bad progress I thought. I am intending to make at least 3 sculptures to inflict on my family as Christmas presents. Yes, my long-suffering Mum and sisters have had to put up with a few of my creations over the years, but I really think they are going to be impressed with these in their gardens??! (Especially when they see how much the garden centre charges for this sort of thing).

I'll put up my progress shots as I go, so you can see whether I make it to the Christmas deadline or not! Fingers crossed.....Gosh, is their really only 20 sleeps till Christmas..............OMG! Still 2.5 sculptures to go...................

PS Any comments appreciated!

Cheers, Lyn

Latest Work

2006-11-27T10:42:00.000+13:00

" The Fiddlers Three"

Acrylic, 45x45x3.5 cm

Submitted for Exhibition at Otago Art Society, Dec 2006

I managed to paint this while the littlies were sick last week, (while they were sleeping of course, and in between giving cuddles and cough medicine). I really like it, so I am hoping a few others will too. It is again inspired by children's nursery rhymes - you know the the one:

"Old King Cole is a merry old soul,

And a merry old soul is he,

He called for his pipe in the middle of the night,

And he called for his fiddlers three...."

I'm kind of hoping they look like they've been dragged from their beds and are doing their best to be jolly and entertaining for their audience!

This style of painting is starting to really appeal to me. I have been trying for a long time to find what my forte is, and could never settle on one theme for any length of time. I am excited to have found something that I can really explore to my hearts content, and am limited only by my own imagination, which so far is still full of ideas! Roll on the next one....

My Latest Effort

2006-11-17T20:39:00.000+13:00

"The Hair Plaiters"
acrylic, 40.5x50x3.5 cm
to be submitted for exhibition Dec 06

This is my latest effort - just finished the other day. A fairly new direction for me, simple images that tell something of a story. Maybe it comes from having small children and having to read lots of story books to them. I am constantly being inspired by some of the great illustrations in modern childrens stories. Anyway this one was inspired by a totally unrelated photo from one of my books, ie not a kids book. Have lots more ideas along these lines, and have already had some good feedback on this one so think I will pursue this line for a while and see what happens.

Some of the Stuff I like to do:

2006-11-17T13:39:00.000+13:00

This is some of the stuff I like to do. These are pencil portraits of my kids when they were babies. I have done some similar as gifts for family and friends, they seem to go down quite well. They make a really great and unique Christening present, especially when framed and with the baby's name and birth details added. I really enjoy doing these, and would love to do some more, but have run out of babies at the moment. If you know of anyone who would be in the market for something like this let me know.