Mixed Media and coloured pencils

Hi - welcome to my blog:
I am so happy the weather is finally improving.....well, not quite yet, but, by the end of the week it looks like we are finally going to get summer weather.  Since the weather has been a little dreary and cold, I have been hunkered down in my workshop working on a number of pen and ink, coloured pencil and mixed media pieces.  I would like to show you two of the pieces I completed.

I started this piece quite a while ago...I saw it in the October 2012 issue of PaintWorks and I just loved it - it is called Spiritual Journey and was designed by Chris Thornton-Deason...I painted it on stretched canvas - two 12x24.  I actually started working on it shortly after I got the magazine, so you can see how long it has taken to complete.  It was a very involved piece!  I started by using texture on the background, then I worked from the background forward, ending with the two dancers.  In addition to the texture, I have used acrylics, pen and ink, oils, and stencils.  I do love the pieces, but, now that I finally have it finished, I'm not sure what to do with it...the subject matter of the pic does not really go with any of the decor in my home.....I will have to think about it!!

This adorable girl is called Red Hat Cat and was designed by Tina Norris.  She is done in coloured pencils on 8x10 suede board.  Since the suede board was the medium colour of the cat, I used it as part of the fur....so most of the colours I added with the coloured pencils were the darker and lighter values, along with the white hi-lights.  When I was finished with the pencils I popped on a fancy button, and glued on some wild and crazy feathers.  I really enjoyed doing this piece...it did not require a lot of thought, it was fun, and I was very happy with the end result.

I have been very busy for the last couple of months.  In addition to working on my own projects, I have been teaching pen and ink with oils, and also coloured pencils, at Sisterhood Crafts.  If you are interested, I will be teaching the following courses at Sisterhood Crafts (note that both pieces take two sessions to complete):

Autumn Charm - Pen and Ink with oil Rouging:
Monday, June 24 - 1 - 4 p.m. and Monday, July 8, 1 - 4 p.m. AND
Monday, June 24 - 6 - 9 p.m. and Monday, July 8, 6 - 9 p.m.
Note - the project will be done on 12x12 wood canvas

Albert's Rose - Coloured Pencils:
Tuesday June 25, 1 - 4 and Tuesday, July 2, 1 - 4
Note - the rose we are doing in class will be on a burgundy background

For all particulars about the above classes please visit or contact Sisterhood Craft Supplies, 1035A Pembroke Street East, Pembroke, call 613-629-0029 or email - sisterhood@nrtco.net.  Sisterhood Crafts offers classes in various types of art, and, if you haven't visited the store, I urge you to do so - I'm sure you will find it very interesting.  They have many courses to choose from, beginner through advanced.

I am currently working on a couple of pen and ink pieces, and I will be posting them shortly.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope you enjoy your summer.

Joan