Wind weary

The last few days (and nights) have been windy, but with that comes the beautiful ever changing skies and a need to just stop and observe (sheltered from the wind, of course).

The Ring of Fire - eclipse May 20th 2012

As we live a short distance from the ideal place to watch the Annular Solar Eclipse (Kannaraville, just North west of us) and Virgin was still in a good line for watching it Steve & I decided yesterday to gather a few people at home to watch this spectacular event (through the special specs of course). Food based on rings of fire, and circles came and eaten, a fine time had by all. Here are some drawings and photos...

Drawings through the 'Xray-Specs'...

The sequence

The Ring of Fire

As the sun set behind Pine Mountain.

People photos from my iPad

And sun photos by Steve....

It was way cool, but did not get as dark or cold as expected, but I believe that is with a full eclipse and not just an Annular one.

Indigo bush remembered

 

David Hockney talks a lot about painting or drawing from memory, rather than being totally anatomically correct. For me this brings an essence of the complete experience one has with whatever you are attempting to paint, it is, for me about depicting my experiences with life rather than capturing just a form.

Storm over Springdale

Will the rain come this way?

Mixed media Cumulus

First I drew with 'Zen Brushes' Japanese ink & brush style the Cumulus clouds. The I transferred it into 'Brushes' to add colour and crayon like marks.

Memorised sky #4

Cumulonimbus capillatus at sunset.

Memorised sky #3

 

A Cumulus congestus tower, with cumulus fractus.

Memorised sky #2

The Super moon as we slept

Memorised Skies #1

Super moon rising at sunset.

This last weekend I attended a printmaking class, given by good friend Royden Card. Learning a lot (including how I do not have the patience for the making of a true print maker, sorry Royden!), I did not have the energy to draw the most amazing sky activity all weekend. I had to simply memorise and try to redraw from that. This was the first. Oh the joy of the instant iPad!

 

 

The end to a great day

 

A fine birthday few days... Thanks to everyone for their best wishes, cards gifts and company and of course love!

The sunset was beautiful tonight.

Smoke softened skies

Bush fires near and (and far) always give a subtlety to the sky. This fire is burning north of Toquerville on the BLM lands, about 30% contained. Let's hope they nail it today, and everyone stays safe.

Birthday balloons

Today I turn 53... This is a very simple drawing using the circle mode and infill, plus some freehand line in SketchBook Pro. I love the balloons, Thank you Sabine, they make you so playful. Looking forward to a fun day.

Bonnie's Broom

Unexpected birthday celebrations have begun. I turn 53 tomorrow, and the celebrations started yesterday with amazing food of a pot-luck lunch after our ladies aqua aerobics class. Bonnie picked some of her Broom (above ) and Sabine gave me the first rose of the season (below).

I am blessed with good and loving friends.