Movie Monday#43 A Social Network Christmas

This year's postcard

I got a question if I was going to make postcards this year. Yes, I have made one design that I got printed. As life has smacked me pretty had this year, especially this fall, this is the only one I got printed this year.


Here is a picture in progress

Potato vacation - Norwegian culture

In Norway, all schoolchildren have autumn vacation. This vacation is also called potato vacation. In the old days, the schools had two weeks potato vacation in the autum. Now it is reduced to 2 days, related to a weekend. As the name says, it was a school holiday for school kids to participate in the harvesting of the potato crops. In today's society the family do not depends on the help of children's hands in the harvesting, and the schools' autumn vacation is often regarded as outdated.

Many parents take time off work to be with their children. Some actualy harvest the potato, while others take their children to the mountains(cabin) or the Mediterranean, there are also some who for various reasons stay home. For those who can not take time off, or if it is just the best soulution, send there children on vacation to aunts, uncles, grandparents or other close friends of the family. My youngest boy, Zack, went on potato vacation to his grandmother. This gives him and his grandmother a great opportunity to tie good relationship. It is from this potato vacation that my illustration is inspired.

Norwegian:
Potetferie - norsk kultur
I Norge har alle skolebarn høstferie. Denne ferien blir også kalt potetferie. I gamle dager hadde skolene 2 uker potetferie om høsten. Nå er den redusert til 2 dager knyttet til en helg. Som navnet sier var det skolefri for at skoleungene skulle få delta i innhøstingen av potetavlingene. I dagens samfunn er ikke familien avhenging av å få hjelp av barnehender i potetsinnhøstingen, og skolenes høstferie blir ofte ansett som utgått på dato.

Mange foreldre tar fri fra jobb for å være sammen med barna sine. Noen tar opp potet, mens andre tar med seg barna til fjells eller til Syden, er det også en del som av ulike årsaker må holde seg hjemme. For de som ikke kan ta fri eller bare for det passer best, drar barna på ferie til tanter, onkler, besteforeldre eller andre nære venner i familien. Min yngste gutt Zack dro på potetferie til sin bestemor. Noe som gir han og bestemoren en kjempefin mulighet til å knytte gode relasjonsbånd. Det er fra denne potetferien at min illustrasjon er inspirert.

Hello, my lonely blog!

I'm a bad blogger, leaving you here all alone. We can't all be amazing bloggers, all of the time. I guess this is just a period of time in my life where other things have taken priority. Lots and lots of other things. Well I got distracted. Hopefuly I'll be on track. I really miss blogland.

W.I.P. Wednesday 060711

So work in progress, well I am playing around with a home made stamp. I have to make them from erasers, unfortunately nothing else to get a hold of. I was luck to find some larger erasers so I am making a girl, inspired by the local festive costume, Bunad. I an super happy with the first stamp of, still more to cut but so far so happy. What are you up to?

Moly_X_3 Rowland's book

I am participating in the moley_X_3 project. Here are the entry for Rowland's book. To follow the books journey you can go here moleskinex3.blogspot.com/

Got a bit of reflection. Lots of play and mediums going in to this entry.

Mediums used: Pencil for sketching. Medallion pen for lining. Promarker for the face colour. Phebo gesso for the sock and hair base. Colouring and pastel pencil for the eyes and hair form Faber-Castell and Derwent. The pink and blue is a vinyl paint, it gives a beautiful matt finish. The yellow, orange and green is Galeria acrylic paint from Winsor&Newton. The hair tones are colouring pencils, pastels, charcoal, and a bit of acrylic paint. The red mouth is uni posca pen. The greens on the pullover is a mix of the vinyl paint and Galeria acrylic paint from Winsor&Newton on top.

If you have any suggestion on a song that is under the Creative Commons licence and that is between 6 and 10 minutes let me know and I'll put together a video of the illustration process. I know http://www.jamendo.com has a lot of songs but it take time to listen through, so if you have a suggestion it will be appreciated.

IF shadows

Sometimes the shadows can be overwhelming.

Mediums used: pencil, charcoal pencil, eraser, tinted charcoal pencil and permanent marker.

Postcard form Diane

Got a wonderful postcard from Diane, also known as Sister Diane.
from http://www.flickr.com/people/21113527@N00 and http://www.craftypod.com

The card is a fabric one, with butterflies, in my favourite colours :)

Swapping is so much fun and sometimes when you do this kind of swap, you'll meet people you have read a bit about or follow. This was the case when I opened this card, may I say I got a bit star struck? Any way, I would like to recommend her podcast.

Thank you for the card!

Postcard form Wendy

Part of the iHanna postcard swap.

Got a postcard from Wendy,not sure where she is from, the post mark do not show up so god. Wendy said about her card, It's a local bird, that reminded her of about her grandmother. She enjoyed the process of making the card. You can find her on the net at http://www.craftierthanthou.com/.

Thank you for the card.

Postcard form SNARLing

There has been an unfortunately delay in blog posting, but they are now on there way.


Part of the iHanna postcard swap.
I got a post card from SNARLing, and she sent her card from U.S.A. This card has a fun slide in it, with a quote from Henry Miller: "The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware"
You can see some of her progress at her blogpost.

You can find her on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliceklar and on her blog http://thesnarlingpost.blogspot.com

Thank you for the card!

WIP wednesday 250511

Well today I am drawing noses. I need to do it better and faster. I spend way to much time fiddling around to get them the way I want to. Hence the need for practice. So I play around with some sketch work. I realise there are not may African or Asian noses where I live... Maybe I need to travel a bit. :)

Movie Monday#42 A piece of ancient human

All that preparation...

200 blog posts!

200 blog posts! Hooray!

I started the blog in August 2007, but was unsure what to do with a blog. I knew I wanted to share part of my creative life. Then came the big question; was I blogging in English or Norwegian? The next blog post was not until the beginning of April the following year where I still was not sure about the language, but had by when decided that if I should have a blog, I just had to start. My feeling was that if I should have a blog, I had to say something, not just post pictures. After a chat with an English speaking friend, the decision came to me, it should be in English. I should at least try. The point of the blog was, after all to share, and most people in Norway are able to read English. Within a week the first real blog post was out on the net. It was an illustration, IF - save made ​​for the Illustration Friday's challenge. There have been a lot of illustrations and little education material which was the first I created and shared online through my own website www.ewian.com (who finally gets a renovation these days). The linguistic challenge is still one of the largest. It is easy to explain techniques and share in Norwegian, but when English is not a language I speak, other than the occasionally holiday use, it is difficult to learn new terms and practice them correct. Getting enough language extension and enrichment is a challenge. It should be noted that the feedback that I have received inspire me to continue blogging. So far, there have been 200 blog posts. Thanks for your support!

The illo is made for this little anniversary. Mediums used: pencil, watercolours, permanent marker, stamp and ink pad.

Movie Monday#41 What is a friend?

Thank you, my wonderful friends, you make me smile!

Postcard form Laura

Got a sweet card from Laura. A card from the IHanna postcard swap. Laura sent her postcards from Argentina. You can visit her online at http://www.lauravarela.com.ar

Postcard form Jigna

A card from the IHanna postcard swap. I got another card from the UK, from Jigna,at the big mango. I love the cleverly reuse of old envelopes. It also have a sweet pocket.

Thank you!

Moly_x_3 Barbara's book

I am participating in the moley_X_3 project. Here are the entry for Barbara's book. To follow the books journey you can go here moleskinex3.blogspot.com/

As mentioned yesterday, I had a lot of trouble finding the right motive, you can see the post here . I ended up with a dragon inspired by the Norwegian stave church (Wikipedia) On it's back it has a girl. She is playing the flute.
The clouds are super iridescent, do not show up in the photo though.

Progress so far in the book.

Medium used: pencil, permanent marker, velvet decorative tape, promarkers, gel pen, iridescent watercolours and acrylic paint.

Moly_x_3 Barbara's book - sketch

I am participating in the moley_X_3 project. Here are the sketch work for Barbara's book. To follow the books journey you can go here http://moleskinex3.blogspot.com

I had a lot of trouble finding the right motive, Jennifer's cat is such a strong statement. I think I have tried out 8 or 9 different things before I found something that I though would work. This is my final sketch. I'll go make the actually entry now.

IF bicycle

Longing for spring and summertime, so I can go on bicycle rides. This weeks word at http://illustrationfriday.com is bicycle.

Medium used: pencil, permanent marker, matt medium, distress stickles, pattern paper, watercolour and watersoluble wax pastel.

Movie Monday#40 Do penguins fly?

Don't they? As a child I learned they did fly under water.

Movie Monday#39 Supermarket bags

Not a fan of the bag or that they comes in plastic or to pay 1,5 kroner (0,27 U.S. dollars) for them.

Postcard form Amy G

I got this wonderful card from Amy G. She writes that her inspiration comes from the book "Water for Elephants". I have not read the book, but as I love to read, I'll sure check my library for it. That dark red in the card, I cant stop looking at it, so delightful, one of my favourite colours. The border has a velvet feel to it, and there are multiple layers of paper collage.

Postcard form RGA

Got this sweet card in the mail. The signature says RGA, other than that there are no indication how made it. It has been mailed from Great Britain. How ever you are, thank you for the card!

2011 postcard swap, iHanna - in the mail

Three little fishes hanging in a row

I made 13 cards, 10 for the swap, one to keep, one to give away, and one to sell.

The motive is the same, however all the little fishes has different "personality".

So where are they "swimming" to?

I mailed them of: one to Norway, two to Sweden, one to Finland, one to Italy, one to Canada and four to the U.S.

This one I am selling,$30.00 USD. I'll put it up in my Etsy shop later this week(if it has not sold),

if you are interested send me a mail.

What kind of fish do think it is?

Have You Ever Been Fishing?

My favourite fishing place is the sea. Going out with a boat, using a line and hook.

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fishes
(to the tune of One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians)
One little, two little, three little fishes
Four little, five little, six little fishes
Seven little, eight little, nine little fishes
Ten little fishes in the pond.

These fishes are going to stay at my hose. For now they are hanging in the studio.

Some in progress pictures.

Working in my studio.

Medium used: pencil, permanent marker, masking fluid, Diamond glaze, charcoal, gloss medium, gel pen, watercolour and varnish.

Movie Monday#38 Go beyond withe board

I like collaboration-art, not so huge fan of erasing.

Tour Thursday: Likevel's give away

My sister is having a give away at her blog.

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Giving away matt paper with Norwegian text. Including the letters Æ Ø Å.

I am making a containers of old books. You know the kind with a secret room. I have cut out the inside pages, and I do not need them. But it is fiction on good matte paper, and will certainly be great for scrapbooking. The pages are from the book "Song of running horses" by Britt Karin Larsen, in addition, I have "Lord" of Niels Fredrik Dahl. So if you want some come on over. I'll split the paper up in batches, so more than one will get some. All you need do is give me a comment and remember to fill in the e-mail address so I can get a hold of you. I do send internationally! A bit is about 40g and is about 30 pages. The deadline is 1 May.

W.I.P. Wednesday, 2011 postcard swap, iHanna - mishap

Well, I was suppose to finish of the postcards for the IHanna postcard swap, however there was a problem. When I was going to remove the masking liquid it did not want to come of, and the parts that did come of left a sticky surface. I have never encounderd this kind of behaver of the masking fluid. I was like it was morken/rotten. This means that all the cards was destroyed. I have to start over. Not fun at all. I happens some times that things does not work, but it is usually my own fault. I spill or drips something on the art work but nothing like this. Have you experienced something like this?

Art journal - farewell

The word farewell is my favourite word to say when paring with a friend. You send your friend of with a blessing! The word works for me in both English and Norwegian. The Norwegian way to write and pronounce is close to the English: farvel. Pronounced

I woke up really early 03.40 and was not able to fall a sleep again, at least not until I have made this entry.

Medium used: pencil, permanent marker and watercolour.

Movie Monday#37 En timme kvar att leva - One hour left to live

Swedish band Kultiration. Catchy tune.

Happy 1. April!

Artwork by Camilla Eriksson at http://www.millan.net

Movie Monday#36 An eye for Annai

Sometimes it is hard to find the right thing to look for...

Cathy Minerva Calls for Art

Cathy Minerva has a call out for Art to the Somer Thompson Foundation.
Here is my contributions, it is a ACEO. I have used a variety of media, watercolour, vintage paper, acrylic paint, glitter pen, permanent marker, glue, a leaf and gold leaf. (The black is
the book it's lies on) All made in a smoke free home, I do however have a cat...

I met Cathy(more of here art) in the ZNE art group (it has now closed down). So when she had a call out for art I made this. If you want to read a interview with her about her work with this charity go to this blogpost.

Next month is the 1st Annual Purple Sunshine Motorcycle Ride and Somer Concert in Grove Springs, Florida. Cathy is in charge of this event's silent auction. The ride, concert, and auction will be held the last weekend of April, 2011.

The event proceeds will go to the Somer Thompson Foundation. You can check out their website: http://www.somerthompsonfoundation.org "The Somer Thompson Foundation was formed in March 2010 after the abduction and murder of 7 year old Somer Thompson. The Foundation is dedicated to providing education, resources and help to victims of crimes against children...."

Donating: They are accepting any type of art or handmade item to be auctioned at this event. This is a family/child friendly event! If you or someone you know would like to participate, please email Cathy at minervasmadness@gmail.com Donations need to be to her by April 20th. Artisans are encouraged to put contact info on their donation.

Her artisan and handmade website, Earth Gaia, will be opening a perpetual shop called Artisans and Musicians for JUSTICE with proceeds going to the foundation. Any items not sold at the event will be placed in the perpetual shop for sale.

If you would like to donate handmade items or artwork please contact Cathy at minervasmadness@gmail.com.


About charity work / donation:
I do some charity every year, most of these donations have been a matter close to my heart, education and for initiatives that support children and measures to improve their lives.

W.I.P. Wednesday, 2011 postcard swap, iHanna - sketch

At the last minute I joined iHanna on her postcard swap. I'll make 10 postcards and send them to 10 people around the world. I was a part of her swap last year, and got some great cards in return. You get so much of fun, original art, and great inspiration in return. Today I play around with a sketch, I think I'll go for some fish but is not sure if I paint them with watercolour or if I just make collage, or what colours to use. So there's my W.I.P. Wednesday for you.

Movie Monday#35 Khelom's Customs

Not easy to find a good solution.

Movie Monday#34 over the hill

Creativity come in many ways.

You'll come a-waltzing Moly with me? - niniji's work

Guest post by niniji and her work in my Moly_X_3 book.

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Continuing with EWian's "Waltzing Matilda" story. I personalized the theme into a story about my own experience with life "on the go".
In truth, I am not as free-spirited as I wish to be. Moving to a new place (sometimes moving to a different country) usually brings on more stress than excitement to me, and for some reason it always feels like I am more affected than anybody else who'd share a similar experience; I sometimes wonder why is it so.
This drawing is about the plants I tend to keep if I lived at a place long enough. When I move, they are one of the more troublesome things to decide what to do with since it's quite sad to just leave them to wither in their place (but no... they don't go very well into suitcases and boxes). In a way, I have invisible roots too. It always hurts a little to lift...


p.s.: but come to think of it, I don't think I had ever planted cosmos before...
I have had lavender, mint, basil, sunflowers, several species of succulents... but never cosmos. (bah-dum tssssssss...)

Niniji

W.I.P. Wednesday 090311

Played around with some different styles.

Made a box to hold some extra supply's for our guests. You know, some tooth brushes, shampoo, soap and other things a guest may need when they come for a visit.

The outside of the box say: If you feel you need some help during your stay with us.

The inside say: Give a little beep if you have used some of the box's contents, so we can fill it again.

Moly_x_3 Jennifer's book

Well I have misplaced the SD-card so no video yet. Jennifer's book is in the hand of to the next in line, niniji. I love collaborative projects, they are so much fun!

To follow the books journey you can go here http://moleskinex3.blogspot.com