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

Movie Monday#33 Angst

Life can be a bit traumatic at times.

Movie Monday#32 Simon's Cat in "Sticky Tape"

A curious cat gets into a sticky predicament.I love the capitation of the cats personality.

Moly_x_3 Jennifer's book - sketch

As mentions before I am participating in the moley_X_3 project. Here are the sketch work for Jennifer's book. I have started working in the book but there is still some work to be done.

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

W.I.P. (Work In Progress) Wednesday

There is quit a bit of creative things going on in my life, and I realise I don't share it enough with my blog readers. So I got the idea from Jennifer at http://www.blueskysunburn.com to make a W.I.P. (Work In Progress) Wednesday. This way you get a glimpse of some of my life and maybe I will get some more blogging done too.

This Wednesday I am working on a custom Easter egg. The background colours are laid down, Now the detail work starts...

Movie Monday#31 The Journal

Niniji tips me about this film. A bit surreal story but I do like the illustration work in this film. Here are part two:

Waltzing Matilda - video

Here is the video to go along with the "Waltzing matilda".

I am so exited to see how the book evolves and what it will bring along on it's journey. To see how the rest of the book will develop and how people and the art will interact on the pages.

I change the paper in the book to watercolour paper. I think it can handle a bit more beating and I like the feel of the texture.

Medium used: permanent marker, watersoluble wax pastel, watercolour, pencil, eraser, acrylic paint, paper, embossing fluid, mica laced pigment , watercolour pencil and glue.

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

Waltzing Matilda

You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me?

Medium used: permanent marker, watersoluble wax pastel, watercolour, pencil, eraser, acrylic paint, paper, embossing fluid, mica laced pigment , watercolour pencil and glue.

So looking forward to see how the rest of the book will develop and how people and the art will interact on the pages.


For those of you how don't know the words to Waltzing Matilda here they are:

Once a jolly swagman sat beside the billabong,
Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
Up jumped the swagman and seized him with glee
And he sang as he tucked jumbuck in his tuckerbag
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Down came the stockman, riding on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three.
"Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me

Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Up jumped the swagman and plunged into the billabong,
"You'll never catch me alive," cried he
And his ghost may be heard as you ride beside the billabong,
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.

Text:A.B. (Banjo) Paterson

So if I got this right, explanation of Australian slang used in the song:
Billabong = A waterhole
Billy = A can or small kettle used to boil water for tea
Coolabah tree = A type of native tree in Australia
Jumbuck = A sheep
Swagman = Someone who lives on the open road, a hobo. The term came from the canvas bag that they would carry their bedroll and/or belongings in
Trooper = In Australia's early days, there was no police force. The colony was protected by and policed by soldiers.
Tucker bag = A knapsack or bag for storing food in the bush.

Moly_x_3 sketch: waltzing mathilda

Here is the sketch, finished picture will come soon.

I am participating in another moley_X project. If you are curious or want to follow the adventure of this group of artists from around the world, in a Japanese fold Moleskine sketchbook exchange you can go here:http://moleskinex3.blogspot.com

The theme I have chosen for my book is "waltzing mathilda". This is one of the first thing I learned about Australia. (The exchange was original Australian so to honour that my theme is set to that part of the world) My father is one of those musically people who is always whistling a tune. "Waltzing mathilda" was one of those that was repeated. Sweet childhood memories. As a child I always thought "waltzing mathilda" was about about exploring the world together. You'll come a waltzing matilda with me? So the motive is a girl starting her journey, wondering what she'll see and who she can bring along for this walkabout. I am so exited to see how the book evolves and what it will bring along on it's journey.

I change the paper in the book to watercolour paper. I think it can handle a bit more beating and I like the feel of the texture. However this process of chaining the paper made me realise I need a scoring board... it didn't turn out strait at all. But as long as it fit in side the book, I am happy. There is a first time to everything right? The book is done and on it's way to the next in line, niniji. Well that's it for now, I'll post pictures of the finished book tomorrow. (The back need rest now.)

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In other news: Sorry, for lack of posting earlier, an acute back pain has for the last month and is still keeping me from typing much on the computer. In addition to have to write some blog post I have about 300 email to sort through so I'll get back to you soon. However physiotherapy and acupuncture is helping to move things back to normal.

Movie Monday#30 walking in the air - the snowman

The song "Walking In The Air" is from the animated short "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs. It was written by Howard Blake. Alto my favourite recording is by Kurt Nilsen (available to 17. of January 2010 on NRK (http://www.nrk.no/nett-tv/indeks/243115/), this video recording is form the film and is sung by Peter Auty.



I have so wonderful childhood memories of this film. I found it on You Tube split in to 3 parts, enjoy!









Want to know more?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walking_in_the_Air

St.Lucia 2010 give away - winner

First I like to thank everybody that participated. I like the idea of doing something nice for other especially if they don't expected it. Thank you all for playing a long. Alto this give away is over keep posting those NICE comments on blogs you like, you will feel better knowing you have done something kind. Now for the winner: theveggie...

Congratulation!

A mail is sent to the winner asking for your snail mail address, so check your inbox.

Movie Monday#29 Twelve Days of Christmas for the crafter

The best gifts are hand made!

Movie Monday#28 Autumn story

This chalk animation video is truly mesmerising. It make visual poetry. Music from Firekites' album 'The Bowery', song 'Autumn Story'. Video co-directed by Yanni Kronenberg and Lucinda Schreiber.

Just a reminder I am having a give away
http://ewian.blogspot.com/2010/11/stlucia-give-away-2010.html