On the needles!

It's too hot to knit . . .but I'm still motivated and loving these two easy projects, a "beginners" triangle shawl thanks to Iknitwithcatfur.  The other is a simple cowl pattern from Ravelry.  Casting on with Punta merino and Isager alpaca. 

 Gedifra merino and angora yarn

Clean, non-toxic make-up!

I am intrigued with the new natural, clean cosmetics that are quickly gaining ground.  But are these products worth the hype?  My transition to safer, non-toxic cosmetics has not been without flaw but I will attest to fewer skin problems since using these products. 

It's been a hit or miss for me but I find these products suitable for a soft, put together everyday look.  Natural lipsticks have been tricky due to the citrus oils and beeswax ingredients.  As for cheeks, Gwyneth Paltrow's cream blush from Juice Beauty is the proven winner.

Alima Pure Pressed Powder Foundation with Rose Hips in Dune,  Kosas Lipstick in Undone, Lily Lolo Black Mascara

Sonoma County!

Discovering the beauty of living in Northern California's wine country.  Retirement is not so bad!

 

Another color study with acrylics

Another quick painting using the student grade Liqutex Basics acrylics left over from the color class.  I'm still on the fence about using acrylics but may try a class in the fall.  My focus here was on color mixing, placement, value and complements.  The image idea was derived from a landscape painting I found in an old Art Journal magazine.

Koh-I-Noor Woodless pencils and Acrylics

Below is an impromptu quick pencil sketch using Koh-I-Noor colored woodless pencils.  These are an excellent medium for artists en plein air or those who enjoy quick in the moment sketches.  The pencils work best on a smooth surface paper rather than rough.  Here I drew on the textured side of Strathmore 140 lb. watercolor paper, but will use the smooth side on the next try. 
 

Koh-I-Noor colored pencils on watercolor paper

Acrylics (Liqutex student grade)

In this image, I simply placed notes of color on paper from a painting.  The purpose of this exercise was to understand the shift in value, temperature, color placement and color mixing.    

New Year . . . First Post

I've just returned from blogger sabbatical and here we are in mid-February.  No excuses. . . just needing a bit of discipline and motivation to write something interesting.   With that said . . .

Beautiful and simple handmade Valentine for that special someone.

Quite the opposite of our  February Valentine customs, the ancient Romans celebrated the Parentalia festival to commemorate and appease their dead.  February 13 marked the first of the eight day remembrance when a Vestal Virgin began the ceremony by pouring a libation at the home of the dead.  During these eight days all temples were closed, there were no fire offerings lit on altars and marriages were banned.   Mourners would gather at the family tomb located outside the city walls.    Personal prayers were offered, sacred rites were performed and simple offerings were made at the tombs. Violets were placed on all the graves, a ritual known as the "Violet Festival."  

Brush Strokes

Claude Monet's "Waterlily - Details" could easily be interpreted as a painter's color palette.   Here Monet uses what appears to be an almost dry paint brush to define the ebony lines and colored shapes that form the illusionary water lily leaves.   With interesting placement of complementary color notes and value, Monet created a masterpiece.