Something Magical is about to Happen

I’m not sure why fairies keep appearing in my work but they do. I have decided to embrace them. They may not be deeply and importantly meaningful but they are joyful, mischievous and eternally optimistic, useful qualities at any time. I also have kind of an affinity leftover from childhood for fairies, pixies, elves and gnomes. I like to draw from my imagination so I guess the magical creatures stem from there.

Something Magical, 2022, Faber Castell coloured pencil, 30cm x 20cm. Left hand image – original colours auto filter, right hand image – cartoon filter applied.

When I start any drawing I never have any idea really about what I’m going to draw. For this image I began with the intention of creating a positive and optimistic message that everything is working out for us all, all of the time, and then I started to draw. As I was finishing the drawing I found the quote – something magical is about to happen. The quote and image seem made for each other.

I’ve also been messing around with the filters on my phone and I quite like the results of the darker cartoon filter on the right hand image.

Good Advice Fairy, 2022, Faber Castell coloured pencil, 30cm x 20cm, Left hand image auto filter, right hand image cartoon filter.

I started this drawing last year and left it half done as life got busy and I couldn’t resolve some of the colour issues I was having. This drawing was a bit of a difficult child. I revisited it this weekend and while it might not be one of my favourites it is a reminder that it’s worth persevering and problem solving a piece of work. I like the darker filter on it as it looks like she is sitting in a night garden.

Drawings take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks to complete depending on various factors. I generally work on them in the evenings when I have time to sit without feeling too pressured by other responsibilities and distractions. That’s when I have time to run away in my imagination and play with the fairies.

Sailing my Ship

Kia Ora

Here it is – 2022 and I’m starting something new (I’m a poet and I didn’t know it 🙃). A bit excited. A bit nervous. A lot – “I have no idea what I’m doing someone help me!” I am starting a blog. I will attempt to be consistent. Posts will be whatever I’m working on at the time.

” I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship”

Louisa May Alcott

This quote inspired the drawing that will be my first finished work for 2022. Big changes are in process in my life but it will be okay, I’m learning to sail my ship. Mistakes will inevitably occur but it’s all part of the journey and adds depth and value to the experience. The woman in the drawing represents the strength and courage that I wish to develop and carry into my everyday life. The ongoing search for fearlessness. She has a compass symbol at the head and heart, acknowledging the need to engage both areas in order to move forward with inner strength and confidence. She is also surrounded by the sun, moon and stars, symbols to help guide her way. She looks up and forward, determined to move into the unknown confident that everything is always working in her favour even in stormy weather.

Sailing My Ship, Faber Castell Coloured Pencil, 30cm x 20cm.

I was also inspired for this drawing by the great Alphonse Mucha. I’ve always admired his beautiful Art Nouveau style. I enjoy working in coloured pencil. These are water colour pencils but I hardly ever use them with water as I prefer to see the effect of the pencil strokes with the layers of colour showing through. I generally have several overlays of colour building up to the finished piece.

This is my first ever blog post, hopefully it’s the start of a long and satisfying relationship with this technology, if I can find time for it amongst all the projects and ideas I have lined up. I must admit, I didn’t expect the building of the blog site to be so challenging to begin with but I’m taking my time over it. I’m reliably informed that good things take time and that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Arohanui til next time.