Still no stitching......yet!

Shhh! ((Christmas)) Apologies for having to mention that word when it's still only the very beginning of September, but it's relevant to this post. I won't mention it again yet though, promise!

 I need a good few weeks to work out ideas, and to then actually make something when it's been commissioned. My local Gallery has a whole four to five weeks of art for sale towards the end of November, that is specifically aimed at ********* shoppers, and this year I've been asked to create a piece of art inspired by trees.

The sketchbook I've been lovingly stroking, and hoarding, for the last couple of months has at last been put to work, and I'm now working on ideas, creating sketches, paintings and prints.

One idea I'm thinking about is of a view between trees, with either an autumnal colour scheme, or an evening/nightime scene. 

I made a mount board printing block for these two, and tried out the two different ideas mentioned above. 

Another idea for a winter, sleety/snowy theme below. The background was created in a very free way, and it wasn't until I'd made this that I realised the white round shape on the middle left looks like a moon with a face!!  Hmmmm!

There's something about prints, especially lino cuts, collagraphs and intaglio that attract me, and I've been experimenting lately, not very successfully I hasten to add, to have a go! Above and below are a few more of my recent attempts, but I've soon realised that I need some proper lessons, so have enrolled in our local adult education centre for ten weekly sessions.

Above is a print that I tried to make on some of that easy carve substitute for lino. but I think I used the wrong tools. My cutters were rather wide, and had to be pulled towards me, when I've since read that you should always  push away! I left too much white around the eyes, and you can see where I've had to touch them up with a permanent marker! Oh dear, I really do need those lessons!

Thought I'd plan well ahead too for that mad season in December, you know the one I mean??

This one needs more refinement too me thinks! ha ha. Hopefully in ten weeks time I'll be a bit more proficient!

Thanks for reading, and hopefully you'll join me next time.