The Fey Haven

My Website

2011-12-20T21:51:00.000Z

Just a quick post to tell you about my new website.

I am hoping to open an Etsy shop next year. I need to buy myself a new printer first, then it will be making cards and prints and other goodies for the shop.

I will also update this Blog with some more art in the New Year.

Wishing you all a Wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year

Sarah xx

Magick 4 Terri Auction

2011-12-05T00:13:00.000Z

I have donated an original ACEO to Magick 4 Terri. This is an auction on LJ to benefit Terri Windling.
Please feel free to place a bid and check out all the fabulous things that have been donated :)
My ACEO has just the starting bid of $12 (plus $3 postage) http://magick4terri.livejournal.com/62931.html

I am also working on another ACEO to add to the auction :)

Recently I have been busy with work, I will try to update this blog more frequently from now on.

Thanks for reading :)

Sarah xx

I Am Willing To Make Bad Art

2011-07-30T00:46:00.000+01:00

I have been reading 'Letters To A Young Artist' by Julia Cameron.

One of the fictional letters suggests we be willing to make bad art, not that we intend to make bad art. This gives us the freedom to make any art, and in the process we are sure to make some good art!

If I am never willing to make any mistakes in art (or life) then I will not grow.

So I am giving myself permission to make bad art :)

Tonight's sketch. Mouth too big, line work dodgy etc. Better than not doing any though!!

Biro Doodly Type Thingum & A Few Photo's

2011-07-18T21:41:00.001+01:00

Today I couldn't get motivated. I ended up doing a doodle type thingy in biro and watercolours. I was a bit disappointed, as when I added water the biro didn't run. I had expected it to run and do interesting things, lol.
I needed a break from cute!!

I took some photo's of the Rowan tree in our front garden. Every now and again, I take photo's that I intend to use for reference. I think it would be quite nice to do a watercolour study of the Rowan leaves and berries. Maybe a little ACEO or possibly something larger. It would do me good to practice drawing & painting things from real life.

Biro Doodly Type Thingum. 18 July 2011. No reference used which is obvious!

Giveaway Winners

2011-07-16T22:12:00.000+01:00

I have drawn the winners for the giveaway.

The winner of the Cupcake is : Julia Guthrie.
The winner of the Shroom is : Juliet
I will be contacting you both for your addresses.

Thank you so much to everyone that entered. Please watch my blog for future giveaways :)

Blog Giveaway

2011-07-02T00:30:00.001+01:00

I have decided to do a blog giveaway, and there will be two winners :)
The prizes are two original watercolour ACEO's ( ACEO stands for: Art Cards Editions & Originals)
One ACEO is a cupcake an the other is a shroom. They measure approximately 2.5" x 3.5" and are painted on arches watercolour paper. The cupcake is painted in watercolour with some silver gouache, the shroom is sepia ink pen & watercolours.

To enter all you have to do is comment telling me which ACEO you would like and why. You do not have to follow my blog or be a fan on my facebook page, but it would be nice :)

I will write all the names on a piece of paper and the first name randomly picked will get which ever ACEO they have chosen. Then I will sort out the names that have chosen the remaining ACEO and randomly pick a name again.

The only thing I will ask is that if you are a fan on Facebook, that you share a pic of the ACEO in it's new home (this is not mandatory though, just would be nice :) )

So here are they ACEO's, I hope you like them :)

Sarah x

If you have a problem leaving a comment, please feel free send me a message via my email (It is under the 'About Me' tab)

Please also remember to check back on my Blog to see if your the winner :)

More Art Supplies and Wondering........

2011-06-28T22:10:00.000+01:00

I bought some more art supplies today. My local art shop is closing :( and I wanted to get some things before it shuts. I felt sad going there and seeing the mostly empty shelves, the shop has been in Scarborough nearly 15 years. It is the only proper art shop we have, and as I don't drive I don't go to the one in York. I must admit I do buy art supplies online because I can buy them cheaper, still I did buy things from there and will really miss the shop.

I really can't buy anymore art supplies now. I bought Bristol Board, Illustration Board & Winsor & Newton Inks last week. (From the closing art shop) I also bought a canvas and acrylics from Dunelm in the sale and now today's purchases.

I decided I wanted to try inks again after seeing students work at a local college. I really want to try doing different things with my art. That brings me to the question; should I try and sell my art?
Is my art/or will it ever be good enough for people to want to buy?
There are so many fantastic artists out there, am I just deluding myself that I will ever be good enough?
Deluding myself that people genuinely like my art and aren't just being nice about it?
I am not thinking of giving up my job and trying to make a living as an artist, lol. Just wondering if I could sell my art as well. If I am just kidding myself that people might want to buy my art then please let me know!!

Anyway enough of my ramblings, I will show you what I have been buying.

Bought in the Sale from Dunelm Mill.

First lot of inks I bought from the art shop.

Today's purchases. Chinese Ink Sticks and block to mix it on, Sepia Calligraphy Ink, Hexagon Shaped Canvas (thinking of doing a celtic painting on this) Winsor & Newton Inks & Daler Rowney Pearlescent Acrylic Inks.

My purchases fit perfectly in this storage drawer unit (Still have to paint the drawers)

Sketches 34, 35 & 36

2011-06-26T00:48:00.000+01:00

Ok so here is sketch 34 before I skipped a day. Sketch 35 & 36 are from tonight.

I really wasn't in the mood for sketch 34, forced myself to do it, attempted even less realism, lol.

35 is ok, I guess I was getting in the mood with this one. It was another attempt at a 3/4 face with no reference.

Sketch 36 was done with no erasing and yes I know I went mad with the eyelashes!! There was no planning with this. My favourite part of it is the horned goddess (?) on her forehead, It started out as a triangle and as I doodled became a horned face. I did the last two while sitting on my bed signing along to Whitesnake and then Sarah Mc Clachlan!!

Sketch #34. 23rd June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch #35. 25th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch #36. 25th June 2011. No reference used.

Detail of sketch #36

A hiccup in my daily sketches

2011-06-25T21:05:00.000+01:00

I didn't get my daily sketch done last night, I went to a Simple Minds concert in Dalby Forest. I am not sure if I will get a sketch done tonight either, if I do I will try and do two to make up for not doing one yesterday.

On a positive note I am feeling inspired to try doing some abstract mixed media canvases. I saw some at a house of my Mum's friend and really liked them. I don't know if I will manage to create anything I like, it will be nice to try something different though.

Sketch Thirty Three

2011-06-22T23:37:00.000+01:00

I decided to do something different tonight. Tonight's sketch is done with Winsor & Newton drawing ink (Burnt Sienna) on cartridge paper. Obviously a lot different from working with pencil as you can't erase any mistakes!!

The bird is supposed to be a crow, as it was the first time I have done one and no reference used I don't think it is too bad!! Although I don't think anyone else will realise it is supposed to be a crow....

Sketch #33. 22nd June 2011.

Sketch Thirty Two

2011-06-21T23:14:00.000+01:00

Here is tonight's sketch. No reference used.

Solstice blessings to you all.

Sarah x

Sketch #32. 21st June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Thirty One

2011-06-21T02:43:00.000+01:00

Here is tonight's sketch. No reference used. I quite like her. Could do with taking a better photo.
I did another sketch after her but I haven't taken a photo yet, 2nd sketch has a very squiffy chin/jaw line but I do like it so I might upload a photo tomorrow.

Goodnight all.

Sarah x

Sketch #31. 20th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty Eight, Twenty Nine & Thirty

2011-06-20T01:25:00.002+01:00

Here are the last three sketches. Technically I had a day off and did 28 & 29 on the same night. I am not starting from day one again though, lol.

Hmmmm, Blogger seems to be playing up. It won't spell check. It also won't load my shroom sketch properly. Naughty Blogger Gremlins, lol.

Anyway here are the sketches. The castle I used a small reference photo I took on my phone, the shrooms I used a photo of my Mum took for reference, I used no reference for the last sketch.

Sketch # 28. My own photo reference used.

Sketch #29. 18th June 2011.

Sketch #30. 19th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty Seven

2011-06-17T00:35:00.000+01:00

Here is tonight's sketch. It isn't very good. Tried to do a cartoon style cat but it didn't turn out very well. No reference used as you can tell.

Goodnight all

Sarah

Sketch #27. 16th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty Six

2011-06-16T01:24:00.003+01:00

Tonights sketch

Sketch #26. 15th June 2011.

Sketch Day Twenty Five

2011-06-15T00:37:00.000+01:00

I know the anatomy is rubbish on this but I quite like the idea. Moon gazing woman instead of a moon gazing hare.

Sketch #25. 14th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty Four

2011-06-14T01:42:00.000+01:00

I am not really sure where I was going with tonight's sketch. Her shoulders are too small, not sure if I will develop this one further or not.

Goodnight all

Sarah

Sketch #24. 13th June 2011. No reference used.

Another Sketch

2011-06-13T00:53:00.000+01:00

After the Unicorn I did earlier I sketched this. No reference used and I much prefer her to the Unicorn!!

12th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty Three

2011-06-12T23:53:00.000+01:00

I wasn't in the mood tonight.....
I think the worst part is the ears, Unicorns are something else I need to learn to draw.

Sketch #23. 12th June 2011. This was loosely based on images from 'Painting Unicorns in Watercolour' and 'Drawing & Painting Fantasy Figures'.

Sketch Fest & Sketch Day Twenty Two

2011-06-11T23:28:00.000+01:00

Sketch Fest was last night and today, I was at work but managed to get a few done this time. For those that don't know any sketch done for Sketch Fest can only be worked on for up to one hour. My last sketch took about 10 minutes because I ran out of time. (Sketch Fest lasts 24 hours)

I managed to get my daily sketch done as well as take part in Sketch Fest. It is a bit rough tonight and her chin/jaw line is squiffy!!

ACEO sketch done for Sketch Fest. 10th June 2011. Sepia pen and watercolours on illustration board.

ACEO sketch done for Sketch Fest. 10th June 2011. Sepia pen and watercolours on watercolour paper.

Sketch done for Sketch Fest. 11th June 2011.

ACEO sketch done for Sketch Fest. 11th June 2011. Took about 10 minutes, needs finishing.

Sketch #22. 11th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Twenty One

2011-06-10T20:26:00.001+01:00

Today I decided to practice drawing ears. I must be honest I think this is the first time I have actually bothered to study an ear!! I took some reference photo's and used them to do the sketches. Ears are something I definitely need to practice more.

In less than an hour it is the start of Ellen Million Graphics Sketch Fest. I hope to get at least a couple of sketches done this time :)

Sketch #21. 10th June 2011.

Sketch Day Twenty

2011-06-10T00:23:00.000+01:00

So here is today's sketch. I prefer it to last night's but it still isn't right. I think the worst things are her ear/jaw line and her hair, I also think the choker pattern is completely wrong for the rest of the sketch. I am pleased I am keeping the sketch a day up though, 20 days straight is an achievement for me :)

Comments welcome :)

Sketch #20. 9th June 2011. No reference used.

Another quick sketch before bed & Grrrrrrr

2011-06-09T01:15:00.000+01:00

I have just done a quick rough sketch before bed (while drinking hot chocolate)
I was looking at a photo of a girl modelling a foreign brand of clothes while I sketched it. Yes I know there is loads wrong with it, I thought I would post it anyway as it is a second sketch for the day.

The Grrrrr is because I tried to add the photo to my previous blog post, but Blogger kept putting the photo in the middle rather than at the end.

Night all

Sarah

Sketch Day Nineteen

2011-06-08T23:02:00.000+01:00

I wasn't really in the mood tonight. Decided to do this sketch in ink then add coloured pencil. As you can see I am not very good with colour pencil! Her eyes are wrong and her nose is a bit dodgy. It is completely different from last nights sketch, tonight's sketch has gone down hill from then, lol. I guess it is good to do something a bit different though!!

No reference used.

Sketch #19. 8th June 2011. Black & White version.

Sketch #19. 8th June 2011. Colour version.

Sketch Day Eighteen

2011-06-07T18:29:00.000+01:00

I did my sketch earlier today, usually I don't get it done until late on an evening. I didn't use any reference for this one. Her eyes don't quite match and I really need to practice drawing anatomy (her neck & shoulders aren't right) despite her flaws I do like her. She was going to have wings but in the end she didn't want them.

As always constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome

Sarah x

Sketch #18. 7th June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Day Seventeen

2011-06-07T01:43:00.001+01:00

I wasn't really in the mood tonight.....
Goodnight all
Sarah x

Sketch #17. 6th June 2011.

Sketch Day Sixteen & Work In Progress of Blog Giveaway

2011-06-06T01:20:00.000+01:00

Tonight in my wisdom I decided to try drawing celtic knotwork with no reference or ruler etc. Even though the designs look simple they weren't as easy to do as they probably look. I don't know how people make up the really complicated celtic designs!! I think my first celtic heart design is too simple, needs some more knotwork. The heart border I did probably needs the bottom parts of the knots made rounder.

I also did some more to the Shroom ACEO that is going to be for my blog giveaway.

Night Night

Sarah x

Sketch #16. No reference used.

Work in progress for Shroom ACEO/Blog Giveaway.

Sketch Day Fifteen

2011-06-05T00:24:00.002+01:00

Tonight I decided to have a go at doing some celtic knotwork. I used the book 'Celtic Knotwork Designs by Sheila Sturrock' for reference. I didn't use any grids for this or follow the instructions as such, I just sketched from looking at the finished knot.

This is definitely something I want to work on and develop my own celtic designs rather than just copying.I have bought some graph paper as I want to develop some of my earlier sketches that have celtic borders, so I need to plan the borders properly on graph paper so they look uniform in appearance.

Night Night

Sarah

Sketch #15. 4th June 2011. Reference used was the book Celtic Knotwork Designs by Sheila Sturrock'.'

Sketch Day Fourteen

2011-06-04T01:37:00.000+01:00

Tonight's sketch is a self portrait. The chin isn't right and I am sure there are other mistakes I haven't noticed!! You can tell me if it looks anything like me, I know a few things are a bit off about it.

I have ordered myself a how to draw celtic art book, I need to learn how to do some celtic borders. I doubt I will develop this sketch, I don't think anyone will want a painting of me, lol.

I am pleased I am managing to do a sketch every day, I hope I can keep it up and that I will be able to look back and see how much I have improved.

One last thing, who else likes the smell of pencils and paint? I am not one of those people who likes the smell of marker pens but I like the smell when I open up my pencil box ;)

Goodnight all

Sarah

Sketch #14. 3rd June 2011.

Photo of me. Taken 3rd June 2011.

Sketch Day Thirteen & Storage Project

2011-06-03T00:57:00.001+01:00

Here is tonight's sketch. I didn't know what I was going to sketch but ended up doing a face similar to the moon face from a few days ago. I am not sure if I would do the Celtic border around the moon, if I did I would have to make sure the spirals in the moon were very subtle or it would just look too much. Her forehead isn't quite right and obviously there are things that I need to work on if I decide to turn it into a painting. If you notice any obvious mistakes please tell me, I do appreciate constructive criticism :)

I do like this sketch :)

I thought I would give you a preview of a storage project I am going to be working on at some point. I got this great set of drawers from a charity shop, the drawers are a really good size and will hold lots of art supplies. Originally I thought paint it red with white polka dots, but then I decided it will probably be a neutral colour with shrooms painted on it. I have no idea when I will get chance to paint it though, lol ;)

Goodnight all

Sarah

Sketch #13. 2nd June 2011. No reference used.

Storage Project ( Before I start painting it!! )

Sketch Book Day Twelve

2011-06-02T02:11:00.000+01:00

Tonight's sketch is just a daft one!! As usual it didn't turn out as I originally planned, it was going to say 'Anti-social Hermit' on the door. It was nice to do something different tonight ;)

Sketch #12. 1st June 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Book Day Eleven

2011-05-31T22:58:00.002+01:00

The idea for today's sketch was floating round my head for hours before I started it. I haven't tidied it up much, it still needs more work. I want to change the sun because it looks too much like a flower, lol. I wasn't planning on there being faces in this sketch but as I started sketching they just decided to be there. His face definitely needs changing. If I turn this into a painting then I am planning on just doing the faces in white gouache as I want them to blend in more and not stand out more than the sun and moon. Originally I had planned on this being a painting that could be displayed landscape/portrait up/down, obviously I can't do this if I include the faces. Anyway feel free to leave comments :)

Sketch #11. 31st May 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Book Day Ten & Giveaway

2011-05-31T01:19:00.000+01:00

Today is my birthday so I wanted to do a slightly birthday themed sketch. I decided on cup cakes with spotty cases, then of course I also had to sketch a shroom (thinking about spots = thinking about shrooms)

I decided to do the sketches ACEO size because I want to paint one quick tomorrow and do a giveaway on my blog here.
If you would like to see a particular ACEO from today's sketch painted, feel free to comment and I may pick that one to paint.
Please visit my blog again if you want to win a finished ACEO. Details of how to win will be on this blog when the ACEO is painted :)
Night Night

Sarah

Sketch #10. 30th May 2011.

Sketch Book Day Nine

2011-05-30T00:25:00.000+01:00

Here is tonight's sketch. The neck and shoulders aren't very good as I didn't use any reference. I was going to add more but as I am feeling full of cold I wasn't really in the mood. I quite like her but I am sure other people will see mistakes that I haven't noticed. Feel free to add constructive criticism/advice.

Night Night

Sarah

Sketch #9. 29th May 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Book Day Eight

2011-05-29T01:03:00.000+01:00

Tonight I decided to try drawing a rose from "Angelic Visions by Angela R Sasser". It is the first time I have attempted to draw a rose in years. I used to draw rose buds because they are easier, lol. I found this quite awkward, I definitely need to learn to draw flowers. I think I am going to see if I can find some step by step tutorials online that break down the basic shapes. I ended up inking this with a sepia pen because the pencil lines were so messy. I really couldn't be bothered to do more tonight, I am full of cold today and could have quite happily not bothered sketching anything.

Night all

Sarah

Sketch #8. 28th May 2011. Reference used was the book "Angelic Visions by Angela R Sasser".

Sketch Book Day Seven

2011-05-28T01:00:00.001+01:00

I really couldn't get into this tonight. No reference used and you can tell, lol. The 3/4 face looks a bit deformed, she isn't very pretty poor thing!! I like the second face more. Both of them show that I am bad at drawing hair. I so wasn't in the mood to draw tonight, I guess the point is I am managing to do a sketch a day which is more important than if I like what I have sketched. I just have to keep drawing/sketching and eventually I will improve.

Sketch #7. 27th May 2011. No reference used.

Sketch Book Day Six

2011-05-27T01:21:00.001+01:00

Well tonight's sketch didn't quite go as planned. There was supposed to be some ivy in this sketch but because I drew one element at a time by the time I had done the stones I couldn't be bothered with the ivy.
For this sketch I used some reference photos that I have on my Facebook fan page, YES there IS a reference photo of a stone with a face!! I got the idea for the spiral and black with white stripes stones from "How to Draw & Paint Fairyland by Linda Ravenscroft".
The rune stone was just out of my imagination (no reference) the eye stone was roughly based on one of my reference photos and also on a stone I picked up many years ago that has an iris/pupil marking on it.

I am pleased that I am keeping up the sketch a day so far. In theory I like the Moleskine ltd edition sketch book I am using but in reality I find the pages much too thin. I end up only drawing on one side because I don't like the sketches showing from the other side, also I think if I used every side the previous sketch would show up too much in the photos.

For anyone that would like to know, The Rune stone is FEHU, which means "Wealth, Cattle".
I was going to draw a different rune but for some reason this rune wanted to get drawn instead.

Anyway that is all from me tonight.

Goodnight all

Sarah x

Sketch #6. 26th May 2011.

Sketch Book Day Five

2011-05-26T00:56:00.002+01:00

Tonight I decided to sketch some shrooms!! I used the book "Mushrooms And Toadstools (Collins Nature Guides)" for reference.
Again while sketching I realized I really need to improve my observational skills. I found the Morel (Morchella esculenta) the hardest to draw, but then again this is my first attempt to draw that species of shroom.
Not great but not that bad either. I definitely prefer tonight's sketch to last nights!!

Night Night

Sarah

Sketch #5. 25th May 2011. Reference used was the book "Mushrooms and Toadstools" (Collins Nature Guides)

Sketch Book Day 4

2011-05-25T00:45:00.004+01:00

Hmmmm, well tonight I decided to do a sketch of a models face from the book "Draw and Paint The Realm of Faerie by Ed Org." (Page 49)

I really didn't get into this one, I kind of gave up on it and couldn't be bothered to correct the mistakes or add proper details. This sketch is my least favourite so far!! I think you can tell I was fed up doing it just by looking at the sketch.

I just hope sketching every day helps me improve my observation and drawing skills!!

Since I uploaded this post I can see some glaringly obvious mistakes (her chin is one) that I didn't notice earlier, lol

Sketch #4. 24th May 2011. Photo reference used from "Draw and Paint The Realm of Faerie by Ed Org" (Page 49)

Sketch Book

2011-05-24T20:54:00.002+01:00

Here is the sketch I did yesterday. The third day of me doing a sketch every day. This one was done with no reference. I really need to study hair more as I'm not very good at drawing it.

Sketch #3. 23~05~2011. No reference used.

Sketch Book

2011-05-23T01:59:00.002+01:00

Tonight's sketch is an ACEO done with sepia ink, watercolours, silver gouache on multimedia art board.
I seem to be thinking about triple spirals lately. I have a lovely blue pottery chalice (packed away in a box unfortunately) and it popped into my head tonight.

I had to resist fiddling with this and filling the white gaps in as it was only meant to be a quick sketch. I kept thinking about adding more detail and shading but decided to just leave it as it is.

This is the last of my pre cut multimedia art board ACEO's and I am pleased, lol. The sepia waterproof ink pen bleeds and runs on the multimedia board, the pen is fine on watercolour paper though. I definitely won't be buying any more!!

The title for this is "Chalice" which isn't very imaginative. Feel free to suggest a different title :)

Goodnight all

Sarah


Sketch #2 ACEO, sepia pen, watercolours and silver gouache on multimedia art board. 22~05~2011

Sketch Book

2011-05-22T00:53:00.002+01:00

Here is the first sketch as part of my resolution to do a sketch every day.
I was looking at the book 'Incredible Comic Book Women by Ted Nguyen' when I drew this, this is my version of one of the images in the book with just a few changes to make her look a bit elf like!! I don't usually copy things, it is a very rare occurrence but I just didn't know what to draw, lol.

Night Night

Sarah

Sketch number one. My version of a drawing from Incredible Comic Book women, page number 27.

Sketch Fest and new resolution

2011-05-21T22:46:00.005+01:00

Well Sketch Fest #14 has been and gone. Last night I managed to get two sketches done before bed, after I got home from work today I managed to get two more quick sketches done. There are some great sketches that other artists have done, makes me realise I need to do much more sketching to improve my skills and get out of my comfort zones.

For anyone that would like to find out about Sketch Fest please follow the link:
http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/index.php

So I have made a resolution to start doing a sketch every day, even if it is only a sketch of my coffee mug!!

Here are my Sketch Fest sketches. I will be uploading my first sketch from my new resolution later.

The prompt was *Trapped in a Crystal*
My title is *Crystal Dreaming*
ACEO, sepia pen & watercolours on watercolour paper.
I was going to do a face peering out of the crystal but decided to do a sleeping spirit in the end.
I ran out of time to add more details etc, the colours don't show properly ( or the iridescent watercolour) because the photo was taken at night.

The prompt was *Gnome Home*.
ACEO, sepia pen and watercolour on multimedia art board.
Ok so I couldn't resist drawing a shroom!! Don't like the multimedia art board, the sepia pen smudged and ran on this. Good thing I was planning on earthy colours so it doesn't look too bad!!
Available to buy to support Sketch Fest:
http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/sketchfestart.php?id=2301

The prompt was *Feet*
I am not good at drawing feet so I thought this would be a good prompt to work on. Pencil on paper. Definately something I need to work on and draw more of!! Didn't get the whole sheet filled as this was done after work and before my dinner, lol.

The prompt was *Moon Dreams*
My tiltle is *The Moon Dreams*
ACEO. Sepia pen, watercolours and a little bit of coloured pencil on multimedia art board. There is also some iridescent/pearlescent watercolour which you can't see in the photo. The sepia pen really doesn't like the art board as it runs and bleeds on it :( The moon looks more pinky purple in real life. This was my last quick sketch for Sketch Fest.
Available to buy to support Sketch Fest
http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/sketchfestart.php?id=2469

Terri Windling's Blog

2011-05-19T12:15:00.002+01:00

I have just found out that I can follow other Blogs here than ones that are on Blogger. Please go check out Terri Windling's Blog :
http://windling.typepad.com/blog/
I especially love her posts on other artists work spaces.

Sketches

2011-05-17T23:58:00.002+01:00

I did a couple of small quick sketches tonight. I found some old sketch books a few days ago and they had some sketches that were partial faces with half the face covered by hair, tonight's sketches were inspired by them. The second sketch is a female with triple spirals for pupils, I like the idea and think I might develop it. I Have done stars and other things as pupils before but never spirals. Ever since I came back from the Magical Faerie Festival in Canterbury I have been wanting to draw triple spirals....

The last photo is of an ink and watercolour doodle, I did it while I was waiting for a background wash to dry on a painting. I wasn't going to share this one but then I thought what the heck. This one drew itself, what I mean by that is I put pen to paper and the pen went where it wanted, I made no conscious choice of what lines to draw or what colours to use when I added paint. It was also done quickly, much faster than I usually work. I have only ever had this happen a handful of times. So I would say it drew itself but obviously I was the channel so it is influenced by my limitations/skills. Has anyone else ever had a drawing/painting that drew itself? If anyone has worked with healing (the intuitive sort) then it feels very similar, you let your hands go where they want but you don't make a conscious decision.

Anyway enough from me tonight.

Have a great week

Sarah

Scanner and printer advice please

2011-05-14T16:12:00.000+01:00

I was hoping to get some advice on what would be a good scanner and printer to buy to use for my art. The one I have at the moment is a very cheap (£40) HP all in one that I bought years ago. It is useless for scanning art, it just doesn't pick up much detail and the colours look awful. I tried to scan/print my art to make cards but it looks so bad it is a waste of time!! I am not sure if I should go for an all in one or buy a separate scanner and printer. I have been looking at the Epsom Perfection photo scanners. I just really don't know what to go for, it is a decision I don't want to take lightly as I want to invest in something that will give me good results. It would be nice if I could have a printer with waterproof inks that I can print onto heavier papers. I think if I am ever going to progress with my art and start selling it I need to invest in a good scanner and printer. Then again I am sure some people would argue that as I am not a professional artist I shouldn't spend much money when something cheaper might do. What do you think? What do you use and recommend??

Thank You

Sarah

New ACEO I am working on

2011-04-30T17:21:00.001+01:00

These are just a few pics of an ACEO I am working on. This one is actually only supposed to be a colour test piece, I am planning on doing the proper one on stretched paper rather than pre-cut and without the ink outlines. It is going to be a gift for a talented glass artist and I hope she likes it when it is finished.

Today I decided to use my Cotman Watercolours as I hardly ever use them. I am just waiting for the background to dry as I write this. The salt technique on the background is actually working for a change !!

Autumn Elf work in progress

You can see the salt technique is working today!!

The Magical Faerie Festival

2011-04-29T00:53:00.004+01:00

I had a great time at the Magical Faerie Festival. I went with my friend John and we went to the ball on the Friday night, joined in the parade on Saturday morning and spent the rest of the Saturday and Sunday browsing the stalls and talking to the various artists.

The whole weekend was glorious sunshine, in fact it was too hot for me and John on the parade as I was melting in a velvet dress and he had his Steampunk outfit on including his huge wings and hat.

My first pair of wings were taking ages to dry so I ended up making a very small second pair, I also didn't customize my outfit as planned as I ran out of time (having to work instead of doing what I want is sure a pain at times, lol)

I was pleased to meet Linda Ravenscroft and her husband again. I also met Jane Starr Weils, Judy Mastranglo, Neil Geddes Ward. I got to talk to the lovely Esther Remmington and her partner Martin ( she paints beautiful art and sculpts dragons, he creates fantastic leather bags, hats and armour ) I also got chatting to the equally lovely Lindsey Goodbun and her partner Leon (she paints digital art and he is a photographer, he was taking photos at the event. )

We went to two talks, one on Saturday by a very entertaining chap called Roland Rotherham, the talk was titled 'Unicorns do Exist' and 'Finding Artistic Inspiration' by Judy Mastranglo on the Sunday.

I ended up buying a lovely pair of faerie wings by Silly Little Pixie, they aren't the colour I usually go for but they were so cute I couldn't resist!
http://www.sillylittlepixie.com/wings.html

I also bought prints from Esther, Linda and Jane.

There were various musical performances at the ball and over the weekend, my favourites were Toyah Wilcox, The Gypsy Nomads and The Pentacle Drummers.

We did also manage to look round Canterbury Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, all in all it was a wonderful few days :)

Below are a few photos, some were taken by me, some by my friend John and some by Leon.

Two of the Seelie Court Faeries who entertained for the the festival.

John, me and Lindsey. Taken by Leon.

Silly Little Pixie stall and one of the Seelie Court Faeries

Linda Ravenscroft and Jane Starr Weils

Me, Jane Starr Weils & Linda Ravenscroft. Photo taken by John.

Me wearing a hat by Martin (EBG Leather) Taken by John.

Me doing my boots up. Taken by John.

Esther and Martin.

Taken By Leon. Yep I am the one with the sunglasses wearing a velvet dress with HUGE lacey sleeves. (Also wearing a daft smile because loads of people were taking our photo's and I don't like my photo being taken but couldn't hide, lol)

Me, John and Esther. Taken by Martin.

Lindsey and her stall

Another of the Seelie Court Faeries

Found The First ACEO I Painted

2011-04-18T15:21:00.001+01:00

I have been sorting and tidying things today and found the first ever ACEO I painted. I painted her in 2009 and she was only the third painting I had done after stopping painting/drawing for about 13 years. As you can see I messed up the line work when I inked her and although I like the texture on her wings they aren't the right shape/design. I do however like her hair and pendant, in fact her hair is probably the best I have ever painted ( for some reason I really find drawing & painting hair difficult)
Anyway I thought I would share her with you, maybe one day I will do a new improved version of her :)

The Magical Faerie Festival

2011-04-17T22:40:00.001+01:00

I am going to the Magical Faerie Ball on Friday (22nd April) and the Magical Faerie Festival on Saturday and Sunday. It takes place in Cantebury and runs from Friday until Monday. I have never been to a faerie ball before and it is only my second faerie festival. I am going with a good friend and think we will have a great time. I do think his outfit will make mine look a bit like the poor relation, lol. My outfit is bad faerie/slightly steampunk. I just need to make my wings, fingers crossed they turn out okay as I haven't made any before. I got an idea for a steampunk pendant I would like to make for the weekend but realistically I won't have time to make that as well as wings.

I will post photos of the wings if they turn out okay.

I am really looking forward to seeing all the great artists and getting some inspiration for my own art.

http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk/#/faerie-ball/4536141465

Feeling my art is a bit boring

2011-04-15T21:40:00.000+01:00

I know I shouldn't compare myself to other people but I really feel my art is a bit boring!! I have no intention in trying to copy other peoples artistic style to try and make mine more interesting, I want to develop my own style not try and emulate other artists. There is nothing wrong with the cute art I am doing but I just would like a bit of a change, a bit more depth and more of a story behind my art. I guess the only thing I can do is keep drawing and painting and try to develop my art further.

Art & Photos on Display at Nutmeg Cafe

2011-04-11T18:43:00.003+01:00

I have some of my painting and photos on display at a local vegetarian cafe. I haven't displayed my art anywhere before so I am happy but also a bit nervous. It is quite strange seeing my art on the walls there!!
It will be on display for a month and everything apart from one painting is for sale. I am not bothered if my paintings sell, I will be quite happy to keep them especially as I haven't made any prints of them.

I took some photos at the cafe so I will share them with you, the photos I took aren't great but you will get the idea.

Two of the paintings (Fairy House & Fairy Cakes) were originally sketches I did for Ellen Million Graphics Sketch Fest. I decided to develop the sketches and turn them into paintings. For information about Sketch Fest please view this link:www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/index.php

As always you are welcome to view my art page on Facebook:www.facebook.com/pages/TheFeyHaven/158404362437

Thanks for looking :)

Wishing you all a wonderful April :)

Arghhhh

2011-04-09T23:45:00.000+01:00

Hmmmm, trying to change the backgrounds on my Blog as I want to change it all. It is not cooperating, lol. Can't remove the pink background I added. So I apologise for my dodgy looking Blog!! I want to start using this Blog so I hope I can figure out how to clear all the old designs I added.

Jewellery Class and Website Banner

2010-10-05T23:50:00.000+01:00

I am starting a PMC and Dichroic glass jewellery class tomorrow.

The class lasts 10 weeks for and is two hours ever Wednesday.

I am really looking forward to it and hope I will be able to make something nice to show you

I now have a banner for my website. I didn't really know how to make one, I had been looking for a free banner maker on-line but didn't really like any of the ones I found. I don't have the right software or knowledge to make one myself. In the end another artist (Holly Durr) helped me by editing one of my paintings and making it the right size for me, so all I had to do was add the text! It was so nice of her to do it, I didn't ask her for help, she just did it

Thank you Holly!!!

I don't have much art on my website yet, but if your an artist who would like to do a link exchange please ask!

Anyway, that is all my news for now.

Blessings to all

Sarah

Moondreamer Pendant

2010-09-26T14:07:00.000+01:00

Here is my latest pendant.
It is made from oxidized copper wire and faceted opalite beads.
The photo was taken on a dull day, so it doesn't show how nice the beads really are.
I had tried to upload this photo to my last post, but for some reason it wouldn't let me add another photo!

New ACEO and ramblings

2010-09-26T13:54:00.000+01:00

I just thought I would share my newest ACEO with you.

I finished her yesterday, she is done in watercolour,ink and gouache on watercolour paper. Measures approximately 2.5" x 3.5".

There is metallic iridescent paint on the wings but this doesn't show up very well in the photo.

Unfortunately there are some paint runs on her arm, I had intended to cover these up with tattoo's but couldn't decide on a design, so I haven't added any. I might add them later!

I am making some pendants for an exclusive FB giveaway.
The pendants are made from Stampboard, they will be hand-painted in acrylic and embellished with beads etc.
This will be open to anybody who has joined my FB page, the winner will get one pendant of their choice. All I ask is that the winner upload a photo when they receive their free pendant :)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheFeyHaven/158404362437?filter=1

Lately I have developed a mild obsession with ButtFreckles from Etsy, they make me smile :) If you haven't seen them then check them out!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/buttfreckle

That is all for now, I will add some more photo's when I have some more paintings finished :)