Happily Painting …….

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Here I am again – already!  It’s only been a few days since my last post – whatever is happening I hear you cry?  It’s cooler today – which is good.  We can actually move and not wilt!  Siddy has more energy to play and even Orlando has woken up for brief periods.  And I am painting

Beacon2 WiP

…… until I am asked to play a game of ‘Fetch’

How can you resist this?

Play3aa

We play ‘Fetch’ for a few minutes – then Siddy retires to cool off and I continue work.

In the previous post I showed you my second version of the ‘Beacon of Light’  that was the first main exercise in Life Book 2015 and she was looking like this

Lighthouse1

She’s under-gone a number of changes and now I think she is finished.  This is just a photo shot, not a scan – I am just so excited to share her with you

Beacon2

This is MY Beacon of Light – she rises from the sea – a metaphor for when I am lost at sea, or ‘all at sea’.  You know that feeling, I’m not standing on firm ground ……. her message is you don’t have to feel like that, you are not alone.  Trust, surrender, relax.

I’m happy!  But what do you think?

She is painted on 300gsm A3 watercolour paper and I think is destined for a frame and my art room wall!  But I’ll probably put a couple of prints into the Etsy shop as well 🙂  I’ll show you another shot when she is scanned – then you will get to see all the colour and details.

Thanks for coming by today, you know that I love that you did!

98 thoughts on “Happily Painting …….”

      • I was there indeed. I read your comment and followed the link. I remember that post, and the beauty you painted but I had forgotten she was your beacon of light. How appropriate to have her at the foot of your bed.

        I’m off to bed here (it’s 9:45 or so) That’s early for me, but I’ve been exhausted all week. I hope you are seeing signs of spring. Let’s try for a Skype one day next week.

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        • I’m not surprised you are feeling exhausted – it’s been a hard time! It is springtime here and I am loving it. The spring flowers are out and the air is warm. I would love to catch up, send me your best time and I’ll be there! xo

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  2. Absolutely beautiful, Pauline. We love her face and what she represents: Beacon of light..sure could need this right now… Pawkisses for a Happy Monday and please say Hi to Orlando and Siddy 🙂 ❤

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  4. Pauline, she’s beautiful. You are one talented woman. Her love and light just shines out……someone else said it too…..radiant! What an inspiration on your wall.

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  6. She’s luminescent, Pauline! Loved seeing her “come to life.” By the way, it’s my CAT that demands I play a few rounds of fetch before I can get anything done in the morning – she is QUITE persistent!

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  8. Oh my goodness. I’m so glad I read your two posts in the proper order. She’s beautiful, Pauline. You’re beautiful. What an amazing transformation of her hair! I love what you’ve done. The dress, background, rosy lips, all wonderfully add to your piece. I’m impressed by the way you ‘capture’ light and bounce it off the painting. I wish I knew how to create like this. I’ve taken sketching classes over the years and dabbled with a few water colors, but it is far from my forte. My dad was a painter and we were all encouraged, but I believe it is part learned and part gift. You’ve got them both in spades.

    How nice to read back-to-back posts from you, Pauline. You are The Contented Crafter indeed. Hugs all around.

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    • Alys, you say the nicest things! You always make me feel really encouraged and loved – it’s a wonderful thing!! I’m quite impressed with this piece too I have to admit – and a bit trepidatious now as to if it could ever be recaptured. I worry I’ve peaked too soon! 😀 But she’ll be popped into one of my old frames and hung to remind me of this week and share her message and I will be encouraged to soldier on! If painting isn’t your forte as you say, you have a ton of other talents in spades so I wouldn’t be too concerned about it! The other thing is I’ve only just begun re-developing my interest in painting over the past 15 months or so and not having many other responsibilities I can play as much as I like. It does take time and practise. If you flip back through the past year on this blog I think you’ll see what I mean. The first efforts were pretty ordinary! I’ve just been learning and playing and forgetting and learning and playing and forgetting …… and it is slowly developing. I’m not there yet.

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  9. I think she is absolutely beautiful Pauline, and definitely needs to be hung in your art room. I am always in awe of artists like you, how you capture such radiance, beauty and light with your brushes and pallets. Such a talent. I will think of her and you when I am ‘lost at sea’ as I keep rowing. You inspire me 🙂

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  10. Oh Pauline! This is absolutely amazing. I am so impressed. The finishing touches and the final colors are just perfect. I love her smile… her lips are so glossy and warm… her eyes are just so and light up the entire painting. It really is fantastic. I do so admire people with your talents. My Thommmee paints and our entire home is filled with his lovely paintings. This is an area I have zero skills. I have a true appreciation for artists.

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    • You are most fortunate to live with someone who fills the home with their art. I have only just begun to hang prints of my latest works on the wall of my studio – mainly to observe the progress. This one will be the first original I have hung for many years! I just love the process and once a piece is finished I am busy moving on to the next one – is your Thommmee like this too?

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      • Yes, I am fortunate in so many ways. He comes from a family of talented artists his brother being a somewhat renown muralist and is an art professor at a large university. Thommmee has his periods of painting but is sometimes reluctant to share his work with the world except for gifts to close friends or family. I on the other hand hang much of what he does but we have run out of wall space in our little home! Keep painting! It will being you and those around you much joy. 💙

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  11. I took some kids to see “into the woods” She reminds me of that movie especially the idea that we are all connected and therefore never alone. She is lovely, and her eyes are brilliant. ❤

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  13. If it had not been a corny soap opera, I would think “My Guiding Light” would be a perfect name for her. I like “Lighthouse,” as you mentioned. This is absolutely gorgeous! You should have a book of these beautiful paintings and messages, it would be so motivating and comforting for many around the world. Pauline, give Siddy a pat and give Orlando a little rub behind her ears from me, my friend.
    p.s. So sorry I got the wrong http: for you when it went out to so many and hopefully they came back and tried again.

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    • Thank you Robin once again for your thoughtful comments and kind words. The boys are petted and very happy 🙂 You seem to be quite keen for me to produce a book – and this thought always makes me smile. Have a good week xo

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      • Well, I am one who still reads a lot of children’s books and sometimes I wish to see artwork like yours! Smiles and glad the pets are all taken care of. I read on Nancy’s post how you take Siddy for a walk in the evening and Orlando follows you around the block. I had to check in to see if there were any new posts to read! Hope you are having a great weekend!

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  14. It’s great to see the progression you have made following your last post on the Beacon of Light. I love the pop of red from the lips and the heart as it’s such a contrast to the blue and green, it really brings the painting alive.Just beautiful!

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  15. I think she’s beautiful Pauline, I think I always say that though! She really is and I also thought she looked like you and your colours, I love the blues and greens in this. So nice to see you back into your painting and obviously on a roll, 2 in a week! This will be a most creative year for you I think 🙂

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  17. She is beautiful, Pauline. Must be nice to be enjoying the warm weather I am bundled up because it’s too cold. From one extreme to another ha? I thought you closed your etsy shop? Good to hear you have reopened it. I will take a peek. 🙂

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    • I considered closing my Etsy shop Lois and decided to keep just a few listings going for a while longer. I just have a few originals and some prints – and I think some postcards are still there until they expire. It is just not viable for me to be paying fees when nothing is moving. Etsy is so huge it is almost impossible to attract custom and I could make paintings and prints available through my blog I think. Wendy also has a few items on her website for me – she is such a kind and generous friend 🙂

      Keep warm, hopefully spring will be in the air for you soon.

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  18. Exotic! I agree with Fran. A good word for you. 🙂 This beautiful painting is so encouraging and hopeful. The sweet peas on the ledge, a bohemian rhapsody outside the window, and Siddy by your side. Who needs a beret? xo

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    • Siddy’s response below:

      thangq for the lik url. i liek liks! i am agud cadger of toiz anthen i grwl an shaq em an pock ad em an they beave thersefs prober gud. then mumma thrwz fedsh an i runs az fars as mi shordlegz wil go and i jumb on em and shaqs them dowen reil gud. itz fun url u shud kum an plae wif uz. yur fren siddy

      Bud url mumma sez u karnt shaq dowen the cad he woodn liek it.

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  20. These blog posts have the resounding ring of a confession Pauline…a confession of a new love! You are obviously in a good place at the moment. Who wouldn’t be with that glorious fecund window of green and scented sweet peas to carry you away with their magnificent scent. Everything tidy in the window and your new year ahead of you with lots of creative possibilities burning bright. Your Beacon of Light is positively beaming out happiness and comfort and when life throws you out to sea, she will be waiting to throw you a happiness life line whenever you need her. Life is good Ms Pauline :).

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    • I am totally surprised by what is coming out of the paintbrush! I have an excellent teacher in Tamara Laporte I have to say, I give her full credit! I am just over excited at the moment, I am sure it will pass and I shall calm down and become my usual staid and boring self. 😀

      Life is indeed good Franny – very good!!

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  21. What beautiful work. I love it. Yes, when they have their toys and want to play it is hard to refuse. I love the way you paint the eyes. They just glow.

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    • Thank you SS! 🙂 I wanted her eyes to be really shiny, like a beacon. Siddy waits so patiently for me to look up from my work – and is so happy when I do. I feel a bit mean sometimes. But a good game of fetch is all he wants and it is so easy to do!

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  23. I might be way off on this, but this is the first of your work that has me thinking she looks like you. It’s the cherub face and lips I think. I love the bubbles around her skirt, very effervescent, like sweet champagne. I also admire your sweet peas on the sill and the garden view beyond. What a nice place to work and create. Only the sweetest distractions could divert your attention away, namely Siddy. He’s so floppy and moppy and full of pep. His energy must be contagious xo K

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    • You are not the first to say that, several of the course members made that comment based purely on my fb photo! Obviously an idealised version of me then! 😀 This is the first time I really just stepped aside and let what came, come – if you know what I mean. She was strongly there in my heart and my hand but my head had no clue! [And yes, that sounds like me too 🙂 ]

      Isn’t the garden stunning – those are tomato plants looking like small trees. If you sit still long enough you will see them growing! I am picking a bunch of sweet peas every day and giving them away. It is one of my favourite things about them – the more you pick the more they flower. Everyone benefits!

      Siddy is very patient with me when I’m immersed in my work and a few games of fetch every day seems a small repayment for that patience.

      I hope your cold is getting better Boomdee – and it is a little warmer in your part of the world! xoxo

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      • Thank you for the well wishes, I finally had a day without a headache. Hip hip hooray!!! I will be more sympathetic for those who’s suffer endlessly. I am one of the lucky ones who never gets a headaches. This Sinus head cold thing was the pits.

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        • Gosh, yes I haven’t had one for years either. You must be on the mend then. Drink lots of water for sinus headaches – clears em up pretty quick. Then you’ll spend all day in the bathroom, but you won’t have a headache 🙂 Be well xoxo

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  24. What beautiful work of art, so radiant! And you have a prefect spot to work too. And no…is there anyone who can say no to that lovely little fur ball;0) warm greeting, Johanna

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    • Hello Johanna, welcome! Thank you for your generous words. I am feeling very blessed and it appears everything has come together for right now. I am absolutely enjoying it while it lasts – summer, garden, puppy, art room and painting! 🙂

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  25. I mentioned before that I liked this one. Love seeing shots showing a progression … so (if you please) sometime have a series of 4-6 images showing the progression … well, I think it would be interesting. 😉

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    • I have done that before Frank and stopped as I thought folk might be getting a bit bored with it. But I will most happily do that again – I quite enjoy documenting the process. Next one 🙂

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  27. She is absolutely beautiful, Pauline! Will she be given a name? What a beautiful view you have outside your window. Hugs to Siddy! I wish I could play a game of fetch with him. 🙂

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  30. She is lovely 🙂 You are very clever. I like the colours and the sweet, peaceful look on her face. I would definitely follow her. Siddy looks so cute with his toy. My boys look like that too, makes your heart smile eh…

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  31. It’s so interesting to see this work at different stages and to watch the progress–and, yes, she NEEDS to be in your art room, the colors and energy are so perfect to inspire you! Something seems to be going very well for you (or maybe everything!)–your posts sound as happy as your painting looks!

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    • It is all going rather splendidly at the moment – but who knows, I may have peaked too soon in the painting department 🙂 It’s like George Harrison sang – ‘All things must pass …’ I’m enjoying each moment and practising my words ‘Breathing’ and ‘Creating’ ……….. letting go of all attempts at control and allowing whatever within or without that wishes to create, to do so. Knowing it will pass tempers the temptation to get too far out of myself and allows me to enjoy, but also to observe myself enjoying. Its the Buddhistic ‘non-attachment’ thing I seem to be practising. Very interesting.

      Did any of that make any sense to you?

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  34. I love it, the colors are so vibrant! I can’t believe Siddy needs to cool off! It’s the first night this week above freezing and we are so excited! Rumor has it we may get sunshine, but not until Friday. Something to look forward to though!

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  35. She’s beautiful, Pauline!!! I love how she turned out. I’ve been looking for your Etsy shop but haven’t found it. I’m sorry it’s so hot there. Painting is a good thing to do when it’s hot. Siddy looks so cute begging for attention. Orlando obviously knows how to stay cool. Keep painting. I love what you are doing.

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  36. She is absolutely stunning, Pauline! You are a talented artist and must be so proud of your work. What an inspiration she’ll be on your wall in the craft room – and as prints in your Etsy shop. The “green” view out of your craft room window must put a smile on your dial when you paint – and the cooler weather does make for a lot more productivity here, too! So glad Siddy takes “a breather” every now and then so you can produce beautiful pieces of work. Do you have to take it back to school now and show them? If so, they’ll love it. Top marks! No pressure but can’t wait to see what’s next! oxoxoxoxox

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    • I am very pleased with this one Dani – I think the combination of beautiful art room, beautiful garden, beautiful art course is all working together ……. I am doing an on-line course called Life Book 2015 – this is the third year it has run. The owner and first teacher is Tamara Laporte and she is fantastic! I have been so inspired by her and credit her fully for this painting 🙂 I have a feeling it is going to be a fantastic year!

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  37. She sparkles and her eyes are sweet and gentle and alive with light. I know she’s supposed to be rising from the sea but I can’t help feeling that a lot of her loveliness is inspired by that beautiful vase of sweet peas. 🙂

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  38. a little girl would love to play with this lovely blue, happiness paper doll! I use to have paper dolls and boy you could create a village for a little girls to play with:-) I remember cutting ours out of magazine or catalogs and playing for hours( does that age me-LOL) You know the kind you can punch out + play with as a little girl-love the faces!

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    • I used to have some cut out dolls – and you had a book with all kinds of clothes for them to wear …. my sister and I were given some from a relative one Christmas and we loved them – we played for hours – or I played for hours alone I forget which. I just remember being so engaged with them. Are they still around I wonder? I am so pleased with how she has come out!

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      • Yes, you can get “paper dolls” for I found them for my girls when they were small. I remember them spending time making their own paper dolls. They would draw their own for all you needed was some pens + paper -they created their own magical world
        My girls are having babies now + I am seeing them:-)

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