Halloween Pumpkins

Over the last few years I have been trying my hand at a bit more detailed pumpkin carving, my ultimate goal is to create a face of some sorts, however as it only comes around once a year and I usually  suddenly remember the day before, it doesn't leave me much time to practice, I suppose I could use a turnip or similar during the rest of the year, I'll see .

These are this years efforts



 

 

Guitar Lino prints

 

 

I have still been busy playing with the lino printing, as well as finishing of some other paintings.

This week its my husbands birthday, what to get for him.... always tricky so how about

a lino print of his other loves in his life, I cant compete with one guitar let alone 4 of them.

this was my inspiration.

A few practice ones first, without writing , I have learnt after a few mistakes how hard it is cutting out text, let alone doing it backwards.

This is one of the first ones

 

Here are the finished prints mounted and framed, I have to say I was really pleased with how they turned out, and yes my husband loved them.



Beach Huts

Earlier this summer I came across this great picture that my brother had taken on a trip to Brighton.

Immediately I could see the potential in creating a painting from it.

 

This is my interpretation , a storm on the horizon,

Lino Printing

I have fancied having a go at Lino Printing for a while now and after watching numerous tutorials and getting info from my new book, talking to people experienced in this art, I equip myself with basic cutters and various other necessary bits and bobs,
I spent today having a play, getting a bit messy , this is my first attempt.....

Using a piece of glass from an old picture and a few pages from my sketch pad, my first idea was based on the viaduct, as it is a regular feature in my work.
Obviously its going to take a bit of practise, watch this space.!

Stockport County

 I have finally finished my trio of Stockport County pictures. However there will be more to come, over the next 12 months.
Happy to see the start of the new season is going pretty well.


This is 'The crowd at County ' my first image inspired by my many visits to Edgeley Park.

The second painting was based around the pub, with many of Stockport's pubs being our very own Robinsons, this was the focus for this image, either before the match or after for a de-brief.
 This one is on wood, I wanted to try my hand at painting on a different surface, I shall use it again as I was pleased with the end result.

The third and final painting for now is the crowd outside, they could be waiting to go in or just leaving, that's up to the observer to decide.

My cake

I have just returned from a very relaxing holiday to celebrate my birthday and after making lots of cakes for other people, I wondered what was in store for me, well my daughter came up trumps and produced this masterpiece, my little mini, what a great surprise when I arrived home.

Birthday cake

What a busy month August is, having just celebrated various family birthdays, and my wedding anniversary, I have just finished my cake for my daughter's 21st birthday.

I have been waiting for a chance to try a 'Naked Cake' that's( one without fondant covering it,) and have to say I was pretty pleased with the outcome.

It was delicious with all the fresh fruit adorning it.

Next week I celebrate my own milestone birthday, I wonder what's in store for me!