tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33607393804074915522024-02-21T04:42:23.932-08:00Hazel Stewart ArtHazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-67922221790984019602018-01-22T10:38:00.001-08:002018-01-22T10:38:27.407-08:00Portraiture and Me<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcBDaogWHmE62xIdmy-P8yX_Stnipp35sFoQO6S-U0nMNJ7t7uWZLyZUBPxxFzH7oF_x7v06OtfCSUx8ffKNVAMe1d_RXukjs9Nh3LRzRdjFF5gxJru_111NzeVFs7Pm6zx4JYVsC6GU/s1600/20180119_191113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcBDaogWHmE62xIdmy-P8yX_Stnipp35sFoQO6S-U0nMNJ7t7uWZLyZUBPxxFzH7oF_x7v06OtfCSUx8ffKNVAMe1d_RXukjs9Nh3LRzRdjFF5gxJru_111NzeVFs7Pm6zx4JYVsC6GU/s400/20180119_191113.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2018's Birthday self portrait - 25</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Portraits are my thing, my jam! If I was only allowed to draw one subject matter for the rest of my life, it would be portraits - I don't tire of them. Faces are so interesting to me, which is odd because I often say to my friends and family that I don't like people. But what I really mean to say is people disappoint, intrigue and confuse me which is probably part of the reason why I'm always drawn to drawing faces. As a way of figuring people out. It's a strange dichotomy... If that's even the right word for it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My love for faces can often give me a tunnel vision type focus. And so a lot of the time I have to make a concious effort to draw other subject matter. During my sketch a day and inktober I tried to space out my portraits to make sure I was drawing other things to widen my skillset. After all improvement doesn't happen if you don't step outside your comfort zone every once and while and challenge yourself. But because I have such an ease with faces I find them relaxing to do. I'm no master face drawer by any means but it is definitely my strength area. And with that comes a zone and flow of drawing that I often crave. The zone where you are not even actively thinking anymore but thoughts are just passing by and it feels like your in your own world with no sense of time. To get technical, it's probably a type of mindfulness meditation.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJm-ks2pgpp76ky_ZHq9fweyptgG4f3yjoaRrJmDwXeWgKSdkBHPUyLLKqR5eNn_5kUpcxhHHn8VyLdBFxXmQJYxoMirq1T_YhzYcksznzX7OD9JR1x_XDLlN9L1xDOgs47hjCf3lazY/s1600/13502636_997910966983264_1804226599425272416_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJm-ks2pgpp76ky_ZHq9fweyptgG4f3yjoaRrJmDwXeWgKSdkBHPUyLLKqR5eNn_5kUpcxhHHn8VyLdBFxXmQJYxoMirq1T_YhzYcksznzX7OD9JR1x_XDLlN9L1xDOgs47hjCf3lazY/s400/13502636_997910966983264_1804226599425272416_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
However since I've been limiting myself in regards to portraiture I've found I've drawn less and hindered my own improvement. When I get a strong urge or portrait idea I begin to stop myself either because I feel like the idea isn't good enough or because I make myself feel guilty that I'm not drawing something else. But I never end up following through and drawing anything else and so in the end I have a blank sketchbook page. I think it's time I put stop to this vicious cycle and just let myself do what comes naturally. It's time to draw all the faces!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8ALugKq1uR3LHrQwzTcUkgIRcuYLNtHAsc0YZtFgDx8yf6LxHxG58N3WXlVg15hnLhxKe2ltpCivlq7eiKje_Nb0r7idT5q5vio7BcGjDa_kPX8wtUooJHVPkOSeHiLgYvagENTYXGY/s1600/2018-01-22+17.28.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1139" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8ALugKq1uR3LHrQwzTcUkgIRcuYLNtHAsc0YZtFgDx8yf6LxHxG58N3WXlVg15hnLhxKe2ltpCivlq7eiKje_Nb0r7idT5q5vio7BcGjDa_kPX8wtUooJHVPkOSeHiLgYvagENTYXGY/s320/2018-01-22+17.28.20.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eL7W_G0E3hyphenhyphennsqD_2chZzOHBHX9AUATUieRc8ouxFuevFcrYGZD8aYLU2ldojCqyBqX-kjMiPW4Be9WRrnOpCd1z0dFgAc7wQt8cj9s9GRmCl_2wfIFBrjkmqcFLUe1d5PzHTfYSfFk/s1600/16179320_1191887160918976_1023105942056664369_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1163" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eL7W_G0E3hyphenhyphennsqD_2chZzOHBHX9AUATUieRc8ouxFuevFcrYGZD8aYLU2ldojCqyBqX-kjMiPW4Be9WRrnOpCd1z0dFgAc7wQt8cj9s9GRmCl_2wfIFBrjkmqcFLUe1d5PzHTfYSfFk/s320/16179320_1191887160918976_1023105942056664369_o.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
So this year I've started myself off with the best place to start - self portraiture. Since 2016, I like to do a self portrait on or around my birthday. I actually did an inital blog post on self portraiture, its challenges and my first annual portrait which you can look at <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/self-portraiture.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Even though I only have 3 portraits so far it's good to look back and see where I was, what I remember feeling and how far I've come. I know in the grand scheme of things 2 years isn't a long time but I can already see that my confidence has grown. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year I chose to do a double portrait to show different sides of me both literally and metaphorically. For a while I've been thinking about experimenting with limiting my colour palette with particular works of Jen Mann in mind. I settled on doing a tonal blue and red piece facing each other (giving strong vibes of JLo's Brave album cover which caused me to sing a lot of Jennifer Lopez both aloud and in my head while doing this piece). I'm already thinking of expanding the series, possibly doing a green piece, maybe purple. I also want to try a front facing monochrome piece with the reds and blues. I think it would fit nicely with the ones I've already painted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpM9ox6Mbvas3LcFMxRDEjefEIkbgtBdFKLKyvsLs0lfKRGY4C-t6w_1y3e1z5FnVoXu60EJpCfNmuUyBtwMa123O7zzgyN5Yc1nuOhFl8qw7vy7Lda3xzCwPwnnuJ-My_qWpfft1QwA/s1600/20180122_172733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpM9ox6Mbvas3LcFMxRDEjefEIkbgtBdFKLKyvsLs0lfKRGY4C-t6w_1y3e1z5FnVoXu60EJpCfNmuUyBtwMa123O7zzgyN5Yc1nuOhFl8qw7vy7Lda3xzCwPwnnuJ-My_qWpfft1QwA/s320/20180122_172733.jpg" width="208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbHrONxzDKEeCR1roWyQoAthjkzkCTKtQOFfGGdZr13gjn-SLid80jV5uxznczt40wyTdzDX0z8upJa1qq0Xj6Xxk3Q0ZyoeLvF0wmglEwPobP8Rjt6v7B_sY5FeXx5XJqqor2rY2_Rg/s1600/2018-01-22+17.16.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbHrONxzDKEeCR1roWyQoAthjkzkCTKtQOFfGGdZr13gjn-SLid80jV5uxznczt40wyTdzDX0z8upJa1qq0Xj6Xxk3Q0ZyoeLvF0wmglEwPobP8Rjt6v7B_sY5FeXx5XJqqor2rY2_Rg/s320/2018-01-22+17.16.10.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYSJjAnOr1ex2gC2zE8RBQbJwH7680RROmrD0J1liV-G3DN-0NvhylFPvmm-0hIlB8O3p312o2W9wPVOh6VEj2MD6RqNgZSUQAgjPM-7qgJHRgSAZTE6S6touayH_EKmJPHzwmW8UNi0/s1600/2018-01-22+17.17.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYSJjAnOr1ex2gC2zE8RBQbJwH7680RROmrD0J1liV-G3DN-0NvhylFPvmm-0hIlB8O3p312o2W9wPVOh6VEj2MD6RqNgZSUQAgjPM-7qgJHRgSAZTE6S6touayH_EKmJPHzwmW8UNi0/s320/2018-01-22+17.17.04.jpg" width="236" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J0SJVssGxwHjuPmkKFCsbBipTrsfh-Jgt8jwtS7x_7ED6V2Hn37Y22-J6cGx3UXKvIMwVf9vlOm7yuMflZ0H70EoQTtDCNirpna6c9R4YyV_xz7SpY8cu0XjZNRQUZpnrFLr6-2eVzg/s1600/20180122_172900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J0SJVssGxwHjuPmkKFCsbBipTrsfh-Jgt8jwtS7x_7ED6V2Hn37Y22-J6cGx3UXKvIMwVf9vlOm7yuMflZ0H70EoQTtDCNirpna6c9R4YyV_xz7SpY8cu0XjZNRQUZpnrFLr6-2eVzg/s320/20180122_172900.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The only problem I've encountered this time round with the self portraits is the feeling of vanity. It's been a while since I've drawn myself continually and so with that can come a feeling of stupidity which I know I need to check myself on. Back when I did my self portraiture work in high school - work above - I would draw myself everyday but didn't feel self absorbed because in the end it all had a purpose - getting a good grade. What I need to convince myself of is that drawing myself does have a purpose and significance outside of just grades. It helps me practice and experiment and plus if I want to continue doing original work I'm my best model at the moment a.k.a. I'm always avaliable. So shut up brain! Why do you try so hard to sabotage me?! At least I recognise I'm doing it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope in 2018 I will continue down this path of portraiture. I think I need to start trusting my gut more and my gut is telling me original portraiture is the way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hazel, xoxo.</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-84776848047728807952017-12-29T10:02:00.000-08:002017-12-29T10:05:17.543-08:002017 Review and 2018 Resolutions <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_OmNGZZoQjF2EG-dt_5_tbQAhC27gQeXQzeY_8Jr7PFEy6TDB4tN0IUx_icWQftPZg1qUcJkVPXH0ys5fLKbY-BRfAz-ga4Xj9v0uDaC9z3uTNkUXGftrd27XA7gXZwwOM8oyAtCElw/s1600/hazelstewartart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_OmNGZZoQjF2EG-dt_5_tbQAhC27gQeXQzeY_8Jr7PFEy6TDB4tN0IUx_icWQftPZg1qUcJkVPXH0ys5fLKbY-BRfAz-ga4Xj9v0uDaC9z3uTNkUXGftrd27XA7gXZwwOM8oyAtCElw/s320/hazelstewartart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram best nine 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As December draws to a close, my instagram feed is starting to fill with artist's best nine posts of the year indicating 2018 is almost upon us. So I guess it's time to evaluate where I'm at with my art and how I plan to go forward.<br />
<br />
This time last year I made the decision not to set a concrete resolution for myself since I was just coming off of my sketch a day attempt and wanted to try and see if I would continue the habit of regular drawing without the accountability of people following along. However this year has taught me that if I want to improve on my skills, I need to have some sort of measurable goal to keep me motivated. There is only so many times where I can rely on inspiration or motivation falling from the sky and into my lap (I watched a TED talk about how to make your life better, how motivation is for amateurs and I haven't stopped thinking about it - <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=73s&v=Lp7E973zozc" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch and get a kick up the ass).<br />
<br />
And so I definitely need to set goals for myself in some capacity - no matter how small. Inktober highlighted this for me since by the time October rolled around, I craved the incentive, and the 31 drawings as a result proved it. I just need to find a way to strike a balance of not burning myself out while also keeping up a regular practice.<br />
<br />
But before I jump fully into my thoughts and plans for next year, I think it would be wise to look over the work I did accomplish this year and what I have learned from it. Even though I didn't produce as much as I would have initially hoped, what I did make I'm happy with, which is an accomplishment in itself.<br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Review - favourites of 2017</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m4-rqghq3WoFr7rlvrsRYqWqiptM99YdKw6ZwgXt77EH9lQ4ZlvqXA4Lg_WvbokL7yzx4o4q2pKz0FRwT5YVc9tF93AR2rmSgax_RR_jDe0MYJtss21qMIsk7I06VjdrjF9zDvqPV7w/s1600/19243168_1338971479543876_2188091776918085036_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1097" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m4-rqghq3WoFr7rlvrsRYqWqiptM99YdKw6ZwgXt77EH9lQ4ZlvqXA4Lg_WvbokL7yzx4o4q2pKz0FRwT5YVc9tF93AR2rmSgax_RR_jDe0MYJtss21qMIsk7I06VjdrjF9zDvqPV7w/s320/19243168_1338971479543876_2188091776918085036_o.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
So let's talk my favourite piece of the year - the watercolour piece I did of my Nana and Grandma a.k.a. the two Margarets. My Nana sadly passed this year at the good age of 89 - she was made of strong stuff - and while looking through old photos, I found a rare picture of both my Grandma and Nana together and instantly gravitated towards it. My Nana was the last of my grandparents to pass and so when it finally happened it felt like the end of era in a weird way. Another harsh reminder that I'm not a child anymore. So to see these two women together who shared the same first name, but where very different people and played different roles in my life, in the one picture made me smile.<br />
The painting came together fairly quickly and I enjoyed very much painting the side profiles. Despite a little mishap with the over use of water in one spot and a furry cheek, I think I managed to capture them fairly well. I uploaded the picture to the Women in the Arts Scotland Facebook page and someone commented that it reminded them of two Italian Nonnas which gave me a giggle. Maybe in a parallel universe they where part of the godfather/mafia. The piece also reminded how much I love working from candid old family photographs. Something I definitely will continue to do in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnt-dAzjLFj9I8J5A_q0BoR7QnIWc1ebXd_iV146MtQC520dGYRRB66dJDnoEzIRH0p_0w60cFU6RjtrIkNGDsUvqoIfDPrORBGSjIyIjNUHgOWhgsy8qYOdLet1RLTsKd274IVvZbCI/s1600/20988933_1406569489450741_8442146308455295233_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnt-dAzjLFj9I8J5A_q0BoR7QnIWc1ebXd_iV146MtQC520dGYRRB66dJDnoEzIRH0p_0w60cFU6RjtrIkNGDsUvqoIfDPrORBGSjIyIjNUHgOWhgsy8qYOdLet1RLTsKd274IVvZbCI/s320/20988933_1406569489450741_8442146308455295233_o.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
This is probably part of why I love the commission I did for my friend to give to his gran. There is something about old photographs, especially black and white, that are so classic and esthetically pleasing. The smart outfits, the hair, the atmosphere. I'm sure in years to come people of the future will look at the photos we take now and feel similarly but for now I don't feel like our photos have the same romance to them.<br />
In the case of this drawing there was face swap element from another photo for the grandad, in order to make him look a little happier. My aim is never to make my drawings look exactly the same as the photo. So knowing that I could play about with the reference images to this extent to create a new, unique image, raised my confidence a bit. Also the reaction from my friend Gran was so emotional to see and was another reminder why I love drawing family portraits.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdAlcVVGowAm65iviROzqNlyChGErKREgzh7KmjSRs5sj785RC2tmmvv7LLfiuWnGDm24QHDJwruHdAxT7H7GSqMnbxpRpB1xfnfXOB02gyAsczls4rrgGMUf9hdOjEgGjPPPsAIFHWY/s1600/26171438_1524699310971091_2113331569966857421_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdAlcVVGowAm65iviROzqNlyChGErKREgzh7KmjSRs5sj785RC2tmmvv7LLfiuWnGDm24QHDJwruHdAxT7H7GSqMnbxpRpB1xfnfXOB02gyAsczls4rrgGMUf9hdOjEgGjPPPsAIFHWY/s320/26171438_1524699310971091_2113331569966857421_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also had a similar experience with another surprise drawing for my best friend's mum of her late dad and dear dog, Woody.<br />
These are the reactions that make doing commissions worth while.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNw2AXuB_lhvq8tzwsF46WnKCKtaerPSCGFUtOC70zJKB31OLYZpUZ9mCMF2Pj7_PZ9fiZjYTdg2XfDSe2DWlDv7yV2skmtDa67d-vhA51_C-wOzFX-P_xbrN6ROOCteu9bDcikG9s-w/s1600/16797065_1222782894496069_7086256561423311783_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNw2AXuB_lhvq8tzwsF46WnKCKtaerPSCGFUtOC70zJKB31OLYZpUZ9mCMF2Pj7_PZ9fiZjYTdg2XfDSe2DWlDv7yV2skmtDa67d-vhA51_C-wOzFX-P_xbrN6ROOCteu9bDcikG9s-w/s320/16797065_1222782894496069_7086256561423311783_o.jpg" width="208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNw2AXuB_lhvq8tzwsF46WnKCKtaerPSCGFUtOC70zJKB31OLYZpUZ9mCMF2Pj7_PZ9fiZjYTdg2XfDSe2DWlDv7yV2skmtDa67d-vhA51_C-wOzFX-P_xbrN6ROOCteu9bDcikG9s-w/s1600/16797065_1222782894496069_7086256561423311783_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
Another favourite from this year is none other than my Betty Cooper from Riverdale drawing. This is by far my most popular piece from this year and when I drew it, I was genuinely taken aback because of how well it turned out. It's one of the few times where I have been able to see an improvement with my own eyes. Prior to drawing it, I hadn't done any portraiture in solely pencil to that extent for a minute. You can imagine my surprise when my own hand started producing the most realistic face I had done in a while with pencils I didn't particular like at first. Just goes to show that sometimes you can't plan these things and that you should never write certain tools off until you have fully put them to the test. I continued to draw other Riverdale characters, however Betty is definitely my best one in my opinion. However I will say Archie comes a close second.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg5qCftOHwjIvCdT_IX_xTflZOhVgDazXpPvXNpkDJowGXYdUrudRC7rN4KiV1Iwb7kkOwWxrMkctW17ZPo874TmFdDF0o7K7Qr5EAOzxyY0rk_RbXHAPf6rEszTMe5kX-I3ssVwGBww/s1600/16178894_1197688420338850_2989368093735000946_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg5qCftOHwjIvCdT_IX_xTflZOhVgDazXpPvXNpkDJowGXYdUrudRC7rN4KiV1Iwb7kkOwWxrMkctW17ZPo874TmFdDF0o7K7Qr5EAOzxyY0rk_RbXHAPf6rEszTMe5kX-I3ssVwGBww/s320/16178894_1197688420338850_2989368093735000946_o.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<br />
My next favourite was done at the start of the year and was the first time I had used gouche paints - my Audrey Hepburn piece. At this moment in time I think I enjoy gouache paints more than I do watercolour, purely because I think they are easier to work with. When laying down the paint you have a good idea of how the paint will dry, unlike with watercolour where a colour lays down quite pigmented but then once it dries down it's a lot lighter in comparision. So in order for me to do good pieces I need to be patient and let the colours dry before I move forward. You might notice that don't possess much patience when it comes to watercolour. Similar to watercolour though gouache lasts longer than acrylics because you can still activate left over paint on the palette with just water once it's dried. It's a pleasure to use all round and I can't remember why I stopped at just two gouache paintings this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Since I've already done a <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/inktober-2017-done-and-dusted.html" target="_blank">favourites post</a> about inktober I won't go into detail about these pieces but I will say that the inktober ones that make the 2017 faves are my NOPE Turtle, my Thor: Ragnarok piece and the Scream drawing. Ink is such a challenging but fun medium to work with and I have no doubt that I will continue to use it in 2018. It has helped me improve on my line work, colour values and let go of some of perfectionist tendencies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EiFHhVnqa9dAtl4dpXixbuw_5fZGShX5fUB6qvjcj1jLDq4PRanusR-CSVx8D_lZ9GMSHCr4Ln49upj73t7ARa8-oPb88fi-p1xMYpEPozOiIshRKjUGSW6MjT4KN56rVKwwSSLz94w/s1600/22384247_1451647078276315_6819792775728418475_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EiFHhVnqa9dAtl4dpXixbuw_5fZGShX5fUB6qvjcj1jLDq4PRanusR-CSVx8D_lZ9GMSHCr4Ln49upj73t7ARa8-oPb88fi-p1xMYpEPozOiIshRKjUGSW6MjT4KN56rVKwwSSLz94w/s320/22384247_1451647078276315_6819792775728418475_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsNGwUsspPdBt7o-owyBQCq3cgWivWVdi2KONW1VscKY3ZJw2BCPtavJdAXNChjgPsi8DGDfvpKnoTclaBclXcwh4qb6DyKr3qaEML4I8ug-6SvlAXGDPrteRXFxyOa19N63fEQGC4OU/s1600/22829479_1467549306686092_1023070724035470623_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsNGwUsspPdBt7o-owyBQCq3cgWivWVdi2KONW1VscKY3ZJw2BCPtavJdAXNChjgPsi8DGDfvpKnoTclaBclXcwh4qb6DyKr3qaEML4I8ug-6SvlAXGDPrteRXFxyOa19N63fEQGC4OU/s320/22829479_1467549306686092_1023070724035470623_o.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j84DNhyphenhyphenUW0_DzuXHQfgLlioGe1yhecSlP6JIJfpaV1V47FAtq_wloLpobMLmfSCfVsX3-6yIXDemeqb3qt7CzBwDiZWASalxP1-OSHbFkikGqAmlJOBSMEp3cDLCqA5TLmjdAz1RATM/s1600/22339385_1449852768455746_390159992750398610_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4j84DNhyphenhyphenUW0_DzuXHQfgLlioGe1yhecSlP6JIJfpaV1V47FAtq_wloLpobMLmfSCfVsX3-6yIXDemeqb3qt7CzBwDiZWASalxP1-OSHbFkikGqAmlJOBSMEp3cDLCqA5TLmjdAz1RATM/s320/22339385_1449852768455746_390159992750398610_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
And finally I'll give my 13 Reasons Why piece an honorable mention because of how much it highlighted the fan art debate and opened my eyes to the world of copyright. And also how I should probably watermark more of my stuff to help prevent people stealing my work and putting it on phonecases. Yeahhhhh .... That was a thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Resolutions for 2018</u><br />
<br />
So where do I want to go from here. My overwhelming feeling is that I want to paint more. I was looking at my portraiture work from 2009/2010 thinking it's time to up my painting game. Even though I have made improvements I don't think they have been that drastic from back then. I might talk about this more next year in another blog post and show you my advanced higher pieces. In regards to how often I want to paint I'll keep the number low so the resolution is achievable. Let's say sitting down to paint at least once a month with the hope of finishing a piece a month.<br />
<br />
I also need to use those oil paints I bought at the start of the the year. Why does it say everywhere that oils aren't hard to use but then follows it with a warning to remember to watch out for combustible rags. I'm sorry.... WHAT! But aside from that the oils will be used.<br />
<br />
This year I did a few more original pieces than normal instead of solely fan art and I want to continue with that thread. And in line with this thought I think I'm going to get myself a sketchbook soley for drawings that I don't intend on showing anyone. So like composition sketches, ideas, quick drawing exercises. I think it's easy to get caught up with making everything look nice but sometimes you need a space where you can allow yourself to be rubbish. Original pieces don't happen over night and if I can develop my style in private I think that will help raise my confidence when I do finally decide to share personal pieces.<br />
<br />
And with that thought it's time to get ready for 2018. Hope you all have a lovely new year when it comes and I will see you in January.<br />
<br />
Hazel, xoxo<br />
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-70934832560878279762017-11-01T10:35:00.001-07:002017-11-01T12:15:57.306-07:00Inktober 2017 - done and dusted! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEq5LPfpEUjlJ88UXiakbMf19xc9XoGzfShFWIW1iKhXZGeowc_DwU8vDN0g2s1xr5cWj0EcPif7KPedYHtecZunzK7lmcHNB5nxWg8iDZ3KJzZpDseXUa9fvsdIoFV3ggd7Ciho2TOU/s1600/PhotoGrid_1509544616239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEq5LPfpEUjlJ88UXiakbMf19xc9XoGzfShFWIW1iKhXZGeowc_DwU8vDN0g2s1xr5cWj0EcPif7KPedYHtecZunzK7lmcHNB5nxWg8iDZ3KJzZpDseXUa9fvsdIoFV3ggd7Ciho2TOU/s400/PhotoGrid_1509544616239.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourites of the month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I did it! I actually managed to do all 31 ink drawings in the space of 31 days. I'm chuffed to bits to say the least. My decision to take part in inktober this year felt like all good decisions I've made in the past, where I don't think too much but instead just go with an instinctual feeling of I'm doing this. It's like my brain actively decides right then and there, not allowing myself time to back out or overthink - no wiggle room. It's a rare occurence since I'm of the over thinking variety, so when it does happen I'm genuinely taken aback.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the beginning of October I had no doubt in my mind that I was going to finish inktober. My determination only waned in the middle of the month, when I was questioning whether I liked what I was making, and on the last day where due to scheduling I had to fit 3 drawings in the space of three hours. But when your that close to finish line, you're not going to let 3 small drawings stand in your way. I didn't even manage to do 31 drawings in a month in the whole of my sketch a day 2016, let alone inktober 2016 but yet something came over me this year. I put that down to last year being like a training/practice period, so I knew that I could manage an isolated month. It's not as daunting as a year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even though I didn't do much thinking beforehand, what I did allow myself to think about was using the prompt lists avaliable, such as the official list and mossery's (which in the end I didn't end up using). I also wrote some notes of possible ideas I could do if I couldn't think up something on the day and put together a sort of toolkit of Faber-Castell Pitt Artist pens, Winsor and Newton Promarkers, Liquid Indian ink with waterbrush pens and a trusty white gel pen. I didn't pressure myself to go crazy with coloured ink and most of the time I limited my colour palette, with a few expections. The nice thing about inktober is that it is the one time of year the monochrome palette is in full swing and in my opinion is easier to make look good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHufhvvJA8tPETLtMf7f5_RLyn01tO7mUPp7cpUJow7MhKd4k243-Vi-f83M6O4ChGFvQMi13xxM8nunBFpamiumjGMEhp9TmnsdPVUf-tMyBxtr7J_UGZ6mK-60S-BF3fD2mvURa6fWo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1509543558026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHufhvvJA8tPETLtMf7f5_RLyn01tO7mUPp7cpUJow7MhKd4k243-Vi-f83M6O4ChGFvQMi13xxM8nunBFpamiumjGMEhp9TmnsdPVUf-tMyBxtr7J_UGZ6mK-60S-BF3fD2mvURa6fWo/s320/PhotoGrid_1509543558026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year's effort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In regards to self improvement, I didn't set myself any goals within the month, such as to improve on particular techniques, but I did find myself leaning towards cross hatching and really enjoyed experimenting with my waterbrush pens and masking tape. So that in itself was an unintentional improvement. And compared to last year's ink pieces I think you can see my progression in how I use ink.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The best part of Inktober is the community feeling of it all. I really enjoyed going through all the hashtags and seeing what everyone was coming up with and how different people would interpret the prompts if they where using them. However I had to make the conscious choice to only look at other people's work for a limited time and after doing my drawing for the day. Otherwise my ideas would just be clouded with drawings I had already seen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is a list of some of the artists I enjoyed following this month.</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>@tingxart - I love ting's gouache work so when inktober came round and I began to see the ink pieces, I was blown away by the creativity. I especially love the original comic pages from the start of the month</li>
<li>@uniquelab - I love the line work and the choice of coloured ink, the orange pieces being some faves of mine. Beautiful portraiture!</li>
<li>@Oxanaviktorova - I really enjoy the square format and composition of the work. Plus all the pieces have a flow to them, if that makes any sense. In a way it feels like she's telling a story even when the pieces are related.</li>
<li>@davidkohlver - his illustration style is so on point and the scary movie theme was so enjoyable to see on my feed everyday. </li>
<li>@myang18 - Madison Yang's style is so pretty. She makes everyday settings look so much more pleasing to the eye with her choice of colour. </li>
<li>@pentasticarts - I would describe joseph catimbang's inktober pieces as small but beautiful. Creativity in spades and I really loved how he interpreted the prompts. </li>
<li>@tania_samoshkina_art - the yellow and black theme made me so happy and the pieces where so fun to look at everyday!</li>
<li>@leighellexson - her theme was cats and she used pink ink. Need I say more! </li>
<li>@sibylline_m - in love with everything she makes. </li>
<li>Minnie smalls on youtube - really felt she was coaching me through the whole month. Her theme of the month was houses and what haunts them!</li>
</ul>
<div>
All worth checking out!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think that pretty much covers it all! It's been a fun inktober and I'll definitely continue working with ink but it might be a while until you see another drawing. Going to give myself a couple days break! Until next time! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-67875382519887143052017-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:002017-05-24T08:28:35.202-07:00Go Read 'Steal Like An Artist' by Austin Kleon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QQfJwsNOyW8SXzZIJk51IDNI7T8G7DrgoLrzka89Aog_uMduvkhKDbEhu6P_un8nbmfi9Py22U7Zi2zPtCibEeHRq_BUrM8qCDS5xFDY1P6Xr2atXMpPhgiuz_LgXbcjNONWSGUBGZ4/s1600/71yg3JyYa9L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QQfJwsNOyW8SXzZIJk51IDNI7T8G7DrgoLrzka89Aog_uMduvkhKDbEhu6P_un8nbmfi9Py22U7Zi2zPtCibEeHRq_BUrM8qCDS5xFDY1P6Xr2atXMpPhgiuz_LgXbcjNONWSGUBGZ4/s320/71yg3JyYa9L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Looks as though we have the theme of stealing going for the month of May and this next post will be no expection. I finally purchased 'Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative' by Austin KLeon and it was an extremely quick but helpful read. I've been wanting to read it for a while and with all this talk about originality of ideas and stealing artwork I was reminded of the books existence.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The basis of the book discusses how no ideas are original. Everything comes from somewhere and it is only when you can't figure out where all the reference points are that people are fooled into thinking it's new. This concept isn't completely unknown to me. Back when I took a script writing class in university this was one of the first things our teacher told us. His words where closer to "don't try to wrack your brain for some that has never been done because everything has already been done before you. There are no new ideas so you may as well do what you want!" It can be quite a freeing and comforting thought if you let it. I with that thought I wrote a script that probably wouldn't be fit for a soap opera or channel 5 afternoon movie. Let's just say creative writing isn't where I was destined to go but at least the thought helped me get the job done. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
'Steal Like An Artist' in many ways reminds me of a more bizesize version of Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Big Magic' which I have previously raved about <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/big-magic-creative-living-beyond-fear.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Both books cross over in many ways but I feel Kleon's book is more concentrated on the steps of how to become more creative whereas Gilbert questions creativity as a whole and is more anecdotally driven. I love both books for there own qualities but Kleon's book is definitely more suited for those who are itching to get stuff done more immediately. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cs2XkfUzb_u37mayyuT8-vQfTln2Wohghszf2sEGIwl3r5FPkyH4ESnrHaj-nqQv5riIiqrKQPN6NoJrT7t9vbUZjwslyoqrF2BKHO68nMNQiNevTJ4-qP0PvURe2Ti0vPYhukhxLTA/s1600/2017-05-24+15.42.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="498" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Cs2XkfUzb_u37mayyuT8-vQfTln2Wohghszf2sEGIwl3r5FPkyH4ESnrHaj-nqQv5riIiqrKQPN6NoJrT7t9vbUZjwslyoqrF2BKHO68nMNQiNevTJ4-qP0PvURe2Ti0vPYhukhxLTA/s320/2017-05-24+15.42.48.png" width="315" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some of the points that really resonated with me in the book where surrounding the chapter "Don't wait until you know who you are to get started". I know have been quite intimitated by the thought of creating personal artworks that represent me when sometimes I have felt I don't even have a firm grip on who I am. But quite rightly KLeon says that it's in the act of making work that we figure out who we are. Part of me wishes that one day I was going to have an epic epiphany and sing at the top of my lungs "I AM HHHHAAAZZZEELLLLLLLLLL!" in the style of Moana, without having to put any actual effort. I'm not exactly great at starting things. So when he touched on imposters syndrome in relation to all of this I felt like screaming "ME!" </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He also talked about stepping away from technology in order to be more hands on and uses technology for finishing work instead of doing it which is something I can definitely relate to. While writing essays at university I found it incredibily hard to sit at a computer and just churn it out. I didn't feel any connection to what I was writing and it usually turned into a bunch of waffle to make up the word count. Eventually I figured out the only way I could actually work on essays was if I split the work up so that most of time I was figuring out my layout, wording and references with paper and pen. Only when I had a better idea of what I was going to say could I step over to the computer and type it up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are tons more things I could talk about from the book but then I might be verging on bad theft. All in all I really liked the book. It practices what it preaches and is filled with great quotes from other creatives and has a ton of great diagrams and drawings. It was a breeze to read yet it has plenty of substance. My favourite kind of book. Highly recommend it!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-85899617546234331282017-05-17T12:51:00.000-07:002017-05-17T12:51:07.095-07:00The Murky Copyright Waters of Fan Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5D74reRSAPS6ZTM1bkobZ0NLMI9C7BRNiJHu_2uemOMFfOMloEkTHEyXppKV2n_JTgCLxsSr-1kmDB-iYaqaZmHP_Z_aFSDwwh7IVF0ENliSxx6V3ce0iqzlIOf7xXDf66k2uNvKXpQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1495049593744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5D74reRSAPS6ZTM1bkobZ0NLMI9C7BRNiJHu_2uemOMFfOMloEkTHEyXppKV2n_JTgCLxsSr-1kmDB-iYaqaZmHP_Z_aFSDwwh7IVF0ENliSxx6V3ce0iqzlIOf7xXDf66k2uNvKXpQ/s640/PhotoGrid_1495049593744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Since posting my <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/stealing-and-taking-credit-for-artwork.html" target="_blank">last blog</a> about my 13 Reasons Why fan art being used to sell phone cases without my knowledge I have had an interesting response - all of which I love to hear. There has been amusement, there has been anger but the response and discussion I'm most interested in is the matter of copyright and permission of use.<br />
<br />
Quite validly the point was brought up of whether I had seeked out permission of use of the original reference photo to which I replied that I had not, solely because I had never intended on selling the work since I knew the original ideas didn't originate from me and therefore could make me liable in a court of law if I made any profit. To this I was informed to my surprise that technically any "derivative work" is technically an infringement of copyright and so even if I didn't sell the work I was still breaking the law. Shock horror! I'm a criminal!<br />
<br />
I think part of me has always known this could be the case but chose to ignore it like so many others because I didn't see how I could be hurting anyone. For me I was just showing my love for something the best way I know how - Art. Never did I think I was claiming the right to ownership of ideas or stealing property. But it could be argued that I have.<br />
<br />
So after this discussion I decided to start doing some more research on this subject and came across this video in which Josh Wattles, an employee of Deviant Art and former lawyer, talks about the ins and outs of Copyright law and how it effects fan art. It's quite a long video but if you have made fan art or still do I highly recommend you watch this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xKBsTUjd910/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xKBsTUjd910?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the video he goes through Copyright law and breaks it down to simple bullet points showing exactly how fan art breaks the law but also how it can be argued under certain circumstances that it doesn't under fair use and even free speech. He talks about how it shouldn't be wrong to express love for something and how strange it is that you could be brought into a court of law because of that love. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While watching the video I found myself nodding along whole heartedly. I felt he understood where people like me were coming from. I think thr saving grace in all of this is that I have never sold any works that have derived from other people's work. In the past I had considered it after seeing that so many other people seemed to be making a living out of it without consequence but in the end it didn't sit right. My work always seemed too close to the primary source and hardly "transformative" as argument against copyright infringement might suggest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But even so there are fantastic pieces of work out there that otherwise wouldn't be there without fan artists. Fan art could be argued to be the best kind of free advertisement. I think that's where it can all get a bit blurry. Fan Artists create work that other fans want and the original creators are not filling that void. But at the same time fan artists are also building upon ideas that aren't their own. Youtuber, The Drizzly Druid, talks about this in her video "Selling Fan Art is Illegal" and explains it quite succinctly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kQlcMpSyisE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kQlcMpSyisE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going forward I think I will continue taking part in the fan art community but only for the sheer love of it and I definitely won't be seeking financial gain. However I think it is time for me to step up my game and stop being so reliant other people's ideas to spring board off of. It's time to get more creative and to start presenting my own ideas to the world. Time to get a little more brave and personal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-32545248440482132122017-05-16T09:18:00.001-07:002017-05-16T09:18:17.774-07:00Stealing and Taking Credit for Artwork<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPvCiTx1-q-s3V6KcdicxETW0KVkUvkgAOfLadGnvoBlFr9rwe4YRZcVfzdjPLT_NlrvIjPc8Kp246Ez2cXHF9RrGTSrF_vSvrdk2dQjt-r_DVBAnzYb71Z-Bo6mXGwWDgexTKciUcWA/s1600/phonecase.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPvCiTx1-q-s3V6KcdicxETW0KVkUvkgAOfLadGnvoBlFr9rwe4YRZcVfzdjPLT_NlrvIjPc8Kp246Ez2cXHF9RrGTSrF_vSvrdk2dQjt-r_DVBAnzYb71Z-Bo6mXGwWDgexTKciUcWA/s200/phonecase.png" width="113" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
While I was away on a trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, experiencing all the hygge it has to offer, I received a message on my Tumblr that my 13 Reasons Why watercolour piece was being used as a design on phone cases and sold across many sites. To my surprise my initial reaction was not of anger but more of amusement. But that might have been in part to do with the fact that I was on holiday and in a happy mood. I wasn't going to let anyone interrupt that.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To my knowledge this is the first time my artwork has been stolen and used elsewhere without credit being given to me, however I was aware that it was a possibility. My overall reach isn't the widest however my 13 Reasons Why painting is one that has gained a little more momentum on platforms like Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram. I completely understand why someone would think it was a good idea to put it on a phone case. I'm actually quite curious to know what it looks like on a phone but don't worry I don't intent on buying it. What I don't understand is why I wasn't contacted in any shape or form and that someone felt that they could just steal something that I put time and effort into and take all the credit for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2jnla2kLEDbkV5HqugtkX5j9_BjOHNz3CmTGln86FioBhaS-PmaQHAgdvuuUP9FWJpVzBfOMxhShpZGwJlkeuXNkPMT3-SJknSx1I18ZEToxszWgmXYYuc6r5tFQELupzQbWcvx3ir4/s1600/IMG_20170405_0001_NEW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2jnla2kLEDbkV5HqugtkX5j9_BjOHNz3CmTGln86FioBhaS-PmaQHAgdvuuUP9FWJpVzBfOMxhShpZGwJlkeuXNkPMT3-SJknSx1I18ZEToxszWgmXYYuc6r5tFQELupzQbWcvx3ir4/s320/IMG_20170405_0001_NEW2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original watercolour piece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I should feel more pissed about this than I do. I would have definitely been more pissed off if I had felt the piece had been 100% mine - more personal and an original idea. However since I feel like the idea for the painting doesn't fully belong to me - the painting is very similar to the original reference photograph with the only changes being made to the background - I don't feel completely robbed. I should probably adjust this way of thinking because the work is mine and is being used for profit that isn't going into my pocket. At the end of the day my permission to use the image should have been seeked out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since receiving the message about my artwork (which by the way was really nice of that person to let me know!) I feel like I have been following breadcrumbs to find the route of the problem. My first contact was with Woo Pop Culture who responded to me fairly quickly and told me to "be aware it [my artwork] is on Aliexpress and thousands of dropshippers will be using it!!" They said they would pull the design but as of the posting date of this blog the design is still up on Woo Pop Culture. Currently I am contacting the multiple sellers of the phone case on AliExpress and trying to get information as to who their suppliers are. So far the only response I have gotten is so sorry we didn't know it was stolen and that their supply is bought from a "China website" (I mean is it that hard to send me the link. It's like talking to a brick wall!).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I won't be wasting too much time hunting down the supplier though but part of me wants to find the route of this all. What this situation has done is got me thinking about artwork thievery and fakery online and why people do it. As an artist I make sure to always sign my work if I plan to upload it online just so that if it is stolen you can clearly see that it is mine. But this alone still doesn't deter people from taking your work. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Online and especially on Instagram there is a large art community but unfortunately within that community there is often fakery and thievery. Sadly I have heard of many instances where people have taken someone else's artwork and claim it as their own. Some even tamper with reference photos and claim that they drew the image when in fact they have only tweaked a couple of things on Photoshop. I could never understand wanting to take credit for something that isn't yours or lying about whether it was drawn. You might be surprised to know there are a few people on Instagram who have very large followings but yet are fakes. These people have taken peoples money for commissions and then don't deliver what they promise. It is really unfortunate that these people still get any sort of recognition when the real talented people seldom get any. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Going forward I'm not sure what actions I can take to prevent this from happening again. I really don't want to resort to having to put large ugly watermarks on my work. If anyone has any advice I would gladly hear it. At least this all gave me a good laugh but if there is a next time I doubt I'll be laughing as much.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hazel, xoxo </div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-48494958880672700552017-03-31T03:31:00.001-07:002017-03-31T03:31:33.941-07:00Riverdale Obsessions & Derwent Artists Pencil Impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAuRw3VbvilV53jvZl9n5MSkbaSE50GlqovInLaMGxS_lGV3Z0T1FwoO1uTbL6bxl661nbD10ves7jiR9cbZ5vx5IqzZWbMtRDzYFfR4NyrZlzz7KDzFUHQSooK1jq2WT7nxx1ADFGa0/s1600/veronica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY12jxQmNuvLe_n_v_NNW5Riq0xC-b-ZZof7A-AGlrnXCrpEz2xhi9c2IjpLPLtveN0mf5sYmFWPWGw13gM89kiE6PkzeYjAoYYEy_-sPVlkDGlx_F6Dzpjvn_U1LyQUQwB8bEYQf0xQ/s1600/betty+cooper+riverdale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY12jxQmNuvLe_n_v_NNW5Riq0xC-b-ZZof7A-AGlrnXCrpEz2xhi9c2IjpLPLtveN0mf5sYmFWPWGw13gM89kiE6PkzeYjAoYYEy_-sPVlkDGlx_F6Dzpjvn_U1LyQUQwB8bEYQf0xQ/s200/betty+cooper+riverdale.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILdzXPJl5VYh7fsPfs78Z5EooV2vG8g0rB44nwxz8ET7Qb7HeIVfcd-dG9BsJDplW4_Pcayg2lNjnFU6uvyLnJLyUa4q-nB1piLn74wfNlxWbicDuihTHVTtLAY7X3WCAWhKta0TMePs/s1600/archie+andrews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILdzXPJl5VYh7fsPfs78Z5EooV2vG8g0rB44nwxz8ET7Qb7HeIVfcd-dG9BsJDplW4_Pcayg2lNjnFU6uvyLnJLyUa4q-nB1piLn74wfNlxWbicDuihTHVTtLAY7X3WCAWhKta0TMePs/s320/archie+andrews.jpg" width="267" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAuRw3VbvilV53jvZl9n5MSkbaSE50GlqovInLaMGxS_lGV3Z0T1FwoO1uTbL6bxl661nbD10ves7jiR9cbZ5vx5IqzZWbMtRDzYFfR4NyrZlzz7KDzFUHQSooK1jq2WT7nxx1ADFGa0/s1600/veronica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAuRw3VbvilV53jvZl9n5MSkbaSE50GlqovInLaMGxS_lGV3Z0T1FwoO1uTbL6bxl661nbD10ves7jiR9cbZ5vx5IqzZWbMtRDzYFfR4NyrZlzz7KDzFUHQSooK1jq2WT7nxx1ADFGa0/s200/veronica.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've been following any of my social media feeds you may have noticed my recent obsession with the new CW show Riverdale. Logically it makes little sense as to why I like it so much. First off it is a teen drama and I have watched enough of those in my lifetime that I thought I was pretty much done with them, especially with (so bad it's good) Pretty Little Liars coming to an end later this year. But when I saw it pop up on my Netflix I couldn't resist the first episode. If it was rubbish I had only wasted 40 minutes of my life and I could move on to the next thing. But seven episodes and three drawings later here we are.<br />
<br />
Fun fact I had already drawn someone from <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cOdt20iVNxdh-KUueYwPl0EHNo5sUj0Tha9FNLJtPtO0WYQou3M4HayM-JQHZp0S8ym7aFXN1zRCmsgVtrp6cdUTPgBkBdl7ZiCLXquWl6_0sB6eCqaDcgHvEwB6ab37vLAns0LncNk/s1600/January%252B1st%252B-%252Bjosie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cOdt20iVNxdh-KUueYwPl0EHNo5sUj0Tha9FNLJtPtO0WYQou3M4HayM-JQHZp0S8ym7aFXN1zRCmsgVtrp6cdUTPgBkBdl7ZiCLXquWl6_0sB6eCqaDcgHvEwB6ab37vLAns0LncNk/s200/January%252B1st%252B-%252Bjosie.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
the Archie universe without even knowing it until I started watching the show. In fact she was the first sketch I did in my #sketchaday2016 - Josie from Josie and the Pussycats back when she was a Riverdale Redhead.<br />
<br />
But anyway back to this version of Riverdale. The best way I could describe Riverdale would be a mix of every teen drama you have ever watched, filled with cheesy but witty dialogue straight from the 90s, and then with the aesthetic of the 50s with a modern twist and film noir with murder mystery thrown in just for funzies. And not forgetting to mention at least one slow motion moment in each episode (not even a lie... watch each episode back) for dramatic effect. The show is an all round fun watch, plus it is just so pretty to look at across the board. TV shows that have a strong visual identity paired with fun drama always appeal to me - the other show that springs to mind which is the same in that regard is Pushing Daisies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7LWtgjEKU7ThV9jdIM50zf0cVxucHizMyvKKQsjFxFZ7qq9DZagqQ5sMbdpgDmnWiyzfFywvHPb-QtvNjJAIVnJbuhkl49qD5VZmxQaSjqA2kF1TLmdy-B4P-474CYEtRPHRxDxW2lk/s1600/465bd3ec-7687-4741-8b17-a424922ef3a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7LWtgjEKU7ThV9jdIM50zf0cVxucHizMyvKKQsjFxFZ7qq9DZagqQ5sMbdpgDmnWiyzfFywvHPb-QtvNjJAIVnJbuhkl49qD5VZmxQaSjqA2kF1TLmdy-B4P-474CYEtRPHRxDxW2lk/s320/465bd3ec-7687-4741-8b17-a424922ef3a3.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
After episode one I was hooked and started my usually obsessive research and not too far into my searching I came across the gorgeous character portraits and with my new Derwent Artist Pencils and grey toned paper in hand I began draw. I was hesitant to use my Artists pencils at first because as said in my <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/first-impressions-of-derwent-artists.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a> I hadn't really found them all that easy to use. But I will say they do fair quite well on toned paper and blend nicely too. I'd say if you have the skills you can make them work, you just need to spend some time with them and learn how to best use them. I will say though even though the colours are nice I still stand by the thought that the vibrancy of the colour just can't be achieved to it's full capacity with these pencils. In person the drawings look bright and strong but scanned in and compared to their reference you can see how muted the tones are!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hDvxm0kpFFGxowKPAx3-43MmQhb56ki36hiiY9VFd13di9x4ML50_NeEgFRwOcXj8rmmCbs-PBgxnAQqStTMdFodbdPqzCe6fX1OW2oAIWIGD11MF-t2NvlhfwwIPGhfD14PFR5sa9w/s1600/PhotoGrid_1487634169103.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hDvxm0kpFFGxowKPAx3-43MmQhb56ki36hiiY9VFd13di9x4ML50_NeEgFRwOcXj8rmmCbs-PBgxnAQqStTMdFodbdPqzCe6fX1OW2oAIWIGD11MF-t2NvlhfwwIPGhfD14PFR5sa9w/s320/PhotoGrid_1487634169103.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My intentions in the beginning where not to one by one draw the whole cast but it's slowly starting to look that way. The colours schemes of each portrait are so beautiful and I can't help but keep drawing them. I started with Betty Cooper because I loved the pink and purple tones but also at the time of drawing she was my favourite character. Episode three, Body Double, is probably my favourite episode so far and Betty's role in that episode is just like..... YAAASSSS QUEEN! From the three drawings I still like my Betty one the best.<br />
<br />
I then went onto draw Riverdale's favourite boy but every viewers least favourite eventually - Archie Andrews. All about the Boy is the alternative title me and my friend like to think Riverdale could have been called especially in those first couple of episodes. Every single character is in love with him. JUST look at those looks Jughead be throwing him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGoNcyfaqy7PK5KnycoQPz6uk027VL-E_HP7dw1lgj6_g8X0YQrm-1H7V5BSldHt1RisUzNlN-evDQZ7MuGjkvVDwV6kCSzKU3h3lprNE6JKI6Ut9WFBy4pgWfeUfNrPTw3rF96LRMJk/s1600/IMG_20170318_212352_110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGoNcyfaqy7PK5KnycoQPz6uk027VL-E_HP7dw1lgj6_g8X0YQrm-1H7V5BSldHt1RisUzNlN-evDQZ7MuGjkvVDwV6kCSzKU3h3lprNE6JKI6Ut9WFBy4pgWfeUfNrPTw3rF96LRMJk/s320/IMG_20170318_212352_110.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life before the hand!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And finally I recently finished Veronica Lodge. Her hand was the bane of my existence for those few days. It is combination of all of my weaknesses - out of focus subject, unidentifiable shadows (what are fingers cause I couldn't even see them at first) and hands in use. Thankfully it is now over and I don't need to think about it anymore. However her face was a joy to draw and I loved all the maroons and browns next to the blues and purples.<br />
<br />
At the moment I'm taking a break from drawing anymore but if I was to do anymore Jughead would definitely be next and maybe Cheryl. Part of me wishes I did them in my Faber-Castell Polychromos but it's too late to turn back now. But overall I'm very happy with how they are turning out especially since they are the first coloured pencil drawings I have done in a while without having used a base of Promarkers. It's nice to prove to myself I can go back to basics and still have the drawings turns out well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU39blyBqwq4jE4TpH01bFPRKkXNbrW588H_JLQZ4XV6ffU3GZVLhmmI8UqyQmrAGXn0wBziZBoQi6CSJyIdkqb7lE3bu6hURwPRGbOQ2wQEUB65sWzy8miM4TwJp4hmUGWcqlYmxIXSc/s1600/20170330_212437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU39blyBqwq4jE4TpH01bFPRKkXNbrW588H_JLQZ4XV6ffU3GZVLhmmI8UqyQmrAGXn0wBziZBoQi6CSJyIdkqb7lE3bu6hURwPRGbOQ2wQEUB65sWzy8miM4TwJp4hmUGWcqlYmxIXSc/s320/20170330_212437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway... now back to getting my Riverdale fix after that 3 week hiatus! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-53590521253099222712017-02-07T10:29:00.001-08:002017-02-17T06:56:54.485-08:00First Impressions of Derwent Artists Pencils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSNI-MT7vZWpFbPDri2yCBk2YfEVSnA_vJFjXhwBL9LuBwgz-EQLM12KTQRhGhV4vXzLPClFe1B4fDdw3CCpWsXuuCekauntAvzulES9HJ4k4Mhwo4G4x3_z1DSqByUtK_O281QWedgU/s1600/IMGP0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSNI-MT7vZWpFbPDri2yCBk2YfEVSnA_vJFjXhwBL9LuBwgz-EQLM12KTQRhGhV4vXzLPClFe1B4fDdw3CCpWsXuuCekauntAvzulES9HJ4k4Mhwo4G4x3_z1DSqByUtK_O281QWedgU/s640/IMGP0648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So let me set the scene. I'm in TK Maxx with a friend wandering around all the nik naks before we were about to leave. As I was having a casual browse through the clearance section I catch a glimpse of the Derwent logo underneath a couple of books. Hidden on the shelf was a tin of 72 Derwent Artist pencils for... wait for it... £25. Quickly I whip out my phone to price compare incase I was getting excited about nothing. The cheapest price I could find online for these pencils, which originally retail for £115, is £75. And so before I know it I'm clutching at this large tin with a death grip as if I think someones going to fight me for them. I even caused a whole bunch of glassware shelves to the rattle in fear as I walk by with tin.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_dfEd7njWlvfwjDcv35Gou3O4pFmiiZrXTuBQp3jpuCBD7ilkRW6afxKEKW5tMelpxXFVgXUWHCsIq8kuWorPtNid2xRaKdhyphenhyphenj2hmhpTuKQVZozCCfG3_8Xzr76WChsoEFKycbZS90U/s1600/IMGP0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_dfEd7njWlvfwjDcv35Gou3O4pFmiiZrXTuBQp3jpuCBD7ilkRW6afxKEKW5tMelpxXFVgXUWHCsIq8kuWorPtNid2xRaKdhyphenhyphenj2hmhpTuKQVZozCCfG3_8Xzr76WChsoEFKycbZS90U/s1600/IMGP0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_dfEd7njWlvfwjDcv35Gou3O4pFmiiZrXTuBQp3jpuCBD7ilkRW6afxKEKW5tMelpxXFVgXUWHCsIq8kuWorPtNid2xRaKdhyphenhyphenj2hmhpTuKQVZozCCfG3_8Xzr76WChsoEFKycbZS90U/s320/IMGP0688.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_dfEd7njWlvfwjDcv35Gou3O4pFmiiZrXTuBQp3jpuCBD7ilkRW6afxKEKW5tMelpxXFVgXUWHCsIq8kuWorPtNid2xRaKdhyphenhyphenj2hmhpTuKQVZozCCfG3_8Xzr76WChsoEFKycbZS90U/s1600/IMGP0688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've read any of my blog posts before you might be aware that last year I spent a good amount of time searching for my ideal coloured pencil - click here for blogs on <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/shopping-about-for-coloured-pencils.html" target="_blank">derwent coloursoft</a> and <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/faber-castell-polychromo-pencils-my.html" target="_blank">faber-castell polychromos</a> - and in that search I briefly considered buying the derwent artists pencils but eventually settled on faber-castell polychromos which I absolutely love and highly recommend to anyone looking for a good quality coloured pencil that aren't so expensive you have to sell an organ. Even though I hadn't bought the derwent artists pencils back then I was always curious about them since I knew they where wax based (unlike the oil based polychromos) and are considered a harder leaded pencil meaning they are easier to sharpen to a point making detail work a charm.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that I have tried them out the first thing I will say is that I am so glad that I got </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
them at the price that I did because if I had invested full price for them I would be quite disappointed with their pigmentation quality. Not that they are bad pencils, they just don't have the colour pay off I would expect for the price you pay for them. Even though I knew they where hard, which is great for layering, the colours seem almost diluted and you have to work quite a bit harder to get anything nearer the vibrancy of what the colours on the end of the pencils claim to be.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MGnXPqugO-U0Az3hXpsOmX-Mn9-yTWba6gaLqB4O-oAb6Gq9l_o9udZ52HfCQ13Hx5U61j1gr4IJ2mXYJQ3dTDuKsH2bMHrYqUnhoRtmnTymF_X1W_Cf8ljOquA_MxuxznXKCE4Sh-Y/s1600/2017-02-07+18.06.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MGnXPqugO-U0Az3hXpsOmX-Mn9-yTWba6gaLqB4O-oAb6Gq9l_o9udZ52HfCQ13Hx5U61j1gr4IJ2mXYJQ3dTDuKsH2bMHrYqUnhoRtmnTymF_X1W_Cf8ljOquA_MxuxznXKCE4Sh-Y/s320/2017-02-07+18.06.42.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before I tried them out with an actual drawing I went through all the pencils and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sampled them to see if they where the same quality across the set. While doing this I found that a couple of colours where more colour true than others and even some felt like they had a slightly different texture. You'll notice a blue square that pops more than the others and when using that one the lead felt slightly softer which I prefered since I didn't have to lean as hard. Overall the darker colours where easier to use over the paler colours such as the yellows.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though I knew they where hard leaded pencils I still expected to be able to eventually build up the colour but before I even got to the colour I expected the wax starts to build up making it hard to add more layers leaving you with a slightly faded colour that can go no further- you'll be able to see this with my bug drawing. I will say though that I tested these pencils at first on paper with little to no tooth (the WHSMITH basic sketch pads) which could have some part to play with this issue. When I eventually tried the pencils on paper with more tooth the colours seemed to pop a little more and I noticed it was very important to keep the pencil sharp in order to layer the colours correctly. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJe40OQpktP_zixM31NeFZHS87J8ZDlQacVlWYNMRw4w_lD_K57dYHsourjXzqqVYbTjh-O0rQHHMt_A7TrHbQeDzBO4-3BYP_ClBAU-Zr4ZUAjqGQPZT_trt7MDDL3qKryzKB2mFkaU/s1600/2017-02-07+18.03.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJe40OQpktP_zixM31NeFZHS87J8ZDlQacVlWYNMRw4w_lD_K57dYHsourjXzqqVYbTjh-O0rQHHMt_A7TrHbQeDzBO4-3BYP_ClBAU-Zr4ZUAjqGQPZT_trt7MDDL3qKryzKB2mFkaU/s320/2017-02-07+18.03.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely you will see the pencil has taken on an unusually hairy sort of texture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will continue to use these pencils mainly because they are so easy to use for detailed, light work, but what I think people need to know about them is they have limitations to what they can do. If you're going for a subtle look they are ideal but if you want to pack a punch with colour you're going to spend a long time trying build up colours that might not get to where you want them in the end. Something to keep in mind. Also, as touched on before, they need to be kept sharp and used on paper with some texture in order to perform at their best. The more smooth the paper, the more likely the pencil will burnish quicker making it harder to build up layers a depth.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think if I can begin to use them alongside my polychromos I could get some good work but I've yet to try and see if the wax and oil will mix well. I get the feeling that I might be using them in the wrong way because some people seem to love them. If you have any tips I'm all ears! Show me your ways. If my opinion changes over time I will be sure to let you know. At least I can say I have tried them now and for the price that I got them for, who can say no. All I have left to try is prismacolour, derwent inktense and drawing pencils. Let's be real though, Caran D'Ache Luminance are the ultimate dream.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-32503907895321157492017-01-01T07:25:00.001-08:002017-01-01T07:25:12.199-08:00Sketch A Day 2016 - From Then To Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ_J4kb_3_0RNrlrxuq2JphScKpgXluTNei8MG1_7k-YcsJ-1-FNlTFO8xTdGrSKNx980NkpHGhQpvgbZxWJSsCBdsPfYowZsKED3oJYEOphP0gbPphRe7raDwW2KfmAIKVcSv9YxX2U/s1600/January+1st+-+josie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ_J4kb_3_0RNrlrxuq2JphScKpgXluTNei8MG1_7k-YcsJ-1-FNlTFO8xTdGrSKNx980NkpHGhQpvgbZxWJSsCBdsPfYowZsKED3oJYEOphP0gbPphRe7raDwW2KfmAIKVcSv9YxX2U/s200/January+1st+-+josie.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
<br />
This time last year I was thinking a lot about New Year's Resolutions. I've never been one to make them and if I did it would always be silly small ones like drink more water or vague goals like get out of your comfort zone more often. And every year I would never follow through with them. And to be honest the idea that resolutions are saved for once a year is ridiculous. Changes can and should be made at anytime but I do understand that the clean slate feeling that comes with the New Year helps push people to try and better themselves in whatever big or small way.<br />
<br />
So I was looking back at 2015 and thinking how little art I had been doing. And it suddenly occured to me how little I had done since 2010. Every now and again I would start something but it would usually sit on my easel unfinished taunting and shaming me. I would get sudden bursts of creativity out of nowhere but I wouldn't harness it in the moment and so when I got round to drawing the desire to do it would fade fast. I wanted to change this. I didn't want to feel like I couldn't do it anymore.<br />
<br />
So on the days leading up to New Year's I started to think about drawing and holding myself accountable to it in some way. I wanted to challenge myself to be better. In the years I hadn't been drawing as much I could have been improving and developing my style. To think of where I could have been by now annoyed me so much but instead of wallowing in what I hadn't done I decided to make a start on improving. The only way to do that was to start drawing again and Sketch A Day 2016 was born. There was no hesitation, just the decision on New Year's eve that it was going to be my resolution. I hadn't thought about the logistics of how I was going to do it but instead jumped right in. And I'm so glad I did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9U8d1DNhX0Z0kEQn_FOklZMIWR4ZHybd6ZIGN8JHNHrfQJftRb4R7IUa9IMXZdg40fc_1pzgsEAQj-iwYZh8LHn-qwwlrQiVs_kcKFwBN5jvmyVqxH-R2eM05PW5nD2utt_uhM4Ss7E/s1600/January+6th+-+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9U8d1DNhX0Z0kEQn_FOklZMIWR4ZHybd6ZIGN8JHNHrfQJftRb4R7IUa9IMXZdg40fc_1pzgsEAQj-iwYZh8LHn-qwwlrQiVs_kcKFwBN5jvmyVqxH-R2eM05PW5nD2utt_uhM4Ss7E/s200/January+6th+-+flower.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I considered January a warm up period where I would start to get to grips of how I would start to make it part of my routine. At first I thought of it as a wind down activity at night where I would spend 30 minutes to an hour sketching before bed and sometimes as a waking up activity. But eventually I began to move it around the day just so it didn't start to feel like work. The time I would spend on each piece would get longer because I began to enjoying it more but also because I started to grow self concious of uploading half finished pieces.<br />
<br />
Even though I knew it didn't matter what I drew and what the finished piece looked like, just as long as I did it, I still couldn't shake the feeling that I had lost some skill over the last couple of years. Most of my sketches where small to begin with and I spent a lot of time trying to think how I could make the sketches like a diary of my life and also like a time capsule of 2016. I also wanted to try and draw with different mediums every couple of days to mix things up for both me and whoever was following along.<br />
<br />
Thinking soon turned into over thinking and by the end of February/beginning of March I started to grow impatient with myself. I saw no improvement. My sketches didn't impress me for the most part. It was exhausting having to shush my self conscious mind just to make another small sketch. But in a way this type of thinking is what helped push me to make better things and it was a sign I was getting into the swing of drawing again. I knew I could do better and so I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyoJzWDzIYaXe5Ke70UINrvyoZbPMvj451Nttif2ujz1glNaydTX1EyQBX_fVnAbqScxRg7QDpjGk5Ka8AqPV97pO_vwhU_w_5NOAIG1AR4Gni1Q09ihdiOq6ITNEvQJrkE1hjup6QXs/s1600/April+19th+-+waterdrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyoJzWDzIYaXe5Ke70UINrvyoZbPMvj451Nttif2ujz1glNaydTX1EyQBX_fVnAbqScxRg7QDpjGk5Ka8AqPV97pO_vwhU_w_5NOAIG1AR4Gni1Q09ihdiOq6ITNEvQJrkE1hjup6QXs/s200/April+19th+-+waterdrop.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The make a splash watercolour challenge came at just the right time. I craved colour but didn't have the time for my acrylics. Watercolours where the perfect gateway. At first, as always, I was rusty but despite that I still liked the colours which meant I always appreciated the final piece. My watercolour period ran into my marker period which then led to me trying out different papers and soon people started to express interest and so I began to take commissions. Now there haven't been that many but the fact that have been paid to draw is a pretty big deal to me. And since I haven't been overwhelmed with them I still have to time to do what I want and I haven't grown to dislike them so I've got an okay balance going on.<br />
<br />
Let's not lie to ourselves here. I haven't held up my side of the bargain completely. There have been many missed days and dark periods of nothing. I even spread many sketches out over a period of a couple of days which cheated me out of a couple of sketches. So I don't have a total of 365 sketches to show you. But what I have done is kept my creative juices flowing everyday of the year whether that was drawing, painting, writing, making, reading and even singing if that counts. I'm living a far more creative life than before. I have dabbled with acrylics, watercolour, charcoal, graphite, oil pastels, soft pastels, all sorts of pens, markers and ink. I have used different types of brushes, canvases, paper, mdf and even done a little sewing with felt. I'm sure there is plenty I haven't done. Oil and gouache have still to be touched on but I can save that for next year. All in all despite not sketching every day I have done a lot! More than I have done in the last 5 years combined!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmck7F2ZJSZePmJf7USA-eIrG_CIfacNDNKrqnJal18i28QOIZoIFuH4lpp9fHl-BKwLkgWGbG5wUQkvbYiDPbWpfGjIoFbK087nsJWApur98msluMlY-Sz1B4EsJrAEBH_0dlkFDgmDU/s1600/August+16th+-+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmck7F2ZJSZePmJf7USA-eIrG_CIfacNDNKrqnJal18i28QOIZoIFuH4lpp9fHl-BKwLkgWGbG5wUQkvbYiDPbWpfGjIoFbK087nsJWApur98msluMlY-Sz1B4EsJrAEBH_0dlkFDgmDU/s200/August+16th+-+clouds.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<br />
Little did I know on January 1st 2016 that this #sketchaday2016 was about much more than simply drawing everyday. At risk of sounding cheesy it was about putting creativity at the heart of my life. I'm not saying I'm magically living my ideal life at this moment in time. There is still a ways to go but I've taken steps to change my life for the better. I feel like I'm working towards something and I wasn't before. Now I don't have a clear and succinct answer of what it is precisely. I just know that I need art in my life in some capacity. Without it I feel like I'm lying or being someone else.<br />
<br />
So where to go from here? As I've said before I will not be making #sketchaday2017 a thing. This time the challenge is to make but without the accountability of every day posting. I want to be able to draw without having to share it. And with that I want to start making more personal and original works. That being said I won't disappear off the face of the Internet. I will upload... just not as much. At the moment I don't know when my next blog post will be. We will all just need to wait and see. For now I just want to thank anyone who has liked, commented and followed me through this year. I really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to show support in any way, shape or form. And if you've made it to the end of this particular blog gold star for you! It's been a journey.<br />
<br />
All that's left to say is I hope you have a wonderful New Year and hopefully 2017 will finally be the year of drinking more water. See you in 2017!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/92vs4HcqKq4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/92vs4HcqKq4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-66317165941096919452017-01-01T03:56:00.004-08:002017-05-19T13:10:19.905-07:00Sketch A Day 2016 Favourites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHCMEMMbH5B3GhzBW5dA-H3X-dXUmGFGXGej2WcpUugZB22byZ2hpYFar6tJkx8ywpjxB8L6-Lxu3vFcNDZhi1soHZa_qfP3GImghrMMzNzFa_z3QINA03uPlYOINv9m0nI8wadtGlJ4/s1600/mental_health_self_portrait_by_hazelstewart-da7bqsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHCMEMMbH5B3GhzBW5dA-H3X-dXUmGFGXGej2WcpUugZB22byZ2hpYFar6tJkx8ywpjxB8L6-Lxu3vFcNDZhi1soHZa_qfP3GImghrMMzNzFa_z3QINA03uPlYOINv9m0nI8wadtGlJ4/s400/mental_health_self_portrait_by_hazelstewart-da7bqsy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew about half way through 2016 that eventually I was going to put together a favourites of the whole year. I could see my drawings start to bundle up in scraps of paper and sketch pads. And I can't believe it's already 2017 and it's time to pick out my favourites. So I sat looking over all the drawings and paintings which got me reminiscing of where I was and how I felt when I did them. I have finally managed to narrow it down to the 16 pieces that are within this blog post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Funnily enough these pieces where all done from May onwards. Not that I don't like the drawings I did from January to April - in fact there are a few pencil drawings I did of my family from old photographs that I really love for sentimental reasons but they didn't quite make the cut. With the ones I have chosen I feel like I stepped out of my comfort zone and showed improvement in technical skill as well as just loving how they turned out. And most of all I remember drawing and painting them and what I was feeling and thinking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are my #sketchaday2016 favourites!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitAg2hYZOuy7BHEcTjdUsvQ86kJ0MDdpShJ6iyUvNAriCD7cOn-k-QnOF_oJen-bo0JBGwO6mUSSEOyJrGvFjLnsUKKVaeRogRK2Es3nd3Ulwt-VtkbTJ5SimIb2hV1b3Q7C27QlDEbQ/s1600/this_is_what_dreams_are_made_of_by_hazelstewart-da7bua9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitAg2hYZOuy7BHEcTjdUsvQ86kJ0MDdpShJ6iyUvNAriCD7cOn-k-QnOF_oJen-bo0JBGwO6mUSSEOyJrGvFjLnsUKKVaeRogRK2Es3nd3Ulwt-VtkbTJ5SimIb2hV1b3Q7C27QlDEbQ/s320/this_is_what_dreams_are_made_of_by_hazelstewart-da7bua9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsPud4euLEKdPU3m2dKRk-Yr7I1WA75mh_aqZNEtAEEoxQb8ftljpf8KYrC5rAPsA2Xv-iNvkeyIPxOw8rAPfEOKK5VmRezyO9ejaKAq5vz0-D318oV6Cv9zXNCvoiSXuASwzxWP9kSo/s1600/redwood_tree_by_hazelstewart-da7bxqq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsPud4euLEKdPU3m2dKRk-Yr7I1WA75mh_aqZNEtAEEoxQb8ftljpf8KYrC5rAPsA2Xv-iNvkeyIPxOw8rAPfEOKK5VmRezyO9ejaKAq5vz0-D318oV6Cv9zXNCvoiSXuASwzxWP9kSo/s200/redwood_tree_by_hazelstewart-da7bxqq.jpg" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2fwuHB6AXXCaT6El7YZQeBluRFYVdDaZ6nVuMcT4alEQKhUtOjEBJ5_a6HYE1Cay3A6OjoTf17pMQUGUi29v-iSjJ2oKu5JVQfv40quWpRz7aFo6x6d7z041JvS6aZRfeROnJwt96M0/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145735766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2fwuHB6AXXCaT6El7YZQeBluRFYVdDaZ6nVuMcT4alEQKhUtOjEBJ5_a6HYE1Cay3A6OjoTf17pMQUGUi29v-iSjJ2oKu5JVQfv40quWpRz7aFo6x6d7z041JvS6aZRfeROnJwt96M0/s200/FB_IMG_1467145735766.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvoCyeWCGAiw4qE0XOwkzglImgxqALO8fLeRhYIrFqMwI6R8EODheMLqEEpFpEsrmRhhPtJVYLseZabv8LTXROO6EgMCggkg4Od8UiKkpWf-OmoasHEtR3gFXYPYF6BTewfvzJytEpqg/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145761711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvoCyeWCGAiw4qE0XOwkzglImgxqALO8fLeRhYIrFqMwI6R8EODheMLqEEpFpEsrmRhhPtJVYLseZabv8LTXROO6EgMCggkg4Od8UiKkpWf-OmoasHEtR3gFXYPYF6BTewfvzJytEpqg/s200/FB_IMG_1467145761711.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_lyb6bZQc546IXGVCnO1OSC91wxk26CWQcBhfj36w1K-x2w6XQ78sAVGO41-OoJt4pZq0iaOl24KSJuPxBXcvXkLfccl2JFd7en25L4HROeym6cjjIqfD7uXULg2feyYYIwpDJ3g6ZM/s1600/IMG_20160629_182606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_lyb6bZQc546IXGVCnO1OSC91wxk26CWQcBhfj36w1K-x2w6XQ78sAVGO41-OoJt4pZq0iaOl24KSJuPxBXcvXkLfccl2JFd7en25L4HROeym6cjjIqfD7uXULg2feyYYIwpDJ3g6ZM/s200/IMG_20160629_182606.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeetFRXG-WGdj0ilFkfbx0nxKt4YlStgucbI006WxszYR7z6LsMOF03PBva4tTcUePgvVIf24QtsE7fxM3lmjmgRJsyWqPjQ9jySYEIGhtJxuuF8sfD3JfAsy84GuC00v_Fz6yovD5C6w/s1600/FB_IMG_1468423698122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeetFRXG-WGdj0ilFkfbx0nxKt4YlStgucbI006WxszYR7z6LsMOF03PBva4tTcUePgvVIf24QtsE7fxM3lmjmgRJsyWqPjQ9jySYEIGhtJxuuF8sfD3JfAsy84GuC00v_Fz6yovD5C6w/s200/FB_IMG_1468423698122.jpg" width="188" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCobGSv4iveHQetTcoert8TtfDa2vVZZ973TyHEtwrQ1wql8jZwOC-71mmRk2OwjgEczWlGYBbUqkzQ1FYK4WovbmZwSp6hbgqVzifyQ_I2_3EObuucG5rikb5wgYY0ufQtQlE2BQNTs/s1600/IMG_20160714_230424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCobGSv4iveHQetTcoert8TtfDa2vVZZ973TyHEtwrQ1wql8jZwOC-71mmRk2OwjgEczWlGYBbUqkzQ1FYK4WovbmZwSp6hbgqVzifyQ_I2_3EObuucG5rikb5wgYY0ufQtQlE2BQNTs/s200/IMG_20160714_230424.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNPptKa0NZIM2sJRjeL_bfnOECEBk2VZg7EXN1i-RbUvUVVBiIycFWPwka7hX3Y4ZCsN6ki9btN6BnUTAZhO4W_-et-OuRJ-BOkMMPMvqcdPeyB6C5fb7a40edqquDbGKud1pYgEzuDg/s1600/IMG_20160718_212854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNPptKa0NZIM2sJRjeL_bfnOECEBk2VZg7EXN1i-RbUvUVVBiIycFWPwka7hX3Y4ZCsN6ki9btN6BnUTAZhO4W_-et-OuRJ-BOkMMPMvqcdPeyB6C5fb7a40edqquDbGKud1pYgEzuDg/s200/IMG_20160718_212854.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUAnDRoHEggAmwxTP3-Q2mekCdvFzbfQLCRIeBotElYNE6vRopn_H6OwJUHJlid0-kU6rwgQA3NU_SIMQW_Q3KqgWKVhY6PACRp_vE5qhhWOMj98IZznh5jR2q4ttwMQYRlALqAK_Rq4/s1600/FB_IMG_1469458240239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUAnDRoHEggAmwxTP3-Q2mekCdvFzbfQLCRIeBotElYNE6vRopn_H6OwJUHJlid0-kU6rwgQA3NU_SIMQW_Q3KqgWKVhY6PACRp_vE5qhhWOMj98IZznh5jR2q4ttwMQYRlALqAK_Rq4/s200/FB_IMG_1469458240239.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB9_TjQWdW_W0Q6ccPqlwp-om1IpzmeN2-UQ-_Tpx1axwQsH0QpXNdv1FJAvuZ1EjEzZJAv8SGuFR-7J8pzFhpxIbv8GBAcFjm5XbC1jXeHyavADw7p8mJDeMlqluk0Ceg4y5jWniucc/s1600/FB_IMG_1471280464358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB9_TjQWdW_W0Q6ccPqlwp-om1IpzmeN2-UQ-_Tpx1axwQsH0QpXNdv1FJAvuZ1EjEzZJAv8SGuFR-7J8pzFhpxIbv8GBAcFjm5XbC1jXeHyavADw7p8mJDeMlqluk0Ceg4y5jWniucc/s200/FB_IMG_1471280464358.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsJB1_ppXkcMcg1FKZkp4wE_aSJpz-MqBc6NI57AySU766P12T3CuzyF3_1vfWJqbG2myZjmJ2hXOKh6Dn4yOw86U6wv8Vflqs1Lqv0zifvA_mIQYeQRWJrYFkIcLcnJSYWPsAHe9-v4/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101910062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsJB1_ppXkcMcg1FKZkp4wE_aSJpz-MqBc6NI57AySU766P12T3CuzyF3_1vfWJqbG2myZjmJ2hXOKh6Dn4yOw86U6wv8Vflqs1Lqv0zifvA_mIQYeQRWJrYFkIcLcnJSYWPsAHe9-v4/s200/FB_IMG_1478101910062.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWXsuf5x1u8R8aJfBj6wWtE_TDZ3Ak907uhYa3C43m4_cxTEydhPe6ixYUEI2FQ8LOHyeZR1a1_BgiVp_97u2_1xUbxCnRLu05t6CeyQwj6i0xEoQib0VxZNLnpk3N0EgdVvn67P0ZdU/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101977901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWXsuf5x1u8R8aJfBj6wWtE_TDZ3Ak907uhYa3C43m4_cxTEydhPe6ixYUEI2FQ8LOHyeZR1a1_BgiVp_97u2_1xUbxCnRLu05t6CeyQwj6i0xEoQib0VxZNLnpk3N0EgdVvn67P0ZdU/s200/FB_IMG_1478101977901.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3zQEas3ptNt_2gkdE68Ry8xdYtAeTOIAK-lgRe6AcBu4Q8MTK6MSZoK2ofh07CyOy5PrXplXHytD90Hvi5HgT0uhMErctNYPx4k0ycKlQefIOPAlggOSiWtZkhhMeDlFwhFNwX18zSI/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342482901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3zQEas3ptNt_2gkdE68Ry8xdYtAeTOIAK-lgRe6AcBu4Q8MTK6MSZoK2ofh07CyOy5PrXplXHytD90Hvi5HgT0uhMErctNYPx4k0ycKlQefIOPAlggOSiWtZkhhMeDlFwhFNwX18zSI/s200/FB_IMG_1480342482901.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d-vn-37NvOVqo3hUtlXcDqXk-iOBoIs6HNVnS7Be5XvXceAklcwhl25XtZKs84UfXbSZnor2kHOPleZ9grQnHBPD-qNrKZyb4hG4lHydS4zqcWGn4Q_zaGuvrToSOcjlgWXKY4CA6ng/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342498297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d-vn-37NvOVqo3hUtlXcDqXk-iOBoIs6HNVnS7Be5XvXceAklcwhl25XtZKs84UfXbSZnor2kHOPleZ9grQnHBPD-qNrKZyb4hG4lHydS4zqcWGn4Q_zaGuvrToSOcjlgWXKY4CA6ng/s200/FB_IMG_1480342498297.jpg" width="186" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ7IJrLirbaHntEfDmti_xG51awdUwW-fBS5nVJgmEgSZv3sNdOoQI7yOOKzt440_wvIvCsQd5V3Je4RG7BkunfgRepPQIMJUsfGK21L_9WOy2W1XSXJCFmcmUGfnPxje6AQnS4pEPmY/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342513001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ7IJrLirbaHntEfDmti_xG51awdUwW-fBS5nVJgmEgSZv3sNdOoQI7yOOKzt440_wvIvCsQd5V3Je4RG7BkunfgRepPQIMJUsfGK21L_9WOy2W1XSXJCFmcmUGfnPxje6AQnS4pEPmY/s200/FB_IMG_1480342513001.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you can see a large bulk of these are portraiture which is to be expected since I always gravitate towards portraiture. But I've also grown to love landscapes, scenery and animal portraits this year too. I'm glad I managed to step away from portraiture enough to try some different subject matter to help improve my skills all round. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was also interested to see what other people's favourites where this year. According to Instagram these are my best nine posts from 2016. There's definite colour scheme going on here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO2NRpm9EV5hsZnAjmU1YdkYNmBIvmWe9HYcTHXnP9efuivwvaP34kzVYn_s5pK4QdGqXSvMdZemH4vKO5m6UiPbz2U11ghQEBt7QhcwkK38Ah1C0V9MuTpaIh2IDgWUujDoebIhkUEQ/s1600/hazelstewart93-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO2NRpm9EV5hsZnAjmU1YdkYNmBIvmWe9HYcTHXnP9efuivwvaP34kzVYn_s5pK4QdGqXSvMdZemH4vKO5m6UiPbz2U11ghQEBt7QhcwkK38Ah1C0V9MuTpaIh2IDgWUujDoebIhkUEQ/s320/hazelstewart93-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are the best nine from Facebook. Slightly different but also a few in common.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYLgMaqLYFO5AT75vqA2U0FH4OwSu5FBchLbF1cRk8tDzf7Z73vhzzWE7wZCJbVDnEAUyA-TwCEEwcj4M8yk_V2vaL5B_2WGry9Xk474wJIlGmA-Ck4dxjVuSzi318S8RIFOcodx8z9U/s1600/PhotoGrid_1483269274912.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYLgMaqLYFO5AT75vqA2U0FH4OwSu5FBchLbF1cRk8tDzf7Z73vhzzWE7wZCJbVDnEAUyA-TwCEEwcj4M8yk_V2vaL5B_2WGry9Xk474wJIlGmA-Ck4dxjVuSzi318S8RIFOcodx8z9U/s320/PhotoGrid_1483269274912.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally the Tumblr favourites which has been heavily affected by fandoms. The Always doe piece got 149 notes thanks to all those Harry Potter fans out there. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUipnncE60_bCYNp_0vneNfHXEWtJxQAk7zHOUXpOKrlFlCm-Zwg929qx6VxDEjxUT0hLZoppuIWm2hUEGP0FsD4F7URdNRzPJmWYUSLIOUD29y-M0jnHXsmtWEVUJJ04yxYO_lC2PEA/s1600/PhotoGrid_1481761276437.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUipnncE60_bCYNp_0vneNfHXEWtJxQAk7zHOUXpOKrlFlCm-Zwg929qx6VxDEjxUT0hLZoppuIWm2hUEGP0FsD4F7URdNRzPJmWYUSLIOUD29y-M0jnHXsmtWEVUJJ04yxYO_lC2PEA/s320/PhotoGrid_1481761276437.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Across all the social medias it's been a good year! Since I'm not continuing with the sketch a day this year there won't be a favourites like this anytime soon. But I will definitely keep posting when inspiration hits! My next post will be recapping on the year! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-80596216581506981002016-12-02T03:39:00.003-08:002016-12-02T03:39:53.532-08:00November Sketch A Day Faves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
December is here! I was going to to say I can't believe at first but to be honest I can. This year has felt like the fastest year yet even though some months felt like they where going in slow motion at times. November was a pretty good month for me. I haven't drawn this much since probably earlier in the year. I don't what came over me. Suddenly I just had a burst of energy and it became really easy. All things good things come to end though as Nelly Furtado would say and I have slowed down a bit. But enough about now and here are my favourites from November and it is the first time in a while where I had to narrow it down! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpITngfBemK7mxHpjdpoJssNUJ7U-cOPMS-eJnfkZyRhhcaIPPOXCG4E3Ea11OV8qp5RrSZhrm0shMVt_sftfSQt0q80WVP5JQ2ViDrDgBG7bRc8cgwsondg0tITMd4at5TmQPFuvDsU/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342477611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpITngfBemK7mxHpjdpoJssNUJ7U-cOPMS-eJnfkZyRhhcaIPPOXCG4E3Ea11OV8qp5RrSZhrm0shMVt_sftfSQt0q80WVP5JQ2ViDrDgBG7bRc8cgwsondg0tITMd4at5TmQPFuvDsU/s320/FB_IMG_1480342477611.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First up my squirrel pencil sketch! I originally intended for this drawing to be a quick, small sketch and even though it was small it definitely wasn't quick. Turns out drawing tree bark doesn't come as easily to me as facial features but I really like how it turned out. No better feeling than challenging yourself in whatever small way and it paying off. Plus it helps me work on my patience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HbLwSqhPQrsF1qsppYyOuTGnqovnUGPkdtosV12f6V0TEg8Z4_dD2lP8fSZzCXKvIwjwudyBGR0XPnb_UX7L8q0OcD6jDhclVFoFEuxpKxq6d4JTF_SZRgwSsxMziU27bmyij8ChPDs/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342482901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HbLwSqhPQrsF1qsppYyOuTGnqovnUGPkdtosV12f6V0TEg8Z4_dD2lP8fSZzCXKvIwjwudyBGR0XPnb_UX7L8q0OcD6jDhclVFoFEuxpKxq6d4JTF_SZRgwSsxMziU27bmyij8ChPDs/s320/FB_IMG_1480342482901.jpg" width="230" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrLyyNMqLInoYDZif1FolmaA6ZhXPEAvIriFWk-O77jwK9tKNk3Fbg2YvJc222B6T_SfifqRBMqLYT_A6c4WGgkYSU8KGhWz5wejI2A0mHpA0AsJ1cbXxaXHHFmLdBaLAIDhvBltwrxM/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342489723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrLyyNMqLInoYDZif1FolmaA6ZhXPEAvIriFWk-O77jwK9tKNk3Fbg2YvJc222B6T_SfifqRBMqLYT_A6c4WGgkYSU8KGhWz5wejI2A0mHpA0AsJ1cbXxaXHHFmLdBaLAIDhvBltwrxM/s320/FB_IMG_1480342489723.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favourite thing about using varying tones of paper is the challenge of figuring out how shade and light works. Even though I haven't mastered coloured pencil on black paper yet (still can't manage to get those colours to pop!), I love the colour palette of my sparkler drawing against the black background. Also I really love my grey paper too especially when I get to use my white charcoal and I got to use plenty of it for this Marlon Brandom portrait. Everything just comes to life when you add a highlight!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOackaLwmSzacXP9uwhvBgwQNQ_spiL9FLfIroBKYtYyowCpwu-1vNskI6EsSOMFIHFrqFGbJUH6aHU3Qm-kVMJZe4IF2COZCn9Ai1NhlLvYrvG-R9vCcOFTTVhyRhY6tYpPo301iiuE/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342494786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOackaLwmSzacXP9uwhvBgwQNQ_spiL9FLfIroBKYtYyowCpwu-1vNskI6EsSOMFIHFrqFGbJUH6aHU3Qm-kVMJZe4IF2COZCn9Ai1NhlLvYrvG-R9vCcOFTTVhyRhY6tYpPo301iiuE/s320/FB_IMG_1480342494786.jpg" width="255" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IbRrTaooco2Ev_F9uF48i2y_N0FmUXphAUo02vE-nVi8Xm_kKjJ8D_PqzYQ3rLN3iDFdhANoCcgAWF1PK_zcFs2ZMsJP_cmBJQ8dvB_IF2IrJrrt04A6SxlTtapk72wKyt8T-KM7lCI/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342498297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IbRrTaooco2Ev_F9uF48i2y_N0FmUXphAUo02vE-nVi8Xm_kKjJ8D_PqzYQ3rLN3iDFdhANoCcgAWF1PK_zcFs2ZMsJP_cmBJQ8dvB_IF2IrJrrt04A6SxlTtapk72wKyt8T-KM7lCI/s320/FB_IMG_1480342498297.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This month I also played with my soft and oil pastels some more. I have fullt come to terms that precision is not something I am going to achieve with the soft pastels but as I have mentioned before I really enjoy the difference in style and I'm beginning to appreciate the texture of the paper I get with soft pastels like in my Matilda drawing. Plus the green colours are just really pleasing to me. In regards to my oil pastel piece of Antelope Canyon I love the strong colours and the blend of oranges against the blues and purples. I'm still getting the hang of layering and how far I can layer but I've managed to incorporate quite a bit of colour in this one without creating too many layers. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A7e4uDr2OG4Q6iYFXT6HchK6Uc5HlOtmJg47_Cxu3IOXLi66bWCg9OYKNBJgRq878QPJhyyYlK5_QyV4USn7K3Wn2g0ZGI-UOehrns3PJ5WUuLaFbK4EUeswW92U2pKZ7co4MtarcH8/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342513001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6A7e4uDr2OG4Q6iYFXT6HchK6Uc5HlOtmJg47_Cxu3IOXLi66bWCg9OYKNBJgRq878QPJhyyYlK5_QyV4USn7K3Wn2g0ZGI-UOehrns3PJ5WUuLaFbK4EUeswW92U2pKZ7co4MtarcH8/s320/FB_IMG_1480342513001.jpg" width="235" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl2789pvxuBaodSvy7Tbtacjg9OvtFUqwkw3sCuVVK6tqwq2iRGO80hazM448r7o6o2qELArJXP-BvGNuTIkiX-wkUhFp9LSlcIggm8i9y2NAQ5X8f9qc8Fn2O-3wYpQbAnc8zX_ojrA/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342520014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl2789pvxuBaodSvy7Tbtacjg9OvtFUqwkw3sCuVVK6tqwq2iRGO80hazM448r7o6o2qELArJXP-BvGNuTIkiX-wkUhFp9LSlcIggm8i9y2NAQ5X8f9qc8Fn2O-3wYpQbAnc8zX_ojrA/s320/FB_IMG_1480342520014.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided I wanted to do more portraits but almost didn't do these because I had already drawn the Olsen twins earlier in the year. In the back of my mind I had pressured myself to not repeat ideas too much or at least too close together. But when I found these photographs in a style similar to the ones I had done before I couldn't say no. For some reason Ashley was harder to do than Mary-Kate. It took my three attempts of the outline to get it right. But thankfully I stuck with it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcatAvP0qgjXRveN9oLiV0vlsmHvA7XqQTwk2X7OAD7h26B2-GF6-BEflxH5ozCD_nWMMD0uXyIxS1Hz-NXLuhF9LcSZE2LxhWqBA8lf-Iv3LXDp6Plj8IEqR9fTHtIikjuIGRlFtPXE/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342505967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcatAvP0qgjXRveN9oLiV0vlsmHvA7XqQTwk2X7OAD7h26B2-GF6-BEflxH5ozCD_nWMMD0uXyIxS1Hz-NXLuhF9LcSZE2LxhWqBA8lf-Iv3LXDp6Plj8IEqR9fTHtIikjuIGRlFtPXE/s200/FB_IMG_1480342505967.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp_YpW5OiiBLFFWEHgtsQ_mdh0koaZVbotAo30l_MCYX7Bv5Oje_FCxs63s2MlB-6cnLh43tQtCVZgt5ypVrXX7Odz-lWVqPzTZHMu7nnYFQ0Wn2l71hE9NbW5-jdr-Tln7S_xSTmIZk/s1600/FB_IMG_1480342539864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSp_YpW5OiiBLFFWEHgtsQ_mdh0koaZVbotAo30l_MCYX7Bv5Oje_FCxs63s2MlB-6cnLh43tQtCVZgt5ypVrXX7Odz-lWVqPzTZHMu7nnYFQ0Wn2l71hE9NbW5-jdr-Tln7S_xSTmIZk/s200/FB_IMG_1480342539864.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And my final favourites are my christmas decorations. What I like about painting them is that I get to use my acrylics and since the mdf shapes are smaller than you average canvas, the paintings come together way faster, meaning I can do a lot more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So December is here. Currently I am working on a commission that cannot be shown in it's entirety until the very end of the year but when that's all finished up and I can start making more ornaments! Hopefully it will get me back in the Christmas sprirt. My problem is I get excited way too early and then run out by December. My aim for this month is to do at least the same amount or more drawings and paintings than November! The next time we will speak will probably be the last #sketchaday 2016 blog unless I do a December Faves and a full year Faves. Haven't decided yet. I guess you will have to wait and see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To the final stretch!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-2909777432002308322016-11-02T16:17:00.000-07:002016-11-03T05:03:50.892-07:00Toy Story Alien Costume and Make-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCK9HZ4yF-m9lRM2A6hrOUvy7YuUe9M0N0cuYJsXcekQlOL9_324HfalnEHOjedRN-aOdwU24-83vf_YYuIAbc-4FZ-W8umFmM6u4T8q5KTPdUlmE8zm_aLxt9wdpOdupDGdf2e-em6E/s1600/20161029_203456_zpscwx4jbkx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCK9HZ4yF-m9lRM2A6hrOUvy7YuUe9M0N0cuYJsXcekQlOL9_324HfalnEHOjedRN-aOdwU24-83vf_YYuIAbc-4FZ-W8umFmM6u4T8q5KTPdUlmE8zm_aLxt9wdpOdupDGdf2e-em6E/s400/20161029_203456_zpscwx4jbkx.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dcHLV_swS3J6OkaAcCB7AWPs8JxpWCYi9DfxZs7QK1n2afEjY34XdF716MQqW5RkwQbMQ2T_QPumnjSLakumVUYRlhAOdXUNrnLszbY3TlR_IebcIwUQwu0BebJnGtcD1qGPIbTwj5A/s1600/20161029_203415_zpsirvmyusx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dcHLV_swS3J6OkaAcCB7AWPs8JxpWCYi9DfxZs7QK1n2afEjY34XdF716MQqW5RkwQbMQ2T_QPumnjSLakumVUYRlhAOdXUNrnLszbY3TlR_IebcIwUQwu0BebJnGtcD1qGPIbTwj5A/s400/20161029_203415_zpsirvmyusx.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year for Halloween I went as an alien from Toy Story as part of a group costume. At first I wasn't going to do a post on how I made the costume since Halloween had already past but I decided that I may as well since one, people should do more costume parties outside of Halloween and two, I spent a solid hour painting my face, neck and arms green. The world should know! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I looked through pictures on the Internet for ideas on how to put the costume together - even made a <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/Hazelstewart93/halloween-inspo/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a>. What I eventually settled on was a handmade hairband, skater dress with a felt pizza planet logo and leggings. It was pretty simple to put together and only requires some patience in regards to sewing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRl7ljg1wvYfxa9O3UDKGcqigTMyJZE8DEYJPAI53qEmZ_OxhL-5SZoUr2M13scLeI-dgCkwJ2X_RNshh7nkQYIfIQCc2RmNhe5UUnPJnzay9UVD4Vfm7SkkrEIelj2MODxAlc_Z82M/s1600/2016-11-02+21.29.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRl7ljg1wvYfxa9O3UDKGcqigTMyJZE8DEYJPAI53qEmZ_OxhL-5SZoUr2M13scLeI-dgCkwJ2X_RNshh7nkQYIfIQCc2RmNhe5UUnPJnzay9UVD4Vfm7SkkrEIelj2MODxAlc_Z82M/s320/2016-11-02+21.29.19.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNHd_OtV0baaYdT37IyO80bufD1xR-6vSQbSxgfDLfLfQOP1WmbSpCWKQOnYqYSPHcTo_YouMjjQahecAj7P-jbuZ3CNrMCEfq4vMxWThA3D3OTV9wluHPzrW8UcYzJUH2VH5gJ6M3g4/s1600/20161022_193832_zpszinukjej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNHd_OtV0baaYdT37IyO80bufD1xR-6vSQbSxgfDLfLfQOP1WmbSpCWKQOnYqYSPHcTo_YouMjjQahecAj7P-jbuZ3CNrMCEfq4vMxWThA3D3OTV9wluHPzrW8UcYzJUH2VH5gJ6M3g4/s320/20161022_193832_zpszinukjej.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Materials used</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A4 Crafting foam - lime green and white</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Double sided sticky tape</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Needle and thread</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Felt sheets - blue, orange, yellow and red</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lime Green pipe cleaner</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marker pens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hairband</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lime Green face paint</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bright Eye Shadow Palette</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chunky Belt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lime Green Leggings</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue Long Sleeve Dress</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qipfoX7Gn0KkZsO802Rm-UY7UPPOWumTa_QhtXB1ApQ3nv6WDhBnB6ZZeSDKNIfHwX_F7kikqNrcxDHP7hRiMeBLJ7OxC3P-tThsVDo0Fd4ViV_TP-Pl_gunn86uAYoeojPlSkHM7sE/s1600/2016-11-02+21.26.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qipfoX7Gn0KkZsO802Rm-UY7UPPOWumTa_QhtXB1ApQ3nv6WDhBnB6ZZeSDKNIfHwX_F7kikqNrcxDHP7hRiMeBLJ7OxC3P-tThsVDo0Fd4ViV_TP-Pl_gunn86uAYoeojPlSkHM7sE/s200/2016-11-02+21.26.45.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz19G9cbTwq_sjpE6GYqrx7YHx8g5o7IlKFwBYKke7oEGZpPkNZHqUEKiEehywFsrvssb_OKzbZuDhKep-Z1mALfJwO1JTShxP23qVPlt4-hokr0LzjysZty15M_wl5W7UhL_hCzP6BQ/s1600/IMG_20161026_174504_zpsjyaijasx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWz19G9cbTwq_sjpE6GYqrx7YHx8g5o7IlKFwBYKke7oEGZpPkNZHqUEKiEehywFsrvssb_OKzbZuDhKep-Z1mALfJwO1JTShxP23qVPlt4-hokr0LzjysZty15M_wl5W7UhL_hCzP6BQ/s200/IMG_20161026_174504_zpsjyaijasx.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKOx9g7dOp-ZJ1iksssA1f0NWau3-LFakWtnEZCa5Fg6C1eoYBS2HPXIp57-lbhw4X5Wb7Ix0zG_1jW5XJQxdd65M8fl8PcQBbtPCA8jih5Z07GeXJPEZsm2_6PXUxBIbtilVyiMiZHs/s1600/20161026_174633_zpslhxgyoxn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKOx9g7dOp-ZJ1iksssA1f0NWau3-LFakWtnEZCa5Fg6C1eoYBS2HPXIp57-lbhw4X5Wb7Ix0zG_1jW5XJQxdd65M8fl8PcQBbtPCA8jih5Z07GeXJPEZsm2_6PXUxBIbtilVyiMiZHs/s320/20161026_174633_zpslhxgyoxn.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXOuphSrcPKhj7aQpQdLCxp_BOmRGI_c3r6iHHzemNQDPFEsePCy6fEhbOjw4gj3BJSy2SnsX_JruePV0O0SLAn6XBn0_BmN90y8Lo2DuBXYNCVLUPH5XnYVW1pZGT0cdFY0Ox8yWUrI/s1600/20161027_000210_zpsijpoidmm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXOuphSrcPKhj7aQpQdLCxp_BOmRGI_c3r6iHHzemNQDPFEsePCy6fEhbOjw4gj3BJSy2SnsX_JruePV0O0SLAn6XBn0_BmN90y8Lo2DuBXYNCVLUPH5XnYVW1pZGT0cdFY0Ox8yWUrI/s320/20161027_000210_zpsijpoidmm.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pizza Planet Logo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started by tracing out the orange circle and the yellow ring making sure to keep a bit of excess yellow felt on the ends of ring so I could tuck it in behind the orange felt. I then cut out the pepperoni and mushrooms out on the red felt sheet and used a blue marker to turn mushrooms to purple. Same with the green herb bits, I used the yellow felt and a green marker. Just saved me having to buy more colours of felt. From there I laid out where I wanted every piece to be and started to sew the orange and yellow pieces onto the blue felt. If you want you could probably just sew straight onto the dress and do without the blue felt but I wanted to be able to use the blue dress again without having to unpick everything. Once everything was on the blue felt I trimmed the excess felt away and sewed the logo onto the dress making sure to stretch the dress when sowing it on so when I put the dress on the badge it wouldn't be ruffled too much since I'd already accounted for movement.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alien Hairband</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Initially I planned on using felt for this too but I'm so glad I ended up getting the foam because it ended up being way sturdier. The first step is to fold a pipe cleaner in half over the centre of the head band and twist the pipe round each other so it creates a secure antenna. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPNK2GxZOTTDbX6IPiQLh8VIJbMFgTi99OMyPZjNakGB8Y_skSULMqqCOJFMS69_lGYabBNLFStgekyGJpsrUD7DoO8RRBQyYRI1tGA7J6x_hcjQ4NE93dDx2DIXO0XCWZKZ84FgH9P8/s1600/2016-11-02+22.21.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPNK2GxZOTTDbX6IPiQLh8VIJbMFgTi99OMyPZjNakGB8Y_skSULMqqCOJFMS69_lGYabBNLFStgekyGJpsrUD7DoO8RRBQyYRI1tGA7J6x_hcjQ4NE93dDx2DIXO0XCWZKZ84FgH9P8/s200/2016-11-02+22.21.46.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dodded line is where the foam folds under the hairband </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I then drew out a shape like the top half the drawing/rough template above and folded over the foam so when I cut around the shape I had drawn I would be left with a shape similar to above. I made sure that the middle tab would cover the bottom of the pipe cleaner on the headband but also wouldn't be top thick that it would stop the hairband from gripping to my hair all the way round. I stuck the three white foam oval eyes and eye lids on the outside with double sided sticky tape and the ear shapes on the inside. I used marker pens for some shading and the pupils and then sowed the top of each side to each other to secure it in place leaving room for the antenna. Originally I used double sided tape for this step too but it eventually busted open when left for a while. The foam is sturdy enough to withstand sewing just as long as you don't create to many holes (take extra care if you decide to use a sewing machine).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Make Up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thankfully I did a trial run and a patch test of the face paint otherwise it would have taken a lot longer on the night. The first time I looked slightly more like Disgust from Inside Out which is an alternative costume idea you could use. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrSKun-93CysTm2889yz-HRqJ9LXvgI9zWmJ7fNWRa3IgoL0fPsHaOES9NNMgL-ucXgFvAXQggU_3ONa0xo2qLJtj8J1q3kX2LNUZ7_lpkUY9tix44YzBTg4r3rmPPV5DOPkA6oKsdxk/s1600/PhotoGrid_1477395917548.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrSKun-93CysTm2889yz-HRqJ9LXvgI9zWmJ7fNWRa3IgoL0fPsHaOES9NNMgL-ucXgFvAXQggU_3ONa0xo2qLJtj8J1q3kX2LNUZ7_lpkUY9tix44YzBTg4r3rmPPV5DOPkA6oKsdxk/s320/PhotoGrid_1477395917548.png" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started with a clean, bare face and used a foundation brush to pack the paint on and later went in with a sponge while it was still wet. However don't use the sponge too much because you will end up taking the paint off your face more often than getting it on. Once I was happy with my paint layer I set it with a mix of green, blue, yellow and white eyeshadows using the darker colours to conture and create dimension. Originally I was going to wear a bun but eventually decided to keep my hair down so I didn't have to paint the back of my neck completely. I used a white eye pencil to make my eyes look a little bigger and mixture of blues and yellows on my eyelids. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAhiIVYHiEPczmD3XCTMssRSRS51O6gdyr-JSWIiYV4jR7I99uaEGPtMzPOus5qzTBTVlkHQ-V5TztizVAhlJnd7agzuesOw_CL9LnYvE7Cp3xzwdEwjpsLiwVqzlxLsd9msDwRgZdpg/s1600/2016-11-02+21.27.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAhiIVYHiEPczmD3XCTMssRSRS51O6gdyr-JSWIiYV4jR7I99uaEGPtMzPOus5qzTBTVlkHQ-V5TztizVAhlJnd7agzuesOw_CL9LnYvE7Cp3xzwdEwjpsLiwVqzlxLsd9msDwRgZdpg/s320/2016-11-02+21.27.51.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If I had more time I definitely would have painted more little aliens on my nails but I haven't quite mastered nail art yet so I'll have to leave it for another time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Et Voila!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So once the leggings are on and the hands are painted (if you can get gloves... it's a lot easier) that's the costume complete. If you have budget I would recommend attaching a purple roll neck if you want to be even more accurate. If your like my mum you'll be asking "What about padding? Won't you need padding to make you look round like the aliens?" You can probably skip that step unless your fully committed to the look. I also thought about attaching aliens to my belt and carrying around a claw but it just wasn't in budget. Ain't nobody got time/money for that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So that's it! Written out it seems like a bit of work but really it's pretty simple. A bit of cutting, sewing and taping really. Hope you like this post from me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxHoR8zWieXd5ksBIlKvXtqCPEQENPz0zLUBBuk6YqlVHpCMMw1V-bCOSbWMA-_NykNV3N8iFH580RRktNNN1q3pD7w7QXwXWSyRHVeb0A3R-CeD-I9ni95LDPDq_umSccpEP_rtSOfA/s1600/20161030_005510_zpsu2vk9sbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxHoR8zWieXd5ksBIlKvXtqCPEQENPz0zLUBBuk6YqlVHpCMMw1V-bCOSbWMA-_NykNV3N8iFH580RRktNNN1q3pD7w7QXwXWSyRHVeb0A3R-CeD-I9ni95LDPDq_umSccpEP_rtSOfA/s400/20161030_005510_zpsu2vk9sbf.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX4WGqbtzTolY-PmlWZACamuu4lpe1b7rfKhLWQwEG_vOebLxdkWXoKvuGSsYCHLDge_B46E9ZoUb9StOFENLLpr8mAXlURUduUWtbCVVfL2lySSuqrYj6c0N-SHUtW6JKk_xMn9XPN8/s1600/2016-11-02+21.27.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX4WGqbtzTolY-PmlWZACamuu4lpe1b7rfKhLWQwEG_vOebLxdkWXoKvuGSsYCHLDge_B46E9ZoUb9StOFENLLpr8mAXlURUduUWtbCVVfL2lySSuqrYj6c0N-SHUtW6JKk_xMn9XPN8/s400/2016-11-02+21.27.20.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until next time, peace out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-44776581796357376832016-11-02T11:38:00.001-07:002020-10-08T06:18:46.457-07:00September and October Sketch a Day Faves<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time to get all caught up with my sketch a day so I've decided to make a favourites post combining the last two months. Just didn't feel right to completely ignore those months and plus there are some pieces that I like from the small selection I did. If you would like to know why I haven't been drawing you can check out my <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/lets-get-honest-sketch-dayyeah-right.html" target="_blank">last blog post</a>. With that being said let's waste no more time and jump right in.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteCbjDafhEGa_ToScV5mgTMqCFdc63KEcnCTAyafly7d35l00Sf6LuZgmZJ7AmS6YdY31-XkOENvvRQlqlm-aJNncwW5bqMMDlBYkz0dlecSfiVw9fKYPuGfY5eei7UCVDIi7-Fvn5sY/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101910062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhteCbjDafhEGa_ToScV5mgTMqCFdc63KEcnCTAyafly7d35l00Sf6LuZgmZJ7AmS6YdY31-XkOENvvRQlqlm-aJNncwW5bqMMDlBYkz0dlecSfiVw9fKYPuGfY5eei7UCVDIi7-Fvn5sY/s320/FB_IMG_1478101910062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I probably don't need to explain why this is in my favourites. But what I will say is that I'm finally at the place where I don't just feel sadness looking at it. I think it could be one of my favourites of the year.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-GRUVa0N0Dv9MZ6nmiIWEVKxsWAxfSeW1QYgS2z0rE-9XUmw93r0lQrcGwy9nGa7kRQNdxgoCiOiO5JBso1kmieW9YOULBZvtDXp04xjO4KJq9EjxWp2KCi6wUq6yjzPfHob5EWZNZs/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101922574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-GRUVa0N0Dv9MZ6nmiIWEVKxsWAxfSeW1QYgS2z0rE-9XUmw93r0lQrcGwy9nGa7kRQNdxgoCiOiO5JBso1kmieW9YOULBZvtDXp04xjO4KJq9EjxWp2KCi6wUq6yjzPfHob5EWZNZs/s320/FB_IMG_1478101922574.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I conciously chose to draw this photograph because it felt like it was in line with the previous Aly and AJ portraits. Because of there composition and style they feel like a series to me. The reason I love drawing portraits is because as you are drawing them you get to see life come into them and even with the simplest expressions you can create underlying emotion. I wouldn't be as bold to say that I achieve this everytime but that's always the goal. Even though my style is in the realm of realistic I don't always see it as important to make the drawing identical to the reference but as long as I feel like I get the expression right I feel pleased with the work. And with this one I think I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjk7HAcNBqZhj4SJUYZljUYnus48rZfJsQbQzKTJ1UYrFdE3jJWGWww-7EwLOvqf7EQpVCbFyw8XGGCqOUnIHt9b4ahtqboUro2mR1s2HrphN3NxnY8_Ib8DGtk_CK7GY-tzpOiJwAWs/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101932617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjk7HAcNBqZhj4SJUYZljUYnus48rZfJsQbQzKTJ1UYrFdE3jJWGWww-7EwLOvqf7EQpVCbFyw8XGGCqOUnIHt9b4ahtqboUro2mR1s2HrphN3NxnY8_Ib8DGtk_CK7GY-tzpOiJwAWs/s320/FB_IMG_1478101932617.jpg" width="253" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaaVAy8A5iqDwrHJb313ZcrYCptf_6cWcyD-ikFNWhjmbiLZc06WBKNz-S696cKaNLpL3BmFzyz7szuuS1UwWQ87WkNhJYllN9X0yh0lYGp4WbIuPNDmX2WDewBp2JhWMNeppTETU5Ik/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101948767.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaaVAy8A5iqDwrHJb313ZcrYCptf_6cWcyD-ikFNWhjmbiLZc06WBKNz-S696cKaNLpL3BmFzyz7szuuS1UwWQ87WkNhJYllN9X0yh0lYGp4WbIuPNDmX2WDewBp2JhWMNeppTETU5Ik/s320/FB_IMG_1478101948767.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For some reason everytime I get my hands on pastels I draw scenery with a hint of creepiness to it. I don't mean to. It just happens. I like how loose they feel and most of all I like the colours. I've got much improvement to do with pastels but I like how I've begun. When drawing with pastels I get the same sort of feeling I got when painting as a child in playgroup. Instead of being focus on the finished piece, I'm more invested in the experience of using them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDpORwL6_t4tiQRtdLJBuxAp_jQl6iw-FJKytcDHfvxXKN8SrRyPpjjcvl2B9ofF_yRjEbfBen1fuRHBIQsmb2m0VS4nPRHpzV2ZRCubHfwQJYesEPPm5feCPTZpXMTb66oXP1-dwu3Q/s1600/FB_IMG_1478104665458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDpORwL6_t4tiQRtdLJBuxAp_jQl6iw-FJKytcDHfvxXKN8SrRyPpjjcvl2B9ofF_yRjEbfBen1fuRHBIQsmb2m0VS4nPRHpzV2ZRCubHfwQJYesEPPm5feCPTZpXMTb66oXP1-dwu3Q/s320/FB_IMG_1478104665458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This canvas commission came at an ideal time. I was getting lazy and since this idea was presented to me all I needed to do was paint it on the canvas. No challenges, just a pleasure to paint! If you're interested in a commission, information is up on both the <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/p/price-list.html" target="_blank">pricing list</a> and the <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/p/terms-and-conditions.html" target="_blank">terms and conditions</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuo5Q-iP9VPRx-f-1G3ospnCz-h9PrF89vIYxOHDNwyIYX-BOqcTMt7pWamAtx_MSY5AbBxAGxM1w48ZLS6rV8wPzEI963E-jB27DeeO3etD8rpUohpAsBrwbS7ObpeitPCEIhDu3EZo/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101965115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuo5Q-iP9VPRx-f-1G3ospnCz-h9PrF89vIYxOHDNwyIYX-BOqcTMt7pWamAtx_MSY5AbBxAGxM1w48ZLS6rV8wPzEI963E-jB27DeeO3etD8rpUohpAsBrwbS7ObpeitPCEIhDu3EZo/s320/FB_IMG_1478101965115.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you haven't listened to the Hamilton soundtrack, I advise you do!! A rap/rnb musical about the rise and fall of American president Alexander Hamilton doesn't exactly make much sense on paper but to listen to it is a different story. I had to draw the amazing Lin-Manuel Miranda behind the show. He such a talented and admirable person. I was inspired to draw him after of course listening to the musical but also watching <a href="https://m.youtube.com/bethberad" target="_blank">BethBeRad's</a> Rad Portraits youtube series where she draws people she admires in different mediums. I used dipping pens and ink for this one. I like the cross hatching effect with the ink since it reminds me of the kind of portraits you find on the dollar bill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlT-nxvnwtkh4GyC5N5pj_WkzdxyAFgITkk57EujlBf3GLPWWarhWVp_Ihjll6n_P-Wmhw74urDnNj4zqcGQz6qV4URDadeSOxrxfplABCyMR3cXZhQjxSCvoI9TEFAESk4YQNArie4E/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101970927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlT-nxvnwtkh4GyC5N5pj_WkzdxyAFgITkk57EujlBf3GLPWWarhWVp_Ihjll6n_P-Wmhw74urDnNj4zqcGQz6qV4URDadeSOxrxfplABCyMR3cXZhQjxSCvoI9TEFAESk4YQNArie4E/s320/FB_IMG_1478101970927.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_h5zMzBEQUoErwazdeJElR5uJy18gjEX69wfZA338etk_0z8u0Pn34BudffWs_A06d6nlqvGDSPBvk2fl7shQ1kjTYWCDWckYjCm0fpHLcVqXEejrMKtk3Kf2-NoB1Ae2_1pYyu0sCw/s1600/FB_IMG_1478101977901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_h5zMzBEQUoErwazdeJElR5uJy18gjEX69wfZA338etk_0z8u0Pn34BudffWs_A06d6nlqvGDSPBvk2fl7shQ1kjTYWCDWckYjCm0fpHLcVqXEejrMKtk3Kf2-NoB1Ae2_1pYyu0sCw/s320/FB_IMG_1478101977901.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These last two pieces where done with ink and waterbrush pens. Even though I used the wrong paper for both, the deer piece was a pleasant surprise since I had zero clues if it would turn into anything presentable but I really like the effect the brush strokes make. And the daschund piece just makes me smile. Such a happy looking dog it's hard not to. For about 20mins Steph and Dom from Googlebox followed me because of it. Such fleeting success. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the aim for the end of this month is to have a full selection of pieces to choose favourites from for the next favourites post. And as I said in my last post I'm going to get cracking on painting some Christmas decorations the minute bonfire night is out of the way! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The penultimate month has begun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-46351360490958616002016-11-02T08:28:00.001-07:002016-11-02T08:28:36.049-07:00Let's Get Honest - Sketch A Day....yeah right? It's been a while. I haven't posted a blog since the end of August and if you follow my #sketchaday2016 through any of my social media you will know that I have been slacking! I should probably change the hashtag to #sketchwhenibloodywellfeellikeit2016 because basically that's what it has become.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been in a rubbish mood/head space in regards to my drawing. By the end of September I went to put together a favourites and I felt like I had close to nothing. The feeling hasn't come from nowhere though. I made the conscious decision to take a break for a while at the beginning of September after a loss but when I started up again I struggled to draw anything and when I did most of the time I hated it and unfortunately that feeling of inadequacy hasn't shaken completely. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before September I drew things I wasn't 100% happy with but I managed to bounce back. But now even if I draw things I like I can't seem to carry to confidence through to the next piece and end up staring at a blank piece of paper. One of the main purposes of sketch a day was to raise my confidence with art and I felt like I was succeeding until September and now I'm starting to feel like I'm back at square one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think what annoyed me the most was when my nephew was born at the end of September I had planned to do sketch of him to mark the day. Sounds easy, right? What could possibly stand in my way. The ideas simple and formed and I've got the materials ready. Surprise, surprise... it didn't happen and so the alarm bells starring ringing. Not even inktober has got me out this over spilling September Slump like I hoped it would.<br />
<br />
I'm not stopping completely though. I'm determined to see this through. In the next two months I hope to get things started back up again. I'm ready to get my Christmas ON! I have a loose plan. This month I will be breaking out the pastels again and eventually will put together a blog post about my experience with them. I will also start painting my mdf christmas ornament shapes. Last year I did an Elf the movie one that I love so heres to many more. Maybe home alone... maybe miracle on 34th street, Jack Frost. I'm open to ideas. Knowing me though I will want to use the ink despite being resistant to it last month! And you know what I'm gonna let myself. I also have some square canvas and boards so if I can fit it in I'm gonna paint on one of them.<br />
<br />
I will go on the record and say there will be no #sketchaday2017. I will continue drawing and painting but I don't feel the need for the hashtag next year. Also I feel like I need the freedom to draw things and not always upload it. Plus everyday posts can get very annoying for everyone. <br />
<br />
With all that being said you will be hearing from me very soon. Definitely won't be leaving it this long next time!<br />
<br />
Hazel, xoxo<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-54968809839656329282016-09-01T06:31:00.000-07:002016-09-01T06:31:56.372-07:00August Sketch A Day Faves<div style="text-align: center;">
Off the bat I will say this month has dragged a little. Every other month this year I blinked and it was done whereas I've been convincing myself for half this month it was already September. It's not that I've been bored, I've spent most of month working and watching the Olympics (I've said it before and I'll say it again, Rhythmic gymnastics....WOW!), so it makes little sense as to why August has seemed to last so long. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've continued to pace out my work and have been enjoying it even though I have significantly less work to show for the month. And with that being said let's show and tell my collection of favourites.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20fat0e-EphrHsYnfJW7vmVoqgzAydIN0WwcJ6_OgfGOktD3t5b_kcBrADDlBq3DttJqVybj3xkQNsEK8NCOxOnMpanCEFcXADkhBBWnyke4Jr4LjniGiRXB8d1Q2dY9tLpSQih84Bmw/s1600/FB_IMG_1470229894842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20fat0e-EphrHsYnfJW7vmVoqgzAydIN0WwcJ6_OgfGOktD3t5b_kcBrADDlBq3DttJqVybj3xkQNsEK8NCOxOnMpanCEFcXADkhBBWnyke4Jr4LjniGiRXB8d1Q2dY9tLpSQih84Bmw/s320/FB_IMG_1470229894842.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
At the start of the month I finished my AJ Michalka portrait. It seemed only right to draw the AJ to my Aly from July. I used the promarker and pencil technique from before and really enjoy how it looks in the end, especially with a bold solid colour in the background. The challenge with this one was definitely the hands which when I look back are quite similar to the hands from the Emily Blunt Huntsman portrait I did a couple months ago. I must be drawn to that particular pose. AJ was kind enough to repost the piece to her Instagram page which is always a thrill.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlp0oPBYuljybfCtPfka5lD5vcQf8EEKkvQgYMNkG1vHxwcBZ6Jg3hGqUPOO15GPOn0ZjYHZbiD2NUZwP40dM-B_gU51I51D9HlzpAQbsmT2cCEp_U2cWbrIJhmATa2WoQTC_Ir2RgEk/s1600/FB_IMG_1470345497345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlp0oPBYuljybfCtPfka5lD5vcQf8EEKkvQgYMNkG1vHxwcBZ6Jg3hGqUPOO15GPOn0ZjYHZbiD2NUZwP40dM-B_gU51I51D9HlzpAQbsmT2cCEp_U2cWbrIJhmATa2WoQTC_Ir2RgEk/s320/FB_IMG_1470345497345.jpg" width="234" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoz4xDSiFT_-fu4klMI0EInjk6dneoxIDHjvZCAC835LEw_Iqn60p_C8YS1odB3hHcLBxPIxJnDxpbsQN2ErLZiyP7tkICfLcOilnZCZ3ai0pO1CyzbZodJSA_4yi1-l44STYc-2Dob8/s1600/FB_IMG_1470604029690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoz4xDSiFT_-fu4klMI0EInjk6dneoxIDHjvZCAC835LEw_Iqn60p_C8YS1odB3hHcLBxPIxJnDxpbsQN2ErLZiyP7tkICfLcOilnZCZ3ai0pO1CyzbZodJSA_4yi1-l44STYc-2Dob8/s320/FB_IMG_1470604029690.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I finally got some black Pitt pens to try and this was my first go using them. I think they have a lovely finish and I intend to continue using them possibly for illustration work. With the dancer piece I tried to create some movement and hopefully in time I'll get the hang of that. My style is quite tight but to create movement it needs to be more loose. Not my strong point but it's a goal. And I really love my owls little face!<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4ppR-r7ccOR4sqm7ulVI0019BVsCTAb_jYDnDpB8Nb6zyhlxKDbHZcdyrOWvhwULpodnGmdS_ALlKApxsxr9LrL767Ndro9mGtXZLWdg-wzQ-eRj4eGYOz-Yu2fJu8gei-f_CE-_vhA/s1600/FB_IMG_1471280464358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4ppR-r7ccOR4sqm7ulVI0019BVsCTAb_jYDnDpB8Nb6zyhlxKDbHZcdyrOWvhwULpodnGmdS_ALlKApxsxr9LrL767Ndro9mGtXZLWdg-wzQ-eRj4eGYOz-Yu2fJu8gei-f_CE-_vhA/s320/FB_IMG_1471280464358.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This acrylic painting was done specially for my Mum. She has been asking for a painting of mine and my siblings childhood teddy bears for quite a while and this was the month I finally granted her requested. Since my room is quite small it is hard to do acrylic pieces just because I don't have the best set up. Thanks to my brother I have a portable tabletop box easel which I can set up on the bed but if I'm painting for too long my back tends to hurt since I have no back support. Luckily this one didn't take up too much time and the teddies seemed to flow out of me (apart from that creepy teddy on the right). Painting this piece reminds me of just how much I love acrylics. Definitely need to think up more ideas for other canvases.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUzdpE2QGWA_jK3nyvB1ocWZ2c2PpEaywcX8UuK6H4VUnt5pyr2BGYJt1I_b6_HXW0xspD3KdqeyQB9osG_ZFRSKhNyb31BrPjRBk8tkPC1SLneRx_FHrGfHbuug5H7CpgKTGsHC4H6A/s1600/2016-08-16+16.20.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUzdpE2QGWA_jK3nyvB1ocWZ2c2PpEaywcX8UuK6H4VUnt5pyr2BGYJt1I_b6_HXW0xspD3KdqeyQB9osG_ZFRSKhNyb31BrPjRBk8tkPC1SLneRx_FHrGfHbuug5H7CpgKTGsHC4H6A/s320/2016-08-16+16.20.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been seeing a lot of awesome work done with pastels online recently so thought it was time to give them a go again. As I have probably said before I find pastels a little too messy for my liking so to try and combat that I bought both pastel sticks and pencils for more precise detail. The colours are so pretty and they blend lovely. Once I have used them more I hope to do a blog post about them and how I have gotten to grips with them - if I ever do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzyWCUvwSP0kMMbSOA4nVcPY8NlrLkBmbXj2vgVWLC8EnhzHHCYkLoEmuHlH6O6tafY1R7dvUd-NveZEF4g17htxROizxRpW6mO7zcGK5vTaShXfwvuDTFfdmEIp8v8QhgwyaIYm1zYw/s1600/IMG_20160822_150007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzyWCUvwSP0kMMbSOA4nVcPY8NlrLkBmbXj2vgVWLC8EnhzHHCYkLoEmuHlH6O6tafY1R7dvUd-NveZEF4g17htxROizxRpW6mO7zcGK5vTaShXfwvuDTFfdmEIp8v8QhgwyaIYm1zYw/s320/IMG_20160822_150007.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the month of Britney Spears' Glory. If you haven't listened to the album and you enjoy pop music I highly recommend you give it a whirl. It's basically a mix of elements from In the zone, Britney and a hint of Blackout. The day I listened to the album was the day I drew this. I just got my grey Strathmore sketch pad which is such a great size. I didn't expect it to be as big as it was. Plus I was finding it hard to find a pad of just grey paper here in the UK. This pad was an import from the US on Amazon. I can't wait to see how colour pencils will work on it. So many possibilities! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8He76FfmAZWzDahd3Dtf09xtXeSLxaSriv23bAidsT-4sRRRVkhS202-03BlTNCagkyQhJIQtPOkWudcGNza8TcTouoWTAa9RzXMOKnnaOyxIfqje9pq7rCNBqLHzBOI7RcO8vnWPym8/s1600/FB_IMG_1472502045921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8He76FfmAZWzDahd3Dtf09xtXeSLxaSriv23bAidsT-4sRRRVkhS202-03BlTNCagkyQhJIQtPOkWudcGNza8TcTouoWTAa9RzXMOKnnaOyxIfqje9pq7rCNBqLHzBOI7RcO8vnWPym8/s320/FB_IMG_1472502045921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have finally started using PayPal and taking commissions. It has been a some time coming. I had been thinking about it for a while but didn't quite know if there was a demand for it but when I did my Aly drawing last month and people seemed to be interested I thought it was time to get things rolling. This piece is for a former work colleague of mine and she has been great through the whole process. She has been like a cheerleader for me and I can't thank her enough! The next step will be to set up some sort of store, whether it be through Etsy or elsewhere, and sell prints and so on. But for now I'm just focused on the commissions and putting together a solid price list. This is another topic I wish to do a blog post on so stay tuned next month.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCNIuY8bANlaz2V_c5-kFSELWvHPanMQD6DoP_nKaw-yva6VvCYFv33Ch3NhZfYyIq71hbTZqQqH10aZGrDRruhXSwxSfq3kBZ6UveEKHZgtu5wzsgjboDaXhjMtod1n6PJC1KCkB5WQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1472587079341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCNIuY8bANlaz2V_c5-kFSELWvHPanMQD6DoP_nKaw-yva6VvCYFv33Ch3NhZfYyIq71hbTZqQqH10aZGrDRruhXSwxSfq3kBZ6UveEKHZgtu5wzsgjboDaXhjMtod1n6PJC1KCkB5WQ/s320/FB_IMG_1472587079341.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiWipctSrdRdqm9sfbIh3yMR2Rd0LRtvDOkpfSsk2xMcz0y-TRz8mT0vY_2wam34s2q0cJSOFAK0Pa0aOlv_z-owzxVGDoek0Y7c4DtqqPC83_kubMsJS5QSZh4QSO9A8yxYUGvC4-78/s1600/FB_IMG_1472662418932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiWipctSrdRdqm9sfbIh3yMR2Rd0LRtvDOkpfSsk2xMcz0y-TRz8mT0vY_2wam34s2q0cJSOFAK0Pa0aOlv_z-owzxVGDoek0Y7c4DtqqPC83_kubMsJS5QSZh4QSO9A8yxYUGvC4-78/s320/FB_IMG_1472662418932.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last two drawing of the month make my favourites purely because I think they show some improvement compared to some of my other work in pastels and charcoal. All I need now is a better fixative, other than hairspray, to hold them in place so I'm open to suggestions. Also I really like the expression on the portrait piece. I'm a sucker for emotive faces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My goals for next month are to do smaller pieces just so I can work on my speed. I can be quite slow sometimes. And other than that I just want to continue using pastels and other mediums to improve my skills. Drawing aside next month I will become an aunt for the second time so I'm quite excited for that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Roll on September!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-59404328301043699632016-07-31T14:57:00.002-07:002016-07-31T14:57:15.126-07:00July Sketch A Day FavesThis month I fully embraced spreading sketches out over a few days instead of pressuring myself to churn a new one out per day. In the months before I could feel stress building up over trying to produce a different sketch everyday and I think it was the main reason why I've increasingly been missing days.<br />
<br />
With that in mind there are less favourites this month but only because more time was put into them. The main materials I used in July were promarkers and graphite pencil with coloured pencil thrown in ocassionally. Here are the best from July!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeTFN5uk7-dLLeGUpCBvu3YwIBgPpFjeF4os0xlp3N4CKERkDCtWQ24LEz2xTFMdiA7A63gSnpjzRU977bPEYIaZyMbMDPuQwWfPywjVyywnS07lrWovOvyTEXiiEA_j1rYmsiXM6h8Y/s1600/FB_IMG_1467577385136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeTFN5uk7-dLLeGUpCBvu3YwIBgPpFjeF4os0xlp3N4CKERkDCtWQ24LEz2xTFMdiA7A63gSnpjzRU977bPEYIaZyMbMDPuQwWfPywjVyywnS07lrWovOvyTEXiiEA_j1rYmsiXM6h8Y/s320/FB_IMG_1467577385136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had avoided doing eye drawings partly because if I let myself I would do them all the time but mainly because Instagram is full of them and they have begun to feel slightly cliché (if that's the right word). But with Lindsay Lohan's birthday passing (an old fave) I couldn't risk drawing her beautiful eyes. I think it's the eyelashes and grey combination that I love.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuOEFRUwDzc59_6Oq1Sb5waO_LmPzWdmA_9YQeJ-mYrhF9jxZGSQOqYU4u6xLSSRIK6JV7_V5x_fAwfjLoEFjw2FYx7ddQutDr1nzzhhRvwSKps2CPPsabMbk1IhYiwNrNW8UUgvHBOA/s1600/FB_IMG_1467834864443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuOEFRUwDzc59_6Oq1Sb5waO_LmPzWdmA_9YQeJ-mYrhF9jxZGSQOqYU4u6xLSSRIK6JV7_V5x_fAwfjLoEFjw2FYx7ddQutDr1nzzhhRvwSKps2CPPsabMbk1IhYiwNrNW8UUgvHBOA/s320/FB_IMG_1467834864443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Done over the course of many days, this was the follow up piece to my diner marker drawing which I love mainly for the birdseye view. At the risk of sounding creepy I like the feeling of being a fly on the wall witnessing candid day to day moments and even though there are no faces you can get a feeling of mood from the setting and colours. The drawing feels comfortable and homey to me, probably because of the clutter and home baking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYEZzfxQb0-BLNOjDNwdB1hk9QT8zTKoNO_WNTGyXXSZapWWA0TqBmvv4CjKkw3udgzj5L02yhKGorUCArlX2McaMtRNLkTRWjy8_W6uKwoBuVIHoLPt_6_Fx_qFDctqCs-slm2S_UoY/s1600/FB_IMG_1468423698122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYEZzfxQb0-BLNOjDNwdB1hk9QT8zTKoNO_WNTGyXXSZapWWA0TqBmvv4CjKkw3udgzj5L02yhKGorUCArlX2McaMtRNLkTRWjy8_W6uKwoBuVIHoLPt_6_Fx_qFDctqCs-slm2S_UoY/s320/FB_IMG_1468423698122.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Legally Blonde turned 15 and I wanted to commemorate it by drawing from my favourite scene in the movie. The original plan was to do five expressions but in the end I just stuck with these three and really love the finished sketches! With each one I managed to a get a little quicker so who knows how fast I could have been by the fifth face. Another time maybe. This drawing led onto my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIGOIJwj5ZG/?taken-by=hazelstewart93" target="_blank">Princess Diaries drawing</a> later in the month. I definitely want to continue doing facial expression work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYMixpCCxxq14Vvb7KeeJ9wqMy1QnMrlXxl8xH0laSUu-DETZu3Yiqn1xLBAQ6S024AcIR9IfZbcZhyphenhyphenD-wnvQ1eEnMWZb93D4-r08l1qRcOklHHCQcyzpgexaYun7Qr5_r_yB7P1wIiI/s1600/IMG_20160714_230424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYMixpCCxxq14Vvb7KeeJ9wqMy1QnMrlXxl8xH0laSUu-DETZu3Yiqn1xLBAQ6S024AcIR9IfZbcZhyphenhyphenD-wnvQ1eEnMWZb93D4-r08l1qRcOklHHCQcyzpgexaYun7Qr5_r_yB7P1wIiI/s320/IMG_20160714_230424.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went on a spree of drawing colourful insects when I was stressed about producing larger scaled detailed work but these studies managed to calm me down with there simple shapes and fun use of colour. Plus I got to use my white gel pen for highlights which is one of favourite things to do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvgkuRpoXj6aBo_XRUMuBqo9iFKIQqHyLL7rQif_dV-N9u1llmnyLkQq4I8MrEKPY-FuaaKiOn2Qo28CQ-vDh7gnf7quNb-cbEpEyV1FeibuqSDMkSox52x7y4tkV4QAoL_a46D9oTnk/s1600/IMG_20160718_212854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvgkuRpoXj6aBo_XRUMuBqo9iFKIQqHyLL7rQif_dV-N9u1llmnyLkQq4I8MrEKPY-FuaaKiOn2Qo28CQ-vDh7gnf7quNb-cbEpEyV1FeibuqSDMkSox52x7y4tkV4QAoL_a46D9oTnk/s320/IMG_20160718_212854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun fact - I've never seen the entirety of the Wizard of Oz, only clips here and there, so there is really no good reason why this drawing came to be but I love it all the same. I was thinking about all the old Hollywood actresses I loved and drew in June and after watching a documentary run down of the best hollywood musicals it got me thinking about Judy Garland and how I knew of her but yet hadn't seen any of her work. I so I found an image of these ruby slippers and decided to draw them. I really like how the reflection on the floor turned out along with the green background. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8HYLj3991l0hxKmQWEpv2LmYTgH-s3uJYpsW1NKW5vLFETDLunnUJNBizpfT4y9T2BKDgV8ZNR4PdvySC_fgfnw5zqY7Oi47_31VH3e8i-eo_18Kx8yHA30wbdO9Jk6SeN-L3laUQUM/s1600/FB_IMG_1469458240239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8HYLj3991l0hxKmQWEpv2LmYTgH-s3uJYpsW1NKW5vLFETDLunnUJNBizpfT4y9T2BKDgV8ZNR4PdvySC_fgfnw5zqY7Oi47_31VH3e8i-eo_18Kx8yHA30wbdO9Jk6SeN-L3laUQUM/s320/FB_IMG_1469458240239.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went full out on this one! I saw that you could do a layering technique of promarkers then coloured pencils and wanted to try it out and so chose Aly Michalka as my subject. Since I was able to put down base colours with promarkers, almost like an underpainting, it allowed me to be quicker with the coloured pencils which I can find annoying if I spend too much time with them, especially on hair. Pretty sure it's the first full portrait I have finished this year and I'd say it is one of my best ones technically all year. Helps that Aly is stunning as well. I've managed to incorporate markers, pencils and facial expression all in the one. Proud of this one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS2Yv4g3tLRzXV2P8wGiSkXttcHbN-r7OKST1Pj0oSvqoqD9emZXDnWIHzyrHFPujyQfqcFov30Reh4yWk7_tcYvlQTjqvtoJtlcaI9xQF2w-gl_iOupvIywnFtQgnyH97Qma4aZKm_k/s1600/FB_IMG_1469913102647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS2Yv4g3tLRzXV2P8wGiSkXttcHbN-r7OKST1Pj0oSvqoqD9emZXDnWIHzyrHFPujyQfqcFov30Reh4yWk7_tcYvlQTjqvtoJtlcaI9xQF2w-gl_iOupvIywnFtQgnyH97Qma4aZKm_k/s320/FB_IMG_1469913102647.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally got to see Finding Dory and I loved it some much. So glad Pixar are back on top form again! Baby Dory is the cutest thing ever so I had to draw her! A fun promarker drawing, especially with blending all the blues.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGIPz3ffdKEmygrsk5FxpJ1qA0uGD4SErvMIeDXlNnMPEYlnl7XSym-7SCFTI5WUvJu1b28546fIZeyfe7nocouA9OFS0P00VVZg7E5vu2uIwlm2E4-1xpGVEME5CGXNWxRb4PyiAlhc/s1600/IMG_20160731_0001_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGIPz3ffdKEmygrsk5FxpJ1qA0uGD4SErvMIeDXlNnMPEYlnl7XSym-7SCFTI5WUvJu1b28546fIZeyfe7nocouA9OFS0P00VVZg7E5vu2uIwlm2E4-1xpGVEME5CGXNWxRb4PyiAlhc/s320/IMG_20160731_0001_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And my final favourite is a drawing of an old family photograph of me and my cousin that my dad had pestered me to do. I hadn't actually see the photograph before which is always nice. When I finally got round to drawing it I remembered how much I love drawing familiar faces. I might actually try and dig up more photographs and draw them. I'm bias but I think my childhood photos are the best. But doesn't everyone think that of there own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My goals for next month are to possibly start a series of illustrations for my nephew and his new brother that will be arriving in September, pretty close to his own birthday. But we shall see. On top of that I have been inching to decorate my room with a wall mural so I want to design something pretty, possibly floral. I also maybe wanted to try and get to grips with charcoal or pastel. That's a big maybe though. Not sure if a messy person and a messy medium should work together. I also keep forgetting that I have canvas boards to use so I need to start coming up with ideas. Notice how these posts are mostly reminders for myself. Anyway...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
August... here we go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-35101254635165071322016-07-27T15:18:00.000-07:002016-07-27T16:10:35.832-07:00Deviant Art Nostalgia and Online Art Communities<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC0D39EkBiopVJsb0UyoQwtSyjWNCiYog3pFJ8_wpRwCouwJlH0DpYmwFY73bnw0KH1sVZZIY2hDPL6xiqxMsgmjeMDQHFUzdHTBRoHrb2KSbix9P-NHni4Jj1xx3H6IU6zSAvSe0jWY/s1600/old_drawings_by_cuteasabutton_xo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC0D39EkBiopVJsb0UyoQwtSyjWNCiYog3pFJ8_wpRwCouwJlH0DpYmwFY73bnw0KH1sVZZIY2hDPL6xiqxMsgmjeMDQHFUzdHTBRoHrb2KSbix9P-NHni4Jj1xx3H6IU6zSAvSe0jWY/s320/old_drawings_by_cuteasabutton_xo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The caption on the picture reads "Here are some of ma old drawings from 2006. It amazes me how much I have improved." Oh Hazel... you're so modest! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who here remembers Deviant Art? I ask as if it is part of the past alongside sites like Bebo, Piczo and Freewebs but to my surprise the site is still up and running, with people still posting and taking part in the community. I only fully realised this recently when I decided to upload better quality images of some of my #sketchaday2016 to my abandoned Deviant Art page after figuring out how to work my scanner.</div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For those who don't know, Deviant Art is the original social networking site specifically for artists where people can post their work and update fellow artists with journals about exhibitions and so on. It was also where you can find inspiration and comment or critic other people's work. I always found it to be a friendly and positive environment, especially for those who where just in the beginning stages of learning what they could do (I make it sound like a place where youth learn of their magical powers... it's not unfortunately).</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Currently I have two profiles on Deviant Art. My recent one - <a href="http://www.hazelstewart.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">click here to view its wonders</a> - and my original account which I don't have the heart to delete because it reads like a time capsule - <a href="http://www.cuteasabutton-xo.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Cuteasabutton-xo</a>.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie06scjEqRb0gqyxg3OeI5R6_UAyEj-VManiQy9_N8olSSVXS0cg-uVTTSIiiCi3E-ckSkDTFfrowMHaffFs6NI0u-rblaiZJRV83apMSOIoOC5WUvvfx6WpKFe1sfVsY5MBMelsoDiFI/s1600/britney_spears_thinking_by_zindy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie06scjEqRb0gqyxg3OeI5R6_UAyEj-VManiQy9_N8olSSVXS0cg-uVTTSIiiCi3E-ckSkDTFfrowMHaffFs6NI0u-rblaiZJRV83apMSOIoOC5WUvvfx6WpKFe1sfVsY5MBMelsoDiFI/s320/britney_spears_thinking_by_zindy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
It was one of the first places where I uploaded my work online back in 2008 when I was fifteen. After my Bebo profile of course. I loved it! It was where I found artists to look up to. In some ways they where my teachers and taught me what was possible if I kept practicing. One of the first artists I followed was <a href="http://zindy.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Zindy Nielsen</a>. Most of her art consisted of fan art or portraits of random girls on clouds with butterfly wings. I was so impressed with her shading. She introduced me to the idea of blending and smudging. I tend not to do that anymore because personally I think it can often make things look too flat, especially since I wasn't great with varying my tones like Zindy was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deviant Art was also the place where I discovered the green eyed monster. I would see drawings people of a similar age to me had done and they would be so much better than me and I would simmer with jealousy. At least with older people they had years on me so logically I saw no reason to be jealous of them. But with my peers it was a different story. In my classes in school I had always been the best at art but online I wasn't. It was a harsh reality to face at first. My ego really took a bruising! My first journal entry makes me cringe so hard! Is English even my first language? I think this illustrates my point about jealousy quite well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOiWtr5X6jtnv7jq_3SX-6hZ-FG2HPneLmxcOOHuNyDlwOJxSp4YNAsyjnG8kVWcNljtzKTro6NYglMnctWtGHAR4tVIFcKAzHJrf4L4ZnnU1lykdImNrFyJQ0LuCUSTxoPqb4sk-5Js/s1600/2016-06-30+01.06.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOiWtr5X6jtnv7jq_3SX-6hZ-FG2HPneLmxcOOHuNyDlwOJxSp4YNAsyjnG8kVWcNljtzKTro6NYglMnctWtGHAR4tVIFcKAzHJrf4L4ZnnU1lykdImNrFyJQ0LuCUSTxoPqb4sk-5Js/s640/2016-06-30+01.06.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The journal entry after this one is me breathing a sigh of relief that I finally recieved comments and celebrating. Me... insecure? Never! Also it is important to note I am only listening to music while writing that journal entry and doing NOTHING else. However in a later journal entry I am eating smokey bacon crisps so it's all good!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite my jealousy of other artists skills, Deviant Art was always a positive environment. I never received any negative comments and since everyone on the site was an artist in some way we all understood each other and tried to build each other up. If a critique was to come your way it would be constructive unlike in popular social media. It felt like there was more of a relationship between you and your commenters. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bring this up because I have noticed quite a shift in the online art community. Even though people are still on Deviant Art the larger audience are on sites like Instagram and Tumblr where the conversation between the artist and followers seems to be a little stilted. Even though I still get nice comments they are less frequent, due to the love button, and less thoughtful.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The small community I do have on my social media are wonderful. They mainly consist of my family, friends and online friends I have got to know over the years (mostly through the Aly & AJ fandom - shoutout to violet buds!) There are a few new additions but it is very hard to expand your reach outside your own social circles. I'm not one to strategise and over advertise myself but I feel like that's what social media is now. Branding and marketing. I just can't shake the feeling it's not genuine. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The popular format doesn't accommodate conversation very well, at least in my opinion. Now its not that I need complimentary comments, even though it feels good to get them. It's more that previously I felt like I was getting to know people on my social media before whereas now it's just a passing "nice" or "cool" and there is very little I can say back without sounding like a twat. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess it is just the world we live in now where social media has become more of a scrolling activity instead of something you engage with. I guess I just have to adjust my expectations and join the bandwagon but I will miss the hay day of Deviant Art where I felt like I belonged to a community instead of being one of a million. Who knows, eventually I might be able to foster a community but for now I'll keep shouting into the wind. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nostalgia rant over! :)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-21871345453816963802016-07-17T09:30:00.000-07:002016-07-17T09:34:43.185-07:00My Experience with Winsor and Newton Promarkers<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPatXCsB4sSNfQ9TlOXMQ2UyOSvYPsUWVj6q7QqzXn-9dXAh0nPGMzv5vC64RA7a-H-4J5DBBKmQtV850EZlMnpsN2MOzVqsaQYiLOaBNAQqEwwz5j1wwK0FocugFKDelDVeM_9hsKaU/s1600/IMGP0454+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPatXCsB4sSNfQ9TlOXMQ2UyOSvYPsUWVj6q7QqzXn-9dXAh0nPGMzv5vC64RA7a-H-4J5DBBKmQtV850EZlMnpsN2MOzVqsaQYiLOaBNAQqEwwz5j1wwK0FocugFKDelDVeM_9hsKaU/s640/IMGP0454+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have now fully embraced markers. They are so fun and easy to use plus I get the same vibrant colours without having to organise an elaborate set up like I would with paints. I really am quite lazy when I think about setting up supplies. I find it can discourage me from starting to draw or paint. So the simpler, the better. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first foray into Promarkers was back at the start of the year, with the Letraset brand - in fact I have a blog post about it <a href="http://hazelstewartart.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/promarkers-sketch-attempts.html" target="_blank">here</a> on this blog. Within the last month or so I have slowly been buying more to expand my colour choice. As I have continued to buy them though there seems to have been a change over with the Promarkers going from Letraset to Winsor and Newton. The colours are the same but I do feel like the Winsor and Newton ones are slightly better in regards to blending.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20bzaGysZDQaRky0kKb9Sb8_nRyPHvPb5F9nSTbiR6n-YB5fNpgjWUHdRQVFaghIjXWWhKgK2Jhz0Q2HdbuSH15BdyAOuynYtcuy93SHXpd0j4TpBCqFcfMR1JeznIPb1pf5gWtAf2D8/s1600/IMGP0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20bzaGysZDQaRky0kKb9Sb8_nRyPHvPb5F9nSTbiR6n-YB5fNpgjWUHdRQVFaghIjXWWhKgK2Jhz0Q2HdbuSH15BdyAOuynYtcuy93SHXpd0j4TpBCqFcfMR1JeznIPb1pf5gWtAf2D8/s320/IMGP0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The third row is Winsor and Newton Promarkers and the lines under the row are the Letraset Promarkers. As you can see the colours are pretty much the same (apart from the yellow but only because I tried to blend with it and it picked up the other colour). From this colour selection I've managed to make a variation of colours. My only annoyance is with the lack of variation in skintones but my using the browns and greys from the others sets I can just about manage a darker range of skintones. However it would have been a lot better if the skintones came in a pack of 12 to insure a better diversity of colour. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While shopping I also bought Marker paper which to my surprise is a lot thinner that I though it would be. When I ordered it on Cass Art I didn't look at the thickness of the paper assuming it would be quite sturdy since all the paper I had used with markers so far all had bleeding. So when I saw the paper was quite flimsy, resembling grease proof paper or tracing paper, I was taken aback (70gsm to be accurate). But there definitely isn't any bleed through which is amazing even though you can see the drawing on both sides of the paper. For now it is great for sketching however I think I might look for some alternatives for higher quality work just so it is easier to store without tearing or creasing. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuP2m6WzMzgMmKf1Ioq6XqLFC7ywSs1h5FerYVHdGYftN48AmHzaL7oPVTomJ3oKc9CR0eSoacOJJGRi4SALKjw4bGPkFFL7p4gXEQu35X2f1IFo4BCcx1QN5lWWu8ZJru3-2uEwRjpA/s1600/IMGP0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuP2m6WzMzgMmKf1Ioq6XqLFC7ywSs1h5FerYVHdGYftN48AmHzaL7oPVTomJ3oKc9CR0eSoacOJJGRi4SALKjw4bGPkFFL7p4gXEQu35X2f1IFo4BCcx1QN5lWWu8ZJru3-2uEwRjpA/s320/IMGP0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
How the drawings look from the back of the paper.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found this Baylee Jae video about the subject and thought it might be helpful to those looking for marker appropriate paper like me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_wy-A4ij06E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_wy-A4ij06E?feature=player_embedded" width="370"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have looked into other brands of markers, Copic and so on, but I find the Promarkers do the job just fine without putting a hole in my purse. I am curious to test them though just see what the hype is all about. Until I win the lottery though I think I'll live without having used them. Pigment Markers are another type I'm interested in due to how easy it looks to blend them, especially with the white pen. Far superior to the waste of time blender that comes with the larger packs of Promarkers. They look like a mixture of pen and paint.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see myself using markers for a while. The novelty hasn't wore off yet. The only thing that concerns me about them is how fast they might fade but until I see that for myself I'll continue using them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo </div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-65435267359837040612016-06-30T13:24:00.000-07:002016-06-30T13:24:08.077-07:00June Sketch a Day Faves <div style="text-align: center;">
It blows my mind how fast time goes. It feels like yesterday I set myself the #sketchaday2016 challenge and we are already half way through the year. Granted I haven't kept up my end of the new year's resolution fully but that's just a minor detail. I still hold myself to the challenge in spirit! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway... This month has been a month of canvas gifts, pencil sketches and promarker exploration! I've also been quite heavy in the portraits area and even though I want to broaden my subject matter, portraits will always be my favourite thing to do. I grudge having to stop myself from doing what comes naturally to me. Faces are just the best! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here are my favourites of June!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6Lwkvfa_OAsLe3mPJ-uUm_0ysC8crrWKV3TVNzYr1qzpG9miHxDGGElnk5oGBH028B6bfm3Qi2XpZ8K0MauGn6GL660i7YE7RGcuj_7VodP_As2d1gtIM0ss7GH3a_i1ldMtJ4UOB7c/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145704836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6Lwkvfa_OAsLe3mPJ-uUm_0ysC8crrWKV3TVNzYr1qzpG9miHxDGGElnk5oGBH028B6bfm3Qi2XpZ8K0MauGn6GL660i7YE7RGcuj_7VodP_As2d1gtIM0ss7GH3a_i1ldMtJ4UOB7c/s320/FB_IMG_1467145704836.jpg" width="218" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6b1zRlDAINz7Km77HyKxnLksnuCvy4KlP4xwA1bVuDIae6owrjOMBCAMnoLSgzd1bJKSRX2QMv0dfzsurCgyXMuSew1VBNokcgxOVKO44rdooFF2lIrm9c_ShhJTkQ9Pf3Vvs0QCRig/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145714030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6b1zRlDAINz7Km77HyKxnLksnuCvy4KlP4xwA1bVuDIae6owrjOMBCAMnoLSgzd1bJKSRX2QMv0dfzsurCgyXMuSew1VBNokcgxOVKO44rdooFF2lIrm9c_ShhJTkQ9Pf3Vvs0QCRig/s320/FB_IMG_1467145714030.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the start of this month I managed to hold myself to the goal of painting some canvases. Both of these canvas where painted as birthday gifts, tailored for each person's loves. The first being the Marvel universe's Christophers (minus Chris Pratt unfortunately) and the second being little Holly! Overall I was happy with how they turned out despite time constraints due to last minute planning. Definitely going to do more canvases soon! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvcAuoErMmgFbyXUNWgiOY3_fpXbMEVIsk23UEYTbKX481B9aGmUoESdCv3LID5gBIiScbrAM1SkT5j2ixdaGkiHwJBO1K1A4OCrrBoDmUSCVkKMKsFCh5bPOA6vzv0DFGtrRnkSNE40/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145724202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvcAuoErMmgFbyXUNWgiOY3_fpXbMEVIsk23UEYTbKX481B9aGmUoESdCv3LID5gBIiScbrAM1SkT5j2ixdaGkiHwJBO1K1A4OCrrBoDmUSCVkKMKsFCh5bPOA6vzv0DFGtrRnkSNE40/s320/FB_IMG_1467145724202.jpg" width="221" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq_YQxPWQRw-OOpl7wgx35RdDKzenMhQGE5Pt8eMwmahuBHXoZNXrbAwkWgQi6dWunlrUdBMUWPursDLCvHkXDAw_499Ek0OW5xh9K4WQUOaMKUy6352nT0twL_H7pg3yvxcK6ZhlBqY/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145735766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq_YQxPWQRw-OOpl7wgx35RdDKzenMhQGE5Pt8eMwmahuBHXoZNXrbAwkWgQi6dWunlrUdBMUWPursDLCvHkXDAw_499Ek0OW5xh9K4WQUOaMKUy6352nT0twL_H7pg3yvxcK6ZhlBqY/s320/FB_IMG_1467145735766.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQorXJk0nzYm3hr4LDRK7p1OJnG8v9tdmNqbPVYCxsLy9TEeak2SQiKDCLifZ_7zRzmO02GNVhgezaROad-mTxEGivTZEKhKJy6Z7H2yMDD12GdGkCTfkhtNT5pUPSOxuKJz3arBDIrQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145748008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQorXJk0nzYm3hr4LDRK7p1OJnG8v9tdmNqbPVYCxsLy9TEeak2SQiKDCLifZ_7zRzmO02GNVhgezaROad-mTxEGivTZEKhKJy6Z7H2yMDD12GdGkCTfkhtNT5pUPSOxuKJz3arBDIrQ/s320/FB_IMG_1467145748008.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After over a month of painting with watercolour I wanted to go back to some old standbys. Pencil drawings are the foundation of my skills so it is always a pleasure to go back to them. However recently I feel like the pencils just don't have the contrast in tones that I want to achieve so that is where charcoal comes in. I'm not great with charcoal, mainly because I feel like I have less control over details. But the contrast in tones is so much easier to achieve, especially with the toned paper and use of white charcoal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My intention was to stick with graphite and charcoal for most of the month but I craved colour after using the watercolours for so long so decided it was time to go back to markers. And so with that thought I ordered a bunch from Cass Art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWGPdYH-ZoGF6kthXgnJLUalbUJZ8MAh3z98BhThbg_KDuLyCvUrUslU2Mc2mF7Pwseab29-WrytCZtqzWgl9NxtXZ4gF3TA-vrp_WJJwSsdKNcjyAIEjT-zs_2w4KYwKKBeHsIsatJk/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145761711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWGPdYH-ZoGF6kthXgnJLUalbUJZ8MAh3z98BhThbg_KDuLyCvUrUslU2Mc2mF7Pwseab29-WrytCZtqzWgl9NxtXZ4gF3TA-vrp_WJJwSsdKNcjyAIEjT-zs_2w4KYwKKBeHsIsatJk/s320/FB_IMG_1467145761711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With my promarker phase came my craving to draw old Hollywood actresses. Even though I like my Liz Taylor and Sophia Loren ones, Vivien Leigh is definitely my favourite out of the three. I just love the colours and facial expression. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG0kAm9MG9w4dSSPrnX7B3OzX9IUZLdOoemnPuBGBcmn_fpp4eW1sWgBmsbGp1c57Zk6SYKWci6xEkQY8bEcjT8SfmsT86TmbhLqiBZxnUwwt8uocqvDHHbfO_PsK886NnDsc9417YFY/s1600/FB_IMG_1467145770719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG0kAm9MG9w4dSSPrnX7B3OzX9IUZLdOoemnPuBGBcmn_fpp4eW1sWgBmsbGp1c57Zk6SYKWci6xEkQY8bEcjT8SfmsT86TmbhLqiBZxnUwwt8uocqvDHHbfO_PsK886NnDsc9417YFY/s320/FB_IMG_1467145770719.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who knew that if you drew a hippy van that pro marjuana Instagram accounts would take notice. Good to know!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn-p0sNULKIgpP_9rTpbRXV17blrQEKflF2mtaEoNNuBDQwUHNM38ty3h_0prSHlBMqxerqEERbUKx0J5Rgbdwn3zupcuLF1oZ24VOCwAcCK8qgF4vS3nNnFStjo8rTSSm0Bp6OSf7oE/s1600/FB_IMG_1467063371409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn-p0sNULKIgpP_9rTpbRXV17blrQEKflF2mtaEoNNuBDQwUHNM38ty3h_0prSHlBMqxerqEERbUKx0J5Rgbdwn3zupcuLF1oZ24VOCwAcCK8qgF4vS3nNnFStjo8rTSSm0Bp6OSf7oE/s320/FB_IMG_1467063371409.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jXn0Q_evjY5CAnRFaFhlrYYhLyz7vIn4EmokdoNtTAdVGqV5LSMuDljDajDemW-b305pqdKoFAHzpC311V3hL41FniveC85oW5MjE9jw9W8GX8eGKoI0EsXMAOYyNIUNvwbEDTNe20I/s1600/IMG_20160629_182606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jXn0Q_evjY5CAnRFaFhlrYYhLyz7vIn4EmokdoNtTAdVGqV5LSMuDljDajDemW-b305pqdKoFAHzpC311V3hL41FniveC85oW5MjE9jw9W8GX8eGKoI0EsXMAOYyNIUNvwbEDTNe20I/s320/IMG_20160629_182606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These last two pieces are by far my favourites of the month. I didn't think I would be able to achieve any sort of style that resembled realism with markers but I've pleasantly surprised myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My next goals are to paint on some bigger canvases but also start to draw some original pieces and by that I mean using my own references instead of secondary ones. I also want to start drawing a wider variety of people instead of just the white female. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Side note - When I bought a pack of skintoned markers it only had tones to draw white skin which is completely ridiculous. Yes I could probably buy individual colours to widen the skin tone colours I have but you would have thought that they could have sold a bigger set to incorporate the mutiple skin tones there are instead of just ivory and pinks. Rant over!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On to July!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<br />
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-29979042141238780762016-06-21T08:31:00.003-07:002016-06-21T08:31:47.533-07:00"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bY4QWxejoiJiLAd9Umi1ajsCzsNxe8ZdD7KDo-FQ0qqSMSVk1v5hCpzutOplvZOKEKXRgzpaJDO653rqI3WDomBtggtQahl_8tyiTvxA-yObd-oZd9a_0U-zVpuqLgRjzyDbToExeJE/s1600/big+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bY4QWxejoiJiLAd9Umi1ajsCzsNxe8ZdD7KDo-FQ0qqSMSVk1v5hCpzutOplvZOKEKXRgzpaJDO653rqI3WDomBtggtQahl_8tyiTvxA-yObd-oZd9a_0U-zVpuqLgRjzyDbToExeJE/s320/big+magic.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
A while back I bought a book called "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'm usually not one for self help books but only because I never seem to connect with them. There intension is to help but I always leave confused with nothing I can actually apply to my life. For instance I always think about vague books like "The Secret" that are about the simple idea of putting good energy in the world and the universe giving it back - a sort of cause and effect deal. But when it tries to get deeper down into the subject it tends to waffle on and go round in circles.<br />
<br />
So when I saw "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" at the bookstore I was cautious. However the title called out to me. I've been grappling with how to lead a creative life and whether I should keep it a hobby or turn it into a career. But also I knew that my life unfortunately is overwhelmed with fear. If I had an "Inside Out" scenario going on in my head fear would definitely be the leader of the control room. And with that thought I bought it. <br />
<br />
It sat on my shelf for quite some time waiting to be read as I tried to get myself out of a reading funk. It was only a couple weeks ago on a sunny day while I was in the middle of the #makeasplash challenge I decided to start the book. That day I finished half of it in one foul swoop and rest of it on the sunny days after. It's been a while since I've read something that I felt so connected to. It doesn't feel like a self help book but instead more like a collection of stories from the author's life that have taught her lessons she wishes to pass on. <br />
<br />
What I liked about it the most surprisingly is that it is quite a spiritual book. Gilbert talks about inspiration as if it is a separate entity on the hunt for open people to bestow its ideas to. Reading Gilbert's ideas on inspiration and creativity reminded me of one of my favourite pieces of writing about what is known as the blessed unrest:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and <b>there is only one of you in all time</b>. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It is not your business to determine how good it is</b>, not how it compares with other expression. <b>It is your business </b>to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.</div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: center;">
No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. <b>There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest </b>that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others."</div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="author-label">-Martha Graham</span></div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="author-label"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="author-label">What draws me back to creative living again and again is the process of turning inspiration into pieces of art - the act of capturing "Big Magic". Gilbert talks about the importance of leading a creative life but not necessarily have it be a career. Just as long as creativity is incorporated in whatever way it can improve your quality of life profoundly. We should be free to make what we desire and not have to worry about the response and judgement that comes after we put it out into the world. It's act of making that is what we should be in it for, not the approval of others (no matter how nice it can feel). </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh7VoG4Ca8vhjoTOoNgkCb3OavXyFkSL6Smfg0zH7ghbxJsbbVTyK4QyNZuT75ce8-c5HK6fVWajVPTcf7mGyA0jELAa3hBTHNxBoBwM2YM9mAFwrIX2Un1ybCRgCqPeyja5RJ2qPFWo/s1600/makeasplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh7VoG4Ca8vhjoTOoNgkCb3OavXyFkSL6Smfg0zH7ghbxJsbbVTyK4QyNZuT75ce8-c5HK6fVWajVPTcf7mGyA0jELAa3hBTHNxBoBwM2YM9mAFwrIX2Un1ybCRgCqPeyja5RJ2qPFWo/s400/makeasplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="author-label">With this in mind Gilbert also talks about the pursuit of a creative career and the mindset needed in order to prepare yourself for the shit that comes along with the whole process (the shit sandwich as she calls it) and how she deals with it. Failure is part of the journey. In this part she</span><span class="author-label"> touches on the idea of the tortured artist and completely debunks the idea which makes me internally cheer.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: left;">
There's probably so much more I could say about the book but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you incase you do eventually decide to give it go. I've already passed mine onto a friend to read and once I get it back I'm definitely considering reading it again which is a rarity for me. I wouldn't say the book has changed my life but it has definitely opened my eyes. Whether my life changes is in my hands. </div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="quote-inner" style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<br />
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-77898011826206255962016-05-31T06:42:00.000-07:002016-05-31T06:42:22.206-07:00May Sketch A Day Faves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This month has been a continuation of the #makeasplash watercolour challenge and it has reminded me of how much I like working with the medium. It's just so easy to set up, especially with block palettes. And since I can be quite lazy in the preparation stages of painting it is so much more convenient than say acrylic. If I was to leave acrylic to dry on a palette it would be a nuisance to reuse which means having to measure precise amounts of paint in order not to waste too much. But with watercolour just add water and hey presto your good to go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unfortunately I have not as been as consistent as I would have liked and missed quite a few days this month. I'm looking on the bright side though because I'm just glad I haven't thrown in the towel all together. Since i've been using watercolour paint all month it's a much more colourful month to look back on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCibDcd55R2qEmWafDndpv-4fjPmcTzkJfIovC2dlwR4vLukvJK-UalfvVsg6XOuaINZyqzbwGGNeHHuZu-QJlegcRdPRbK8D5TGzVQShFhnAnQ8xYScDnSd6oo9O72OFObnxAseqbfc8/s1600/IMG_20160507_212829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCibDcd55R2qEmWafDndpv-4fjPmcTzkJfIovC2dlwR4vLukvJK-UalfvVsg6XOuaINZyqzbwGGNeHHuZu-QJlegcRdPRbK8D5TGzVQShFhnAnQ8xYScDnSd6oo9O72OFObnxAseqbfc8/s320/IMG_20160507_212829.jpg" width="301" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10WIyssoI9-qsBJ6RtPw8o2qV8BAe2rLnVF-UmcraqzxNFC3AO6UZT6U7i4SvOG_dIHA6yw1KrKU3ps2t3araGFx78CLcQWOjAAKnfg7nJCrvYEaSRGUQ10q2bLElDUBK74gZC95Wua4/s1600/IMG_20160508_231531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10WIyssoI9-qsBJ6RtPw8o2qV8BAe2rLnVF-UmcraqzxNFC3AO6UZT6U7i4SvOG_dIHA6yw1KrKU3ps2t3araGFx78CLcQWOjAAKnfg7nJCrvYEaSRGUQ10q2bLElDUBK74gZC95Wua4/s320/IMG_20160508_231531.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA-HORyeZZKfMDIDbG8Y6LsfOfHKX_CpPJkZ4Yl9bpLdTpNWwjKRaBCayxVy7ewMiE9VT_T9i5AIzZ2zns7VFlh8zLoowZN5JyMysH82lfowAnEYrbtqmIfnTgUiNAkZDYZlRZGVqPus/s1600/IMG_20160509_205654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQA-HORyeZZKfMDIDbG8Y6LsfOfHKX_CpPJkZ4Yl9bpLdTpNWwjKRaBCayxVy7ewMiE9VT_T9i5AIzZ2zns7VFlh8zLoowZN5JyMysH82lfowAnEYrbtqmIfnTgUiNAkZDYZlRZGVqPus/s320/IMG_20160509_205654.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8IevKeJCMkAJ6IqUzQRBI3q5qHxSK_ChRDCpW9oN_5rqcwhjFcUAm2NJ_lVkPInEuUKL2LpxArj1m47vRLUsOAxfcb7Lh7aCFaxbGYHwG3WByoL9YO2sbcKRob1IUDxMb7Jwr1BteFA/s1600/IMG_20160510_230053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8IevKeJCMkAJ6IqUzQRBI3q5qHxSK_ChRDCpW9oN_5rqcwhjFcUAm2NJ_lVkPInEuUKL2LpxArj1m47vRLUsOAxfcb7Lh7aCFaxbGYHwG3WByoL9YO2sbcKRob1IUDxMb7Jwr1BteFA/s320/IMG_20160510_230053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's funny to see at what points I enjoyed using particular colours. Even though I like trying out different colour schemes, I always seem to revert back to certain colours and combinations. For instance near the start of the month I favoured greens and reds but then started to use oranges and blues more as time went on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASO0yrFtdJpx45iTuFYRoZcDOI3m3ByCOYXdYaSLNBSsHDLTp4MkkTq6-_NVH7k56ZwWxCa8lzXD8Om4nKWB_BEFvQdUPl6-CAxQ6hSqlK-1UNm-h66pw-r2uQ-nmTAnwLLE8wfHZuno/s1600/IMG_20160515_221416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASO0yrFtdJpx45iTuFYRoZcDOI3m3ByCOYXdYaSLNBSsHDLTp4MkkTq6-_NVH7k56ZwWxCa8lzXD8Om4nKWB_BEFvQdUPl6-CAxQ6hSqlK-1UNm-h66pw-r2uQ-nmTAnwLLE8wfHZuno/s320/IMG_20160515_221416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was so please with how my Lizzie McGuire piece turned out. It's far from perfect but the way the light shines from the middle was almost exactly how I wanted it - without using too much white paint and letting the paper show through. Plus I'm from the Lizzie McGuire generation of Disney so this basically screams childhood to me. "Sing to me, Paolo" could be the sickest burn of all time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs1gd0hXauYufxPz4RscepWUKaOpf7DwMVoQEgv4QeWo6wBUAyaWH3yopb1Sb8wt9b2Fq84qGeFvcZ6aZYYvrQRZmCgFp-YhGui9HUZG19m6mQp9n8uRHbt89TDBF56ZLmrxOBH3ap1U/s1600/2016-05-16+20.25.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs1gd0hXauYufxPz4RscepWUKaOpf7DwMVoQEgv4QeWo6wBUAyaWH3yopb1Sb8wt9b2Fq84qGeFvcZ6aZYYvrQRZmCgFp-YhGui9HUZG19m6mQp9n8uRHbt89TDBF56ZLmrxOBH3ap1U/s320/2016-05-16+20.25.18.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPV4MyLaRrPsJnUa7_o-TaeAurW11dSG75zlaYbuOXQFaHc__eJ_FmCdbp-wspmq6NOQxijuLmsmGNpLOn94NTzX2ku3-878InbyeiHSlaJykJ4zrfNO1jJm2JsVfdCpxHbIHVYrQj-A/s1600/2016-05-19+22.58.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPV4MyLaRrPsJnUa7_o-TaeAurW11dSG75zlaYbuOXQFaHc__eJ_FmCdbp-wspmq6NOQxijuLmsmGNpLOn94NTzX2ku3-878InbyeiHSlaJykJ4zrfNO1jJm2JsVfdCpxHbIHVYrQj-A/s320/2016-05-19+22.58.28.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The heathers painting is in my favourites due to how tricky I found it to do but I'm happy with how it turned out. I managed to push through and find a way to paint it how I pictured. Whereas the tree painting just reminds me of a 70s travel ad because of the colour palette. Definitely want to revisit some 70s colour schemes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc7UOIATeS8QdPtoM6VpkpMh7762Dv9z73-PjTfFh2I4hlmVaLfTr5fjYXLAnKx-5puOjPURgvVGfKCvIndG8LBxaELsL9ceE74kttqpFq4TRSQg8icnHUihLcKElEdY69yKde4gBv7E/s1600/IMG_20160520_144813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYc7UOIATeS8QdPtoM6VpkpMh7762Dv9z73-PjTfFh2I4hlmVaLfTr5fjYXLAnKx-5puOjPURgvVGfKCvIndG8LBxaELsL9ceE74kttqpFq4TRSQg8icnHUihLcKElEdY69yKde4gBv7E/s320/IMG_20160520_144813.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I painted this one during Mental Awareness week and so wanted to create something that would illustrate how my head feels sometimes. These things can be hard to explain so painting is much easier. Plus I really enjoyed using the blues and reds minimally with the white showing through. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtCAuIXDWojtAsJ9Z_Ps3vICHrlG9CyIfkFAn8iMwe-eyfUL8wZBFXTN09bOpU17ErjWZrehLHxdIXbuuemOY4zGa57SL0cfMn9Fk9EMkYOaPlh_WEMz7-4reJ8cfRkJhF-DF5Px3yY/s1600/IMG_20160522_224843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtCAuIXDWojtAsJ9Z_Ps3vICHrlG9CyIfkFAn8iMwe-eyfUL8wZBFXTN09bOpU17ErjWZrehLHxdIXbuuemOY4zGa57SL0cfMn9Fk9EMkYOaPlh_WEMz7-4reJ8cfRkJhF-DF5Px3yY/s320/IMG_20160522_224843.jpg" width="256" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYSpKpljNmuurz0OriA7wmEOJaCPs5jwE24YLU6Yy73f8NcQ3HoO5fFPRkOC9XVf_Cz6fYGNCgz4X3pW58jMj0bJmMK0Hy5u4OrUez3dJHWdMenR4Xu8_Z6n-ybLAPlS4Ol5553xsIc4/s1600/2016-05-25+19.45.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYSpKpljNmuurz0OriA7wmEOJaCPs5jwE24YLU6Yy73f8NcQ3HoO5fFPRkOC9XVf_Cz6fYGNCgz4X3pW58jMj0bJmMK0Hy5u4OrUez3dJHWdMenR4Xu8_Z6n-ybLAPlS4Ol5553xsIc4/s320/2016-05-25+19.45.23.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL1tAGl1tcpf6adPiNEUtBPiFOWEPJIAf5234IlgLQzhBIXfR-UH-mjBkj0dy-B3Kkp2B_1UCSIn_4sufaYTYl-n8S_2NuuznhvOooSUtvCEAGGsIjsOvsmKS-MBYy8vgBr49LqZmn30/s1600/IMG_20160523_184715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL1tAGl1tcpf6adPiNEUtBPiFOWEPJIAf5234IlgLQzhBIXfR-UH-mjBkj0dy-B3Kkp2B_1UCSIn_4sufaYTYl-n8S_2NuuznhvOooSUtvCEAGGsIjsOvsmKS-MBYy8vgBr49LqZmn30/s320/IMG_20160523_184715.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJnqqpCaJScTUXr-M10nRogzXRGTonR5135DdgW91mBUwyEBLFJpP6Est6oAjSHEcYwGuVw_xkAZO0LZgDvfpETQQQnekiqhYMaoU-TnTif7NbCv5iG1n3eqBuLJKkaLXVTW82mxHMfU/s1600/2016-05-28+22.43.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJnqqpCaJScTUXr-M10nRogzXRGTonR5135DdgW91mBUwyEBLFJpP6Est6oAjSHEcYwGuVw_xkAZO0LZgDvfpETQQQnekiqhYMaoU-TnTif7NbCv5iG1n3eqBuLJKkaLXVTW82mxHMfU/s320/2016-05-28+22.43.56.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These last few where just fun from start to finish and I can only hope for this to continue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even though the #makeasplash watercolour challenge is complete I will definitely be using watercolour more. Maybe not straight away just so I can flex my other muscles but definitely soon. Next month I'm aiming to do some acrylic canvas work. Back in January I worked on some small canvases and there is something so gratifying about seeing a finished piece on canvas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also my goal for next month is for quality not quantity so that means I will be spreading workload out over days instead of small finished pieces each day. My black panther painting was done over two days and I was really pleased with how it turned out so I only hope that by lengthening the process I can I achieve better results. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
May has been a colourful one and may it continue! ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-50991445669803475812016-05-10T12:22:00.004-07:002016-07-17T16:54:49.489-07:00Watercolour Tips and Tricks - Video PlaylistSince starting the #makeasplash watercolour challenge last month I have slowly been getting used to watercolour paints and learning how to get the best out of them. Early on I realised how different they were to the acrylics I tend to use and so I had to adapt the way I painted.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I could tell you that I learned all of the tips and tricks all by myself but that wouldn't be entirely true. Of course I have picked up a few things on the way through trial and error but I also helped the process along by watching some tutorial videos. I thought instead of me waffling on about what I've learned in the past couple of weeks I would put together a playlist of some of the videos I found helpful. Visually seeing how watercolour paints apply, layer and dry has been very helpful for me. Plus sometimes you need to see it rather than read it.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These first two videos have some simple beginners tricks in the form of what not to do. Some may seem obvious but sometimes you've got to hear them in order to avoid simple mistakes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e8Q5wXtwzpE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e8Q5wXtwzpE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LIGOeWG_fSE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LIGOeWG_fSE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The next video contains the basic painting techniques you can use and experiment with in watercolour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K-KYHJriivw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-KYHJriivw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This video talks about your painting set up and tips to make painting easier specifically in regards to water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NJXy-s3HnH8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NJXy-s3HnH8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally a video from one of my fave art channels on youtube, MaryDoodles. In this video she goes over watercolour supplies and what you might need. However she does miss out watercolour pencils but apart from that she's pretty on point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W7qyEAdIMVQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W7qyEAdIMVQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hopefully this playlist is helpful to those starting out with watercolours. I found these videos to be be quite useful in getting me started. Remember cass art's #makeasplash challenge is running until the end of May so I hope to see more watercolour on my Instagram feed. If you want to see my progress just follow me on any of my social media links (links in the sidebar).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-84424043361356449842016-05-01T14:09:00.000-07:002016-05-01T14:09:01.442-07:00April Sketch A Day Faves<div style="text-align: center;">
April has been both good and bad regarding my sketch a day progress. Unfortunately I've missed quite a few days this month for various reasons. There have been a couple of days where I have taken a strong dislike to the idea of drawing. This feeling isn't new and usually stems from the feeling of being forced to do something. So I've realised on these days it's not a wise decision to force myself to draw something because usually the end result won't be anything worthy of uploading. Luckily this hasn't happened too many times and the rest of the days I haven't uploaded I physically couldn't because there weren't enough hours in the day. But most of the days I have uploaded I've felt pretty good about my progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started the month off with a colouring pencil binge thanks to my new faber-castell polychromos. It really can make a difference if your materials are good. Polychromos are just so easy to use. Here are a couple of my fave pencil drawings. I began to work on my ice queen over a couple of days and really want to go back to that schedule at some point just because I really like what I managed to do and by the end of the year I want to look back and see some bigger pieces. Spreading the work out over a couple of days allows me to do bigger work.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qc31Vn41Llh5KPOfQ6W9hYb3LDvgGFXiykaQV5UIZ-t2Hl3nATtx4HaxY9qlwjxQdUdc5UYgC-hunw4pPGFqbNT_0OldbEZibwQqkNfqYoi3mX57-zu7H5Pa9LyDLrO8j3rX0z9aus8/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759033402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qc31Vn41Llh5KPOfQ6W9hYb3LDvgGFXiykaQV5UIZ-t2Hl3nATtx4HaxY9qlwjxQdUdc5UYgC-hunw4pPGFqbNT_0OldbEZibwQqkNfqYoi3mX57-zu7H5Pa9LyDLrO8j3rX0z9aus8/s320/FB_IMG_1461759033402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingtpU3P4jY16mRimdOBHGPItLEA5xNTSvIdJs0nBtCLYpJPucS4hlGp0fFakEbe9F8UJY9Lz57qsRIpXNlQwxOlrMcMJHU-zQ0MadxRNP9lWNMtrVM1GLJLel9PyTlJ8rKVohBLmeZE8/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759041100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingtpU3P4jY16mRimdOBHGPItLEA5xNTSvIdJs0nBtCLYpJPucS4hlGp0fFakEbe9F8UJY9Lz57qsRIpXNlQwxOlrMcMJHU-zQ0MadxRNP9lWNMtrVM1GLJLel9PyTlJ8rKVohBLmeZE8/s320/FB_IMG_1461759041100.jpg" width="212" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLbULDMcdTdqPUzn0_yutqZEcNLuDoTLZuvreo9TJkWxc8JEfariQmFMEBpGOAVuVzpCg03Ui7kZpqiJNu8RKqRpQnHnuD9AEMNVFHeOorCT7SrUoSpXs6iFN7cAvm7SBJnZXy7BAAQc/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759077814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLbULDMcdTdqPUzn0_yutqZEcNLuDoTLZuvreo9TJkWxc8JEfariQmFMEBpGOAVuVzpCg03Ui7kZpqiJNu8RKqRpQnHnuD9AEMNVFHeOorCT7SrUoSpXs6iFN7cAvm7SBJnZXy7BAAQc/s320/FB_IMG_1461759077814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPl2Bhct19DanE_hpdhQLT5gOHEHFRdXHXBmIOV7H42ymjMQc7UTRDvFAj1wAgxQn_SmGQBhoP8h3B4aiQ8L3WcfOSGQWoiAfFyhyKmiWHOq1Zg9sDDuIvEKgyrD6IFYmUZMnDz9Up70/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759052524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPl2Bhct19DanE_hpdhQLT5gOHEHFRdXHXBmIOV7H42ymjMQc7UTRDvFAj1wAgxQn_SmGQBhoP8h3B4aiQ8L3WcfOSGQWoiAfFyhyKmiWHOq1Zg9sDDuIvEKgyrD6IFYmUZMnDz9Up70/s320/FB_IMG_1461759052524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the middle of the month I went back to my first love, graphite pencils but also experimented with my promarkers. My addiction to dance moms has continued and expanding to me watching Sia's music video Big Girls Cry featuring Maddie Ziegler and instantly loved it. Also Kimmy Schmidt came back on netflix so I had to commemorate it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTIQMe3Neg7myDjy-zK3fpUycdmMtA8fuF4e70MagAkNt9KVFO5zhausf1iovyFFyk6sOojoWrNpjOFndjZC0-10xPVSM1febQPcK23N1-8IHzEdQ5tcb9hpeZ8T03zX9IDKtvmCxNY/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759064040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTIQMe3Neg7myDjy-zK3fpUycdmMtA8fuF4e70MagAkNt9KVFO5zhausf1iovyFFyk6sOojoWrNpjOFndjZC0-10xPVSM1febQPcK23N1-8IHzEdQ5tcb9hpeZ8T03zX9IDKtvmCxNY/s320/FB_IMG_1461759064040.jpg" width="248" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfkImob-RY3MwSArcfysVIIeQ20YjTZcd2Dv5KZulklWv4uAMGySDndCNwJ0sN75EiT5oeW_SG7Okxaafl-NBCN7qmVtmv0hkGzxGybuhvCjmpNNLEryd2cGIAqZnkpWoyKvOwFJmy44/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759070630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfkImob-RY3MwSArcfysVIIeQ20YjTZcd2Dv5KZulklWv4uAMGySDndCNwJ0sN75EiT5oeW_SG7Okxaafl-NBCN7qmVtmv0hkGzxGybuhvCjmpNNLEryd2cGIAqZnkpWoyKvOwFJmy44/s320/FB_IMG_1461759070630.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSYNfog04F_ikppBC70sOxuq6aL6lM-jnxkNsN_LvM8keG8W8SZVUi4Cs8Pku9AI_PVzIt7g0LxDDveHHFIO3HfScegdod2vdOMtgFAhWjI4kXU4j6tugrKIg-z5D-s7TCezs_ew09ws/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759086949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSYNfog04F_ikppBC70sOxuq6aL6lM-jnxkNsN_LvM8keG8W8SZVUi4Cs8Pku9AI_PVzIt7g0LxDDveHHFIO3HfScegdod2vdOMtgFAhWjI4kXU4j6tugrKIg-z5D-s7TCezs_ew09ws/s320/FB_IMG_1461759086949.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last month I said I wanted to do more painting since I hadn't got round to it yet. So within the last week or so I have gotten my watercolour out. One of my favourite things about watercolour is the fact it is so convenient. Unlike acrylics where you can find yourself wasting paint, watercolours can't wasted because if they dry on the palette you can just add water and they can be used again. Here are my fave watercolours. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT0EAB_Mzv3e8JRAW8zptyc1YfO6ue6cttLXxCF7BDNdMSdgXa2ft2qF7JBwjc-SygNxO7_PCMemgOyW4wU4qOJWcz0dotoQ9n4HOMFHFThyphenhyphenl8Ge27kldO5wo6oCN2X4rti4aMa70S3A/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759103570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT0EAB_Mzv3e8JRAW8zptyc1YfO6ue6cttLXxCF7BDNdMSdgXa2ft2qF7JBwjc-SygNxO7_PCMemgOyW4wU4qOJWcz0dotoQ9n4HOMFHFThyphenhyphenl8Ge27kldO5wo6oCN2X4rti4aMa70S3A/s320/FB_IMG_1461759103570.jpg" width="214" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF8Tym9KoCNg0H4V4VgsJQqwwAwOPHEFqqMF_NzVjrIObrGD5ctoSVrnKeew-MWYiiLFAMV_RciC1QAlOTaFQQNLZVrp0M2f4sUTrp1dAafQ7WyoDOB3uU6APangomYs2bwe0K6CThtM/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759118766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF8Tym9KoCNg0H4V4VgsJQqwwAwOPHEFqqMF_NzVjrIObrGD5ctoSVrnKeew-MWYiiLFAMV_RciC1QAlOTaFQQNLZVrp0M2f4sUTrp1dAafQ7WyoDOB3uU6APangomYs2bwe0K6CThtM/s320/FB_IMG_1461759118766.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdMgVI00ImDCLuZkvnUw9x1-FJ0BpX_5Ac0qmGCZT3wUKG9OW2RimmbIm7RbDtjNaqnYYvoru7K-50-4E4wsGbHOJWcCLCv26Dld3YtU_Ghwr3HwnKGdpF_OV4lH0iubSMFPVdJyc9WQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759125849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdMgVI00ImDCLuZkvnUw9x1-FJ0BpX_5Ac0qmGCZT3wUKG9OW2RimmbIm7RbDtjNaqnYYvoru7K-50-4E4wsGbHOJWcCLCv26Dld3YtU_Ghwr3HwnKGdpF_OV4lH0iubSMFPVdJyc9WQ/s320/FB_IMG_1461759125849.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyonce's Lemonade is definitely a fave of the month. She is a true artist in my eyes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KnNzZX6AwJktx2p5c4Qkn_XHP9A9rGMmifNYQD4xr4hR-XLTuxokiI4H7KNx0LqYrYtahkeTFxIntrLwuDUFkogXWJqxRKDzeDCS5OM5tUNo0TnwNAkUGYa9xdHM5OEC58bt_xYd8nc/s1600/FB_IMG_1461759135162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KnNzZX6AwJktx2p5c4Qkn_XHP9A9rGMmifNYQD4xr4hR-XLTuxokiI4H7KNx0LqYrYtahkeTFxIntrLwuDUFkogXWJqxRKDzeDCS5OM5tUNo0TnwNAkUGYa9xdHM5OEC58bt_xYd8nc/s320/FB_IMG_1461759135162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBKX3seXlBVJIUlML8GFFrC24ZHckUKYJcZferZ_aF2YwCxpbqfpPLcaLrhvyQ56Hus5b_yGCO7mQCiIQgsUKY7kQd0ftoZgu3_xAoDBoPd3Uf7CEekbqB0G0f9ZO7nZAt8oYoPY2gwo/s1600/IMG_20160428_225806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBKX3seXlBVJIUlML8GFFrC24ZHckUKYJcZferZ_aF2YwCxpbqfpPLcaLrhvyQ56Hus5b_yGCO7mQCiIQgsUKY7kQd0ftoZgu3_xAoDBoPd3Uf7CEekbqB0G0f9ZO7nZAt8oYoPY2gwo/s320/IMG_20160428_225806.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking back it has been a pretty good month. It's not until I look through my work for the monthly review that I can see it clearly. Next month I aim to continue with the watercolour, hopefully do some canvas work, try to miss less days and to aim for bigger pieces spread overy a number of days. Seems attainable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To follow my #sketchaday2016, Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr are the places to be. Hope to see you there!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-6115691102074027912016-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:002016-04-21T10:03:11.799-07:00Make A Splash - Getting out the Watercolour Paints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDg3dbcdrLg6U67st7k_PDeNURs8flyfGWpKmIhmLDZHpBYmXCs3um8iNkfkQoD0qCREtlaP5bMF_c9VWukEWHYeGKTuVhWdfXyD3CMysuR-1Q3w-iGDwpAletXQbwCm4HuJm0FhrrFc/s1600/IMGP0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDg3dbcdrLg6U67st7k_PDeNURs8flyfGWpKmIhmLDZHpBYmXCs3um8iNkfkQoD0qCREtlaP5bMF_c9VWukEWHYeGKTuVhWdfXyD3CMysuR-1Q3w-iGDwpAletXQbwCm4HuJm0FhrrFc/s320/IMGP0333.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercolour painting by Hazel Stewart, Age 9</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cass Art have started the Make A Splash campaign to encourage people to experiment with watercolour painting. So I've dusted off my Grandma's old watercolours hidden away in my cupboard and decided it's time to challenge myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watercolour has never been a medium in which I was completely comfortable with. Since it was my Grandma's chosen medium you would think I would take to it like a duck to water. I was surrounded by it and so I would have picked up some tricks. Subconsciously maybe they're in there somewhere. As you have seen from my sketch a day I have tried watercolour pencils and sometimes achieve good results. However I've always preferred acrylics since they have a strong colour pay off or pencils for their precision. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To some it up I like to have the control. With watercolour, especially since I'm pretty much new to it, I have none of it. The water chooses to do whatever the hell it likes and nine times out ten it's not what I want it to do. But hopefully as time goes on we can reach some type of agreement both the paints and I. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVXqUFLQoWqcz-viA-TPoL3VdRzbojv-7yeg2_fy9Kw9ptEUQRfzjxepuJU9npxP_CJMG0jRpbDfn8b2KMhAUbdU6ayOVwmY-Szb1Wq-qwmud25HetjKDlM6BofhuVccdeALF9iP_bTg/s1600/IMGP0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVXqUFLQoWqcz-viA-TPoL3VdRzbojv-7yeg2_fy9Kw9ptEUQRfzjxepuJU9npxP_CJMG0jRpbDfn8b2KMhAUbdU6ayOVwmY-Szb1Wq-qwmud25HetjKDlM6BofhuVccdeALF9iP_bTg/s400/IMGP0329.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm four days in and I'm starting to understand a couple of things. The one thing that really bugs me though is the fact that the white paint is next to useless if I'm applying acrylic techniques. I'm probably going to have to invest in masking fluid because I'm not quite grasping that if I paint over the surface of the paper it will never go back to anywhere near as light as it was before. Even if I put white paint on top. Automatic pilot is clearly sabotaging me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My hope is that one day it will all just click into place like I've figured out the DiVinci Code and I look like Phoebe from Charmed having a premonition when it happens. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3360739380407491552.post-17182763665680470732016-04-05T08:50:00.001-07:002016-04-05T08:50:26.624-07:00Faber-Castell Polychromo Pencils - My Goldilocks pencils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRpMZ_t66nssnjR1Ly2YsyeKhE8X1hsVL0X4TQg4sq-GJkjPrqpzAO-FwcDEedIWhawrTYrV4ev69MkB6D8pUPuiheMJh5HSwYmAmFWqOXIBJiI_d8HgaI0Eh5KUv_weZjhMj6dz4yHU/s1600/IMGP0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRpMZ_t66nssnjR1Ly2YsyeKhE8X1hsVL0X4TQg4sq-GJkjPrqpzAO-FwcDEedIWhawrTYrV4ev69MkB6D8pUPuiheMJh5HSwYmAmFWqOXIBJiI_d8HgaI0Eh5KUv_weZjhMj6dz4yHU/s640/IMGP0178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dare I say it but I think I may have found my ideal coloured pencil. I previously posted about being on the look out for pencils that where not too pricey but yet where of a good quality. And to be honest I think that it near impossible to find. You have to invest some money if you want quality. I was so close to buying Prismacolor because of its price but after reading more reviews about the constant breakage of the lead I knew it just wasn't the pencil for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so this was when I stumbled upon Faber-Castell Polychromo pencils. Unlike most pencils they are oil based meaning they are great at blending but also can be layered up without the patchy and waxy consistency of pencils like coloursoft or prismacolour. The lead can be sharpened to quite a fine point which is great for detailed work and the pencil itself isn't too soft but yet you don't have to lean extra hard to get strong colour like you would for most coloured Derwent pencils.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADtxKhe9DweLdBfFsZEjJZaPFoEyCobmgC2vlsv-AXhxdIfsJ7dao8v_T3IH5AD3vPzPKtq971Lnh96M9RArHvNmnC4J-JP-iGdxWGnG4al-x-ULk8kvSJKtkxS7bAOHBcznhCg04Y7Q/s1600/IMGP0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADtxKhe9DweLdBfFsZEjJZaPFoEyCobmgC2vlsv-AXhxdIfsJ7dao8v_T3IH5AD3vPzPKtq971Lnh96M9RArHvNmnC4J-JP-iGdxWGnG4al-x-ULk8kvSJKtkxS7bAOHBcznhCg04Y7Q/s400/IMGP0172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think Faber-Castell Polychromos may be the goldilocks pencils I was on the search for. I ended up getting a set of 36 to get a wide array of colours. Also what is great about these pencils is you can go online and buy colours separately to add to your collection unlike other brands. The tin I have doesn't contain any solid skin tones but if I want I can order them online. For now I'm just going to play about with their blending capabilities to see if I can get similar colours but it's great to have the option. Plus I think mixing colours creates more dimension instead of flat, solid skin tones. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All in all I'm a happy bunny. I will say they weren't the cheapest of the bunch which is why I opted for a medium size set otherwise I would have got the whole collection. They cost around £40 for 36 but I can justify cost since they are so good. If your anything like me when it comes to coloured pencils I would recommend buying them. Obviously everyone's preferences are different. I personally just don't like having to lean really hard to get the colour pay off I want but also want the option of layering up the colours. With these pencils it's quite easy to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hear good things about other brands so maybe in the future I will try them out but for now I'm happy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hazel, xoxo</div>
Hazel Stewart Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13294840367344258617noreply@blogger.com0