I've been playing around in Lightroom again...I love it in there ;) I've taken a few macro's of one of my recent paintings that I made for my mum, for mother's day and I like some of the effects I got in lightroom...I thought "I'll add a word" and thought that bloom was the right choice, not just because it's a picture with a tiny flower in it but also because it represents some positive changes going on around here lately...and not just with me...
I love how macro gives us a different perspective on things...
These last couple of weeks, I've noticed some interesting changes with Izzy...in between big sleeps of course ;) she is becoming more 'connected' to us and our home...she's growling at the postman and protecting us for the first time in the 10 months she's been here...now when I say protecting us, I mean barking at the people walking past our garden, while still in her pink pj's and growling at the postman through the window whilst still under her crocheted blanket...but still! I like the development simply because it means she's now considering this place home...yay!
Peekaboo Izzy...I see you!
Izzy is blooming here, her eyes are gentle and happy at last and she is so close to us now (as I'm typing, she's got her head on my lap and is really snuggled into me on the sofa)...
This week, she had her first walk without a coat this year as it was so beautifully warm, and it was then that I really noticed her shape has changed over the winter, she is a bit larger now, she's nearly 2 and is still growing a little...we call her our wolfhound petite...and tell her that she can grow as big as she likes...she really is a gift from god...which is what Izzy means...she makes me happy :)
My various paintings at different stages, in the kitchen studio...
I'm blooming too, in the creative sense, and still haven't got to scanning any finished work yet, so I thought I'd quickly add this one to show a few things I've been doing, still loving working on paper, layering up, using various types of paint, ink and pencil as well as papers...sometimes sewing on them as well...
The board my paper is stretched on is A3 but I made an 8x8" an 8x10" and an A4 frame from mount board to place over my work, as a template, to keep my boundaries in mind when working...I find it really useful...also, being able to trim to size easily and store in my portfolio when they're finished is very handy...what sort of materials do you enjoy using?
I do hope you're having a great week and find time to be creative, even a few minutes doing something creative and fun can lift our spirit's and make a difference to our day...time to bloom :)
p.s if you know of any good arty/mixed media link up's, please do let me know...I'd like to join in on some new ones this spring :)




Your art is beautiful and I agree, macros can take ordinary and make it extraordinary. I'm glad Izzy is adjusting - I'm not familiar with the whole back ground, but know that new environments are an adjustment for anyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikki, it sure is good to see her settling in more and more :)
DeleteRuth, your creative space is so vibrant! I see so many cool art pieces you've done. So glad to hear that Izzy has adapted so well to your home. She is well loved and knows it. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail, I appreciate your positive words :)
DeleteWow...you are just so talented. I want to learn macro!
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you very much :) you should give macro a try, it's a bit addictive!
DeleteI love your paintings of women, they have such expressive eyes. Thank you for sharing them with us. Also, thank you for keeping us updated on Izzy. She is so fortunate to be where she is treasured and loved.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cathy, I appreciate your kindness x
DeleteI am so glad you have a new furry friend! She is cute!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are very talented and I do love your work.. 'Bloom' and here I thought you did that for me.. lol, you know that's my last name! I'm so glad you came by to share on Weekly Top Shot #73!
ReplyDeleteIzzy is just precious! I'm crazy about your paintings. That is a good tip using the boards to keep within a certain size. Your studio is spotless!! OMG, you would not want to see my workspace. It's a jumble!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marilyn, how are your hounds? My studio is soo tiny I have to keep it tidy or I run out of space to work!
DeleteVisiting from Friday Art Friday - One word = talented!!! Love the photo shot you did on a angle and close up - cool! All it is nicely done..
ReplyDeleteHugs
Thank you very much :)
DeleteFun to see your colourful art station/studio, Ruth. Your work is beautiful and it's great to hear how much you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteLove that peek-a-boo photograph ... just darling.
Thanks Bonnie, she is very darling :)
DeleteYour artwork is lovely and it's always a delight to see (even if just a peek) Izzie!
ReplyDeleteoh, Izzy!!! I can't get over how cute she is!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun it is to see your art work. The Macro piece is lovely and bloom is a fitting word indeed.
ReplyDeleteIzzy is so cute playing peek-a-boo from her blankets. How nice that she is adjusting to "home".
Loved your studio and the colorful art you are working on.
such wonderful words about Izzy, Ruth!! I am so glad she is feeling closer and more at home... I love your paintings and the little peek inside your studio. lovely work and my happy & BEautimous thoughts I send winging their way cross the pond to you!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work, Ruth, and I'll just bet your mom will be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteIzzy looks so comfy and content in this photo. I wish every dog could have such a happy ending to their story.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Art work and Izzy ~ all so beautiful and sacred ~ Enjoy ^_^
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots - your various paintings are so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing your work space!
ReplyDeleteYour work looks wonderful and I'm sure your Mom loved it!
ReplyDeleteAs I'm new to your blog, I still have to read into Izzy's story but I love how she is peeking out from the blanket and can well imagine her growling at the postman :-)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Your work is indeed wonderful Ruth. thanks for the peek into your workspace, the colours are so vibrant. I am thinking about what you said about Izzy settling in and I hadn't really thought of it before but the same thing happened to Pepsi, I remember thinking was she happy here? It took a good few months before I could say Yes, she is happy with us in her forever home. Now of course after 6 years she is attached to me on a very very short piece of elastic!
ReplyDeleteYour entire post makes me feel spring good! :)
ReplyDeleteI adore your portraits of Izzy - in both text and image - and it's so wonderful to hear how she's settling in. I find that it is often a longer process than you might think, but bit by bit you notice the little things that tell you that another step has been taken towards greater security... and it's always such a joy!
Love the portraits of your creative life, too :) Perhaps they weren't meant as such, but to me all imagery is a kind of portrait - at least when it's well done... ;)
I like your use of colour. It's especially appreciated this time of year. (It's snowing outdoors!)
ReplyDeleteIzzy is sooo sweet!