Home Decor - Abstract painting

It was a cold, bleak morning in Brissie yesterday.  Brrrrrrr! 

I love winter so I'm not complaining.

As short as they are, our winters are often up and down 

when it comes to temperatures. 

Never constant like the winter I remember in Wyoming.

Our winter mornings and evenings are cold (for us) 

but our winter days can actually get quite warm, even hot.  

Last week, we had a few summer-like days 

in what is usually our coldest part of the year. 

It seems that our winters like to toy with us. 

Moving on... 

As you may have seen in a recent post, 

I changed the colour scheme in my bedroom 

from blues/greens/whites to blacks/greys/whites. 

As the ensuite is connected to my bedroom 

I changed it over to match the new colours. 

I needed a painting for above the toilet so 

a quick abstract was in order to tie bedroom and ensuite together. 

I realise abstract art isn't everyone's cup of tea but I quite like it. 

This is probably more decorative than true abstract anyways.

I painted over an older painting with black acrylic paint,

then the fun began. 

The initial stage 

The end result 

I had to force myself to stop because it was quite addictive.

I will share a secret on how to get those crazy, squiggly lines.  

ACRYLIC HOUSEHOLD PAINT!

HEADS UP - Artists acrylic paints won't cut it
because they contain more acrylic resins than regular household paint.

I bought a couple of affordable sample pots in grey and white 

To get the desired effect, 

I simply dipped a wooden skewer into the colour pot, 

then working quickly, 

before the paint dropped from the skewer, 

I just flicked it back and forth over the canvas. 

I made some circular movements too 

just going with the flow.

The elasticity of the latex paint holds the paint together 

like a very thick syrup. 

You can get some nice, swirly effects with it. 

I did three layers all up - dark to light 

using grey, light grey, and white. 

I allowed each layer to dry thoroughly 

before going onto the next.

the finished piece hanging in the ensuite 

now everything matches the new decor colours

I LOVE IT!!!

I've been sick...

Hi everyone!

It's been THREE weeks since my last post and 

that's because I have been so sick with a very nasty flu. 

I was pretty much bedridden for a week and a half of that time. 

The constant deep coughing caused me to strain a muscle 

in my chest/rib area and it hurt to even breathe.
It even caused a sinus infection too
which had even my gums aching.
So painful!

I ended up at the doctor's and was given antibiotics 

and anti-inflammatory medication.
I had asthma on top of it all too
so it has not been a fun time at all.

I apologise to all my Sunday Sketches pals and other online friends 

for not visiting and commenting on their blogs over that time. 

I was just too sick to do much of anything but now I can. 

I'm happy to say that I'm about 90% better now. 

So, onward and upward. 

******************************

I learned recently that an online friend
who I have known for close to ten years
nearly drowned in a snorkelling incident
while she was vacationing in Hawaii
with her Grandchildren.
Thankfully, she made it through
the emergency surgery that followed.

SO scary!

It was lovely to see her friends and family
come together online in prayer and support
as it was a very close call for her.
One of her friends said she would make a Book for Gemma
if we wanted to contribute.
A great idea!

This was my contribution for Gemma

I figure it could be a reminder of the turtles Gemma saw in Hawaii.
It was sketched on a 7" x 5" piece of paper from a sketchbook.
I then used watercolours and my Pentel pocket brush pen to finish.
I printed a friendship saying for the reverse side of the page.

I thought it could pass for my Sunday Sketches contribution this week too.
You can check out the Sunday Sketches participants for this week HERE.

******************************

It feels great to be getting back into the swing of things.

Today, I've been working on a quick abstract painting
for my ensuite to match my new bedroom colours
which you saw in my previous post.

Stay tuned to see the end result in my next post.

A sketch and some home decorating

It's been three and a half weeks since my carpal tunnel surgery 

and I'm pleased with where the healing progress is at 

despite some recent days of bad pain.  

At first, I thought it was getting infected 

but I think it's more because I'd worked my hand too hard. 

At this stage of recovery, 

I still can't twist lids off, apply pressure...either pushing or pulling, 

nor can I lift anything heavier than 2 kilograms.  

If I do push it too hard,
I suffer for it later.
I found that out the hard way.
According to the specialist, 

it will be at least another 4 to 8 weeks 

before my hand will be fully healed. 

**********************************

I missed a couple of weeks of doing Sunday Sketches 

so I managed a quick sketch today.   

Pen and watercolours in Holcroft A6 Travel journal

You can check out the other Sunday Sketches participants HERE. 

********************************** 

After having a green and turquoise colour scheme in my bedroom 

for over seven years now, I decided it was time for a change.
Of course, finances being as they are
meant a shoestring budget.

So, this Buddha got a new look
with a simple coat of paint.

from this...

to this

I opted for mostly white in my bedroom with grey and black accents 

with some greenery.
The grey cushions and throw were from Kmart.
The floral painting is one I did ages ago
and swapped over from my lounge room.
The black shelf pull-outs also came from my lounge room
which now has even more blue and green accents. 

I love it! 

Cody approves 

Speaking of Cody, 

Rita, I thought you might get a kick out of seeing his DogTV. 

This pic makes me think of Karma. hehe

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful weekend! 

Time to rest my hand...