I'm back!!

It's been a busy January so far!

It's also been unbearably hot and humid.
I can handle the heat but

I don't cope well in high humidity as it causes my arthritis 

to flare up and, with it, comes lots of pain. 

Australia's temperatures are rising.

So much so, that they had to add another colour 

to our temperature map recently.

For numerous reasons, I gave myself an impromptu blogging break 

and, while I didn't get too much sketching done, I did get some art done.

I'll post about it over the next week to avoid this post being over-long.

For today, my salt lamp!

Beau (#2 son) turned out to be my secret Santa in the Christmas family gift exchange 

and he and Steven bought me a Himalayan rock salt lamp.

I love it!

I have it on my bedside table. 

I was surprised at how heavy salt lamps are!

Here it is turned on during the day time.

And at night-time.

It gives off a beautiful warm and tranquil glow.

Just perfect for meditation!
These lamps act like ionisers and also correct imbalances in a room.

Himalayan Rock Salt lamps are made from chunks of crystal salt 

taken from deep within the Himalayan mountains.

And, of course, I sketched it too.

Pencil-free sketch in A5 Holcroft sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium pen, PITT pens and watercolours.

Another sketch I did of my green Buddha.

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine sketchbook using ZIG and Stabilo Point 88 pens.

And that about sums up this post.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful January.

If you're in the cooler regions, 

PLEASE send some cold my way.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Challenge completed....I DID IT!!!

YES!!

I completed the 75 day pen/ink daily sketch challenge! 

I can hardly believe that I sketched each and every day 

for 75 days.  I must admit that the time seemed 

to fly by.

There were days when I very nearly gave up but 

I'm glad I didn't. 

I'm feeling quite proud of myself.

So, here are the final FIVE!

Note that all sketches are pencil-free using any or all of the following -

 BIC Pro ballpoint pen

ZIG Millennium 005 pen

Micron 03 pen

Micron 05 pen

Faber-castell Artists PITT pens in F, B or SC sizes

 Photo reference credit goes to MonicaB at WetCanvas.

 Credit for photo reference goes to marcusjroberts at Flickr. 

Credit for Photo Reference goes to rubyblossom at Flickr.

Before I started the challenge, I was lucky to fit in a sketch once a week 

because I never seemed to find the time with so many distractions of daily life. 

This challenge has shown me that I CAN make time to sketch daily 

and I'm loving it!

I feel too that the challenge has helped to hone my skills in observation and 

also in achieving values and tones with only pen.

It may be too soon to say but I think I've now developed a daily habit 

as I haven't stopped yet. 

When I heard the tragic news of the shooting in Connecticut 

yesterday, I reached for my sketchbook to help deal with and express 

my emotions.

And today's sketch below
which I'm also linking up with Sunday Sketches.

I'm now off to watch a movie with Bradley and Aaron.

I hope you're all having a nice and relaxing weekend.

~ Love, light and peace ~

#63 of 75 pen/ink sketches

It was another sauna-like day. 

To combat it, we keep the windows and blinds closed 

as it truly helps to keep the hot, humid air out. 

For my sketch today, 

I decided to sketch the fruit/salad/serving bowl 

that matches the goblet and cruet bottle

I sketched earlier in the series (see below).

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using BIC Pro ballpoint pen, Micron and PITT pens.

I'm also linking up with this week's Sunday Sketches.

To join in on Sunday Sketches
Click the graphic below -

One of the matching goblets

The matching bottle from my cruet set.

As mentioned in my sketch journal page for today,

Brad's friend, Darren, visited and brought a very special gift 

for Bradley.

A photo of Elton John 

signed by Elton John! YAY!!

Brad was SO happy and will be 

wanting to frame that one for sure.

Darren is also a huge Elton John fan as you can tell by his T-shirt

in the pic below. Brad is on the right, obviously.

All in all, it's been a good day despite the heat. 

How was your weekend?

~ Love, light and peace ~

#62 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Daily blogging seems to be a habit I can't break at the moment.

What the......??

This morning, I woke up at 5am, and it was already quite hot and humid.

Yesterday was like a sauna and I felt so sorry for Cody and Jack. 

Their coats weren't over-long since I'd clipped them a couple of months ago 

but there was definitely enough length to make it an uncomfortable day for them. 

So by 6am, I was scissor-trimming Cody, followed by Jack. 

I figured I'd get it out of the way before the real heat of the day set in. 

Wise move!

I ended up sending the cheap electric pet trimmers back for a refund. 

They just didn't do the job properly. 

Michelle bought the same set and was of the same opinion. 

I am pleased that the company stood by their word and 

were very quick paying the refund back into my Paypal account.

For my sketch today,
I chose one of the combs I use while I scissor-cut. 

They are very handy for holding the hair in place and
also act as a protection shield while I use the scissors. 

No dogs were cut on my watch. ;)

By the way,

the first image is SOME of the fur I shook off in the yard 

from the table protector cloth I used. ;)

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using BIC Pro pen and a wee touch of Micron pen.

I hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

~Love, light and peace ~

Day 30 - AEDM & Nablopomo - wood plane

I made it to the end of Art Every Day Month (AEDM)
and National Blog Posting Month (Nablopomo)!! YAY!!

I also blogged daily for Blogtoberfest in October.
All in all, 61 days of daily blogging...WOW!!!
I'm feeling quite pleased with myself.

Of course, I still have my 75 day sketch challenge
to complete which won't end until around December 14th.
However, while I'll still be sketching daily,
I don't have to post every day.

#61 of 75 pen/ink sketches

A wood plane

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 
using BIC Pro ballpoint pen and a wee touch of Micron pen.


To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.
It's been a pleasure sharing this month with them.

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We put our Chrissy tree up today.
We're a day early as we normally put it up on Dec. 1st
but that's okay.
As usual, there was quite a bit of upheaval because
we had to move the dining room suite back
 into the computer/family room
to make room for the tree.
Beau, #2 son, bought this huge fibre-optic tree
over three years ago.
It's lovely but a tad too big for my liking.

I do love that it's filled with a lot of hand painted ornaments
that I did some years ago.
I need to start painting Mikayla's and Madelyn's
Christmas tree ornaments very soon too.

It's been like a sauna here today...60% humidity.
It's supposed to be even hotter by Monday/Tuesday. :(

I hope you're enjoying nice weather wherever you are.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 29 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Wolf

Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, 

man himself will not find peace. 

--- Albert Schweitzer

Today, a topic close to my heart - WOLVES!

Ever since I can remember, I've felt a strong love and connection 

to the wolf.  I have long viewed them as my totem animal. 

Once protected, 

wolves have now been taken off the endangered list 

which means they can be persecuted, hunted, and killed. 

This is SO mortifying to me.

It pains me no end to see humans think that they can go ahead 

and destroy or kill whatever gets in their way. 

Man is the real blight upsetting the natural balance of this planet, 

NOT the beautiful creatures we share this planet with. 

So many animals are exploited, tortured, or killed at human hands 

and it sickens me to the core.

I have been feeling quite down today with numerous things on my mind, 

including the plight of the wolves.

As a tribute, I chose a wolf as my daily sketch.

#60 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketch book 

using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.

Credit for photo reference goes to dalliedee at Flickr.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

I am in favour of animal rights as well as human rights.
That is the way of a whole human being.
--- Abraham Lincoln

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 28 - AEDM & Nablopomo - sewing machine

Today was another one of those days where I could easily have given up on 

the 75 day challenge. 

I think the humidity caused my arthritis to flare up 

plus my shoulder was also aching. 

Yes, I was feeling quite sorry for myself.

I finally came to the decision that a quick sketch 

was better than no sketch at all AND....

it keeps me in the challenge.

I'm getting close to the finish line now and I know 

I'd be disappointed in myself if I let it go.

#59 of 75 pen/ink sketches

My sewing machine

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 27 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Spray bottle

My newest little granddaughter, Madelyn, has been the perfect angel

 for my daughter, Michelle.

She only wakes once through the night for her feed...

gotta love that!

She's such a content baby.

Yes, I popped over for another visit today! 

I just can't seem to help myself...hehehe 

A quick sketch today of the spray bottle I use to mist 

my potted fern. 

Ferns love humidity...me, not so much. 

Actually, I dislike humidity immensely! 

We've been told that we're going to be in for a heatwave 

in coming days. 

SO not looking forward to that!

#58 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Penicl-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

I hope you're enjoying a lovely week. 

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 26 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Turtle Dove

The day has just flown by and, 

being that I'm feeling quite tired, 

I'm just going to post and run.

#57 of 75 pen/ink sketches 

A turtle dove

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook

using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.

Credit for the reference image I used goes to Arno Meintjes at Flickr.

Thank you, Arno.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 25 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Quan Yin

Brad, Aaron, and I had a lovely morning at Beau's (son) and Steven's house. 

Steven's parents and sister were there too.

Beau and Steven spoiled us with home-made goodies such as,

cake with lemon icing, chocolate slice, ANZAC biscuits, and 

pikelets with jam and whipped cream. 

DELICIOUS!

------------------------------------------------------------

For today's sketch I chose, Quan Yin, 

the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion. 

This little statue resides in my lounge room.

#56 of 75 pen/ink sketches

 Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.


To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.

Also linking up with Sunday Sketches.

I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely weekend.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 24 - AEDM & Nablopomo - A rose

Aaron and I popped over to Michelle and Alex's place this morning for a visit. 

We had fun playing with Mikayla who is still quite enraptured with 

her baby sister. 

Little Madelyn is being such a good baby for Michelle. 

SO precious!

My sketch for today is another rose 

from the rear view.

#55 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.

Reference photo credit goes to zel6891 at WetCanvas


To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.


I'm now off to watch a movie/DVD with Brad and Aaron.

Have a lovely weekend!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 22 - AEDM & Nablopomo - rosebud

It's been full-on the past few days. 

I had Mikayla for a couple of days and nights while Michelle 

was in hospital but she has gone home now. 

Yes, Michelle and little Madelyn were released from hospital today. 

They picked Mikayla up from my place on the way home. 

Then, I dropped Abbey, their dog, home later. 

Baby Madelyn is doing very well.

Thanks so much for all the Congrats and Well Wishes! 

I only had time for another quick sketch today....this time, a rosebud.

#53 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.


I think I'll get an early night as Mikayla woke a few times in the wee hours

 mostly due to going off to sleep too early yesterday evening because she had

missed her nap during the day-time. 

I woke up this morning feeling like I hadn't slept at all.

I hope you're all having a great week!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 21 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Baby has ARRIVED!!

Today, I became a Grandma for the second time,

I am SO excited!!

My daughter, Michelle, gave birth to her second child/daughter 

at 3am today (November 21st) weighing in at a whopping 9lb 6oz!!!!
Baby decided to kick things off on her own so
Michelle didn't have to be induced after all.

Mummy and baby are doing well and Alex, Michelle's hubby, is thrilled.

Mikayla was carried into the ward by her Daddy

to meet her new baby sister.  

It was love at first sight and she quickly became the doting 

and possessive sister. 

Too cute!!

I am so in love with my new granddaughter!!!

MADELYN GRACE HALLMOND

#52 of 75 pen/ink sketches

One pair of the numerous bootees I made for baby.
She was wearing this pair today.

Pencil-free sketch using A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 
using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.


To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.


~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 20 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Phone

A quick post and run because I'm babysitting my granddaughter. 

Michelle is in hospital and they plan to induce her in the morning. 

Hopefully, baby will kick off on her own before then.

As you know I've been hangin' by the phone all week 

expecting THE call and that is what prompted today's sketch.

#51 of 75 pen/ink sketches

My home phone

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook
using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.

I hope to have good news tomorrow!!!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 19 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Another sunflower

It was a beautiful, clear day without storms. YAY! 

My poor sunflowers copped quite a bashing from the weekend storms. 

Strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail wreaked havoc. 

They look so sad, all bent over and drooping. 

I don' think they'll recover.

Luckily, I did take lots of photos during their growth period 

and decided to sketch one from a rear view today.

I can hardly believe I've made it all the way to #50!
Only 25 more daily sketches to go!!

#50 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.


STILL no baby....sigh
Poor Michelle is officially nine days overdue and will be induced if baby doesn't arrive soon.
C'mon baby....you have lots of people waiting to meet you.


~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 17 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Mallard duck

We had quite a nasty storm pass through Brissie mid-morning 

leaving 6000 homes and businesses without power. 

It seems that the Brisbane city area copped it the worst. 

I did my sketch early just in case
another storm was on the way. 

We're apparently due more storms tomorrow.

#48 of 75 pen/ink sketches

A mallard duck

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 
using ZIG Millennium, Micron and PITT pens.


The credit for the reference image I used goes to
Gary Jones at PaintMyPhoto.
Thanks, Gary.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.

I have a pot of yummy Vindaloo curry simmering on the stove for dinner.
We love hot and spicy in this house.

Still no baby news. :(

Have a great weekend!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 16 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Sandal thong

It's been such a hot, humid day which 

totally sapped my energy and has 

left me with a nasty headache despite 

drinking a fair bit of water. 

I feel sorry for Michelle being overdue 

with baby in this heat

...still no news on that side of things.

Today's sketch is one of my new 

sandal-style thongs. 

#47 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,
click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 15 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Shoes

Thanks for all the well wishes yesterday. 

I was feeling much better today and 

I even had the pleasure of baby-sitting Mikayla. 

Still no sign of baby's arrival, 

so Michelle and Alex went to see 

the final Twilight movie.

This baby is sure teaching us 

to be more patient.

One thing is for sure..

My new granddaughter won't have any 

problems staying warm when winter comes 

next year. 

I finished her blanket this week!!

Here it is laid out on my Queen-size bed to 

give you an idea of size. 

Michelle loves it and it will be the perfect size for her 

to snuggle up with baby on those cold, winter nights 

while she's feeding her.

I had lots of fun with Mikayla today and, 

as she loves to paint, 

I brought out one of my watercolour sets. 

Here she is creating one of her masterpieces 

under the watchful eye of her koala. 

I love this little girl SO much!!

Mikayla was wearing pretty pink lace-up shoes today

and they made it into my sketchbook.

#46 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 Moleskine pocket sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium and Micron pens.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 13 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Daffodil

As a young child, 

my favourite flower was the daffodil. 

I found out years later that

it also happened to be 

my birth flower for 

the month of March. 

While I love all flowers, 

daffodils still hold a special place 

in my heart.

#44 of 75 pen/ink sketches 

Pencil-free sketch in A6 pocket Moleskine sketchbook 

using ZIG Millennium 005 and Faber-Castell PITT Size S (03) pens

Photo reference credit goes to Edmund Williams over at PaintMyPhoto.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 12 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Sunflower step-by-step

Still no baby news.....

Soon, I hope.

Today's sketch is yet another sunflower 

from a different perspective. 

This time....a wilting one.

#43 of 75 pen/ink sketches

Pencil-free sketch in A6 pocket Moleskine sketchbook

 using ZIG Millennium 005, Micron 03 and PITT 'F' pens.

I decided to show some step-by-step stages of my process
this time around.

To start, I use the ZIG Millennium 005 pen, and pick a spot 

where I want to begin. 

I then continue to sketch paying careful attention to
how each element relates to the next.

I continue with the 005

until I pretty much complete the outline. 

Note that the 005 has an extra fine nib 

so I'm very careful not to apply too much pressure.
I couldn't get by without my 005!

I also fill in a few of the dark areas to help my eyes 

keep perspective.

Staying with the 005 pen, 

I now lightly add in some details and shading

as well as emphasising a few edges.

I now change over to my Micron 03 pen 

and continue to emphasise and define 

mostly the prominent petals and calyxes in the foreground.

With the 03 pen, I strengthen a few of the shadows and details, 

particularly on the calyxes. 

 I also add a leaf and stem.

With the 005, I add more shading to the background petals 

to push them back a bit.

Then using the PITT 'F' which is equivalent to an 05 pen, 

I shade the leaf and stem.   

And that's about it, folks. 

I added some text and my journal page was complete.

(See top of post)

I find my biggest problem is overworking the lighter areas.
This is something I hope to improve on by the time
I get to Day 75.

To check out posts by other Art Every Day Month members for today,

click HERE.

~ Love, light and peace ~