Neesie Natters

How Now Highland Cow

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 13:06:00 +0000

It appears that I’ve been on a unplanned break from blogging… who knew?
Well I certainly didn’t.
I’ve been enjoying the summer and keeping myself extremely busy, but the autumnal weather seems to have arrived, so I’m thinking it’s time to come indoors and indulge in my indoor pursuits… blogging being one of them.
The other pursuit that I can’t imagine ever giving up is producing and creating artwork.
This is my latest piece… the Highland Cow.

Yes, I know another Highland Cow... I virtually have my own herd now.
I really enjoyed playing with this one and in an effort to keep it loose, I even left my glasses off at times. I know... rather risky, but I feel that it did the trick. I've thought that this particular piece was finished at least three or four times, but kept returning to it to add a little here and there.
Finally, I've decided that's it!
He's done and I'm rather pleased with him.

I suppose he just needs a name now… I’m saying ‘He’ but I suppose it could be a ‘she’?

Great to chat once again... I've missed you.

Have a great day and don't forget... I’d love to hear if you have a suggestion for a name for the Highland Cow.

My Sunday Photo... Summer Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 09:00:00 +0000

Hello... oh my, it's been so long since I last blogged.
This summer, weather wise, has been one of the best I can remember since 1976
(Yes, I can remember that far back!... haha)
So a lot has been happening during the past few months, hence blogging slipped through the net.
The main event as some of you may already know, is that my daughter has relocated from Edinburgh to Mexico. (See photo in Instagram feed in my sidebar)
I can't help thinking how lucky we are living in these times of technology, as even a few years back the only way we would have been able to keep in touch would have been by handwritten letters and then the agonising wait for weeks for any news.
Now each day I can chat via Messenger, WhatsApp, email, Instagram etc. and even check her weather!
If you'd like to follow her adventures then click (here)

So what better way to return to blogging, then to post a photo of a summer sunset.

Over the last few weeks we've had some incredibly beautiful skies and cloud formations.
I'm hoping to be back to mid week blogging soon and would love you to visit.
So without further ado, I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo.
Have a great weekend

My Sunday Photo... One Shot!

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 08:13:00 +0000

When you read the title of my Sunday Photo... 'One Shot' you might think that I'm referring to my photography, but sadly in this case I'm not.

(Please if you can spare the time, read until the end of the post)

Yesterday, I was woken by an explosive gun shot and I immediately jumped out of bed.

(This was quite a feat as it wasn't even 6am)

It is incredibly light here at the moment with the summer solstice, so we can clearly see everything throughout the whole night.

To my horror I saw two gunmen who had killed a deer.

They put on blue plastic gloves and gutted him there and then... slinging his limp dead body into the back of a truck!

They were quite a distance and my phone camera couldn't really capture this horror... which is probably for the best.

As I watched through the binoculars a tear ran down my cheek.

This beautiful gentle beast was just minding his own business and then some mindless cretin decided to end his life.

I'm sorry if I am going on here, but the day before I had taken so many photos of this buck and felt very privileged to have him visit.

To say this event spoilt my morning.
I felt sick and couldn't contemplate eating breakfast.

I can understand the need for culling where necessary, but there is absolutely no need here at the moment. The most deer I've ever seen together were four and that was only once.

As the truck drove away I snapped their photo, but once again it's blurred.

It was later in the morning that my son came to me whispering... "he's back"

I couldn't believe it... they hadn't killed this stag, but another deer.

I'm still terribly sad for the loss, but thankful that this stunning buck escaped the gunmen (this time!)

At least it allowed me to celebrate my 39th Wedding Anniversary with a meal later in the day.

Thankfully venison wasn't on the menu!

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

My Sunday Photo... Happy Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 11:46:00 +0000

Happy Father's Day!

Even though I haven't been able to spend a quality day with my Dad (as he passed away when I was only 16 years old) never does this special day go by without me stopping and giving thanks for the few short years that I knew him.

He was my hero!

So today, I thought I'd share something a little different for you, but is kind of Father related.

This photo shows where a lot of activity has been happening over the last few weeks.

Bare with me...

Right in the centre of the ivy on this photo is a hole, which is where one of my Blue Tit bird boxes is situated.

It's always been a favourite, but this year we've been lucky to actually witness the coming and goings.

Here's Dad (or it might be Mum) and let me tell you, they have been incredible parents.

I wouldn't like to estimate just how many visits to and fro, that they've actually clocked up feeding their hungry brood.

I've been up since 4am (yes I know) just keeping an eye on the activities in the garden... trying to keep Magpies, Jays, Woodpeckers and Crows away.

So far we seem to have success, although my hubby had a shock this morning wandering down to the chicken coup... a baby blue tit just dropped right down in front of him onto the path!

Oh how vulnerable is this little chap?

It must be a very scary place... just taking a leap of faith out of the nest box.

But then Dad comes to give reassurance and food to help complete his mission to safety.

I'm hoping they've reached their safe new home.

I'm sure with the incredible parents watching over them... they'll be fine.

One quick photo of another visitor who just ambled up to our place yesterday.

Our resident handsome stag!

Hello!

I'm aware that there quite a few photos here today, but I couldn't decide which to choose to link up with Photalife

It's not every day that you see a nest fledge or have a stunning stag come to call.

Have a wonderful Father's Day and please go and hug your Dad if you're able, or give him a call and tell him that you love him, because it's not until they leave us that we wished we had done more.

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

My Sunday Photo... Garden Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 27 May 2018 09:43:00 +0000

It's a crazy time of year for some of our garden visitors right now.

The cacophony of birdsong that starts at an unearthly hour and continues to grow to a crescendo.

You are wide awake now... only to realise that it's 3.30AM!

Then as quickly as it began, everything starts to calm down and what seemed like a marching brass band marching around the premises dies to a soft melody.

Meanwhile, you are left wide away and wonder how you're going to get back to sleep, or whether you might as well start the day!

You've a lot to do so an early start might be a bonus (yawn)

But I wouldn't change this time of year for anything.

Here's one visitor that arrived with his Misses this morning.

The Yellowhammer.

He's quite stunning, but unfortunately I was only able to capture his image through my kitchen window. As you can see he was well aware that I was there.

Here's another cute visitor... the female siskin.

I hope you like seeing some of my visitors.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

My Sunday Photo... Peepo

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 20 May 2018 10:16:00 +0000

Peepo...

This is cheeky Winnie, hiding in the flower border.

She was just checking if I had any treats before blowing her cover!

I never knew that chickens had such different characteristics and personalities.

There's never a dull moment.

I also couldn't resist showing you this gorgeous bumble bee.

I saw him on the ground (I've read that if you see a bee on the ground, it's probably in need of help)

I put some water near him and then lifted him only my strawberry flowers.

At first, he didn't do well... and virtually fell off the flower, but slowly as I transferred him from flower to flower he improved.

Finally, he flew off... hopefully home.

I've also taken 11 (what I think are drones) out of our house over the last few days.

That's what happens when you leave the door to the garden open.

I just hope that they haven't settled in here somewhere.

My hubby wants to start beekeeping at some stage... but I think I'm already doing my bit!

Have fun this Sunday.

Apologies if I never visited you last week.

I'll try to do better this coming week.

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

Paint Party Friday... How Now Brown Cow

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 18 May 2018 14:43:00 +0000

Hellooo...

I haven't been partying with the PPF gang lately, but I thought it was time to get my act together and link up.

I've been very busy, but I have managed to produce some art.

This highland cow has been evolving for quite some time now.

He/she has highlights, so I thought he/she should join in the Paint Party Friday too.

It's a practice piece before I start a serious commission.

I've bought new paints and been having a great time getting to know them.

I've had music blasting out and dancing whilst splashing about with a paintbrush.

It's been very liberating!

I've also been working away on my @Makeartthatsells assignment.

We are currently completing the final month of Bootcamp.

I will really be sorry to finish this class.

I think I'll be signing up for more, as there are lots to chose from throughout the year.

The sketch below was a personal one.

It's 'Ernest' my Great Granddad who was born in 1867.

As I sketched, I was lost in my thoughts about my family and it's history...

a little like 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

For those who might not be familiar with that tv programme... it's where a celebrity traces their family roots back through the years.

I find it fascinating.

I also thought I'd use this sketch to practice my very weak lettering.

I fear now that I've plastered poor 'Ernest' on a 'WANTED' poster!

One fact that I did come across from my research notes, was that he was a 'Tole Dealer'

I had no idea what this might be... so after more delving, I found that it involves ornately decorated trays or chandeliers etc!

Who knew?

How strange especially after painting precisely that in last months assignment.

Who knows, Ernest might have been a painter too!

I had many thoughts on how his life might had been back then.

He actually married Mary, the daughter of a Scottish farmer, when they were both 31 years old.

I'm thinking that this was rather old for marriage back then.
Maybe that's why he is wearing a tartan tie... to impress Mary?

I also wonder why this photo was taken... was it for some special occasion?

I haven't done much lettering, but now I know that I've obviously got a lot more practising to do!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you'll join my over at the Paint Party Friday.

Eva and Kristin do an amazing job of sharing everyone's great artwork.

Have a great weekend.

My Sunday Photo... Flower and Fauna

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 13 May 2018 11:12:00 +0000

I can't believe it's Sunday already!

Does anyone else have to consult the calendar or phone to check what day it is?

I've just snapped a few new arrivals into the garden this week.

It's been a very misty morning and we've had quite a good downpour.

The first for a good few weeks... so I mustn't complain and I'm sure the plants are happier for it.

The raspberry canes are sprouting.

We'll hopefully be tasting our first raspberries soon.

Here's a little sunshine or as near as we will get today by the look of it.

A gorgeous tulip

I hope you have a great Sunday.

I'll linking up as usual with My Sunday Photo

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon.

My Sunday Photo... Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sat, 05 May 2018 21:43:00 +0000

It's that time once again, when spring brings beautiful sunsets.

It's been quite a busy week... so to take a few minutes to stop and appreciate an amazing sunset was perfect.

I thought I'd also include the obligatory blossom photo for this time of year too.

Have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend.

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon... when I'm not so busy hopefully!

I'm linking up once again to Photalife with My Sunday Photo.

My Sunday Photo... The Greater Spotted Woodpecker

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 22:02:00 +0000

The weather has taken a dip during this last week, which has probably come as a sharp shock to all the wild birds who have been preparing to rear their young.

I've seen many birds visiting our bird boxes and fear that if any of them have produced eggs already then they may well be an added difficulties in rearing their young.

With this in mind, I've made sure that all the feeders and various food have been replenished daily.

This handsome chap (Greater Spotted Woodpecker) is a frequent visitor to the peanut feeder, as well as the suet and mealworm coconut.

The great spotted woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage and a red patch on the lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head.

It was very kind of him to unfold his wings in order to show you his impressive plumage.

I'm linking up once again to Photalife with My Sunday Photo.

Have a great weekend and thanks for your visit.

My Sunday Photo... Dancing Daffodils and Busy Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 10:24:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I'm rather late posting My Sunday Photo today... but better late than ever.

In this part of Bonnie Scotland spring has finally arrived.

The temperatures, whilst not exactly sweltering have risen which has made everything pop.

The bees have started to buzz in their busy sortie from flower to flower.

The tree buds are just about to burst into leaf.

My magnolia is showing promising signs of actually flowering this time and I've actually given the lawn it's first cut!

So all is good in the garden.

Here's my appreciation of the daffodil.

Happy Earth Day to you and thanks for popping by.
I hope to see you again soon.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife

Sew Happy... PPF

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 09:50:00 +0000

I haven't picked up a needle or even sewn a button on anything for years, so I had an additional struggle trying to relate to the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

For inspiration I thought I'd take a peak into my old sewing box, which was like opening a treasure chest.

Since then I've been sketching ever since.

These assignments have certainly taken me on a journey of discovery in more ways than one!

Thanks Lilla Rogers

I even had a play in Photoshop (although the word play maybe stretching things a little) but I've still got so much to learn.

I'm entering this sewing tray for the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

I'll also link up with the Paint Party Friday

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting an inspiration link.

The sun is shining here, so I'm off out to play!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

My Sunday Photo.... Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 22:20:00 +0000

It's been quite some time since we have seen a sunset.

Today was a fantastic spring day, with a cacophony of birdsong and warm sunshine... just delightful.

To top it all off we were then privileged to see this beautiful sunset.

I have to admit that I never grow tired of looking at this view.

Pure magic!

Let's hope tomorrow is just as good... or is that asking too much?

Whatever... have a great Sunday.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife

Thanks for popping by and I hope to see you again soon.

My Sunday Photo... Breakfast Alfresco

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 15:05:00 +0000

It appears that spring has finally come out of hiding.

Who would have guessed that we could have our Sunday breakfast alfresco.

It's been such a long time since we could do this and it's been greatly missed.

The trouble is that once breakfast is over there are so many jobs to catch up on... so it'll be a busy day.

I'll be linking up (rather later than usual) with My Sunday Photo.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Enjoy your Sunday

Highland Coo... PPF

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:43:00 +0000

Hellooooo....

This week I tried drawing with charcoal, which is something that I haven't done since my school days. It was so much fun that I'll definitely have another play soon.

As my regular arty followers know... I'm always trying to loosen my work.

I like everything to be as is and strive for perfection... which can be limiting and always makes for an ultimate let down with finished work.

Sometimes, I'm so tight I'm near to snapping, but working with charcoal was like diving into a warm calm pool totally butt naked!

(cough)

Sorry getting a little carried away there, but it really was a revelation.

I kept laughing as I become increasingly blacker!

Smudges appearing everywhere, but slowly his Highland Coo appeared.

He/She looks quite a character don't you think?

Do you think it's a He or a She.... and what about a name... any ideas?

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

My Sunday Photo... Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 09:04:00 +0000

We are still gripped by a frosty, crisp white spring up here.

I think our little feathered friends are going to be a little confused.

I've seen activity in and around our nest boxes, but it still feels very chilly for baby birds.

I'm hoping that this might be my last wintery Sunday Photo.

One of our regular visitors who is particularly partial to meal worms!

He never ceases to make me smile.

I hope the Easter Bunny has been good to you.
I painted this Bunny illustration for last Easter.
I hope you like him.

There's snow on them there hills... so it calls for some skiing!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....

I'd like to take this opportunity before I go to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
I'm linking up with the 'My Sunday Photo' over at Photalife.
Enjoy your chocolates!

My Sunday Photo... Sparrowhawk

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 10:27:00 +0000

We have had an amazing amount and variety of wildlife visiting us during this past week, as this wintery blast clings unrelentingly.

Day four of an Arctic wind whips through like a freight train.

The bird feeders and bird bath need daily attention and are definitely saving little feathered lives.

But with all of this activity there's a witness who is also hungry!

The Sparrowhawk

He usually is extremely swift, swooping in on his unexpected prey... with amazing aerobic flight stunts.

Sometimes, all you see is a quick flash of grey as he zooms past on his mission... gliding just a few feet off the ground.

The silent killer.

He's always aware of any movement especially when I grab my camera.

Those piercing eyes miss nothing!

I desperately wanted him to turn around to show his plumage, but he just wasn't wanting to play.

He had other more pressing things on his mind.

Thankfully, I haven't actually witnessed a kill... only the debris of scattered feathers.

I know he will be a regular visitor with such an amount of prey located in one area.

Nope still not turning around.

He's like an owl with his swivelling head turning at least 110 degrees.

It's so unusual to have him stay for more than a few minutes.... but then off he goes towards the woods, in pursuit of more prey.

Hopefully he'll be successful there.

... and for anyone who isn't in to birds or needing a boost of colour...

Here's some very brave crocus.

I'm off to join in My Sunday Photo linkup with Photalife.

Have a great Sunday and stay cosy if the Mini beast from the east has returned to your place.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Sketchy Faces... in more ways than one - PPF

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 14:17:00 +0000

Hello everyone... I'm here today to give you a little laugh.

As part of the Paint Party Friday linkup, I thought I'd share some of my sketches from my makeartthatsells practice assignment - Faces!

I, like many other artists grow pale at the thought of having to sketch a portrait... be it fictional or real life, but I took a deep breath and decided to jump right in and have fun with it!

I was going to give you three guesses as to who I drew, but I think that's a little tough.

I should give you 33 guesses and then you might actually get there.

But it was fun and I really enjoyed it.

One of the many pearls of wisedom that Lilla Rogers suggests to overcome the fear of portraits is to draw people as you watch tv.

With that in mind, last week was a really sporty weekend in this household, so as one after another of the rugby and football matches played out on tv I sketched away.

I couldn't believe what fun this could be.

Here's some of the results...

... I was so surprised that with each face the fear seemed to disappear a little more.

So I'm holding on to that saying "Feel the fear, but do it anyway"

Lastly, I decided that I couldn't resist sketching our lovely amazingly talented Lilla.

I hope she won't be too offended!

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

I'm off to the PPF birthday party as they are seven years old this week!

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

My Sunday Photo... The Greater Spotted Woodpecker

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 23:12:00 +0000

With spring on it's way (hopefully) the sound of local woodpeckers reverberats all around our garden and nearby woods.

It really is an incredible sound!

Here's on enjoying the peanuts from one of my feeders.

About blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white.

It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer.

Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring 'drumming' display.

The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

Great spotted woodpeckers can be seen in woodlands, especially with mature broad-leaved trees, although mature conifers will support them.
They can also be found in parks and large gardens.
They will come to peanut feeders and bird tables.
Not found in the far North of Scotland, although we have four woodpeckers visiting us.
Only a handful of pairs nest in Ireland, but numbers are increasing.
Common in England and Wales.

The sound of the woodpecker

(courtesy of James Taft Published on Jul 6, 2008)

I'm linking up as usual with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife.com

I hope you have a wonderful weekend

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon.

Tasseography...Tea Leaf Reading. PPF

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 12:01:00 +0000

Hello Everyone and Happy Friday to you all.

I've been missing in action lately on the blog front, as I just haven't seemed to find the time for blogging, favouring a quick line or two with a photo into my Instagram account instead.

I've often thought...ooh that would be good for a blog post, but then moved on quickly to other things.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy over the last few months, has been my Bootcamp assignments from the makeartthatsells online course.

February's assignment was 'Tea'

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a huge teapot!

I drink copious amounts of tea per day, so this assignment was just my cup of tea (Aghh...sorry)

Anyway, for the main assignment it was to paint 'Tea Leaf Reading'.

Fond memories of my favourite Aunt came flooding back to me.

My Aunt was quite a fun loving character and always up for a laugh.

Now I'm not saying that tea leaf reading isn't serious for some, but the vision of my Aunt bent over a china teacup with her face so serious, relaying someones future tickled me, but her readings were very popular.

I personally believed every single word she said.

I was probably under 10 at the time.

Here's my design... although for some reason the colours don't seem to be true.

The original is much brighter and vibrant, but I'm not sure why this is happening or what I can do to correct it.

Did you know that the art of tea leaf reading is called 'Tasseography' because I certainly didn't.

I'm linking up with the lovely artists over at the Paint Party Friday link.
Thank you ladies for hosting once again.

(This is my mock up practice ... with the help of my son)

Right... I'm off to make a cuppa with loose tea leaves.

Who knows, I may have the gift of fortune telling?

I'll have to see if I can see anything in my future.

Have a great weekend and thanks for popping in.

My Sunday Photo... Look out!

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 14:23:00 +0000

It's pretty nippy here just now with another forecast of snow to arrive overnight.

The birds are all feeling the urgency of a good meal to see them through.

Here's one of our resident buzzards perched up high on his lookout tower.

He doesn't get much peace as the local jackdaws and crows become very nervous if he's spotted in their territory. They dive bomb him constantly and give quite an aerial display.

I'll leave you with a more peaceful photo of our girls... keep your heads down ladies!

I'm linking up as usual with Photalife.com

Thanks for popping by my place and I hope you'll be back soon

My Sunday Photo... Creeper

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 23:01:00 +0000

Today, I thought I'd show you a few more of my visitors.

This little bird is a treecreeper.

I have never seen a treecreeper on the ground like this before... but obviously the fallen seed from the bird table was too tempting.

Once you know what you're looking for, a treecreeper is quite noticeable with his white underside.

They use their tails in a similar way to woodpeckers' as a support when climbing and they really are quite acrobatic... but with those claws I suppose it's not surprising.
Their bills are curved and sharp, for extracting insect food and seeds from crevices in tree bark.

He definitely could do with a pedicure!

I did miss a fantastic photographic opportunity today, as I drove up my lane as dusk began to fall.

A buzzard was sitting on a telegraph pole with the sun behind him.

If only I could have stopped in the lane to take the photo, but that would have been foolish.

It'll have to be one of those tales of 'the one that got away'!

But here he is a little later, flying low over the fields looking for a meal before bedtime.

Apologies for the blurred image, but the light was fading... I'm surprised I managed to get any image in the circumstances.

Whilst I was photographing this buzzard two crows came and started to attack him... he was obviously on their patch.

But then so was someone else!

Mr Fox

At this stage our girls (hens) were still out in the folly... safe but because we didn't want Mr Fox to get too familiar with their whereabouts... we had to go out and get them into their coop.

It was getting near to their bedtime anyway and three of them had already settled down and were comfy for the night.

We made a few unwelcome noises which made Mr Fox go elsewhere for his supper!

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo once again.

Have fun and enjoy your Sunday.

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon.

MATS Bootcamp... PPF

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 16:37:00 +0000

Here we are once again... Friday!

I've had quite a busy but fun time since we last chattered and would you believe it, I'm another year older!

Moving on swiftly I mentioned a few posts ago that I'd enrolled on to an online art course with the brilliant Lilla Rogers over at Make Art That Sells.

Each week we are given a mini assignment that leads up to the main assignment at the end of each month. The course lasts until May, so I will have masses of fun times ahead.

The first mini assignment at the beginning of January was to draw/paint the contents of my bag, which lead nicely into the following week's main assignment... a book cover of a famous woman and what she might have in her bag?

My nominated person was Tina Fey.

Everyone was allocated a particular woman for their birthday month.

There were some great inspirational, powerful woman amongst the twelve options.

I knew a little about Tina beforehand, but I had to do some research to ensure I captured her personality. I can't believe I had such a good time doing research.

Tina Fey is a very talented comic along with all her other attributes.

Here's my mock up of my completed piece.

I learnt so much whilst completing this assignment.

For a start I've never really done a portrait!

Anyway, after much huffing and puffing plus shouting for help with Photoshop, I finally managed to enter it into the MATS (Make Art That Sells) Gallery for the month of January!

Apologies if you've already seen this painting in my Instagram feed or on Facebook, but I know there are many who don't have access to those online links and ask that I post here too.

I also decided to paint a personal birthday card this week for a family member.

I had approximately 30 minutes from start to finish in order for it to get into the post... if I wanted it to arrive on time.

Yes, I know... always last minute with me, but this time it worked out perfectly.

I was really pleased with the outcome and the recipient initially didn't realise it was hand painted!

How's that for a compliment?

I obviously work better to a very strict timetable!

My daughter when visiting possibly noted that my art supply case was overflowing and couldn't close, so as part of my birthday present she bought me this super large bag!

It's 100% linen with this gorgeous design from Danica Studio

It's also lined and what do you know?... it still has some space even with all my brushes, pencils,

pens and bits!

This can only mean one thing... I can buy more supplies... YAY!

I'm linking up to Paint Party Friday

Click here if you'd like to join me.

They would love you to visit and see all the amazing artwork.

Have fun everyone and thanks for visiting.

My Sunday Photo... Beautiful Blooms

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 00:01:00 +0000

If you're feeling like me then you'll probably be missing flowers and desperate for Spring to arrive.

In the meantime whilst we wait... here's a beautiful bouquet that I received last week.

It's a quick post today because I'm trying desperately to revive my mobile phone, after it decided to make a spectacular dive into the toilet!

After a night in a bed of rice everything appears to be working okay, except the touch screen, so I'm unable to use the password to open it 😞

I'm liking up with My Sunday Photo once again.

Have fun and enjoy your Sunday.

Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon.

My Sunday Photo... Visiting Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Neesie) — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:06:00 +0000

With the current cold snap that's covering the UK at the moment, we've personally had quite a dry bright time over the last few weeks.

Definitely a Scandinavian feel to our weather.

Blue skies, not a cloud in the sky and lots of bright sunlight... even though I wouldn't have minded a little flurry of snow, as long as it would disappear quickly.

It seems to have missed our part of Scotland.

So it is a tough time for our little wild birds... in fact, it's been tough for all our wildlife over this winter.

My bird feeders are always very popular, but when a - 3 degrees Celsius arrives, even in daylight, then it can be a battle ground out there. Every little beak needs it's fill before nightfall.

This particular feeder is hanging right next to my kitchen window.

I stock it with suet logs and it's very popular...even when I'm working in the kitchen.

Obviously, hunger overtakes the nerves and they feed right before my eyes.

There's obviously been no time for a pedicure lately!

Sometimes it can be tricky getting the last bite.

How these little cuties manage on those tiny wee legs is beyond me.

Also to keep warm with no leg warmers!

We also had another visitor yesterday, who hasn't actually be brave enough to step over into the garden before.

Hunger has brought him to us.

Mr Pheasant...isn't he majestic!

He actually hung around for quite some time.

I think he approved of our menu.

And finally, as I've mentioned before that our Goldfinch population has had a birdie boom since we returned to this house and started feeding them.

I have counted over 40 in one flock all at once...honest!

And that was from just one feeder!

Here's a little proof of just some of the goldfinches visiting the bird feeder in the fir tree.

You can almost seed the seed decrease as you watch them.

So I think it's probably time for me to get outside and replenish the feeders by now.

It has to be done every day!

I am a little late posting today, but I'm going to link up with My Sunday Photo

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great Sunday everyone