Middle-earth Journeys

I've never used acrylic - I bought a basic set and a canvas a year ago and have been so enthused (not) that I've never even broken open a tube . I just love watercolour too much.

I also used to paint in oils when I was younger, but having to leave everything out when it's so smelly and takes up to much space means I just can't see me ever doing it again.

My brother is a professional artist and graphic designer (has his own design firm in Philadelphia). As I recall, he LOVED working with acrylics, found them to be very versatile, and particularly enjoyed the vivid colors and how the medium enabled him to be exceptionally sharp and precise, since his work is TREMENDOUSLY detailed. He enjoyed oils and watercolors as well, but I think acrylics suited his personality and artistic style more closely.

Oh don't get me wrong I enjoyed the oils class I took. And I learned tremendously about layering. But Iolanthe I agree you really need space to keep everything out and covered and I just don't have the space for it here.

On a similar note, I've pulled out my wood blocks, printing ink tubes and other equipment for printing. I'm going to take the plunge and freshen my memory creating block prints. I used to do them perhaps 30 years ago (geesh I feel old saying that ) and enjoyed the medium. Will keep you posted. I may even create a blog than I'll feel obligated to keep moving forward on new projects.

The key is to keep creating.

Philipa wrote:
On a similar note, I've pulled out my wood blocks, printing ink tubes and other equipment for printing. I'm going to take the plunge and freshen my memory creating block prints. I used to do them perhaps 30 years ago (geesh I feel old saying that ) and enjoyed the medium. Will keep you posted. I may even create a blog than I'll feel obligated to keep moving forward on new projects.

Go for it, Philipa! I haven't had much time for artistic endeavour recently but I'm hoping to do some more linocut prints in the Spring. I got some new tools for Christmas which are calling to me . . . !

Today I visited the art store. Tomorrow I play!

Philipa wrote:Today I visited the art store. Tomorrow I play!

Terrific news. Just go for it and enjoy yourself and we'll all look forward to seeing the results .

I'm working on the blog at the same time to be sure to follow through. The name of the blog is The Melete Project named after the muse don't you know.

Oh! I do like the look of it, Philipa.

I need to make a serious effort to start a blog for my art.

Starting to doodle and create with next year's calendar in mind. I would like to focus on The Hobbit, but I have to admit that I am less inspired by it than LOTR.

Channeling Wenzel's color pallet here. Simply called Middle-earth.

© Rabbit Ridge Art

Riv, I think this is really marvelous! The perspective lends itself to multiple interpretations. Is it land, or is it waves? The hill to the far right makes me think of the drowning of Numenor. In the same vein, are those clouds or waves? Really, really nice! I do hope you will offer it as a print; I have a feeling I'm going to have to buy it for my growing wall of Tolkien art.

The marvelous thing about art is that you see what you see, Lindariel. LOL ... the woman who helped me scan the piece to get the jpg saw whales.

It's stunning, Riv, really original! I know what you mean about The Hobbit, I don't feel inspired by it in the same way, either. I'm hoping that will come as I work with it.

Philipa, that blog is coming along splendidly. Good luck with working with the wood block. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished result .

Love it, Riv! and I can see the unintended whales, too, although not until I looked for them I think it's worth persevering with The Hobbit. And I look forward to seeing some more

Great blog, Philipa. Good luck with the wood engraving!!