Friday 25 January 2013

Artful Readers Club- Sea of Ink

My first book  " Sea of Ink" was an impulse buy, it is by Richard Weihe. translated from the German by Jamie Bullock. It is about the life and work of a Chinese painter Bada Shanran. He was born a member of the Royal family of the Ming Dynasty. When this was overthrown he traveled and became an artist and for a time a monk.The book explores his long training and search for perfection with brush and ink. Some lovely contemplative passages. The book contains some prints of his pictures and instructions as to the brush strokes required to produce them. I had a go with black water colour paint not ink. Most of my attempts, now in the bin, bore no resemblance to anything let alone what he intended. This one was the best of the bunch however!! Landscape with hut. Does not look like his but I saw myself looking out over misty hills and had fun.
I found this an interesting read and enjoyed finding out about the holistic approach to Chinese painting.I am full admiration for the patient years required to master the skills and full of awe for Bada Shanran's work and skill with a brush, but found myself not liking him much as a person. Maybe all great artists are a little self centred.
Jen x

Wednesday 23 January 2013

CD Sunday Challenge - Forever in Blue Jeans

Forever in Blue Jeans made me think of several iconic actors so I had a look at the MCS CD Hollywood Greats. Hence my A5 birthday card, a tribute to denim and James Dean.
Jen x

Friday 18 January 2013

Crafty Ann's Challenge - #81

Welcome back to the first challenge of the year over at Crafty Ann's Challenge blog. For my square card I have used two papers from Ann's Cream Dream kit and my three embellishments are a frame from the same kit, some string and leaves. These are used to enhance the lovely squirrel digi drawn by Ann and coloured by me using Derwent water colour pencils.
Looking forward to seeing all your lovely creations.
Jen x

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Artful Readers Club

A new year a new challenge from Darcy over at Art and Sole. I have chosen my books,  some are paperbacks that have been sat beside the sofa for at least a year and others are impulse buys for the Kindle. The books are displayed on my bookshelf on the side bar. I have started to read "Sea of Ink" one of the Kindle books. It will be a challenge to read, review and complete a piece of art work but I am up for trying.
Jen x