Hey again! I started this after my last post. Please dont mind the backround, I was rushing ( I KNOW BADDDDD thing to do ) but anyhow - I totally messed this up anyway, it was supposed to be Angelina Jolie - and well......it looks nothing like her, I'm lost as of right now, I have no idea what I'm doing or not doing to make a portrait look like the person in the photo. :(

I'll need lots more practice I guess, but here goes:)

Glad you posted again. Portraits are difficult for me. When doing portraits, and there are artists far more qualified than I on this thread to give you helpful hints but one thing I have learned is to study the face for a long time before beginning, train your eye to see the width between the eyes, the height of the cheekbones, the length of the face and try to visualize the face as not just an image but you must see the muscles, bones structure, tissue, etc. under what makes up the face or body to get the full effect and give your drawing more body so to speak. LOL I may have made no sense here whatsoever. It just seems to help me to visualize all that makes up the person, animal, tree, whatever before beginning. Please don't misunderstand. I am just sharing what helps me. It seems you have an excitement for art and I just encourage you to keep at it. Keep posting. I am so glad you are on the thread! :)

Grammadidi, I don't think I must be doing the copyright process correctly because my images are not coming out very clear. Maybe it is just from resizing them to a smaller size, you think?

To me, your images look great! As for your copyright process - I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to do the detailed instructions with supporting images that I promised you. Life just hasn't given me enough time this week, and when I have had time I have been dealing with health issues. I think the way that you are doing it is fine, but perhaps there are a few changes you could make with your settings. I would ensure your text setting is set at a stroke width of 0 (zero) and your colour is black for both the Foreground/Stroke and the Background/Fill. It shouldn't affect your images at all.

Open your original image, push Shift + D to create a copy, close your original, resize your image. Make sure you resize your image before adding the text.

Ohhhhhhhh... wait... are you adding a layer? Gulp... did I neglect that? *Didi hangs head in shame* Go to Layers/New Raster Layer. A window will pop up. Name it "Text", Blend Mode "Normal", Opacity "50" (you can alter this if you aren't happy with it), Layer is Visible, Link set "0", Highlight in Layer Palette is NOT checked. Click okay.

If you want the text more or less opaque then use the contol on the Layer Toolbar. Once you place your text exactly where you want it, Merge your layers (Layers/Merge/Merge Visible) and it should be great. Let me know if it works, or if you still need the visuals to help you out. We could also talk on either MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger if you want me to walk you through it step by step.

Hope this helps!

Oh, I wanted to address the soul sisters issue once more. I used to build and refinish step stools. When I saw your little computer leg rest I laughed out loud at yet another similarity.

Hugs, Didi

JREBEL -

NO you made sense - and yes, I do know part of my problem is , I Don't take my time, I rush and get frustrated. BUt I LOVE pencil drawing, I won't do anything but pencil drawing. And I know if I actually took the time my portraits would come out better. Thanks for the advice, it made sense to me and I'm going to try it the next time I attempt this. I'm going to the library today to get some books, and read on some techniques and what not. Im absolutely embarrassed by that last drawing I put up. THanks :)

To me, your images look great! As for your copyright process -
Open your original image, push Shift + D to create a copy, close your original, resize your image. Make sure you resize your image before adding the text.
Ohhhhhhhh.... wait... are you adding a layer? Gulp... did I neglect that? *Didi hangs head in shame* Oh, I wanted to address the soul sisters issue once more. I used to build and refinish step stools. When I saw your little computer leg rest I laughed out loud at yet another similarity.

Hugs, Didi


Hey there Soul Sister!! You are just a hoot! I love your phraseology! Yep, that was one step we missed! I bet that will make a huge difference. I wondered why I couldn't get the letters to all be dark or all be light. I haven't had a chance to go in and try this with this new information but just know I could not have put anything on there without your first set of instructions, so Didi, you did real good!! :) It is just uncanny the similarities isn't it?? I was hoping to see more of your art pieces. How about some of the step stools??

I sure hope your health issues get better. Take care of you! I will keep checking for more posts of your work throughout the week.
Jan

JREBEL -

NO you made sense - and yes, I do know part of my problem is , I DONT take my time, I rush and get frustrated. BUt I LOVE pencil drawing, I wont do anything but pencil drawing. And I know if I actually took the time my portraits would come out better. Thanks for the advice, it made sense to me and I'm going to try it the next time I attempt this. I'm going to the library today to get some books, and read on some techniques and what not. Im absolutely embarassed by that last drawing I put up. THanks :)

EL... please do not, and I repeat NOT ever be embarrassed about posting your work here. This is all about sharing, learning, being excited about art and to encourage one another! :) I can tell you love pencils just by looking at your work. You have a lot of talent. It will help to get some books and if I can ever help you in any way regarding technique, just let me know. The other artists would be glad to help also. Every artists style is unique unto themselves. You would not want your work to be like anyone but yours but the books may give some guidelines that will help you in your endeavor! I am just proud of you for loveing art, posting and sharing. You can private message me anytime if you want to visit in more detail. I once worked for days on a drawing, had the eyes just right, the mouth exact, the shape of the face fairly correct and had worked some on the hair. After a bit of working on the hair, I hate to admit it but I took my pencil and just marked all the way across the whole piece. I wasn't angry with myself, I was just frustrated to have gotten that far with the piece and to be relatively okay with most of it only to ruin it in the last stages. BUT, it was definitely a learning experience. We learn, or I should say, I learn more by the mistakes I make on pieces than by anything else. I expect great things from you!! Keep posting! Have a great night! jrebel7

I'm glad that you are enjoying this site so much, jrebel7! :)

By-the-way, I just added you to my Buddy List, jrebel7!

How are you, Didi? Are you okay?

How are you, Didi? Are you okay?

Thank you for asking. I'm better this early morning than I was today. Topped the day off with a trip to the lawyer to do a new will and POA's (a relief that they are being done, but a blatant reminder that I am not going to live forever). Did the grocery shopping for the month (well, except for fresh fruit, veggies & milk), made pizza and garlic bread for supper, caught up on some emails from the women's group I am in (Women With a Unique Soul) and dabbled in here a bit.

It was a foggy, beautiful, warm, quiet and peaceful night, so I went for a walk with the dogs. The moon is very small right now and the mist appeared to be riding up to it in waves. I just love nights like this. Everything feels so close, yet so far away. The walk relieved a very bad cluster headache (I think this most recent about has been about 25 days out of 30 - very wearing).

Tomorrow night I am going to see one of my grandchildren receive an award at school. She is such a deep young lady (she will be 16 in January) yet full of life and humour. I am so proud of her because this year she has thrown aside her shyness and put herself out there and dared to be different.

I am working towards another painting, I think. I just need to capture a subject in my mind. I may actually try a barn owl or a cow, although I prefer forests, lakes and mountains. We'll see. I'm not very good at animals or people. Seeing the pencil drawings the past few days has made me want to try doing one of my deceased dog, Sam (Samantha). I've been really missing her lately. I think because she was so bright and I seem to have 2 dolts here! I wish I could have someone do one of her for me, but maybe I will gather up the courage to try myself. :)

I am still waiting for that promised email! Heh-heh. Hope all is well with you. I have missed hearing from you this week. (Well, despite the rave review you gave me on that thread! I hope you read my response.)

Well, I think I'm off to bed now. I have an early morning tomorrow. Goodnite... sweet dreams.

Hugs, Didi

Thank you for asking. I'm better this early morning than I was today. Topped the day off with a trip to the lawyer to do a new will and POA's (a relief that they are being done, but a blatant reminder that I am not going to live forever). Did the grocery shopping for the month (well, except for fresh fruit, veggies & milk), made pizza and garlic bread for supper, caught up on some emails from the women's group I am in (Women With a Unique Soul) and dabbled in here a bit.

It was a foggy, beautiful, warm, quiet and peaceful night, so I went for a walk with the dogs. The moon is very small right now and the mist appeared to be riding up to it in waves. I just love nights like this. Everything feels so close, yet so far away. The walk relieved a very bad cluster headache (I think this most recent bout has been about 25 days out of 30 - very wearing).

Tomorrow night I am going to see one of my grandchildren receive an award at school. She is such a deep young lady (she will be 16 in January) yet full of life and humour. I am so proud of her because this year she has thrown aside her shyness and put herself out there and dared to be different.

I am working towards another painting, I think. I just need to capture a subject in my mind. I may actually try a barn owl or a cow, although I prefer forests, lakes and mountains. We'll see. I'm not very good at animals or people. Seeing the pencil drawings the past few days has made me want to try doing one of my deceased dog, Sam (Samantha). I've been really missing her lately. I think because she was so bright and I seem to have 2 dolts here! I wish I could have someone do one of her for me, but maybe I will gather up the courage to try myself. :)

I am still waiting for that promised email! Heh-heh. Hope all is well with you. I have missed hearing from you this week. (Well, despite the rave review you gave me on that thread! I hope you read my response.)

Well, I think I'm off to bed now. I have an early morning tomorrow. Goodnite... sweet dreams.

Hugs, Didi

I'm here!

You know what? I saw how much time you were spending here tonight ogling the attachments in this thread! Your profile wasn't going to lie about you!

As a matter of fact, I was just looking at that long email that you sent to me a number of days ago and was going to respond to you.

Thanks so much for sharing as to what is going on with you and your plans for some future art work. My plan in that area right now, is my musical involvement with things. I am also seriously thinking about the marketing of my thumb pianos as well as other small folk type instruments that I can make.

I think that all of the things that you do for animals could also be considered an art. The way pets are is so greatly determined by how their masters treat them. I would think the way that people do that with animals would be very much of an art.

It has been very incredibly rainy around here, tonight! Many hard downpours! The forecast for tomorrow even includes the possibility for tornadoes!

I know what you mean about missing the dog that passed away. I still miss one of my cats that died over three years ago. The best cat that I have ever had! Would even come when I called her!

You kind of scared me with your first statements in this post about the Will and POA's. But, it has to be done. I didn't get my will done until a friend nagged at me for over two years. Every time that I would complain to him about something that would be happening to me, he would say "Is your will up to date?" He was right! The fact was that I didn't even have a will. I am glad that he was all over my case about it though. It is now done, although I do need to update it. An ironic thing about that is, that my will was finally completed the day after my mother died. This coming December 14th will be the 10th anniversary of her passing. I played for, sang at and spoked some at her funeral.

Another thing about the promised email, Heh-heh, is that I finally did get around to answering a nice and long and very interesting post that you had done about pets in the Michelle thread.

As another possible avenue to explore concerning the dynamics of art and what it involves, on this thread, if you or anyone here might have some photos of where you do your creating, like in your studio and/or photos of your surrounding area/pets/dwellings/mountains/forests, etc. where you get your inspiration. Hmm? Come to think of it, I could be doing the same thing here with pictures of where I do my performing! If your like me, your studio might be all around your home. Mine is, with two grand pianos in the living room and I don't think that there is a single room in this house that does not have printed music in it; I have a whole array of other musical instruments...

Sorry! I'm getting a little wordy here!

Yes, I did read your response to the review. Thank you! :) You are one of the people here who give me inspiration to write things like that. I create more when I have inspiration.

I hope that you have a great time with your granddaughter tomorrow! Please keep me/us updated as to what is going on with you.

Hugs, Craig

Comments on this post

firmbeliever agrees: Clough, keep writing... I love to read everything on this thread.. such beautiful people.

Thanks so much for the compliment, firmbeliever!

Are you into music? If so, what kind or kinds, please?

Comments on this post


Thanks so much for the compliment, firmbeliever!

Are you into music? If so, what kind or kinds, please?

I mostly like nasheeds now(it is religious type songs with out music).

I used to listen to music before... I used to like oldies like Vincent,Donna,Evergreen tree,Bachelor boy... but I used to listen to all types,but mostly those which had deep meaning words in them(nothing vulgar or loud ever took my fancy even then).

Do you like classical music? Maybe the kinds that don't have any words? I ask about classical music in the broad sense of the term. There are many kinds of music that we call classical.

I am asking because I am thinking about starting a new thread that has to do with classical music, which would include the various types/genres of music from the periods that most people would include under the term "classical" such as early, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, twentieth century, and also these other types of music: jazz, folk, maybe some country, blue grass, music in liturgical or other types of churches, etc. But, no rock styles though. Unless the rock style overlaps with one of the above, such as country or jazz.

I am going to be looking for people who might play and/or appreciate the sounds of the following acoustic instruments: guitar, banjo, harmonica, violin, viola, violoncello, string bass, flute, recorder, keyed zither, piano, pipe organ (or, electronic, but as it is used for nightclub or church purposes), trumpet, cornet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, etc. I think that you might get might my point by the list of the instruments.

What I will be looking for are those people who perform and/or appreciate music that is primarily done on the acoustic instruments mentioned above, and also by singing. Discussion as to the concerts that people have attended for those types of music and also what books or pieces they might be playing could also become part of the conversations in the thread.

Just trying to get a "feel" as to who might appreciate that type of thread. I thought that you might be a likely candidate.

I haven't thought of a title yet. Am still working on it.

Just trying to get a "feel" as to who might appreciate that type of thread. I thought that you might be a likely candidate.

I haven't thought of a title yet. Am still working on it.

Craig,
Do start a thread, I am sure there are a lot of people who likes music whether classical or not.

I might not be in there much,but I will surely pop in even if I don't say anything.

I'm just curious, firmbeliever. Do you play a musical instrument? Do you sing? Just wondering...

Never played any instruments... singing is not my forte.:)

But I do love nature's sounds
Like the waves caressing the beach, wind rustling leaves, bird songs, raindrops...

Never played any instruments...singing is not my forte.:)

But I do love nature's sounds
like the waves caressing the beach, wind rustling leaves, bird songs, raindrops....

Then I think that I will include such a thing in the thread. Thank you for reminding me of the sounds of nature.

Are you by any chance into the type of music that might be called "New Age?"

Then I think that I will include such a thing in the thread. Thank you for reminding me of the sounds of nature.

Are you by any chance into the type of music that might be called "New Age?"

I don't know what that means, so I guess I am not:)

I dont know what that means, so I guess I am not:)

We just might not be on the same page here, firm. Where do you live, please?

By-the-way, I just added you to my Buddy List, jrebel7!

Thank you Clough! Rightbackatcha!! :)

Hey there Soul Sister!!! You are just a hoot! I love your phraseology! Yep, that was one step we missed! I bet that will make a huge difference. I wondered why I couldn't get the letters to all be dark or all be light. I haven't had a chance to go in and try this with this new information but just know I could not have put anything on there without your first set of instructions, so Didi, you did real good!!! :) It is just uncanny the similarities isn't it??? I was hoping to see more of your art pieces. How about some of the step stools???

I sure hope your health issues get better. Take care of you! I will keep checking for more posts of your work throughout the week.
Jan

Oh, by the way, when I referred to the colour black for the text I meant that both foreground and background colours should match. You can use black, white, grey... whatever colour you want. Just make sure that it's the same one. (I use darker colours for lighter graphics and vice versa.)

The only step stool I have kept is very, very old and was one of my first, so really isn't very good. My deceased husband and I perfected a technique, but I haven't made it past cutting the wood since he passed away. All of my step stools were dated and numbered and given as gifts to the eldest 'new' children in the family for keepsakes.

As for seeing more of my art... well, I am ashamed to say this, but as far as paintings go, there are no more. I have only painted 3. Photography has been my focus, I guess, and crafting time has been limited. I will post my most recent crafting result later, though, if the photos turned out okay. I was telling Clough that I am really getting in the frame of mind for another painting, perhaps. I have been studying all the pencil drawings on here trying to pick up some ideas. I am TOTALLY not artistically inclined, really. I think the ones I have posted were just (in the words of Bob Ross) "happy little mistakes". Heehee. I can visualize what I want to do, but I have no idea how to get it there! However, I may just try one in the next month or so.

I can't get over how life-like your eyes and faces in general are! The one that you first posted, I think... the one with the eyes that follow you around. I would love to read (even privately) your 'story' on him. I have a strong urge to write a poem to accompany the picture.

I tend to be more of a thinker than artistic, so I write poetry, short stories and, I am presently working on a book about my experiences during my husband's illness and death. Actually, I'm procrastinating it. Sigh... I have most of it written, in fact, and I started the process to look for an agent but haven't followed through. I've heard that I have a better chance of having it published if I have one.

Anyhow, will try to post a photo or two later.

Hugs, Didi

Oh, by the way, when I referred to the colour black for the text I meant that both foreground and background colours should match. You can use black, white, grey... whatever colour you want. Just make sure that it's the same one. (I use darker colours for lighter graphics and vice versa.)

The only step stool I have kept is very, very old and was one of my first, so really isn't very good. My deceased husband and I perfected a technique, but I haven't made it past cutting the wood since he passed away. All of my step stools were dated and numbered and given as gifts to the eldest 'new' children in the family for keepsakes.

As for seeing more of my art... well, I am ashamed to say this, but as far as paintings go, there are no more. I have only painted 3. Photography has been my focus, I guess, and crafting time has been limited. I will post my most recent crafting result later, though, if the photos turned out okay. I was telling Clough that I am really getting in the frame of mind for another painting, perhaps. I have been studying all the pencil drawings on here trying to pick up some ideas. I am TOTALLY not artistically inclined, really. I think the ones I have posted were just (in the words of Bob Ross) "happy little mistakes". Heehee. I can visualize what I want to do, but I have no idea how to get it there! However, I may just try one in the next month or so.

I can't get over how life-like your eyes and faces in general are! The one that you first posted, I think... the one with the eyes that follow you around. I would love to read (even privately) your 'story' on him. I have a strong urge to write a poem to accompany the picture.

I tend to be more of a thinker than artistic, so I write poetry, short stories and, I am presently working on a book about my experiences during my husband's illness and death. Actually, I'm procrastinating it. Sigh... I have most of it written, in fact, and I started the process to look for an agent but haven't followed through. I've heard that I have a better chance of having it published if I have one.

Anyhow, will try to post a photo or two later.

Hugs, Didi

Didi, I can't express to you how nice it was to see a post from you this evening. I had a long hard day, along with a migraine (another similarity-although mine are not cluster and I rarely have them but when I do... not fun) I had to be in Tulsa most of the day today at a doctor's appt. then another errand and we just got home a bit ago. My sister-in-law has cancer in the thyroid bed and it is aggressively active so when we got in, I got a report from her about her doctor's visit from today.

I appreciate the extra tips on the copyright image. I have not had time to get into the program since hearing from you about it the other day.

There are so many more paintings yet to come from you. You mentioned coming out of the darkness. Painting is such great therapy! Could you photograph the step-stools you gave as gifts maybe? I borrowed a drawing that a doctor in town had of mine for a show one time. I don't have prints of it just a photo. The shows I do now have to have all pieces available for purchase so can't hang any just to view only. I don't believe any of your work was "Happy Mistakes". I believe they are part of who you are.

Hey Soul Sis, maybe we can share poems and stories via private for a bit. I haven't had time to put the copyright on any of my stories or poems but when I do, I will post on public forum. I don't believe anyone would do anything or want to do anything with mine but just following Clough's good advice. One thing about this thread is that people are so willing to encourage and to give helpful advice. The new gal that posted her pencil drawings of her and her husband and the second posting of Jolie, sounds so excited about pencil drawing. I am anxious to see more of her posts.

Writing about life's events that are so personal such as death and such, is so taxing since it brings up all the emotion you have experienced. We had death threats on our children and our house was set on fire and her car burned in our drive way at night. It was two years of extreme emotional drain. Anyway, I have 7 journals I kept during that time. I can't even read them, much less write about them so you see why my need is so great to have art in my life. When I was younger, I would think, there are so many more important things I could be doing to help other people and I would put off creating. After this experience, I realized in this ol' fallen world, there is such a need for beauty and art to be all around us. Even now, just writing about this the tiny bit I have, makes my emotions a little crazy.

You mentioned that your photography has been your focus. That IS art!! My daughter-in-law takes amazing photos and just has the gift of timing and capturing the moment! A friend of mine does all of his art from photograhs and then on the computer, makes them paintings. They are all computer art but he sells them right and left. (I think you made your signature and posted earlier with the combination of the two?) I met him through the Utica Show I do each year. My niece helped me with the show and he was very taken with her. They dated for a bit and he also stretched a canvas I had one of my prints on to be the gallery wrap. He is just now getting into having cards and bookmarks made from his work. The first piece I saw you post was a landscape with deep blue color and it would make a beautiful greeting card. Created a real mood for me.

I look forward to many more posts from you! Hope you are feeling better!!

I should never type when I have one of these head vice headaches. Thankful for spell check!! LOL

Didi, when I "Quote User", I try to remember to delete most of the body of the note. Sorry, I left it on there. Took up more space. May I blame my headache on this?? :)

JREBEL -
I'm going to the library today to get some books, and read on some techniques and what not. Im absolutely embarassed by that last drawing I put up. THanks :)



Where are you E?? I was hoping to see more of your work. Hope to see it soon! :)

Hi there FB!

I just read your comment regarding the painted footstool. You can borrow it anytime... just let me know when you will arrive! :) Actually, I gave the one you saw posted as a gift awhile back but I have one I have not posted that is here and you can borrow it anytime! Kind words were much appreciated!! :)

Okay, I took an hour or so tonight to try my first ever (and truly, I mean EVER) pencil sketch. I don't think I have enough skill or patience for it, but it was fun to try and I am fairly pleased with the results. Please don't laugh!! :D

I would be interested in hearing any tips for improvement. I know that I didn't quite get the perspective right on the body and I probably didn't take enough time to do a decent background, but I just didn't feel anything I could do would do it justice.

Here you go! You asked for it! :)

Hugs, Didi

I also said I would post my most recent craft project. These photos NOWHERE near does this justice. The material has a very light glitter/sheen to it, which looks wonderful in low light, but is not flash friendly. :)

This was made (by me) for a wedding ceremony butterfly release. The couple ordered some extra butterflies and placed them into this 'cage' and used it as a decoration on the gift table. They had their own private buttefly release the next day with the extra butterflies.

I loved making it, but it was a real challenge. I rent it out for a nominal fee. Anyhow, I thought I would show it, such that it is.

Hugs, Didi

Okay, I took an hour or so tonight to try my first ever (and truly, I mean EVER) pencil sketch. I don't think I have enough skill or patience for it, but it was fun to try and I am fairly pleased with the results. Please don't laugh!!! :D

I would be interested in hearing any tips for improvement. I know that I didn't quite get the perspective right on the body and I probably didn't take enough time to do a decent background, but I just didn't feel anything I could do would do it justice.

Here you go! You asked for it! :)

Hugs, Didi


Hey there! You don't hear me laughing! I love it. I am proud of you for doing pencil. Skill, you are not lacking. You say you are not a patient person. I am not a patient person either, rather hyper most of the time but for some reason, when I do pencils, I am able to almost take on another part of me that I never see any other time! LOL It is a better part of me I think. That may be why I enjoy pencils as much as I do. How did you feel working in pencils as opposed to color? It almost takes on a life of it's own in a black and white world, seeing all the grays, dimensions of black and white. I tend to be an A to Z person and I see life in terms of black and white and don't allow or appreciate the gray areas, yet it takes the gray areas to compliment and complete the drawing. Guess I am getting too philosophical here tonight. I am hoping E will post more of her drawings. She is working on another one. I think this might be your forte. Look at the expression in the eye and the interesting texture in the background. So many artists, myself included tend to do a subject and leave the background white. There is certainly a time for that but with this drawing, I love the background! Keep doing more and let me know if it sort of grabs you. Don't get me wrong... I love working in color also. Each offers its own rewards.

Didi, I have never heard of such! I love it. When the butterflies migrate, we can drive to Tulsa and they just come in droves. When I lived in California, a couple wanted us to go see where they gather on the trees and cover the trees but we were not able to go. I was sad to have missed that.

Had you heard of this type of centerpiece being done before? I had not. Great idea and you did a great job! Where did they get the butterflies? Special order?

Are the butterflies visible all the time until their release? Oh, I just reread your note. It was a centerpiece and they were released later so they were visible for all the guests to admire? That is fun!

I actually enjoyed doing the elephant's head. I had no idea I could do anything like that! Up until tonight, the only thing I have ever drawn with a pencil is a stick figure or the very most, a two dimensional house! :P I found that I was getting discouraged, the lines on the trunk didn't quite look right, etc. Then I thought I should try shading, and it made a huge difference - especially around the eye. I was very pleased. I was shocked at the way the eye turned out. I did NOT enjoy doing the body. I just couldn't pull it together. Maybe if I had of had an elephant posing for me?? Hahaha! By the time I came to the background, which I originally wanted to do in leaves and vines, I just felt so incompetent (thanks to the body!) so I just tried to capture the hint of jungle with my shading and scribbles.

Thank you for your comments. I think I would like to try more, but I don't have a clue for a subject. The elephant hit me when I was responding to a post and came up with some ideas for a savannah-like living room, so I just ran with it. I will say that this thread has definitely increased the flow of my creative juices.

Thank you FB for starting this thread, and thank you to everyone who has posted here - whether it be to post their art or comments.

Hugs, Didi

Didi, I have never heard of such! I love it. When the butterflies migrate, we can drive to Tulsa and they just come in droves. When I lived in California, a couple wanted us to go see where they gather on the trees and cover the trees but we were not able to go. I was sad to have missed that.

Had you heard of this type of centerpiece being done before? I had not. Great idea and you did a great job! Where did they get the butterflies? Special order?

Are the butterflies visible all the time until their release? Oh, I just reread your note. It was a centerpiece and they were released later so they were visible for all the guests to admire? That is fun!

The butterflies are ordered from a company that is registered with the International Butterfly Breeder's Association (IBBA). They breed and sell butterflies which are native to the release area. They ship the butterflies out overnight delivery to be received the day prior to the event. Each butterfly is packaged in a triangular shaped box. They are packed in a styrofoam box with a cold pack to keep them cool, thus sleepy. :) You unpack them and keep them in a cool place overnight (cellar or fridge). About an hour prior to the event you put them at room temperature.

Butterfly releases can be done for weddings, funerals, cancer events and memorials, etc. The concept is that according to an old Native legend, butterflies cannot talk, so you whisper your prayers and good wishes to them, then release them to carry them up to the Great Spirit.

Sometimes they are released directly from a butterfly cage, but they are not fancy at all, certainly not suitable for a wedding. I wanted to create a fairly stable, natural environment for them, yet pretty at the same time. I used a wooden base, covered with a silk material, then a nylon sheer with daisies on it. I attached a grapevine wreath on the bottom, and joined it to another on top with small bamboo plant stakes. On the day of the event, flowers from the bouquet were places inside, and some orange Gatorade which the butterflies love (only orange, though). Later that night the butterflies hid up in the spaces of the top grapevine wreath, or between the material and the wreaths to sleep.

The most common butterfly to be used here in Canada and in the eastern States are the Monarchs and Painted Ladies. In California they can use different ones. It is truly a glorious event. I really do think you would love to see one.
Hugs, Didi

Wow... you all such great artists!
Gramma, jrebel, its frustrating I been trying to rep u 2 but I got to spread it roun lolz
Everyone's art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyone's pencil sketchings are amazing!

Ah! I see that there has been some great dialogue going on here tonight!

I painted, today...

Show us show us clough! :) pleeeaaaassseeee :)

show us show us clough! :) pleeeaaaassseeee :)

Psst... I'm waiting for the others to respond, if they are still around, that is... ;)

Check to see if "user online" is under their name
That way you know if they around rite now :)
I'm sure your painting is awesomly fantastic :) can't wait to see it.

wow....you all such great artists!
gramma, jrebel, its frustrating i been trying to rep u 2 but i gotta spread it roun lolz
everyones art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyones pencil sketchings are amazing!

Cal, good to see you back on here. Post some more work soon please. :)

I painted, today...

OOOOHHHH!! What did you paint, Craig?? Let's see, let's see!! Pleeeease??

Waiting with anticipation...
Fingers tapping...

Didi

Ah! I see that there has been some great dialogue going on here tonight!

I painted, today...

Hi there! What did you paint?

wow....you all such great artists!
gramma, jrebel, its frustrating i been trying to rep u 2 but i gotta spread it roun lolz
everyones art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyones pencil sketchings are amazing!

Thank you, Cal... now... what else do YOU have to show us??

Hugs, Didi

Well, it looks like you are all ready!! Please be patient!! You'll love it!! :)

psst... I'm waiting for the others to respond, if they are still around, that is... ;)

C'mon, c'mon... that's three!!

Toes tapping, feet dancing in anticipation...

Well, it looks like you are all ready!!! Please be patient!!! You'll love it!!!!:)

Ready and waiting!! :)

Lolz ill try to scrounge round through my art see if I got any other good stuff to show you guys.
Id upload pics now except I need to go unpack shopping and the pics I want to show you are on videophone and I want to use the digital camera to retake them :)

Here it goes..! :)

lolz ill try to scrounge round thru my art see if i got any other good stuff to show u guys.
id upload pics now except i need to go unpack shopping and the pics i wanna show u are on videophone and i wanna use the digital camera to retake em :)

Looking forward to it, Cal.

Hugs, Didi

C'mon, c'mon... that's three!!!!

Toes tapping, feet dancing in anticipation....

I know, I know! I love to watch you dance, Didi!! :)

Here it goes....!!!! :)

It must have been the fence... sigh...

*Didi is banging her head on the desk in frustration... *

ARGHHHHHHH!! *she clutches at chest as she has now aged 15 years waiting for the musician turned painter!*

Hey there Clough!! I know you are just leaving us blowin' in the wind so we will appreciate the post more when we EVER do receive it!! Did I miss it?? Am I in the Twilight Zone?? Hello Clough,, are you out there somewhere! Cal, Didi and I are patient but patience is a virtue, virtue comes with age and we aren't THAT old... LOL

Cal, Didi and I are patient but patience is a virtue, virtue comes with age and we aren't THAT old......... LOL

Hahaha, Jan! I was just going to type: "Look, I KNOW that patience is a virtue, but I just lost my virtue!"

I painted STORM DOORS for a musician friend/customer of mine!! :D

Yeah, I know! I bad! :( About as bad as those people who post to the religious threads just to bait people into getting into arguments for the sake of arguing! :mad:

But, for real now, I do have an image that I would like to post while all of you are here that concerns one of my types of art in which I am involved, and that would be music I want to do it correctly, so I might need some help, please. Please consider this a test image for me. Many more will follow at points in the future. I spent quite awhile tonight assembling images that I could find that are already on my computer.

Since the image contains me in it, it will be small.

I do have two questions for which I would appreciate an answer, please.

What are the approximate sizes of the images that your have already posted?

Do I type in my description of the image before I place the image in the post, or after I have uploaded the image?

Thank you!

Looking forward to it, Cal.

Hugs, Didi

Me, too! :)

I painted STORM DOORS for a musician friend/customer of mine!!!! :D

Yeah, I know! I bad! :( About as bad as those people who post to the religious threads just to bait people into getting into arguments for the sake of arguing! :mad:

But, for real now, I do have an image that I would like to post while all of you are here that concerns one of my types of art in which I am involved, and that would be music I want to do it correctly, so I might need some help, please. Please consider this a test image for me. Many more will follow at points in the future. I spent quite awhile tonight assembling images that I could find that are already on my computer.

Since the image contains me in it, it will be small.

I do have two questions for which I would appreciate an answer, please.

What are the approximate sizes of the images that your have already posted?

Do I type in my description of the image before I place the image in the post, or after I have uploaded the image?

Thank you!

For some reason, I could not access this page for a bit. But I am back. The way I post is to resize the image to the largest whether width or height at 450 pixels. You can use 750 but I like 450. But if you are in the image, post at 750 as long as that is the largest either width or height. I go to the body of the e-mail, type the description or any information I want to post regarding the attachment then go down to "advanced", then further down, it will allow you to browse your files, chose which one you want to post and then hit upload (or download) I forget what it says. Then you can preview but it won't show images, just text, but it will list them in the area where you loaded them. Send. Is this what you needed to know? I may be answering questions that you already know the answer to. I am so new to this, you might get better info from Cal or Didi!

I painted STORM DOORS for a musician friend/customer of mine!!!! :D

Yeah, I know! I bad! :( About as bad as those people who post to the religious threads just to bait people into getting into arguments for the sake of arguing! :mad:

I KNEW IT!! You tease! VERY bad!


Since the image contains me in it, it will be small.

?? Why?? You don't want us to see you??


What are the approximate sizes of the images that your have already posted?

If you mean in megapixels, when you are uploading the image it tells you how many it shouldn't exceed depending upon the type of file (ie: jpeg, etc). I just resize them by sight to what feels to be an appropriate size.


Do I type in my description of the image before I place the image in the post, or after I have uploaded the image?

Either way. I usually type first, but sometimes I think of something to add. Please do hurry, I need my beauty sleep!


Thank you!

No, thank you! (I considered making you wait, but... )

Hugs, Didi

Hahaha, Jan! I was just going to type: "Look, I KNOW that patience is a virtue, but I just lost my virtue!"

Didi, this is just getting stranger and stranger!! Do you suppose we were twins at one time?? LOL That was hilarious. :)

Clough, 2:30 is about my time I get a little crazy with out sleeping. Did you go to sleep on us?? Cal, are you still hanging in there??

Didi, this is just getting stranger and stranger!!! Do you suppose we were twins at one time??? LOL That was hilarious. :)

I don't know, Jan, but I do think that we both got hung up for a time posting because we were trying to post at exactly the same time!

This is me when I gave a musical program and lecture on early music for the Friends of the Rock Island Library some years ago. The instrument that you see is a virginal, which is a type of harpsichord. I own and did decorate the instrument. There is an interesting story about how I obtained the virginal.

That is a very small photo, Craig. You look nice in the suit, though! Oh... and your virginal... also very nice. :) What do you mean you decorated it?

Hey gang! I am anxious to see Clough's post but sorry, I am going to have to call it a night! I have a fairly early morning tomorrow. I will check first thing in the morning though!! Sorry to have to leave you! Clough, I'm not giving up, just need some shut eye! Good Night to all!

Hello Grammadidi,JR,Cal,Clough and all the others here enjoying the Art thread.

JR,
I love your life updates here.

Grammadidi,
You are trying out new art?That's wonderful and I must say you are quite good at it.
I loved that butterfly release thing.. I wish I was there to see it.

Clough,
Are you ever going to post one of yours?;)

Cal,
Keep them coming.

Erlobeneur,
Show us another one of yours...

Chek,
Where are you?

Meterre,
Haven't heard from you in a while.

And all the others I may have not mentioned but are enjoying this thread,come on people, post some more art.I am enjoying it here.;)

This is me when I gave a musical program and lecture on early music for the Friends of the Rock Island Library some years ago. The instrument that you see is a virginal, which is a type of harpsichord. I own and did decorate the instrument. There is an interesting story about how I obtained the virginal.

I was about to sign off and saw messages. I don't see any images though. :confused: Maybe after I bring it back up tomorrow, it will show up. Again, goodnight. If the image is small go with the 750 pixels Clough. We are anxious to see you and the instruments!! :)

This is me when I gave a musical program and lecture on early music for the Friends of the Rock Island Library some years ago. The instrument that you see is a virginal, which is a type of harpsichord. I own and did decorate the instrument. There is an interesting story about how I obtained the virginal.

I am determined so had to try again before bed!! Yes, go with 750 pixels. We can't see this well enough!! :) Okay??

This is me when I gave a musical program and lecture on early music for the Friends of the Rock Island Library some years ago. The instrument that you see is a virginal, which is a type of harpsichord. I own and did decorate the instrument. There is an interesting story about how I obtained the virginal.

Clough, I hope you will take time later to share how you obtained the instrument. That will make it even more interesting. Now, I am for sure going to bed. I am glad you are starting to post photos!

Hey FB, glad to see you popped in with us.

Good night for sure now! :p ;) :) Until tomorrow!

G'Nite JR!

That is a very small photo, Craig. You look nice in the suit, though! Oh... and your virginal... also very nice. :) What do you mean you decorated it?


That brings me to the story as to how I obtained it.

When I was to vocal music accompanist at one of the local high schools, it was well known that I like early music and that I had also been commissioned to build a virginal for some customers, because I had borrowed the instrument that I had built to use on a Vivaldi piece that one of the choirs at the high school performed in a concert.

It just so happened that one of the students knew of a virginal in a home. It was the only thing that was left in the house. The people who had owned the home had left it there.

The student wondered if I was interested in the instrument. I was. He spoke with his parents, who then spoke with the owners. It was arranged that I would purchase the instrument and that the money would go to the student.

When I got to see the instrument in the empty house, I was somewhat shocked, because the instrument was painted ORANGE! And none of the strings had be put into it. Also, there were wooden pieces that were glued together that didn't need to be. Turns out, that it was a project by the woman of the home that she didn't finish.

By decorating, on this particular item, I don't mean anything fancy. It decorated it simply, as a simple style would be that which would be suitable to Italian Virginals of the 15th century.

It's hard to see the decorating in the picture. But, I do have other pictures which I will post at a later time.

This is just one of the arts in which I am involved that I wanted to share about on this site.

Night, Jan... Sweet dreams!

Hugs, Didi

She built it, or was trying to restore it? How many octaves is it? I read an interesting story online not very long ago about someone who built one out of junk. It was based upon a 15 century Italian Virginal. They showed a photo of the original from a museum. Beautiful! (But then I appreciate things like that.)

Anyhow, so I am thinking you removed the unnecessary pieces of wood, stripped off the orange paint and re-strung it?

You are a very talented man!

Anyhow, I am heading off to bed. Thanks for keeping us in suspense. :D

Hugs, Didi

She built it, or was trying to restore it? How many octaves is it? I read an interesting story online not very long ago about someone who built one out of junk. It was based upon a 15 century Italian Virginal. They showed a photo of the original from a museum. Beautiful! (But then I appreciate things like that.)

Anyhow, so I am thinking you removed the unnecessary pieces of wood, stripped off the orange paint and re-strung it?

You are a very talented man!

Anyhow, I am heading off to bed. Thanks for keeping us in suspense. :D

Hugs, Didi

Thanks for the compliment, Didi! Same to you, also!

More information will come, later.

Hugs, Craig

Hello Grammadidi,JR,Cal,Clough and all the others here enjoying the Art thread.

Clough,
Are you ever going to post one of yours?;)

I already started to firm, in post #309, in case you missed it. :)

A small drop-leaf table restored for a customer, that was in horrible shape before restoration! These are before and after pictures below.

WOW!
Clough,if you had not stated that this is the same table, I would never have believed it :).Nice work.

Hey! Thanks a lot, firmbeliever!

Hey! Thanks a lot, firmbeliever!

I say it like I see it.;)

What did you do to that old table?Does it take long to get that done?

I always have ideas on furniture designs,but have never tried creating them or even restoring any.

I say it like I see it.;)

What did you do to that old table? Does it take long to get that done?

I always have ideas on furniture designs, but have never tried creating them or even restoring any.

Thank you for asking!

I stripped the old paint off it, sanded it and then applied a stain as well as a clear finish. That's the simplest way to describe it. There was is a lot more involved in the process, though.

How long it takes can depend on a number of factors. Doing a restoration project, such as on the small table that you see could take a day, days or even a couple of weeks depending on what needs to be done.

Furniture, by-the-way, is one of the hardest things to design that is for personal use. This also has to do with many factors which have to be considered, as far as the design.

Thank you for asking!

I stripped the old paint off of it, sanded it and then applied a stain as well as a clear finish. That's the simplest way to describe it. There was is a lot more involved in the process, though.

How long it takes can depend on a number of factors. Doing a restoration project, such as on the small table that you see could take a day, days or even a couple of weeks depending on what needs to be done.

Furniture, by-the-way, is one of the hardest things to design that is for personal use. This also has to do with many factors which have to be considered, as far as the design.

The process sounds interesting.

I still think the work was beautiful.

I will try to design some things and post them here, you give me your feedback on how difficult or easy it would be to build one,OK?

I like to design practical space saver furniture for small spaces because most furniture stores carry furniture for huge spaces.

I hope you have some more of your restoration work to show us.:)

Great work on the table! Can barely believe it's the same one, the result is so cool.
Well, I went through my sketchpad, the photos isn't very good quality, and they isn't my best ever drawings, but meh
Ones a pastel drawing I did on the front of the pad ("a place where i can die")
The other 2 images are the top and bottom halves of a finetip pen drawing called "1#"
(in that series of drawings I just gave them numbers instead of titles)
If you like that drawing ill show you guys the rest of the series, its all got a common theme of the mannikins and other stuff :) later I mite do better quality versions of those because I'm not too happy with the quality of my drawing in that series :s

Cal,
Have you tried comic illustrations?
Your 2nd and 3rd drawing has that comic effect and if you get some colours in, I am sure it will look beautiful, published like a comic strip.

The first one is very deep and I think I can see a lot of "you" in it.

The other two art pieces also made me realise something,but I will not say it here:),maybe a PM will do eh Cal?

Hehe thanks for the compliments :)
Comic illustration? Neva thought of that.
Pm me if u like I guess.

Chek, I have been re-reading posts and looking at everyone's art again (as I seem to do often). What did/do you do with these beautiful pieces that you create (ie: the carriage, cannon, 'Sue' the T-Rex)??

You have so many talents! I would LOVE to have a woodshop that I could work in. I have always wanted a lathe and a planer... sigh... maybe one day! :)

I am looking forward to seeing more from you.

Hugs, Didi

Cal, "A Place Where I Can Die" is awesome! The feelings alone that it generates are incredible, but I also like the way you were able to create the illusion of depth - almost like it is a model or something the way the legs are coming out from the wall. I think, though, that what I like about it is that it fills my heart with emotion and my mind with a story.

I also liked the last one. To me, I think of PC gaming when I see this. Once of my favourite PC Games was a game created by Dreamworks Interactive called "Neverhood". Your style of drawing would really lend itself to something like that.

All in all, despite the photo quality, excellent work. I really enjoyed the ones I mentioned. I think I did catch the symbolism, by the way.

Hugs, Didi

Craig, I am assuming that you didn't dip the legs on that table, right? What did you use to strip it? I love the way the legs turned out. It maintained the integrity of the age of the piece. When I do chairs, I will often leave the 'worn' parts on the seats; of course depending upon my market. Some people prefer the brand new look, I prefer one that screams out history. :)

I will try to take a good enough photo to post what will be my next project in that venue.

Hugs, Didi

Craig, I am assuming that you didn't dip the legs on that table, right? What did you use to strip it? I love the way the legs turned out. It maintained the integrity of the age of the piece. When I do chairs, I will often leave the 'worn' parts on the seats; of course depending upon my market. Some people prefer the brand new look, I prefer one that screams out history. :)

I will try to take a good enough photo to post what will be my next project in that venue.

Hugs, Didi

I'll be back later tonight. Much things to say. Got to go and continue my painting... And, get ready for the gig in Union, IL tomorrow. Later...

great work on the table! can barely believe its the same one, the end result is so kewl.
well, i went thru my sketchpad, the photos aint very good quality, and they aint my best ever drawings, but meh
ones a pastel drawing i did on the front of the pad ("a place where i can die")
the other 2 images are the top and bottom halves of a finetip pen drawing called "1#"
(in that series of drawings i just gave them numbers instead of titles)
if u like that drawing ill show u guys the rest of the series, its all got a common theme of the mannikins and other stuff :) later i mite do better quality versions of those coz im not too happy with the quality of my drawing in that series :s


Cal, "Resignation" is the best word I can think of to describe "A place where I can die". Use of colors were great for the subject matter and the emotions the piece draws from this viewer are all too familiar.
The other series was interesting. Upon first viewing, I have to admit, I was a little confused. I went back and viewed this several times. What kept leaping out to me but I didn't quite connect with was the absence of faces. The more I looked at it, the more insight came. The series is one I have many questions about. I won't be able to PM this evening but will later as I have questions about the series! Keep posting. Last night was fun!

A small drop-leaf table restored for a customer, that was in horrible shape before restoration! These are before and after pictures below.

Clough!! I am so glad you shared the "Before" photograph as well as the "After". How long does a project like this take to complete? The table is beautiful. You did a terrific job on it. I am anxious to see more of your work. Don't know why you waited so long to post this?? There is definitely an art to refinishing furniture. Do you do this outside or in a well-ventilated area inside? I am also looking forward to reading more about the musical instruments and the history behind them. :) I hope you will post some photographs of the Thumb Pianos you make. Did you take photos of any of them? They are certainly great conversation pieces and almost impossible to pass up without picking one up and playing it. ;) :) :p

The process sounds interesting.
I still think the work was beautiful.
I will try to design some things and post them here, you give me your feedback on how difficult or easy it would be to build one,ok?
I like to design practical space saver furniture for small spaces because most furniture stores carry furniture for huge spaces.
I hope you have some more of your restoration work to show us.:)



Hey there FB!! I didn't know you liked to design furniture! If you have time sometime, I would love to see photos or sketches of your designs. It seems everyone who posts has many areas of talent. I just keep being delightfully surprised as I learn more about you and each of the artists on this thread. :)

Okay, I took an hour or so tonight to try my first ever (and truly, I mean EVER) pencil sketch. I don't think I have enough skill or patience for it, but it was fun to try and I am fairly pleased with the results. Please don't laugh!!! :D

I would be interested in hearing any tips for improvement. I know that I didn't quite get the perspective right on the body and I probably didn't take enough time to do a decent background, but I just didn't feel anything I could do would do it justice.

Here you go! You asked for it! :)

Hugs, Didi



I think its beautiful. Elephants are one of my favorite animals. Great job for a first time sketch most definitely!

I think its beautiful. Elephants are one of my favorite animals. Great job for a first time sketch most definitely!!

I am glad that you have returned, erlobenauer! :) I hope that you might post more examples of your work!

Hey Everyone!! Sorry I've been MIA for the past few days. Busy with my little girls birthday this weekend. Am hoping to have a piece drawn within the next day or two to post.

Much love :)
Erica

Thank you all for the compliments :) can't wait to see more of your guys art.
Here's another part of the fineline series (this one is called 3#)
And another pastel one I did around the same time as the other, which I haven't thought of a title for yet.

thank you all for the compliments :) can't wait to see more of ur guys art.
heres another part of the fineline series (this one is called 3#)
and another pastel one i did around the same time as the other, which i havnt thought of a title for yet.

Cal, do you feel the emotions depicted in your drawings/paintings? Your postings are always so fun and up but your art seems to depict an opposite of that. Just wondering. Each artist is different. When I write, my poems usually depict what I am feeling but with my drawings, I do them, then take on the emotions of the piece. Glad you posted! :)

Cal, another question. I thought when I first viewed the second piece that it was a painting. It is a pastel but wondering, do you use a spray sealer and if so what kind? With the sheen on it, I thought it was a painting at first then went back and reread your note.

Here are some of my attempts at pencil shading done 2-3 years ago:)

The one with the books was done with those arranged in front of me.

The veggies in a pot was done from a black and white photograph.

Here is a stencil I made long ago around the same time as the above pencil sketches.

The next one is a water colour attempt.

Here are some of my attempts at pencil shading done 2-3 years ago:)

The one with the books was done with those arranged in front of me.

The veggies in a pot was done from a black and white photograph.


I think they're fantastic, show us more, show us more!!

:)

First one is a pastel crayon attempt and the second one is pencil colour.

Both were done looking at photographs.All of my work in these posts are from the same year.

Sorry to have posted so many,but I had some free time and was inspired:D to search these out and post them.:eek:

Here are some of my attempts at pencil shading done 2-3 years ago:)

The one with the books was done with those arranged in front of me.

The veggies in a pot was done from a black and white photograph.

You have been hiding your light under a bushel! These are so interesting! I am continually amazed at the different styles and techniques of pencil artists. Everyone who posts are unique unto themselves. I love your work! You have worked in so many mediums. Do you have a favorite??

First one is a pastel crayon attempt and the second one is pencil colour.

Both were done looking at photographs.All of my work in these posts are from the same year.

Sorry to have posted so many,but I had some free time and was inspired:D to search these out and post them.:eek:


Wish I could view these up close and personal! The water in the second one mesmerized me!

You have been hiding your light under a bushel! These are so interesting! I am continually amazed at the different styles and techniques of pencil artists. Everyone who posts are unique unto themselves. I love your work! You have worked in so many mediums. Do you have a favorite???

Awww... thanks JR,
I did have someone to guide me through the techniques when I did these though.

A favorite for me would be acrylics on fabrics.. which I will try to post at a later time.. :p

All of you are amazing artists... and the conversations that come with you... you guys are wowing me... I am not an artist myself... but I love art... I really appreciate this thread... I get to check in every once in a while and oh man..

Start,
You must post some of your needle/knitting/crosstitch work here!

I never keep any for myself... so I haven't taken pics sweet...

I am going to ask J to do it.In a way we cannot see the names on it but so we can see your work... ;)

Ya... when she gets it goodness...

Hi! I am back from gig in Union, IL. Didi, I can see that you've been ogling again!

Below, is from your profile:


Last Activity: Today 10:26 PM
Viewing Attachment The Artist in you! @ 10:26 PM

Firmbeleiver that boat one is fantastic!
Jrebel, unfortunately, "fun and up" isn't something I feel often enuff.
I use hair spray to seal my pastels, and the shine I think is the light from the camera reflecting of that.
Whoa... just realised that all that stuff between here and my last post is yours firmbeliever! All that talent in different mediums from one artist! Its all so good :) can't wait to see more of you art and more of others art.
Edit- one of the reasons I seem happier than my artwork on this is because when I'm talking to you guys it makes me feel happier than usual :)

Hi, cal823! Are you self-taught at the art that you do?

edit- one of the reasons i seem happier than my artwork on this is coz when im talking to you guys it makes me feel happier than usual :)

All the more reason to keep posting and keeping in touch with other artists!! This thread is my contact with a world that is not easily found here. Cal, keep creating and posting and we will all benefit from the encouragement from each other. Some of your art reminds me of some of my work sometime back. Maybe just kindred spirits! :)

Ummmmm I am in art class at school but I've been drawing my whole life. Art class is great because it has exposed me to new mediums that I haven't used before, though I started being a good artist in year 9 when I was exposed to charcoals, then in yr 10 and 11 when we got to use pastels in art, and this year when I found the fineline pens in the art room and became addicted :) having an art teacher, and access to different mediums has been a great thing for me :)

jrebel7

ummmmm i am in art class at school but ive been drawing my whole life. art class is great coz it has exposed me to new mediums that i havnt used before, tho i started being a good artist in year 9 when i was exposed to charcoals, then in yr 10 and 11 when we got to use pastels in art, and this year when i found the fineline pens in the art room and became addicted :) having an art teacher, and access to different mediums has been a great thing for me :)

That's great! Have you done any calligraphy? I studied calligraphy with the late Father Catich at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA, U.S.A.

Clough, I thought you might get a laugh out of this posting. I did this piece in high school so does that tell you how long ago that might have been? I play "at" the piano, ukulele, and guitar. I always wanted to learn to play the drums and who knows, I may still yet!

I don't expect any raves on this piece by any means but it was a fun little India Ink piece and with your love for musical instruments, thought you might get a hoot out of seeing this one. At the time I did this, of course, I was quite excited about it!! LOL :)

First one is a pastel crayon attempt and the second one is pencil colour.

Both were done looking at photographs.All of my work in these posts are from the same year.

Sorry to have posted so many,but I had some free time and was inspired:D to search these out and post them.:eek:


I just love the boat. Im thrilled at such amazing work being posted here. Keep 'em coming!

Erica :)

Clough, I thought you might get a laugh out of this posting. I did this piece in high school so does that tell you how long ago that might have been? I play "at" the piano, ukelele, and guitar. I always wanted to learn to play the drums and who knows, I may still yet!

I don't expect any raves on this piece by any means but it was a fun little India Ink piece and with your love for musical instruments, thought you might get a hoot out of seeing this one. At the time I did this, of course, I was quite excited about it!!!!! LOL :)

I do very much appreciate it! :) Looks very much like Picasso! Was he one of your relatives? :D

I especially like the folk instrument element in it, and that you have tied various aspects of music into one whole unit!

Clough, I thought you might get a laugh out of this posting. I did this piece in high school so does that tell you how long ago that might have been? I play "at" the piano, ukelele, and guitar. I always wanted to learn to play the drums and who knows, I may still yet!

I don't expect any raves on this piece by any means but it was a fun little India Ink piece and with your love for musical instruments, thought you might get a hoot out of seeing this one. At the time I did this, of course, I was quite excited about it!!!!! LOL :)

There is also unity, harmony and discordance (dissonance) in the work. Very much the way that music is!

So you do play a number of instruments, eh?

"We are never through." That's the only thing that I can remember of something that my 7th grade English teacher said, other than one of my brother's friends had decked the teacher about seven years earlier! :p (That was junior high in a very rough school!)

At least I learned something from that teacher! Oh, yeah! I just remembered that his name was Mr. Johnson.

"We are never through." I would also add, that we are never too old to start learning how to do art and/or music as long as we are physically and mentally okay.

Before leaving for the night, thought I would post a bit more art work. I have enjoyed viewing everyone's art on here over and over. I am posting a "wooden spool". If anyone can tell me where this type of spool might have came from, I would love to know. I have lots of different shaped ones and wondered if they were used in factories. The "John Wayne" piece was done for the Director where I worked but given as a gift from the whole "Employee of the Year" committee. The committee paid for having it matted and framed. The director had John Wayne stuff everywhere in his office and when it was presented to him, this big ol' 6'4 man cried. I hope it was because he liked it!! I could criticize it to death but won't. Didn't have enough time to do it right but here it is from a few years ago. For some reason, it seems I can't get one of them posted. If it isn't on post or if it is on twice, I will try to correct. The "John Wayne" drawing is just a photo of the drawing. I had not started having prints of my work made at the time I did this piece.

I knew that some more images of awesome work were on there way. From your profile:


Last Activity: Today 11:53 PM
Managing Attachments @ 11:53 PM


Before leaving for the night, thought I would post a bit more art work. I have enjoyed viewing everyone's art on here over and over. I am posting a "wooden spool". If anyone can tell me where this type of spool might have came from, I would love to know. I have lots of different shaped ones and wondered if they were used in factories. Me: Probably. Depends on how large they are. The "John Wayne" piece was done for the Director where I worked but given as a gift from the whole "Employee of the Year" committee. The committee paid for having it matted and framed. The director had John Wayne stuff everywhere in his office and when it was presented to him, this big ol' 6'4 man cried. I hope it was because he liked it!! I could criticize it to death but won't. Me: Please don't, because it's great stuff. Such a nice thing to for your Director. Didn't have enough time to do it right but here it is from a few years ago. For some reason, it seems I can't get one of them posted. If it isn't on post or if it is on twice, I will try to correct. The "John Wayne" drawing is just a photo of the drawing. I had not started having prints of my work made at the time I did this piece.

I do very much appreciate it! :) Looks very much like Picasso! Was he one of your relatives? :D


Distant cousin twice removed!! LOL :) NOT :p

My ninth grade art teacher went around to some of the students saying whether we should continue with art or not. She told me, "You have no creative ability. You should not continue in art!" Cut and dried and that was that. You know, she was right in some ways and I knew that. I am not terribly creative. I can look at a photo and do a drawing or paint a place I would like to be but have not ever seen but in all reality I am not real creative. However, because I have a stubbornness in me, not to give up, and had and have such a love for art, I have continued on. I think the teacher could have been kinder but that was that and I here I am. In college, one of my art professors asked if I would be able to go on to a specific university in our state so I guess he believed in me a little.

I just love the boat. Im thrilled at such amazing work being posted here. Keep 'em coming!

Erica :)

Didn't you think the water was amazing??

Distant cousin twice removed!!! LOL :) NOT :p

My ninth grade art teacher went around to some of the students saying whether we should continue with art or not. She told me, "You have no creative ability. You should not continue in art!" Cut and dried and that was that. You know, she was right in some ways and I knew that. Me: There are so many teachers who should not be teaching! I would never say something to a student like that! We all have been given the ability to do the same things. It's just that not all of us are "born" with a Stradivarius for an instrument with which to work. I am not terribly creative. Me: I'm glad that you said that. Becuase you are exceptionally creative and not terribly creative! I can look at a photo and do a drawing or paint a place I would like to be but have not ever seen but in all reality I am not real creative. You beat yourself up because of the bad things that one person in your youth, who's opinion meant a lot to you said. In high school, I was told that as far as college was concerned, "guys like you don't usually make it." I never forgot what he said, and proved him wrong! However, because I have a stubbornness in me, not to give up, and had and have such a love for art, I have continued on. Me: A lot of people have no love for art. It is a gift that you have been given. I would say that you have been given a Stradivarius for an instrument to use! I think the teacher could have been kinder but that was that and I here I am. In college, one of my art professors asked if I would be able to go on to a specific university in our state so I guess he believed in me a little.

I believe in you, Jan!!

I haven't tried calligraphy, I do have a japanese calligraphy set which I have no idea how to use.jrebel that music one is amazing! And the skill you have with drawing in the john wayne one is fantastic!

i havnt tried caligraphy, i do have a japanese caligraphy set which i have no idea how to use.jrebel that music one is amazing! and the skill you have with drawing in the john wayne one is fantastic!

Do you mean the style that uses brushes? Are there instructions that came with the set?

What a great way to end my evening!

Clough, thank you for believing in me! Tears are close to falling! You caught me off guard! Think what I would have missed had you not directed me to this thread. Thank you so much!

Cal, your words are special to me. As I said earlier, I think we are kindred spirits. We may be years apart but certainly not worlds apart! We share a love of art and that brings us all together!

Good night for now. Thank you both! I hope I can be a blessing to each of you as we continue to share our common bond, love for the arts!

Ummmm I don't think instructions came with it.
I has like a 2 part brush that clips together sort of, and a few other little things with it. When I get home ill send a photo of it.
Edit- aaaww just saw what you just said jrebel thank you so much, you are a very special person and a very special artist :)

Originally Posted by firmbeliever
First one is a pastel crayon attempt and the second one is pencil colour.

Both were done looking at photographs.All of my work in these posts are from the same year.

Sorry to have posted so many,but I had some free time and was inspired to search these out and post them.


I just love the boat. Im thrilled at such amazing work being posted here. Keep 'em coming!

Erica :)

I'm glad that you came back, Erica! We would love to see more of your work! :)

I agree with clough :) lets see more of your art erica:)

I "plan" to get another started today, my unicorn got tampered with by my 3 year old - so I'm sure you can imagine what it looks like now. Bare with me, although I'm getting a little discouraged at myself. My drawings aren't coming out near what I want them to - for me, they just aren't good enough. I know I've taken no classes, and have very little experience, but I expect more out of myself. AHHH!! Aggravation has kicked in, and its kicking my butt. SOON I hope - to post more that is. Hugs all!

P.S. I LOVE this Thread - and all of you amazing artists. I look forward to getting on here everyday :)

ummmm i dont think instructions came with it.
i has like a 2 part brush that clips together sorta, and a few other little things with it. when i get home ill send a photo of it.
edit- aaaww just saw what u just said jrebel thank you so much, you are a very special person and a very special artist :)

Sounds good and please do!

If it's Japanese than it is probably meant to write the Japanese characters for their language. I haven't studied that, yet.

What I studied was using calligraphy pens and writing the English alphabet in words in an artful way. I got so that I can shape my own nibs for the pens to the desired cant.

You can also do the same thing to brushes. That is, to shape them to how you want them to be shaped.

I "plan" to get another started today, my unicorn got tampered with by my 3 year old - so I'm sure you can imagine what it looks like now. .... SOON I hope - to post more that is. Hugs all!

P.S. I LOVE this Thread - and all of you amazing artists. I look forward to getting on here everyday :)

Ah, a joint collaboration with a member of your family! Might be a real winner! :D

How many children do you have? I have two.

Clough- lol, collaboration is right! I have two as well, 3 and 1 1/2!!

clough- lol, collaboration is right! I have two as well, 3 and 1 1/2 !!!

Ah! I remember those days of having young children!

I think that I have said this before to you in another post somewhere, Erica. But, I would like to repeat it. I really like your signature!

"If you do not love me at my worst, you do not deserve me at my best."

Truly, what we write about ourselves is also an art!

I love that saying too, I found it on Lovingyou.com a long long time ago. I've never written anything - but I did find inspiration to write my husband a poem a few weeks ago, it came out OK I guess... lol --- do you write??

I love that saying too, i found it on Lovingyou.com a long long time ago. I've never written anything - but I did find inspiration to write my husband a poem a few weeks ago, it came out ok i guess...lol --- do you write???

Yes, I do write. I have written some shows for students to perform. Also, I do write poetry. But, when I write poetry, I usually have to be very inspired, like when I am in love with someone. Poetry just doesn't flow out of me as easily as other creative arts do.

By-the-way, it's also okay to post things on this thread about things that you have written. That is also a form of art.

I might do that, but Im quite self conscious about that!! Have you posted any of your writings?

Japanese Calligraphy (http://www.i-calligraphy.com/Japanese_Calligraphy.html)
Asian Brush Art- Translatel Your Name, Phrases as Japanese Calligraphy via JPG Images (http://www.asianbrushart.com/Japanese.htm)
Bamboo Art in Japan (http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/bamboo.shtml)
Cal, this one is for you.

JR,
I love the musical mixed art of yours.
I love the (spindle?was it?).I love doing fine details on small objects.


Erica,
I admire you trying out portraits, I could never do them justice,so I quit and I found out that I am not meant to be good at portraits.:)

Clough,
Would love to see some of your poetry,I love reading poetry too.

Grammadidi,Chek,Meterre, where are you ?

Japanese Calligraphy (http://www.i-calligraphy.com/Japanese_Calligraphy.html)
Asian Brush Art- Translatel Your Name, Phrases as Japanese Calligraphy via JPG Images (http://www.asianbrushart.com/Japanese.htm)
Bamboo Art in Japan (http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/bamboo.shtml)
Cal, this one is for you.

JR,
I love the musical mixed art of yours.
I love the (spindle?was it?).I love doing fine details on small objects.


Erica,
I admire you trying out portraits, I could never do them justice,so I quit and I found out that I am not meant to be good at portraits.:)

Clough,
Would love to see some of your poetry,I love reading poetry too.

Grammadidi,Chek,Meterre, where are you ?

Dear firmbeliever,

Ah, I can see that you now have some catching up to do here! :) It is also way past the time that I should be in bed!

Concerning your doing portraits, I just have one thing to say, and that is that perfect practice makes perfect, not just practice makes perfect, for there are many wrong ways to practice anything. At one time, I thought that I was not meant to be a singer. Now, because of taking voice lessons and having worked with most of the finest vocal teachers in the area and gaining insight as to what to do with the voice, I can now say that I am also a singer.

I also don't do portraits in what I might draw. But, given time and the right amount of perfect practice, I am sure that I could do them. Have I been endowed with a Stradivaius as far as the ability to do them? In my opinion, probably not. But, you never know until you try...

Grammadidi has some things happening whereas she won't be quite as available on this site for about a week. Concerning Chek and Meterre, I wonder where they are also.

Poetry by me? We'll have to talk about that...

I can see where someone just coming onto this post might be intimidated because of all of the information that there is on it. I know that I am less likely to respond to a post where there have already been a whole bunch of answers.

So maybe it would be wise, to just every once in a while, put a short post in that simply says something like,

"All are welcome to continue posting here. We would love to see and find out about the artist in you!"


I love the (spindle?was it?).I love doing fine details on small objects.

Can you do drawings on grains of rice like some supposedly can? :p

Craig

I might do that, but Im quite self conscious about that !!!! Have you posted any of your writings?

I also, am quite self-conscious about that! It's really personal stuff that concerns love...

I also, am quite self-conscious about that! It's really personal stuff that concerns love...


Same here... I can write a really powerful letter, but when it comes to writing poetry and anything else for that matter, its just rattling on about things that begin to not make any sense. LOL - anyhow, I think I might put it up...

You have my heart

And the key to my soul

You're everything I've ever wanted

And yet so much more

My time with you,

Is never enough

As I find myself longing

For the feel of your touch.

I know I take for granted

The love that we share

And its not that I don't want it

But because I"m so scared

I love you more

than any words could say

for within you -

I've also found my best friend

I want to be better

more trusting and true

just give me the chance

and I'll prove this to you

Dont give up on me

and I"ll never give up on you

Because if I ever lost you

My world would be incomlete

Boy - I'd forget how to breathe


Ok... so its kind of an immature writing really. LOL But at least it will make someone laugh I'm sure :)

Nice poem erlo :)
Thanks for the links firm, will read them when I finish my homework :s
I tend to be self conscious about my poems too, when they about love.
I mite post some of mine on here along with my art, I'm an okayish poet maybe, some can be very depressing though :(

I'm going to have to disagree with you that it is immature. It is a song from your heart, that can happen at any age as concerning love. It has depth and soul and shows a caring about someone according to how you feel. For each of us, that is something very personal and unique. Really, it about makes me cry, because of the experiences that I have had with love. It does touch me. It's very much like some of the things that I have written, only mine are a little more pointed. So much so, that I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing them here. I would rather share the other types of art in which I am involved.

Besides that, I would have to find them first! And, that would take a long time. I think that they are up in my attic, somewhere. They are about loves of the past, still sometimes in my mind, but for now, stored up in the attic - literally and figuratively!

Now, I should be in bed! And, I have just gotten a private message from some young lady who has been yearning for help in finding answers with her life as concerning relationships; was treated very rudely when she first posted and I stepped in to try and calm things down some, and also got treated very rudely.

Would you like to help, please?

Either of you?

Ummmmmm I don't know what I can do id need more info on what happened and what her issues is. If you can direct me to her post?
Depends on what the problems are, I mite be able to provde some help or encouragement.

Well what's the matter? Why the rudeness ? Let us know what you need! I'd be glad to help!

And Cloguh - I understand and totally respect your feelings about posting your poetry for the public to view. It's a very personal thing - and I'm sure you have some GREAT poetry stored in that Attic! Share anything else though, I'm sure its all fantastic :)

Clough... the idea of a person being rude to someone who needs help, and to a wonderful person like you, is just appalling!

CAL823 - I saw above something about homework - are you in college??

Hope Im not being too nosey, I was just curious!

Thanks, Cal and Erica! This is the link to the post. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/mental-emotional-health/find-man-142055.html If you or anyone else decides to become involved, then please be sure to read all of the posts on that thread. Thank you!

This is for anyone who is interested. It is your choice. Please don't feel guilty if you decide to not get involved. I'm just trying to gather together the forces and expertise to help someone in need.

There are certain people that I call in to help with certain posts that are difficult that have to do with some personal, emotional issues. At least one of them has been a part of this post. I have done this a number of times in the past many months with great success. It is part of the reason that this site is so good! There really is much sharing and caring going on here!

I am posting this here because we are a bunch of people who care about each other and what each other does. It's kind of a given thing in the arts, and that is to care about and support one another. I am sure that is one of the reasons that only certain people have been involved in this post.

I have not answered her private message yet. She currently has logged off since posting the private message. The private message is that she is reaching out to see if she needs to work on herself.

Thank you!

Craig

Well whats the matter? Why the rudeness ? Let us know what you need! I'd be glad to help!

Thanks so much for your brilliant post on the link, Erica! :) :) :) Did you see what I meant? It really was going to trash in quick order!

I am so appreciative of young, fresh, knowledgeable and caring minds such as yours!

Craig

"Art has many avenues; love is carried through many vessels. Your oceans are your colours, your ship is your brush and your treasures are in your heart." (Moncy Barbour)

"Art knows. Art sees beyond... Art points us in new directions that make us think and question." (Warren Criswell)

"A work of art is a world in itself reflecting senses and emotions of the artist's world." (Hans Hofmann)

Hello New reader/s of this thread.
This is an Open for all thread.
Please do contribute your art if you would like to share with us and do join in the discusssion:)

Thanks so much for your brilliant post on the link, Erica! :) :) :) Did you see what I meant? It really was going to trash in quick order!

I am so appreciative of young, fresh, knowledgeable and caring minds such as yours!

Craig


I'm blushing. THank you for such the nice comment :) :)
Erica

And - YES, it was going downhill quick. Some people should learn to bite their tongue. Some responses were simply uncalled for. Sorry, arrogance irritates me.

You are very welcome!

So, I can call upon you in the future as the need arises?

Absolutely. Sometimes I don't give the greatest advice, but an encouraging word or two never hurt anybody!!

And - YES, it was going downhill quick. Some people should learn to bite their tongue. Some responses were simply uncalled for. Sorry, arrogance irritates me.

I actually think that Greg and I have come to an understanding and mutual respect, after I helped him with something else about which he posted. He appreciated what I said rather than lambasting me.

Goodnight and sweet dreams to all!

p.s. I just added you to my Buddy List, Erica!

Awesome - about everything that is. Good night and sweet dreams to you too. Unfortunately its only 2 in the afternoon here, so not bedtime for me yet, lol!

p.s. I just added you to my Buddy List, Erica!
I added you as well!!

JREBEL - I added you too!

Since the digital cameras batteries are currently charging, maybe you gals/guys can tell me if some of my poems are any good :)

Here's the first poem I wrote since I started writing poetry about half a year ago or more... it kind of worried all my friends lolz


Silas
By seany
The sun only shines on the other side
of the world
you know you love me. i know you hate me.
Tell me your secrets. Ill tell you my lies.
Take me home, so i can die.
Love Me
Hate Me
Heal Me
Hurt Me
Love Me
Kill Me
Rape Me
My failure, My love you despise
We're all decaying, dying since painful birth.

Here's another I wrote quite a bit later

No Heart
I wish i didnt have a heart
Then you couldnt break it
I wish i never saw your eyes
Then i would never melt
I wish i never saw you smile
then i would never miss it
I wish i didnt feel for you
then i would never feel heartbroken

And one I wrote when I was in a somewhat better mood
Inspired by a nooma video of the same title

Rain
So ill just stand here, in the middle of winter, in the middle of your heart,
and wait for it to rain, for it to pour down, for the storms sweet embrace,
took just a one talk, a few sweet words, and my heart is taken,
a broken heart reknits and heals, a reborn person is ready to risk death again
my heart may get broken, i may die again, but reborn i will be, my saviour reconstructs my soul
so again like a fool a risk i have taken, but i do not care, so here i am, i am now taken,
and when it does rain, my dearest heart, you may fear the damp and i may shelter you, i may have to carry you,
but i will remember it always, and i will treasure the rain, because when it rained, i got to be with you :)
so ill just stand there, in the middle of the street, alone or with you, beloved or heartbroken, and wait for the rain, for the sweet healing downpour.

Hope you people like them :)

I like them. THe first one didn't really scare me, but saddened me for sure. LOL Do you write a lot when you are down? Or is it just easier to write about depressing things than love or happiness?

Please don't take that the wrong way, Im surely not criticizing you, I am just curious.

Erica

While we are at it, why don't you add me to your list?

Did I qualify

Dun worry I rarely take things the wrong way
It is hard for me to write happy poems, the words just don't come most the time
And I do write a lot when I'm down.

Yeah - I understand. Keep it up though they are quite interesting none the less

While we are at it, why don't you add me to your list?

Did i qualify


To which list is it that you are referring?

dun worry i rarely take things the wrong way
it is hard for me to write happy poems, the words just dont come most the time
and i do write alot when im down.

My daughter is an artist - visual arts, such as painting and drawing. She lives in California. She much prefers to listen to music that is in minor keys. I am kind of the same way, except that, I would have to say that I am really "on the fence" concerning that, because I perform so many types of music.

That is parallel to the idea that it is hard for you to write happy poems. I know exactly what you mean about writing more when feeling down.

I think it is much easier to tune into melancholy feelings and write about them than happier ones! To me, the melancholy feelings, by meaning alone, lead to brooding and pensiveness so it is only natural that it is easier to write about! Melancholy is all about expression! :)

I write quite a bit, but find it much easier to write a pouring out of emotion when I am melancholy or deeply emotional.

Hugs, Didi

Hi, Christine and Jan!

I know that you are probably just catching up on things here. Or, maybe each of you went to get something to eat!

:D

I think it is much easier to tune into melancholy feelings and write about them than happier ones! To me, the melancholy feelings, by meaning alone, lead to brooding and pensiveness so it is only natural that it is easier to write about! Melancholy is all about expression! :)

I write quite a bit, but find it much easier to write a pouring out of emotion when I am melancholy or deeply emotional.

Hugs, Didi

Oops! There you are!

I do agree with you concerning writing being easier when pouring out emotion under the circumstances that you indicate.

But, I am curious as to why you have chosen the word "melancholy" over other words that might be used, such as depressed, reflective, blue, downhearted, saddened, dejected, etc.

Thanks!

Hugs, Craig

Hi Craig, I had an hour to myself, so came on to nose around. :D I would really love to read some of your poetry, you know! Most of mine is a little too... deep(?)... possibly risqué(?) for AMHD. :) Actually, truth be known, it is difficult for me to let people into the depths of my soul. Although, when I think of the way I respond to the questions here, I guess my soul has been pretty much bared. Hahaha!

Hugs, Didi

I chose melancholy because, to me, it is a more pensive sadness, perhaps? I do not have to be depressed to be melancholy, not do I have to be dejected! In fact, I honestly can't think of anything I have written when I have been depressed or dejected. To me, melancholy is like being surrounded in a soft cloud of warm thoughts. I really can't explain it further than that. I can be in love and be melancholy.

Hugs, Didi

"Birds of a feather, flock together!"

since the digital cameras batteries are currently charging, maybe you gals/guys can tell me if some of my poems are any good :)

heres the first poem i wrote since i started writing poetry about half a year ago or more...it kinda worried all my friends lolz

Hmmmm... to be honest, I don't enjoy the first one. I liked the beginning, up to the word lies, but the remainder of it became too... abrupt, I think. The last two lines just didn't seem to do the first part any justice at all. Of course, that's only my opinion, and critiques of poetry, just like art, is all relative to the person who is giving the opinion. :)

I VERY much enjoyed 'No Heart' (if I can use the word enjoyed for such a deep and sad poem). The last poem, is pretty good, I think, but I get lost in poetry that is too complicated, and the way it is written is too complicated for me. :D I did get a certain amount of imagery from it though.

Thank you so much for sharing!

Hugs, Didi

I made a new post, if anyone is interested. It concerns creativity!

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/writing/your-favorite-fortune-cookie-sayings-143825.html#post681481

I made a new post, if anyone is interested. It concerns creativity!

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/writing/your-favorite-fortune-cookie-sayings-143825.html#post681481

I hope my second post was creative enough! Heehee!

Hi Grammadidi and Clough!! What time is it where you are?1?

Hi, Erica!

Didi has gone to bed. She is an hour ahead of me. It is 1:50 a.m. where I am.

Craig

Oh man, you guys are headed for bed, and I'm just getting started. No wonder no one is on throughout the day!!

oh man, you guys are headed for bed, and im just getting started. no wonder no one is on throughout the day !!!

You got that right! :) Although, firmbeliever should be closer to your time zone.

Are you in Germany?

Yes for now - only been here a few months and really miss the states. But its very enjoyable thus far. :)

Yes for now - only been here a few months and really miss the states. But its very enjoyable thus far. :)

So, I take it that you're not a native of Germany? Please explain. Also, please pardon my ignorance. Thank you!

firmbeliever is online now. I started a new thread. It is here:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/writing/your-favorite-fortune-cookie-sayings-143825.html#post681481

Kind of silly. But, there's plenty of room for creativity for those who are so inclined.

No I'm not a native. My husband is stationed here for the next 3 years. And I read a little on your new thread, if I think of anything I'll be sure to add it. :) :)

P.S. and I didn't find any ignorance!

Us talking about Germany is causing me to reminisce about things in my past.

I tuned a piano in Germany a long time ago. I have also tuned a piano while being televised on national television over here, believe-it-or-not!

That's amazing. I'm not very musically enclined that's for sure. Tried learning ot play the guitar, and didn't go forward with it. Do you play anything ?

I play a number of instruments and I also sing. We all have the ability to play, sing, draw, paint, write. We're just not all born with a Stradivarius for an instrument as a means to an end. Some of us just need to work at it harder than others do.

Is that your picture in your avatar?

Very true. Anythings possible for anyone willing to work at it and try over and over again. I like you're way of thinking C!

And I'm rather young, so hopefully still have time to do these things as I wish:)

Oh, and yes - that's my picture.

oh, and yes - thats my picture.

I see a long neck. (Correct?) If so, then for singing, you're probably an alto. The vocal folds (cords) in long necks tend to be longer. Hence, a lower pitch as far as the voice is concerned. High cheek bones are almost invariably one of the ingredients for beauty. Also, they are good for better tonal quality in singing, as is also your well-shaped mask (facial area.) I would also imagine that you are not a very soft spoken person. What I mean is, that your voice tone and quality probably carry quite a distance. But, I might be wrong about that. I'm just going by what I see and by the things that you have written.

And I forgot - when I was in Choir in high school, I was in fact an ALto! You're pretty good with your guesses for sure.

I had much difficulty getting back on here. Did you?

From the additional image that you posted, your neck is long by what I saw. I just see what I see because of my various professions. There are things that I always tend to notice about various people or things. As a house painter, I look to see if the brush strokes are straight much as early farmers who used horses were judged by how straight their rows were. I can tell right away if a surface that has been painted has been brushed, sprayed or rolled. When I am teaching singers and/or directing them, I notice many things, some of like what I have pointed out with what I saw with your image.

To me, it is interesting that the races of various people's voices sound the way that they do because of the way that their craniums are shaped. Even if they are all speaking English, their tonal quality still sounds like the race that they are.

There is definitely an art to how we adorn our bodies with clothing and how we make the appearances of our face and hair to be. Wouldn't you agree?

Why do you have low self-esteem concerning your looks?

Yes! It took a while before it would even display the webpage. Weird!

I absolutely agree with you - and I too, other than at myself, am very observative. Sounds like your are of many trades, which I think is wonderful.
It is very interesting regarding the races and voices that sound from the specific persons race. I think its amazing - and yet wonder why its so different. ( though you've helped answer that ) What type of music do you sing?/

And well - I've always had low self esteem - it stems far beyond anything I could ever write in this post. A lot does come from the fact that I've had two ids in less than two years and I'm sure anyone with children can imagine what that means for my body. LOL

Ello peoples
grammadidi, thank so you much for your honesty, it means a lot to me, and I kind of agree with your points, no heart is one of my fave poems that I have written.

HI CAL - anymore poetry today?

Hello, Cal!

Ummmmmmmmmm (sifts through his computer for more of his poetry)
I don't have many on here, but I guess because I like you people a lot, I may as well share this one with you guys
I wrote this one when my friend who lives in new south wales said she was going to commit suicide.
I was crying my heart out at the time at the thought of losing such an important friend, luckily she ended up not suiciding, and she has now become much closer to god and seems much happier since she went to a christian camp.

16 Roses
16 red roses so far have grown
16 red roses may fade
16 red roses may wither to black
16 red roses may wilt and die
16 roses may be all that ever grew
16 roses may be all that ever blooms
if by 17 you rest in peace
if at 17 all thats left are pieces
thats too many sweet roses that will never be
too many red roses that none will see
too many lives that will go unchanged
too many days that will go ungraced
too many crimson roses i may never again see
such a fleeting grace
such unending sorrow
i hope to see more roses
i want you to see them too
so as friends we can be two

Its not very good, but it has a lot of meaning to me.

Want to see more of you peopls art, and hopefuly some of you peoples poems too :)

Yes! It took a while before it would even display the webpage. Wierd!

I absolutely agree with you - and I too, other than at myself, am very observative. Sounds like your are of many trades, which I think is wonderful.
It is very interesting regarding the races and voices that sound from the specific persons race. I think its amazing - and yet wonder why its so different. ( though you've helped answer that ) What type of music do you sing?/

And well - I've always had low self esteem - it stems far beyond anything I could ever write in this post. A lot does come from the fact that I've had two ids in less than two years and im sure anyone with children can imagine what that means for my body. LOL


I'm glad that I'm not the only one who had trouble getting back on here.

I don't know what "ids" are. Would you please mind explaining that? Thank you!

Concerning what type of music that I sing, the short answer is that I sing all types.

Would you care to hear the long answer as to the types of music in which I am involved, both instrumentally and vocally? If not, that's okay.

ummmmmmmmmm (sifts through his computer for more of his poetry)
i dont have many on here, but i guess coz i like you people alot, i may aswell share this one with you guys
i wrote this one when my friend who lives in new south wales said she was going to commit suicide.
i was crying my heart out at the time at the thought of losing such an important friend, luckily she ended up not suiciding, and she has now become much closer to god and seems much happier since she went to a christian camp.

16 Roses
16 red roses so far have grown
16 red roses may fade
16 red roses may wither to black
16 red roses may wilt and die
16 roses may be all that ever grew
16 roses may be all that ever blooms
if by 17 you rest in peace
if at 17 all thats left are pieces
thats too many sweet roses that will never be
too many red roses that none will see
too many lives that will go unchanged
too many days that will go ungraced
too many crimson roses i may never again see
such a fleeting grace
such unending sorrow
i hope to see more roses
i want you to see them too
so as friends we can be two

its not very good, but it has a lot of meaning to me.

wanna see more of you peopls art, and hopefuly some of you peoples poems too :)

Really, it could be made into a song quite easily! It is from your heart and an excellent example of organized creativity and caring for another person!

Thanks clough :)
Any more of your stuff we can see?

I'm glad that I'm not the only one who had trouble getting back on here.

I don't know what "ids" are. Would you please mind explaining that? Thank you!

Concerning what type of music that I sing, the short answer is that I sing all types.

Would you care to hear the long answer as to the types of music in which I am involved, both instrumentally and vocally? If not, that's okay.


Yes I would love to hear the long answer. I love all music as well - well most all music so please enlighten me:)

Id's? Maybe I should re-read my post and get back to you, LOL

thanks clough :)
any more of your stuff we can see?

Not right now, until I scan them into the computer and also find the files in my computer that are, I don't know where! But, thank you for asking!

Here's a poem I wrote a few weeks ago that I just found lying around my room, was wondering where I left it , its not terribly good, but at least its happier than the others.


May your summers be as kind
May your Springtimes be as sweet
may your autumn be as wonderful
as you are in my eyes
may yours always be mine
though you are so fary away
I'm Yours for ever and a day

Yes I would love to hear the long answer. I love all music as well - well most all music so please enlighten me:)

id's?? maybe i should re-read my post and get back to you, LOL

This is the long answer. I don't normally feel comfortable posting this much about me. But, I do feel very much at home on this particular thread. I feel as though I am around people like myself.

To give you an idea as to the types of music that I play/sing and the musical venues in which I am involved, I am the regular pianist with the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra. Which is basically big band ballroom dance music. We have gigs in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana. I also play string bass and percussion with the Quad City Wind Ensemble. It's exactly like the local symphony, except that it's a concert band. Have been involved in all facets of church music for over 36 years - play organ and piano, conducted kids and adult choirs, bell and hand chime choirs, performed as well as written small musicals for church and school groups, was a music teacher in schools for many years, band, chorus, general music and cultural awareness/fine arts. Have taught all grades, from pre-school through college level classes. Have given private voice and instrumental lessons mostly in my home and also in some other places since 1978. Gig on my own on the piano - all types of music that would be popular at a party if one is playing the piano. Give lecture/demonstrations on my harpsichord (virginal) or piano to local civic, church and school groups. Direct the local men's barbershop singing group for the Rock Island Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. Have been in over 40 musical theater productions, either as an actor or musician.

heres a poem i wrote a few weeks ago that i just found lying around my room, was wondering where i left it , its not terribly good, but at least its happier than the others.


May your summers be as kind
May your Springtimes be as sweet
may your autumn be as wonderful
as you are in my eyes
may yours always be mine
though you are so fary away
I'm Yours for ever and a day

Are you familiar with the "Irish Blessing", Cal?

Never heard of it, why?

Because your poem, although unique and special in itself, is very similar to it. It is a blessing/poem that is known throughout the world. I just know it because I have been around awhile.

The words might vary a little bit depending upon the interpretation of the original. But, the thoughts are the same.


The Irish Blessing

“May the road rise up to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

You see, great, poetic minds like yours and other poets think alike. That's why you have written something similar in style to the Irish Blessing. Now, you can say that you know what the Irish Blessing is.

Aaaaaww that blessing thing is very cute and sweet I'm going to have to remember that :)

aaaaaww that blessing thing is very cute and sweet im gunna have to remember that :)

There are many songs written to the words, also!

aaaaaww that blessing thing is very cute and sweet im gunna have to remember that :)

A long time ago, I made a thumb piano for a woman with whom I was in love. On the bottom of it, I wrote the words to that blessing in calligraphy.

This is the long answer. I don't normally feel comfortable posting this much about me. But, I do feel very much at home on this particular thread. I feel as though I am around people like myself.

To give you an idea as to the types of music that I play/sing and the musical venues in which I am involved, I am the regular pianist with the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra. Which is basically big band ballroom dance music. We have gigs in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana. I also play string bass and percussion with the Quad City Wind Ensemble. It's exactly like the local symphony, except that it's a concert band. Have been involved in all facets of church music for over 36 years - play organ and piano, conducted kids and adult choirs, bell and hand chime choirs, performed as well as written small musicals for church and school groups, was a music teacher in schools for many years, band, chorus, general music and cultural awareness/fine arts. Have taught all grades, from pre-school through college level classes. Have given private voice and instrumental lessons mostly in my home and also in some other places since 1978. Gig on my own on the piano - all types of music that would be popular at a party if one is playing the piano. Give lecture/demonstrations on my harpsichord (virginal) or piano to local civic, church and school groups. Direct the local men's barbershop singing group for the Rock Island Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. Have been in over 40 musical theater productions, either as an actor or musician.

I don't know what to say. I'm stunned. I cannot believe your passion and experience runs so deep. Its amazing. As I'm sure your music is just as amazing. You are talented in so many aspects.

I dont know what to say. I'm stunned. I cannot believe your passion and experience runs so deep. Its amazing. As I'm sure your music is just as amazing. You are talented in so many aspects.

Thank you so much! I am sure that you have similar traits in what you do, also! I've just had a lot more years to develop what I do.

I'm going to sign-off now. Good night and good morning to all!

Good Night!

Bye clough..

Hi Erica,
I just had to ask, what does your nick mean?

Hi Firm -
Actually I wasn't thinking clearly when I designated this as my nickname. The first few letters are the beginning of my and my husbands first and middle names. BTW - is there anyway to change it? Lol

I don't think so;).
You could PM the admin and Mods,but I do not think it is possible.

The name does sound exotic, I thought it was a German word for something.

EDIT:::I googled your nick and came up with this
German-English translations for "erlauben":

To license
To permit
To allow
To let {let, let}
To concede

The end is german. My husbands grandparents are german.

A long time ago, I made a thumb piano for a woman with whom I was in love. On the bottom of it, I wrote the words to that blessing in calligraphy.

Aaaaaaaww that's so sweet!

I enjoyed everyone's post from yesterday. Poems are so insightful. I respect each of you for being so willing to open your hearts on the thread. It really shows trust. I would enjoy reading more.

I am posting some jewelry I made. The photo isn't that great, lighting was wrong but did it quickly tonight. I am not going to be online as late as usual so wanted to post early.

Hope each of you have a great night.

I have invited the person who is on the following post to join us. I hope that she does!

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/self-esteem-143943.html

Hi, Jan! Nice jewelry! Your talents seem boundless! :)

Glad you like it. They are made from potatoes.

Glad you like it. They are made from potatoes.

Naw! Get out of town! You got to be kidding! Potatoes, really! :eek:

Jreb -LOVE THE Jewelry

Naw! Get outta town! You gotta be kidding! Potatoes, really! :eek:


Not kidding! Pototoes they are! :) :p :)

jreb -LOVE THE Jewelry

Thanks much! :p

Your very welcome. As with Clough ( unless he was being sarcastic, lol ) I had no idea you could make things like that with potatoes. Interesting.=)

Erica, neither did I. I was at the business where I have prints made of my drawings and the guys wife brought out a necklace she wanted to show me that her daughter had made. It was gorgeous. When I held it, it was so light weight. I was stunned especially after she said they were potatoes. I went home, got some potatoes and made two sets. The first set I made larger because the gal had said to cut the pieces in one inch size. I am short and the jewelry was just too large for my body. I made the turquoise set. I cut the pieces, put a wooden skewer through them, dried them for a few days, turning the potatoes from time to time so they didn't stick to the wooden stick. They shrink by dehydrating. When they are dried, removed them and painted each piece of potato. I used five colors on each piece. Three colors of blues and greens, then a tiny bit of black and a smidge of Emperor's Gold, all in acrylic paint. Then sealed them each with polycrylic, let dry, purchased a small chain from the local craft store, and a few beads I thought might enhance it and put it together. I glued the earring backs on and used a stretchy gold cord for the bracelet. I get lots of compliments when I wear it. Too time consuming. Would not do another one unless for a gift... way too much trouble to do and try to sell although I have had people ask. I would rather spend the hours on a pencil drawing or painting on a Ostrich Egg to make a lamp. LOL I understand you are in Germany. When you are in the states, where do you call home? I live in Oklahoma. It is 1:34 a.m. Have a big day tomorrow so will say goodnight. I am still watching for your drawings to be posted, even those done by the duo, mother and child!! :) Have a good night!

Hi! Popped in for just a bit... :)

J -

Yes it does sound very very time consuming, and I surely wouldn't have the patience for something like that. Beautiful though.

In the states I call MO home, only been to OK once, and I thought it was gorgeous. And actually found an Art class here on post for drawing/painting so I believe I'm going to start that up as soon as possible! I CANNOT WAIT

As for my drawings now, I've been just a little discouraged and haven't even attempted anything else yet :(

Hi, Erica!

Jan is gone as I can see. I would be interested in trying to make some jewelry out of potatoes. Considered making jewelry as part of my living a number of years ago. Was going to send some samples to my daughter who lives in California so that she and a friend could see if they were marketable. Still might happen.

I have invited the person who made the following post to come and join us on this thread. It may be just the right place for her. I do wish that you would check it out. I think that what you might have to tell her, if you so choose to, would be valuable to her. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/teens/self-esteem-143943.html#post683487 Of course, anyone is welcome here that appreciates and is involved in the arts in some way. I'm sure that is what firmbeliever intended. But, it seems to be drawing in only certain types of people. I guess that is to be expected, though. Water does seek it's own level. It's a basic law of physics. It's the same way with people.

J -

Yes it does sound very very time consuming, and i surely wouldn't have the patience for something like that. Beautiful though.

In the states I call MO home, only been to OK once, and I thought it was gorgeous. And actualy found an Art class here on post for drawing/painting so I believe I'm going to start that up as soon as possible! I CANNOT WAIT

as for my drawings now, i've been just a little discouraged and haven't even attempted anything else yet :(

I love Missouri and the people there! Very friendly and helpful! I am especially familiar with Hannibal as I have gone down there to sell photography products concerning church photo directories, and also the Southwest part of Missouri, since I have some friends from up here who have a cabin on, I think the name of it is, Table Rock Lake.

Jan, I'm glad that you posted something to the "Self Esteem" thread. You put a lot of time and thought in giving your answer. It was excellent!

I hope that she does come to join us here!

I am going to check that thread and absolutely try to help as much as I can.

Hannibal is rather close to where I live, about 20-25 minutes. Crazy, but it is indeed a small world. I have lived In MA, GA, FL, and now MO - I would love to move further west though!!

I am going to check that thread and absolutely try to help as much as I can.

Thanks!

ello peoples
grammadidi, thank so you much for your honesty, it means alot to me, and i kinda agree with your points, no heart is one of my fave poems that i have written.

Hi Cal, You are most welcome, and thank you for accepting my honest opinion. I appreciate that you can do so while keeping in mind that just because it's my opinion doesn't mean it is fact. :D I remember two incidents that made me aware that everyone views an art differently (and life, too, I guess!). One was a poem that I had written in Grade 11. I asked my Journalism teacher to critique it and he tried to change it all around, adding words such as 'bittersweet', which is soooooooo NOT me! :) I believe, even to this day, that my poem was very well written and pretty much 'complete' that way it was written. He, on the other hand, felt that it needed many changes.

The second thing was another poem that I had written in grade 9 for my English teacher. She gave me a low average mark and I was heart-broken! It was the first poem I had ever shared in a somewhat public way. Well, many years later, when my daughter was in grade 9, she had to write a poem for her English class. She 'stole' my poem, added a covering page, put her name on it and received a very high mark! Everyone reads and sees things differently, and what pleases the eye or ear of one person may not do the same for another.

Anyhow, after I wrote that post about your poetry, I was worried about how you would take it. I just want you to know that I feel you have a way with words and I in no way meant to hurt your feelings. I spoke from my heart the way I hope everyone here will speak to me. :) I want people's honest opinions here, and promise to do the same if asked.

I would love to read more of your work and appreciate very much your sharing it with us.

Hugs, Didi

Uh, oh! Look out! Gramma's here! Better make sure that we "tow the line!" :D ;)

ummmmmmmmmm (sifts through his computer for more of his poetry)
i dont have many on here, but i guess coz i like you people alot, i may aswell share this one with you guys
i wrote this one when my friend who lives in new south wales said she was going to commit suicide.
i was crying my heart out at the time at the thought of losing such an important friend, luckily she ended up not suiciding, and she has now become much closer to god and seems much happier since she went to a christian camp.

16 Roses
16 red roses so far have grown
16 red roses may fade
16 red roses may wither to black
16 red roses may wilt and die
16 roses may be all that ever grew
16 roses may be all that ever blooms
if by 17 you rest in peace
if at 17 all thats left are pieces
thats too many sweet roses that will never be
too many red roses that none will see
too many lives that will go unchanged
too many days that will go ungraced
too many crimson roses i may never again see
such a fleeting grace
such unending sorrow
i hope to see more roses
i want you to see them too
so as friends we can be two

its not very good, but it has a lot of meaning to me.

wanna see more of you peopls art, and hopefuly some of you peoples poems too :)

Now, see, this is just what I meant in my previous post! You say that this poem isn't very good, but I really like it! I can see why it has a lot of meaning for you and I bet that it had a real impact upon your friend, as well. I like the way you are able to expose your heart in your writing and your art, Cal. I would love to see more.

Hugs, Didi

Oh man, after that post Jan made I'm definitely going to have to use my thinking cap :)

Hi GRAMMA!!

Hey! I'm not a drill sergeant! Sigh...

Hi Erica, Craig and whoever else is still around. :D I've been reading all the posts and soon will be heading off to bed. Erica, please don't be discouraged with your art! From every mistake you will learn - I know that I do! Jan, that was an awesome post on that thread. I loved your potato art, too! :) Craig, you just blow me away with all you do when you aren't eating Chinese!

Well, must run, but wanted to say hello. Wish I could be on more, but that will have to wait until next week.

Hugs, Didi

I know...


Hey! I'm not a drill sargeant! Sigh....

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I'm... down... here... :o

Lol - G'night!

What the heck does THAT mean, Craig?!

What the heck does THAT mean, Craig???!!!!!

I just felt like I had said the wrong thing, so I was beating myself up, some.

But, I am ready to proceed with turning "scars into stars" and moving forward with a positive attitude, now!

I am posting some jewelry I made. The photo isn't that great, lighting was wrong but did it quickly tonight. I am not going to be online as late as usual so wanted to post early.

Hope each of you have a great night.

Besutiful work there Jan.

Potatoes?? As others said I would not have believed it... but you are so talented I guess you could create many things from unusual veggies:)