Friday, January 13, 2012

A Morning of Folk Painting

Even though my head has still been suffering from January-itis, I ventured into the studio (just a fancy word for the room at the end of the shed) to try and get the creative juices flowing.

I did the best thing I know to whet the appetite - a frolick through the pages of my folk painting books, collected over many years.  Although I have quite a few of these books, there used to be many more, but I ruthlessly culled through them some time ago, only keeping the ones that were my favourites.  One day I'll do a post and show you the ones I kept. 
Of course, most of these are by my favourite folk painter, Jo Sonja Jansen. 


Anyway, this is the book I picked to doodle out of - the 'Painted Tin' book.





I like the naive-ish/rusticky (don't you just love making up words!) style of these tin pieces, so I played around with some of the ideas to put on mini canvases.

Can you see the red jug on the top left?

I used that piece to paint this one first.




It made me so happy to just sit and paint and create this little birdy.
There hasn't been a lot of time lately to do things like this. 
I am now the carer for my sick mother, who we have just moved from Victoria to NSW to be near us.  That was 3 days after Christmas.  We had my sister's wedding with lots of visitors before that, etc. etc. etc.



So, to just sit and doodle with a brush, was, to say the least, refreshing.

I know I managed to crochet my afri-bag, but crochet is different.  You can just sit down at night and do it without much thinking.  Painting is different.  My husband doesn't appreciate paint splatters on the sofa.....

Anyway, after doing the first one, I decided to paint two more, but different.




A pale background, with the bird facing the other way and a few other little changes.









And a purple one, which looked like this half-way through -








And progressed to this -








And finally this -







Here are my 3 little birds in a row.





Cheers
Fi

10 comments:

  1. I have just realised your Miss Izzy is the spitting image of my Lily.

    Your birds are really fantastic. I would love to be able to paint.

    lad you managed to get some painting time in.

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  2. They are adorable! And I know what you mean about having a project to get your teeth into!

    Best of luck with caring for your mother, it is such a huge committment and you are a saint for taking on the responsibility. I am sure she is grateful beyond words x

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  3. I LOVE THOSE PAINTINGS! L.O.V.E. THEM. I know exactly what you mean about sitting and crocheting mindlessly or doing something that requires a little thought. I have a hard time sitting still and when I do, I feel I need to be doing something so I mindlessly make granny squares.

    And I also get the caring for a mother. My MIL broke her hip in November. She was in the hospital, then a therapy place, then moved to a nursing home facility for therapy, and next week she is being moved to assisted living. People keep saying, "well that's good you don't have to do anything for her." I have lists and lists of things I have to do for her. I won't even go into it, but it is not easy.

    Keep painting

    Cindy Bee

    PS - I didn't see your name on those. Sign them.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy Bee,

      I hadn't signed them before the photo, but I did sign them after that - promise,

      cheers
      Fi

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  4. Fi, your little painted birdies are so pretty and folk-artsy. Painting is a relaxing hobby, and from what you wrote I am certain you don't have too much free time to just sit and relax. Being a care giver isn't an easy task. I use to paint years ago. I took a class in Tole painting and although I loved it, I never pursued it to become a better painter. I still have the books and somewhere the brushes. I don't think oil paints dry up, but maybe the acrylic ones do? No matter, I am so busy now with crochet and knitting and still trying to make room for quilting, which is another love. I can be happy just to see what you and others paint and content to know that I can come and enjoy those creations. I really should dig out the things I painted and post them someday. Thanks for sharing your lovlies.
    (((HUGS))) Susanne :)

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  5. Fi, your paintings are great, particularly like the chicken, lovely colours.....

    Sounds like life is getting hectic for you, don't forget to find time to continue working on your creative projects.

    Hope you've had a great weekend,

    Claire :}

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  6. Fi, I am sorry to hear that your mother is unwell. Praying for you to have the grace and strength you need as her caregiver. Glad it made you happy to sit and paint these lovely birds. It made me happy to see them today. Such talent!

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  7. Ooh 3 little birds sat on my window and they told me to try not to worry...summer came like cinnamon, so sweet...Sorry I was off there for a minute! Love your purple birdy, lovely,

    Sarah -x-

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  8. Hi just found your blog, love your painting how clever you must be tpo be able to paint like that.

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  9. LOVE THE BIRDS SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!! Please tell me you're going to sell them because I think they're wonderful and are just the sort of thing I would buy......(subtle hint there!) I so wish I could paint but I can crochet and knit so I guess we can't all do everything! lol xxx

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I love reading your comments. You made the sun shine brighter today.