Felicity Deverell

Max Dog Pastel Portrait

2012-03-02T11:30:00.000+13:00

The cute Max is finished and will soon be on his way to owner. I had great fun doing this portrait, I love the reference photo because he is looking straight at you. I used pastels and pastel pencils on A4 drawing paper. I have always preferred to do larger paintings but have recently discovered how rewarding a small picture can be.

I have discovered audio books, and often listen to them while I work. There are free audiobooks here if you are interested. I was so excited to discover this! =)

Sketchbook Project Video

2012-03-01T12:43:00.000+13:00

I put this together this morning. A page from my Sketchbook Project sketchbook.

I have only two months to complete it so I need to do heaps of work in it. I am making a video of the whole process.

This explains what the sketchbook project is: (if you can follow the fast talking!)

Inspiration and Bathrooms

2012-02-29T20:41:00.000+13:00

It is leap day today. Is that what you call it? And can anyone tell me exactly why a leap year is called a leap year?

Anyway, today on a sudden inspiration related to a disagreement with my cat, Pansy, (one of my favorite models) I have begun a painting, a pastel painting, of our bathroom....yes, I said bathroom.

I never knew how beautiful bathrooms can be until I said that. Look what I just found courtesy of Google.

My New Drawing Board

2012-02-26T10:26:00.000+13:00

After a couple weeks of coaxing and pleading Dad finally made me a drawing board! It took him two afternoons with my help--or hindrance! He made it with no design just a couple of photos I gave him of the sort of thing I wanted.

The angle is adjustable by unscrewing the wing nuts and putting the screws in other holes. It's a simple design but serves my purpose and I'm very happy with it. As you can see I have begun using it already.

It is very useful for drawing for I always find that when drawing on a flat surface your viewing angle is distorted and what looks fine lying on the desk before you suddenly becomes elongated when you lift it up to view at 90 degrees! The drawing board is supposed to fix that

The only problem now is I need a higher chair!

My Present Situation....

2012-02-23T15:35:00.001+13:00

...is here evident.

My First Real Still Life

2012-02-19T14:36:00.000+13:00

I had never painted a real still life before, but during the last free days of the holidays (Yes, I'm still completing my year 13cert...) I attempted something new and different from my usual typical horses or cats. I was becoming a little afraid I would turn into a mediocre portrait artist, never growing better just churning out the same old stuff. And so in a fit of inspiration I painted this over a couple days. And presented it to Mum on her birthday.

Now that it's finished and since I haven't looked hard at it for a couple weeks I can see all the flaws in it. That always happens, such a damper! But still I feel this painting is a turning point for me and assures me I can still keep improving if I put my mind and effort to it.

It has displaced a faded old copy of Millet in the best spot over the mantle piece in our lounge.

There are actually three other pieces of mine visible in this photo.

Of Painting and Books

2012-02-18T17:37:00.002+13:00

Norman Rockwell painting

I have been painting for six hours today and have mostly finished an oil painting which I will share with you as soon as is finished. It's something slightly new for me. (After the oil painting still life I have recently completed but yet to take a photo of). I have discovered that audio books are great things to listen too while working on a picture. I generally much prefer to read a real book than an e-book or audio book, though it is pleasant to be read to I will admit. Anyway I can enjoy two of my favorite things at the same time this way! Books and painting! =)

The Artists Triumph, by William Sydney Mount, Oil on wood, 1838

Watch this space for my new painting!

Amusing story about Turner and Constable

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000+13:00

A Boat and Red Buoy in Rough Sea, Turner 1830
(I'm guessing this is the correct painting, it is the closest to the description that I can find.)

'Constable was one artist who had had the misfortune to have his work hung next to Turner's. C.R. Leslie, in Autobiographical Recollections, relates a story that has made art history:

"In 1832, when Constable exhibited his Opening of Waterloo Bridge, it was placed in the school of painting... A sea-piece, by Turner was next to it - a grey picture, beautiful and true, but with no positive colour in any part of it. Constable's Waterloo seemed as if appointed with liquid gold and silver, and Turner came several times into the room while he was heightening with vermilion and lake the decorations and flags of the city barges. Turner stood behind him, looking from the Waterloo to his own picture and at last brought his palette from the great room where he was touching another picture and putting a round daub of red lead, somewhat bigger than a shilling, on his grey sea, went away without saying a word. The intensity of the read lead, made more vivid by the coolness of his picture, caused even the vermilion and lake of Constable to look weak... 'He has been here,' said Constable, 'and fired a gun'.. The great man did not come again into the room for a day and a half; and then in the last moments that week allowed for painting, he glazed the scarlet seal he had put on his picture, and shaped it into a buoy."'

The Opening of Waterloo Bridge by Constable 1832 Oil on canvass. Tate Museum

*Quoted from Turner by K. E. Sullivan p.60

Speed drawing video of my latest drawing

2012-02-15T20:02:00.000+13:00

Here is the video I made of this commissioned portrait of two cuties. I was happy to have such a nice reference photo to work from. However it did come with a challenge, the photo was quite small, probably taken from a phone. Here it is.

When cropped and enlarged the quality was this:

But I managed alright and here is the finished portrait.

Norman Rockwell's Valentines

2012-02-14T11:00:00.000+13:00

I looked up some Rockwells with love themes for February since the 14 is coming up. Here are my finds:

Boy And Girl Gazing At The Moon, 1926

'Young Love'

First Dance

After to Prom 1957

Marriage Licence

The Election

Did you Follow the story line?

Night time Photography

2012-02-13T20:00:00.000+13:00

These photo paintings created by German photographers Jens Warnecke and Cenci Goepel have actually not been computer manipulated.

I think they must have fun doing that. Finding the locations and shooting and then viewing the result and the excitement if it turns out well.

Here is a video found on their website

There are so many creative and talented people, I wonder how many light photographer artists there are. Anyway enjoy these. =)

Google Art Project

2012-02-12T21:25:00.000+13:00

I have just been rediscovering Art Project Powered by Google. The project gives you a virtual view of several famous galleries in google street view and you can also browse the art works and read about them. I found out about it months ago, and have come back for another explore round all the galleries. They have added more features too, such as video media for some paintings.

The photo quality of the paintings are very good, look how clear this detail is. It is from The Merchant Georg Gisrg Gisze by Hans Holbein the Younger.

'This is what I'm working on'

2012-02-11T15:48:00.000+13:00

This is what I've been working on for the last couple days. I am videoing the process so next week I will have another speed drawing video made to share with you. :)

Ragdoll Kitten Pastel Portrait

2012-02-04T20:42:00.000+13:00

Pastel Portrait on board

On Friday I took this portrait into town to his new owner and I got to meet the actual kitten, Enzo. He is a gorgeous little Ragdoll Kitten, very relaxed and friendly. I saw him once as a little baby but it was so nice to be able to meet him as a big boy.

Happy Birthday Norman Rockwell

2012-02-03T02:00:00.000+13:00

Norman Rockwell, the great American illustrator and artist, is 118 today!

Fellow Bloger's Happy Birthday to Rockwell

Video Documentary of Norman Rockwell

2012-02-02T22:01:00.000+13:00

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg reveal their insights into Rockwell's art and why certain works appealed to them. Telling Stories is the first major exhibition to explore the connections between Norman Rockwell's iconic images of American life and the movies.

I'm posting several posts all about Norman Rockwell in honour of his 118th birthday on Saturday.

Rockwell's first Saturday Evening Post cover

Normans Paintings and Quote from Dickens

2012-01-29T13:48:00.000+13:00

The Barber Shop, by Norman Rockwell

'I should never have made my success in life if I had been shy of taking pains, or if I had not bestowed upon the least thing I have ever undertaken exactly the same attention and care that I have bestowed upon the greatest.'-Charles Dickens

Norman Rockwell painting the Soda Jerk, 1953 Oil on board by Rockwell

Charlie Hatless video (Post no. 101!)

2012-01-27T20:10:00.000+13:00

Here is the short movie my Nephew and I made recently. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin, just couldn't find the right hat!

Norman Rockwell's April Fools

2012-01-26T18:49:00.000+13:00

I have been reading a book on Norman Rockwell and am enjoying it immensely! I find the artist very inspiring there are so many paintings of his and so much in them. They speak volumes, and illustrate the old saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' Each one tells a story, he was an artist and a storyteller which makes an illustrator of the very best kind.

Since Norman Rockwell's 118th birthday is coming up on the the 3rd of February I shall post a few posts about him during the next week and share a few interesting things I find out about him. If you want a biography on him I advise you to Google it! :)

The paintings in this post are a series of covers for the Saturday Evening Post one April when letters to the editor pointed out mistakes in his illustrations. Well he decided if they liked finding mistakes then he'd give them some--the more the merrier!

In this painting of a curious old shop Rockwell challenged his readers to find the 57 mistakes he had painted.

Here are the answers

Julie Greg- New Zealand Artist

2012-01-23T16:21:00.000+13:00

As part of an unofficial new years resolution I have been looking at work from New Zealand artists for I realized that I know shockingly little of the New Zealand art world. I actually don't like the usually New Zealand contemporary style or 'unrealism'. However I am discovering their are allot of artists from my country who are really brilliant artists.

Julie Greg, for example. I have known of this artist for some years and she has been a big inspiration for me. Whenever I wanted to draw something and couldn't come up with good ideas I would look at her beautiful pastel work. Here are some samples:

Catherino II

Learning to Fly

Power and Grace

I love the style of her work with the very realistic and detailed horse and abstract textured background.

I lie how she has done the background for this, it is abstracted to show off the dear but you can tell it is a grassy woodland scene and can even see blue sky through the tree tops.

Julie Greg has also done a series on shepherds with their horses and dogs. Beautiful pieces are they not!

You can follow her on her blog, though she dose not post very regularly, or see more work in her website gallery. Julie Greg on Facebook

So what do you think? Recon I could become that good an artist one day!

Welcome to my Studio!

2012-01-21T19:13:00.000+13:00

I am one of those people who loves to change around things like furniture and rearrange rooms. I have rearranged my room many times, on average about once a year! Because my room is also my studio my roll-top desk serves multiple purposes and often when I have a painting underway I can't do anything else for all the space is taken up with it.

Today I got out a canvass but didn't know what I was going to paint. I decided to do a still life from life, but after trying to arrange things on a chair I decided I had better spent my day rearranging my room. I now have a solid old kitchen table at right angle to my desk so I have sort of cornered of a space in my room as a studio and have a lot more table space now! On the other side of the table is my bed so it also serves as a large bedside table.

An awkward view of my studio corner. Sorry about the bad quality images I was using my webcam!

Unimportant things get a much smaller space now!!

The four hundred plus books in my room overflow the shelves! (Yes I have counted and read them all!!! It's not really crazy, merely normal healthy behavior of a book worm!)

We being snobs! And Pansy more interested in the curtains.

The cat is Pansy, this is her territory. And she has allot more hair in winter!

I may get out the paints tomorrow now that I have a bigger space to work in.... =)

Charlie Hatless-- A Plotless Production

2012-01-17T23:31:00.001+13:00

I did nothing about everything I should be doing something about today, and feel a little guilty.

However, I was not entirely useless I did sign a painting -- and sell it.

Pearl Grey, Oil on Canvass. SOLD

But mostly today I have bee movie making with my nephew, Zion (9). I have introduced him to Charlie Chaplin and he loves them, he also loves making movies so we made a Charlie Chaplin movie ourselves. We had none of our usual Plotless crowd around so it was a two man band but I think it turned out quite well!

Here is the star himself! With his walking stick he made of a crow bar and stick! We have called the movie Charlie Hatless as we couldn't find a hat like Chaplin's, and what is Charlie Chaplin without his hat! So we are not pretending to be Charlie Chaplin, just big fans of his style!

I'll share the movie with you once it's on You Tube.

Here are our last two Plotless movies to entertain you.

Michael Blow--Amazing Artist (who I meet(!))

2012-01-16T23:05:00.001+13:00

We are finally home from a month in Napier, the Art Deco City of the world.

It was all very interesting and fun and great to get away for a while, (though not so great missing my horse, Tigger). The weather was a topic and disappointing, but I'm not going to talk about the weather because I have something better to share with you--or someone.

A second cousin twice removed (as I finally found out) kindly took me to meet a friend of his, one Michael Blow, who also happens to be one of New Zealand's leading professional artists! (I had never heard of him, but then I hardly know the name of any artist from my native country which I must remedy as son as possible!)

My favorite work of my Favorite subject.

I was rather nervous for I didn't know what professional artists are like, never met a real one before! But I discovered that the species are really the same as other humans, much to my relief since I don't relish the thought of turning into anything weird myself! He is a very nice, gentle man with a charming wife who served us tea and cake.

Evening Showers, Paris
Oil 36cm x 46cm

Many of his paintings were on the walls and I could hardly keep my eyes off them. They were the real thing! Real art and a style of painting I have always loved. Now I know how different it is to see beautiful paintings in the flesh and not just on the computer screen which is where I have always seen them. (Everything is always so much more exciting when you are young and inexperienced so forgive my enthusiasm!)

My Ladies, Art Deco Napier
Oil 23cm x 31cm

Here's what one gallery has to say about the man:

"Michael Blow is considered one of New Zealand’s foremost representation artists. As a full time professional, he has been painting for thirty five years and in that time has exhibited in over one hundred solo and group shows.

Plums & Persimmons
Oil 41cm x 51cm

His training began at Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Art and after graduation, in London, at the Sir John Cass School of Fine Art. In 1971 he returned to Napier and tutored for the Hawke’s Bay Art Gallery and Museum in painting and drawing, before beginning his career as an artist.

Fairy among the Camellias

Michael has entered just two art competitions, the Kelliher Art Competition and the George Harrison Award, both of which he won.

Evening Walk, Myajima, Japan
Oil 51cm x 76cm

But his main quest and energy has been towards an understanding of the beauty and intricacy of the world around us and the honing of skills to bring it to life on canvas.In that quest he has studied and painted in many countries including Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Australia and Bali as well as New Zealand. Most recently, he has visited Japan and this exhibition shows his first works from that intriguing country, full of charm and history.

Peking Ducks
oil 23cm x 31cm

Michael has always had a special feeling for people, flowers and still life and they are on display, as well as some studies from Europe."

It has really inspired me meeting him and I intend to try allot of new things this year and explore more possibilities. This year I want to actually carry out some of the vague ideas which are always floating about in my head. But that is another post. Happy New Year!!

You can see more of Michael Blow's work here and here .

Svetlana Cameron, Brilliant Portrait Artist

2012-01-02T22:25:00.000+13:00

As usual, having just discovered an artist whose work I admire, I must share the enthusiasm! Now, this artist is truly brilliant!

'I am a classically trained artist dedicated to the revival of realist tradition. I admire quiet art of great poetic beauty expressed through mastery of technique, and believe that a good work of art is the one that reaches your heart and mind without the help of art critics.' - - = Svetlana Cameron

I love her style of portrait painting, they are the kind of pictures I would like to create one day. So lifelike, and yet, so obviously not photographs.

Svetlana Cameron (what a lovely name!) has a website here. I spent ages looking at each of her accomplished works and reading through the site.

Portrait of Blondie

2011-12-23T13:02:00.000+13:00

I'm in Napier, the Art Deco city of the country, a long holiday over Christmas and New Years because my little brother is competing in the sailing worlds down here.

I brought down some work to finish, here is a commissioned portrait of Blondie which I have just finished.

Rare Young Talent

2011-12-06T13:55:00.000+13:00

I love the picture he is painting! I love the style of it, a masterpiece! He is so confident with each brushstroke, and I'm thinking 'Oh no don't spoil it I hope that's going to work!' And reassuringly he dose make it work and unfolds a stunning piece of art! A lesson in artistic confidence and speed! Enjoy =)

Autistic Artist: Amazing what you come across!

2011-12-05T13:06:00.000+13:00

Some of my Latest Commissions

2011-12-05T10:22:00.001+13:00

Here are a few commissioned portraits I have lately completed.

Pastel on A2 watercolour paper

Pastel on A2 pastel paper

Pastel on A2 watercolour paper

You may have noticed I use watercolour paper allot for pastels. That is only because I only have watercolour and drawing paper. But recently I've been experimenting with that sandpapered texture pastel paper which is really fun to work on but I don't think it is really necessary for a good pastel painting. As the saying goes, 'a good workman never blames his tools', and I don't want to learn to be reliant on tools and materials but concentrate on improving my skills and being able to use anything. When I am a good enough artist to need better equipment to achieve the very best then I will use them. But right now I'm still in training!

Speed Sketch of a Cat

2011-11-28T17:43:00.001+13:00

This is the first sped up video of me drawing I made. I just did a quick sketch for it so the result of the work wasn't very good! The cat is one of my friend's who breeds ragdoll kittens. She has a page for me on her website here: Pet Portraits at Truely Scruptious Ragdolls.

Charles Burton Barber.

2011-11-27T18:02:00.001+13:00

Charles Burton Barber--I heard of him for the first time today after realizing how little I know of the famous artists other than the ones everyone knows about. So I a website that features a few of the famous artists. Charles Barber captured my attention for he was a painter of pets, like me.

Born in 1854 he is one of the best animal artists of the 19th century in Britain where he was born and lived. He painted many famous and rich peoples pets often with their children too. He was commissioned by Queen Victoria to do painting and did one of her on a horse with John Brown at it's head.

Charles Barber always captures the bond between people and their pets. Perhaps a reason why he was in high favor with the rich and famous.

My favorite Barbers are those of the big dogs, collies and St. Bernards. In the painting below the collie seems to be coming to the comfort of his mistress who seems to have just had a tantrum, probably a spoiled little thing and obviously in a rich family. But the dog cares not for that, he loves his mistress and all he know is she has been made sad. He sends a reproachful look back at the unseen offender.

'Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.' - Geroge Elliot

'The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too' -Samuel Butler

Here is a lovely one. A young girl reading while her dog reposes in her arms while keeping a steady eye on the onlooker, protective of his mistress. The painting dose have an unfinished feeling about it. The cup and saucer in the bottom corner seem to be floating on air!

This is cute. The little girl is saying grace over breakfast while the dog and cat look on about to dive into the meal themselves.

He dose not do many horses, I guess because horses were less pets and more work animals in those days. Here however this little animal is purely for pleasure and cuddles! The pony is showing the white of his eye looking back at that massive dog alongside, perhaps he will bolt or give a kick for he looks like a mischievous animal!

I leave you with one of my very favorites:

Speed drawing Video

2011-11-26T11:59:00.001+13:00

Yesterday I made two speed drawing videos. Here is my second and best one. A drawing of Audrey Hepburn.

I have more videos on my You Tube Channel

Renée Zellweger as Miss Potter Drawing

2011-11-25T11:56:00.001+13:00

Renée Zellweger as Miss Potter from that movie. Drawn with graphite pencils on A3 cartridge paper.

I have just finished videoing myself doing a quick sketch. I'll speed it up and make a speed drawing video. It's just a trial one but I'll post it here when I'm finished.

New Facebook Page

2011-11-24T13:11:00.001+13:00

I've made a new Facebook page for Equine Fine Art.

Go have a look at all my galleries and like! I will be updating it regularly and add all my latest works.

The Young Queen Elizabeth II

2011-11-21T14:26:00.001+13:00

I have always loved the royal family, and especially the queen. here is a drawing I did of her as a young queen, wasn't she beautiful!

Portrait of The Young Queen Elizabeth II

I've been doing more portraits lately, I love to draw faces and I'm trying to get better at drawing them. I want more experience drawing from live models too. My family are willing but it's hard to catch them. I can do a quick sketch in half an hour but the one above took me almost two hours. My goal is to be able to do something like this drawing in thirty minutes. And then I could have a go at street portraiture!

These artists in Paris are brilliant, I'd love to go to Europe and join them one day -- that's one of my dreams.

Norman Rockwell

2011-11-09T10:05:00.000+13:00

Here are just some of the paintings of Norman Rockwell's which I have grown up familiar with even way down here in New Zealand. I never knew who the artist was until in the last year I have come across him everywhere on the internet.

These paintings we have in a big literature book and I used to stare at the Thanksgiving for ages trying to figure out if it was a photo or not! I used to study the faces very carefully and try to figure out the family relationships.

I used to enjoy studying this one too. Tracing back the family line; I have always been interested in genealogy.

I identified very much with this little girl!

More illustrations here. There are so many, I'm always seeing another Rockwell I've never seen before. I wonder if all the images are all gathered together anywhere. I mean digital images or prints.

Rockwell slideshow: with an interesting paragraph about each piece.

Enjoy this documentary of Norman Rockwell's illustration. Some of his old neighbours and sitters tell some interesting stories.

Pansy Cat: The Process video

2011-11-03T22:24:00.000+13:00

Pansy Drawing

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000+13:00

When I work in the craft shop in our local village I often take something to draw as it is not usually busy. It's really good because I have a full day which I can spend on one drawing which doesn't happen much at home. And only interrupted now and then to make coffee or sell something to a rare customer!

I did this drawing of my cat (Pansy again though we do have four other cats to choose from! Pansy's the prettiest!) in the shop the other day and found out another benefit of working there, it sold before I was half way through drawing it!

Ink Pen Sketches #41- 44

2011-10-30T10:36:00.000+13:00

For a week I have neglected my pen an ink sketches partly because I lost my pen and partly because I have been so busy with my big Pansy Cat drawing and other things that I didn't look very hard to find the pen.

I did these few on Friday while I was in the craft shop.

Quick sketch of a more detailed pencil drawing I was working on in the shop. I actually sold it (the pencil one) while I was still working on it!

Objects near at hand...

The old post office in Kaeo.

Pansy Completed

2011-10-29T10:32:00.000+13:00

Here is my Pansy finally completed.

Done in pastel pencil on aprox. A2 mat board.

Playing with digital art

2011-10-27T23:16:00.002+13:00

This is my first real digital art! I had fun in the last hour creating it.

What do you think of digital art?

I know some see it as controversial and pushing out traditional art, but I see it as a totally different medium which deserves it's own place. It is quicker than using real materials but I don't think I will ever take it up at all. Using real materials you can hold and feel in your hands somehow 'rings more true' to me and is more seriously skilled Art. But I don't fear that digital art will take over-- at least not in my lifetime!

Coming along

2011-10-26T14:23:00.001+13:00

My pastel drawing of Pansy is coming along, haven't finished it yet though I have done covered all the pink areas. Yet to do some finishing touches.

Portrait in Graphite

2011-10-23T11:40:00.000+13:00

Another drawing of my friend, Lydia, who is my best sitter! :)

I think it is one of my best so far!

Beginning a Pastel Drawing

2011-10-13T14:41:00.002+13:00

This is what I'm working on today. I'm inspired by cat's eyes so I thought I better do something very good while it lasts, and also while the holidays last.

I began by taking photos of my beautiful cat, Pansy, who looks so sweet and innocent but is a wild thing if you annoy her!! But she loves me anyway, my li'l darling!

This is what I have done so far, after two hours.

Now I'm off to ride my horses....

Pastel Pencil Cat's Eyes

2011-10-12T21:11:00.000+13:00

I tried out some pastel pencils which I bought recently. They are so fun to use! I'm definitely going to use them allot in the future. I drew my friend's ragdoll cat, I love the beautiful blue eyes.

When I looked at the first photo of it on the computer I decided I needed to add more hair.

I did so and it looks much better.

Detail of the best eye.

In the Weekend

2011-10-11T22:11:00.000+13:00

My nephew has been staying with us for the beginning of the school holidays. Its just me at home for him to play with at the moment so we have had fun playing Lego, watching Charlie Chaplin, and practicing magic tricks form a book he got for his birthday yesterday. He turned nine!

I let him play on my computer if I could draw him so we sat on the deck in the sun and I drew him while he was concentrating on the screen. He wasn't very complimentary of my result. I asked what was wrong with it and he pointed out that his head was too round, I changed it and he assured me it was a bit better. Children are such good judges because they tell the truth and say whats wrong and don't just say 'somethings not quite right.' I had trouble with the eye, too. He has such beautiful eyes I may try make another drawing of a front or three quarter view.

He likes to draw sometimes when he is with me and drew me a tree. I showed him how to shade and how to draw grass. I love children's art like this, before it becomes just a repeat of the same things they have learn't to draw. I remember how I used to draw a house with a chimney or two with curly smoke coming out, a tree with one big branch sticking out to hold a swing, a couple of triangle people, a flower bed, and later on a horse looking on over a fence. And that is almost the only picture I drew for years!

Pen and Ink challenge

2011-10-11T21:51:00.000+13:00

My brother's horse, Chiquita

After 'Fancy' by Will Wilson

This one was from my imagination so of course, not so good.

Artwork Slideshow

2011-10-10T21:49:00.001+13:00

I have several sketches to share with you. Dad came back with the camera today so I will post photos of my drawings in the morning.But for now I'm going to bed, and will leave you with this slideshow of my artwork on RedBubble.

Work in Progress Video

2011-10-07T14:31:00.005+13:00

Here is a video I made of the progress on my latest pencil drawing. I really enjoyed making this, I think I will make more.

Watch on YouTube

Tuppence

2011-10-05T19:27:00.000+13:00

I hadden't done much with pencils in a while so I grabbed the first promising photo and had a dash at it.My brother took the reference photo. I changed the neck to what I think looks better. What do you think? Critique me!

Horses!!!!!

2011-10-05T15:45:00.001+13:00

Took the camera to the horses yesterday to get some photos of horses to draw.

Pen and Ink Challenge #36

2011-10-03T20:56:00.001+13:00

Pen and Ink 70 Day Challenge

2011-10-02T23:04:00.000+13:00

This night I quickly grabbed the camera which Dad came back with today and took photos of my sketches. I think in future I will be able to take photos of them most every day. Up to day 35, half way through my 70 sketches in 70 days challenge.

My last drawing with my fine pen which I used up very fast writing long letters with, now I only have the thicker pen to draw with hence the heavier looking sketches.

This was obviously not a good day!

I have begun to copy some of the master's works

But still don't forget dear Heidi!

There is so much to learn from Leonardo!

I wish you had stopped reading this post before you got to this last one! It is appalling!

3D Street Art

2011-10-02T20:33:00.002+13:00

Now these are pretty amazing! I love optical illusions and 2D are that looks 3D. I would love to see some in real life one day. It would be fun to paint one too! Enjoy!

That's so real it's scary!

It's the sheet lifted up to reveal the brick that makes this otherwise flat painting 3D

To see more: 3D Street Art

Pen and Ink Challenge belated photos

2011-09-23T20:34:00.000+12:00

Here they are finally.......

These two I did with ink and brush as my pen was running out of ink

Before my pen finally died I managed to do this. The crooked little deer is actually done in pencil

But I went and bought two good calligraphy pens, and so my sketches improved a little

There have been a few days in which I haven't done a sketch but I always catch up by doing two pages on the next day. So it's more like a seventy-sketches-in-seventy-days challenge.

About Ink Drawings and a Cute Little Shop

2011-09-22T12:15:00.001+12:00

I'm sorry I haven't been able to post my ink sketches for over a week, but I have been doing them! I bought two new pens so my inspiration has been refreshed. It is SO uninspiring trying to draw with a lumpy ball point pen which is running out of ink! I will take photos of them all when Dad comes home with the camera. :)

I have put some of my work in a little craft shop, co-op, in our little local town. Yesterday I went in for a training day as I am going to work in there two days a month.

Isn't it such a cute li'l shop!

And guess what. I sold a painting!! And it had been hanging for only a couple of hours. And to a man who doesn't like horses, so he said! This is the one he bought, it was my first oil painting of a horse. I painted it last year, about this time.

Pen and Ink Challenge #12

2011-09-09T20:31:00.000+12:00

Pen and Ink Challenge #6-10

2011-09-09T20:28:00.000+12:00

I haven't been able to post sketches from the last several days as Dad's been away with the camera.

If you draw a squiggle so that the lines cross each-other anywhere except at a crossing of two lines and colour alternate shapes, it all works out evenly without exception.

Really, I play the violin every day but you would never guess I even know what one looks like from these sketches!

My fountain pen gave out

So I used brush and ink for the next one

And a rather uninspired one with a pen which was running out of ink.

Pastel Painting

2011-09-04T20:20:00.001+12:00

I can't add my ink sketch photos for a few days as Dad is away with the camera, but I'm still at it every day. Above is the pastel painting I did for the exhibition. I'll take a better photo of it when I get the painting back.

Pen and Ink #5

2011-09-02T17:21:00.001+12:00

Pen and ink sketch from Vermeer's Girl With a Purl Earring.

Playing Palimino

2011-09-02T08:48:00.001+12:00

My latest painting! I did this as a commission, and I could choose what to paint myself, as long as it was a horse and not just any horse but a painting of Horse! That is the best kind of commission! :) I painted it in Water soluble oils on canvass.

Pen and Ink #4

2011-09-02T08:43:00.000+12:00

Photo reference: Kimerlee Curyl Photography

Pen and Ink Challenge: #3

2011-09-01T08:08:00.000+12:00

I used Ruth Ives' illustration from Luisa May Alcott's Jack and Jill as reference.

Pen and Ink Challenge: #2

2011-08-30T19:20:00.001+12:00

I won't be doing Heidi sketches for ever, but while the mood is upon me to do them I shall!

This sketch was really just a quick one to fill in a gap! I used a brush for the large dark areas. I might do some more sketches with the brush; I like the affect.

Where I sketched, what I sketched, what I sketched from, and with what I used to sketch. =)

From a Corner of My World

2011-08-30T08:06:00.000+12:00

Quite by accident everything in this photo describes me and my life. As you can see I have to compromise with space when I come to do larger paintings! This is a painting I'm doing on commission though it is the best kind of commission because I could paint almost any horse I wanted! I used as reference a sketch of Sam Savitt's from this book:

It was only a small sketch with not much detail. I changed the horses head around and tried to figure out the colours. Colouring is hard for me, especially with oils, pastel colours are so much easier to work with because you don't mix them just blend them on the painting. Maybe I should do a 70 oil sketch challenge next!!

Pen and Ink Challenge: #1

2011-08-29T21:18:00.004+12:00

My first page of sketches!

I am using real pen and ink and it's quite hard to control as I haven't got used to in yet; unwanted blotches have a habit of dropping in from nowhere!

I have decided to fill one sheet of paper per day as I don't currently have a good sketch book to do them in. A clip board is easy to carry around.

I copied these girls from Heidi Grows Up by Charles Tritten. The illustrations are done by Pelagie Doane.

70 Day Pen and Ink Challenge

2011-08-29T13:52:00.000+12:00

I have been inspired by this blog post of Brenda Swenston's to begin a Seventy Day Challenge. Every day for seventy days I will draw a sketch in ink. I thought about allowing myself to sketch in pencil too but then I would always be rubbing out and what I need to practice is making accurate lines the first time. I haven't done allot of pen and ink drawings but I love them.

From the sketchbook of Conrad Martins (1801-1878)

Here are some of Beatrix Potters works.

I will try to post my sketches every day; it will help to keep my standard up if I do, I don't want to get lazy and just do a quick scribble!

While I was looking for images I came across this very fun pen and ink related page! Have a look.

Painting by Tom Lovell, illustrator

2011-08-24T19:01:00.002+12:00

Lots of photos, be warned!

2011-08-23T08:02:00.000+12:00

To begin with, let me introduce you to this pretty buckskin, Simba.

My friend and I have been given him as a project horse only a week after we sold Calypso, that big dark horse you have often seen in photos here.

He's finally settling in after having been badly picked on by the other horses.

My Tigger is becoming tollerant of him!

He is nice to ride and very soft and responsive

But also very speedy, he just wants to get places fast!

He is skinny too, and needs to be fattened up before I do heaps of work with him. So he will be nice when we sell him which we have to to for I can't afford to keep him.

Unfortunately my camera lens was dirty and I didn't notice, hence the blury streaks, sorry!

Ex reacehorse galloping down to join the fun.

The donkeys...

A good roll, ahaaa..........

It was the bluest of blue days, not a cloud.

This was yesterday by the way

Isn't it a beautiful place I keep my horse and ride, I'm so blessed

Exhibition!

2011-08-09T20:41:00.000+12:00

I have been working on a pastel painting which is going in an exhibition on Thursday which lasts for two weeks! The art group which I have been going to for the last month in organizing it, and they encouraged me to enter one of my horses. The theme is book week, create a painting illustration the title of a book or a passage of writing from the book. It's a theme I would love to explore more given time, but I only had two weeks to think about it so I've done a horse which is easy for me. My book is My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara.

Glass Jar painting sketch

2011-07-26T15:29:00.002+12:00

(Sorry for the slightly blurry photo)

Painted with water mixable Oil colours

I did this quick painting sketch yesterday. I have decided to do some kind of art work every day even if it is just something very small and insignificant and quick. I am always hearing that the best way to get better is to get better! Practice makes perfect. And the reason why that phrase is so well known as to be worn from much meaning to anyone is because it is true!!

Horse Portrait (for sale)

2011-07-26T15:16:00.000+12:00

I did this one last week at the Art Group which I went to again.

Pastel on black drawing board.

For sale for $80,00NZ Contact me at felicitydeverell@yahoo.com

Daniel F Gerhartz

2011-07-26T14:49:00.001+12:00

I have just heard of this artist for the first time today and seen his paintings for the first time, they are so beautiful. Here is some of Daniel Gerhartz's work.

I love his painting technique. I've always been drawn to impressionist and impressionist inspired paintings.

His use of light is stunning

He is a master at painting flesh tones something I have a great deal of trouble with

Light seems to shimmer over his paintings

They sparkle. Isn't this a lovely one, I love how the blond girl is looking out at you

If you love these paintings you should go along to his website where there are allot more stunners.

He also has a blog

An Art Group

2011-07-18T21:31:00.000+12:00

Last Thursday my dad insisted I go along to an art group at the sailing club where he and my brother sails every week. It was a good experience and I am considering joining as they are a regular group with a president and everything. They are all old ladies and very good artists too. "Old fogies" they call themselves! They gave me good advise on the portrait I did of my friend Tabitha who also came along with her sister. They all agreed I had talent which was encouraging, though I know I have a long way to go yet.

In the summer the cruse ships come in and they sell art to the rich foreigners that come ashore; perhaps I will be able to sell some of my work that way...

Parrots and portraits

2011-07-18T21:22:00.000+12:00

In June my brother turned 21 and this is what I gave him on the day. It is a scarlet macaw I believe, I didn't know until he had told me! It is a bit bigger than and A3 picture, it is no standard size as I cut it out of a lager piece of black drawing board I had. It is done in pastel.

Thomas Nash: Portrait artist

2011-06-14T13:05:00.000+12:00

I first heard of this artist while reading the blog Underpaintings which I follow. This post is really interesting and talks about a conference the artist recently held on how he creates his portraits. I looked up his website too and picked out my favourite paintings to share.

I love how he has painted the background in this painting and the next.

Though I admire his work they do have a rather stilted feel as many portrait artists work seem to have. I guess in trying to satisfy the customer and make an accurate painting of the sitter some of the artists own originality gets lost and the end result may look more like a photograph that art. This problem also comes from
making paintings using only photos as reference as I have found in my own work. I need to find someone to sit for me, and long enough for more than just a sketch.

Ragdoll Kitten

2011-06-10T21:40:00.000+12:00

An A2 graphite drawing I did of one of my friends ragdoll kittens which she breeds.

Nathaniel

2011-05-19T14:27:00.000+12:00

My latest drawing of my little brother, Nathaniel. Done in graphite on A3 paper

Rearing Horses

2011-05-16T20:59:00.000+12:00

A month or so ago we took Tigger and Calypso to the beach and had lots of fun swimming with the horses. Then Tigger and I showed off and did some rearing. I have just started teaching him and realize now how dangerous it is to teach a horse to rear. They must be well trained in the basics and you must be able to really trust your horse before you teach rearing. When he is confused with something I ask him now he sometimes wants to rear thinking that's what I want. But he's just about got it now, next step is getting him to rear up higher!

Good boy! I love my Tigger!

Tigger photos

2011-05-14T22:59:00.001+12:00

Pete bought himself a new camera and so he took it when we went up to ride the horses. Here are some of the results.

He was having a lazy day!


Pete had a ride on Tigger, and said he wanted a horse of his own to have fun with, instead of train other peoples horses all day.

Breeze

2011-05-14T22:38:00.001+12:00

Here are my two latest horses. Commissioned work for my cousin of his horse, Breeze.

A3 graphite

Watercolour on A3 Watercolour paper

Leonid Afremov's amazing artwork

2011-05-07T12:47:00.001+12:00

I just now found this amazing artist, Leonid Afremov's work. The painting above I love best. I love how the road is so wet and shining and the mistiness in the background. And the trees are amazing! Big dashes of colour amongst the realistic rendering of the branches. And there is a feeling of depth and transparency.

More of his work here and on his Deviant art account.

In the Dark of the Morning

2011-03-31T17:38:00.000+13:00

My latest watercolour painting! I hadn't realized how long it's been since I painted a horse. I've been doing allot of portraits lately.

In the Dark of the Morning
By Felicity Deverell

I'm afraid I wasted allot of paint on it I probably should have used oils! But I think I prefer watercolor been more used to that medium and I haven't had much experience in oils.

Equine Artists

2011-03-22T21:31:00.000+13:00

I finally received my first issue of Horses in Art magazine today after eagerly expecting it for a couple of weeks. It's really interesting and I am inspired to paint and draw more horses.

I love pencil drawings. This is done by Mary.

Joanna Maitland-Hudson

This artist's paintings of horses are amazing, I follow her on flickr.

A Piece from the Past...

2011-03-15T22:16:00.000+13:00

The Lusitano-pastel-2009

Interesting Art Links

2011-02-23T21:31:00.001+13:00

(Miss Potter)

Here are some links to things interesting, inspiring, and creative. Enjoy!

A blog full of interesting reading. Regularly updated and rated as one of the top art blogs: Making A Mark

I love the painting style of this artist

Underpaintings

Found this today, I will try to make it if I can figure it out!

Paintings from different pastel artists are posted regularly on this blog

And here's the Celtic Cowgirl

Sketches of Kittens

2011-02-20T13:25:00.001+13:00

I have a little notepad with pictures of cats and a different cat quote on all three-hundred and sixty-five pages, I sketched some of them the other day. On a piece of A3 drawing paper, using B3 and 6 pencils (I need darker ones) and a black ink pen.

This is my favorite kitty!

I have five cats so I should do sketches of them from life

One of them is going to have kittens soon, Pansy.

This horse is the beginnings of a drawing I never finished, I used the first photo in my last post as reference, Tigger.

Barefoot And Bridleless (bitless jumping)

2011-02-08T16:59:00.000+13:00

Riding Tigger

2011-02-07T14:24:00.001+13:00

Yesterday my brother Pete took me up to ride the horses, They are now about 10mins away,

but there is a beautiful arena with jumps to ride in! :)

We love jumping

My lil quarter horsie

Calypso

Pete said he wasn't going to touch a horse that day, he rides horse all week at work

But he couldn't help teaching Calypso and me a thing or two!

Until next time

New look

2011-02-05T19:08:00.001+13:00

The change is incomplete at the moment I've been trying to upload my new header but the computers going very slow! But I'll have it done soon. I also have a new drawing to upload, can't do that either. But it's on fy flickr page here

Will try tomorrow ...

Swimming with the horses

2011-01-28T02:25:00.000+13:00

Me and Tigger

2011-01-28T02:24:00.000+13:00

My horse and Me

2011-01-28T02:23:00.001+13:00

Tigger and me

2011-01-28T02:23:00.000+13:00

Finished

2011-01-18T14:27:00.001+13:00

Dark Haired Girl

Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour

I only used four colours:

Alizarin Crimson

Phthalo Green

Yellow Ochre

Titanium White

Lydia

2011-01-16T23:35:00.000+13:00

Lydia.

Graphite on A3 drawing paper

I am working on a painting of Lydia in oils at the moment

I'll finish it tomorro hopefully

Self Portrait

2011-01-13T20:31:00.002+13:00

Here is the first self portrait I have ever done!

I have recently become interested in drawing and painting people as well as horses. I draw from photos mostly but I think I prefer to have a live model, and it's very convenient to use yourself as a model!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T12:36:00.000+13:00

I haven't posted for a while-- Christmas and holiday distractions. My brothers and I and our two good friends went out on my brothers boat for New Years for five days that was heaps of fun.

I haven't been drawing much, but here are a couple of sketches I did before Christmas:

Levi: Charcoal

The Girl with No Name

The weather was like this until New Years morning and it has been sunny ever since! :)

Speed Painting - horse portrait in pastel (Billy)

2010-12-11T16:40:00.001+13:00

This isn't me, but it's quite interesting so I thought I would share.
enjoy :-)

My first Real Commission

2010-11-25T14:37:00.000+13:00

This is my first real commission ordered of my website!! equinefineart.net

From this photo I got...

Promise

Alexander Rybak playing "Song from a Secret Garden"

2010-11-21T12:35:00.000+13:00