Venus favours the bold

Two years ago eight artists decided to share their art in a round robin art journal. Two years and two books later I've just finished the final pages in Tammy's journal which is now winging its way back to the southern US of A.

It has been an adventure! Every month an ever-growing art gallery has been dropping through my letterbox. Each parcel bursting with layers of paint, collage and above all love.

I know I wasn't the only one to struggle a little with these final pages. I'm not sure if it was the pressure of seeing all that amazing art that I felt I had to match, or just knowing that once this one went in the post we were all finished... I certainly don't want this collaboration to end. Shall we do another one next year ladies? Please say yes!

So, onto my pages... Tammy chose the colour theme of black, white & tan.

I started Venus before watching Lady GaGa doing her own interpretation in her undies on the X Factor at the weekend. Bonkers was the first adjective that came to mind - along with a healthy dose of respect for a woman who just does what she wants! You see, I do think a bit of bonkers is good for the soul!

It was the print of Botticelli's version at the back of Tammy's journal that provided the inspiration for this piece - rather than the scallop shell bra.

I thought that Jennifer's quote was particularly appropriate for this project:

"You know when I feel inwardly beautiful? When I am with my girlfriends and we are having a Goddess Circle."

As Ovid said - Venus does indeed favour the bold as indeed does fortune and both have done Lady G a bit of good.

I'd been saving these pages for a while to collage with...

 

My tag to add to the collection...

 

Perfect colour scheme for this owl - plus a real owl feather.

 

 

How now wise owl

Why are owls always supposed to be wise, even when they are not - case in point a certain WOL, trusted advisor to a bear with little brain (but more than he thinks)?

Is it because they often appear to be wearing spectacles... which as everyone knows is a clear indicator of advanced intelligence... or possibly just an ability to see clearly?

For Sunday Sketches and Inspiration Avenue's Owl theme this week I thought I would sketch an owl (we are yet to determine its wisdom though). Now, normally when I sketch something I haven't drawn since I was 6 years old, I would gather some form of reference to assist. However, I was rather too engrossed in simultaneously watching the X-Factor on TV and so decided to use stored mental reference instead.

Owls though are not a bird I have often seen in my garden (heard occasionally), but never seen. I do love looking at them at bird displays though - what magnificent creatures, such power... such wisdom behind those eyes.... Ah, now look at me. I'm answering my own question. Owls just look wise. They go about their business with calm, unruffled authority and woe betide any fool who gets in their way.

My owl however, does not look like he'd do well in a fight. He came from the smallest egg in the clutch and has always preferred to sit and share, rather than go and acquire, his wisdom. I rather like him though and he just goes to prove that we don't need a reference to draw from. Believe it or not, we all have acquired our own wisdom over the years, our store of knowledge (what owls look like, for example). We just have to trust our guts to use it!