Friday, 12 April 2013

Not quite finished but getting there ....

Well, I thought I would be able to finish my painting this week, but school holidays and trying to catch up with everything after our week away proved to be more time-comsuming than I thought ....

Never mind, I had fun playing and even though it may not look like it, I still worked a couple of hours on this.

This is where I stopped 2 weeks ago:

 I figured it needed some brightening up, so I added some dots:

It always amazes me how adding some dots can completely change the feel of a painting. It makes it look much more fairytale-like in my opinion...

 Making the dots "disappear" again behind some colour ....

Working out the tree. I now notice I forgot to extend some branches behind the figures ...

This is where I am now. Needs some more tweaking and then it should be finished....

And while I was on holidays, I received a pleasant surprise: turns out I'd won the giveaway from Jessie Lilac ☺ !! She sent my present from England, and only one week later I had it in the mail already!
Look at this:

Isn't that gorgeous!? And generous!? Her giveaway was for the original watercolour painting at the top, and the orangey print at the bottom right. And the other print bottom left was a surprise gift!! Woohoo, can't wait to get some nice frames and put them on display. Thanks so much Jess, you're wonderful! Check out her blog if you want to see more of this eye-candy.

And to finish this post: inspired by the Sketchbook-challenge over at the Studio, I decided I really needed to get into the habit of drawing every day. So I started playing in my art journal, trying out some things with composition. Just playing really. Had fun with it and will also start linking to Art Journal Every Day at Julie Balzer's blog.

I decided for this art journal to use parts of poems by Rod McKuen, one of my all time favorite poets.

I'm linking this to Paint Party Friday. Haven't participated last week and due to my limited  access to internet haven't been visiting the other participants. Will make up for it this week ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and don't forget: if you have an Etsyshop and want some free promotion, please have a look at this page and sign up if you agree with the promotion-rules! The more people that sign up, the bigger the party!

Hope your Friday is wonderful, and that your weekend will be filled with sunshine and laughter. ♥ ♥ ♥

Posted by at 04:15
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71 comments:

  1. Renee Dowling12 April 2013 at 05:30

    I have to agree that the dots change the feeling of the painting. They seem to add a little star dust or magic wand twinkles. I really liked the bright white dots in the first step. I also really like the yummy orange, pink and yellow behind the dots towards to middle next to that gorgeous blue...my eyes feel very happy and did a jig seeing those colours together!

    I also really love your new blog sidebars and banner. How did you change them? What settings did you change? Did you use any special programs?

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    1. denthe12 April 2013 at 15:33

      Thnx Renee! If you want to change your blog-template, you first of all have to save the template you're using now, just in case it all goes horribly wrong ... (do this by "backup/restore" and download template). This is how I did it: I went to my dashboard, chose "template", and then "Customize". Then you can choose a new template. I chose the "simple template", the last one, which is completely white. I made a banner in Photoshop and uploaded it. You can choose the size yourself, I made mine 1104x300px.
      My background image (the sidebars) is just a page in my art journal with scraped leftover paint. It needs to be 1800x1600px and no bigger than 300kb. Took me a while to figure out how to do it. In the end I did it in Photoshop simply by "saving for web". Then you go to the background tab, and you click on the background image. It gives you a whole list of backgrounds to choose from, and at the top is "upload image". And you can upload your own background.
      That's about it as far as I can remember .... I didn't use any special programs, just Photoshop, but I guess any photoprogram will do. Good luck!

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    2. Renee Dowling12 April 2013 at 20:34

      Thanks, Denthe. I have tried to change the sidebars once, but I didn't know how to change them to my own! I really appreciate the time you spent explaining the process. I will give it a try! Hope you have a great weekend!

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  2. Giggles12 April 2013 at 05:41

    Thanks for explaining your process, I love watching this painting evolve...very interesting indeed! Beautiful work!! I do like the dots....both before and after! Just curious...do you ever make a change and then regret it along the way?

    Awesome journal page too!

    Love love love the new banner! Showcases your diversity!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. denthe12 April 2013 at 15:16

      Thnx Giggles ! Oh yes, with this painting one thing specifically. You can't see it here, but in the pics of 2 weeks ago there were some marks on the right hand side that I really liked, but didn't really notice until I saw the pictures where I dribbled paint over them and made them disappear. If I'd looked at the pictures on my monitor before starting dripping paint, I wouldn't have done it. But on the other hand I don't dwell on it: it's just a layer, and it gave me the inspiration to paint some dots there instead...

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  3. Maria Medeiros12 April 2013 at 06:17

    Wonderful! I can feel the positive energy! :D

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  4. sharon12 April 2013 at 07:27

    Those dots certainly brought the painting alive, just love your processes and the colours. Love the hair in the journal page.

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  5. Tracey FK12 April 2013 at 08:02

    the school holidays do play havoc with time for painting don't they but this is progressing so wonderfully, and I love the way that dots liven things up as well... and your drawing is gorgeous...xx

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  6. Ayala Art12 April 2013 at 08:27

    Always so much fun to watch your WIPs! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. www.dorissdaughter.com12 April 2013 at 08:32

    I love love LOVE the dots. This is a stunning painting Denise! I like the abstractness of it and how the more you look the more you see. One of my favourites!

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  8. Marja's Stamp Addiction en Marja's Creativity12 April 2013 at 09:00

    Denthe je schilderij wordt en is al weer zo mooi. Inderdaad wat dots allemaal kan doen. Ik ben er zelf ook weg van en doodle vaak wat af. Je give away is gorgeous and also your journal. Sorry soms vergeet ik met al het engels dat ik nederlands kan schrijven, dat gaat me tpoch beter af haha.
    lieve groetjes Marja

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  9. Valerie-Jael12 April 2013 at 09:09

    Beautiful work, and I must remember the tip with the dots! Congrats on winning the giveaway, too! Valerie

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  10. Netty12 April 2013 at 09:17

    Loving your beautiful WIP so much to look at and imagine. Smashing work in the journal also and congrats on your wonderful prizes. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  11. aprilmariecole.blogspot.com12 April 2013 at 09:46

    FANTASTIC post!!
    Tons of inspiration, Denise.
    Love seeing all your artwork, progress, and future line ups... "awesome!" :]

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  12. Marianne12 April 2013 at 09:52

    Heel mooi al die rondjes... ik ben er zelf ook gek van; ik zie ze telkens terugkomen in mijn achtergronden en in mijn art journaling. Je schilderijtje nadert zijn einde en het wordt weer een echte beauty. Leuk dat je de candy had gewonnen en je art journal pagina is heel mooi. Fijn dat je ook probeert elke dag te tekenen... ik merk zelf dat het wel helpt en dat het steeds makkelijker gaat. Je gaat weer anders kijken naar dingen en soms loopt mijn hoofd over met ideeen, maar ja de tijd en de energie ontbreekt me soms. En het is alweer weekend... fijne dagen, Denise!
    xxx Marianne

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  13. Anne Manda12 April 2013 at 09:55

    The dots make it dreamy and interesting! It's a lovely painting, mysterious! Beautiful page, too!<3

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  14. Kathryn Zbrzezny12 April 2013 at 12:20

    I love it when you show the stages of your gorgeous art! Your journaling is so so beautiful...have a wonderful Friday!!

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  15. JKW12 April 2013 at 12:25

    I am amazed by how the dots did change the picture. I enjoyed seeing how it has turned into a lovely and more defined picture. Thank you for visiting, just in the drawing the hawk came out grumpy, but the BIRD book picture didn't quite show him like that, so I softened him. Thank you. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  16. Deanna12 April 2013 at 14:01

    Sometimes it's the little things that make a good painting a great painting. I watch an oil painter on PBS, I can't remember his name at the moment but he always says the last thing you put on the painting is the first thing people see.

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  17. PaintingWrite12 April 2013 at 15:23

    Well as a huge fan of dots, i have to agree! They really do change the look of your painting. It's hard to define as it was perfectly perfect without them but then once they're there the whole scene pops!

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  18. GlorV112 April 2013 at 16:49

    Love the way your wip is coming along. Your work is always fun and very colorful. I love the way you find all these images in your work. Very creative. Thank you.

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  19. Unknown12 April 2013 at 16:49

    The depth of your work....wow!!! amazing!!!

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  20. iHanna12 April 2013 at 17:13

    A very pretty journal page and awesome painting - like another world of mystic and myths. Love it!

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  21. Dianne12 April 2013 at 17:46

    Always fun to see the progress on your paintings...and yes, the dots make a big difference! So much movement and color in your work... Love the painting and journal pages! happy PPF!

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  22. pauline12 April 2013 at 17:47

    Denthe,your painting is AWESOME!! i love that you added dots. :-) Looks amazing.
    And Rod McKuen!! i used to read his poetry all the time when i was younger - your post made me want to take out some of his old books again and go back in time. So THANK YOU. xox

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  23. Gloria j Zucaro12 April 2013 at 17:48

    love,love,love your work! I also think adding dots and sort of unrelated little pieces her and there at something to the whole. Thank you for your comment on my crocus painting.

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  24. Karin12 April 2013 at 17:58

    Wow schitterende creaties, vooral dat schilderij!
    Gezellig weekend!

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  25. Erika12 April 2013 at 17:59

    Dear Denthe,
    I love any Kind of dots. Your dots make the painting round, as we in Germany say :) Love it. Their is more deep now.
    Happy PPF
    Erika

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  26. Faye12 April 2013 at 18:16

    Happy Friday, Denthe, it is amazing the difference the addition of the dots made. It is much more alive and active. The trees now have more depth. Beautiful.

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  27. Linda Kunsman12 April 2013 at 18:41

    I really love watching the progression of your paintings and am amazed at your keen eye for changing areas and painting over and around them. I agree that dots add a bit of a magical quality. Really pretty giveaway art you won.
    Love your art journal play too-so happy PPF and AJED!

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  28. Anonymous12 April 2013 at 18:42

    Wonderful painting and gift from England and love the journal illustration ~ lovely work ^_^

    thanks for visiting and commenting .

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  29. AM Zafaran12 April 2013 at 18:44

    I love your paintings! Love their dreaminess!

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  30. Unknown12 April 2013 at 18:54

    Sounds like we're both playing catch up this week! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog so that I could pop over to yours! Your work is stunning! I absolutely LOVE your colors--so beautiful!! Gorgeous! Love your art journal page, too!

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  31. SAMARA12 April 2013 at 19:19

    very intense and powerful!!! I just stared and stared at the first composition. It is beautiful. Like one of those "find the item" paintings. I saw this, then this, then this! I am in love with your colors and the vibrancy of which you paint. Yes, the white is a wonderful but for sure not necessary addition because your art is really majestic on its own, or with additions. The sketching is beyond. The hair says it all to me. Abandon (that is what I got.) It reminded me of both Young, Innocence and also the Elder Womyn, the Knower, that each strand is an experience. I really enjoyed seeing this! Can't wait to see more....happy balzering day. lovies, samara

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  32. Victoria12 April 2013 at 19:19

    Wow.what a super gorgeous piece..the colors really ignite my soul...feels like a journey to explore! also so visually stimulating..wonderful presence..and i really love the sense of volume and shapes..such harmony..fabulous!!
    Shine on..such a fantastic work!!
    Yay Congrats..I love Jess and her art..lucky you..enjoy!!
    Victoria

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  33. SAMARA12 April 2013 at 19:19

    oh, i didn't mean elder....i mean crone. yes, that is what i saw. a crone with a very young face.....

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  34. Marji12 April 2013 at 19:23

    wow, painting is coming along brilliantly. Dots are really fun and they do add so much. It is so fun to watch the progress of this.

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  35. aimee12 April 2013 at 20:40

    oh Denthe it is wonderful!! you have such a way of combining translucency and bold, saturated color. What a treat on the eye!

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  36. Christine12 April 2013 at 20:47

    you WIP is coming along nicely. Wonderful gifts! And beautiful page. Thanks for the advice on quotes! So Shakespeare's safe!

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  37. Jeannette12 April 2013 at 20:50

    WOW,the painting is very intense and colorful, i loved them all Figures and its so fresh and beautiful.
    your gifts is wonderful.


    GLG Jeannette

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  38. Michellem12 April 2013 at 21:16

    I love the dots too - glad to see you back!!

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  39. Anonymous12 April 2013 at 21:43

    Love the energy the dots give the painting and enjoyed seeing your process. Happy PPF xox

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  40. Unknown12 April 2013 at 22:35

    Beautiful art and beautiful journey of creating you share with us. Thank you. Have a happy PPF!!!

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  41. Introverted Art13 April 2013 at 01:55

    I just love how magical your art is...

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  42. Unknown13 April 2013 at 02:47

    The dots do add so much whimsy and I like how you muted them a little. As always, I love seeing your progress. Happy PPF!

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  43. minnemie13 April 2013 at 04:56

    Wow, the dots really did bring a whole new dimention to the painting! Your layering is incredible.

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  44. Jenny13 April 2013 at 13:26

    Love your painting Denise... and the white dots are perfect... gorgeous giveaway that you won... and beautiful sketch... her face is so incredibly sweet...

    Jenny ♥

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  45. Lynda Wood13 April 2013 at 13:45

    Gorgeous painting, so ethereal. Thanks for sharing your process. Love your work.

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  46. Rhonda Halushka13 April 2013 at 15:33

    I love your painting! And really enjoyed seeing the progression of changes you made. Love the soft gentle colors! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier -- I appreciate it!
    I am following your blog now -- can't wait to see more of your creative spark!

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  47. Unknown13 April 2013 at 15:33

    Thanks for sharing your creative process. Now I understand why sometimes my art doesn't feel like I'mjust quite there, quite finished. The mixed media is that, being able to go back and add some more dots and other stuff and improve the texture of a painting.

    I'll keep that in mind, alex

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  48. bellefrogworks13 April 2013 at 15:44

    The painting looks fabulous. It is amazing how a stroke of paint, a new color or some dots can just change the look of a painting in subtle but powerful ways. I too need to get back into the habit of drawing every day. Life has been very busy - but I also need to "feed" my artistic soul. That journal page is just lovely - a bit different from your paintings and just as wonderful. I love that triangular face and flowing hair. HPPF

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  49. DVArtist13 April 2013 at 15:56

    You art amazes me. I can stare at it all day long.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  50. Carola Bartz13 April 2013 at 18:09

    So fascinating to see the progress and change of your beautiful painting. I am in love with your colors! It looks gorgeous.

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  51. Tam Hess13 April 2013 at 18:58

    MAN you do a mean layer! I LOVE your work Denthe. SO much depth and character. HUGS GIRL! Thanks for sharing and for your wonderful comments! Happy PPF :)

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  52. Paper rainbow13 April 2013 at 20:03

    Love the work in progress shots, Beautiful forms and colours.

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  53. Jess13 April 2013 at 20:19

    Thankyou Denise! I'm so pleased you like them! Your new painting looks gorgeous and seeing your progress I'm feeling I really must get on and finish the one I started before easter too. I like your journal page, that's something else I need to do very soon!xx

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  54. Ariel13 April 2013 at 20:46

    Whites and dots do help things to pop out, right? I always love to see the slow evolution of your paintings.

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  55. Rita13 April 2013 at 22:52

    Lovely! I really like seeing the progression. And congrats on the win from Jessie Lilac. What fun! Lucky you.

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  56. Unknown14 April 2013 at 01:40

    I love the style of your paintings and I also love the dots. Clever of you to add the extra branches as well HPPF Dxx

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  57. Annabelle14 April 2013 at 01:42

    I luv how your painting transformed when you added the dots; they certainly give the work a fairy-ish feel. I luv doing the same with my work ; )

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  58. Unknown14 April 2013 at 13:03

    This is looking fabulous denis! I was surprise how much the dots added to your painting (I suppose it's the little things huh!) I also love that you didn't feel the need to continue the tree behind every image - I can't wait to see the final image x

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    1. Unknown14 April 2013 at 13:09

      P.S. - I am sooo sorry! I was typing quicker than I was thinking + didn't read my post before I pressed publish so have left the 'e' off your name! (GAH!)
      I also put the link for your etsy promotion page up on my facebook page - hope that was ok x

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    2. denthe15 April 2013 at 15:47

      Of course! the more people who know about it the better! thanks!

      Delete
  59. PiaRom14 April 2013 at 15:06

    your paintings are so unique and special and it is always wonderful to see the progress on them...I adore her hands on your journalpage and your use of color...big hugs ♥ Conny
    http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de

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  60. Anjas-Artefaktotum14 April 2013 at 19:09

    Love your amazing painting as always, thanks for the progress photos.

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  61. Ilona Heimböckel14 April 2013 at 22:15

    Love how your painting came about, remember you posted the process two weeks ago. It is magic with the figures growing in there and the dots and colour added!

    Thank you for visiting my blog! The face in the world is really a great and fun project!

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  62. Jenn15 April 2013 at 03:28

    Such a gorgeous painting! I love how all the layers interact with each other...so mystical. Congrats on winning the wonderful giveaway!!

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  63. janice smith15 April 2013 at 12:20

    Your painting is coming along nicely...simply stunning. I love the imagery of the tree and the bird and adding transparent color over the white accents added such vibrancy and interest. Everything is working together very well. I also love the changes to your blog...the new header is wonderful! So YOU!

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  64. Šolanje na domu-Waldorf15 April 2013 at 12:34

    Totally awesome art journaling and I love your painting! :)

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  65. Anonymous16 April 2013 at 01:33

    I love seeing your process, your art is so magical. And I agree I love adding dots too. And such wonderful gifts!

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  66. Irene Rafael17 April 2013 at 04:14

    wow! now i will have to remember to add dots. your art is lovely. i love seeing and reading about your process. thank your for visiting my blog. i hope to see you again.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! I love hearing your thoughts about my work. Because I am getting too many spammer comments, l have to use Captcha, sorry. Hope this is not a problem for you !

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