Jul 12 2009
Birds and Bath
You may be familiar with the now world famous (probably) Blogging Without Obligation post — more likely so if you’re a blogger. Well…I think I’ll give that a try for a while. I’ve imposed upon myself an ever-present “need” to get something on the blog on a somewhat regular basis. I’m thinking along the lines of slowing the pace and allowing a little more spontaneity. Can there be such a thing as slow spontaneity? I think so… we’ll see. So, I’m throwing out the schedules and plans and just going with the flow. I’ll still do my Flourishes posts, of course, since that’s really more a privilege than an obligation, and it’s the one group activity I’m involved in but, for the most part, it’ll be come what may…when it may come.
Today’s card is the result of one of those slow, spontaneous stamping interludes. I got the notion in my head that I wanted to gather up all my bird stamps and slowly work my way through them, as a way of ensuring I spread the love throughout my many stamps. But… oh, no! I have way too many bird stamps! I had no idea! Yet how often do I stamp birds? Hardly ever. Well, if I manage to make my way through all those bird stamps it’ll be very slowly and certainly not one right after the other.
I took my time watercoloring this, and then spent forever trying to photograph it. It was brutal. I finally changed my backdrop from white to dark gray and came up with a photo which is tolerably close to the original. I apologize if it looks awful on your computer screen.
This is one of my old stamps which is probably no longer available anywhere. The image is by Sherry Nelson and the stamp bears a copyright date of 2003. This line of images, called Whispers, was sold under the Anita’s vendor on Addicted to Rubber Stamps. That’s every bit of information I have about the stamp. I Googled the line and came up with nothing. I did find this, though. You really must go take a look! It’s Sherry Nelson’s website. Oh, my goodness! Sherry Nelson, I sincerely appreciate that you allowed your art to be turned into stamps, but I apologize profusely that I haven’t done you justice. Ms. Nelson’s oil paintings are breathtaking! The rubber of the stamp is not etched quite like the original painting — that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. You know, I’m thinking… Cornish Heritage Farms could do for Sherry Nelson’s art what they did for Thomas Kinkade’s… Hello? Cornish Heritage Farms? These images would probably be easier to color, too. Not as intricate. Oh, I’m dreaming!
I’ll leave you now with the card recipe. I’m going to take another look at my bird stamps and see if anything strikes my fancy. I’ll be back as soon as I can comfortably find the time. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day!
Stamps: Unknown, but art by Sherry Nelson Paper: Brocade Blue, watercolor Ink: Palette Noir, various SU! inks (pads, reinkers, markers) for watercoloring Accessories: Ribbon, pearls, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
OMG! I love this! It reminds me of my bird calendars from Lang! Gorgeous, simply gorgeous!!
This is breathtakingly beautiful. Your coloring each and every time is pure art, and this one is no exception. I understand about taking a break from blogging on a regular basis. It’s the decision I made a few months ago.
Your card looks beautiful on my computer screen. You’ve done a great job. I can’t wait to see the next one. Sometimes in life we just need to stop a moment a breathe. Take your time and we will still be here whenever you decide to post.
the card is stunning, Leslie!! Amazing job with the coloring
Leslie, you have done a fabulous job on the colouring, the birds look beautiful, but what blows me away is the way you have done the stone bird bath, it looks exactly like stone!
I completely understand your feelings about blogging without obligation. I often feel that I must get something up when I just don’t have time. My other blog, the one I started to send news to my family far away has been sadly neglected, so I am trying to work out a better way to spend time on both.
I will always enjoy coming here to see what you have come up with. Thanks for the inspiration.
Your card is very beautiful on my computer screen! You have done an mazing job coloring,, Leslie! I always enojy visiting your art house - your blog!
Very beautiful card!! I applaud your BWO decision - doesn’t it feel great! I decided that a couple months back, too, and it feels wonderful:)
Wow, your watercoloring is AMAZING, The detail is beautiful, the colors you chose and the paper. Just beautiful!!!!!!
smallcity
Your card is beautiful!
You go girl! This is one of your most beautiful cards to date. And that is saying something! I love this image and your colors are breathtaking!
Your card is absolutely beautiful and I love it when people use stamps that aren’t a new release. This is so beautiful I would have a hard time not keeping it for myself if I were you!
Leslie, those birds are gorgeous! Your coloring is amazing and that stamp is so awesome as well!!
This is simply gorgeous! What an inspiration!!! I love, adore watercolor and am so grateful to see you use SU materials instead of copics. I am glad to know that it can be done!! Post when you can. Your blog is one of my favs!!!!
Wow! This is breathtakingly beautiful!!! It looks amazing on my computer screen. If this stamp were available, I’d buy it today!!
Leslie, this is beautiful! Really, really beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a gorgeous image, and so wonderfully colored. I love your attempt to go through your bird stamps. I need to do the same, although I don’t have that many, so I could actually get through mine. In fact, I did one on Friday - for a purpose of course, so maybe I’ll post it and link to this post. I love your “Blogging Without Obligation” and I thought, “wow, we could have a BWO challenge” - but HA, HA! - that kind of defeats the purpose now, doesn’t it. DUH! I crack myself up sometimes. Anyway, I love this card! Have a wonderful Monday!
Breathtaking is a word I’m seeing a lot in previous posts–that’s the only word to describe this card! It’s one of my very favorites that I’ve seen of yours. All you cards are beautiful, and I only wish I could color just a little bit like you. Enjoy your blogging break. I’ll drool over every post just like I’ve always done.
What a beautiful stamp image, and you did so do Sherry Nelson justice! The card is beautiful! I even tried to find access to buying her prints, but no luck. I would seriously consider purchasing a print of her Blue Heron. Gorgeous! Excellent idea about CHF. Anyway, I’m glad about your turn towards “slow spontaneity” with your blogging. We would all suffer the loss if you burned out. Linda
Leslie, this image is beautiful and so beautifully watercolored! Love that soft look.
I see a similar image in my backyard every day. But, only in the spring are there any flowers (daffodils) around the birdbath. We used to have lilies that bloomed in the summer but a beetle from asia destroyed them all:( Thanks for sharing this beautiful card, I love it!!
WOW, Leslie, this is breathtaking!! Your watercoloring is just perfect! This should be framed!!
OMG!! How beautiful! No need to apologize as far as I’m concerned. Your coloring is soooo pretty. I really admire your talent in all your coloring skills. I wish I could sit beside you and learn how you do it. And I totally understand your wanting to slow down. Good luck!
Oh my your watercoloring is just Beautiful, she would be very pleased
I totally understand about the blogging thing, that is why I never started a blog of my own, was too afraid it would take over my life, instead of being a fun part of it….so glad to hear your not stopping just slowing down, I so enjoy looking at your beautiful work!!
I love when you watercolor, Leslie … simply amazing!!
You do not have a reason to apologize, Leslie….this is absolutely gorgeous!! All it needs is a frame, and a wall to put it on!! Amazing!!
Leslie - an excellent post! I adore your exquisite water coloring. I’m equally impressed with the idea of gathering all your bird themed stamps and using them. Truly a great idea. Your water colored bird card is simply stunning and certainly suitable for framing. I can’t imagine ever giving it away - it deserves a place of honor to bring joy to all who see it. I applaud your decision to BWO. I for one, will be right here, content to wait for your posts when ever your fancy strikes you.
Hi Leslie
I see your work every time you post on my e-mail and I think you are quite a talent… This is an amazing card…
Your watercoloring blows me away! This is beautiful!!! If you don’t think this is a true representation of what it looks like IRL, I can’t imaging what it must REALLY look like! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Gorgeous Leslie, you did a beautiful job coloring this! Good for you on blogging without obligation!!
Did you hear my OMG and sigh ?!? Absolutely breathtaking! I love the soft colors and beautiful watercoloring and shading. You are just the best at watercoloring and I mean the BEST!!!!! I will print this picture and use it as inspiration. TFS and I just can not wait for more bird cards
Leslie, this is stunning and if it’s any peek into slow spontaneous…stamping fo rhte joy of it….it will all be amazing. Your coloring is stunning! I can almost feel the texture of the bird bath!
Your coloring is so unique I could just sigh!!! Absolutely beautiful image and I went to Sherry’s site and Oh MY!!! You are right about Cornish Hen Farms getting a hold of those beautiful images!!! I know I would buy them…So glad that I can come back to your blog again and again and get inspiration from you….TFS Leslie!!!
As usual Leslie your work speaks for itself…your colouring is lovely and I think your decision to BWO is just fine. I cruise by a couple of times a week so I will just be patient. Thanks also for the link to the artists’ website. Beautiful work! My downfall is flowers…..I have enough to fill the garden I can no longer care for.
Holy Smokes Leslie! This is drop-dead GORGEOUS! I’m sure Sherry Nelson is pleased.
Leslie,
Your watercolored bird card just blows me away. Girl… you’ve got it going with the watercoloring. That is my favorite technique. Now I’m trying my hand at using Copic Sketch markers, but I’m terrible at it.
I always go back to watercoloring so I can ‘think’ that I know how to do something.
I love your blog also. I’m a slow blogger… just doing it when I feel like there’s something I want to share.
Have a great evening!
Debbie
this is wonderful, leslie! it particularly speaks to me because of my growing interest in bird watching. i will eagerly await your bird cards. (at your own leisurely pace, of course. lol!). i read the BWO link you posted and had to laugh. that certainly was me. thanks for the chuckle!
Oh my goodness — this card is JUST breathtaking! Not only is the image so serenely beautiful, but the colors you chose just are so, so lovely — what a great combination. And, of course, your watercoloring skills bring it all to life — A GORGEOUS CREATION. And I’d better go read that post you linked — LOL!!! Don’t believe I’ve seen it before!!!
What a beautiful, gorgeous, stupendous card. The colouring is as usual wonderful. Just love birds.
beautiful beautiful beautiful.
I have BWO badges on all (4) of my blogs. Quality not quantity, right?
Take care, Leslie!
Oh, this is beautiful, Leslie!
Good luck working your way through your bird stamps. I hope it goes MUCH better than my vow to get a few Christmas cards done each month. A friend of mine asked me about that today. Umm….yeah….let’s not talk about that, k? LOL.
Wow, this is gorgeous! Love, love, love your coloring!
Wow!!
Oh My Goodness, Leslie!
Where ever the stamp artist is … I hope she finds this post some day.
It’s just awe-inspiring … sincerely.
I miss you!
Why are Oregon & Texas so stinkin’ far apart? …sigh…
Leslie, the card of course is gorgeous. Please don’t let the internet rob you or your enjoyment of the craft. It is a two headed beast (the internet, not your craft!). Relax, enjoy and post when and if you want to.
Signed,
your #1 fan!
WOW! This looks more like a photograph……so realistic. There is no one else who colors as fabulous as you do…….
Hey, Leslie, whatever you post whenever you post is just fine with this viewer!! Most important is to enjoy what you are doing! Especially when they are as lovely as this card. Yes it is a fabulous stamp but you did a beautiful job watercoloring it, as usual!! TFS!!
Leslie, this took my breath away!!! What a work of art. Your coloring is simply STUNNING!!
Absolutely Beautiful.
Simply GORGEOUS….. Your card is stunning and a masterpiece if I say so myself. So glad you pulled that old stamp out and coloured it up.
so wonderful!!
I’m thrilled to see your amazing creations like this any time you find the time. Now go enjoy yourself in the garden. No pressure here.
This is gorgeous Leslie!! Your coloring is flawless:)
Oh my goodness, Leslie!!! I really have no words for the beauty of this one. You are such an artist!! Fantastic work!!
Oh goodness, Leslie!! This is exquisite!! Your coloring and shading.. everything is absolute perfection. Love love LOVE this unbelievably gorgeous and breath-taking work of art.
Absolutely beautiful. The coloring and shading are fabulous. I would have thought it was a picture. Love it.
This is just stunning! You are a master of watercolors!! This should be framed and hung!
And yes…I did create the shadow under the birthday mouse’s foot…I never dreamed it would come out so good! Happy accident!
This is so beautiful, Leslie! I’m glad that you’re doing more bird cards, of course, and this one is a beauty. Your watercoloring is so pretty. I’d love to see a photo of all your bird stamps together. I dare ya!