Vintage Circus Elephant

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We recently visited a circus - with huge tent, canon, clowns, acrobats and all! 

But what I couldn't get my eyes off was the weathered bleachers we sat on. They were beautiful! Glossy red with bright yellow peeking through scratches. They were close to 60 years old, have seen most of America and once were the same bleachers used in the Barney Circus. 

So I mustered all my bravery and asked if they have any extras laying around... which they did! I'll never forget my husband's face as I came out of the circus tent carrying my bag, some popcorn and 3 bleachers to our car.

This elephant is the first image that popped into my head. 

Hope you all have a fabulous week :)


Linking to Paint Party Friday.


 

Barbie 1950 Retro

The theme at Inspiration Alley this week is SO up my alley - Retro! I love all things vintage inspired. If it has a scratch on it, peeling paint or a bit of rust I hold on to that treasure and admire it for all the stories it could tell. One item I do not own yet, but have been on the lookout for is the 1950's Barbie! Just look at her...and that stripey bathing suit!

And so my art this week is completely inspired by her :)

 

Happy Paint Party Friday ! 

Sketching in paint

I've discovered one of my favourite new painting tools... a simple skewer. 

Perfect for scratching around in oil paint until a lady appears.

Inspired by Downton Abbey and Cloche hats she is ready for afternoon tea in the garden ;)

Rowing in the moonlight

It has been misty around here. Fog lying on our lake in front of our house, lazily till noon. Everyone has left, including most birds, leaving the waters like one glass sheet reflecting the beautiful fall leaves. 

I imagine if I wasn't raising little ones right now, I'd be rowing on that gorgeous lake,  much like these vintage fellas.

(Painted in ink, and the water waves was made by squishing plastic wrap in the wet ink till it is dry. It was the stripes and strong lines I was after, more that details of the face. The way the oars' lines contrast with the shadow lines and for fun, the lines of their vintage suits.) 

For a real treat watch this ::

 

Hope you have a peaceful day 

Vintage finds

Had the best time visiting garage sales yesterday. 

Those suitcases were only $4 and the best toy money could buy. My kids have been playing with them all morning, opening and closing, climbing in and climbing out. 

Taking a break to steal a few of mom's props to nibble on, then back to the suitcases they go.