WOMEN and the BEACH 

July 25, 2015 

Welcome, fellow artists, family and friends! This is a short posting on some interesting challenges. I always like when a challenge involves some research as it did this time for one of the women coming up.

The first challenge came by way of the group from Flicker's DIGITALMANIA. We were tasked with presenting the face of one of the old Renaissance Masters' paintings in a modern day setting...I used the face of Botticelli's BIRTH OF VENUS. Do you recognize her? I put her on the runway for New York's FASHION WEEK!!

 Here's what she looked like originally...

I also used Renaissance Master Peter Paul Ruben's CHAPEAU de PAILLE for an all-American cowgirl...

and, here's how she looked originally...

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART's theme...strong women. Here's where my research came in. I wanted to feature Rosa Parks...both brave and strong! TIME MAGAZINE included December 1, 1955 in its list of days that changed the world...because of Rosa Parks. It seems that she was on her way to a meeting at her local NAACP about protesting segregation laws when it happened: "she found a seat in the first row of the "colored" section in the back of the bus. But after a few stops, the driver ordered her to get up so a white passenger could sit down. Parks refused, so the police were called to take her to jail." Her ordeal would soon inspire a citywide boycott and a ruling that such segregation was illegal! BRAVE and STRONG!! 

Finally, TAKE A WORD challenged artists to create a piece that was mostly black and white. I used an old photo... 

 

That's all, folks...enjoy your weekend!

Big Hugs,

abbyj 

WILD, HOT AFRICA 

JULY 22, 2015 

TRY IT ON TUESDAY just opened a challenge that I absolutely couldn't resist... "hot and wild" is the theme- for me, AFRICA is the place!

I caught this fabulous leopard in Botswana one late afternoon when Michael and I were enjoying our 50th anniversary trip to Africa. She was watching some warthogs below the tree...planning dinner for her babies. A woman's work is never done!!

This guy is a resident of Tanzania. He emerged from the rocks at dusk (when the lighting was perfect) on a search for food...always food!

Meet my friend, Icaru. She lives on Ngamba Island in Uganda. We met when she and I went for a walk, along with her keeper, several years ago. She was 11 when we met. She's an orphaned chimp as are all the rescued chimps on this island.  Chimps have a very good memory...she has remembered me on subsequent visits through the years. We play, groom one another, and you should hear her giggle when I tickle her... she is a gift in my life!

 

 

 This was a quick post...hope you enjoyed it. See you next posting...

Big Hugs,

abbyj

  

ON THE ROAD AGAIN 

JULY 21, 2015 

 

Lots of back and forth over the next few weeks... spending quality time with our daughter and grandchildren and the added bonus of time spent in the car: hours to play with all the art apps on my iPad and answer some art blog challenges on the go. The iPad doesn't allow for some of the more intricate manipulations possible in Photoshop (on my desktop,) but if I practice, perhaps it will be possible on the iPad as well...practice, practice, practice!!! 

...AND, how are you? We've just been through several days of the most extreme heat yet this summer. And you? Wishing you comfortable, enjoyable days ahead, whatever your season!

On to my iPad challenges...what amazing tools are available for this device.

DIGITAL WHISPER's challenge blog tasked participants to create art around the theme of hiding and hide and seek. I obviously had so much fun with this one as you will see by my 4 pieces...

SUNDAY POSTCARD ART asked for something "messy!" I had an immediate picture of my granddaughter, Lilly, when celebrating her first birthday. I know it's a pretty typical photo, but to me, it is the very definition of the word!!

TAKE A WORD's thoughts were nautical...sea life! I just got my toes wet, but can you see the fish under the bit of water in the foreground?

Finally, THE THREE MUSES challengers were thinking literally: their theme...books!

I DO appreciate your stopping by. Looking forward to seeing you for my next posting. Stay well!

 

Big Hug,

abbyj