A House move and a new Studio!

 

 

One of my greatest joys since arriving in my new home has been setting up my new studio space in the tiny second bedroom, overlooking the garden..
  The light is very good, so the room is bright, and very cosy. I have arranged my small desk to sit by the window, where I can while away my time gazing out at the vista of back gardens, chimneys and alleyways..and become absorbed watching the cats slink along the tops of walls, the many magpies flying between rooftops, calling to one another, and birds gathering at bird feeders in neighbouring gardens...
  I have arranged some of my best loved books in a small bookcase, but need more shelving. I've unpacked my pencils, paper and paints. My pyrography machine is set up and I have wood. All I have to do now is await the muse. I confidently anticipate magical times ahead..

                  
              Welcome to my Studio!
              This space where new ideas may grow
              And shape themselves with heart and mind
              Until with gladness we may find..
              A piece of wood transformed in Art
              And pictures from The Lotus Heart..

    

               

My little desk

Inspiration...

I love the orange walls of my new studio!

A house move..and a new Garden!

Three weeks ago I moved from Derbyshire back to Nottingham, where I used to live ( in fact, my new home is yards away from the house I lived in before moving to Derbyshire!)
 The home in question is a small Victorian terrace situated in inner-city Nottingham, among hundreds of similar properties..yet I adore these red brick terraces set in rows with tiny alleyways leading between houses and brick backyards - they have a great deal of charm and beauty. In thundery weather the light causes rooftops and chimneys to glow vividly against the dark skies, and in wet weather the streets shine...
   My garden space is small, yet promising. Walled all round and paved with flagstones, but with a
beautiful Eucalyptus tree growing at the end of the garden, bewtween mine and the garden opposite, and a large fig tree two gardens along. I have a small raised bed planted with flowers and a stone wall. And trellis covered with Ivy, Jasmine , Honeysuckle and PYRACANTHA! Yes, my joy knew no bounds when I discovered Pyracantha growing in my own garden, as well as trailing through from next door! In time I hope to lift some of the paving slabs and gradually plant more flower beds..
  I'll be training and pruning the Pyracantha, which is quite a large specimen already..so in time I may be able to use a little of it in my work..

These Pyracantha berries brighten my garden and attract the birds..

I love the chimney tops of Forest Fields!

This Eaucalyptus sways and rustles in the breeze..

Applewood Decorative art Piece : 'Autumn Dance'

Finally I shade the Stag and add his features..he is now complete.
GMR 2015

I add subtle shading to the foliage, tree and foreground.

Background completed

I begin the process of burning the background, leaving the animal figure, background foliage and stars bare, to stand out in relief

Having sanded the wood to a fine smooth finish, I set my vertical line, then lightly pencil out my design.

Here is the first Pyro-art Piece created in my new home in Nottingham, following my recent move from Derbyshire.
  The Applewood slice measures 7.5 cm and features a stag in the moonlit forest as the leaves begin to fall...
   These pictures show the creation of the piece as I move through different stages..