Trying out Techniques...

I love to spend time developing techniques, it's a strong flavour in my artwork. I guess it comes from my fashion design background, I always enjoyed going to different factories and quizzing the workers on how they achieved certain finishes, dyes, print methods etc.

I still push myself to get a different feel in artwork and get the most out of multi media artwork.

Here is something I have been working on. It's a slow process to produce one piece, but the effect works well. Hope that you enjoy!

The last of St. Patrick's Day

Here are some visual goodies that we took in http://www.target.com/

A free concert in the rain? Would you be up for it? I was, along with 5000 other people in Customs House Square, in the center of Belfast beside the River Lagan.

I didn't take any footage of the concert, but here are some snippets of the performers that entertained us on St' Patrick's Day.

                 The fabulous Blackthorn from N. Ireland, with traditional jigs.

                                              

      We were dazzled with the wonderful http://www.tirnanogacademy.com

  

                              Foot tapping http://www.torann.net/

David Julien who appeared on The Voice on UK TV. To be honest, I'd never heard of him, but he was entertaining.

    And finally the headline act was Amelia Lily, finalist of X factor 2012.

Saint Patrick's Day in Belfast

Well, it's Ireland, so don't expect sunshine. Yes, it rained on St. Patrick's day, that said, it didn't dampen the spirits of the crowds that turned out around the streets of Belfast to participate in the celebrations. It's one thing about us Irish, we don't mind "taking the mickey", (making fools of ourselves). There was sprayed green hair, grown men wearing large emerald green velour hats and orange beards, (get the picture?, like leprechauns). Girls painted their faces white with green shamrocks, wore tricolour eyelashes and draped themselves in the Irish flag. The parade was based around the astrology......

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Now that I have started blogging, I can't stop. Here is my second of the day. In all my determination to eventually get blog savvy, I forgot that this weekend is one of the best Irish holidays, Saint Patrick's Day.

For the first time ever, Belfast City is hosting weekend celebrations. There are great festivities on around Northern Ireland, but for me, the capital city is the closest, so I will be checking out the Parade on Sunday and then the 2 hour free concert held at Customs House right in the center by the River Lagan.

You can see what's on around Belfast by going to http://www.gotobelfast.com

Here is a last minute illustration to wish everyone LUCK!

Go Gothic!

Gothic in all it's entirety is currently trending in Northern Ireland. I know, not the place that immediately comes to mind when you think Gothic, but seriously keep an eye on our little country.

Evidence:

Sleeping Beauty Ballet, currently touring the UK, choreographed and directed by Matthew Bourne is presently performing at the majestic Grand Opera House in Belfast City.

It is a Gothic phantasmal, rich in sumptuous costumes, dramatic stage sets and eerie storyline. The performance is riveting, humorous, dark and romantic.

The colour palette and decorative surfaces are truly stimulating. Inspiration is everywhere.

 *Further Evidence:

Announced today in the press, $100 million Hollywood movie based on Bram Stoker's Dracula, will be shot in Northern Ireland. Filming begins early May. Ruggedly handsome Javier Bardem takes the lead in this Gothic production.....