PiderWitch Creations

Sitting Pretty – New Sketch

Again, taken from a classic sketch. Wanted to try something other than people for a change.

The latest sketch drawn from a picture of a bust. I don’t know who did the bust as I found it on the internet. It looked like it would be fun to do and though I don’t have the head tilt completely accurate, I am getting better at it.

Veiled Lady

Been working more on practicing copying classic sketches. I’m rather proud of this one. I got really close to the picture I was copying from. Had to make some changes on one of the sides when I realized the proportions were a bit off. But, that is part of the learning process.

English Boom

Here is my first painting done on location. I only fell once in the process, but it was on sand, so my fall was broken and not my body. The swallows were full of energy and kept a chatter up almost the entire time I was there. I think they wanted to be noticed. The eagles nest at the entrance fell, but that doesn’t seem to have deterred the pair from continuing to make it their hangout. All in all it was a wonderful morning. I think I like this painting on location.

Classic Feet

Working on my drawing skills again and using a book of classic art plates to sketch from. Feet have always intimidated the hell out of me, but I think I am starting to get the hang of them. I guess there is something to be said about copying the masters. You learn much from doing so.

Fly Away

New oil painting from a photo I took while on a walk along the bridge connecting my island to the mainland. I rather like the way this one came out and there is even a lady I work with that may be interested in buying it once I have it framed. I’m going to let it dry and then decide if it needs any further detail work before signing it as complete.

Cassie’s Flowers – Oil Painting

When I lost my little Floofster, Cassie, the pet company Chewy sent me a bouquet of flowers in sympathy. I was stunned at this. I have never heard of a company that did such a thing, but it was very touching. I decided to immortalize these blooms with a painting. At the front is her favorite toy, a feather wand. She was very picky about her “feathers”. I brought many of these into the house, but she only liked this particular type and I lost the source for them. Hence, the rather ragged look of it. But, she loved that wand and would holler through the house with it in her mouth when she wanted you to play with her.

And of course, a picture of “her lil self”

Sparrow Landing

Oh! Henri!

Thought I would try something different for my first attempt at a Still Life painting. I found Henri at a thrift store and they had already named him. Yes, he really is missing an eye. They put the sunglasses on him out of “pity” for his lost eye. That was one of the reasons I bought him. And its charm is added to by the sun faded yellow eye. Figured he needed to be surrounded by oddments to add to his character, so I put in a vase of dead flowers and a stuffed rat. Oh, and placed a dart in his hand.

What Lovely Roses You Have

How long was he going to stare out the window like that? Sadie wondered. He had asked about Nathan. She hadn’t thought about Nathan in years. It was all a closed or cold case file, she thought. And isn’t he ever going to speak?

Suddenly, he turned and faced her sideways. “What lovely roses you have? My wife would be so envious. Whatever do you use to fertilize them to get them to grow so full and lush?”

She stared at him, bewildered. “Huh?” she asked. “I’m sorry. I thought we were talking about Nathan.”

“Ah yes.” The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small notebook. “I just wanted to ask you a few questions if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.” She said softly. “But, I think I told them everything before. Has something new come up? Have you found Nathan?”

“Oh, no no no, nothing like that. I just wanted to go over what you remember about the last time you saw him. Can you go over the details again?”

She told him what she had told the detectives the last time. The man nodded as she laid out the details, his gaze frequently turning to the window again. What was his fascination with her roses? Finally, she finished and he flipped the notebook shut, then slipped it back into his pocket.

“I think I have it all” he said. “Thank you again for your time and patience.”

“But, of course.” She replied “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No. I should be on my way.” He stated flatly and turned towards the door. As he opened the door, he paused and looked again at the garden, then turned back at her. “The roses, Sadie. Please tell me what you do to grow such beautiful roses.”

She stood there a moment, confused at the man, then she smiled brightly. “But, of course.” She responded. “Its just a simple blood and bone meal mixture my mother gave me the recipe for.”

“Any chance you could be persuaded to share that?”

“Alas, no. Its been a tightly held secret in my family for generations. We have actually won numerous awards for our roses. But, I am sure you could find something similar if you did a search.”

“Of course, I understand. That’s too bad though. My wife will be so disappointed. Thank you again for your time.” And with that, he walked down the path to his car and drove away.

Sadie walked out and strode over to her roses, her hand gently petting one of the luxurious blooms. She leaned over and took a deep whiff of its intoxicating scent, then a smile formed on her lips. Mother always said the only thing husbands were good for were fertilizing the roses.

“Good night, Nathan.” Sadie called behind her as she walked back into the house. “Sleep well.”