My second pottery class and a movie!

Image by chomiji via Flickr

Well, yesterday I attended the second class of my throwing pottery classes and I have to say that I'm really not too sure that this is my thing.  I can center the clay without any problems.  I can open the clay quite fine.  However--that's where my expertise ends.  I can not for the life of me understand or complete the steps to "pulling" the clay up to form anything!  I tried to make another cylinder (the first class) and only with the help of the instructor did I accomplish it.  I tried to make a bowl (this class) and after several tries ended up with a very questionable, small bowl shape.  I still don't know what to do with any of these things that I have done, either.  I will not give up though.  I really want to "know how to throw clay" even if I cannot do it very well.

Maybe the next class I take will be a hand building class.  Who knows?  That I do know how to do.

Now, on to the movie.  My friends--Rebecca, Andy, Dennis, Laura--and my sister all went with me to the IMAX to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D.   I really enjoyed that movie.  It was beautiful and entertaining.  I plan to see it again for sure.  Johnny Depp is great but those enlarged eyes really got to bothering me by then end of the movie.  Afterward, we all went out to eat at a Brazilian restaurant.  We really had a great time.  So, I guess I had a real PLAY DAY for the first time in my whole life!

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I've started another painting

Just getting started on this one

This one is for practice but I like it

I wanted to take a minute to post a picture of my newest painting.  It is just in the "roughing out" stage, but I wanted to have a visual of the work in progress.

I am using the long one to practice my face painting skills I learned in my online class, so it really isn't a new picture, just practice.  But I really like it so far.
The first lady's face is just  really started, there are several more layers to add, but I thought I'd show her here.  She really reminds me of ladies I have seen in old photographs from the 1800's.  I think it is because of her hair.  I'm thinking of giving each face on this page a distinct look from a specific time period.  I just don't know if I can do it, but that's what practice is for, right?

The top one is going to be really nice if I can pull it off.  One of the videos Sharon put up in our class was on how to paint skin other than for a fair skinned lady.  I hope to use her teachings here and have this lovely lady be very dark skinned.  We'll see.

I think she looks like an old photograph, don't you?

This online class has really been great and I highly recommend it.  You can still join the fun.  Visit us at All Norah's Art on Ning.  The cost is minimal and you will learn so much about painting faces with acrylic paint.  I can't wait for Sharon to come up with another class so I can take it!

I told you about my new pottery class I started last week.  Well, I found an online class that is about hand-building faces.  I can hardly wait to sign up for that one, too.

Another class for me!

Image by darkfoxprime via Flickr

I went to my first class today at the pottery studio.  I hope to learn how to throw on a wheel.  I have done handbuilding in the past and enjoyed it, but I always wanted to know how to work with clay on a potter's wheel.  So...now I am learning.

My first experience was fun, kinda like playing in mud and making mudpies.  I really made a mess and ended up with clay all over me and my clothing.  I seem to be okay at centering the clay and getting it off the wheel, but I haven't a clue how to pull it, so in effect, I don't know what I'm doing. 

But, I did have fun!  Next week I will try all over again to make a simple cylinder.  Hopefully, I will eventurally get it. 

No pictures today of anything.  I was way too messy to get my hands on a camera.  But maybe after I learn what I am doing, I will have something to show you.

I finally finished my first face painting in my class

Here is a picture of my first finished painting from the online class I have been taking.  I am so far behind in this class, but that is the nice thing about taking a class online.  You can work at your own pace.

I watch the class videos over and over and I have really learned quite a lot.  Now, I just have to take that information and practice, practice, practice...until it becomes second nature to me.

I just had to show you my picture.  I am so proud of her.

She is here! She has arrived!

I went to check the mail this evening and lo and behold, there was a package from Flora.  I got so excited I almost dropped the box.  Words do not adequately express the beauty and the detail of this piece.  She is exquisite.  She is just so gorgeous.  I have even more admiration for Flora as an artist.   I hope you have gone to check out her blog at Bonehead Studios.  Her work is amazing in pictures but totally, unimaginably beautiful up close and in person!

Here are pictures of my winnings:

 And here is a picture of her new place of honor:

Since I spend quite a bit of time online, she is sitting so I can just look at her in awe!

My prize is on its way!

I got an email from Flora at Bonehead Studios the other day telling me that she put my winning Valentine Bust in the mail.  I am so nervous.  I can hardly stand myself.  I am afraid something will happen to her in the mail.  I have such a problem with getting my mail here at my apartment, so my worry is not unfounded. 

When she arrives, I'll post pictures of her in her new home for all to see.  Of course, I'll let Flora know first that she is safe.  This is just amazing.  I never win anything and now I have won something I really did want.  WOW!

Keep watching.  She will show up soon, I hope.

I WON!!! I WON!!! I get the prize!!!!

I got an email last night from Flora of Bonehead Studios, telling me that I won her Queen of Hearts, Valentine Bust!  I am so excited I can hardly stand myself.  If you only knew how much I have desired to own something done by this wonderful artist.  Flora is phenomenal and her work is too beautiful for words.  I've emailed her and she says she will be mailing it to me this week.  I cannot believe my good fortune.  This just shows you that participating in other people's blogs can be quite pleasant for you.  I have been following Bonehead studios for quite some time and have even spotlighted her blog here before.

Here is a picture of my winnings:

Have you ever seen anything quite so beautiful?  I know I haven't.  I have coveted her little busts for so long and now I actually get to own one.  Oh dear--where to put it?  I best get cleaning to make a place of honor for this little beauty.

I just went back to see what my odds were and I was only one of 326 comments.  Wow!