tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51218126074299101702024-03-12T17:40:28.415-07:00Disparate dots. infrequent Posts.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-88750360565918437052019-12-30T23:09:00.000-08:002020-01-02T15:25:52.958-08:00Christmastide & New Year Greetings! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7thfA1TNaG0UGNold-mNx4h402ftPLg6mKgUSRNSAOLl8eSblk64V2qe1d0or31NTjDjWPHKGZP4wrPMczAT20SZSxhS6zbq5jaOZOxdRPK1s7qIHaffeXNLD4plriLyluwIez6VWmCc/s1600/D89DBB8E-8709-4390-9B77-191F196552A9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7thfA1TNaG0UGNold-mNx4h402ftPLg6mKgUSRNSAOLl8eSblk64V2qe1d0or31NTjDjWPHKGZP4wrPMczAT20SZSxhS6zbq5jaOZOxdRPK1s7qIHaffeXNLD4plriLyluwIez6VWmCc/s640/D89DBB8E-8709-4390-9B77-191F196552A9.jpeg" width="483" /></a></div>
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Well, 2019 has certainly been a “bumpy year,” as the Queen so wryly noted in this year’s Xmas address. In a lil’ over a year, we’ve lived in 3 states, experiencing wholly different cultures from slow, sweltering hot & soggy cold Appalachian country life to baking n’ bountiful Californian vibes to finally arriving back again in our very own cosy corner of Narnia, right here in N. Colorado, loving once again children and kin. All told, we drove well over 9,000 miles, flew to England to see my family, had my wallet & ID stolen and are still somewhat exhausted, must say. Oh, and did I mention, whilst in KY, Alexandra broke her back and was on bed rest for many months?! Yup, some deep lows, and highs. </div>
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With promises of helping fam/others in need, the chance for new opportunities and challenges, I had to give up a long time job/career I loved in order to meet the tasks at hand, sacrificing in the process, let alone taking these huge steps of faith into the untested unknowns for the better good. We gave it our heart and soul, poured into everyone we could and left with having built some lasting rewards that are definitely beyond measure whilst experiencing losses.</div>
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We started two companies, grew our creative potential, number of clients (nationally & internationally), and reach massively; created an awesome, diverse and strong portfolio; challenged ourselves to not accept the mundane yet easy (but oftentimes dulling) status quo and are excited to see where 2020 leads!</div>
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We overcame both petty and huge trials together by looking beyond to the promise of greater things. Our trust could have been easily broken on occasion - many situ’s were extremely challenging, if not wild - but rather than stay mired, we dug deep, found the courage to fly, to try new things, to never give up or lose hope, to imagine and further realise bigger dreams.</div>
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My passion for life, others, let alone as a creative professional is bursting at the seams. I feel renewed, alive and can’t wait to see what these new ’20s bring! How about you?</div>
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BTW, if you’d like to catch up more, the best way in terms of social platforms (and through which we get much of our work) is truly on Instagram with mine (@itsrainingmarmalade) and Alexandra’s (@alexandrasillos) accents. In fact, there you’ll find our own recently completed joint Christmas Countdown Art challenge - The 25 Doors of Christmas! (With that said too, I’ll be sure to update my IG icon.)</div>
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Thank you to each of you for your lovely comments earlier (all of which I’ve replied to now). We’ve been quite busy with some new exciting projects and have at least enjoyed seeing a few of you out there in IG land! I’m going to now visit those of you who commented in the last post so s to catch up here a bit too...whilst able during this holiday downtime!</div>
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I do hope all of you have had a full, thrilling year.... but, perhaps not quite as much as ours! :)</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-45096095106201883842019-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:002019-07-29T09:32:20.860-07:00What's that up in the air? Well, peeps, judging from the handful of replies to my last post, I'm not convinced there's enough interest in re-starting Scribble Picnic yet! It seems, at best, more people might be able to commit once we get through these dog days of summer, possibly? So, at this point, we're going to leave it be and, if you want, I can simply ask again once September comes around.<br />
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As it is, that's probably for the best as with every year for all of us, summer's a busy time. Alex and I, as a case in point, will be back in Colorado for my youngest's wedding and then off to England on some super cheap tickets we actually bought last year, long before we knew all the unexpected changes that were to arise later. On the plus side though, we can use a portion of the trip for business as we have some potential opportunities there that could be quite exciting. Naturally, too, I want to see my remaining family there since 3 years ago.<br />
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Frankly, since then (when we went to take care of my mother), things have certainly not been boring, must say — quite the adventure — but we're exhausted taking care of others that we'll be ready to start to carve out some time for our own lives too...and place to call home again!<br />
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I hope everyone's summer is going well. Feel free to leave comments. I'll check in as able. Thanks to each of you who were able to leave comments and don't forget that Rain has her weekly art challenge too! In the meanwhile, while not feeling nearly as hot as humid Kentucky, the reality is that today was an incredible 107F so I'll be chillin', literally, as much as able. Thankfully, tonight the temps plunge down again with the promise of that lovely Delta breeze that so thrills and surprises me. :)<br />
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See you in September, if not sooner! :) <br />
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<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-73032179363535931312019-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:002019-07-15T12:25:34.974-07:00Scribble Picnic Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T_K8NftdJheF-ew7Rds7au8cMoTDH8cqda92V7ofmr2eNNNUIqmU7qxtnOqCendQCyGGiqdNODSQjCjcNINCK-Aci5jTt070lkb7rt2V_Tu6-W_nE7vZhN53XL1ecZwDCRbq0Z1PCvk/s1600/ScribblePicnicIcon-964.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T_K8NftdJheF-ew7Rds7au8cMoTDH8cqda92V7ofmr2eNNNUIqmU7qxtnOqCendQCyGGiqdNODSQjCjcNINCK-Aci5jTt070lkb7rt2V_Tu6-W_nE7vZhN53XL1ecZwDCRbq0Z1PCvk/s1600/ScribblePicnicIcon-964.png" /></a></div>
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Hi, everyone, <b>I've missed you</b>! And, like you, I too haven't made the time to illustrate as much as one might like. So... I'm ready to <b>relaunch</b> our art challenge co-op...<b><i> </i>IF </b>you are too? Who's with me?<br />
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A lot can change in 4 months though, I know. I mean, we've moved from KY to CA, for starts! Let me find out first then, who's perhaps moved on to other things and who are wanting to jump back in here? If I can get, say, 5 of you to indicate interest then we'll get rolling again! :)<br />
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I already have some fun ideas lined up but don't want to scribble picnic alone in an echo chamber either. For starts, what do you guys think of making this weekly again... as the icon subtitle suggests?! I was thinking, one week would be for "concept" (that is, the initial looser sketch idea) and the following for the final "proof" (that is, coloured, if you want, and tighter, although doesn't have to be super tight either as this is a scribble picnic after all — up to you!)<br />
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<b>If each of you could please let me know whether you can join in or not, that would be fabulous. </b>Thank you! Thanks too for not only your understanding when needing to focus on other things but your patience in-between as well. In the meanwhile, I'll revisit our last few co-ops and catch up with each of you. That's my goal, anyway. I'm sure lots happened since I was last here in Blogger land. Hope all's well and if not, let me know that too!<br />
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I'll give this a week and let you know on Sunday, July 21st, if this goes forward or not, depending on how many are still wanting to pick this up or not. :) Thanks!!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-77224166204340045432019-03-06T07:59:00.001-08:002019-07-13T19:31:50.172-07:00Scribble Picnic StatusFriends, having still not been able to visit everyone for these last few themes (and currently sick with a week long flu after traveling), it's clear to me that I'm not being a terribly good host! While it's my joy to build and foster our community here, if it can't be done well, it inevitably leads to let down for the rest of you too and further disengagement which is something I obviously don't want for any of us. As such, it's clearly time for me to put our Scribble Picnics on hold for at least the foreseeable future. I'm afraid our lives have simply been in too much flux since we moved to KY! Many things have not panned out as expected, and some have come with a fair bit of delay, that it would be best to let our art co-op sit, only reconsidering things later after the dust settles and more of my creative focus can be given. Alex and I are well though, in spite of things! We simply just have a lot on our plates currently and need to focus on the tasks at hand.<br />
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Thank you for your understanding. I'm sorry for any disappointments here as for most of us, this has definitely become a family of sorts and to me is too valuable to only be able to give it minimal attention currently. Each of you who have participated in some capacity over this last month <i>will</i> be visited and your lovely works commented on as well. I will also be sure let you know if/when things should change here!<br />
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Thank you to every one of you for your creativity and excellent inputs for all of us. You mean more to me than you may know. :) TTYL...just not sure when! :)Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-19392490988072230912019-02-20T11:39:00.002-08:002019-02-20T11:45:46.004-08:00A Picnic full of heartsHello, bloggers and fellow artists! I've been really absent here, haven't I? Still need to go visit everyone for the Market entries last time around which I will likely not get to, unfortunately, until this Saturday, actually. We are about to take off to San Antonio for an art suppliers tradeshow Alex has been invited to, as she was last year.<br />
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Below, is the sign in for our <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/500154672/mid-century-modern-hearts-printable?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hearts+art&ref=sr_gallery-1-32&organic_search_click=1" target="_blank">Hearts</a> entry. I'm not going to be able to contribute this time around but will visit you all the same time I go back and catch up on those <i>markets</i>! As this itself is going up late, the deadline has been extended to tomorrow (21st) night. Hope that helps.<br />
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I'm terribly sorry to be so flaky as of late - too many things going on as well as some quite unexpected developments over this weekend that I have needed to contend with.<br />
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See you back here in a few days!<br />
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P.S. I will need to give us three weeks (March 13th) for the next sign up as am going to be out until mid next week. No idea for the theme so I'm all ears to any suggestions you guys might like to explore. Any? How are you too with such annoyances as delays like this? Thank you for your honest feedback! Wish I could be more present but things will settle down at someone point...if you can wait that long! Anyway, I'll post something on the side bar upon my return. Thanks again. <br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=20Feb2019&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-87305597481119644292019-02-06T13:05:00.000-08:002019-02-06T13:06:09.260-08:00Scribble Picnic Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEO-CHjvd4duBbLK0SlC1sti5t7M1MdtGpXe69nKoTmehqD8oJmyAjXp_FabqCksm4we9THAfPkAc78iT4BuEoTH9RUQKM8Tol2eS6_q_GNaK2jZ1fa5csM-xcm4L_61SVdRLuGOdrlg/s1600/springmarket-wip2-copyright2019-macvean-scribblepicnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="700" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEO-CHjvd4duBbLK0SlC1sti5t7M1MdtGpXe69nKoTmehqD8oJmyAjXp_FabqCksm4we9THAfPkAc78iT4BuEoTH9RUQKM8Tol2eS6_q_GNaK2jZ1fa5csM-xcm4L_61SVdRLuGOdrlg/s640/springmarket-wip2-copyright2019-macvean-scribblepicnic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(Drawing updated)<br />
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Tuesday felt like Spring, a welcome relief from the bitter cold many of us have felt on this side of the world anyway! It got me thinking of a project I have coming up for a Spring Market and this represents my first very rough sketch doodled up that evening. If I go this direction, I'll fine tune it but you get the idea.<br />
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Now, what kind of picnic goodie would go well with this? Perhaps a cheese and tomato sandwich...with the crusts cut off, of course. :)<br />
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Can't wait to see what the rest of you do!<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=06Feb2019&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-73482724277703015352019-01-08T13:46:00.000-08:002019-01-12T11:12:35.034-08:00Is it too late for a Holiday Party?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayT9dJXaUqQ0Ucf8SEJXTGIqg9t10-WLY2nA-u37yQTXMzd51_pmj6b-1IkseWYofhxqJKHFslcJTRbaWHPaRxOhDVe6XHr5F3dViM6a5aufh5IrcvBVRceuEgOVwTg6_J24EImBN_dQ/s1600/MistleTipToe-HolidayParty-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018-LR72.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayT9dJXaUqQ0Ucf8SEJXTGIqg9t10-WLY2nA-u37yQTXMzd51_pmj6b-1IkseWYofhxqJKHFslcJTRbaWHPaRxOhDVe6XHr5F3dViM6a5aufh5IrcvBVRceuEgOVwTg6_J24EImBN_dQ/s640/MistleTipToe-HolidayParty-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018-LR72.png" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>Mistle-tip-toe</i>)</span></div>
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Did you attend any <b>Holiday Party</b> this year? We actually did not, albeit that would have been really fun—in the right setting, that is—one done with some class and finesse. In fact, you know, I don't think I've actually ever been invited to a proper New Year's Eve Party! I do recall, some wonderful Christmas parties that my mother hosted. Though, being single, no one seemed to ever invite her anywhere, but loving to host, she'd invite a skew of fascinating friends to fabulous shindigs at our home over the holidays. My sister and I would walk around serving silver trays of nuts, dates and figs, or sausage rolls and cheese, and so forth. We had such a great time.<br />
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One of my particularly fond memories was how my mother placed mistletoe strategically above the inside front door so that whenever a someone rang the doorbell, she'd dash downstairs and promptly invite them in, "Dahhhling, do come in! It's frightfully cold outside..." At which point she'd feign surprise and cheekily look up at the mistletoe ball hanging overhead and exclaim, "Oh!" Of course, the gentlemen would always oblige a kiss, sometimes much to the chagrin of their accompanying wife. My mother—such a flirt—in the sweetest, almost child like way. But always very proper whilst exuding glamour, class and her distinct feminine charm. For some reason that memory just gives me such a kick. Mama was anything but a wallflower—larger than life... in more ways than one, yet, importantly, never once was she ever vulgar or inebriated. Again, charm to the 'nth degree. This piece then is my ode to those jolly Christmas/Holiday parties in Fulham all those years ago.<br />
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So, let's get this party rolling shall we? I'm, of course, going to have to bring a silver tray of sausage rolls and warmed up mince pies. Meanwhile, how about you show us your own contributions? Do tell some holiday party story whilst at it, would you? Such fun!<br />
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Thanks for playing along... and <i>Happy New Year! :)</i><br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=09Jan2019&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-43559774988446332552018-12-09T15:02:00.000-08:002018-12-09T15:02:58.191-08:00Introducing LondonberrieA week later and I'm finally announcing mine and Alexandra's new joint creative venture — <a href="https://www.londonberrie.com/" target="_blank">Londonberrie</a>, celebrating <i>home</i>, <a href="https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/hygge" target="_blank"><i>hygge</i></a>, <i>inspiration</i> and <i>art!</i> Our lifestyle brand will serve as not only an avenue through which these anchors will be celebrated through artwork, photography, editorials, workshops and such, but also as a central location where others can conveniently find our artwork. Eventually, anything offered on Etsy previously will be rebranded under Londonberrie and available through our website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YsVDFDTeLHRHPQBuQ0bQjY59kcCkQgQG3eWr5C5PwEPaxYAGpfseWfr9U4MAx-SbnGoQC6Q7gfFCenvH4hcQ9SIRFTNg_2_uhZe6BJgQNQPQHb6uivUu9PFZTkUsbxXNHrdJgl8kwvc/s1600/londonberrieChristmas-square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YsVDFDTeLHRHPQBuQ0bQjY59kcCkQgQG3eWr5C5PwEPaxYAGpfseWfr9U4MAx-SbnGoQC6Q7gfFCenvH4hcQ9SIRFTNg_2_uhZe6BJgQNQPQHb6uivUu9PFZTkUsbxXNHrdJgl8kwvc/s640/londonberrieChristmas-square.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of which, after I designed the logo, Alexandra worked up finalizing this collaborative piece that is now available on our site as the <a href="https://www.londonberrie.com/shop/" target="_blank">first official annual Londonberrie Christmas Holiday card</a>! While it's a limited press run, we did put aside three of the cards to include in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/londonberrie/photos/rpp.255213011821529/263287921014038/?type=3&theater" target="_blank"><b><i>fabulous giveaway</i></b> </a>we're doing with two other establishments here for some lucky winner somewhere in the world! Come celebrate with us by checking out our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/londonberrie/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/londonberrie" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and find more details there. (Thank you to those of you who have already signed up.) Wouldn't it be <i>so</i> fun if one of you won? Hurry though, as the deadline in this Friday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03w_ohApWolS4yV4W4qhhYZtxOCO7MKC52UfqXsrfAFonLEwbHNEjtgtKXvVbJvskHDyvVW0bBXEPojw8-k5n1Lh8NOoFLc3HT0EXXYZIi0XmFp8tttRgyTvehgV-GTca71_GWiFZz_8/s1600/Christmas18-Giveaway-Fcropped-FLAT-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1328" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03w_ohApWolS4yV4W4qhhYZtxOCO7MKC52UfqXsrfAFonLEwbHNEjtgtKXvVbJvskHDyvVW0bBXEPojw8-k5n1Lh8NOoFLc3HT0EXXYZIi0XmFp8tttRgyTvehgV-GTca71_GWiFZz_8/s640/Christmas18-Giveaway-Fcropped-FLAT-cropped.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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So, as you can see, we're pretty busy here. Last week on our anniversary when, yes, I was planning to announce everything, Alexandra unexpectedly tweaked her back which rather set us back with getting our website launched and thus the delay. Sorry about that, guys! On top of that, Alexandra has her own deadlines in the children book publishing world for her illustrations there, which by the way, will remain separate as will indeed my design agency where I was handed the keys to the new digs just this last week too. <br />
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Ooh, and one final thing I should mention: Alex and I head out in a truck rental back to Colorado this Monday for a little over a week to see family and friends as well as pick up those few items we couldn't take with us on the first drive out here. Wish us luck! Luckily, the weather looks like it's going to be clear for the way out West which is relief, let me tell you, when having to drive over two long days. :)<br />
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OK, I'll see you back here for our next Scribble Picnic this Wednesday. Still need to do that, actually. :) Well, I've already mentioned a few of my favourite things in this blog post, but I'm sure I can come up with a couple more too. In fact, I already have an idea brewing.... :)<br />
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Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-3788031857745247222018-11-28T02:00:00.000-08:002018-11-28T02:00:13.132-08:00Seasons change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMb9a22MrbVBE9AwNfdl_oA8NoFUMfzrX6IN0nS_00oInzGUX5aQgOWSKsWoXsaiwhqTWB97YwxCkt4B9HsNuFt97m5EmDVqMMR0XDI7GHcxLdl3JTZMIZxNj1D0VNC6ASClK_YyETmY/s1600/Lb-xm_paper-680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMb9a22MrbVBE9AwNfdl_oA8NoFUMfzrX6IN0nS_00oInzGUX5aQgOWSKsWoXsaiwhqTWB97YwxCkt4B9HsNuFt97m5EmDVqMMR0XDI7GHcxLdl3JTZMIZxNj1D0VNC6ASClK_YyETmY/s1600/Lb-xm_paper-680.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Say, "<span style="color: orange;"><b>Goodbye Autumn</b>,</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Hello Winter!</b></span>" </i></div>
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Like with this lil' bundled up hedgie, we're ready for the new season. How about you?<br />
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As if we haven't already had enough change actually, with our move here to Kentucky from Colorado and all that entailed! Nevertheless, I'm slowly adjusting to a whole new country paradigm, and in the midst of it, new opportunities arise. Alexandra's been literally painting the town white with drawing beautiful winter scenes for 5 of the establishments in our tiny little downtown. It's really looking festive. We're hoping it draws people into the area too to come shop local and explore the quaint little shops in old town. We're doing out bit to help bring new life here, hopefully.<br />
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It's slow but steady going and with it, new developments are underfoot. Aside from the branding design agency that's soon to launch with my business partner, Alexandra and I actually have some new venture we're launching soon. I know, I've alluded to it before, but next week, we'll officially announce things so... stay tuned! We're flapping our wings and learning to fly higher through various unseen challenges, obstacles and a fair bit of unexpected. In fact, we're pretty excited about this project. Can't wait to tell you more...<br />
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Now, back to this drawing which ties in to these above developments too. Having figured out an idea and rendered the illustration, I'm handing this off to Alexandra to sprinkle in her own particular charm, painting in the colour, etc. As it is, we often bounce ideas off each other — she'll inspire me and I'll art direct her pieces or some combination thereof. Creatively, our process really is a match made in heaven. As with that New Year bear drawing/painting a few years back (anyone remember that?), it's fun again to literally both work on an actual piece together where it ends up being truly <i>our</i> shared cozy vision. What can I say? We love winters and the holidays!<br />
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So, would you like to see the final piece when it's completed? Want to learn more about our newest venture? Check back here, Sunday, December 2nd, which happens to be our anniversary, by the way. :) Magic is in the air... :)<br />
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Speaking of which, let's see how the each of you interpreted this week's theme. Can't wait to discover what you've done. Already having made a few cups of hot chocolate this month, I think we'll bring that along to the picnic here as well. If you're gonna be cold, you might as well enjoy it!<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=28Nov2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-27756666011366220222018-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:002018-11-14T20:12:53.391-08:00If you go into the woods today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>If a phone rings in the <span style="color: orange;"><b>FOREST</b></span> does it make a call? </i>Here's my evening stroll into this week's Scribble Picnic. I've bought along some cherry pie and a pot of tea, should anyone get cold or need to huddle in that phone booth out of the rain.<br />
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Let's see how we all decided to picture this<span style="color: orange;"><b> </b></span>gathering, shall we? Looking forward to seeing what each of you worked up! Thank you so much for playing along. <br />
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P.S. The next prompt is on the side bar. Happy Thanksgiving to any of you here who will be celebrating. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>P.P.S. </b>I don't know what happened to the sign up, so I just went ahead and redid it again! It's now extended to <b>Friday 2am EST</b> for all of you out there. I'll come back to see everyone's contribution later then. Hope each of you get to sign up. So sorry about that inconvenience. Oy! But, just think, for any of you not done yet, there's still time! It doesn't have to be complicated. It could just be a relatively quick sketch like this one. Messy is fine. :)Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-52781404191733973932018-10-30T14:14:00.000-07:002018-10-31T14:15:03.760-07:00Double Jolt?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, Blogger seems to be working again so hopefully by now most of you have been able to put up your piece for one of this week's prompts (either <span style="color: orange;"><b>Jolt</b> </span>or <b><span style="color: orange;">Double</span></b>). Can't wait to see what you've done and will have time tonight to actually get through them all. Whee!<br />
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I struggled with which challenge to choose but then thought about one of the logo comps created for the design agency my biz partner and I are currently putting together. This isn't actually the final version but simply one I created, helping get us there. The idea though was to show that ours is a two man ship (thus the double windows) and, of course, power is implied by the gears and lightning bolt/jolt powering the ship along as it rockets past this orb's eclipse. An intriguing story telling image at least, aligning with how we will be focusing on launching and building people's various brands. <br />
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Our final version is currently underway, employing elements from this one but also quite different. While the main concept is done, each individual character will be stylized (reshaped) and fine tuning is in order on certain other elements to make it that much compelling and unique. Also, funnily enough, unbeknownst to me, as red and black (dark grey here) are actually the local university teams' colours we didn't want that as obviously the idea is to have our logo immediately recognizable and standing out from other designs and graphics that abound around here.<br />
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You peeps are actually the very first to see this in the general public, even the agency name, but keep in mind this isn't actually the final design and is only a concept comp anyway. Still, it works well enough for the prompts so there you go!<br />
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Right, now, off to see what the rest of you have mustered up. Tonight promises to be rainy and I think there's even a potential threat for a tornado out here in the boonies. We shall be huddled up inside and I highly doubt anyone will come by expecting candy as 1. There's no pavement to safely walk along, and 2. There are no kids around here but some Mennonites who pretty much stick to their own traditions, and, as it is, they never alter from wearing the same style clothes each day anyway. :)<br />
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Hope everyone has a safe and good night. Thanks again for your contributions!<br />
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Hi everyone, blogger is having issues, as you may have discovered. So, I'm not staying up late to work on completing my art piece for one of these prompts...and, in fact, am not even sure I can post or schedule this? We shall see. As it is then, I'll work on my piece through the day (Wednesday) and catch up with you here later then! Oy. <br />
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If this post indeed gets up, please sign in when able. Thank you to each of you for taking the time to create something and leaving your lovely comments. Happy Boo day or Reformation day or whatever! Here, it promises to rain with a flood warning and as we are in the boonies, no one will come by for sure. (If they did, all I have to offer are some non-iced plain pop tarts! Hahaha)<br />
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P.S. Just read a few of the comments that went to moderation as they were written several days after the initial post went up. All of those are posted now. Thank you so much. (Wanda, we miss you too and good to hear from you, Tracy, and Cathy!)<br />
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P.P.S Alex's tailbone is doing a bit better but she still has quite a bit of pain in the back but is mustering along as well as can be hoped for, if not better than expected. Thank you for the good will, prayers and comments there too. I've shared them all. <br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=31Oct2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-16912224496977444072018-10-17T05:59:00.000-07:002018-10-17T06:25:49.953-07:00Who needs a Genie when...?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavjZ2z0T-uAcigTDQ_1npgieSwBldMgno0bQKxKuDyAMeIkAaiFEImCmeWnFlBLKC0MztjbWAGP6AuteEnezgkjE6HGvSHNVzRzLjGBjv9r4Nay71kjF2zRLrnlvkyS-8dlXdfACOOWQ/s1600/Bottles-Scribble+Picnic-Inktober-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018-640-F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavjZ2z0T-uAcigTDQ_1npgieSwBldMgno0bQKxKuDyAMeIkAaiFEImCmeWnFlBLKC0MztjbWAGP6AuteEnezgkjE6HGvSHNVzRzLjGBjv9r4Nay71kjF2zRLrnlvkyS-8dlXdfACOOWQ/s1600/Bottles-Scribble+Picnic-Inktober-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018-640-F.jpg" /></a></div>
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You never know what you'll find in a <span style="color: orange;"><b>bottle</b></span> these days, well at least here! No, nothing so tongue-in-cheek as these but there are years' old leftover pickled whatnots laying around, tucked away on darkened dusty shelves in the old farm house pantry.<br />
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I had initially started inking this up for Inktober's "Drooling" prompt last week, per Alexandra's rather witty "stop drooling" label suggestion but then various things* came up so never did finish it until now. I'm not actually terribly into scary per se but hope you can appreciate the offbeat humour perhaps? <br />
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Let's now find out what the rest of our scribblers came up with. And, no, please don't offer me any pickled anything. Thank you very much!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">* Alexandra had a hard fall on some wet steps 10 days ago as is now on largely forced bed rest with minimal movement. She cracked her upper-spine C6 vertebrae and has a compression of the sacrum which is essentially the area pressing in around her tailbone. The continual pain should start residing in another week or so. In about a month, she should be feeling considerable better but it will take another 4-5 months to fully heal so she needs to be careful. In the meantime, Alex is told the only thing she can do is rest, not work, it away. So, anyway, that's taken a lot of our focus now. Another "unexpected" here. Alexandra's such a trooper though and just lays on the recliner chair, with ice packs and hot water bottles (rotating them for each area), trying not to wince or "bother" anyone but, of course, I'm all about making her comfortable and meeting her every request. :) (But, hey, now, she better not get toooo used to this!) </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. <span style="color: orange;"><b>JOLT</b></span> or <span style="color: orange;"><b>DOUBLE</b></span> is the next Scribble Picnic prompt, due </span><span style="font-size: small;">on the 30th. (I decided to add the latter as the first one may be too hard!) Sign up on the date or hashtag it anytime between now and then on Instagram or Twitter. Thank you. </span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-4774787061330944082018-10-03T03:00:00.000-07:002018-10-03T03:00:00.301-07:00Polish Sausage? No, - Chicken!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAklePlu5a_1ijSIhmxzyKiZJq7phNevgkviGR2M_qtJAGP_8XvWZflLYy8p5z1mFF342946EmS48MaGzX_7XAVU4r8ENhM0Wsgc_HHX6R_XMwEhoNhv1U2d3bFGMt4YaWnl9yWZh1JHk/s1600/Polishchicken-Scribble+Picnic-Chicken-InktoberDay5-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="750" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAklePlu5a_1ijSIhmxzyKiZJq7phNevgkviGR2M_qtJAGP_8XvWZflLYy8p5z1mFF342946EmS48MaGzX_7XAVU4r8ENhM0Wsgc_HHX6R_XMwEhoNhv1U2d3bFGMt4YaWnl9yWZh1JHk/s640/Polishchicken-Scribble+Picnic-Chicken-InktoberDay5-copyright-DMichaelMacVean2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you ever seen Polish <span style="color: orange;"><b>chicken</b></span> with their peculiarly plumed heads? Fancy as they might be, the chicks with their scrawny long necks and odd feathered tufts are particularly funny looking As with most babies though, they're still awfully cute!<br />
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This was my first foray into ink dip pen work since last year's Inktober. (If at all interested, you can see my latest <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bob4SzxjtwE/?taken-by=michaelmacveandesign" target="_blank">here</a>.) <br />
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So, nothing too imaginative this time around and even then, I ended up redrawing it as the smaller I got, the better and more inky it looked. Now, let's see what the rest of you <i>fried</i> up! (<i>Um, is that Ok to say? Maybe it's being in Kentucky influencing me here but have to say, we've only seen one KFC since getting here, oddly enough.</i>)<br />
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Thanks for playing along, guys, and joining in. New theme is up on the side bar. That will be fun! :)<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=02Oct2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-50290864171006110772018-09-20T16:28:00.001-07:002018-09-20T16:28:11.593-07:00Scheduling Scribble PicnicsHi everyone! The tiebreaker between having these meetups weekly vs. every two weeks was broken by the fact that someone voted for once a month! So, let's give it a go and see how it pans out (or not)! If it seems like people are less engaged then I'll probably revert back to weekly but for now, at least for me, twice a month allows for more time to get things done as the holidays will be soon upon us. Shocking, I know. And consider this, Alex and I will be moving <i>yet again</i> in November...but this one will be merely local so way easier. Oh, and we have a drive back to Colorado in December to pick up some longer items that wouldn't fit into our little car and for that chance to see the grand/kids too. :)<br />
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The next theme<b> (</b><span style="color: orange;"><b>chicken</b></span>) ties in with the 2018 Inktober prompt due around then for anyone possibly considering doing that as well on Instagram. It's a really fabulous way to get exposure, by the way. Working with ink encourages you to go bold too. Using ink may be less forgiving but there's something to be said for being more intentional and less non-committed as can happen when working with pencils, knowing one can always erase.<br />
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Whilst I loved exploring fables alphabetically last year, this time I'll most likely follow t<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnL2dxfg8Uq/?taken-by=inktober" target="_blank">he actual Inktober prompts</a> for more of a feeling of collaboration with the other creatives also playing along. <i>Anyone care to join me? </i><br />
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Regardless, see you back here on October 3rd, if not before then. Happy scribbling! Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-18898295771859632492018-09-19T20:05:00.000-07:002018-09-19T20:15:39.695-07:00Explore<b><span style="color: orange;">UPDATE:</span></b> OK, back again and so excited to see your names pop up on the sign-in below! Can't wait to see all your selections tomorrow over breakfast. What fun! Thank you. Oh, and I'll be sure to reply to everyone then too for this week's and last week's posts.<br />
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For today's Scribble Picnic entry, I decided to focus on what I said below — that whole idea of actively <b><span style="color: orange;">exploring</span></b> without ever going anywhere physically. For many of us, that's often found through reading and for me, when working up designs, brainstorming is another avenue. As you can see here for this current logo ideation, I usually try to first scribble down some quick thumbnails.<br />
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<b>A quick designer tip:</b> sketching out your ideas beforehand keeps the focus on the design itself, helping you fine-tune it before ever getting to the computer. Too many people will jump straight to executing something digitally, relying on the computer to hopefully magically make it good, before properly thinking their ideas through to ensure they truly work. Quick thumbnails allow you to avoid wasting valuable time where it's too easy to let some software program dictate your design's look and feel, rather than being driven primarily by the strong concept itself. (Software's various features should only help embellish a piece within moderation, not become front and centre where all one sees are those certain affects and not the design which can then so easily become secondary by that point.)<br />
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Anyway, so for this week, no actual completed piece. Truly <i>scribbles</i> for our picnic! As it is, I still have too many other ideas knocking about in my head for this logo* that I want to capture first then sort through what's worth taking to the next level or not. For most designers, the joy is more so found in coming up with the actual idea, not so much its exact execution with all the various details that can later follow.<br />
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Happy Scribble Picnic everyone. Into Fall we go...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*P.S. More on this later. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Artwork TBA later Wednesday)</i></span></div>
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Time once again to muse artistically and reconnect. The long heat and brashness of summer will soon be over, for most of us at least. In it's place? Tartan shirts, sweaters, scarves, creamy lattés and slow contemplative sips. Ahhh... can there be any better time to reawaken one's creative spirit than in Autumnal promise?<br />
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Isn't it ironic that for many of us, the days spent indoors is the time where we most <b><span style="color: orange;">explore</span></b>? After all, it's not just limited to what our mere mortal bodies can muster, as thrilling as that can be too. Whether it's winter, autumn or even spring, those colder days seem to gently beckon the heart and soul. Often our wanderings may take us far farther than one could ever reach by pedal, pedestrian or plane.<br />
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So, what artistic paths have you explored lately? For me and Alexandra, this is certainly a time for change. While on a new creative journey, we've also moved from the front range of the glorious Rockies to rolling hills and the distant edge of the cozy Appalachians. Life is in transition. All the while, we've brainstormed so many ideas along the way, distilled our artistic passions and found new footings. With that, I can't wait to later share the <b>exciting news</b> of what we're about to launch, both together and individually! Stay tuned.<br />
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But in the meantime, go ahead and join in our picnic when ready. My contribution will be up later Wednesday night where I'll be sure to add a few words about it too.<br />
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Oh, and finally, guess what? I'm rather in a muddle. The results of the our <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0e-vNvvYjy0lGgsluTneR744b0Jg-WIEMgtCOiAuJWEcCFIpIpr0Kw35dupDkHqCsVTPv6GwahPuUhAPKWUeGgeZJ_TYOuh9ghq-ZQItRgh1dIzuZeZC-hQcZnPTBKyyTN70YtETcc_I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-09-18+at+10.51.26+PM+copy.png" target="_blank">Scribble Picnic survey</a> indicate there's equal preference among you for every week vs. once a fortnight. Hmm.... Well, let's first see how many sign up and if there's any more input on that here. Then I'll choose, although must admit, am rather inclined towards every two weeks but didn't vote, although Alex likes the idea of continuing weekly. (So, if you haven't done the survey, be sure to do that soon. Just go back to the bottom of the last post and help us out!) I'll be sure to announce this evening the new due date and picnic prompt on the side bar as well as on Instagram.<br />
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Thank you for rejoining, everyone. It's been quite the summer break, I know, but good to be back here. I'm bringing a massive baked berry pie and a tub of vanilla ice cream to our Scribble Picnic. Time to join in!<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=19Sep2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-23542911121922036162018-09-10T10:38:00.000-07:002018-09-11T14:40:41.432-07:00Rolling Hills, Moody Skies, Surprises & Picnics!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwhelS22iv1ZEJUd58O9SFLLy5Rsfb2yhB3qKvnZzSepDJQw7vysJUWCraYRXBZl781f_N4RBV2Yvzolq4Po6tMg_eTAsPsR6xrKUhz0SSC5oSb8GUTplNJvXCpnGzxVL_BqG7T_j-KQ/s1600/KY-toSomersetSep09-2018-copyright-DMMacVean-740LR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="740" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwhelS22iv1ZEJUd58O9SFLLy5Rsfb2yhB3qKvnZzSepDJQw7vysJUWCraYRXBZl781f_N4RBV2Yvzolq4Po6tMg_eTAsPsR6xrKUhz0SSC5oSb8GUTplNJvXCpnGzxVL_BqG7T_j-KQ/s640/KY-toSomersetSep09-2018-copyright-DMMacVean-740LR3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Read below for a Scribble Picnic update and our new theme!)</span></div>
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Rolling hills, lush fields full of promise under brooding clouds and lashing rains. A somewhat apt description of our move here but also Sunday's drive to Somerset, KY, where we went searching for a few choice items for Alexandra's next downtown Campbellsville Artisan Market. (Last Friday's was fabulously successful. Aside from selling most of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/alexandrasillos" target="_blank">her original artwork</a> — on greeting cards, tote bags, change purses and xmas ornaments, etc. — she also made further connections with people in the community.) <a href="http://www.courtandmain.market/" target="_blank">Court & Main</a>, by the way, is a wonderful shindig held once a month for any of you who might happen to live anywhere nearby and have thought of visiting this rising town that's throwing off its shackles from years of decline with various people moving into the area and investing into making it a newly forthcoming quaint downtown urban surprise.<br />
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Change is exciting and scary too all that the same time! Well, I should say, Alexandra is walking in total faith that we're to be here and stays focused on all the doors that have indeed opened up for us or will very soon. For me, it can be a little bit more of a challenge some days adjusting to a slower pace of life, a distinctly different use of grammar and some things not rolling out quite as fast as I had hoped. Leaving behind a long time job that I had always loved was not easy either. Yet these new horizons helped with that professional need to keep being challenged, fully utilized and growing.<br />
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There have been days, admittedly, where I've had to remind myself not to focus on things past but <i>embrace</i> the present, being thankful even for the unexpected...like so many spots along various drives where we feel like we're back in Norfolk, England again. Ha, I mean, there are even some quite narrow hedge-rowed country lanes every now and then! I'm actually surprised at just how quickly I've fallen for the landscape here and how much more in sync it is with my natural aesthetic preference for greenery. It truly delights my inner "city boy" heart and certainly helps when driving past areas not <i>quite</i> so lovely, shall we say? (Not to say that any Colorado town doesn't also have similar challenges with junk yards and the inevitable affects of economic decline, mind you.)<br />
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One of the biggest surprises here is that with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campbellsville,_Kentucky" target="_blank">Campbellsville</a> also being a small university town, there is actually quite a lot of diversity for a hub this size in central rural Kentucky. On any given day in the coffee shop downtown, one can find a table or two filled with students (and some professionals) from other countries. Just this week alone, for example, I came across three suave looking eastern Europeans walking in with cuffed shorts and hair coiffed like George Michael (à la his Wham days); a table filled with Japanese students all speaking Japanese; a couple of Caribbeans(?); half a dozen Italians, and most recently a handful of Brits: two visiting who head up Vineyard worship in the UK, one who came here 18 years ago on a college basketball scholarship from Leicester and another just met today who's from Ipswich currently at uni here.<br />
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Just this last week, we were invited to a couple's lovely designed loft which is across the street from where we will be living, come November or so. (Alex had met them through one of the markets where the lady was thrilled to find that we too love English teatime and such as she grew up with an English nanny, having spent all her formative years in Malawi and Tanzania, former British colonies, and then later returning with her husband for another decade in Botswana.) My mind kept on spinning that here was this couple, soon to be new neighbors even, who knew exactly where my oldest son is in the Kalahari with Peace Corps, having been to his neighbouring villages and pronouncing them with ease! Then when we learned their previously homeschooled son was now in Edinburgh studying for his masters degree where he's combining his fluency in Gaelic with his love of video gaming, I kept on having to pinch myself. Ha! So, all that to say, you never know what any place might hold. Every place has its own surprises and this is definitely no exception.<br />
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Oh, and in the meanwhile, I'm getting a chance to capture some <a href="https://www.instagram.com/m.macvean.design/" target="_blank">beautiful scenes</a> along the way. :)<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">UPDATE:</span></b> Being that today is now Monday, the 10th, I think we best prolong <b>Scribble Picnic</b> for another week, for meeting here anew on <b>Wednesday, the 19th</b>, next week. Hope that's Ok with everyone? Thanks! Oh, and how about our next theme have something to do with... <b><span style="color: orange;">Exploration</span></b>? :)<br />
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P.S. Please considering doing two other things, if you would:<br />
1. Fill out this quick <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NGDRLCK" target="_blank"><b>1-question Scribble Picnic survey</b></a>!<br />
2. Read our very own <a href="http://abreathoffreshair-mary.blogspot.com/2018/08/colorado-and-artist-friends.html" target="_blank"><b>Mary's fabulous write up</b> </a>from our super great visit when she and her hubs, Bob, came to Fort Collins. We had a blast. So much fun! <br />
<br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-68691004140682203662018-08-29T22:43:00.000-07:002018-09-09T19:02:31.163-07:00A New Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYVZ-TUkPyGhWEzzuVp9r3pjS0mO9ViC1sfyVWDKPx7ioS6tUG66O95pGkxNFDw6OB7IJPMo5k0gHGDe9PvKFCPNrU_WjhPCWiQ366YUME6E6tqPghm8PI1hHlKPiyRqTLEPUXHvGBNU/s1600/LibertyKY-740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="733" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYVZ-TUkPyGhWEzzuVp9r3pjS0mO9ViC1sfyVWDKPx7ioS6tUG66O95pGkxNFDw6OB7IJPMo5k0gHGDe9PvKFCPNrU_WjhPCWiQ366YUME6E6tqPghm8PI1hHlKPiyRqTLEPUXHvGBNU/s640/LibertyKY-740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Hellooo</i>, everyone! We're back and in time for the long days of summer to soon be replaced by golden Autumnal hues for those of us on this side of the world, at least.<br />
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Speaking of change, <i>guess what</i>? We've moved. Across the country, no less, with 98% of everything we own packed into our little Suzuki SX4 with a canvas cargo bag strapped atop for the two day, 1,300 mile journey. It wasn't an easy initial decision to come to, let me tell you. Naturally, the hardest part was leaving the kids and grandchildren, but we're only a fairly short flight away, yet in a whole different world... <i>the Commonwealth of Kentucky</i>! Yup, you heard it. <i>Big change</i>. Must say, never ever expected to move anywhere down south but as my southern friends inform us, it isn't even officially considered "the south" by them apparently. As with everything, depends on one's perspective, I suppose.<br />
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Who would have ever guessed when first coming to Fort Collins, Colorado, as a young adult that I'd leave decades later feeling so incredibly touched with having been blessed with an enriched life here of family, friends, a long term dynamic design career (most of it with an awesome company) and even growing to not only <i>like</i>, but actually <i>love</i> this self-named "Choice City"? Keep in mind that, while always a university town, it was far smaller and different back when I arrived — no coffee bars, galleries, ethnic cuisines, or any other various cultural events now so easily found. <br />
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In fact, as a fresh off-the-boat Londoner, I bemoaned my decision to leave everything familiar behind, let alone big city life, for this crazy fresh bold start, moving to what I would later deem as nothing more than "<i>Sticksville, USA</i>!" In the days of snail mail, I was so cut off, alone and miserable. While desperate for a change and an adventure, none of it panned out as expected. The lovely downtown area alone was more a place to avoid than actually visit in those days and I actually lived on the outskirts which made it even worse. Admittedly, snobbishly, I pretty much despised everything about "the Fort," seeming to also be the only person who was totally craving (any) urban growth. Whenever discussed, most locals seemed to want nothing but the same old, same old. (Curiously, one doesn't hear peeps complain anymore about such growth now that they can see the various benefits that come along with it, traffic aside.)<br />
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So, all that to say, when we started telling others fairly recently that we were considering moving and where to, people were somewhat (politely) incredulous, offering words to the wise to prepare for the inevitable culture shock. Ha! But the funny thing is, what they didn't get is this is absolutely <i>nothing</i> compared to moving from the heart of London to a smallish town in Colorado, especially back then and doing it on one's own! But now moving with someone who loves and supports me — doing this together with Alexandra — makes such a huge difference! While all this is admittedly a big jump with lots of inevitable change and some losses, it also affords us the adventures associated with a new paradigm.<br />
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As some of you no doubt know, Alex's mother moved here in 2009 and recently married last year. We are temporarily staying with her and Pops until a certain beautifully remodeled old loft in downtown Campbellsville becomes available to rent in a couple of months. This, along with new work opportunities and a chance to really plug into the community here, along with some other crazy unexpected things, are just some of the reasons why we heeded this wild new call! Wish us the best and let's see where this journey takes us. Alex doesn't feel we'll be here long-term but who knows.<br />
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Some change is good and even needed. Stay tuned while I periodically post developments and life stories along the way, mainly adding them to our art co-op. <i>In a few days, I'll provide our <b>next Scribble Picnic theme</b>, due Sept 12th.** </i> Hopefully, by then, each of you who play along will see this. Please help me spread the news! Thank you. <br />
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I hope everyone's had an eventful summer! Well, maybe not quite as venturesome, but you know what I mean :) Thanks for your best wishes, thoughts and prayers. Life is never dull.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Picture: a recent drive through <a href="https://www.kentuckytourism.com/liberty/" target="_blank">Liberty</a>, Kentucky, near the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Heritage_Trail" target="_blank">Lincoln Heritage Trail</a>. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>** OK, It's going to have to be another week out. See the post above. Thank you!</i></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-25185563178772633512018-07-18T04:00:00.000-07:002018-08-29T14:08:32.405-07:00Hot Dogs and scribble picnics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XN8glaO4raZ4z7N6tN0bGtkEw2H34azPGe3mZgTTuUt5tCAJMNKcM6ZovRClb95ngPFtFYDrh-avixzVXEIINFrWgeaG_-HXUb17yPkpqGSCo6z7s8JzVm4ZLxJYKKvGL54pRk-AQ4s/s1600/HdG2-lr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="740" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XN8glaO4raZ4z7N6tN0bGtkEw2H34azPGe3mZgTTuUt5tCAJMNKcM6ZovRClb95ngPFtFYDrh-avixzVXEIINFrWgeaG_-HXUb17yPkpqGSCo6z7s8JzVm4ZLxJYKKvGL54pRk-AQ4s/s640/HdG2-lr2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you tell I was thinking of ketchup and mustard here? Admittedly, while already having the idea of drawing a <b><span style="color: orange;">hot</span></b>, sweaty, rugged bull<b><span style="color: orange;">dog</span></b>, the color scheme didn’t come to me until seeing Alex’s piece earlier Tuesday (wait till you see it, so fun, and she had no idea what I had in mind — great minds think alike).<br />
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OK, your turn now....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;">P.S. <b>Important announcement:</b></span> due to increasingly fewer people visiting the sign ups and a couple of our regular contributors unable to make it the last several weeks, I’ve decided to postpone our Scribble Picnics here through at least the hot days of Summer (for most of us). So, ignore the other sign up themes for now please. I’ll announce something on that Wednesday, <b>Aug. 22nd</b>. In the interim, like many of you, we too have a fair bit going on anyway. I will still try to do a few pieces but maybe with Colour Collective on Instagram instead? We shall see. Sorry to rain on the picnics, so to speak, for those of you, like our wonderful Rain, who enjoy the ongoing weekly prompts to keep motivated! I hope you understand. Thanks for playing along today. :)</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-54013083046463211702018-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:002018-07-11T08:25:13.127-07:00A Star studded picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVMoA_-sRnL4Ratp6tAZp-h6HwNhk4RoNR-YtmoPkz41F42Gg3PlI2B9kPnq7xnZMblWSo9ZhuRazospMoqcpxICp4iFt6GGwQG5FbImSzcoyRvpHaCRF-1U_M-assui_CtNdNgV94r8/s1600/starsinspire-LRSq-LR-scribblepicnic63-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="724" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVMoA_-sRnL4Ratp6tAZp-h6HwNhk4RoNR-YtmoPkz41F42Gg3PlI2B9kPnq7xnZMblWSo9ZhuRazospMoqcpxICp4iFt6GGwQG5FbImSzcoyRvpHaCRF-1U_M-assui_CtNdNgV94r8/s640/starsinspire-LRSq-LR-scribblepicnic63-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BksaW6JlSjd/?taken-by=doodle_ru" target="_blank">#DrawThisInYourOwnStyleChallenge</a> from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/doodle_ru/" target="_blank">@doodle_ru (Ruth Bennett) #doodleruchallenge</a></span></div>
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Welcome back everyone! How's your week going? Here, it's horribly hot but at least it quickly cools down to the mid 60's later evening. :)<br />
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For <span style="color: orange;"><b>stars</b></span> this week, my piece is actually inspired by this Instagram challenge where an artist gives permission to "copy" their art work, or more so be inspired by it, to then come up with their own rendition. So, when I saw the example listed below, I decided I simply had to give it a shot...and figured out how to tie it into our challenge this week too. It's been fun seeing how people interpret someone's work. Of course, normally, one shouldn't copy anyone's art without giving proper credit (let alone then try to sell it as one's own "original" which Alex and I have unfortunately seen on IG periodically). However, here's one of those exceptions and a fun one at that. Whilst doing this, I took liberty to change her around a bit, add my own flair and so on. What fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1O3mMN3Ac0sIXfwzJd7hFFl6G2P2Z7-gsrLl-xqxRILoIB3ijbgt-QHJdgRyWTKXSpc4Pg5KcKtENW0TklozxRIR0RInl8Y3VnXUpMjHnKgBhcT4YunrL01hDmXvhoktOSUcTe-t-uY/s1600/doodle_ru-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="724" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1O3mMN3Ac0sIXfwzJd7hFFl6G2P2Z7-gsrLl-xqxRILoIB3ijbgt-QHJdgRyWTKXSpc4Pg5KcKtENW0TklozxRIR0RInl8Y3VnXUpMjHnKgBhcT4YunrL01hDmXvhoktOSUcTe-t-uY/s640/doodle_ru-original.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for signing up. I know all of us are getting busy this time of year. We might need to even take another break again, depending on how many sign up or not this week. Let's find out....<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=11Jul2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-12645336885395261662018-06-27T14:36:00.000-07:002018-06-27T14:36:21.730-07:00Crunchy picnic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybno6uUNig6KHcKtlN4mw7ZpsQZ942BT3mlYdX9QD933hrtur8Bu_4QJmDLAr-e5ERbz2ZxKOwDwgMOgL_CIq175WVH453lvIeTVyxJAs4aa_6Oodovy47UAxtFx1F6JBz3L6H0boY_s/s1600/CrunchyPicnicMonsterEat-LR724-scribblepicnic62-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybno6uUNig6KHcKtlN4mw7ZpsQZ942BT3mlYdX9QD933hrtur8Bu_4QJmDLAr-e5ERbz2ZxKOwDwgMOgL_CIq175WVH453lvIeTVyxJAs4aa_6Oodovy47UAxtFx1F6JBz3L6H0boY_s/s640/CrunchyPicnicMonsterEat-LR724-scribblepicnic62-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Crunchy concrete!</i> Something crunching this way comes. My rather tongue-in-cheek take on this week's Scribble Picnic theme. It was the first idea that came to me so I just had to ink it up. (<i>Rain, I'm thinking this will be right up your alley, at least.</i>) :)<br />
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OK, so did anyone bring anything a little more savoury to our gathering today? <span style="color: orange;"><b>Crunchy</b></span> cucumber perhaps? Do tell....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>P.S. Reminder: no picnic next week for those of us in the States to enjoy one of the very few national holidays given, July 4th. </i></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-5458010130959255102018-06-20T20:38:00.000-07:002018-06-20T20:48:02.645-07:00Plump, you said? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkzJ-k1wFakou8Z6u4ExAxoYnEO65IicbxV80pTJHR_af_azRRMKKVVrIdae01DvhrO1fMtI2ume2PCHKDIvInGCrbTlEqIuxmmKAdiD1dk0R00ryse2YYJcWafqKZzSpPKb9FADqJFk/s1600/PlumpOpera--LR-scribblepicnic59-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkzJ-k1wFakou8Z6u4ExAxoYnEO65IicbxV80pTJHR_af_azRRMKKVVrIdae01DvhrO1fMtI2ume2PCHKDIvInGCrbTlEqIuxmmKAdiD1dk0R00ryse2YYJcWafqKZzSpPKb9FADqJFk/s640/PlumpOpera--LR-scribblepicnic59-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Plump delicious plums, pears or what have you is <i>not</i> what I chose for this week. Ha. As it is, I've really wanted to go back and complete my initial <a href="http://dottyhill.blogspot.com/2018/03/sandwiches-cider-andopera.html" target="_blank">Opera illustration</a>.Sure, she's <span style="color: orange;"><b>plump</b></span> but, wow, those hamster vocals will blow you away! :)<br />
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In the meantime what did you plump out for this challenge? Can't wait to check later. Thank you.<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=19Jun2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-31056567532522754352018-06-13T21:34:00.000-07:002018-06-13T21:47:41.252-07:003-Coloured Challenge (Details)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Wednesday evening update:</b> Scribble Picnicers, as you can see, I've not yet completed my piece and actually have only barely begun drawing it. Unfortunately, we had some unexpected news to contend with yesterday which has rather taken my mojo, if you will, so I do apologize. My hope is that perhaps I can submit it here later, maybe tomorrow? Not sure currently. For now, being 10:30 pm here, it's probably best I just get some sleep! </div>
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As it is, go glad to see a few of you here. Always good visiting. It seems that this "compelling" challenge turned out to be perhaps too much of the latter though for many of us? Again, my miscalculation. I'd far rather inspire us all to go further than stop in ones tracks or feel overwhelmed. I suppose sometimes things are unnecessarily more complicated than need be. Well, at least the next theme, <b><span style="color: orange;">PLUMP</span></b>, should be easier, I hope. Hmm, let's find out next week, shall we? </div>
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Oh, and if I get back to the 3-coloured piece (which could end up quite fun), I'll be sure to let each of you know. Thanks again, team!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EMMVfy5x64-VlnWN5DsYusLRqTyWWVf-Civ99WsBQlOK1M0XRlA7fVzam8QbHKiyEFSmZmQp_mHkBeZakfmmFdu_8kbOv9zQbQH8rZo41j-CeVMzh67r4ZGmm8QVPqmsy0hyphenhyphengBMLw3E/s1600/ChristophNiemann-3Colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EMMVfy5x64-VlnWN5DsYusLRqTyWWVf-Civ99WsBQlOK1M0XRlA7fVzam8QbHKiyEFSmZmQp_mHkBeZakfmmFdu_8kbOv9zQbQH8rZo41j-CeVMzh67r4ZGmm8QVPqmsy0hyphenhyphengBMLw3E/s640/ChristophNiemann-3Colours.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
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Scribble Picnickers, our next challenge is to create any picture you want but only employing <b>three colours</b>! These examples from the German artist/designer, <a href="https://shop.christophniemann.com/collections/all-silkscreens" target="_blank">Christoph Niemann</a>, are a case in point.<br />
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Note that you can use white for negative space, so if including that, you could potentially have up to <b>four</b> "colours" or three if using only two colours for the piece itself. If doing watercolours or such, shades of any one colour are also fine. The general idea though is for us to think how we can depict something with a very limited colour palette.<br />
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One of the potentially compelling things here, is how the negative space (background colour) can potentially interplay with your image, adding extra emphasis than it might otherwise enjoy.<br />
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Hope this inspires you? If you are still stuck, I've added a few <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/a_dotty_hill/scribblepicnic-art-co-op/" target="_blank">other samples</a> in the <b>Scribble Picnic</b> Pinterest board. Can't wait to see what we all create. Sign up below when ready.<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=13Jun2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-66090814160824914452018-06-06T20:48:00.000-07:002018-06-06T20:51:32.270-07:00Scribble Picnic: CLASSIC!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ICy4uRXCKyo30XdYpm34b52OT8iD9CQUmkHxoy0ghngWC75z3zFpBX07nKW-2QP2UbVgACzEWWqunteI8tPzqGbj5H85LmQS4kwH4qUB99KFyq5DgyU6YyiYOIw1NI2qtpYASCtp7l4/s1600/classicShelbyCobra-LR2-scribblepicnic59-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="750" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ICy4uRXCKyo30XdYpm34b52OT8iD9CQUmkHxoy0ghngWC75z3zFpBX07nKW-2QP2UbVgACzEWWqunteI8tPzqGbj5H85LmQS4kwH4qUB99KFyq5DgyU6YyiYOIw1NI2qtpYASCtp7l4/s640/classicShelbyCobra-LR2-scribblepicnic59-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, we are back...and it's a <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/a_dotty_hill/classic-style/" target="_blank">classic!</a> </b>I wonder what each of you came up with?<br />
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My initial thought was something or someone with "classic style" as shown in my Pinterest board of the same name. Then whilst we had Alex's step dad ("Pops") and "Mumsie" here (which went great), we happened to be in old town twice during different car shows whereupon I snapped photos with one being somewhat similar to this kind of car but silver instead. So, all that to say, here's my fun take on a 1960's AC Shelby Cobra. Not that I really know anything about cars or am a gear head but I do appreciate classic design in its various forms... and it just happens that this is an Anglo American car, as it turns out. :)<br />
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I hope everyone enjoyed their creative break. So glad we had that as there was no way I would have had time to add anything to Scribble Picnic. Now, I just need a break from my break. Hahah.<br />
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Can't wait to see what all of you have done and have already spotted a few very clever takes on our theme this week. Speaking of which, our new themes will be up Thursday.<br />
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As always, thank you for playing along. Whilst you're at it, let me know how your creative break went. I'd love to hear.<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=06Jun2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-88090991346802287582018-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:002018-05-16T03:00:06.415-07:00A Storm's perfect for a picnic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID08gJPyRzLi1lF2P_G7if63R4sRShoiwFUc3Zw-HESqCp92dyAYimb7eox7jc-dilEthG_ySYTxHmuSdVXFl79usiTugYgEXWrGj60eWhDp99juUM3ropavY8Gbiskng8yNypl0akgA/s1600/Storm-LR-scribblepicnic58-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID08gJPyRzLi1lF2P_G7if63R4sRShoiwFUc3Zw-HESqCp92dyAYimb7eox7jc-dilEthG_ySYTxHmuSdVXFl79usiTugYgEXWrGj60eWhDp99juUM3ropavY8Gbiskng8yNypl0akgA/s640/Storm-LR-scribblepicnic58-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, we don't mind a spot of <span style="color: orange;"><b>storm</b></span>y weather, now do we? In fact, we rather relish it. That's our challenge for this week's <b>Scribble Picnic</b>, after all. :) So, put your wellies on and let's go splash about in the creative tempests below. I'm thinking a quick cuppa might be in order beforehand. How about you? I dare say though that lil' hedgie here, isn't <i>quite</i> as fond as we might be about such things. Aw, poor lil' fellow.<br />
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<i>P.S. BTW, as indicated on the side bar, we have a whole two week break with school over and summer plans beginning for many. By the time this gets posted, I'll be waking up to Alexandra finally back home, her "folks" here and places to take them to around this area. It's actually been quite cold and rainy lately too, but again, I don't mind — it just means it's that brief period of time (a few weeks) when it's weirdly green here in this otherwise arid, rocky, high plains Colorado desert.</i><br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=15May2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5121812607429910170.post-70969721623390564752018-05-09T07:29:00.000-07:002018-05-09T07:29:51.360-07:00Pass the Strawberry Jam, would you? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa7ouNNdcL3F_24Mus9UMHZxPkA-mJ2ukRecPvOxhmYef_w6dQEUIy_laS08D9XApVK78kScsqC9MnhPWrJcKSOE7lVHd2z_idO3vMympZ_NwvpnHAW2aLOm6JilDewxPBgBwNY6hD-4/s1600/Strawberry-LR-scribblepicnic57-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="650" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa7ouNNdcL3F_24Mus9UMHZxPkA-mJ2ukRecPvOxhmYef_w6dQEUIy_laS08D9XApVK78kScsqC9MnhPWrJcKSOE7lVHd2z_idO3vMympZ_NwvpnHAW2aLOm6JilDewxPBgBwNY6hD-4/s640/Strawberry-LR-scribblepicnic57-copyrightDmichaelMacVean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What could go better than <span style="color: red;"><b>strawberry</b></span> anything with a nice Scribble Picnic Spring day? Well, here's my attempt at drawing my teatime snack this (Tuesday) late afternoon. Actually, it was a low sugar, all-natural strawberry spread but I made it look more like a chunky jam and added a bite out of it, just for fun. :)<br />
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So, yes, another still life of sorts, and since the last one was so enjoyed, again, a fairly scribbly, looser sketch... although, admittedly, the details on the English muffins took <i>ages</i>. (No wonder I was getting quite nippish all over again by 10:30pm!) <br />
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By the way, these are based off some little plates we own — perfect for Tea. Ours though don't actually have the decoration as shown here, added for a further tie-in to the theme. <br />
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Anyway, I do so love strawberries,<i> how about you? </i>Can't wait to see what everyone else provides. Thank you!<br />
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<link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=Clumsyfly&postid=09May2018&meme=12720" type="text/javascript"></script>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17712046924863763290noreply@blogger.com19