New watercolour and ink sketches inspired by Swellendam and Sedgefield

Grahamstown: Day 3

Creativity in Grahamstown

Swellendam: Marloth Nature Reserve

NEW: work in progress

Inspired by leaves, bark and branches of a tree, and insects - specifically butterflies, moths, flies, cockroaches and mosquito's. The focus on wings in the works, also refers to flight, flying or freedom. The arrangement(s) also starts to resemble flower structures, which serves as food and home for insects.

Medium: (above) ink and tea on paper. (below) ink and mixed media on wood

I've grown a fresh interest in insects after seeing several praying mantis nymphs grow among my pot plants, as well as seeing the many small spiders and cockroaches that took shelter in the abandoned buildings at Conradie Care Centre. Every time I saw one, two or more of the mantids among my spinach leaves, rosemary or other plants, it was unexpected and while I was deep in thought. Every time it was a pleasant surprise and when they were still small I once saw six of the praying mantids on the same plant! These encounters are only a small part of my new-found connection and love for small creatures - as soon as you start noticing and respecting them, you start seeing them more and experiencing bizarre and wonderful little coincidences often bordering on the spiritual. I've recently bought myself the Field Guide to Insects in South Africa, by Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths and Alan Weaving, and am in awe of all the amazing "goggas" that share our world with us. The next time you see a bug, take a minute or two to really look at it. You might be surprised at what you see or realize!

Green, earth and growth

A moment in time: Drawing of a leaf

 

Watercolour & pencil, 210 x 148mm, 2011

Illustration for Greenpop

Illustration that I did on Monday for Greenpop's Good Things Happen When You Plant a Tree campaign. This is printed on the Assembly's latest line-up brochure, as the collector's poster on the flip-side. It is also used in the flyer for their third COOL AS FOLK party: ecojunki.blogspot.com/2011/10/greenpop-cool-as-folk-party-at-assembly.html

Suikerbekkie familie

Fauna around Table Mountain

Little sketches from the garden

First work in a new series

Dry Leaves from the garden

Quick watercolour and fineliner sketch made in the garden, in the shade of a tree.