Metal play and water features

 

The image above shows the outcome of a bit of art metal play. I wanted to see how three layers of copper sheet would behave when pressed in wood and metal forms a number of times in my hand operated hydraulic press. If you like quirky spiky bowls this bowl will appeal to you; but if you are challenged by the square edges and pointy bits this one is not for you.  A couple of process-progress photos follow.

I think I will try this again but maybe with offset circles of metal. The hydraulic pressing process resulted in the three layers of metal binding together - no glue or rivets required - very organic!!!

I also finished hammering a couple of large bowls - one from the laundry copper and one from the base of the hot water tank. Both are water features - most likely watering spots for birds - stones for them to land on. The first bowl is about 450mm in diameter; and the second is about 350mm in diameter.

Who knows where the metal might take me over the next couple of weeks.

Doors and windows - postcard size watercolours

 Lately I have been doing watercolours of doors and windows I photographed whilst at the cottage in Scotland. I have finished four - two doors and two windows as you can see from the opening photo and the three following.

As some folk will be aware when I'm doing a watercolour series I can have two-four on the go at the same time. The following photos show some of the process-progress - in a bit of random order.

Whilst I will continue working on doors and windows I will be turning my hand to birds again as a sales opportunity appears to be opening up for my bird watercolours - more on that down the track.

Blossoms to make one smile on the inside

 

I know I keep repeating myself but it is true - the warm weather seems to be bringing out so much beauty. Stopping to take the occasional photo is simply my way of taking the opportunity to immerse myself in some of the beauty. Check out the water dragon sunny itself in the second photo below.

There are quirky bits of beauty such as the new growth on the Cycad.

G's orchids are running riot.

And what about the following beauty photo by Fiona where she has captured the waratah (from a bush we planted many years ago) and the colours in the artwork.

May we have the presence of mind and take the time to pause and let the beauty seep into our spirits through our eyes.