On a personal note... Movember

Basil does a Movember
by the Photoshop fairy

It’s Movember! (all you need to know about Movember here)

It has to be said that Mother Nature hasn’t blessed us all with the same ability to grow controllable facial hair!

Since the beginning of the month I have tried to grow a moustache, but apart from a few stray whiskers it hasn’t been a remarkable success.

As embarrassing as it is, I had to resolve myself to call in the Photoshop fairy. Mind you she did a great job, don’t I look dashing?!

Stay tuned…

Gossip: The Mystery Feathers

Mystery Feathers, Clue n.1

Preparations of the Open Studio have now moved to full gear, there is so much going on, which explains my sparse posting, but I will try to keep you informed of the developments.

Yesterday these feathers were delivered by special courier, Estelle was very excited about it but she wouldn’t tell me what they are for. She says it’s still a little secret and all will be revealed in good time. Any of you have any idea? Suggestions?

I already have a few leads that I need to pursue further… more on this when I know more…

Stay tuned…

On a personal note... Open Studio Preparation

Make mine a bag of hazelnuts!
Graphite sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Sorry for not posting as much as I would like to at the moment, but Estelle and I are preparing the Open Studio Show. The show will include a tour of the Daily Mouse’s offices so I am trying to make it human friendly, not an easy task!

If you come and visit please do not bring any cheese, to be honest I prefer chocolates…

Stay tuned…

A Shueya a day keeps the doctor at bay

"Honey, you're staring"
Indian ink and watercolour by Estelle Rocca-Serra

We're almost reaching the end of the series of the Limited Edition: Shueya Secretary. Here is  “Honey, you're staring”.

This limited edition series of originals is composed of 5 Secretaries, click here to see the complet set.

They are still a few sets available, feel free to contact Estelle directly (email) for more details.

Stay tuned...

Did you know... Ivory Black?

Elephant Moon
Graphite sketch by Estelle Rocca-Serra

Traditionally Ivory Black pigment, as its name suggests, was made of raw ivory cuttings, packed tightly in irons pots, to exclude as much oxygen as possible, and placed in large kilns. The carbonisation of Ivory, in this oxygen free environment, produced the beautifully fine and slightly blue tinged pigment.

Only highly experienced, and therefore rather old, firing masters would know the perfect combination of temperature and firing time, by testing the surface of the kiln with the back of their hand. A lost art.

The genuine pigment has not been seen on the market since the 1940’s and nowadays only the name remains, even though the current pigments are made of charred bones.

Well, regarding the use of Ivory, we can completely understand the attitude of the elephant here… Moon away my friend, moon away!

Stay tuned...

Source: The material and techniques of painting, Kurt Wehlte.