Wandering Camera

Today’s planned Wandering Camera would have required rummaging through photos. I am under the weather, and not feeling like sitting at the computer much. I have been playing music quite a bit to while away the sick days. So, here’s a little peek into my musical world.

This is my old girl. She was quite scratched up when I got her. A luthier spruced her up and updated her with new rosewood accessories for me, even customised her a little for my smaller hands. My violin and I have wonderful times playing together.

Violin In Colour Pencil | Whims And Fancies

Violin is the first musical instrument I learned to play and it will always be my first love. I made this card using wax colour pencils and turpentine. I can foresee an enlarged oil painting in my future.

Cello Watercolour Sketch | Whims And Fancies

This was a quick sketch of a cello. I was too eager to try out a new set of watercolour paints I got at the time as a gift, so I didn’t care to draw it very correctly. It’s a quick sketch at best, but serves as a reminder to be playful.

Electric Guitar | Whims And Fancies

A few years back, when I was living in Los Angeles, I visited a music store in Hollywood. It had a good selection of used instruments. I got a beautiful Fender guitar to play with. I love the haunting sound of it.

Musical Instruments Quilt Pattern | Whims And Fancies

These are the musical instruments quilt patterns I have created so far. I have gotten requests for a few more. They are definitely in the works.

Musical Instruments Quilt Pattern | Whims And Fancies

This is Supermassive Black Hole. I named it after one of my favourite songs by Muse.

Piano And My Cat | Whims And Fancies

I play music for myself, but occasionally I have a listener silently sitting by me while I play the piano. It’s very everyday, but exceptionally special for me.

I hope you liked the photographic journey of today’s Wandering Camera. I will reply to your comments and visit you back as soon as I start feeling better.

Camera And Photography Linky Party | Whims And Fancies

I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.

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Hi Everyone! I am really excited to share photos of this painted bookshelf with you this month. I love the romantics of magic and chose to paint a bookshelf. Specifically, a magician’s bookshelf. I love to and tend to do a lot of research for my work. I had a fantastic time looking into alchemy and magic.

York Cathedral, England, 2016

I looked into my vault of travel photos for stonework depicting vines and leaves.

St. Clement’s Church, Scotland, 2018

Nothing says magic to me more than stone. These are two of the photos I used for reference.

Before I started inking the drawing, I practised on a separate piece of paper with a dip pen. Unfortunately, the rough surface of the cold press paper that I used kept catching the pen too much, causing very uneven lines instead of the smooth and controlled lines that I wanted.

I switched to a very small brush which glided easily on the paper. I was able to create controlled and tiny strokes for the cross hatching using waterproof Speedball Super Black india ink.

However, inks are very harsh on brushes. I learned that the hard way after almost destroying the first one. Brushes need to be cleaned quite often with a good brush soap. Also, instead of my gentle watercolour brushes, I will be using a little stiffer acrylic ones for inking.

It took me awhile to draw those tiny cross hatch marks. It was quite meditative.

Then, early December, I started painting. I wanted the stone bookshelf to be illuminated by candlelight. Using warm yellows and warm browns, gently and slowly, I finished painting the bookshelf.

Purchase Magician’s Bookshelf

I thought of painting all the books in one colour, but that seemed very boring. Magic should be exciting! So I decided to match the colours of the books with their titles.

I would love to paint this bookshelf larger one day and add more details to the book spines.

The ancient and wise raven watches over both the books and the magician. Even though she is candlelit, she also glows from within.

Quoting my friend Dixie – a bibliotheque filled with books on practical magic, spells, and alchemy. I would so love to take a peek at these books. If only I too was made of ink and paper!

-Soma

I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.

Wandering Camera – Music

Magician’s Bookshelf