"There is no story without a beginning. No greatness achieved without a start; no one who comes from nowhere, and no one who is a nobody. We are all someone- and by being the someone who we truly are, we are the grandeurs of our own eyes."
Anyhoo, I was really excited because there are so many unique things on Pinterest. Do it yourself projects, pictures, artwork, recipes, decorating tips, yummy recipes, health tips, fatty recipes, fashion for men and women, education, recipes that are drowning in butter, crafts for kids...have I MENTIONED THE RECIPES?!
Maybe Pinterest wasn't the best thing for me, because I love recipes, especially new recipes, and the worse the recipe sounds for you...the more I'll want to make it.
So...what happens when you actually make a recipe from Pinterest?
Well, I decided to make breakfast since my nephew was staying over, and what better than muffins. (Which are basically fairy cakes for breakfast!)
Although this was not the first illustration I saw by Maya Kern, I loved this one and I have to say, this one is my new favorite. Because it looks like a snow-globe, and it makes me think of winter, the cold silent days when you feel like you're all alone in the world. This picture is incredibly en-deering. :)
Ariana: What's your name?
Maya: Maya Kern
Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from?
Maya: I’m originally from Texas, currently living in Minnesota!
Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child?
Maya: I have two older brothers.
Ariana: Do you have any pets?
Maya: I have an adorable tabby-calico mix named Ophelia.
Ariana: What is your favourite colour?
Maya: Depends on my mood!
Ariana: Favourite movie?
Maya: Paprika
Ariana: Favourite song?
Maya: I like too much music to ever be able to choose.
Ariana: Favourite book?
Maya: Sunshine by Robin McKinley or the Abhorsen books by Garth Nix
Ariana: Currently reading?
Maya: Currently, I am avidly awaiting the release of Clariel next month.
Ariana: Guilty pleasures? (special shirt, chocolates, coffee, tv show marathon, etc.)
Maya: Toddlers in Tiaras, Top Model, Dance Moms, stuff like that.
Ariana: Talking about munchies... do you have a favourite food/drink?
Maya: It depends on my mood! But I always love a really good sandwich, especially if it has avocado on it.
This one is so cute, Maya Kern does an amazing job with couples, always seeing the beauty of love and adding it to the atmosphere of her artwork! ♥ I really liked this one, and while Maya Kern has created so many beautiful and adorable pictures of couples, I think it was the yellow daisies, and how pink this couples cheeks are that really appeals to me!
Ariana: What inspires you most to create such amazing and adorable digital masterpieces?
Maya: I’ve always wanted to make things. For my personal work and my comics, I’m always driven by the desire to create. For my freelance work I am inspired by the desire to pay my bills.
Ariana: How long does it take you to create a masterpiece, start to finish?
Maya: It depends. A comic strip can take 1-5 hours, a full page 4-12 hours, an illustration typically takes 3-7 hours, a 22 page comic takes months.
Ariana: What program are you currently using to create your artwork?
Maya: Photoshop.
Ariana: Is the program your using fairly easy to use, would you recommend it to other artists out there?
Maya: It is what it is. There is definitely a learning curve with Photoshop, but that’s true of any medium, digital or otherwise. I’d recommend it because it is industry standard, but honestly whatever works for you is fine. Create in whatever medium works for you.
Ariana: What materials do you use to create your traditional art?
Maya: I have a bunch of Copic markers I bought like eight years ago and I use those alone with Tombows, colored pencils, watercolor, gel pen, my pentel pocket brush, and anything else I can get my hands on to do my sketchbook work.
Ariana: Of all your artwork so far, is there one piece that sticks out to you- as a favorite?
Maya: I’m really fond of my short comics, especially Redden and How to Be a Mermaid. They were such long projects and such a lot of work I can’t help but feel proud of myself.
Ariana: What would you suggest for someone who is just beginning with digital art, or art in general?
Maya: Don’t give up. Practice a lot. Stay hungry, keep consuming, keep experimenting. It’s fine to use tutorials and take tips from other artists, but never forget that ultimately you need to bend those practices to suit you. Don’t take those tips as a one size fits all; what works for them won’t 100% work for you.
Ariana: Are there any blogs, or books that you would recommend to other artists out there?
Maya: I always recommend Scott McCloud’s “Making Comics” to anyone interested in making comics. “Perspective! For Comic Book Artists” and “Framed Ink” are also great. And I am always a fan of James Gurney’s “Light and Color,” which taught me more about painting than any class I’ve ever taken.
Ariana: What is something that you haven't done in the world of art yet, but really want to someday?
Maya: Some day I really want to use a laser cutter. They create the most beautifully intricate cut paper work I’ve ever seen.
Ariana: What is your favorite thing to paint/draw?
Maya: My favorite thing to draw is always cute girls.
Ariana: How would you describe your painting/drawing style?
Maya: Round, bright, colorful.
Ariana: I love how adorable your people come out, how do you keep your characters consistent and still looking adorable?
Maya: I draw based a lot on shapes, rounder shapes tend to have a softer/cuter look to them, maybe that is how?
Ariana: When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
Maya: I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil and I think everyone always assumed I would do art, but I didn’t actually consciously decide to go into art until junior year of high school.
Ariana: How do you wind down after a day of drawing?
Maya: I usually end by curling up in bed with my cat.
Ariana: What are you currently working on at the moment?
Maya: Right now I am working on my webcomic, Monster Pop!, and also on some freelance things. I’m also currently writing a second comic, Blood Anchor, tho that’s a ways off from creation.
Ariana: What would your advice to other artists be?
Maya: Never forget that your taste evolves ahead of your skill set. We evolve with lots of work that results in sudden bursts of inspiration, which then level off into a plateau before we improve again. When you become unsatisfied with your work, it’s a sign that your taste is evolving. Being able to see problems with your own work is the first step to being able to improve it. Don’t get discouraged. Stay hungry. Keep working.
I love how diverse Maya's drawings, comics and illustrations are. She has a great range of characters that are adorable, beautiful, charming, sweet and unique! Here you can get a glimpse of how skillful she is with creating each character as a separate and special individual.
The first piece of artwork I ever saw by Maya Kern, was Seasonal Fashion, and I have to say I instantly adored her artwork! ♥ Because of her charming drawing style, wit and hilarity!
I want to thank Maya Kern, so very, very much for agreeing to participate in Art Appreciation Monday! I am so honored when artists agree to answer questions and be highlighted on my blog! It means so much to me, and I hope, inspires new and seasoned artists alike. I have truly been inspired by the artists featured on here, and I have been again inspired by you.
Thank you for joining us! :)
*****All the artwork/pictures/videos/music belongs to Maya Kern!!!!
There are links in blue which will direct you to
the originals.**********
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PICTURES/Illustrations/or/WRITTEN WORK
Actress Jacqueline King, has an astounding reputation with films such as Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Hello Herman (2012), The Riverside Shuffle (2010), and recently portrayed Ariana (awesome name right?!) in The Exes episode, Prelude to a Kiss (2013). Not only is Jacqueline King an amazing actress she advocates extremely green living and shares her healthy advice, and delicious recipes on her blog, Beverly Hills Farms!
Ariana: What's your name?
Jacqueline: Jacqueline king
Ariana: Are you human/boy/girl?
Jacqueline: Woman
Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from?
Jacqueline: California
Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child?
Jacqueline: I have one step-brother and one step sister
Ariana: Do you have any pets?
Jacqueline: Yes, a chihuahua named Lola and a bulldog named Shakespeare.
Ariana: What is your favourite colour?
Jacqueline: Periwinkle.
Ariana: Favourite movie?
Jacqueline: Sunset Blvd.
Ariana: Favourite song?
Jacqueline: I can't say that I have one favorite. It depends on my mood.
Ariana: Birthday?
Jacqueline: October 28th- Scorpio
Jacqueline King employs her amazing talents as an actress, she works to fit into each role with a natural ease and a clear mind- touching each part uniquely and individually, so that all of her characters are special. And they're truly given a special flair, by such an astounding actress!
Ariana: What inspires you most to act?
Jacqueline: I love putting myself in other people's shoes. In getting to know my characters I get to know myself better and hopefully the same happens for the audience
Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration?
Jacqueline: I do love good coffee but I don't think it helps with inspiration as much as stamina. When I'm preparing for an acting role if I get stuck the best thing is to go back to the text. When you read it triggers your imagination so I always feel like that's a good way in. When I'm working on a character I also like to think about what kind of music they like to listen to, what a normal day in their life would be like. How what is happening in the script is different. Scripts aren't written about average days. When I need a break or to change my mood yoga is always like hitting a reset button.
Ariana: Talking about munchies... do you have a favourite food/drink?
Jacqueline: My favorites would be truffles and champagne as special treats, Green smoothie and tofu are day to day favorites. Oh and even though I live in LA, I love both gluten and dairy. Love them.
Ariana: You have a lovely blog called Beverly Hills Farms, when did you decide to start raising your own garden?
Jacqueline: I started growing herbs and tomatoes on the patio when I lived in my old apartment mainly because I like to cook and it was nice to have them handy. When I moved to a house with a yard I figured "why not try to grow more?" so I did and was surprised how easy and rewarding it is.
Ariana: What started this idea of Beverly Hills Farms?
Jacqueline: I was really interested in the urban farming movement and I have always had friends tell me I should be a chef so I decided to start writing down my recipes and focus on cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients. I think eating healthy is really important as is the local and slow food movement, so I wanted to promote those ideas in a way that is fun and entertaining.
Ariana: You've got some amazing recipes on there, are these all your own original recipes or are they already existing recipes with your own modifications?
Jacqueline: They are for the most part my original recipes. Occasionally friends will give me recipes to share and I make a note of that when that is the case.
Ariana: What are some of your favourite things to grow in the garden?
Jacqueline: Tomatoes and lettuce.
Ariana: What you're doing is very important, to raise awareness of GMO and inspiring people to go out and work outside more and be part of the world. This isn't exactly what a lot of people would expect to find in Los Angeles- Are people ever surprised to discover you're as natural as you are?
Jacqueline: I don't think anyone who lives here would be surprised, but people from other places might have only seen the LA of the tabloids, movies and reality TV. This is another reason why I write my blog- to help dispel the myth that LA is full of only plastic people. There are so many wonderfully grounded, creative and spiritual people here. This city is an inspiration in itself.
Ariana: To return to acting... Acting can be very tiring, how do you manage to have energy afterwards to garden?
Jacqueline: Sometimes the garden gets unruly and things get overgrown, especially when I'm traveling, but its small enough that you can take an afternoon and get things back in good shape. We also have automated irrigation which really helps.
Ariana: Getting into character can be difficult, what is one of the hardest things for you to do on set? Jacqueline: Every day is a little different. Acting is a balance of staying relaxed and focused, and trusting the preparation you have done. Some days it's easier to find that balance than others.
Ariana: Of all the things you've done so far, what has been your favourite role so far?
Jacqueline: I had a role in a small movie called "From Grace" the cast was amazing and we shot in a lovely little town called Idyllwild. I played a young woman with cancer so it was very challenging but I felt like I learned a lot about gratitude, the fragility of life as well as acting. So that was probably my favorite role. I had a very small role in Star Trek into Darkness but I got to work on that set for a month and again the cast was wonderful as was working with JJ Abrams. It was an incredible experience, a dream come true.
Ariana: What would you suggest for someone who is just beginning with acting?
Jacqueline: Learn your craft, take classes, do plays, read books but don't forget it's a business and you need to market yourself.
Ariana: When did you decide you wanted be an actress?
Jacqueline: I did my first play when I was in third grade.
Ariana: Do you have any interests outside of acting?
Jacqueline: I teach yoga and I volunteer with an organization that is working to limit the influence of corporate money in politics and overturn citizens united.
Ariana: What would your advice to other artists/actors and actresses be?
Jacqueline: My advice to anyone would be nourish yourself. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. Do things and surround yourself with people who fill you rather than deplete you. Take time every day to sit quietly with yourself. Find a way to express your creativity, don't wait for someone else to give you permission. It's easier now than ever.
Jacqueline was recently featured on Big Morning Buzz Live, you can watch her here as she promotes her blog Beverly Hills Farms!
I want to thank Jacqueline so very, very much for participating in Art Appreciation Monday! She has, like so many of the past artists, encouraged and inspired new artists in the world. It is really fantastic to have different artists participate in Art Appreciation Monday, so that way all art can truly be appreciated!
So, thanks to Jacqueline King again for participating, and taking the time to answer with such kindness as she did! :)
*****All the artwork/pictures/videos/music belongs to Jacqueline King!!!!
There are links in blue which will direct you to
the originals.**********
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PICTURES/MUSIC/VIDEOS/or/WRITTEN WORK
Hello, and welcome to another Art Appreciation Monday!
Last week I was honoured to spotlight musician and singer Phildel, and so...while you've been enjoying her music all week, I hope you will still be listening to her music as you read and enjoy this week's Art Appreciation Monday!
This week we have artist who is (for a change) a little closer to home. This week, I'm proud to spotlight an amazing photographer, Logan Houchens!
This is probably one of my favourite pictures that Logan Houchens has captured. Not just because it has a glimpse of Italy's endless beauty, it is also because of the adorable little Volkswagen Beetle, I love old cars and this picture just wouldn't be as awesome if that little car wasn't in there.
Ariana: What's your name? Logan: Logan Houchens
Ariana: Are you human/boy/girl? Logan: I am a guy, and also a human.
Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from? Logan: I was born in Indiana but I have lived in Kentucky for most of my life.
Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child? Logan: I have four siblings. My brother is the oldest, followed by two sisters, myself, and then another sister younger than me.
Ariana: Do you have any pets? Logan: Yes, our family has many pets but my animals are most definitely my two dogs. Beau is an old Border Collie and my new puppy is Simba who is a Border Collie, German Shepherd mix.
Ariana: What is your favourite colour? Logan: Hm, I would have to say its a tie between green and blue.
Ariana: Favourite movie? Logan: Oh boy, this is a three way tie, my favorite movies all tied for first are... Into the Wild, Fight Club, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. All of them are great movies with something to learn built within them.
Ariana: Favourite song? Logan: I like a ton of different music so again I will have to build a tie between songs of different sections. Julie-O by Mark Summer, Free Falling (John Mayer's cover), and Ben Rector's And Then You Love Someone or his song Making Money. I know that's a lot, (oops!) but they are all lovely songs, so go check them out. Ariana: Favourite book? Logan: All of the book versions of my favorite movies, and also a political thriller called American Assassin by Vince Flynn.
Ariana: Currently reading? Logan: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, also Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Ariana: Guilty pleasures? Logan: You know, I don't know if I do have any guilty pleasures. I guess I watch too much Netflix.
Ariana: Birthday? Logan: May 29
This photo not only captures the end of a beautiful day with all its radiance intact, the bright pinks and light blues are like a farewell gesture. The bird flying towards its nest for the night symbolizes the urge for all of us to turn homeward at dusk. I'm utterly fascinated by the colours in this picture and the softness of the pinks! ♥
Ariana: What inspires you most to take pictures? Logan: I think I really am always inspired. I have always wanted to look at the world from a different perspective and appreciate every little thing I observe. But if I had to pick something that inspires me to go out and take pictures over my regular amount it would be when I listen to music. Music puts me into a mindset to just simply think (or not think I don't know). It puts me into a state of calm and my photography flourishes from that.
Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration? Logan: Like I said, I think I am always pretty well inspired, but if I am in the rare case of not being inspired being around close friends that just make me laugh truly inspires me.
Ariana: Talking about munchies... do you have a favourite food/drink? Logan: I have always been a meat and potatoes lad so lets just say steak and mashed potatoes.
Ariana: Do you have a favourite thing to photograph, landscape, portrait, etc? Logan: I must say I do not have a favorite thing in particular. I love to photograph people that actually know what to do when there is a camera around (aka they know when to model and when to simply be themselves) and then I also just loved the whole experience of taking pictures in Italy. That experience in and of itself was the best time of my life.
Ariana: When did you decide you wanted to be a photographer? Logan: You know I am not sure. I always thought I would love to capture what I saw because it seemed other people couldn't see the same things I was. When I finally was able to get my hands on a camera I started learning how to use that tool to capture what I wanted other people to see as well. But the time I said hey this is a passion of mine and I want to do it as much as I possibly can would have to be when I traveled to Italy. The experience was amazing and I also received tons of support from my friends who saw my pictures afterwards and during.
Ariana: What kind of camera are your currently using? Logan: I am currently using a Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera. I use it in tandem with it's standard Canon 18-55mm lens it comes with and a Canon 75-300mm lens.
Ariana: Is there a camera that you wish you could have? Logan: I am a Canon fanboy so I would love to get Canon EOS 5D Mark III or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
Ariana: Do you take commissions for photography? Logan: Ehh this is a tricky question. I prefer to shoot for people and then give them their pictures. Afterwards if they feel they need to pay me they do, if not I do it for the fun of it anyway. In the future I hope to start moving my way up doing senior pictures for people and weddings hopefully. I have already shot prom photos, travel abroad pictures, and even an engagement which I just happened to be next to.
Ariana: Is there anything you would not desire in way of commissions? Logan: Like I said if someone feels they need to pay me they can but I don't ask for money. Once I become more practiced and know I will be able to deliver a result that lives up to my own standards I will give an estimate before a shoot. But as of now, I am not picky no.
Ariana: Do you edit any of your photos? Logan: Nope, not as of now. I have been looking into some editing software but what I am looking at is pretty expensive so I will have to take that dive soon. But all of my pictures I have uploaded are original photographs without editing.
Ariana: What is something you most want to take a photograph of, but haven't got to yet? Logan: There are many things I would like to photograph but haven't got the chance to yet. I want to drive cross-country in a converted bus of some type with a close group of friends and camp out along the way. I am sure that adventure would have an innumerable amount of good photographs. I want to go to Colorado with only one other person and snowboard and hike mountains. In this adventure I would like to get a picture of someone sitting atop a mountain looking out. Finally I have always wanted to travel to New York. Sit atop a building in downtown NYC and just enjoy the coming night. All of these I want to accomplish and I am determined to do.
Ariana: Are you planning a professional career as a photographer or is this more or less a hobby for you? Logan: I am still working on that right now. All of me wants to but my head is keeping me back. Part of me says getting a real job in photography is too unstable but another part of me says what good is a stable job if you aren't doing what you love? So I am working that out in my head right now. I am unsure if I have what it takes.
Ariana: Who are your favourite photographers, or artists? Logan: Meleah Reardon and John Huba. Both are very different artists that have very wide and expansive travel portfolios that are simply awe inspiring. If I had to pick one of the two to relate to however, I would have to pick Meleah Reardon. She encompasses everything I would love to do. She travels almost nonstop and she also mixes her photography with blog posts about what she is experiencing and her thoughts. I hope to do something similar but I fear my writing is too unstructured for people to want to read my posts as well. I am going to pursue it though just right now I am very busy with attending a University.
Ariana: How do you wind down after taking some of those brilliant pictures? Logan: Wind down? I don't know what that is. Just kidding, but really I don't ever wind down from taking pictures because it really is my calming thing. I am also known for not letting myself relax though as I work almost 24/7 without sleeping much. So what I do after taking the pictures is I usually start going through them filtering out the bad ones so I can upload the album. I have been known to take pictures at say Prom which lasts until about 3 a.m. and then stay up to filter the pictures. Sometimes it isn't a very good practice though because when you upload things at 5 a.m. usually it gets covered by other stories and doesn't get much attention (case and point Prom pictures).
Ariana: What would your advice to other artists/photographers be? Logan: I would just simply tell all other artists/photographers to go for it. You may doubt yourself in the beginning but assuming you work hard and you enjoy what you're doing you can't fail. This advice works with another little tidbit, however, and that advice is that art as a field is very unsteady and the only way to bring some order into it is for you to not only use your creative mindset but also your logical one. I urge all types of artists to know that you must look at what is successful and learn from it. You cannot remain stubborn to your originality if it makes you live in a way that you cannot sustain yourself. I am not saying to give up your creative perspective or any of your artistic talents, I am saying find a balance.
Logan Houchens has used a unique and interesting angle to capture this beautiful Italian street.
Of course, the Christmas lights are in great focus and aren't blurry or smudged (I've been there before!). Even though the lighting in this picture is very, very particular, it creates a hauntingly beautiful scene.
Thank you so much Logan Houchens, for agreeing to be part of Art Appreciation Monday.
I'm very honoured to be able to feature a local artist and I'm so thrilled he agreed to do an interview and share his amazing talent.
Like all the other artists featured on Art Appreciation Monday, I can't wait to see what is next for him.
While Logan Houchens doesn't have any blogs or websites available yet, whenever he make a blog or website, I will most certainly post up a link. :)
This picture looks to the horizon, just as all artists and my readers should. Look to the horizon like Logan Houchens did while taking this picture, even if you aren't a photographer! Keep your head up so you can see the beauty in the world and your dreams!
*****All the artwork/pictures/videos/music belongs to Logan Houchens!!!!
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PICTURES/MUSIC/VIDEOS/or/WRITTEN WORK
I was asked awhile back by Bethany House and my good friend and fellow author Patrick W. Carr to review his book, "A Draw of Kings", the final book in the Staff and Sword Series.
As I was planning on reading this book and reviewing it anyway, I was especially honoured by the copy that they sent me in the mail. :)
Nothing makes a day better than choosing between a new book and unfinished assignments that need to be done... :\ Okay, so I'll admit maybe that wasn't the greatest thing ever, having lots of school to do and a new book isn't fair at all! :(
However, it is not schoolwork that made me so slow reading this last book- it was that I did not want this beautiful story to come to an end, and I tried so hard to prolong it...but I alas, could not. But now I am getting ahead of myself!
I was SO excited about this book, I can't even begin to tell you how long I've been waiting for this book to come out...alright, so it wasn't really that long, waiting for this was certainly a shorter wait time than a new series of Sherlock. But then again, Patrick W. Carr knows that quite a few of his fans know where he lives...so he isn't quite as safe from their wrath as Steven Moffat is.
Oh, how can I begin, it was amazing, and exciting and thrilling and too short!
I am only prejudiced about it being too short because I did not want The Staff and Sword Series to end. Sometimes, when coming to the end, it is like saying goodbye to an old friend, and knowing that next time you see them, the same ending will come about and make you sad once more.
I'm not saying the book wasn't marvelous, it was! Patrick W. Carr has outdone himself with this amazing book, it is beautiful, romantic, tragically sad, surprising and thrilling.
There won't be a moment when you aren't caught up in the brilliance of the story, sometimes I would forget myself and be far too engrossed to notice how much time had passed, or that my mum had called me for dinner four different times.
I will admit there are times in this book where I wanted to smack a few characters (not Errol this time, I could have slapped him in "The Hero's Lot" for being a bit of an idiot, but that is just me...).
No, I'm talking about that awful Duke Weir, yes that slimy little git comes back to haunt book three!
I want to take Errol's staff and beat the guy black and blue! (Him and his daughter!)
I'm going to stop being enraged, before this review turns into a rant.
I confess, the plot changes so quickly and so cleverly, sometimes I can't believe that Patrick W. Carr can keep everything that is going on straight! Luckily, reading the book is a lot simpler, however being a writer myself, I have wondered how he kept everything straight.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be: AWESOME!!!!!
Through the book, I found myself in constant despair when Errol is imprisoned by that awful man Weir and made to cast lots...
Or when Adora is being beaten by Weir's daughter, I also confess it was horrible to watch the hope slip further and further away from the heroes as their journeys continued.
I was terribly sad that Errol, Adora, Liam, Marten, Luis and Rohka all seemed to go on their own separate journeys in this book- I rather missed them all being together. However, it was interesting to see how they all got along without one another.
I was so caught up with the last message from the king I think I must have been more eager for the answer than everyone else! Not to mention the malus which- (is basically when a demon is allowed into a human body) scared me so bad, I couldn't sleep- especially when Adora, Rohka and Waterson were being persued by one!
Yikes!
The action in this book was exciting and mind boggling, the plot of the book was deep and rich- continuing from the first two books. Of course it is amazing to see how Patrick W. Carr's writing has matured, not that his first books were crude or immature...but I feel like his writing ability has certainly gained new aspects and heights since he wrote his first books.
The end of A Draw of Kings, was sad, however, I believe the worst sadness was that the series was over. I will say that this has been one of the best fantasy series that I have read in a long time- one that has kept me eagerly anticipating the next novel!
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys a good great fantasy series.
While the final book does contain a few things which some parents may not want their younger children to read, (mainly just hints of lovemaking and how a certain character is not a "gentle lover". Some parents may not want to explain this).
Beside that, this book is for anyone! While it is a Christian Fiction, I do believe like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it can be read and enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.
I would suggest getting a good piece of chocolate a nice cup of tea and drawing up a comfy chair for reading A Draw of Kings- chances are...you won't be moving for awhile. ;)
I have spotlighted quite a variety of different artists on Art Appreciation Monday.
We've seen the beauty captured by photographers and the unparalleled talent of traditional artists like the brilliant Joshua Edwards of Grefell-Fine-Art, last week.
However, we haven't touched upon the great artists who create art that is heard, and seen differently by everyone who hears it.
This art that I'm referring to- is music.
And I have, for a very long while, been enjoying the amazing music by the beautiful and talented singer and composer, Phildel!
Ariana: What's your name? Phildel: Phildel is the name on my birth certificate. It is made up of my parents names - Philip and Della...they took the first half of each of their names and put them together.
Ariana: How do you pronounce "Phildel" Phildel: It's pronounced as it is spelt...Phil-del
Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from? Phildel: Moonsea.
Ariana: Do you have any pets? Phildel: Yes, I have three beautiful cats - one is a stray we took in.
Ariana: What is your favourite colour? Phildel: Red...I love the energy and strength of that colour.
Ariana: Favourite movie? Phildel: Punch Drunk Love
Ariana: Favourite book? Phildel: The Prelude, by William Wordsworth
Ariana: Currently reading? Phildel: Interview questions.
Ariana: Guilty pleasures? Phildel: We have a gossipy reality show in the UK called 'Made in Chelsea', it's about wealthy, young people and their soap-drama-ish lives...I lived in Chelsea for a long time and I find it funny seeing how the area is presented in the series - it's all super aspirational and the post-production makes it look really idyllic. It's pretty different in real life, it's grubby and littered in places and the area has in recent years been dominated by numerous Tesco Express outlets. The plot (basically that someone cheated on their girlfriend) never develops beyond that topic and it's been that way for about two years - but still, I seem to gravitate back to the show again and again...
One of the first songs I ever heard by Phildel was Storm Song. I was introduced to her music by a good author friend of mine, who happened to post this video on his Twitter feed, I was spell-bound! (I literally listened to this song on repeat for a week!)
Listening to Phildel's enchanting music brings back memories of my childhood when my mother would listen to Enya.
Ariana: What inspires you most to sing? Phildel: The emotional release
Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration? Phildel: It's rare I suffer from a lack of inspiration...generally, I can always write when I sit down at the piano. I'm a very emotional person so musical expression flows from that and I'm always 'feeling' something. If anything, it's having the energy to sit down and engage so deeply emotionally to create music that can be hard. It takes a lot of energy and focus. So - I just try to get a lot of sleep and eat well. If I'm tired, I never battle on...I have a rest and cancel social plans to make sure I get enough rest. Despite enjoying a generally active and easily inspired imagination - I find that reading poetry, opens my mind up to a very creative mood. Especially existentialist or metaphysical poetry that features nature or humanity, such as TS Eliot, Ted Hughes, or Wordsworth.
Ariana: Talking about munchies... do you have a favourite food/drink? Phildel: My boyfriend Chris makes the most delicious sweet potato cakes...at the moment I'm loving those. My favourite drink is probably homemade banana milkshake...
Ariana: Do you ever get nervous before performing anywhere? Phildel: Sure, if I haven't performed in a long time - like say, six months or more...I get a little nervous before I go on stage. But I think it's something you just learn to ride out. As soon as I'm on stage and start the show, it quickly disappears.
Ariana: How do you handle your jitters, and is there anything that might be helpful to other singers/performers to overcome their fear of performing publicly? Phildel: It's good to keep a sense of perspective, it's natural to be nervous, to fear things going wrong etc - but just remember, the bottom line here is that you're a music artist, not a heart surgeon - it's not like anyone's life is depending on your live performance - it's not like anyone is going to die if you make a mistake. That isn't true across all career paths. In fact, there's pretty much zero consequence if your performance goes wrong other than you might feel silly for about five minutes. But this time next month you and everyone else will have totally forgotten about it. And plus when you're starting out and mastering your fears on stage, it's likely you're not going to be playing an arena show. You're most likely going to be performing a reasonably low key venue to a laid back audience. And now is the time to make mistakes and learn how to calmly navigate around those mistakes. The vast majority of the time, only the artist is aware that something has gone wrong. Because even the biggest acts make small (and sometimes large) errors when they play live. So try to relax and know the more experience you gain, the more relaxed you will be...it's never pleasant breaking through the barrier of your first ever show. But it will get easier...I remember my first ever live performance, I was so, incredibly afraid of performing live. I feared I'd break down into tears I'd be so nervous and be a shaking, nervous wreck...and you know what happened!? I broke down into tears and became a shaking, nervous wreck. I totally crumbled. BUT - I knew it would never be that bad again - and it was a million times easier the next time. If you can learn to accept the worst that could happen - you will be a lot more confident and relaxed - and nothing will stop you in the long-run.
Ariana: Of all the songs you've written/sang so far, which one is your favourite? Phildel: I don't really have a favourite, I love them all for pretty different reasons. I love "Moonsea" for the arrangement. I love "Storm Song" for the melody. I love "The Wolf" for its ability to transform me into a stronger person.
Ariana: What would you suggest for someone who is just beginning with singing? Phildel: Don't be afraid to sing however you want to sing...I feel like the natural uniqueness of so many singers is stifled by techniques that promote a 'healthy vocal technique' - but in this day in age, in most areas of the music industry we have microphones that mean we don't have to do as much vocal projection work or risk damaging our voices to be heard, unless we're opera singers - we don't all necessarily need to project in exactly the same way as one another.
Ariana: I understand that you write a lot of your songs, which are always beautiful and so inspiring, how do you begin writing a song? Phildel: Yes, I write all of my songs. I sit down at the piano, think about something I feel strongly about and then the melody and the fragments of lyrics just flow out. But it is all about that emotional connection. The emotional connection is the source.
Ariana: What is something that you haven't gotten to do yet, but really want to do someday? Phildel: Ride in a hot-air balloon...I might be able to do it later this year as we're going on a safari holiday to Kenya. I'd also quite like to own my own horse...it's kind of a childhood dream of mine.
Ariana: Is there anything you would go back and change in your musical career? Phildel: Not musically.
Ariana: I read on the Guardian, that you mix all your own music using the computer program- Vienna Symphonic Library, what is that essentially? Phildel: Yes - Vienna Symphonic Library is a digital library full of samples of real recordings of each individual instrument of the orchestra. It's a fantastic piece of equipment for composers. The difficulty these days is that session musician fees are basically unaffordable for most composers and arrangers. There is no way on this earth I could afford to actually hear a live orchestra perform something I'd written. So, the only option is to rely on high quality recorded samples.
Ariana: Is the program fairly easy to use, would you recommend it for other artists out there? Phildel: Yes, definitely. But it is quite expensive so it's probably only worth purchasing if you're already making some income from your music. The installation process is lengthy and can take up to a whole day, but their customer support is pretty good.
Ariana: Do you believe in trade secrets for your music, or would you help other musicians by sharing your knowledge? Phildel: I'm always happy to share...
Ariana: When did you decide you wanted to sing? Phildel: I didn't really ever decide to 'sing' as such, I more have a drive to create music than I do to sing. Singing is just something I do to communicate the music.
Ariana: Do you have any interests outside of music? Phildel: Sure, I love gardening. I garden to relax and also get generally excited about planting new flowers/fruit/veg.
Ariana: What would you be doing now, if you hadn't pursued music? Phildel: I'd probably be dead by now if I hadn't pursued music.
Ariana: How do you wind down after a day of performing/singing? Phildel: Watching tv, cuddled up with my partner Chris and our cats. We've just been catching up with "Breaking Bad", "House of Cards" and are re-watching The X-Files...which is quite funny to watch again. I'm amazed by how dated it looks now! I remember when it seemed so cutting-edge!
Ariana: Do you have any live upcoming performances? Phildel: Yes - we're announcing a September live date at The Roundhouse Studio, London.
Ariana: What would your advice to other artists/singers/songwriters/musicians be? Phildel: Experiment with music - and through that experimentation, find your own vision. Then stick to it - despite what's fashionable, despite what others say. You have to stay loyal to what you think is right. That's credibility. And it's the greatest quality an artist can have in my opinion.
Ariana: Finally, can you give us any spoilers for your next song?! Phildel: I'm working on a collection of pretty dark songs currently. I guess in the vein of "The Wolf". I think the second album may well be very dark and atmospheric.
Phildel has an amazing ability of mixing so many sounds and tones to create such dark and beautiful music!
Not only is Phildel's music captivating and well written, her music videos also create such a new perspective of the music. The Wolf is very ominous, and dark, however, it compliments Phildel very well!
Moonsea won Phildel first place in Pop/Top 40 in the International Songwriting Competition 2014!
It is so easy to see why, the melody is catchy and the lyrics are so beautiful, this is another one with an amazing music video! Of course as always I'm awestruck with the sounds she uses and how well they all blend together!
I really wish I lived in London, because I would absolutely love it if I could see Phildel perform live, however...I don't live in London, so I want any of my subscribers or blog visitors who live near London (or in London) to go to and see her perform if they can! Phildel is an absolutely astounding singer and musician, and I highly recommend listening to her music!
If you want to see Phildel perform live get your tickets here!
I want to thank Phildel so very, very much for agreeing to be spotlighted on my blog for Art Appreciation Monday! Not only for answering the questions so kindly but also for answering them with such good advice for other artists, as well as being so inspirational with her awesome music!
It is always a privilege to have an artist to spotlight and I want to thank Phildel, so very, very much and I wish her all the best as well as all the young musicians and performers who are just beginning! :)
*****All the artwork/pictures/videos/music belongs to Phildel!!!!
There are links in blue which will direct you to
the originals.**********
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PICTURES/MUSIC/VIDEOS/or/WRITTEN WORK
I'm so very, very, very, very happy to be back to posting on Mondays for Art Appreciation Monday, I am only too painfully aware that I have neglected my blog for the past few weeks. However, I shall attempt to be more persistent in future. :)
This week, I'm honoured to interview another outstanding artist who is a highly praised international illustrator! I'm delighted to introduce you to-the amazing artist behind Greyfell-Fine-Art of Deviant art!
Also, one of our past artists, Mr. Thomas Bachmann contributed to the questions, so this is going to be a really spectacular interview today!
Recently featured as a Daily Deviation on Deviant Art, was Fatale Fashion
Every human is a puzzle, behind every face lies a mystery and inside each mind is a machine shielding our vulnerability. A machine which counts the moments in time, ticking away the days of our lives- gears that make us unique- the things that make us work, do and believe.
Our face is a mask, and it covers our inner selves to protect us.
This picture is so life-like, the shading and depth of the image is very true to life, and her face-despite being a puzzle, it is still in excellent proportion.
Ariana: What's your name outside Deviant Art? Joshua: Joshua Edwards Ariana: Are you human/boy/girl? Joshua: Male. Ariana: What Country/Planet/State are you from? Joshua: Originally born in Australia, but my parents travelled a lot when I was a child so I lived in a few different places. Mainly educated in the UK and Australia.
Ariana: Do you have brothers/sisters/only child? Joshua: 2 brothers, 2 sisters…all older
Ariana: Do you have any pets? Joshua: 6 cats and 3 dogs…I’m a sucker for small creatures without a home.
This picture, "Iguana", was the first picture I ever saw by Mr Joshua Edwards. It captured my attention immediately, and I was awestruck at his talent. As you can see, he has an impeccable ability to shade his artwork accordingly and make the features of his subjects so lifelike you want to touch them to see if they're truly real, or simply a picture.
Ariana: What inspires you most to draw? Joshua: Not really sure what inspires me to draw. Different things on different days I think. Sometimes it’s simply a need to create something, other times it’s seeing the work of other artists and being completely blown away by the talent and ability and wanting to emulate it. A lot of the time it’s just a means of getting an idea or a concept out of my head that I can’t articulate in words.
Ariana: How do you cope with lack of inspiration? Joshua: Lack of inspiration can be the hardest but I think I’m fortunate in that I don’t seem to experience it or have it that often. In fact, I generally have a hard time trying to keep ideas for new works out of my head in order to concentrate on the current work. If it is a problem then I simply try to go and do something else, housework, shopping etc…something mundane in order to clear my mind and let the idea come of its own volition rather than trying to seek it out.
Ariana: What are you currently using to create your art with? Joshua: I mainly use just basic materials that I purchase at Hobby Lobby. Don’t really like art supply shops; quite expensive and a far too much of a chance of being engaged in conversation by pretentious people. I use just basic Kimberly graphite pencils and Bristol smooth paper. Not a big fan of needing to have exactly the right tools or the right materials. If the idea is right then the tools that you have will adapt themselves to it. My dad was a carpenter and his favorite saying was always that ‘a bad craftsman always blames his tools’. Sort of stuck over the years.
Ariana: Do you have a favourite media to draw with? Joshua: Drawing is my favorite and I like using graphite pencil mostly. I occasionally use charcoal, chalks and pastels…but it depends on the composition.
Ariana: Do you do custom artwork for people? Joshua: I don’t do custom artwork very often. I’ll occasionally do a portrait if I happen to find the person or animal interesting…but custom work is more in the line of an artist with a talent for graphic design which is not my strength. I also don’t particularly like dealing with other people on that level to be honest.
Ariana: Your skills are amazing, what would you suggest for someone who is just beginning? Joshua: I was never formally trained and didn’t go to art school so I’m not sure how useful any advice I could give would be, but for what it’s worth I’d say the following: Practice, practice and practice. Literally practice makes perfect. Try to render subjects that you don’t like rather than those that you do, and do it as often as you can. You’ll find that it will expand your technical range, which will in turn allow you to delve into a greater level of composition. Technical ability without composition will only give you half of what art is about, and the same goes in reverse – a wonderful composition will never reach its potential until you have the ability to execute it. Be aware as a beginner that for every masterpiece you’ve seen hanging on a wall the very same artist who created it also created another hundred on the road to the one you’re looking at that were not. No one gets it right first time. Michelangelo chipped away at a lot of pieces of stone before he took on David. Also accept the fact that art isn’t about what other people think or do…it’s really more about expressing yourself in terms that you understand and control. If people like it great, if they don’t then that’s an opinion they’re entitled to. And last, but by no means least…learn how to draw. And I don’t say that as someone promoting my own medium, I mean it in the most serious possible sense. Every great artist - no matter what the medium they worked in, the style they ended in being famous for, or the era they were born into – be they painters, sculptors, iron masters, gold smiths in whatever form…all of them, despite the apparent differences in language, work, and end product, all had one thing in common. They were all proficient at drawing. From Picasso to Pollock, and Caravaggio to Cellini….every single one of them learned how to draw properly. Basic drawing technique will teach you the elements of art that are required in all other disciplines. An artist who can’t draw is like a carpenter who can’t use a hammer and chisel; it will never look right and it won’t stand the test of time.
Ariana: What is your current favourite finished work? Joshua: I don’t really have a favorite work as such. They all mean different things to me. Some are landmarks where I can see I reached another level technically….others where I had been trying to get an idea across and finally managed it in the form I wanted. Forced to choose I’d probably currently pick ‘Cogniscant’ as it was the first work in a current series that I’m working on where I feel that I’m really starting to find my voice as an artist.
Thomas Bachmann: How long did it take you to get as good as you are? Joshua: I’ve been drawing since I was about 7. My mum had a giant book called Grey’s Anatomy for the Artist which I used to copy from on butcher paper. My earliest drawing were all anatomical studies.
Thomas Bachmann: How long does it take you to finish a picture? Joshua: It depends on the composition. Generally no more than 50-60 hours but some larger works can take considerably longer. I also spend quite a bit of time laying out/ sketching ideas and actually just sitting playing with pictures in my head which I suppose all counts.
Ariana: Do you have a favourite thing to draw, movies, people, animals, etc.? Joshua: My favorite drawings are generally those which communicate an idea rather than an actual living thing such as an animal, person or scene.
Ariana: When did you decide you wanted be an artist? Joshua: I didn’t really decide at all to become an artist. I was more drawn into it over the years and as the result of personal circumstances.
Ariana: Do you have any interests outside of drawing? Joshua: I read a lot when I’m not drawing. Mainly history. Quite a bit of literature, some sci-fiction and crime fiction.
Ariana: How do you wind down after drawing? Joshua: I don’t really feel that I need to wind down after a day of drawing. I actually find it relaxing. It’s more a case of dragging myself away from what I’m working on in order to eat and sleep rather than the other way around.
Ariana: Do you have a favourite food/drink? Joshua: Favorite food would be vegemite. Non-Australians will have to Google it.
(Note to readers who don't want to Google vegemite: Vegemite is a dark brown Australian food paste made from leftover brewers' yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives developed by Cyril P. Callister in Melbourne, Victoria in 1922.*)
Ariana: What would your advice to other artists be? Joshua: My main advice to any artist would be that no matter how good your work is, your eventual success in the art world will be exactly the same as success in any other creative endeavor - and that success is as much about exposure as it is about talent. No matter how amazing your work is, it will make absolutely no difference if no one ever gets to see it. Don’t be afraid to get your talent seen and also don’t be afraid to take the hits from other people who may not like your work. Everyone is a critic and no more so in the art world.
If there is one thing we are aware of, when gazing upon this picture, it is that Mr Joshua Edwards is a brilliant artist. This picture very much like Fatale Fashion, but yet, also so very different at the same time. It shows an image of the mind and how complex it is behind the face which is a mere mask covering it. I also would like to draw your attention to the eyes and soft features of the woman's face- they are very soft, but also very pronounced, producing an amazing finished result.
This one is my favourite, of course- I love most any artwork of horses, so it is no surprise that when I saw Midnight Mare, I was enchanted! She's so majestic and her eyes are so soft and gentle, against the dark background, she is as radiant as the moon against the sky.
I want to thank Mr Joshua Edwards of Greyfell-Fine-Art so very, very much for participating in Art Appreciation Monday. Not only for participating and allowing me to send him a million questions, which he so kindly answered! But also, for being such an inspiration to young artists in the world who are just beginning, in the middle or at the height of their professional career!
If you enjoyed this interview and the amazing artwork, you can watch when he posts up new artwork on Deviant Art here.
Where you could win a custom framed and matted Giclee standard limited edition print of any of his masterpieces chosen by the winner (it could be YOU!), hand signed and numbered, and it will be shipped free of charge to any destination worldwide!
To be eligible simply visit the Greyfell-Fine-Art Facebook page, click the like button. Any genuine comments either posted on the news feed or on an individual work featured in the photo galleries would also be appreciated. :)
*****All the artwork/pictures belongs to Joshua Edwards!!!!
There are links in blue which will direct you to
the originals.**********
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PICTURES/or/WRITTEN WORK
POSTED HERE WITHOUT PERMISSION!!!!!!!
If you wish to contact Mr Joshua Edwards please click here.
Not to mention he deserves many more followers on Deviant Art so follow him here.
.jpg)
This picture, "Iguana", was the first picture I ever saw by 
