Hi Everyone! I have something really exciting to share with you today. A few months after the beginning of Whims And Fancies, I started creating paper piecing patterns because I wanted to create quilt blocks from the images that I drew. Drawing and painting have always been a part of my world, ever since I learned how to hold a pencil. After months of sharing my paintings here and being encouraged by your kind words, I have decided to sell some of my artwork as prints.
I worked on these prints every waking moment of the last few weeks. I won’t bore you with the details, but somewhere in there, I sneaked in some quick sewing. I needed a larger zipper-bag to carry sketchbooks and colour pencils. I love making these two-tone bags. The clock and the math fabric were made for each other.
I like the combination of red and grey, hence the red zipper. I selected the grey lining fabric for two reasons – it won’t show the colour pencil rubbings and the red pops very well against it. I really love this bag and now I carry it in my backpack whenever I travel.
Speaking of travel, you may have noticed that a lot of my paintings are inspired by my travels. So, no surprise there that the prints I selected were inspired by places that I have visited.
Without further ado, here is the very first set of paintings –
Purchase Weatherd Scottish Abbey
I painted most of this one during the long hours of travel during our flight, both to and from England. It is based on the picture I took at Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland. I so enjoyed the tranquil moment standing alone in front of this aged and wet stone abbey chapter house ruin that it became the subject of my painting.
If you have known me for a while now, you probably know how much I love books. I also love old ruins and stonework. I created a Magician’s Bookshelf full of magic books, featuring a candlelit bookshelf adorned with stone leaves, and a wise raven watching over the books.
Purchase Heather In The Yorkshire Moors
During one of our countless visits to the British Isles, we drove out one afternoon to the outskirts of Whitby in Yorkshire. The fields were covered by heather as far as the eye could see, and the sky was full of flowing clouds.
Purchase Summer Sailing in Whitby, Yorkshire
As we were walking to dinner that same evening, a lonely white sailboat on the North Sea caught my eye. The Yorkshire Sky was still beautiful with the setting sun. It was so calming and peaceful that I relived the feeling while painting this on a much later day.
I hope you liked the selection. This is a huge step for me. Many Thanks to all my friends here who continue to be so supportive and encouraging!! I would be very happy if you could please take a look at the prints in my shop and help spread the word.
You can still link up on this month’s Wandering Camera here.
Thank you again!
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Events And Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them.
47 thoughts on “A Step Forward”
Kelly Anne Rothaermel July 22, 2019 at 10:37
You really have a gift. I really like the seaside canvas.
Carol July 21, 2019 at 03:57
Your art is lovely and I know you’ll do well with your new ventures.
Sue July 19, 2019 at 19:08
So well done to you Soma. Your sewing is beautiful and the fabric designs are perfect for your art purse.
I love your artwork, each piece has its own personality and I’m especially impressed by the Heather in Yorkshire Moors painting. Those vivid colours and shapes are wonderful. The detail in The Magician’s Bookshelf is beaut and the serenity of Summer Sailing is lovely. Congratulations on the feature in this week’s PPF. I’m glad I caught up with you :D)
Susan Mann July 18, 2019 at 05:51
Good luck with your new venture. I love the Magicians bookshelf and so buying it when I get paid. That is brilliant xx
marja July 18, 2019 at 01:25
Wow you are an amazing artist Love your paintings and you use beautiful colours Love your pencil bag as well
Abigail July 17, 2019 at 21:08
So happy to discover your work! It’s truly beautiful and congratulations! Exquisite details.
Sheryl July 17, 2019 at 19:05
Hi Soma wow you sure are clever my friend,you designs are awesome ,I wish you well with your new business,well done.
Oh I also love the bag you made the fabrics look fantastic together xx
Angie July 17, 2019 at 12:18
Soma – congratulations on this step forward. You are a terrific artist and I am sure your paintings will be very popular. My in-laws live about an hour from Whitby and we have visited often – those pictures really resonated with me! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Lorna McMahon July 17, 2019 at 09:22
I just visited your Etsy shop and am completely blown away by your prints!!!! Loving them all but especially the field of heather. So beautiful!!!
Little Wandering Wren July 17, 2019 at 07:25
Congratulations on having your artwork on Etsy. You mention it is a huge step – it reminds me of that quote ‘a journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step’ it’s brilliant to have taken that first step – way to go Soma! xx
My Corner of the World July 17, 2019 at 01:13
I enjoyed your post at ‘My Corner of the World’ so much this week!
My Corner of the World
Tra Italia e Finlandia July 16, 2019 at 23:06
I like to draw and paint too, but am not talented.
Very nice pencil-box…
Have a great week!
Photo Cache July 16, 2019 at 12:34
Oh my goodness! How lovely. You are one talented artist.
rupam { xhobdo } July 16, 2019 at 10:10
Awesome works.
Best wishes.
Jackie July 16, 2019 at 05:49
Good luck with your shop!
I love the Magician’s books.
betty - NZ July 16, 2019 at 04:15
Wonderfully eclectic artwork! I hope your etsy store does very well!
BLOGitse July 15, 2019 at 22:20
I agree with others, good luck!
Sewing is fun and productive :)
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts July 15, 2019 at 05:48
Your art is beautiful Soma! So excited for you taking this next step and wishing you lots of success!
NatureFootstep PhotoArt July 14, 2019 at 14:27
beautiful all of them. My favorites are the bookshelf and the sailingboat :)
The prints look good on Etsy so…Good Luck selling them :)
A ShutterBug Explores July 14, 2019 at 11:41
Congrats on your new textile creations ~
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Beth July 14, 2019 at 10:17
That IS exciting news! I LOVE your textiles and your paintings are so beautiful–they just charm my eyes.
Linda Calverley July 14, 2019 at 07:12
Lovely paintings. I like the fabrics too.
Frédérique July 13, 2019 at 09:14
Wow, beautiful drawings! Love your little pouch too ;)
Chriskntis July 13, 2019 at 08:07
The bag is wonderful! Congrats on taking this new step in your life, good luck on your success. And thanks for linking up to TGIFF
Nicole/DVAtist July 13, 2019 at 05:36
Congratulations! I love where you are taking your art. I can feel your excitement and how happy your are.
Lady Fi July 12, 2019 at 22:48
How lovely! And what a great idea.
lapaylor July 12, 2019 at 19:16
wowie! I’m fairly new to drawing and painting and your work is so inspirational. I have many of the same interests… history and books, art, architecture. Life’s magical moments. Good luck on your new endeavor, you should do quite well. Love the bookcase and the Scottish drawing. Well done!
LeeAnna
Margy July 12, 2019 at 16:22
When I started doing illustrations for my journal I needed something to hold all my supplies. I’m not as good with sewing as you are so I found lots of small zipper pouches and a satchel at the thrift store. Now I can grab and go with all my pens, watercolour pencils, sketch book and journals. You paintings are really nice. I especially like the bookshelf. – Margy
gillena July 12, 2019 at 15:41
Gorgeous works. Happy PPF
much❤❤love
Sirkkis July 12, 2019 at 10:24
Your paintings are really gorgeous. Love everyone you how here.
Linda Kunsman July 12, 2019 at 09:46
fantastic! Love your pencil bag, and so happy you are sharing your beautiful art with prints in Etsy. happy PPF!
Mary July 12, 2019 at 09:07
I love you new pencil bag. The fabrics are perfect and that red adds such a great pop.
Congratulations on this big step forward with your art. Your eye to detail continues to amaze me. I can almost smell the dampness of the abbey air.
riitta k July 12, 2019 at 03:38
Your paintings are wonderful Soma! As I’m a bookaholic, so the magician’s bookself fascinates me a lot :) Also the first, the church arch is lovely as well the freshness of the sea. Congratulations on your sewing, the bag turned out great and the fabric choice is pretty. Good luck to your new business!
Valerie-Jael July 12, 2019 at 00:19
BIG wow to your beautiful sewing and art this week. My fave today is the magicians bookshelf. As a book-lover I have lots of books crammed into my shelves and it is always a wonderful thing to be surrounded by books at home. Have a wonderful weekend, happy PPF, hugs, Valerie
Anesha July 11, 2019 at 23:02
Beautiful paintings and I love your sewing.
Robin July 11, 2019 at 21:25
I hope the prints sell well. Your art is beautiful.
ulrikes smaating July 11, 2019 at 18:06
hej soma,
these are really wonderful prints. I like espescially the magicians bookshelf :0) but they are all so great! the pouch looks just amazing…best wishes from denmark, Ulrike .0)
Sue Palmer July 11, 2019 at 17:22
Wonderful pouch you made for your supplies. Always enjoy seeing your paintings, good luck with your new venture.
Robyn Vaughan July 11, 2019 at 16:09
I always enjoy your craft and art. Best wishes with your venture into selling it.
Su-sieee! Mac July 11, 2019 at 15:39
Your paintings are awesome, Soma! I wish you the best in this next phase. Cheers!
Kim July 11, 2019 at 14:04
These are incredibly beautiful, Soma, what a lovely way of sharing your vision of the world with others :)
Michelle July 11, 2019 at 10:21
Awesome news! Your paintings are lovely!
Dixie July 11, 2019 at 07:55
Beautiful prints, Soma. The colours are spot on. Congratulations!
Great new sketchbook and pencil carrier. Perfect size.
Susie July 11, 2019 at 07:46
I am so excited that you are offering your amazing artwork in your Etsy shop!
Your pencil and supply pouch looks perfect… for this Little Renaissance Lady to use!
Susie
Patty July 11, 2019 at 06:28
These look amazing. Congrats and all the best!
Jayne July 11, 2019 at 06:12
That is awesome! Congrats! It’s a big step selling your art, but I think a very good one.
Kate July 11, 2019 at 04:25
Good luck with your new endeavor. The paintings are beautiful!