(Uploaded by jpjp1052)

Hi JPJP. Good to see you here again. This makes me want to start decorating but I always have to wait until after Noel's birthday on the 2nd.

Hi Grace. I haven't been painting on the computer in a while, but I want to start doing it again so you may see more of me. lol.

Collab done with roytje!

(Uploaded by flubbles)

I dont draw turds all the time, thought id draw something nice for a change, with help from roytje.

WOWW!! ..well, thank God for this then. You two do such wonderful work together. Is the horse yours and Roy's bg? Really lovely, flub, lots of motion and dusty air! :)

A bit of both, i concentrated mainly on the horse and roytje concentrated more on the background i suppose,you can check out the revisions on 2draw if you like.

Glorious. That edge lighting is magical.

oh Flubbles. This one is very nice. I love the lighting and the movement of the steed. Great job.

Really gorgeous painting, love the lighting and colors too!

(Uploaded by KuteDymples) Someone said to me on Facebook that this shell shouldn't have a pearl in it. I read up on pearls and this is what I found. A pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a mollusk, a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited i...n concentric layers. The ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. Even if this isn't the type of shell that could produce a pearl I guess it was just a whim that I wanted to add one anyway. I made the shell at Queeky and when I did I added another color of pearl, didn't like it much so I thought I would bring it here and change the color and sheen of the pearl. Also used the texture tool and a tiny bit of dodge to the shell.

Beautiful and soft. Great work as always and by the way, the pearl is a nice addition to this piece. The shine is just perfect.

I agree. The pearl is really lovely. I have a shell just like this that a friend brought me back from Mexico.

Very nice!

I can't remember how to upload, can someone tell me how to do it please? Thanks!

In the upper right hand corner of the screen, next to the word 'Draw!' you will see the word 'Upload'. Click on that and a window will open asking what image you want to upload from your computer. Fill out all the fields you want to but make sure you pick the drawing program you want to use or it will give you the default, which is Shi Painter. Once you've uploaded, the image will be in this studio and you can work on it just like you would any other image, by clicking on the retouch option. Let me know if you have any trouble.

Hi Grace, I don't have the word Upload, all I have is Draw and Logout over on the right side.

(Uploaded by Holydiver)

Very creepy and such a "Mad" Hatter! I have never seen you here at FG. Welcome!

Welcome to the site. I hope we'll get to see some more of your drawings. Let me know if you need any help with the drawing applets.

Hi..this is great. Looks like pastel? Hope you bring more. :)

I received word today that Tess died on October 21, 2010. The world lost a lovely person when she decided to leave it. I knew her beloved dog, Shadow, was getting old and had some very serious illnesses. I suspect when Shadow died Tess had nothing to keep her going. I can't imagine how Tess was able to cope with the horrors of Meniere's disease for as long as she did. I'll miss you Tess. I feel so lucky to have known you a little.

I have put all the drawings that Tess posted here. If you take the time to really look at them you will find such incredible detail. They tell you so much about the intelligent, funny, caring person Tess was.

(Uploaded by grace)

Wow, that is such sad news. Right now I really don't know what else to say. Tess was a fine artist and person and the world will miss her.

It's so great to be able to come and see her work. Thanks for putting them together.

For Grace, whose letters of comfort and concern have helped me through many a difficult day. Thank you dear friend.

The poem (for those with not so good eyes) :


I am dead, one says.
No, you’re not, the other says.

And he sits next to one,
explains what they ARE,
embraces one,
hugs one,
caresses one,
shakes one,
pushes one,
falls down with one.

And then they try to get up,
panting, screaming – it hurts.

Because nothing is as complicated
as being undead.



is written by Toon Tellegen and, loosely, translated from Dutch.

Watercolour, pencils, ink and, I confess, a bit of digital enhancement (flipping scanner). Please zoom once for full view.

I also want to thank all those who have wished me well in comments on my drawings/the wonderful drawing Grace made for me. Your kind words mean a lot to me.

(Uploaded by Igiveup)

Thank you, Tess. I love this so much! Those root/feet are wonderful. As usual, your use of textures is amazing. The swirly, gnarled bark is so well done; I think if I touched it I could feel the ridges. I love that you left leaves on the one tree's 'fingers'. The other tree seems to have only one leaf to his name, poor fellow. He is certainly in need of a tonic. I wish I could watch how you make one of your intricate masterpieces. You should be illustrating books of verse or stories. 'For nothing is as complicated as being undead'. Ain't it the truth? I'm hoping that the fact you've been able to post a couple of things means you've been having some good days.

Oh wow . . . I love the knees, ankles and toes - imagine, trees with legs sitting on their own stumps - fabulous! The bark is incredible and I love the wavy words. The whole thing is utterly delightful. I'm so glad you are feeling up to drawing and sharing with us - long may it continue . . .

Love all the body parts, especially the toes, legs and faces. This is really creative. Wonderful little sayings on the canvas too. Beautiful drawing. I also like all the detail throughout the tree's bark..wow.

Another Toon Tellegen poem...


If I were a flower
would I bloom?

Or would I be an exceptional flower,
an inconceivable flower,
a flower incapable of choice whether to bloom or not,
a flower that leans over the vase's rim
to estimate the depth of its abyss?

And if I were a flower,
would I know when to wilt?


Watercolours, pencils and ink again.

(Uploaded by Igiveup)

Really beautiful. Your handwriting is so perfect and the colors of this are exceptionally pretty.

Its amazing how you get the words perfectly spaced. I would get half a line from the end, run out of room, get frustrated and throw the whole thing away. I like how you muted the colours with the tan overall shade but the detail in the plant is lovely.

Noooooo! Step back from the edge, inconceivable flower, and look at the scenery around you...or up at the sky. Abysses have magnetic powers, so steer clear of them. :D The way the vase looks as though it has creeped over to the edge to peer downward and the way that leaf seems to be clutching the edge of the vase made me smile. As always, I love all the intricate textures you use and the fine details; the corner of the antique desk, the doily or trivet the vase sits on, the delicate veining in the leaves and petals. 'Whether to bloom or not'...great line and one to which I can relate quite well. Wilting. Yes, wilting is a challenge.

You have a lovely, romantic and thoughtful style. I see a bit of Beatrix Potter and a bit of Sara Midda in your work ... two of my favs, actually!

For Grace and the 5 dogs who are staying with her this week :)

1. The basics
Feng Shui means Wind and Water. The latter is related to the watering of plants, hydrants, trees and such in order to mark your territory. As for the wind bit... well, we'd better not discuss that in detail, but it is also an essential component of the canine condition and as such shouldn´t be suppressed. Both wind and water are means to ensure your presence is noticed.

2. The 5 elements
Are Ball, Bowl, Bone, Stick and Cookies (not necessarily in that order). Note that these are more concrete than the 5 human elements and therefore make much more sense. These elements should always be present in your life; if they aren´t make yourself heard (you could try the wind-strategy).

3. Locus
Always make sure you´re located in a place where humans can´t ignore you, preferably at their feet. The kitchen is an excellent location. When humans trip over you, your status will be elevated and chances increase that you´ll be given attention. Or food. Or both.

4. Energy
Make sure you get enough of both Ch'i-s : Yin and Yang. Yin means sleeping, a lot. Don't be afraid to express yourself by snoring, loudly. Yang stands for activity, humans don't always understand your need for running, fetching balls and sticks; educate them.

5. Compass
Of the 8 parts of your compass, concentrate on the fulfillment part and make sure your bowl is there (so that it will always be fully filled). Ignore the other 7 parts, they only complicate your existence.

(Uploaded by Igiveup)

Oh my, this is so cute. Lol at the water and wind drawing..hehehe. So much humor and fun here and all the favorite things a dog loves.

this is SO funny - and informative, now I understand my Moonshine much better! She is very grateful to you for explaining this to me . . . I love your whimsical style - this would make a great poster, is it for sale at dA?

Yes this is adorable. I agree with Ree on the Water and Wind. Such expressions on the dogs faces.

Very good work. You have a great imagination. I am sure Grace will love it.
We know her and Noel are busy as heck at the moment but I wish them well and hope everything is going well.

OMG!....Rofl & I can't get up! Help!

I so love this! The art & directions....you rocked this one!

Hugs atchya'!

HAHAHA!!! And sooooo true ... omg, this is life with dogs, in a nutshell! Hilarious and utterly adorable :D

Cool stuff! This is really very good.

He's 90 today.
The quote is his, he was not referring to himself but to all South Africans who fought for their liberation.

I had this tucked away in a digital drawer to be finished and now I finally have. I'm not entirely happy with it, but I'm afraid it's the best I can do at the moment. This is probably my last digital piece. I have too much trouble focussing on a computerscreen and can't work on it for more than 10 minutes at the time. I never was any good at speedpainting, but now it takes me weeks rather than days to complete a drawing.

So, I'm going back to good old traditional media when I can find inspiration, and provided my scanner behaves I will upload here in case I manage to produce something worth looking at. I'm sorry about my absence and lack of comments. Please know that I enjoy viewing the wonderful art that is produced here immensely, it brightens up my day. Thank you.

(Uploaded by Igiveup)

Great pic. I love the symbolism of the escaping dove. Great to see something from you.

oh my, givey! This just shines with your own glorious achievement! As always, your beautifully done, enhancing details are exquisite, and in his shirt, especially!
Thank you for bringing your art to us once again. It's a gift you have and and a gift you've brought! I am so happy to know that you are viewing and enjoying the work here...so many new members, aren't there (!)...and bringing their wonderful art! I hope you continue to enjoy and can let us know how you are when you are up to it. I will look at this often and think of you, too...and let the true beauty of the piece sink in when I also need to find inner peace and can reflect on the human spirit!
Sending lots of hugs and sunshine your way, Tess,
XOXO, Linda :D

Tess this is wonderful! Excellent textures as always and the look on his face is incredible. The dove and everything it represents is such a great addition. Glad to see you here, even though it may not be for too long. Take care. We sure miss you here.

Happy Birthday to one of the truly great human beings of our lifetime. Here is a quote from Madiba (Nelson Mandela) on the occasion of his 90th birthday: "If a 90-year-old may offer some unsolicited advice on this occasion, it would be that you, irrespective of your age, should place human solidarity [and] a concern for others at the center of the values by which you live," he said. And I say "Hear! Hear!"...words to live by. I'm so glad you were able to finish this, Tess. It's very beautiful. I am always so impressed with your use of patterns and textures. I marvel at the beautiful fabric of his shirt and the way you have lovingly drawn the detail of his venerable head. The symbolism of this image is so moving, so important. Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us; I know how hard you pushed yourself to get this finished for his birthday...congratulations. I hope you will feel well enough to do some drawing and painting one day soon. Determination and strength of spirit are qualities you share with this man who you so admire. http://voanews.com/english/2008-07-18-voa27.cfm

"Hear! Hear!", from this corner of the world as well. I think I'll see if some art students can paint that on a school wall this year. Words to live by.

My goodness, the details on his shirt are amazing! How on earth did you have the patience to draw all those little people? and the lovely intricate pattern around the neck - just stunning! I also like the way you did the texture on the brickwork - it looks incredibly real. I really admire you for your tenacity - ten minutes at a time? This must have taken forever . . .

Thank you so much for your lovely comments George, Sunny, Kute, Grace and Xina.

Beautiful! I love the brick work and so much detail on the shirt. This is really amazing work you've done here...stunning for sure.

For Sunnytoes, to let you know that the sunshine you wished me/ sent my way has arrived :)

Zonnehoed - Sunhat is the Dutch name for Echinacae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea)

Watercolours, pencils, ink.

(Uploaded by Igiveup)

Oh this is just adorable! The quote on the hammock sounds like a good mantra for me. I love your characters: the winking sun, the snail who looks like he's just swallowed something nasty and the green fingered and toed flower person. I'm sitting here with a big grin on my face, thank you for brightening my day.

Gardening: bla bla bla bla...gave me a good laugh. I love the flower 'sunhat'. What a fun drawing. If I saw this in a card shop I would buy it in a flash. All the elements and little details are just wonderful...I love how you've drawn the long grass; it adds to the sense of languorous laziness and hammock-sitting. It's so great to see you drawing these, Tess. I'm assuming they're all new material, which gives me hope that you're having some respite from the Meniere's.

I love this! The little leaves on the fingers and toes, the comment on the hammock.....

Oh shoot! What's not to love!

*LOL! **with delight!!** haha I LOVE THIS!!!...oh, my gosh, Tess! Thank you so very very much! Thrilled that, first and foremost, you are HERE! woohoo! Secondly that you are channeling the VIBES! haha, the WARMTH still radiates for you, more on it's way and lastly, this is such a treasure! That winking sun, entwined with the branches is the CUTEST THING! haha. I just love everything about this, givey. Thank you for thinking of me, and sending me your precious energies! I've very happy to recieve them through this. Keep up the good work you are doing..with EVERYTHING! XOXO =D

This is great. I really like your style. The quote is great, very much how I feel today in our 84f sunshine. Yep! England finally got a summer.

Sooooo cute and what a darling flower bonnet. Love everything here. Such a cute sun and you put so much detail in your work. I could see this on the cover of a book.

This is an excellent illustration! I love how you've worked with all the colors-- the green in the treebark and such-- Great unique style and very cute! I like your way of doing grass as well. This is a great series

:)

I can't get over how fantastic ALL of the details in this draw are ... the flower bonnet and the greenery digits; the writing on the hammock; the snail ... the whole package!

Thanks all for your lovely comments :)

:)

I miss you, Tess. xo :`(