Welcome to 2021

I am sure I do not have to tell you that 2020 was a very different year.  Life changed completely and we had to learn to live with the "new normal".  The Artful Dragon Studio did not participate in any of the usual shows until early November, when we very carefully set up the Before the Rush Show.

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive to be around people again, but I found that all the visitors were very respectful and very happy to adhere to all the rules we had laid out.

During the Summer and Fall I spent a lot of time in my studio as a way of focussing on anything rather than Covid!  Because of this, I now have a lot of new pieces and hopefully will be able to show them sometime in 2021.

I also returned to a hobby I used to have many years ago - photography.  Back then, of course, we used a roll of film to capture the image.  I really love the digital age - delete, delete! This inspiration came to me from my Sister in Law - Megan Lorenz - who is an award winning wildlife photographer.  Megan has a way of making every animal look awesome.  I particularly love these two:

Just want to cuddle these!

Can't image what she is saying!!

Take a look at some of the photos on her site and there is a lot of her merchandise available too.  Here is the link:  Megan Lorenz

There is no way I will ever be able to come up to Megan's standards, but we have a lot of birds in the garden and live just a couple of minutes from the St. Lawrence River in Ontario.  Lots of scope there!  Plus Megan is always there to answer my never ending questions. Thanks Megan.

My first photo that I was really pleased with is of one of our resident Blue Jay, who kindly sat still long enough for me to grab my camera and focus.  I think he is actually smiling, or it could be laughing at my confusion over which button to push!

Then a Chickadee decided to follow suit and sat still for just a second.  They are just so quick!

The real exciting day came when I was sitting in our sunroom and just happened to have my camera in my hand.  Suddenly, a hawk landed right in front of the window I was looking through.  He was certainly impressive.

The eyes are so intense.  

We saw him once a couple of weeks later, but nothing since then.

I have also been working on some more alcohol art, in 3D form.  I have begun to resin the smaller blocks to give them a beautiful glossy look.

Just love these colours

The black ink ends up as many different shades

A Fall Theme with metal branches and leaves

The holiday season is almost over now and although we have snow, it was above freezing today.  There is still a lot of time before Spring arrives and my husband and I have switched over to playing our instruments (harp and guitar/cello.  We are hoping to record some of our new pieces.  Stay tuned.

That's just about all my news for now.  I wish you, your family a healthy and happy 2021.       

Stay safe.

Lea