Thursday, January 23, 2020

Thursday Art Date: Chinese New Year; and Paint Party Friday!


Hello Friends! 😊😊😊

Welcome to Thursday's Art Date, today our theme is Chinese New Year. Tweety Bird is like me, he loves to celebrate every occasion! I admit folks, I stumped myself again with this week's theme. Since 2020 is the Year of the Rat, I went with a rat theme!


You may have noticed, charcoal is fast becoming my favourite medium! Here is my cute little charcoal rat.


This is my charcoal drawing of old movie tough guy James Cagney...what does this have to do with this week's theme? Some of you may have guessed already! 


James Cagney is famous for the line "You Dirty Rat!!"...but...in fact, for movie buffs out there, James Cagney never actually uttered those words. In the 1932 film "Taxi" he came close to saying that, but he actually said "Come out and take it you dirty yellow-bellied rat!" Adding "yellow-bellied" makes it more of an insulting threat doesn't it? 😁 Here's the one minute clip! I had such a crush on this actor...he can sing, dance and act and in real life he was a farmer. What's not to like??? 😊


Rhino News: We finished the head, ears and chin! Looks like it may be two more lessons before we finish this wrinkly fella!


Our weather is still too frigid for words...this photo tells the story...look at my frozen hair!! Looks like spaghetti lol!

On that chilly note, that's all for now folks! But please check out the link widget below to see more Chinese New Year artwork! And please join me on Sunday for my food and pets post. 🐾🐾🐾


I'm also linking up with Paint Party Friday tomorrow!


On a personal note, I wanted to let you all know that the next few months will be jam-packed for me. I am taking even more art classes, I'm working on a project for a home business, and in a few weeks the house hunting begins! We'll be traveling from here in Quebec to visit homes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. And if all goes well, we'll be moving in May. I may not post every Sunday but I will definitely be keeping up with the art date on Thursdays. I am so happy that so many people are joining in! It's very motivating and so much fun to see your art, so thank you!!! πŸ’•

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The glowing sun, setting over Summerside Harbour in 2008 - I called this photo The Maestro because of the way the tree's branches were "conducting" the sunset!

January 30th: Next Thursday's theme is Glow. Click on the link for ideas and inspiration! Remember it's all about creating. You can showcase your paintings, drawings, photography, sculpting, baking, poetry...whatever you like! πŸŽ¨

Thursday Art Date With Rain. Click on the link for a description of the art date as well as a list of upcoming themes. 

Don't forget to add the URL link to your post (not your blog) to the link gadget below to share your wonderful creations! The link gadget expires Sunday at noon (EST).

⚡⚡⚡⚡  Be forewarned ⚡⚡⚡⚡ If you include a link that doesn't follow the art date theme, it will be removed! Thanks for your understanding and for respecting my fellow artists who put their minds, hearts and souls into creating art for the themes!

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85 comments:

Christine said...

Your charcoal rat looks so realistic, well done Rain! It's funny when you say you stumped yourself! It's great that you come up with random themes, I tend to think and overthink before committing to things, love your creativity. Good luck with the house plans.

Elkes LebensglΓΌck said...

Hello Rain,
Tweety Bird celebrates the new year, that is once again so sweet, well drawn. I like the rat as well.
great that video what a man and really a farmer *gg*
Your rhinoceros is getting more and more, I live as you paint it. a real art work
that's really cold for you, how you look when walking the dog.
The Maestro picture is fantastic
Good luck with art classes and watching houses !!! A lot to do and I'm happy that you will continue on Thursday Thank you, Rain!
have good Day!
Hugs Elke

Valerie-Jael said...

Aaaaaaaaaaah, glow sounds easier to manage that rats! Love your charcoal rat and the rhino is wonderful. Fun photo of you with frozen hair, I've never experienced that here! You have a lot on your plate just now, so good luck with all the projects you have planned. Have fun, hugs to you and your furry friends, Valerie

baili said...

i love celebrations too dear Rain :)

i think they bring so much livelihood environment

your charcoal art is being more and more magnificent day by day ,i enlarged the rhino and found it absolutely impressive :))) well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you also draw the actor so so well ,amazingly indeed ,yes what not to like about him ,i loved simplicity of those olden days when actors were big deal yet they were so real and close to genuine lifestyle

oh i was so lost into your beautiful eyes which look splendid in close up :)
so i could not notice frozen hair until i read the line below haha yes they look unreal due to cold oh my God !

wishing you more peace and happiness ahead my dear friend!
hugs!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

holy hell woman!!! your work is unbelievable! these classes are really working. the rhino is awesome! i can't wait for house hunting!

Cathy Kennedy said...

Rain,

How cute, Tweety with sparklers! Your James Cagney charcoal sketch is fabulous! WOW, I'm impressed! But, then why wouldn't I be? You're super talented. :) Oh my goodness, yes, I see your hair IS frozen! You'll not catch me out in that weather. Heck, you won't catch me living in a place that gets that cold if I can ever help it. You look cute with your hoodie and beanie. Hey, no sweat on being busy. Life takes precedent and best of luck on the house search. We're still doing it but we're so picky. We know what we want and what we don't want. Why spend lots of money if you aren't going to be happy? Gorgeous sunset! Thanks for hosting the artsy fun, my friend. Stay indoors and keep warm! ;)

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Your charcoal rat is very good! I like his eyes. -Jenn

Jenn Jilks said...

You have a busy time ahead. Go for it!
Your art is amazing. I actually began a sketch at my client's on Tuesday. You folks inspire!
We have an easier week this week, with temperatures. We shall see!
Good luck. We moved so many times, since our marriage in 2002, we're happy here, for now.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I'm a big Cagney fan too! And he is instantly recognizable in your excellent portrait of him. But my favourite part of your art today are those highlights in the rat's eyes -- magnificently done! They leap off the page with life!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Your art is extra good this week.

Good luck on your house hunting and I hope you find your home sweet home quickly. As you know, there is anxiety but when you find and acquire the that one perfect house for you and Alex, there is such joy.

DVArtist said...

HI Rain. Your charcoal art is just stunning. That rat WOW! Great art. Yes it sounds like a busy time for you. Good luck on the house hunting. I have enjoyed being part of TAD and am glad you will keep up with that. Stay warm up there and have a great day.

L said...

I know your work is beautiful, soon I hope to actually be able to see it! You have an exciting time coming up, life changing! All the best in the upcoming adventures!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Your charcoal renderings are wonderful, Rain, and it’s clear to see and read how much you are enjoying the online art class! You certainly have a lot of good things happening in this new year and we will look forward to reading more when you have time to share. Blogging is fun, but life events always take precedence.πŸ™‚

gigi-hawaii said...

That rat is very well drawn, as is James Cagney. I hope you find the house of your dreams. Part of the fun of owning a house is fixing it up to your liking. Good luck, Rain.

Leanna said...

Beautiful picture of the sunset. I love looking at your pictures. I would join in on the are showcase on Thursdays and even show my artwork on my blog but I don't have a scanner to upload anything to my laptop. I don't know what David did with the one we had. It disappeared years ago and he even said he doesn't know what happened to it. So when we get some extra cash we will look into buying one. Other than that you are really very good with your artwork.

Elephant's Child said...

As an appreciator rather than a creator I am completely awed by your art.
I believe charcoal is a difficult medium but you are well on the way to mastering it.
Look after yourself in the busy times ahead. Please.

Becki said...

Okay, Rain... I am no fan of rats, but yours is amazing!!! And your James Cagney is good too. You know... reading some of the comments above, I went back and looked at your Rat again. The eyes really are terrific. They are so life-like.

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Hi Rain what a fun filled visit again you always give so much in your posts. You rat is adorable, never thought i'd say that haa haa! I always think of James Cagney saying that, I can not recall anything other! I used to always embrace each celebration working with children it was so important to give them a diverse look at other cultures and religions but I mentioned to Valerie earlier that this year I have not created anything for Chinese New Year. It's been a frustrating start to the year. It sounds like you have some very busy months coming up, good luck with the house hunting and enjoy those art classes. I do hope I get chance to come and play very soon.
Sending warm creative hugs your way Tracey xx

Elderberry-Rob said...

Hi Rain, you have done some very nice art this week. Good luck with the house hunting, hope you find your forever home fast. Betty x

Henny Penny said...

Oh my gosh! You are such an artist! I love the rat! I sure your enjoyed your comment on my last post. Thank you. I can't imagine your cat swallowing rubber bands. I am way far behind in reading posts and commenting on blogs that I love. You do have a lot going on! Take care.

Lowcarb team member said...

Love your art.
Great photograph of you with the frozen hair.
Good luck with the house plans, you've got an exciting and busy few months coming up.

Take Care

All the best Jan

Linda Kunsman said...

I absolutely adore your rat drawing Rain! Fantastic looking Cagney too. Hubby and I recently saw one of his original costumes he wore in Yankee Doodle Dandy and it was so cool- he was also a very small man.
You poor girl your frozen hair alone gives me the shivers- but you still look beautiful. The sunset photo is just breathtaking- wow!!
You certainly will be quite busy yet it also sounds very exciting. Best of luck with it all. Happy PPF!

Crafting Queen said...

Wow, love your drawings they are super. Best of luck with your new adventures.

sirkkis said...

Never seen as sympathetic rat as yours is ;))
Other art is great, too.
Happy PPF and weekend xx

Clare Lloyd said...

Super drawings

Pam said...

More art classes....YAY! You know that I love that. I am so happy for you. Also, really happy that you have stated to look for a new home already. Now will you be looking for a home that is off away from folks or closer in to town? WOW...on the hair! That is more cold then THIS OLD BODY can take! I have asthma also and when it is that cold it makes it way to my lungs that don't feel good when it does. ...keep us posted on the house deal.

Pam said...

Hey how come I am only seeing one blog listed on your profile page?

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I didn't think I like rats but your charcoal one is adorable.

carol l mckenna said...

Your charcoal artwork is wonderful and do keep warm ~ Good Luck wit your 'house hunting' ~

Happy Moments to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka ( A Creative Harbor)

Lisabella Russo said...

I love your rat, so cute!

Blog Enfim... said...

Loved the post, beautiful imagem.!
http://unhasdaraquel.blogspot.com

Sue (this n that) said...

Hello Rain, its really nice to see your beautiful artwork, especially in charcoal - how clever, the shading is wonderful. I really appreciate your post. Happy PPF! Sue xx

BrownPaperBunny said...

Love your charcoal rat! Happy Chinese New Year and PPF!

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

Cagney looks great! And good luck on your home search - expecting wonderful things!

Jean said...

I love your tweety and your charcoal pieces are wonderful! Thank you for visiting my blog. Don't worry - I was quite scared and intimidated to join the art group. I may end up just sitting there watching everyone instead of painting:):)

Fundy Blue said...

Do you know how beautiful you are, Rain? That photo of you is gorgeous, right down to the frozen spaghetti hair ~ LOL, I know that frozen hair feeling. Your charcoal portraits of two "rats" are awesome!

Stefanie said...

Oh wow, frozen hair; that is something eye-catching!

Nancy @ Little Homestead In Boise said...

Great job, you do look lovely in the photo. Good luck with your house hunting!!!!!!!

LA Paylor said...

frozen hair! But what a pretty picture of you! I just do not have a year of the rat painting in me... I'd like to join in... maybe next week!

Martha said...

Loving your artwork as usual! And it sounds like a very busy but also very exciting time for you. Wishing you an abundance of good fortune on your house hunting!!! And so looking forward to hearing more about it.

NatureFootstep said...

Hi Rain. love your sunset,it is gorgeous.
Good luck with the house hunting :)

Nicole said...

Love the rat !!! The picture of you is so pretty :) frozen hair is funny ... the kida are always in awe when we compare our funny frozen hair does...lol
Yayyyy...exciting days ahead !!!

Magic Love Crow said...

Wow Rain, your art!!! Those rat's eyes!! Wow! The rhino is fantastic! Your spaghetti hair is beautiful! LOL! Big Warm Hugs!

Rain said...

Thanks Christine :) I came up with a year's worth of themes one night in December during a power failure and sometimes I shake my head at my ideas lol...but I'm often an overthinker too! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Elke :) I'm glad you liked my Maestro! I see a lot in trees and that one just seemed like a perfect orchestration! :)


Rain said...

Thanks Valerie :) Yes, the glow theme was a lot easier on all of us lol! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Baili :) I like that you enlarged the rhino drawing!! There is a lot of detail in that. I'm definitely learning patience! :) The frozen hair is unacceptable!!! :)

Rain said...

Thanks so much Joyce :) I'm really enjoying the classes, I'm learning so much!

Rain said...

Thanks Cathy :) I'd love to be more picky with the house hunting, but this year we HAVE to buy. Renting is draining us financially and we can't get ahead ever. The rents and utility bills are too high around here. I'm glad you liked James Cagney! I really enjoyed drawing him! :) I kept thinking "you dirty rat!" over and over as I sketched him.

Rain said...

Thanks Jenn :) I've been really working on eyes lately, I like how the rat's eyes turned out!

Rain said...

Thanks Jenn (Jilks) :) I hope you stay where you are, it's such a lovely spot, I'm so envious of your wildlife! I don't know that the next move will be the last, but it'll be a step up from renting here! I'm glad we inspired you to sketch!!

Rain said...

Thanks Debra :) Nice to hear you're a Cagney fan! "Top of the world Ma"....from White Heat, my favourite of his! :) Cool, I'm glad the rat's eyes give such a great effect!!! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Arleen :) I'm already having house hunting anxiety and I'm sure it won't really go away until we close the deal...but then moving anxiety will kick in lol...I'm trying to tell myself it's "excitement" not anxiety!!

Rain said...

Thanks Nicole :) I'm really happy you're enjoying the art date! I'll NEVER stop that because it brings me such joy! I just have to find more balance and make more time for it personally! I'm so glad you liked the rat!! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Dorothy :) I don't ever want to give up blogging! I'm just going to be a little slow at answering comments and visiting! I just love the connection with everyone. You're all so nice! :) And yes, I'm really enjoying the art classes! I want to spend all of my time doing them, but I need to be realistic! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Gigi :) Yes, I'm looking forward to doing what I want in my own house! AND...paying my own mortgage instead of the landlord's!

Rain said...

Thanks Leanna :) I don't scan my stuff to show on my blog, I take photos. The scanner I have is too small even for a regular sheet of watercolour paper and I don't have the patience to fix it all up in photoshop, so I take a photo. Sometimes the lighting isn't as good as it could be but it's easy! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Elephant's Child :) I love your comment, thanks again, I'm really loving charcoal. I just took to it so quickly and I want to learn so much more about it!!

Rain said...

Thanks Becki :) Lol...I'm NOT a fan of rats either! Or mice really, they crawl around too fast and I get all freaked out lol...I'm glad you liked the eyes, I think I did a pretty good job on them! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Tracey :) Ha ha...I know, I don't equate rats with adorable either hee hee. I am so busy, I kind of wish I had a slow start to the year! But I decided to go for it with the art classes even though I knew the house hunting was on the horizon! I think the biggest part of my life that I'm not paying much attention to is the housework, which I'm okay with lol! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Betty :) I hope we find our home fast too. We basically have the next five months before the lease is up and we're not intending on renewing this year!

Rain said...

Thanks Henny :) I'm far behind on blogs too this week!!! But I'm slowly catching up! Oh the rubber bands, that was crazy. Sometimes I think our pets will just eat anything, no matter what it tastes like lol!

Rain said...

Thanks Jan :) It's going to be exciting around here for sure. I hope we find our dream home, if not we're still going to buy a "starter" home because I refuse to continue renting!

Rain said...

Thanks Linda :) I'm glad you like my rat!! I remember your post about the costumes!!! And I think I even commented about Cagney on that post!! The hair frozen, oh gosh, you will see a photo I post next time with my frozen eyelashes lol!

Rain said...

Thanks Anesha :) I'm glad you liked the drawings this week! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Sirkkis :) Happy you like my little rat! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Clare :)

Rain said...

Thanks Pam :) And thanks for letting me know about my profile! I fixed it! :) Well, the dream home is far away from everyone, but I've been having a tough time finding it on our budget. We may have to buy an in-between home that's not too expensive and somewhat far from people. We don't want to be in a village though. The cold is unbearable lately!

Rain said...

Thanks so much Lin :) I'm not a fan of rats either, but drawing one was fun!

Rain said...

Thanks Carol :) I'm glad you enjoyed the art this week!

Rain said...

Thanks Lisabella :) He is kind of cute! :)

Rain said...

Thank you Raquel :)

Rain said...

Thanks Sue :) I appreciate that you mentioned the shading! I'm trying to learn about values and really practice!

Rain said...

Thanks so much Jessica :)

Rain said...

Thanks TB :) I hope the house hunting goes better than last year!

Rain said...

Thanks Jean :) I hope you do more than sit and watch at the art group!! Maybe once you get to know a few people it'll be easier!

Rain said...

Thanks Louise :)You're so sweet!! :) I'm sure you know that frozen spaghetti hair lol...you can't escape it in most parts of this country! Glad you liked my rats!! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Stefanie :) Crazy how hair freezes like that huh?

Rain said...

Thanks Nancy :) I have my fingers crossed that all will go well with the house hunting!!

Rain said...

Thanks LeeAnna :) It was a tough theme theme this week for me too. I hope you're able to join in, any time!

Rain said...

Thanks so much Martha :) :) I've been talking to the Universe about my dream home and thinking about it every day, so I really hope it manifests itself this year! Last year was brutal...it took me months to get over that! I'll be keeping you posted for sure!!

Rain said...

Thanks Monica :) That sunset was one of many gorgeous ones when I lived on Prince Edward Island!

Rain said...

Thanks Sis :) Isn't the rat cute? I'm really happy with how it turned out, especially the eyes! I'm sure you're having frozen hair daily lately too! I'm really hoping the house hunting goes well this year! :)

Rain said...

Thanks Stacey :) So nice to see you're comment!!

Rain said...

Thanks so much Laurie :)) I missed your comment earlier!! I'm really hoping that the house hunting will go well. It's so nerve-wracking but I just feel like this will be the year we find somewhere nice!! :)