Hi Everybody!
We are having crazy weather here - extremely hot, interspersed with violent storms, complete with torrential rain, hailstones the size of eggs and magnificent lightning displays. A lot of places flooded and were really damaged. The weather will be staying with us over the next days....It is the hottest May since temperatures were recorded. My apartment also feels like a hot-house, most of the places here do not have air-conditioning.
For Paint Party Friday I made another piece using my African lady stamp on a sunrise background, taken from my window:
I received this gorgeous book in the post from Susan Swiderski. She asked some time back if she could use one of my sunrise photos for the cover, and here it is. I was honoured to be asked, and am proud to have my own, autographed copy, and am looking forward to reading it. Thanks a lot, Susan!
And I made a mixed media canvas postcard with a torn paper background. The Gibson girl stamp is from LaBlanche. And it's a good reminder for TIOT's 'She's got the look' challenge:
I have also been reworking this older, mixed media piece. I'm not sure where it's going just now, but I'm trying:
On Saturday is Elizabeth's 2nd on the 2nd, so I am re-showing a paint and pastel portrait, my version of Van Gogh's Mutter:
After leaving Hariksee we visited 'Burg Brüggen', an old castle nearby:
It is now used as a hotel / restaurant:
There was an artisan market going on as we were there:
Have a great day, take care,
and thanks a lot for coming by!
Lots of wonderful art again today, Val. I especially love the African lady one. And how great to have your photo on a published book, well done! Great photos from Brüggen, I don't think I've ever been there. It's sweltering here, too, the kids are all grumpy, and I'm not feeling much better! Keep col and have a nice day, hugs, Sarah
ReplyDeleteHello dear Valerie!
ReplyDeleteThe weather is very strange in all the Europe as i can see from my blogging friends!
Even in the Netherlands it’s hot and with storms and rain!
Wow! All your artworks are gorgeous creations! Love especially the African lady piece!
Congratulations for your picture on the published book!
Wonderful pictures from the castle and the beautiful surrounding!
Thank you for sharing! Have a fabulous day! Hugs!
Dimi...
I especially love your African beauty, and of course, the Gibson Girl is a favorite, too. You create beautiful photos, so it's no surprise one of your sunrises appeared on the cover of that book. It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe photos from Burg Brüggen are fabulous and that castle is amazing.
I was also quite impressed that you brought back your version of Van Gogh's Mother. It's a lovely painting and I am most impressed with it. Thanks for sharing it for this month's second look on the 2nd.
lOVE THIS POST Valerie, what an amazing array of colours, photos and just sheer fabulous goodies.xx[aussie aNNie blog]
ReplyDeleteWow- there is so much gorgeous art in this post. It's hard to pick a favorite. It sounds like your weather has been horrible-more like August than May. The weather is certainly something to talk about this year for sure. And congrats on having your photo on a book cover. How exciting! You do have some fantastic colors. I think you captured that in your home made stamped page. Hope it cools off soon. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too!
DeleteAwesome artworks Valerie - loved them all.
ReplyDeleteAnd how fabulous and cool to have one of your lovely photos on a book cover :)
Our weather is pretty much like yours except maybe for the size of that hail - stay in doors when that happens.
Hope it cools down and gets back to being warm and pleasant soon.
Happy Thursday.
Gill x
That book cover looks great!
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs again.
Enjoy your day.
All the best Jan
Another African Beauty... gorgeous!!!
DeleteWow! Your stunning photo as a book cover!!! Love it!!!
Your portrait painting is so beautiful! I love your art Valerie, it is amazing!
More fantastic photos!
An outstanding post and my comment is filled with exclamation marks!!!
Hugs 💮
I understand your weather and how depressing it can be...we are having the same weather here 🌞
Sunrise at your house is so gorgeous and looks spectacular as a backdrop for your artwork. You have such a way with color. The Gibson girl makes me thing of a wedding and the other looks like undersea to me. The background color makes Mutti Van Gogh's eye color pop. The castle/hotel would make a lovely wedding venue for your Gibson girl. Hope you get some relief from the hot and stormy weather. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pieces for PPF and the other challenges, stay cool! Congrats on the book cover, your photo is beautiful as always. Enjoyed your photos of the old castle today.
ReplyDeleteSo much 'good stuff' today. I recognized the background in the first! Beautiful. The book cover turned out beautifully. Both you and Susan did a wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteWow. I didn't realize just how bad your weather was.
Hope your day is filled with good weather and good health.
Hugs
So many amazing pieces of art you have shared. I love them all but my favorite is your Gibson girl postcard and your Van Gogh: Mutter!
ReplyDeleteAnd some beautiful photos, Valerie.
Kate
Lauter richtig schöne Werke hast du da kreiert und das Foto fürs Cover ist traumhaft schön. Da konnte die Autorin sich aber auch freuen das von dir zu bekommen. Deine Fotos von Brüggen sind auch wieder einmalig gut, wie immer, ein Genuß.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Grüße
Sabine
an array of fabulousness Valerie xx It's been pretty hot here in South West Scotland too, which is pretty unusual !! Certainly not complaining but torrential downpours and flooding are not fun x
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of all of your stunning artwork today x I love the african lady and that Gibson girl but your painting of the Mutter is just incredible. You are one very talented lady xx
Have a lovely weekend Annie xx
Wow Valerie. I am in love with all your stunning and beautiful art pages. The hand cut stamp looks amazing with one of your own sunrise photos.
ReplyDeleteYou must be thrilled at seeing one of your fabulous photos on a book cover. It would really tempt me to purchase the book.
Wonderful photos as well. I hope you get cooler weather and less storms, although once they leave mainland Europe they seem to find their way to the UK.
Have a good weekend.
Yvonne xx
Wow your art is so amazing-love love your newest piece with the African lady stamp so beautiful Your art and photos are "eye candy" I always enjoy visiting
ReplyDeletethanks for the reminder of second on the 2nd-hugs
enjoy your up coming weekend Kathy
Oh Valery, I am so happy for you. Your photo is on a book cover! Congratulations, my friend. You know that I always admire your beautiful photos!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, I always admire your stamps. Your African lady is gorgeous!!!!!!
And, I LLLLLLLLLLLLOVE your painting of Van Gogh!!!!!!! Kisses, my friend.
Hi Valerie, I think your African lady is perfect against your sunset image. They fit so well.
ReplyDeleteWhat absolutely crazy weather you're having! Mother Nature can definitely throw everything at us sometimes can't she!!
Congratulations on Susan's use of your beautiful photograph on her bookcover. It's great.
Your Postcard is lovely as is your version of Van Gogh's Mother. The pastel and paint combination gives a lovely olde worlde feel.
The artisan market would be fun to attend, especially in those beautiful grounds.
Cheers now :D) xx
A fabulous post Valerie and so much to see and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLove the stamp set in one of your wonderful photographs. No wonder one of them was chosen as a book cover.. imagine how many people will see it and enjoy it now..
Great choice for second on the second as well.
More great pics of your day out as well and I always love that you share those with us
Have a great day
Love Chrissie xx
Loving all your reworks Valerie and your carved lady looks amazing against that background. I adore taking a walk around your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend Tracey xx
Love it all. Especially the silhouette.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Your post is packed full of goodies today, isn't it? I already loved your African lady stamp, but set against that sunrise, it looks especially stunning. The colors are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteYour other artwork is beautiful, too, but I reeeeeally like your version of Van Gogh's mutter. You are one talented lady.
Thanks for showing the book. I'm glad you're as pleased with how well it turned out as I am. :) (I hope you like what's between the covers, too... it's... different! Not nearly as humorous or touchy-feely as my first book.)
Have a fabulous weekend. Try to stay cool!
Love.
ReplyDeleteLove.
ReplyDeletelove your African beauty art the best today although it's all just wonderful! Beautiful photos of the castle and surroundings. And congrats on having one of your gorgeous photos on the book cover! Happy PPF and wishing you better weather days.
ReplyDeleteLovely art creations ~ all them and delightful photos of the castle and landscape!
ReplyDeleteHappy Times to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I just adore your version of Van Goh's "Mutter." How creative you are--and your photography is beautiful, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful artwork! I love the sunset coloured background that you created for your beautiful lady and the Gibson Girl stamp definately has the look 😁. Happy June and wishing you a wonderful weekend too! J 😊 x
ReplyDeleteWonderful art today Valerie, your African lady looks stunning against your sunrise background and that Gibson Girl certainly has 'The Look'
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those lovely photos from you walk, hope your weather improves and settles.
Have a great weekend.
Avril xx
that sunrise background for your African lady is fabulous! And I like your version of Van Gogh's mother. You must be so thrilled to see your beautiful picture on the cover of a book! How exciting! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteWow, there is so much beauty in your post. I love the stamp art and your photograph looks amazing as cover art. The look is beautiful as are your photographs. I hope the weather gets more reasonable soon.
ReplyDeleteLuv that first one, the sassy lady. All the others are interesting as well. And always your photos give me such a lift. Happy you shared. Thanks for dropping by my blog today.
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Great post as usual, Valerie. Loved Van Gogh's mum! We are having similar weather and wonderful sunsets too! the used to be an RAF Station at Bruggen.
ReplyDeleteSo many amazing works in one post! Your African sunset is pure magic, and I love your version of Van Gogh's Mother. I don't remember if I saw that before, but it's a brilliant portrait. Lovely to share your trip too, though I wish we weren't sharing the thunderstorms. It's settled down a bit now here - hope the same is true for you.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
My, you've been busy, Valerie! Congratulation on having one of your photos in print - and on a book cover yet!
ReplyDeleteI love how the blue mixed media piece is looking. I hope you'll share when it's completed.
I love your pastel portrait of Van Gogh's Mutter that you're sharing again for 2nd on the 2nd. Her eyes are so expressive. Just lovely.
Great art work, love the colours on the Egyptian work.
ReplyDeleteooohh wow,was für grandiose werke und bilder von dir,bin ganz beindruckt,das gemälde von van gohs mutter ist dir spitze gelungen.
ReplyDeletedas deine bilder in dem buch sind ist ja klasse.
wünsch dir einen schönen juni.
hugs jenny
Congratulation on the book cover - Your sunset pics are always pretty wonderful so seeing the African stamp on one of them was brilliant too! Love the art and photos here and I am off now to try and catch up! Apologies for not being around much - I got a bit ambitious with a project - all will be revealed very soon! Hugs,Chrisx
ReplyDeletePlease take care of yourself!! The extreme heat is bad!!! Keep cool as best as you can and don't over do anything!
ReplyDeleteLoving all your art pieces this week! You have been busy! The African one is so beautiful! Love the Dream one too! Really love them all!
Congrats on the book cover!! What an honour!! Enjoy the book!
Truly gorgeous photos!
Big Hugs!
Hope you've had an exceptionally good weekend and the weather has settled down.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Hope you are okay, sending hugs.xx[aussie aNNie blog]
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie, much appreciated!
DeleteWoohoo you're a cover girl! Fabulous artworks Valerie, I love your take on the Van Gogh, here eyes really shine through the picture xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art work, and photos. We're having the same weather here, it's all gone mad.
ReplyDeleteWow -- love the "Van Gogh." We're having day after day of rain, or did while I was on vacation traveling and now I'm home and it feels downright cold after extra hot days in May. I don't understand...
ReplyDeleteWOW What a gorgeous sky and I love how you added your lady image- beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYour old woman is fab-well done!
Jackie xo