I am very happy with the beast. Though, I am still slightly uncertain about the wing; but I could change it later. This is one side of a winged lion whose paws are holding a banner. This original knotwork lion is for the top of a manuscript.

Knotwork is a form of meditation for me. I love creating new patterns and filling a huge assortment of shapes and forms with unique knots. It is fun to merge animal forms into knotwork as well, but I think I enjoy this method more.

I feel a tad quartered lately. So many hats I am wearing, when I would really like just to lock myself in my studio and just play with pigments. Things are narrowing down and ultimately I feel like I am building spaces to work in, and would just like to have it all over and done.

The coding on the layout for this site is almost done. Then I have to redesign for the former site and get it ready for some of the writing and instructional work I have been requested to do. That area of my work and writing is so neglected.

I also volunteered for a non profit- but that has been messy. No articles of organization, virtually no organization of information, it is not what I volunteered for- all this chasing information down. Mostly I wish they could validate the non profit organization status so I could finish requirements to allow them to accept donations internationally. None of which mind you I volunteered- so many side tracks- time to reign in my boundaries and let them do their work if they want my help.

The past month has been playing in ink and line. From knotwork to 15th and 16th century woodcuts and illumination styles. I am fond of Holbein- but then that is probably because my macabre side loves and adores skeletons. More on all that later.

The first painting I did of this celtic knotwork was damaged right before we moved. Client work and moving sure kept me busy, but here we are all done and refined for their use on the web. A little bit more tweeking to do for the patterns on the website but almost done otherwise.

I surprised myself with how easy it was for me to reproduce and render the same result if need be. One thing about paintng knotwork is it makes me eager for my goals after October. I am so eager to order the pigments and play.

The next set of knotwork I will be working on will be of the elemental triskals, but I am still doing the research needed for them. I am doing a lot of painting behind the scenes but have been asked not to share them “publish them” on the net. Concept sketches are ok, and I may sneak in a few of the wash studies from my outings.

Balancing solitude and socialization has been challenging, summer is so much fun- but I get less done in the summer.

These are the other custom celtic knotwork designs that will be used on my main site. The triskel is going to be challenging to paint with the gold but it will be so worth it! The raven/crows being a theme of mine have continued but downplayed. The picture of the one in the middle is and end/bottom cap for the last R in Baker. I am quite happy at how it will work as a design element to put the eyes back toward the center of the page!