HAPPY 2019: NEW ART AND A WINTER OUTFIT PROPOSAL

Hello darlings! I know I say this every year, but there is something about the start of the new year that really appeals to me. Even when I'm sad, I always feel better on the first day of new year. There is something to be said about starting over. Maybe it's all the positive vibrations in the air?  You know, the fireworks, the atmosphere, the good wishes everyone is sharing. The first day of a new year often feels like turning a new leaf. I often get a lot of blogging ideas. Isn't that interesting? Maybe it is because we all feel this desire to be productive as the year starts. It is a fine thing if you ask me. A bit of well directed motivation can take us far. Anyhow, I've been thinking about what should I post for the first day of the year pretty much all day. Last year I posted a fashion illustration. I distinctly remember posting some outfit posts for the start of new year. This year I decided to do a little bit of both. To start with, I'll post one new watercolour painting of mine. 

Original pencil drawing

I didn't use a specific face as a reference for this watercolour painting of a girl with a long hair, but I think the position of the hand was inspired by some ad I saw ( I can't recall which one, though). Anyhow, I do like how this painting turned out. I didn't named it yet, maybe I won't. I'd like to keep this one, there is something about it that I quite like. It is not the most complex or interesting painting I have ever done, but there is something about the eyes that seems right. 

I decided to do a little experiment with this painting and try a bit of editing. You know the kind of editing people use for selfies, I decided to take it apply it to a photograph of this painting. The result is interesting. It looks a bit like digital art. I prefer the original (not edited) version, but it is kind of fascinating to see how you can change your art by making subtle or not so subtle changes. I know some artists say they like to experiment with different editing tools, lighting and so on. It's interesting stuff. I did some editing next year if you remember, for example here. 

watercolour art plus digital editing

watercolour art plus digital editing

Speaking of new year and all that, one of my new year resolutions is to read more in other languages.  Reading in English is so easy I sometimes get lazy and just opt for the English version. I do love classics, and it's so easy to just head over to Project Gutenberg and find what I like, but I really want to read more books in original language this year. I mean books that weren't originally written in English obviously.  I do like to read translations as well, that can be a good learning experience. I guess that another of my new year resolutions is to read more. That might sound odd, because I already do read a lot, but I realized that for me personally books are the best way to learn. I don't just mean literature (which I obviously love) but non fiction book as well. There is a great educational potential to be found in books and I want to make the most out of it. So, here it is to reading more in 2019. I'd also love to find time to write more book reviews. The last book I read was Washington Square by Henry James and I absolutely loved it. I actually read it on Christmas day. I saw the old movie version and then when I looked it up I found out it was based on the play which was based on James' novel. I should have guessed right away. It is always nice when you realize that there are so many fantastic books still waiting to be found. 

Another thing I want to share with you today is a winter outfit proposal. Winter is ahead of us,  we still have three months of winter to go, so it seems sensible to start planning our winter outfits. This outfit is a perfect example of shopping one's closet. The only new thing about it is this pair of ankle boots. I had this white beanie for years but I misplaced it somewhere. When I rediscovered it, I realized this white beanie is the perfect accessory to bring some white into my winter styling. An accessory  is always a good way to ease into that winter white vibe. If you would like to wear more white in winter but you're not sure how, you can always start slow. Wear a white sweater, a turtleneck or a scarf and pair it with other colours. For this outfit, I paired a predominately white turtleneck with a red checkered jacket and a grey slit skirt. This lovely grey skirt is vintage and if you're looking for another way to style a skirt in a similar style you can check out this post. 

I hope you had a fantastic New Year Eve and New Year day. We had a nice time. I didn't burn anything and everyone loved my cooking, so I guess I could say our NYE was a success. I wish you all the very best in 2019. Thank you very much for your kind words on my last post. Your support truly means  a lot to me.