WHAT SHOULD I DO........

[magicma]

I've just been cleaning up my chalk pastels with the thought of taking them to Art Society tomorrow, to give away to someone but.... I love them so much, I am sad.

Problem is, the chalk dust upsets my sinuses these days, which is not good.

I haven't used them for a long while really but just handling them now, gives me the urge!!! So what do you think?

They take up quite a lot of space as I keep them in two trolley bags!! There may not be room for them when I eventually move.

I think I have attached a pic of one I did a while ago, part of a series of Bluebell Woods, at least 24" high without the frame. They all sold immediately MM

[River]

absolutely stunning piece of art

[bluecow1980]

WOW MM thats stunning!

You really cant give that up!

Could you not use a dust mask and air purifyer when working?

[shamreez]

It really would be a shame to have to give away such beautiful pieces of art..

[l15a]

Agree that it would be a shame that you had to give up using the chalks, try the dust mask it may well work.

It would be great to see some other work of yours MM..please post some more :-)

[magicma]

Over time, I have tried everything - masks, open windows etc. But, I get so involved when painting everything goes by the board!!

I even tried lighting up a pastel chalk when I was smoking analogues!!

One day Li5a! I might put more pics on - I'm a bit slow in coming forward!!

I haven't painted for nearly a year now as I've been concentrating on 'the move' packing etc - two exhibitions coming up and nothing to show!! I organise them so have to be there!! MM

[jerryrm]

It's a beautiful painting, MM. I don't know what to tell you about the chalk dust, though, except use a dust mask.

[Lee]

You are really good! Would love to see more of your work. Don't give up your stuff, as others have said it would be a shame to let go of it. Have you ever done any digital art? No dust and very forgiving. CTRL+Z is my best friend.

[Scylla]

{{{MM}}} your bluebells made me cry and the thought of you not doing any more chalks made me cry

I too was going to suggest masks and air filters.

Have already sent your 'painting' to SO, to warm and cheer his heart, and I've just thought of someone else who needs it.

scylla x

[magicma]

I haven't tried digital art really as yet. A long time ago I had a tablet thingwe - that you drew on with another thiingwe!!

It was fun, I did draw and produce a couple of fun Christmas cards on there but then it conked out, so I didn't bother anymore!! MM

[Lee]

I use a Trust tablet, got it cheap from ASDA. There are some really good ones out there. I also use Manga Studio to draw, it is really responsive and once you get the hang of it is very easy to use. The only downside is not feeling really connected to whatever you're drawing, if you get what I mean.

[Hanow]

MM - oh no! Such a pity. The bluebells pic is so lovely.

[magicma]

I'll still be doing my watercolours, oils, inks etc. It's just the pastels giving problems.

Here's an Ink painting of our local (Southborough) church and cricketers. MM

(they had red caps on - not red heads!!)

[magicma]

Here's a watercolour of Morning Glories.

My friend, Catherine, has an allotment and grows things for me, then I plant them on my balcony.

I actually watched these opening from my bed, it really was a glory to see..
couldn't wait to paint them. About 20" squarish!!

That's enough for now!!! Thank you all for the lovely comments. MMxx

[deesigner]

Wow MM you've got such a wonderful talent, those are really beautiful. It's such a shame that you have to give up some of your tools.

I had to give up my beloved knitting machine because everyone got sick of eating, sleeping and showering with mohair!