Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

 Welcome to 

 

Above made by me with NightCafe. 

Today is for artists that create in ANY medium to come on by and just talk art. Write a post about what's on your mind in the art world. It's a place to ask questions on your blog where other's can hopefully answer. Or share your videos, your techniques, tools or even what type of camera you use. So, you say you can't draw but you can write.... that's art baby! AI creations are welcome as well. Since this type of art is taking off to main stream. Let's say you think you are in no way artsy. But you love art. Show murals, historical art, your friends or kids art and talk about it.  

I would like this to be an all inclusive way for artist to share, whatever. 

My only rule? Criticism with kindness. 

If someone asks to have their art critiqued it must be done with generosity and consideration. 

This is a place of encouragement and inspiration. 

 

I want to clarify something for the last portrait challenge on FFO. I had written "no photos" for the challenge, and then changed it. I really don't know what I was thinking. Portrait images have a long distinct history. I'm gong to skip a lot of the very start of the invention which started in 1717. By 1839 photography was announced to the world.  Louis Daguerre went on to develop the daguerreotype process, the first publicly announced and commercially viable photographic process. The daguerreotype required only minutes of exposure in the camera, and produced clear, finely detailed results. 

Richard Beard  set up a photography studio as a business speculation in 1843.  He purchased a license to use the daguerreotype process in 1841, and opened the world's first photographic studio. It was set up in a glasshouse on the roof of London's Royal Polytechnic Institution to provide all-round lighting, which was necessary to the daguerreotype process. There were huge profits from his studios in London and Liverpool and from the sale of license to take daguerreotypes. However, Beard was ruined by his many legal actions against rivals, and went bankrupt in 1850.

I believe this is Richard Beard. It was difficult to find.

It has been said that the camera is the most important invention of the 19th century. 

Yevonde Philone Middleton Portrait Photographer and suffragette is now my hero of photography.

She joined the suffrage movement around 1910, which inspired her to seek financial independence through a career in photography. 

Yevonde, also known as Madame Yevonde, was a London-based photographer of portraits and still life throughout much of the twentieth century. She was a pioneer in photographic techniques, experimenting with solarisation and associated particularly with the Vivex colour process, which she utilized to great effect in the 1930s. "If we are going to have colour photographs, for heaven’s sake let’s have a riot of colour, none of your wishy washy hand tinted effects." said Yevonde in 1932 in an address to the Royal Photographic Society.  

Yevonde Middleton, Yevonde with Vivex One-Shot Camera, 1937, © National Portrait Gallery, London

 

 “Color photography has no past, no tradition, no old masters… only a future! 

For Yevonde, Vivex offered a space not yet shaped by male-dominated conventions, a space where she could build a new, feminist visual language.

Madame Yevonde’s six-decade-long career is defined by her willingness to embrace new technologies and her commitment to women’s independence.  Her work aligns closely with the aims of Feelings in Common, offering alternative readings of photographic history and amplifying the voices of those often overlooked.

Madame Yevonde remains a key figure who used color, and imagination to expand what photography could be. 

sited here 

When we come to today we would not have the medical technology, such as, Diagnostic Tools combined with AI to assist in every part of our medical.  The camera and photography today has advanced immensely with mirrorless cameras, computational photography, and AI powered image processing.  This just touches on a very long list of what has advanced with the camera. For all of us armatures our phones and sure shot 

point n shoots allow us to take photographic portraits of family and friends and upload them to social media without a thought.

I tried to down load the 3 videos in this series but the owner turned off the use on other websites

You can watch this series on Prime, Apple, and Now TV. 

The series is excellent on portraits and explains how portraiture has evolved. The National Portrait Gallery in London, founded in 1856, holds 195,000 works spanning six centuries, covering famous British historical figures from the Middle Ages to the present day. 

I'm off to draw a portrait.

 

That's if for me. I look forward to seeing your art in 

Sunday in the Art Room

Nicole     

Last day of the month

 Hi Everyone!

I was going to write on the new horrors of the US government today, and thought, "People already know about the sinister regime in my country, and how each day it gets worse." 

I'd rather write this. 

 

 I want to thank EVERYONE for the remarkable turn out for FFO Portrait Challenge and the astounding art that all of you created!

I had a few people say that they are not good enough to compete. Nonsense.

The challenges are NOT against each other or me personally. They are a way to enhance your own creativity. Each new piece of art brings knowledge to your artistic understanding and skill. As I have said before we are all on different levels in our art. So again, this is not a competition to see who is the best. We are all the best!

I also want to emphasize that the challenges are optional. I still want to see what you have to offer for FFO as long as there is one or more faces in you blog post you are welcome to FFO. It was set up that way from the beginning.

I can't tell you enough the immense  pleasure it gives me to view your journey's, your everyday adventures, you joys, and even those days you just need to talk/write it out. 

My hope is to be some kind of inspiration, to give as good advice as I get from all of you and to always be that person who can hold her head high.

OK, maybe too mushy there. LOL

All, I'm trying to say is that art brings the best out of us and I want that to flow through FFO, SITAR and yes challenges.

That's it for now.

Have the best day today. 

 Nicole 

 

 

Friday Face OFF Portrait Challenge

 

 Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, Photography, drawings, paintings. There just needs to be a face in your blog post.

 

This is it! FFO second Portrait Challenge.

Create a portrait of anyone! I'm very excited to see what all of you have to show today.

I have two that I created for this challenge.  Mr. M. likes this first one better. I do like it but I think I like the second one more because it was quite difficult for me, and I'm trying to improve. The second piece help me learn some things.  Let me know which one you like best.

These are images I found online. They were both in color and I manipulated them to black and white.

So here it goes. 

#1 Mr. M's. choice.

This is the image I used.

 

I do love her quirky features. 

Here is #2

I did change her eyes. In the photo she looks like a deer in headlights.  

This is the larges paper I have and it wasn't long enough to get the bottom half of her. I tried but it made the entire drawing too small, especially her head. LOL 

 I just could not get her hand to sit correctly. In the photo there is a bit of her left hand showing. Yeah... that didn't work so I omitted it. Make strategic decisions is the fun part of art.

 

I can't wait to see who joined in for the challenge and I hope you had fun with this. 

A few AI pieces.

It is challenge week. 

 

Now for a few features.

Gene Black 

He is way too cool. 

Heidrun

Just chillin'

 

Debra She who Seeks

Seriously, this art just brings on the smiles.

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. Oh and please don't forget to link back to my blog. Thanks 

 

That's it for me. 

Now it's time to show me your face

 Nicole  

 

Big Reminder

 Hi Everyone!

Wanted to put out a reminder that this week on Friday Face OFF Jan. 30th, it is the Portrait Challenge showing. I changed the rules so read below.

 

 The challenge is to create a portrait of anyone you want. It can be your family, friends, actors, faces you find on the internet, or a perfect stranger that will allow you a photo to work from and to show with your portrait. Change; after thinking about it. Photography is an art and a portrait shot is allowed.  

Sorry, I can be slow at times. LOL

In addition the challenge is optional, I still want to see all of the faces you create.

All entries will be featured on the follow weeks FFO post. Please don't forget to link back to my blog and post that this is a challenge with Friday Face OFF.

Thank you so much 

Nicole 

In search of a coffer mug

 Hi Everyone!

I have a lot of mugs or cups. However, I'm ready to throw most of them out. It seems that none of them hold their heat. So, I'm in search of a good mug.

In my search I about fell out of my chair with the prices. OMG! 

I think the smart mugs are all the in thing to keep your drink warm. If I want to come in to this century. 

 

Oh and this one is $100.00 

No Flippen Way!

 

I don't want a thermos mug. 

 

This black mountain mug is OK, but again it's $44.00 for one

I would just like a pretty, 

yes I said pretty :) everyday mug that I don't have to put in the mircor to reheat my coffee.

I kind of like this hand warmer mug. But when I looked at it there was no description of how good it holds heat.  What type of mug do you use?

Do any of you have a suggestion?

I'm off to the mircor to heat my coffee uhhhgggg.
 Have a good day today

Nicole 

It works if you just do it.

 Hi Everyone!

 6 months ago I wrote a 2 posts on a subject that is not talked about, even if you've been diagnosed with it. It's multiple organ prolapse.  You can read both of my posts here and here

This morning I saw my urogynecologist for my 6 month check up.  She was elated with the progress I have made. She said my tissue looks great and the muscle tone went from a 3 to top of the chart 5. She said, "If you continue with what you are doing there will be no surgery for you."

YAY!!!!! Knowing that my hard work is paying off has brought renewed energy to continue with my program as long as I can. She did emphasis NO LIFTING! So my gardening will be limited to my big garden space only. That's OK with me.

I'm sharing this in hopes that if you have any type of prolapse,  female or male, to go to physical therapy, get on a program, research and add to it. 

Take control of your health. 

Because in the end, it's all we have.

Nicole 

Monster Monday

 Hi Everyone!

I know a lot of people don't like the idea of AI art. However, it is certainly becoming main stream. In fact,  prestigious  art institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art and Christie's auction house, have highlighted AI-generated work. Christie's first auction was in 2018 bringing in a single sale of $432.500. The sales have simply gone up form there and in 2025 Christie's presented its first all AI art auction. I write this only to say, AI art is legitimate. There is a lot more to say about this but I want to get into monsters.

  Someone on NC liked this so much they tipped me 10 credits!

 

 

I don't have this one published yet. You are the first to see it. 

Now for some pretties. You know, I do this so some of you won't have nightmares. 😁 

These are surreal pieces. 

 

That's it for now. 

Wishing everyone a great week. 

For all of my friends stuck in this extreme weather, stay safe and warm.  

 Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

 Welcome to

Above made by me with NightCafe. 

Today is for artists that create in ANY medium to come on by and just talk art. Write a post about what's on your mind in the art world. It's a place to ask questions on your blog where other's can hopefully answer. Or share your videos, your techniques, tools or even what type of camera you use. So, you say you can't draw but you can write.... that's art baby! AI creations are welcome as well. Since this type of art is taking off to main stream. Let's say you think you are in no way artsy. But you love art. Show murals, historical art, your friends or kids art and talk about it.  

I would like this to be an all inclusive way for artist to share, whatever. 

My only rule? Criticism with kindness. 

If someone asks to have their art critiqued it must be done with generosity and consideration. 

This is a place of encouragement and inspiration. 

 

Over the last week I have received comments and emails about using prompts. In some cases I think prompts are very helpful, especially if you are having a hard time getting started. Or if you are in some kind of art challenge. 

For me, however, prompts seem to limit me. In my head I think I can't go outside of the boundaries and I get stuck. I lose my spontaneity.

With that said there are some who can't create without a catalyst. One person wrote and asked where to get prompts. 

In this day and age a simple click of the computer key will set you to a host of written ideas, videos, and descriptions that can help you create. 

A single word can spark inspiration. Don't take a defeated breath and tell yourself you just can't think of anything to create. If you want to make art then make art!

Flip through books, or magazines. Turn on some music or a movie. 
Set a timer and sketch for 5 minutes. Don't think about it, just start drawing, or painting, or putting collage together. What ever your medium is. 

In my wildest dreams I never thought I would consider myself a portrait artist. However, I do sketch other things. Mostly other body parts. Lately it has been feet and hands. Who knows where this will take me. The same is for you. 

 These are 5 minute sketches. 

 

This one is a little longer maybe 25 minutes.

 The main thing that stops people from creating is... fear. Fear that it won't be good enough= self doubt.  Fear of rejection= worrying about what other's will think. Fear of comparison= comparing your work to more experienced artists and feeling defeated. 

Self doubt, flip the wheel. We all go through self doubt but you have to stomp your foot on the ground and say, "I'm an artist, and what I create is worthy." 

Worrying about others. Who gives a flying flip what others think? If you like what you create then you will improve with each new project. If someone is giving you negative responses then quit showing that person your art. You don't need them!

Comparing your art to more experienced artists and feeling bad is the opposite of what you should be thinking. Instead, "Wow! Look at that art." Inspect it, see how it is created. If the artist is around talk to them. Then create with new confidence and pride in your art. 

Everyone is on a different level with their art. We only get better by sharing and talking with each other.  With patience and practice to achieve what we want.

I kind of got off the subject of prompts but I hope this post has given you enthusiasm to go to your space and create!

That's if for me. I look forward to seeing your art in Sunday in the Art Room

Nicole   

Nazi America

 

This is Nazi America 

Another update

The Nazi Queen  Kristi Noem announced that DHS  will be investigating the latest agent-involved shooting, instead of the FBI.  she already said this was a closed book. 

See article here. 

 

Update

So much has happened since I posted this. The National Gard has been deployed by the governor. The "thing" administration is pass off lies about Alex Pretti who was murdered on the streets. Alex was an ICU nurse Minneapolis VA hospital. 

From all accounts Alex was holding a phone not a gun but we will see how this lies play out. Just like the "thing" is doing with Renae Nicole Good.

Everyone better hold on this is not the end.

 

 

 Another shooting in Minneapolis  and it is fatal  this is going on right now. 

Click on the link to watch live.  

OMG! Smoke detectors

 Hi Everyone!

Yesterday morning I woke at 3AM. Too much going on in my brain. 

Upon going to bed last night my though was, "If possible I will sleep in." For me that's getting up around 7AM. 

I was deep in sleep having the best dream when...... the piercing, screaming sound of the upstairs smoke detector went off. Just 3 loud, intrusive, high pitched, ear spiting screeches in the dead of night. 

We got it sorted out but there is no going back to bed for me. 

Once I'm awake, I'm up.

So, I will show you what I did yesterday. First the other day when I had my PET scan we stopped at Winco to get a few groceries. When we got home I remembered I needed brown sugar. Ok, I'll  just get some at Fred Meyers. How much more expensive can it be, right? OMFG!!!! A bag of C&H brown sugar is $4.49. Not if I was starving would I pay that. I came home and made my own. 

Place 1 cup of cane sugar in a bowl. 

Add 1 to 2 T of unsulfured Molasses and mix it up bit.

Then put it into a food processor or blender and mix until you have brown sugar. 

I used to make this all the time. I like being able to adjust the molasses to my taste. Not sure why I stopped making this.

I do store it in an air tight bag or container.

Well, since I'm up I should see what needs to be done around the house.

Have a wonderful (wide awake) Saturday. For all of my friends that are in the midst of the storm be safe and stay warm.

Nicole 

 

 

Friday Face OFF 1/23/2026

 

 Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, Photography, drawings, paintings. There just needs to be a face in your blog post.

Next week, Jan. 30 the FFO challenge will be time to show your face.   

  

 Hi Everyone!

I can't believe it's Friday already, but glad it is. Yesterday, I had to drive to Springfield to have a PET scan. 

The results were in before I got home. 

Some good some not so good.  

 However, I just don't want to think about it right now. 

 

So let's look at art. 

This is my face for this week. I gave a peek preview on SITAR a few weeks ago. She starts like this. 

I started with the ear.

Then a bit on the face.

And then finished.

A few weeks ago I was going through art paper and discovered this face. I truly can't remember when I drew this or why I stopped and hid it away. 

I will work on it to see if I can bring her to live. 

Here is some of my recent AI that I create on NightCafe.  

 

It's time for some features

 

Tom from Back Roads Traveller 

 

Leeanna Not Afraid Of Color

The new challenge is to create a portrait of anyone you want. It can be your family, friends, actors, faces you find on the internet, or a perfect stranger that will allow you a photo to work from and to show with your portrait. You can work in any medium, except photography, meaning you can't just show a photo of a face. For this challenge you must create a face.

In addition the challenge is optional, I still want to see all of your faces though.

 

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. Please don't forget to link back to my blog. Thanks 

 

That's it for me. Now it's time to show me your face.

 Nicole