Marguerite Standing Celebrating Diversity Award

I love being part of this creative team. We are so happy to receive the Marguerite Standing Celebrating Diversity Award for the work we do for the well being of patients through Art and Music. 

Well done to everyone! 

Our team awarded for using art and music for the well being of patients. 

Christmas Lino Printing

So, as you all know Christmas is fast approaching, so what better thing to do than create some Christmas themed crafts and run some art workshops. First workshop, lino printing. I thoroughly enjoyed creating this Rudolf the red nose reindeer lino cut and print in our art session, just one of my design for Xmas. 

Halfway through cutting my design into the lino. 

My finished design carved into the lino, ready for printing.  

The printed result. Love it and sure the kids in the workshop will too. 

Who can resist that smiling face? 

More designs to be added soon!

Big Hoot Art Trail in Birmingham is a major success

The Big Hoot's been such a unique & worthwhile project to work on. But there's still time for you to see the owls in Birmingham before they all fly off to their new homes. 

For more photos visit my fan page: 

Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndphotography

Minnie Mouse Paper Plate Face

I am running a series of children's workshops this summer, all inspired by children's films and animations. 

Here's one I made earlier: 
Here is my Minnie Mouse paper plate face for my Disney themed children's workshop. The bow can be removed to make a Mickey to go along with Minnie. This is fun to make and works as a great party decoration too. 

My Minnie Mouse face ready for my workshop. 

View more of my workshop photos on my fan page: 
Facebook fan page

The Jungle Book - Paper Python

Some of The Jungle Book Kaa paper pythons from my children's workshop. 

I run workshops in schools, community centres, churches, museums, nurseries, hospitals and community centres. 

Using shape cutters to decorate paper pythons. 

Projects range from painting, printing, creating mosaics, bunting, henna, card making, knitting and more. 

Very impressive - hanging paper python, hypnotic eyes and all. 

My  workshops provide a chance to not only explore and learn different techniques, but to have fun creatively in a friendly, supportive and inspiring way. 

Work in progress, love the heart eyes and big smile. 

Get in touch if you would like a workshop: 
E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Meet "Chocolate," sweet name for a snake but why not. Love how this boy used the cutters to make holes in the snake's body instead. 

I love how the parents join in too, I sure they enjoy it just as much! 

Using butterflies as the snake's spots. 

Finished Jungle Book paper python, I love the colours! 

This girl had a broken arm but she did not let that stop her. Love the face. 

Street Art

If you're a fan of urban art like me you will know about Melbourne's famous Hosier Street. Melbourne's known as one of the world's great street art capitals for its unique expressions of art, not graffiti or tagging which is illegal. To me public art is at at its greatest. 

Street art on Melbourne's famous Hosier Street. 

"It's about uniting all the streets, bringing a gallery of art for everyone to enjoy."

To me public art is art at its greatest.

If you know of any other parts of the world with great street art please share them below, Sharon. 

As with all creative people your surroundings make a huge impact with the creative flow of new ideas. As I am always working at new and different places I feel there is always many things around me that inspire me. But now and then the views from my studio make a huge difference! . . . . 

Fab views from the studio of Birmingham city where lots of lovely creative people work. 

With fab views like this I am sure they inspire everyone! Time for some art!

As always do not forget to visit my Facebook page: 

Click to visit my fan page

My Henna and Art Workshops

I really enjoy delivering creative workshops to allow people to have a go at henna or different arts and crafts. I run these in various local places like community centres, schools, churches, museums stay and play groups and more! 

One of my Henna workshops in a church. 

These photos are from one of my henna workshops through Birmingham Ikon Gallery, held with the Friendship Club for the Retired group at St Edburgha's Church. 

One of the members having a go at watercolour painting. 

These workshops were based on my masterclass with Artist if the year Imran Qureshi. 

Someone enjoying doing henna for the first time. 

Send me an email if you would like a art or henna workshop:

E: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com

Masterclass: Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year

I had a unique opportunity to attend a miniature portrait painting masterclass with Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year, Imran Qureshi. Sitting on the floor in the painting studio created such a relaxed environment to paint in. 

My miniature tree painting inspired by Imran Qureshi. 

Pakistani born Qureshi paints trees and leaves, some of which are adorned with gold leaf. It's important to use natural ingredients and materials in the process of creating the art. For example to make the glue for the wasli paper making process we slowly heated flour and water. Qureshi said . . . 

"for me, when I make my own wasli paper I have started my painting". 

My miniature painting using a size "0" brush. 

Qureshi has created site installations for museums in New York, Sydney and Sharjah where he painted the gallery floors and walls with intricate flowers. 

My henna inspired miniature painting. 

Since the masterclass we have run a series of workshops in places like schools, community centres and churches to pass our knowledge. It was then great to see all our artwork in an exhibition at Birmingham's Ikon Gallery, below. 

  

Below, some of the artwork from our children's workshop in a community centre. 

Our artwork playing on the projector at our "Love Hobmoor Community Centre" event.

Artwork from our children's workshops in a community Centre. 

Get in touch if you would like a workshop. 

E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Communal Artwork

Our recent event invited the local community for free dance, drumming, miniature painting with Ikon Gallery, a shared lunch and the unveiling of our communal artwork led my Hasret Brown. The finished artwork below is made up of stenciled shapes painted by local people in the workshops, then fitted together by lead artist Hasret. 

The finished communal artwork displayed permanently in our local community centre. 
© Copyright Hasret Brown. 

The aim of the workshops were to bring the community together and create a permanent piece of artwork for a community centre. 

So nice to see the unveiling of the finished artwork created by local people and enjoyed by everyone.
© Copyright Hasret Brown.

© Copyright Hasret Brown. 

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Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com

Graphic Design - Leaflet

A Leaflet I design for Forever Eagle, advertising some of their aloe vera products. 

My leaflet design

If you have a product you need to advertise or a brand to establish send me get in touch:

E: Sharon_kerala@hotmaail.com
FB: Join my Facebook page
Twitter: @MonsoonArts

Ikon Gallery Opportunity

It has been really good to work with other Artists and creative people this week on a new project at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham. Then to end the week walking through the German Markets in the dark with the Christmas lights was so nice and festive. 

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

This opportunity will now allow me to share my new creative skills and techniques with others through running workshops within the community which I am really looking forward to. 

More info to follow soon. 

Kids love art, particularly on themselves. So how about a temporary henna tattoo like this one that I created on a really young child recently. 

I do henna events for children. 

Get in touch if you would like a henna event:
E: Sharon_Kerala@hotmail.com
Facebook Page
Twitter

My Art Workshops

I run art workshops in primary schools. Pupils use a variety of mediums including watercolour paints and watercolour pencils, acrylic paint, printing and things like gemstones, tissue paper, sequins and gold / silver paint pens. 

Projects range from creating mosaics, bunting, henna inspired art, foam printing and more. This enables pupils to learn different techniques whilst also developing their creativity. 

A mosaic created by a Key stage 2 pupil in my first primary school art workshop. These designs were inspired by landscapes. 

My Art workshops provide children with a chance to explore and have fun creatively in a friendly, supportive, motivating & inspiring way. It's rewarding to see young minds get enthusiastic and inspired through art, 

Get in touch if you'd like a workshop or after school club in a school, day centre, community centre, playgroup, hospital, church or just for fun at home for children's parties. 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography
Twitter: @MonsoonArts

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World Cup Brazil - For the Love of Colour

I love anything positive that brings people of the world together like the Olympics and now the World Cup. Some of you may hate the football but I enjoy it as although teams play against each other, it unites people. Barriers like language, race or background are broken despite war, poverty and crime. We all sing, cheer and celebrate for our love of football, it is infectious. 

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said of the World Cup: 

"As the only game in the world that is played in every country by people of every race and religion." 

Art also brings people together, every 4 years Brazilians paint their streets for the love of football. This year they are sharing it with the world. 

With the World Cup starting today watch a country brought to life by its people and explore the colourful streets of Brazil in this short video to infect the non football fans amongst you! 

Henna, Arts and Craft Day

If you love henna, arts and crafts you may be interested to come along while I do henna. Choose from my designs and take a seat to enjoy the live music (TBC) while I do a beautiful henna design on you. Then enjoy the other crafts on offer. Full details/music to be confirmed. 

Click here for event details

Me doing Henna a Diwali event. 

Fab Page:  Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/74998172@N08/
Twitter: Twitter.com/MonsoonArts

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Bruno Mars Artwork

My new stripped back Bruno Mars artwork created in a different style from my usual colourful one to reflect Bruno's cool slick and retro look. 

Mixed media sketch and computer generated artwork. 

Get in touch if you have a photo that you would like me to create in this same style. 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
My Facebook Page

My Flower Print Photography Exhibition

My year long Flower Print Photography Exhibition is currently at location 3 of 4 across the West Midlands. I love flowers and many of my photos from this collection were shot in my garden. They capture the beautiful colours of Summer in full bloom, bringing sunshine, colour and warmth to your home. 

Flower Print Exhibition - Location 3 of 4: Solihull Hospital, England. 
Bold and colourful, sure to brighten up a blank wall. 

If there is a print that you would like to buy please get in touch using the details below. All artwork comes framed and ready to hang. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 
Makes a nice gift ideal for Mother's Day or nature lovers. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Flower Print Exhibition at Solihull Hospital. 

My Artist Statement.  

I also cover kids' birthdays, pet photography, church weddings and special occasions. Please get in touch: 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com 
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MonsoonArts 
Fan page: www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

Celebrate Life - Charlie Chaplin's Iconic Speech

We have all heard of Charlie Chaplin, an endearing actor, entertaining and inspiring millions in his silent movies without needing to speak a word. 

But when he did speak, he inspired generations, as shown in his iconic speech in his 1940 movie "The Great Dictator" which I had to share for those who have not watched it before: 

With this speech in mind I wanted to share a piece of art that captures the beauty of his wisdom, as relevant today as it was back then in 1940. What will you take from it?

Charlie Chaplin inspired artwork. 

Make-Up - Another form of Creativity

Like Henna, make up is another form of creativity whose medium is the human body. It is used for theatre, TV, film, fashion, photography, magazines & the modeling industry. To show you some creative striking eye make up, here is 1 of my photos.

They say 

"eyes are the windows to the soul"

but if you're a good person and beautiful inside, it's reflected on the outside too. 

Rainbow VW Beetle Print

It is common knowledge that I love the classic VW Beetle. A car full of personality, which is why I set my hand sketched and computer generated picture against a swirly rainbow background. It also seems that many others like this print too as it is fun and colourful. So I have created more prints ready for purchase. 

Post by Monsoon Arts & Photography.

Photo Enhancement and Restoration

I have restored an old photo of my parents taken a week after they got married over 40 years ago. I wanted to enhance this photo and bring it back to life. I did this by restoring colour due to sun damage, removing blemishes and taking out the ugly patches in the bricks. 

While old photos have a nostalgia to them, they can also become like the original that someone remembers them as. 

I really like this photo and always really enjoy enhancing them! 

Please get in touch if you would like me to bring an old photo back to life. 

Email: Sharon_kerala@hotmail.com
Tweet: @MonsoonArts
Fan Page: www.Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography

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My Christmas Gift Ideas

I am excited to say we are now in the festive season! I love the build up, the festive feeling and the way the streets look so magical when darkness falls with the lit up Christmas lights, the streets just come alive. I have put together some gift ideas for you from my own artwork. 

So get in touch if you would like to buy a loved one an original handmade gift this Christmas. 

I have a variety of Christmas cards with a quality red envelopes to compliment your gift. 

Some of my Christmas cards. 

Ocean inspired seashell earrings. (The necklace has been sold). 

Treat a loved one to a henna session with myself. 

Seashell Earrings 

My Union Jack with classic British icon the Mini Cooper was inspired by our great British summer of the Jubilee and London Olympics. A mix of photography, sketches and computer generated arts. 

Cute handmade baby boots for a boy or girl. 

Choose from a range of greeting cards with matching coloured envelopes to accompany your gift. 

Framed and unframed paintings, photography and lino prints. 

Treat a loved one to restoring and bringing back to life a much loved old photo. 

My purple and pink Mardi Gras mask makes a nice decorative piece.  

Choose from a range of large and small framed flower photography prints. These prints will add colour and a touch of summer to any room.