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. 

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. 

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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Mardi Gras - Mask Making Worksheet

My Mardi Gras mask Decorated in my favourite colours using paint, feathers, sequins & gemstones.
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

What is Mardi Gras? 

It's the final day of carnival, a day of fun, feasting and merrymaking. It is celebrated in many Christian cultures just before the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and called Shrove Tuesday in English.

My Mardi Gras mask. 
© SHARONJEET GALSINH. 

Why Masks?

It is tradition to wear a masks and costumes on Mardi Gras day. They are used at the parades to get attention from float riders and the balcony revellers. Masks are made of feathers, sequins, glitter and even plaster. They imitate all the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras. Gold, purple and green masks embody the colours, spirit, pride and the true feeling of Mardi Gras. 

Try glueing feathers on one side instead of the middle. Use a peacock feather to create a different look & add coloured ribbons too.  
© Image from http://storepetsupplies.com

Materials: 
Mask pattern
Craft foam or card

Scissors

Sequins, gemstones, ribbons, glitter, feathers

Paint

Wooden dowel or straw

Glue

Instructions: 

1. Print the mask pattern and draw on a piece of card or foam.

To enlarge template right click & select Open image in new tab then draw on card / foam. 

2. Cut it out including 2 holes for the eyes. 
3. Paint the dowel / straw gold and leave to dry. 
4. Now you can get really creative. Using the glue decorate the mask with gemstones, glitter, sequins, ribbon and paint. 

5. Glue a feather to tge back of the mask. 
6. Glue the dowel / straw at the back to one end of the mask. 

Your mask is finished!! Have fun parading! 

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

© SHARONJEET GALSINH

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Photography: Black & White or Colour?

Technology has allowed us to move from black and white to colour in both TV & cinema, yet  black and white photography is still very popular. It conveys a scene very differently, revealing details, patterns, forms and shapes more clearly, forcing us to concentrate on tone and texture that colour may distract us from. Stronger light means stronger shadows and a change in contrast creating a more striking image with more impact in  black and white. 

I  used black and white film to emphasize the mood and atmosphere of the canals and to give an old feel. This shot wouldn't work well in colour as the mood would be lost. I composed the shot so the tunnel frames the scene. 

Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

black and white works well for street photography to create a gritty look. Emphasise this by increasing the ISO to add more noise. Use a slow shutter to create a softer look in landscapes. Create a much more powerful portrait in  black and white instead of colour. 

Oiginally photograpehed in Illford black and white film I changed the colour to a sepia tone to give an old feel. I like the strong reflection and also the juxtaposition of the old bridge and new buildings. Although not in black and white, colour would not work in creating an old feel and may look too distracting. 

Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

So what works better - Black & White or Colour? 

It depends on what you're shooting. Black and white works well to emphasise a low key Image, that is those made of dark mid-tones and shadows, good if you want to create a sombre or moody feeling, such as on an overcast, cloudy day. However, low key images can also be uplifting by having areas of bright highlights like sun rays. To capture a dramatic landscape a great time is shooting just before of after a storm. However a sunset will always work better in colour. 

My low key shot. I love the brooding dark sky and the distant silhouetted landscape against the uplifting sun rays with it's shimmer on the water. Note this shot's in colour but works as it's made of dark mid-tones. 
Copyright © SHARONJEET GALSINH

Try it yourself
The easiest way is it use photo editing software, create a duplicate of one of your best shots and convert it to black and white. How does compositional elements change, note how colour changes to greys, is shape and form emphasised? Is the atmosphere changed? You'll be surprised at the difference. 

Hello, welcome & Merry Christmas!

I'm Sharon, I create colourful & vibrant paintings, photos & cute mini greeting cards. In my blogs you can: 

• Get art tips & ideas so you can learn & try new techniques yourself. 
• Receive ideas on art projects for children to enjoy to keep them inspired & allow their creativity to grow. 
• Get a glimpse into my studio & see what I'm working on. 
• See what inspires me from other artists/photographers, cultural places I like to visit & how I get my ideas. 
• See what materials & techniques I'm using. 
• Read what challenges I've encountered. 

Monsoon Arts & Photography

You can also like my Facebook page Facebook.com/MonsoonArtsAndPhotography to see my latest designs as well as dates/times/venues of my next shows, exhibitions, fairs, festivals & table top events, along with photos. 

I'll soon be creating an online shop to sell my paintings, photos & greeting cards so look out for that.

Meanwhile I wish everyone a festive & fun filled Merry Christmas.