21 October 2011

A gloomy Day




Today I went to see a new Rheumatologist after my old one (literally) retired!

The news wasn't that good. I also need to have lots more xrays and ultrasounds to further investigate the degeneration over the last 18 months.

There is a whole big long list of things going wrong with my body. Pain medication isn't working and I'm constantly struggling through pain 24 hours a day. I have medication to help me sleep and pain medication that just makes me like a zombie. (which I don't like) I take general pain medication and avoid the opiates as much as possible, when I can.

I am being referred to a pain management centre to try to work out a better pain management program to help me cope and to relieve pain.

I have had a lot of blood tests today, to check my kidneys, liver and inflammation.

The findings are extensive, and this is just a few - so I'm here whinging today - sorry :(

POLYARTHROPATHY - Osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints... HIPS, SHOULDERS worst.
FIBROMYALGIA - Muscular pain and burning muscles, tender points widespread. Nerve pain.

Extremely High levels of inflammation throughout my body.
Hip Trochanteric Bursitis (mostly LHS)
Hip Degeneration - osteoarthritis (Both hips)
Facet Joint degeneration - osteoarthritis
Shoulder bone abnormality RHS causing supraspinatus tendon tearing.
Shoulder Bursitis - Both shoulders
Shoulder Rotator Cuff tearing - Both shoulders
Osteoarthritis damage to both shoulders
Degenerative Knee problems
Degenerative Ankle problems
Plantar Fasciitis - why I can't stand on my feet in the mornings!!
Wrist and Ankle degeneration through the osteoarthritis
Deformation of index finger LHS - arthritis

I now am in need of Shoulder Arthroplasty - Basically shoulder replacements!!

I could be in line for a Hip Replacement!!

My left index finger has developed Heberden's nodes - a permanent bony outgrowth that often skews the fingertip sideways.

This is just my joints problems!! I also have other things like Hypothyroidism and Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Then there is the emotional stuff I'm having to deal with - PFTT.

I think I will go have a glass of wine now, It can't hurt can it :)

I am 49 years old and feel 99.

If you got this far, thanks for reading and listening to my whinge for today. I'm trying to keep up a positive attitude as I know things could always be worse... but I'm really feeling Disheartened today - and I guess I worry about my art-producing abilities in the future.

Lots of Love & Hugs,

Me xo

19 October 2011

COPIC Vs PRO


Here's the COPIC FAQ Link for further info - http://www.copicmarker.com/faq

Copic Markers are the original line of high quality illustrating tools used for decades by professionals around the world. Available in 214 colors, the Copic Marker style has nine replaceable nibs and refillable ink.
Copic_pile1_header

Sketch Markers come in all 346 colors. The replaceable Super Brush nib acts like a paintbrush in both feel and application. Sketch Markers feature refillable ink and optional nibs and are compatible with the Copic Airbrush System.

Sketch_pile_header

Ciao Markers offer all the features of our Sketch Marker, but in an economical size. Now available in 180 colors and featuring the same replaceable Super Brush and Medium Broad nib and refillable ink, the Ciao matches the Sketch in every area of quality for a lower price.

Ciao_pile1_header


Today after discussions on one of my streams, I was using Copics and doing a demo. The discussion on Pro Markers inspired me to investigate any differences for anyone that may be looking at purchasing markers. I found some interesting pointers & information during my research from around the globe and various forums etc., Here's some information for consideration when deciding which markers you would like to purchase.

If anyone has any further information or links, please feel free to comment and I can include in this post.

These opinions are not all mine, nor do I say they are right or wrong - however I do tend to agree with most of them :)

Personally, I use Copics because they are refillable and I can replace the nibs if they get worn or if I want the same colour with a different style nib.. ie: Brush nib, bullet nib. The Copic Sketch markers also come in 334 colors...because even with that many, there are other colors I could use! LOL I also know they have been tried and tested. Pro markers look to only come in 148 colours. BOTH markers used individually can create shades of that same colour by laying more colour over the areas. This is because they are both transparent. I also like the fact that you can purchase refills to use for other things - just like good old alcohol inks!! So imagine the variety of alcohol inks you have with copic refills!! Lots cheaper than regular alcohol inks too. Also you can create your own coloured markers with Copics... get empty pens and mix refill inks together to create your totally Own unique colour blend :)

Now for some info I found online -

Alcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Blender- The Copic Colorless Blender pen/ink. This is ethanol based and is not the same as blender pens from some other companies. Used for fixing mistakes, making colors lighter and for special effects.

Regarding the INK in the markers - Promarkers do NOT have the same ink. Copic markers are ethanol, and pro markers have a different alcohol composition. Promarkers are not tested 3 times by hand before they are shipped to customers, and they do not have a 3year shelf-life guarantee (if you don't use a Copic marker for a while it will still be juicy, guaranteed).

Promarkers also smell more than Copic markers. Copic markers come in a whole lot more colors, and if you really want a super-fine nib, you can buy a Copic original marker and replace the fine nib with an even smaller nib.

As an artist, and not just someone who works for Copic, you will get more for your money with Copics and be happier in the long run.
__________________
marianne my blog: www.ilikemarkers.blogspot.com

I haven't used Promarkers but I have used Tria which are also made by Letraset and look very similar. I didn't like the feel of the chunkier barrel as much as the Copic Ciao or Sketch and the Copic nibs are hands down, different ball-park, better quality. I actually snapped a Tria nib just by putting the cap on slightly squint - yikes! My experience with those would put me off buying Promarkers. __________________
Joanne x

If you're looking for a firm, fine point, go with the Copic Original markers. If you want to try the unique brush that most people prefer then go for Sketch or Ciao. if possible, find someone who has them and try one first so you can see what we mean. try looking at a fine-art store, as they frequently have Copic markers.

If you have maybe made your selection, whether promarkers or copic,
however; you may want to consider that a "google search" brings up tons of
copic tutorials versus promarkers for a ton of information when it comes to copic combination colors to use, blending combinations to use, color combinations to buy for future purchases and tutorials with copics used in card craft listed. I've never
regretted copic
__________________
Carolyn



Here is a link about Promarkers - http://www.promarker.info/

Tria Flex (brush tip) Pro

PROMARKERS -

  • Alcohol based, non-toxic, permanent ink
  • Multi surface application: use on paper, card, vellum, acetate, glass, wood, metal and plastic
  • Outstanding tone and vibrancy
  • Colours are transparent and can be overlaid to create a variety of tone and shading effects
  • Ideal for illustrators, students and hobbyists
  • Twin tipped allowing for a variety of strokes within one marker
  • 148 colours available

  • I hope this post clarified some differences between the markers, and showed why I choose COPIC as my marker of choice :)

    Thanks for visiting - stay creative!!

    Lorri xo

    6 October 2011

    Journal Girl

    INTRODUCING "MS DETERMINATION"

    This is my latest painting in my newest journal... she is long across two pages :)



    Todays Sketching

    Today I have been absorbing myself with some little sketches, some of these might be painted, some may not.

    Here's a little peek at some of my most recent sketches that I have not uploaded before.



    These are 30 second scribbled faces:





    Colour Challenge with Jordan

    I finished my little painting for the colour challenge... I did find it hard to work with a limited amount of colours, especially the one's we both chose.

    We chose RED, BLUE, GREEN & LIGHT ORANGE

    Here's my Finished Girly :)
    Don't forget to pop over to Jordan's blog and check out her out too, she is an amazing young artist!!

    Here's Jordan's gorgeous heart art from our challenge -:

    I enjoyed doing this with you Jordan, and thank you for considering me to collaborate with <3