The Challenge for February is Alphabet

By Susan Irving “Amanita Muscaria” or Fly Agaric is  a poisonous mushroom known to cause hallucinations, and possible death, if ingested. Often those who ingested this mushroom, whether accidentally or on purpose in ages past, would think they had been somehow enchanted and transported  off to fairyland or some such magical realm.  They might see such things as a princely frog, or a dragon planning an invasion of an island castle, or even be sent to an underwater realm where  mermaids swim. 

By Laura Peck

Hummingbirds and Co:
An up and down story 

Once upon a time, in the Artists' Collective's history
The monthly challenge was whimsy 
"Up and down"
One of the members was excited and early
Bird stamps after bird stamps,
The large and the tiny, 
Birdies became alive, like in a short story.
Very satisfied she was with the finish piece.
She took a photo, put it away and forgot about it.
Last minute, she submitted a writing piece 
Oblivious of the Hummingbirds and company. 
In November the piece was hanging at the library,
Laura had a solo show, fun and friendly. 
Someone had a crush on it, happily.
Purchased right away Hummingbirds and company.
A couple of days later, the buyer wrote, very kindly:

"Here are two photos that show your beautiful Hummingbirds & Co in its new home. It’s on the wall above the closet door in my office, where I can see it easily from my desk.  I think the elevated position suits the birds. I will enjoy its joyful beauty every day!"
Barb.

By Rose Lorimer This painting is a meditation on the enchantment,  awkwardness and challenge of relationships in the beautiful forests of our lives.

The background is created with fluid acrylics spilled out of shovels about 4 x 6″.  The various shades were poured into each shovel and tipped onto the canvas while pulling it across the canvas. Very  fun! Took many weeks for the whole thing.

By Susan Latreille I must admit that when I saw the theme for the December Challenge, my mind immediately envisioned fairy lights and cherubic Christmas babies. Then I decided to look up the dictionary definition of enchanting, and Merriam-Webster said “powerfully pleasing, appealing, or delightful.” That describes exactly my newfound passion for the art of watercolour painting. But although fashioning brushstrokes over paper and watching the ensuing result is enchanting to me, did I actually have any artwork that of itself might be enchanting to others? 

I decided to share two 5 x 8″ paintings that I did for the Holiday Season.

I hope you find them somewhat enchanting.

By Laura Peck (Again!)

Once upon a time, 
a bored colorful stamp board,
a bit shy, 
was looking for some excitement.
A timely challenge and a few cut and paste,
Brought him life and enjoyment.
That was it. That was his moment. 
He now is the Enchanted Australian Surf and Sky.