Endangered Species Series - The Leatherback Sea Turtle

The Species of Origin

Presents:

Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Critically Endangered

Leatherback Hatchling

• Average weight: Up to 900 kg (2,000 lbs)
• Average length: Up to 2 m (7 ft)
• Average lifespan: 30 - 45 years
• Range: Worldwide distribution (tropical to sub-polar oceans)
• Nests: Tropical (rarely sub-tropical)
• Diet: Carnivore – soft-bodied animals such as jellyfish and salps

About:

Leatherbacks, with the widest global distribution of all reptile species (and possibly all vertebrates), are the largest turtles on earth, and the last surviving representatives to a family able to trace their evolutionary lineage further than 100 million years in the past.

Of all sea turtles, Leatherbacks travel the longest migration routes to breed and feed, averaging 6,000 km (3,700 miles) each way. At one time these peaceful giants dominated the Arctic and Antarctic in large numbers, but over the past few decades their population has plummeted to the point of grave concern.

Found in temperate and tropical waters of the Mediterranean Sea, to the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Leatherbacks are able to travel from Canada and Norway to New Zealand and South America due to their ability to generate and maintain body heat in cold waters. Large body size, a thick layer of fat (high oil content), and adjustments in both swimming activity and blood flow (thermoregulatory – counter-current heat exchange system) are adaptations that have allowed these graceful creatures to travel the various global waters.

The Leatherback shell isn’t hard and bony like other sea turtles. These reptilian relics have an inky-blue carapace [approx 4 cm (1.5 inches) thick] which is fairly flexible, making it almost rubbery to the touch. This leathery shell is filled with oil-saturated connective tissue covering loosely interlocking dermal bones, designed with seven thick, hydrodynamic, longitudinal ridges which taper to a rounded point. 

They have no claws or scales on their flippers; the back ones look and act like paddles or large rudders, while the powerful front ones are quite a bit longer than found in other sea turtles. These amazing creatures can dive deeper than all other turtles, to depths of 1,280 meters (4,200 ft), and can remain submerged for up to 85 minutes.

The adults mate at sea, and then the females journey ashore for the night-time nesting rituals involving excavating a hole in the sand, depositing 80 to 100 eggs, then covering the nest before heading back out to sea. This is repeated several times during the nesting season with 8 to 12 day intervals. Sadly, the beach nesting leaves large disturbed areas of sand which allows for easy detection by predators and poachers.

Interestingly, the temperatures found within the nest will determine the sex of the hatchlings. A mix of both male and female can only occur when the temps stay within the approximate range of 29.5 degrees Celsius (85.1 degree Fahrenheit), while hotter will produce females and cooler will generate males. Surviving males will spend the rest of their lives at sea, while the females will return to the same nesting areas after reaching sexual maturity to repeat the cycle with their own offspring.

Trivia: The largest leatherback ever found was an 8.5-ft-long (2.6-m-long) male weighing 2,020 lbs (916 kg) that washed up on the west coast of Wales in 1988.

What is their Status? 

 

Critically Endangered (IUCN RedList)

From: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/6494/0

“The main procedure for evaluating the status of sea turtles is through surveys of reproduction activity at nesting beaches. Decline in nesting has been documented to be much greater than 80% in most of the populations of the Pacific, which has been considered the species' major stronghold. In other areas of its range, the observed declines are not as severe, with some populations showing trends towards increasing or stable nesting activity. Analysis of published estimates of global population sizes (Pritchard 1982, Spotila et al. 1996), suggest a reduction of over 70% for the global population of adult females in less than one generation. The populations in the Pacific Ocean, the species’ stronghold until recently, have declined drastically in the last decade, with current annual nesting female mortalities estimated at around 30% (Sarti et. al. 1996, Spotila et al. 2000). In some areas, formerly abundant rookeries have almost disappeared. For the Atlantic Ocean, the available information demonstrates that the largest population is in the French Guyana but the trends there are unclear. Some of the Caribbean nesting populations appear to be increasing but their sizes are very small when compared to those that nested in the Pacific coasts less than 10 years ago.” (Published in 2000)

Main Threats:

Egg harvesting and illegal poaching have removed more than 95% of the clutches in some parts of the world, particularly Malaysia, taken from nests to be consumed for food or as an aphrodisiac. It’s estimated that only one in a thousand hatchlings survives to adulthood. Long-line and driftnet fishing are also serious threats, causing both adults and juvenile to be captured while on migratory routes. The killing of nesting females on beaches for oil extraction along with traditional hunts and customs are also of serious concern. Finally, oceanic pollutants, especially plastics which resemble jellyfish, their favourite food, are a significant cause of mortality, finding as much as 5 kilograms (11 lbs) of plastic in some individual turtles.

Important Pages & Info:

Free the Leatherback: http://www.freetheleatherback.com/

Vancouver Aquarium – Aqua-facts: http://www.vanaqua.org/learn/aquafacts/reptiles/leatherback-turtles

WWF Global: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/marine_turtles/leatherback_turtle/

Arkive Images: http://www.arkive.org/leatherback-turtle/dermochelys-coriacea/#src=portletV3api

Note 2: This little guy is featured in one of the artworks which I'm presently working on (from The Endangered Species Series). Stay tuned for more info (and the big unveilings), but in the meantime, please have a read and ...

~ Be The Change ~

Endangered Species Series - The Sea Otter

"The Species of Origin" matures and begins to come into its own

Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Sea Otter photo by Tsuneo Nakamura

• Average weight: - Male: 32 to 41 kg - Female: 18 to 27 kg
• Average height: 1.4 m
• Average lifespan: 15 to 20 years  
• Fur: 1.6 to 2.6 million hairs per square cm (thickest of any animal in the world)
• Gestation: 6 to 8 months
• Litter Size: 1 pup, but sometimes giving birth to twins

• Threats: Oil spills, habitat loss and degradation, food limitation, disease, fishing gear entrapment and conflict with shellfish fisheries. 

About:

Although they may look clumsy on land due to mismatched leg sizes, it’s for good reason. The strong hind legs endowed with webbed feed allow amazing manoeuvrability while paddling at great speeds, while the small front legs boasting stiff toes assist with complex food handling. They are the second smallest marine mammals but the largest of the weasel family.

Rather than blubber it’s very thick fur that keeps these marine mammals warm in the icy Pacific Ocean waters. Two layers provide insulation by trapping air between a thick under-fur and a “guard hair” fur layer, which changes colour with age, often from black, pale brown, to silver. 

These hungry little guys are capable of eating ¼ of their body weight a day. They’re preferred snacks are abalones, clams, crabs, mussels, octopus, and sea urchins. After diving over 100 murky metres or slamming shellfish against small rocks in order to get to their food source, otters will then roll and float on their backs to have their meal, their chests becoming the diner table.

Since dirty, matted fur doesn’t work as efficiently to trap sufficient heat the sea otter spends a large of the day cleaning itself. Oil spills are a huge threat to the Sea Otter, making it impossible for the otter to clean away the sticky substance before it freezes to death.

Sea Otter Year-round Range according to Canadian Geographic

Although there used to be hundreds of thousands of Sea Otters living on the Pacific coast between Mexico and Alaska, in the 1700s the fur trade started picking away at their numbers dramatically, causing them to plummet down around 1000 to 2000 in the early 1900s, to the point where they had to be re-introduced to British Columbia (89 of them between 1969 and 1972). Vancouver Island & Goose Island now has an estimated 2500 Sea Otters living off their coasts. Off the coast of California, the numbers have been estimated to be around 2,700 as of 2010, while Canada, Alaska, and Washington combined have seen numbers between 64,600 to 77,300, Russia estimates around 15,000, and Japan only about a dozen according to Defenders of Wildlife.

What is their status? 

Endangered

From: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/otter.pdf 

"Following reintroduction the Sea Otter population in Canada has increased to about 900 animals and has been growing at a rate of 17 to 20 percent per year. The Sea Otter has been assigned Endangered status by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), and receives legal protection as a marine mammal under the Canada Fisheries Act. It has been placed on British Columbia’s Red List and has been legally designated as an Endangered Species under the Wildlife Act. Throughout their range in the U.S., Sea Otters receive protection under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. The California population, a separate subspecies (variety) named the “Southern Sea Otter,” is afforded additional Federal protection as a Threatened Species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act."

A few Important Sea Otter Pages - Info:

Defenders of Wildlife: www.saveseaotters.org

Sea Otter Alliance: http://www.seaotterresearch.org/

Sea Otter Research at WERC: http://www.werc.usgs.gov/otters/

Wildlife in B.C. at Risk: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/otter.pdf 

Note: there are various species of Otter - this is a Fact Sheet about the Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)

Note 2: This little guy is featured in the latest artwork I’m presently working on (to be a series). Stay tuned for more info (and the big unveiling), but in the meantime, please have a read and ...

~ Be The Change ~

DIY Designer Denim

Time for a Wardrobe Revamp!

Don't throw out those old jeans ...

Turn them into your own personalities with tips from:

Denim Revolution

 

     

For over four centuries denim has been a part of this world's diverse fabric. Whether you're pulling on a pair of Lee or Levi Strauss, bell-bottom or boot-cut, the assortment of brands and styles to choose from seems endless nowadays when it comes to denim trousers. The popularity of jeans has morphed from being synonymous with hard work to setting the latest trends in style and design.

No longer is comfort and durability the main criteria to finding that favourite pair of jeans. Before that special pair rises from the denim pile it has to hold up to newest standards established by THE power house called 'The Fashion Industry'.

Through the years, many different denim treatments have been introduced, including pre-washed, stone-washed, sandblasted, and vintage or dirty, which has not only jazzed up the jeans but also the price. As they  saunter down the runway, words like 'unique' and 'one-of-a-kind' have caused a boom for designer jeans, and revolutionized how these pants fit into the average closet, as well as the average budget. In a fluctuating economy affordability is more and more of a driving force when trying to find that perfect pair to add to your wardrobe.


Note 2: For reference about the history of denim (yes, the fabric IS that old - and Levis didn't invent it but rather reconstructed the concept) you can visit: http://www.bluejeanhistory.com/ and http://blog.denimgeek.com/history-of-denim/

Craft your Own

Enhance your pants 

 

Instead of trying to hunt down that ideal, affordable pair of originals, why not enlist your creative side to enhance your pants? Yes, those elite, genuine bogus designer knock-offs could be hiding in your very own closet right now. All you have to do is add some of your flair to them.

The trick is to dig out the comfiest pair (since they'll be worn quite a bit), no matter how ratty, tattered, or stained, which will simply enhances the look, then by adding just enough individuality in just the right places, you'll be the one setting trends in your neighborhood.

Here are a few ways of putting our stamp on any pair of jeans, without having to pay the big designer dollars. 

Ponder the possibilities 

A good place to start is to gauge whether or not the jeans require alterations, repairs, or cleaning, although a good wash is always recommended before beginning. Think of the jeans as your canvas. Find a celebrity pair that you like and tweak it to suit you. Basically, if you were able to cover one or two of your legs with removable tattoos, frills, or embellishments - 'body bling' - then what would it be? Plan it out, gather your supplies, and then set aside some time. 

Bleaching

  Bleach is the easiest, fastest, and most striking add-on. You can use a paintbrush, a sponge, a toothbrush, a washcloth, or a soaking tub to make dots, lines, or blobs, whiten one leg, two legs, or use the tie-dye technique for a fast and easy distinctive look. If you plan on painting on your jeans, you may want to bleach (then wash) those areas before painting to make the color stand out.

It can take some time for the subtle qualities of bleach to show through, so don't go too hard too fast. It's best to slowly add, since you can't put back the color you've taken away. Heat from a blow-dryer or sunshine can quicken the process, allowing you to work faster, but trial and error is all too often the best teacher. You may not always get the desired effect, but part of the fun is the surprise at the end.

Results - whitish?

Since manufacturers may have dyed the jeans, leaving the original colour of the fabric a bit of a mystery, rather than the white you'd expect from bleach, jeans can turn an unhealthy-looking dirty yellow, so test a small, unseen area (inside the waist, for example) to be sure you can live with the color. Remember, bleach will weaken the fabric, making it easier if you later want to distress the jeans, but also making them wear out a lot faster, shortening their life-span.

TIP

Do be careful how and where you choose to experiment with bleach since it will quickly, and sometimes uncontrollably, affect everything in the vicinity. It's recommended that you wear old clothes and gloves. Bleach can destroy surfaces, including your beautiful hands and nails. Slip plastic bags inside leg to produce different effects in front and back of leg. Use string or elastic bands to scrunch up various areas and create a tie-dye effect with bleach or color.

 

Paints and dyes

Painting on jeans is a clever way of covering unwanted stains, but it's also a brilliant way to make your own original mark. Along with the traditional fabric dyes out there, fabric paint is now available in a variety of colors. You can also purchase just the fabric binding medium that can be mixed with acrylic paint in the colour of your choice. Painting on denim isn't as easy and controllable as it sounds, but the results can be breathtaking.

While you should always follow the directions of individual products, the process usually involves allowing the painted art to dry for 12 to 24 hours, heat binding the colour into the fabric (a hot iron for about a minute on the reverse or throw them into a hot dryer for a bit), then washing as usual. For store-bought dyes, just follow the directions on the packet.

Fixative Recipe

• Serves: 1 Pair of Jeans
• Prep Time: about an hour
• Total Time: 1 and a half hour

Just like paints need to have a binder to 'fix' the colour to the fabric, many home-made dyes and colors need a fixative in order for the color to 'stick' to the fabric first. Keep in mind that since denim is such a durable fabric, it's also difficult to 'stain' your desired color.

A simple rule to remember is Salt for fruit dyes, and vinegar for flowers, leaves, or plants.

Ingredients

• Salt Fixer Recipe: 1/2 cup salt to 8 cups cold water
• Vinegar Fixative Recipe: 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar

Instructions

Simmer fabric in Salt or Vinegar fixative for about an hour, rinse, ring out, and then place item in dye or color bath.

Home made color dyes

Since darker jeans can help create the illusions of longer legs, if you want to gain height then try dying your jeans a shade or two darker. A quick way of doing this is by using strongly brewed coffee or tea. Both will give you varying colours depending on the strength as well as type of java or tea, but will also wash out over time so you may want to try a binder such as vinegar to prolong the color. Just soak the jeans in the pre-brewed liquid and keep checking for desired darkness (keeping in mind that they will lighten after every wash) - this can take up to 12 hours.

There are many ways of creating your own natural dyes from things found in your home. Spices such as Turmeric will give lovely shades of yellow, while fruits like blueberries and plumbs will give a range of blues, violets and reds. The garment can be simmered in the dye or color bath for an hour, or placed in the cooling bath water and left overnight. It all depends on the type of dye, fabric, and desired effect. The fun part is experimenting.

Tip

It's a good idea to wear gloves and old clothing. Like bleach, it's surprising how many stains get created from careless handling of paints and dyes, even home-made ones.

Embellishment

From buttons and bows, to bling-a-ding-ding nothing seems taboo when it comes to jeans. The limit is simply your personal style and taste. I find it helps to choose something that is meaningful to you, while keeping in mind that setting-off metal detectors is more hassle than it's worth. You can remove a belt, but you don't want to have to strip down to your skivvies. Also remember that the location of these items is important, particularly 'bulging' things like buttons or jewellery, since sitting or kneeling on them may not be comfortable, or advisable.

Sewing on pieces of fabric, leather, rope, or ribbon is also a nice touch. I do everything by hand, to ensure it stays-put. For my first 'embellished' pair of jeans I got my friends to sign their names, which I then sewed over in various colours. Sadly, after years of stylish comfort, they are no longer with us.

Distressing

Compared to most fabrics, denim's durability makes it perfect for distressing. Distressing such as grazes and holes should be saved for the end in order to achieve that more natural, aged look. Testing any technique before applying it is a good policy, but it's especially important with distressing techniques, since these can truly make or break the look and feel when it comes to pants. Basically, you're trying to achieve natural-looking abrasions, but try not to hack away at your pants without trying them on periodically. This will ensure that you don't destroy your jeans, and still have fabric in all the important places.

For end Frays, make a small cut where you to fray, leaving a raw edge. Knives, graters, clippers, pumice stones, or various grit sandpapers will pull the unattached threads away, but hanging items outside or washing a few times will help enhance the fray naturally over time. Cut frayed straggling threads that get too long, since they can become hazards, and use care when handling any kind of sharp tools. Try to steer clear of the stitching since this will only shorten the wear-ability of your jeans.

Hopefully this will spark some creativity within you, as well as save you a bundle of money while making you the talk of denim-town. Like all things, everything in moderation.

TIP

Try placing an item, such as a square coaster, in the back pocket and distressing the shape gently with sandpaper. This will give it a look of a wallet having lived in there for years.

Sometime less is more

Don't overdo the look you're aiming for since you can easily go from shabby chic to drabby geek.

Low-Calorie Oven-Baked Oatmeal

Love Oatmeal like me??

What more could you want but simple, low-calorie, and yummy!?

Mim-Oatmeal

             

Not your typical oatmeal!

Not just for breakfast, this revised oatmeal recipe also makes an amazing satiating snack, while keeping the calories under 200 (depending on what you add to it).

With so many possible creative additions, when you bake this recipe up as a cake, bars, muffins, or in ramekins, the wholesome goodness will appeal to any discerning eater.

The bars and muffins pack well, can be warmed in the microwave or toaster over, and frozen too. You can gobble them up as is, or add a bit of milk or yogurt to the bowl after heating, or smear on a bit of peanut butter for a to-go snack.

I like to mix the ingredients together and let them sit for a bit (even the night before) to give the oats a good soak - but then I cut the baking time to about 20 to 30 minutes (depending on your oven).

Basic recipe

• Serves: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: approx. 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 C egg whites
• 1/2 C unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 C large flakes rolled oats
• 1 C unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350 F

- Spray 9x9 cooking pan with non-stick spray.

- Whisk together applesauce and egg whites.

- Whisk in cinnamon, maple syrup, baking powder, and vanilla.

- Add Oatmeal, then milk.

- Mix well.

- Spread batter into the greased 9X9-inch pan (or distribute evenly in small muffin tins [liners recommended] or greased individual ramekin bowls).

- Bake at 350F (180C) for 30 to 45 minutes, until oats are softened, liquid is absorbed, and top begins to brown.

- Let cool slightly.

- Slice into 12 bars or serve up into bowls.

A variety of fun

Tasty ingredients can be added or interchanged in this recipe 

 

- One medium apple, cored , peel on or off, chopped into small pieces

- 1 or 2 Tbsp of instant coffee (for that extra morning perk-up)

- ¼ cup sliced (and/or toasted) almonds, or other nuts

- 1 Tbsp of brown sugar instead of maple syrup, or honey, or even molasses if you're so inclined (the more natural the better)

- Substitute applesauce for ¼ cup canned pumpkin and 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice

- 1/4 cup dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, cherries, dates

- Try adding plain or vanilla flavoured low-fat yogurt instead of applesauce (or with it - I've tried with and without and they both rock). Or put a dollop or two on top when serving

- Mush up a banana into the mix or add lovely slices on top before or after baking

- 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

- 1Tbsp of ground flax seed or chia seeds

- ½ tsp of cardamom, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp of allspice, ¼ tsp of nutmeg

- Chocolate chips (okay, maybe not in the low-cal version, but maybe in the romantic breakfast-in-bed edition)

- Get creative

Health Tip

I never used to eat breakfast - I know - terrible! But I'm a changed woman now, and understand that to stay healthy, fit, and lean I HAVE to eat breakfast. My favorite is oatmeal, which I eat nearly every single morning (hence why a little variety is fun). When I'm working out harder (especially weights) I like to add even more protein to my meals, but also fibre (otherwise I'm not 'regular' and feel yucky).

So here's my tip: I add a scoop of protein powder, and a heaping tablespoon of both milled flaxseed and psyllium husk, along with whatever spices I'm in the mood for at the time (usually heaps of cinnamon & jamaican allspice). I also chop up an apple or banana and put that in there. If I need extra liquid then I add a small serving sized container of low-fat yogurt (also cools it down enough for me to eat). It ends up being a huge bowl (especially once everything puffs up) but I gobble it up & it keeps me going ALL morning. A few hours later I usually get to my exercises without any hunger pangs or weakness.

From: http://www.burnthefat.com/high_protein_oatmeal_pancakes.html

Oatmeal pancakes! This is it! The world-famous "high protein apple-cinnamon oatmeal pancake." My single favorite (and most often eaten) recipe for so many reasons... and NOT just for breakfast!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oatmeal (rolled oats)
• 4 egg whites (1 egg yolk optional)
• 1/2 apple, diced
• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla)
• 1 T Cinnamon 
  
  Yield: 1 large pancake

Nutrition Info:

• Serving Size: 1 pancake
• Calories: 423
• Protein: 39.5 g
• Carbs: 53.5 g.
• Fat: 6 g. 

Instructions

1.) Put all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture has a semi-liquid pancake-batter-like consistency. 

2.) Spray some non-stick spray on a frying pan and pour the mixture into the pan. 

3.) Cook on medium heat. When one side is lightly browned and solid enough to flip, turn the pancake over with a spatula and cook the other side until lightly browned and firm.

Note: For higher protein diets, add one scoop of protein powder (I like vanilla protein - I use a "vanilla praline" that adds a really nice flavor to the recipe too). Wrap up your pancake in foil and take it to go, put it in the fridge for later use, or eat it hot right off the stove! Oatmeal pancakes will stay fresh all day long without requiring refrigeration.

Cooking and Nutrition Tips

This recipe makes one large (6-8" diameter) pancake and it's a complete meal. If you need fewer calories to accommodate your personal nutrition plan, simply decrease the amounts of all ingredients proportionately to get the desired calorie content you want.

If you need more calories, increase the amounts of the ingredients (For muscle building programs when I need more calories, I usually use a full cup of oatmeal). If you use more than a cup of oatmeal, it's best to make two smaller pancakes, because if the pancake is too large, it tends to fall apart when you try to flip it.

If the batter consistency is not right, you can use fewer egg whites or more oatmeal to make it thicker, or vice versa. (You could also add a bit of water or milk if it's too thick... remember to count any extra calories you put it). To add calories, you can also use a whole egg (I find that it changes the taste if you make it with all egg yolks, plus it adds calories, so use egg whites if you want to keep it "lighter.")

You can use other types of fruit such as bananas or raisins instead of apples (get as creative as you want - I must have seen at least a dozen variations on this egg whites and oatmeal recipe). Using a packet or two of non-caloric sweetener is optional. These taste pretty good just with the natural sweetness of the fruit. If you're on a higher calorie, higher carb plan, these pancakes are delicious with natural all-fruit jelly spread on top).

This is truly the ultimate travel meal because you can take it with you and it stays fresh for an entire day without refrigeration. Just wrap it up in foil and you're good to go!

It is also "finger food" and you can eat it conveniently a little piece at a time even while you're behind the wheel driving, flying on a plane, sitting in class or at a seminar, hiking up in the mountains, or just about anywhere else! (Many a seat-mate has enviously looked over at my 100% nutritious and 100% delicious meal as they ate whatever slop the airline had to serve them... Ha! They'll pack a pancake next time!)

No doubt, this one recipe will become a favorite of yours and a staple in your weekly menu plans. Best part - oatmeal pancakes get an "A+grade" and they are "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" approved, and they're so easy to make that even a kitchen dummy can do it.

Weaving Aussie Yarns - Dangers Down Under

In the mood for a wee visit to Oz?

Or perhaps you just feel like a giggle at someone else's expense (namely mine)?

Let me know if you're still up to venturing down under after you read:

             

Letters Home from Home

I must admit that when I first landed in Australia my "critter paranoia" ran a bit rampant.

Having watched one too many bloodcurdling documentaries, I knew that this land harbored countless hairy, scary, creepy-crawly things. My suspicions grew when even the travel agent cautioned about looking out for "things" everywhere: under chairs, behind bushes, in my shoes, in my clothes, in the bed, inside the car, and even in the refrigerator.

 

 Welcome to Australia 

 

If I had had any sense I might have heeded the words from this tongue-in-cheek tourism campaign by the "The Scared Weird Little guys"

SNIDER!! SPAKE!!! 

With all the words of caution I had received, if you wanted to get a quick rise out of me all you had to do was yell either, "Snake, snake!" or "Spider, Spider!" while pointing up or down, not even in the correct direction. To everyone's amusement I'd duck or jump appropriately corresponding to the angle of the finger. Yep, as soon as people find out you're new to the country you quickly become the latest party-favour.

Suddenly everyone felt entitled to dispense advice about my knowledge, or lack of, regarding the 'unfamiliar' hazards in my surroundings, adding to my caginess. They all had their own safety titbit, taking full advantage of my ignorance while looking like they cared, just to get a giggle. From drop-bears to car-chasing snakes, every urban legend in Australian history seemed to get a special invitation to the social functions I attended.

Over and over I was warned to be careful when lifting something up off the ground, before sitting or leaning on anything, or before digging into everything. From a garden bed, potted plant, to a bag of potato chips, nothing was safe. Needless to say, I was getting slightly unnerved and beginning to think that my house was Area 66.

Be prepared -       - but not too prepared!

Tales were told of giant fanged spiders, attacking killer scorpions, and ghastly deadly centipedes. It didn't help that I was already in the possession of a vivid imagination, which only fueled the Aussies' twisted sense of humor. So I went straight out and bought myself a pair of arm-length galvanized gloves, a crate of bug spray, and a sunhat the size of Manhattan that dropped 10lbs test netting down to my feet which tucked neatly into my knee-high, triple-stitched leather boots. I couldn't walk, could barely breath, looked ridiculous, but I was ready for almost anything now. All I had left to worry about where those dreaded 'climbers' since, under all this weight, I could easily topple over.

 

Look up! 

 

 

  There are things that can climb in Australia that are utterly terrifying. My first New Years Eve celebration was at a campground just outside of Perth, Western Australia. Shortly after dusk, being careful not to trip or step on anything, I made my way in the dark toward the black heap in the distance I knew was our vehicle to fetch some beverages. I looked at the tree we had parked next to, relieved to have located our car safely. The tree stood near the front tire closest to me, and I actually remember wondering why I had not noticed the funny bulging knot on its side. As I opened the door, triggering the interior light, two huge orbs where suddenly lit up next to me on the KNOT. That's when I realized IT wasn't a knot. We both froze staring at each other, not wanting to move, having no clue what the other species was capable of.

After I had been missing for a while, my friend finally decided to come looking for me, although I suspect that his concern was aimed more at finding out what was holding up the drinks. Rather than rescue me like the fearless hero I knew him to be in my dreams, he only managed to frighten me more by excitedly running around for cameras and witnesses before finally informing me that I was safe. He said it was a harmless Brushed Tailed Possum, and seemed to feel more anxiety for the animal than for me, mumbling softly to it as it crept away, "Did the big, bad, freaked-out Canadian scare the poor widdle possum?" If you ask me he looked ravenous, feral, and downright ferocious. The fact that he was shaking was obviously due to the anticipation of raking my eyes out and sinking his teeth into my juicy foreign flesh.

Stomp heavily to warn of your approach 

 

- and look ahead to spot potential dangers

 

Not having grown up in Australia, I wasn't used to even the simplest of tasks such as watching where I walked. Being slightly accident-prone to begin with, I usually have my work cut out for me with just keeping my balance, so stomping heavily to warn of my approach and looking at the ground ahead to spot potential dangers is just not something my body could handle without going into overload. This performance usually ended with me going ass-over-tea-kettle into the nearest mound of a porcupine-like, needle-sharp plant called Spinifex.

Something as simple as going on a drive in the middle of nowhere always ended up as a death-defying adventure when we'd break for a pit-stop on the side of some long stretch of lonely highway. Why I'd feel the need to find myself a bush when cars went by at monthly intervals is still a mystery to me, but I would. Old modesties die hard! My partner would shake his head and watch me head off with a hop in my step and a tiny roll of paper in my hand, giggling like an 8-year old discoverer. I'd carelessly skip along only to walk right into a huge spider web, flinging me back in a frenzied mass of flapping hands and kicked-up dust.

Look down! 

 

  Half the time I was so busy watching where I was stepping and looking at the ground ahead of me, that I would get overwhelmed and forget to look up. Then for a while the opposite would occur and I'd forget to look down, causing me to trip and tumble headlong into yet another spider web. After walking into several webs I adapted by starting to walk very, very slowly while waving my arms all about, looking as though I was attempting to take flight. It goes without saying that I was never nominated as excursion Leader.

I realize now that most of my fears were the result of not having a clue what to do during times of crisis in an unfamiliar country. It's not like the outback is littered with little glass cases that read, "In case of emergency break glass, cross your fingers, and try God because there's nothing here that can help you". Half the time you were lucky to get reception in the places I was brought to. I must admit that I did wonder if my partner might actually be trying to get rid of me in a place with endless spots to hide the body. I'm glad that I never had to find out whether or not I would have survived beyond the 911 operator's laughing & teasing as the poison pulsated its way towards my beating heart while I described the ridiculous events that lead me to that  desperate point.

 Australia - so many beautiful places - to ...

 

The Gruen Transfer - Australian Anti-Tourism #1

The Gruen Transfer - Australian Anti-Tourism #2

 

Trivia you may NOT want to know

There are 1500 species of Australian spiders!

Epi-pen to the rescue!

... or not!

Due to mild allergies of stinging insects in Canada, it was recommended that I carry an Epi-kit in my purse which I was expected to STAB myself with. This spike-tipped, epinephrine-filled tube is daunting to say the least, but when you see the size of some of the fangs which inject the venom it fights against, the needle no longer looks so bad. The real problem was in the timing. Those many times that I was busy placing myself in situations with those high risks of bites, nibbles, punctures, or stings, I rarely happened to have my fashionable purse slug across one shoulder. I may as well have painted a target on my butt. For all I knew, the Epi-pen only acted as postponement anyhow, while I tracked down and captured the 'attacker', mashed it up, dissolved it in milk, and drank it in order to be saved. 

 

Wear Sunscreen! 

 

  Finally, the Sun came into the picture. In Canada, I recall only once getting a slight burn on the tip of my nose and ears when I was a child, which just pealed and caused everyone to call me 'cute'. This memory combined with olive skin simply lulled me into the false belief that I was invincible against the sizzling power of this great golden orb. It didn't take long before Australia's rays set my olive skin ablaze into a tomato red hide. This set in motion the task of figuring out how to ease my seared & blistering skin, ending in an altercation consisting of threatening to throw myself at the pharmacist as though I had a contagious form of leprosy if he didn't make the pain go away.

 

Adapt 

 

 

After spending a decade in Australia, I got wiser and more informed about the dangers that lurked around me. I was more prepared and grew more confident as I stepped foot into the Aussie wilds. This was fortunate since my partner's work brought us to live in some interesting places. One of these noteworthy locations was up in the Pilbara of Western Australia, bringing me even closer to various new potential threats such as the fabled deadly Pilbara Cobra. Once again, I learned, adapted, grew, and lived on. The next things I knew someone was handing me a 'Hurricane Survival Kit'. 

 

 

 

The adventures continue

 

Koala bear in Canada

  Now, on yet another adventure, I find myself back in Canada, and having to explain to my Aussie partner why he should 'zip up' his coat, wear a 'tuque', and invest in a pair of boots rated to minus 71 degrees Celsius. Watching his inquisitive eyes as he tests to see if the ice is really as thin as they say, brings back old memories of a young woman tripping her way across Australia. Oh, how things have changed, from me looking out at the steaming Australian landscape as the walked off the plane, to my husband peering through our kitchen window every morning at the thermometer dangling outside, wondering if the 'cold spell' will ever end.

Just like those amusing Aussies did for me, I'll try to 'gently' ease him into the Country. (soft maniacal laughter)

Preventing bites from Animals in Australia

- a bit of seriousness

• 1 - Shake out things like shoes before putting them on - it's a favorite hiding spot for spiders and scorpions.
  If you can't see what's inside or beneath, don't put your hands or feet into or under things like rocks or logs, etc.
  Don't leave things lying on the ground that could provide shelter or cover for snakes since they tend to avoid open, exposed areas.
  Since most bites occur when people try to catch and handle dangerous animals, don't try to catch or pick creatures up.
• 2 - Snakes are especially dangerous when they're surprised, so when walking in the bush, particularly in the early morning stamp you feet occasionally. Snakes will move to holes and shelter as you approach. They are more scared of you than you of them so they will usually disappear if they know you are coming.
  If you get in a situation where you have a snake a few feet away from you, the best thing to do is to stand very still, and wait for the snake to leave.
  Carry a roll of crepe bandage with you when you go for a walk through the bush or long grass (in case of bite).
• 3 - If bitten - do not wash the bite area.
  Try to slow down the speed the venom travels through the body by wrapping a bandage firmly around the place where the bite is. This should not be so tight that the blood supply is cut off. If the bandage hurts it is too tight. DO NOT take the bandage off until you reach the doctor or the hospital.
  Try to avoid any unnecessary movement of this part of the body.
  Keep the injured person still. Do not let the person walk to get to help, bring help to the person, or carry the person to help.
  Try to keep the person calm. Poison spreads faster if the heart beats faster.
  Do not suck the bite.
  Do not try to catch or kill the snakes (You might get bitten too. Furthermore, snakes are protected in Australia.)
  Try to remember the color and shape of the snake to describe to the doctor.
• 4 - Wear shoes or scuba boots when walking in rock pools at the beach.
  Be very careful with shells, cans etc on the beach. They could have a dangerous animal hiding inside.
  Where possible swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
  Avoid swimming in canals or near a river mouth.
  Leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted.
  Avoid swimming alone; at dawn, dusk or at night, near schools of fish, or in murky waters.
  Never swim when bleeding.   

Oh My!

The Boss' Vacation to Australia

 

Dear Boss,

To ensure that you have a good time on your trip to Australia, your team members have planned and developed a special itinerary to fill the time during your leisure hours. Agenda follows:

Day 1: The "10 Deadliest Snakes" Fall Tour. You and a guest will be escorted through the outback and provided with the opportunity to handle and examine each of the world's 10 most deadly snakes.

Day 2: The "Great White Encounter." You and your tour guide will take a small boat to the Great Barrier Reef, where you will be able to dive into the chum-laden water and experience the beauty of the Great White  shark.

Day 3: The Aboriginal "Festival of Spears." You will be the honored guest of a small aboriginal village as they celebrate the subjugation of the aboriginal race by the white man, with free liquor and a special weapons exhibition.

Day 4: The "Crocodile Dundee" Petting Zoo. You will be able to come up-close and personal with the occasionally harmless salt-water crocodiles of the Australian coast. Lucky audience members are asked to participate in a crock wrestling exhibition.

Day 5: "Those Marvelous Morays." This tour will once again return you to the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, where you will be allowed to hand feed special finger-shaped sausages to the wild eels of Stubby Hand Reef.

Have a nice trip!

Your Employees

DIY 'Green' Repellents

OPEN BUG SEASON

Summer's here! Yay! ... Sadly so are mozzies and blackflies! Boo!

Don't want to coat yourself with DEET? 

Here are a few alternate solutions for you and your family.

             

Homemade Mosquito Repellents

With spring comes the promise of sunny days ahead, and cozy evenings around the fire making S'mores. It's when we tuck away the winter coats, boots, and mitts in exchange for lighter jackets, little dresses, and large sunhats. Not only is it time to dig out the full-strength sunscreen, but also the bug hats, bug nets, and all the bug paraphernalia you own in preparation for the flesh-slapping pest season ahead.

Yes, it's mosquito season again, and time to douse ourselves from head to toe in that scary bug spray to try to to ward off these unwelcome little guests.

While the war against mosquitoes can be fought by soaking in a vat of variety of oily, smelly, stinging, and dangerous commercial repellents available everywhere, some people prefer a more 'natural' line of attack against these pesky little blood-suckers. While they don't always work for everyone, some have experienced raging success with some home-grown blends.

Getting to know you

Meet the Mosquito

Responsible for more human deaths than any other creature on earth, over 4 million fatalities occur worldwide each year due to mosquito-borne viruses.

Water (particularly stagnant water) is needed for mosquitoes to complete their life cycle, which takes about 7 to 10 days.

Only the female bites to draw blood needing the source of protein in order to produce healthy offspring, while the male feeds on plant juices (nectar and other sugar sources).

The female can live more than 3 weeks in summer, and even many months through winter in order to lay her eggs in spring.

When biting, the female mosquito injects saliva which contains an anticoagulant to thin the blood, allowing her to suck up blood in a shorter period of time. This saliva is what most humans and animals are allergic to, causing the area to itch and swell to various degrees.

Mosquitoes prefer dark colours (especially black and blue), so wear loose, light-coloured (especially white and tan) clothing with long sleeves/legs to lessen the attack when working outdoors. Keep in mind that mozzies can still bite through thin, tight fabric.

A few mosquito transmitted diseases include Malaria, yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, dog or cat heartworm, Dengue fever, and Filariasis.

Ancient Family Recipe

Eat Me

Garlic: Apparently vampires aren't the only creatures who dislike garlic since it's one of the top anti-mozzy tips. Eating lots of it regularly won't only make your friends keep their distance, but mosquitoes too. If ingesting copious amounts of it doesn't appeal to you, then mixing one part minced garlic with five parts water, then adding a little lemon juice and a touch of mineral oil all together in a spray bottle is a good solution. Shake it well, squirt yourself liberally and regularly and it should do the trick.

Mystical Magical Concoctions

Spray me

Notes:

Always do a skin test before trying out anything new in case of allergic reactions or skin irritations.

Keep in mind that some stronger oils may discolour fabric.

When spraying, don't forget your ankles, and underneath thin sock, which is a favourite chewing spot for mozzies and chiggers.

Keep out of eyes, mouth, open cuts, and sores.

Not recommended for children under 3.

Oils: There are many essential oils available to keep bugs at bay. The best ones to try include: lemon balm; thyme; citronella; peppermint and tea tree oil. Choose a scent that you enjoy or make up your own concoction combining with Witch Hazel or Vodka (for that distilled feeling).

side note: not to be taken internally unless the Vodka is mixed with cranberry juice and a little lime

• Witchy Lemon Eucalyptus: Mix 1 to 5 parts of lemon eucalyptus oil with every 10 parts of Witch Hazel in a spray bottle depending on your sensitivity. Shake well, and spray onto skin.
• Gotta pulse?: Some people have a magical connection with eucalyptus and find that they simply need to dab a bit of the oil onto their pulse areas before going outside. Vanilla is another enchanting smell that mosquitoes apparently abhor when applied to the pulse points.
• Bite back with Catnip: Rinse 2 cups fresh catnip, taking care to remove stems. Place the catnip inside a small cheesecloth bag and tie it shut before crushing gently with a rolling pin. Place the bag inside a jar large enough to accommodate the bag along with 4 cups of rice vinegar, then seal lid tightly. Give it a shake and store in a cool, dry place for 2 weeks, shaking at least once a day. After a few weeks remove the bag of catnip, although if it's broken or too much catnip has escaped then strain through cheesecloth. Add one tsp of essential oil (pick your fave), and place the concoction in a spray bottle, mixing well. Spray onto skin, or in the air around you, shaking well between each use. The mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
• Listerine: Having thymol, eucalyptol and menthol in its list of ingredients makes Listerine another around-the-house favourite to place inside a spray bottle and mist yourselves, your pets, or air around  with. There is an ongoing debate on whether or not Listerine actually works as a repellent, but at least you won't have to worry about garlic breath. 

Tiny Bubbles

Rub me 

Good ol' fashioned Soap film: Some swear that if you leave a thin layer of soap just before exiting your morning shower (especially on the main biting areas such as the arms, legs, neck) it works as a protective 'film' like an armour that it will impedes their ability or desire to bite through. Mosquitoes aren't fond of soap, so even blowing soap bubbles around the campfire is supposed to deter them, but at the very least it's fun and may distract you from the winged-cloud forming overhead.

Yard: So long as you don't live on a property the size of a shopping mall, one way to deter mosquitoes and most other biting insects from invading your yard while also inhibiting plant bacteria is to spray it with a bit of soap. Using a hose sprayer attachment, filling it with cheap dish soap and 1tbsp of glycerine for every 2 cups, use a light setting to spray down across the entire yard area you want to cover.

Green Superheroes

Grow me

Plants: There are a few great plants that can be grown around the common areas of your yard in order to minimize the number of mosquitoes that dare to venture in your circle of protection. Many are quite attractive, so no one would suspect that they're put there as natural and inexpensive defences. You can always tuck a little Lavender sprig in your hair or behind your ear, or boil up a cup of fresh Rosemary repellent tea to then rub or spray it onto your skin or clothing adding a lovely fragrance to your day. If your yard can't accommodate in-ground plants, then find a funky container that screams 'YOU' and plant a few favourites in it. Placing them on (or under) the picnic table and around the barbeque will help repel unwanted  biters while enhancing the atmosphere.

The best mosquito nemesis plants to cultivate are: Lavender; Rosemary; Horsemint; Marigold; Lemongrass; Sweet Woodruff; Thyme; Catnip; Mint; Artemisia; Feverfew; Tansy.

You'll need to read the instruction for each plant before purchasing to ensure they are suited to your particular growing conditions and needs.

How to help lessen the number in and around your home

Make sure doors and windows are equipped with tight fitting screens, and check for holes regularly.

Mozzies need inactive water, so remove as much stagnant water as possible. Common sources that can be addressed are:

• Neglected, forgotten, out-of-order, or broken water fountains, pools, hot tubs and ponds
• Gutters - clogged or leaf-filled
• Containers around the yard such as barrels, troths, cans, buckets, jars, pots
• Old tires
• Any container or vessel that can hold the same water for several days
• Freshen up pet water bowl and troth regularly
• Fix leaking faucets, hoses, sprinklers
• Clear away leaf, vegetation, and debris piles that can hold water and moisture

Fab Advice & Suggestions generously donated by readers

Thanks for the extra tips!

Einar_A wrote: Good information here. I gave up using all the nasty chemical repellents years ago, and it's good to see additional ideas to try. One that works pretty well for me, if I'm out hiking where it grows, is to take a handful of yarrow leaves, crush them up and rub them on arms, neck, etc. This effectively keeps mosquitoes and black flies from landing for half an hour or so, after which I have to apply it again. I'll also stick some yarrow leaves behind my ears or under the brim of my hat sometimes, to keep them away from my face. Great article!

Quester wrote: It is a great article - I use a lot of 'raw' rosemary. If you get a headache, rub some at the back of your neck and tuck a piece behind a ear. Works 99% of the time! I have book marked this page to keep for 'bug' knowledge - thanks so much.

Gala98 wrote: someone once told me to take vitamin B12 supplements for 3-4 weeks before going on vacation - I had to try it as I'm the kind of person that gets bitten in the middle of winter! It worked pretty well for me - my record was 60 bites in one night - with B12 supplement, only 2-3 per night :)

Top 10 Art Hiccups - Glitches & Fixes

 

STOP THE PRESSES!

This just in: we ALL make mistakes. Yep, sadly research and history has shown this to be unequivocally true for everyone, no exceptions, counting all creatures great and small, even squids on occasion.

Truth be told, slip-ups are just a part of life so we're better off laughing at them before someone else does. While many mishaps can be turned into opportunities, and others can be learned from, some are just best avoided altogether.

Artists, although closet-superheroes, are not exempt from muddling things up, often repeating the same error many times over before uncovering the source of the problem. Here are some common visual art blunders frequently made by the beginner, as well as the seasoned professional, with a few tips thrown in on how to hopefully avoid or correct them.

10 - Lost & Found: 

 

"I have not failed; I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." (Thomas Edison)

 

GLITCH: Can't figure out what's not right

Finding the issue can often be as difficult as fixing it. You do all your normal checks, and then visually (even physically) measure, but you just can't seem to spot the 'Oops Factor' that snuck in while you ran off to make that 8th pot of coffee.

FIX: Short of learning to do handstands, artists have to jolt their  brain in such a way that it forces the grey matter to view the piece in a different way.

Literally getting a different perspective often helps to solve this since staring at something for a long time, no matter how much in error it is, creates a sort of optical illusion for the brain in its struggle to make sense of what it's seeing. Stepping back, up, down, even turning the work itself upside down, sideways, or viewing it in the mirror will  help the noggin to switch off the receptors that are blocking the visual messages from getting through.

9 - Whiter Shade of Pale: 

 

"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." (Joyce A. Myers)

 

GLITCH: Shading issues

The simple, scrawny, unassuming graphite pencil is the culprit in this second case. Yes, this plain, easy-to-use, everyday piece of high-tech equipment handed to us on our first day of school has the muscle to make or break a work of art. Using the wrong pencils during the different stages of a piece can be disastrous and lead you to hiding what you're actually trying to bring out.

FIX: There's a pencil (or charcoal) for every job. Keeping in mind that 'H' means HARD, and 'B' means SOFT. Boft? Considering how many teachers have handled a pencil over the years one would think that they would have corrected that spelling oversight, but it helps to think 'B' for "BLACK". The softer the pencil is then the darker, or blacker, the line will be, although the blackest line is achieved with charcoal. Also, the higher the number before the H or B then the harder or softer the pencil will be, which puts HB smack dab around the middle. Once you understand how and when to use the various pencil grades you'll have it made in the shade.

8 - What's Your Angle?:

 

"People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped." (Author Unknown)

 

GLITCH: Capturing the subject from the wrong angle

Have you exaggerated or foreshortened too much? This problem can often come about if you're drawing from a 2D perspective which flattens the subject and squashes the relief and features like a steamroller would Wile E. Coyote. Photography is also a problem when capturing 'pets' since most people take the photo from a 'human' point-of-view rather than down at the four-legged level, ending up with a head larger than a body, and that weird cross-eyed look. This is fine if your goal is to defy & disturb the conventional way of viewing and portraying the world as did Salvador Dali.

FIX: Take several shots from different angles. When working with  animals, snap them from their level (yep, quack like a duck), and make sure you get someone to distract them from licking, and looking straight into, the lens. When working with humans, have them turn slightly to one side (preferably their good side) to depict jaw lines and cheekbones. Whenever possible work with natural lighting to bring out shadings that the eyes are accustoming to, which will help the capture the subject.

7 - Divine Design: 

 

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." (Douglas Adams)

 

GLITCH: Design composition SNAFU

Good composition in art is an art in itself. Once mastered it can be re-applied to other arts such as writing and interior or fashion design, helping you pen that award-winning manuscript, create that stylin' doghouse for Fido, or sew up that hot little number.

Plato's words of wisdom on this topic were, "Find and represent the variety within the unity". Huh, how do you unify variety? Basically, one strives to create variety, while keeping said variety confined enough to create a unity within. Clear as mud?

It all comes down to eye movements, or how the viewers eyes move, or travel, around the artwork. NON-wandering eyes are bad in this case. If the eyes get stopped, blocked, or fall out (of the painting, not the head) before reaching the intended focal point then there are some design issues that will make people squint so much that they'll quickly move onto the next work of art (or a good stiff drink).

FIX: The eyes have it - an artist has to predict the viewer's eye movement around the piece. You can actually control these movements with clever placements of objects, figures, and even color or shading around the areas of interest. Learning to manipulate the negative and positive space, as you would your spouse when trying to convince them you've found that 'perfect' pair of shoes, is something well worth mastering.

6 - Location, location, location:

 

"Nature is by and large to be found out of doors, a location where, it cannot be argued, there are never enough comfortable chairs." (Fran Lebowitz)

 

GLITCH: Always Centering the Subject

Like the headliner accepting an award centre stage, human nature drives us to plunk the main subject smack dab in the middle of the frame. After all, the subject is the most important and obvious part of the piece, so why wouldn't you put it in the most important and obvious spot?

Although many believe that by placing the subject in this area there's less risk of messing up the proportions with the rest of the piece, reality is that by centering your subject every time you run more risk of creating a stagnate or lifeless piece.

As mentioned, much like a hypnotist, the goal is to manipulate the viewer's eyes to wander around the piece as naturally as possible. If the eyes find what they're looking for immediately then their movement or journey will end, and they won't bother exploring your masterpiece any further, missing the subtle beauties you've painstakingly tried to insert throughout. All the other behind scene characters will then be lost, and you've just wasted your creative energy on a piece that teeters on unoriginal, unexciting, and maybe even - gasp - plain.

FIX: Experimentation is the only way to solve this. Make several sketches with the subject in different areas of the frame, take several photos, or use a cut-out frame to look through and move the subject around. Visualize the possibility of your subject in every space possible depending on the compositional elements, angles, and goals that support the theme of your piece - Kazam! - Only then will the best pose be found.

5 - Size (& shape) Matters: 

 

"Dare to turn life on its end, and you may find that topsy-turvy is a truer perspective than turvy-topsy." (Robert Brault)

 

GLITCH: Perspectives are off

Perspective in art is paramount since it can give your work life by giving it a sense of depth. Some people shy away from creating environmental pieces since perspective can be somewhat mind-bending to set up. Aligning things correctly without any guiding principles can put an awkward slant on your work, and having to consult a ruler every other stroke can make life so tedious you'd consider getting a job as an M&M's quality control inspector that makes sure they are no W's in the mix.

FIX: When creating three-dimensional quality on a flat two-dimensional surface, we use perspective as an aid. Although there are a few quick and simple tricks you can use along with the popular 'best-guess technique' to fill in the details if you're in a rush, I do recommend doing actual study on this topic (course or book) if you produce a lot of scenery, landscape, or environment pieces. Keep in mind that it doesn't have to be perfect to 'appear' correct. If you learn to form a convincing setup of angles to start from you will soon develop a visual perspective, a 'feeling', for the recession of forms.

There are two principal forms of perspective, parallel and angular, which help to create the illusion of depth. In parallel perspective, one vanishing point is used, and all lines parallel to each other converge to this point. In angular perspective, lines which are at right angles to each other converge to separate points.

Since logic dictates that objects of the same size look smaller the further away they are from you, the first secret of drawing perspective therefore is to become aware of space, spacing, and apparent relative size of 'stuff' in relation to the viewer's horizon. The horizon, to which all these lines converge, is always at the level of your eye, so you'll want to check that the bits and pieces appearing in your composition converge properly to correct levels without going cross-eyed.

4 - Environment of Your Product: 

 

"A good short-story writer has an instinct for sketching in just enough background to ground the specific story." (Lynn Abbey)

 

GLITCH: Visual balance across the different 'zones' (Proportions in shapes and colors)

Similar to how proper sizing and location affect proportions in art, determining the right scales and weights between backgrounds, middlegrounds, and foregrounds is crucial for your little grey cells to make sense of the masterpiece.

If your Mona Lisa looks like she's floating in empty space or overpowered by her environment, then you're probably lacking Zen in your zones.

FIX: Some do it first, some save it for last, and some just overdo it, but for a background and middleground to compliment the foreground it's usually best worked at it in stages as the piece develops. Sometimes, less is more, and just adding a few lines, smudges, or scribbles here and there can often create just enough interest without attacking the main character, while providing the crucial grounding needed to keep Mona from getting lost. A soft hue or watered down shade can be the ticket, but if your main figure is vibrant then you can jazz up the surroundings. Keep in mind that, like bank accounts and acting sober, balance is the key.

3 - Hue Said What?: 

 

"All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites." (Marc Chagall)

 

GLITCH: Colors don't work with the piece or each other

Color, when used correctly can be therapeutic, but incorrectly can prompt the desire to shove hot pokers in one's eyes. One simple color can influence thoughts, impede judgments, and give birth to ideas. It can create action, and cause a reaction.

Color, when used correctly can be therapeutic, but when used incorrectly can prompt you to contemplate a stroll on hot coals. One simple color can influence thoughts, impede judgments, and give birth to ideas. It can create action, and cause a reaction. It has the power to control hunger, anger, and blood pressure, as well as our comings and goings (red means stop, green means go). Picture yourself surrounded by hues of aqua and you're instantly transported beachside drinking a coco-loco, but introduce the wrong color somewhere and you might feel like there's a straight jacket tightening around your shoulders.

FIX: There are a few basic rules to remember that help with mixing, blending, and applying colors. Get yourself a decent color wheel to better understand the relationships between the colors, their compliments, as well as analogous neighbors. Remember that warm colors are made up of reds, oranges, and yellows (think sun and fire), while a cool colors are made with greens, blues, violets (think sea or snow), then ask yourself what sentiment (or temperature) you're trying to give off.

2 - Old Family Recipe: 

 

"To learn something new, take the path that you took yesterday." (John Burroughs)

 

GLITCH: Not doing what you know (and are good at)

We've all heard the adage "write what you know". It's a rule of thumb that's a recipe for success even outside of the writing kitchen. Full-time artists trying to earn a living from their work need to hone their best skills in order to sell in an ever-uncertain, economy driven, luxury-based art market, so it's a wise selling strategy to simply to 'do your thing' to your fullest ability. Although this may sound obvious at first read, the beginning artists, and even some veteran, may not have a clue what their 'thing' is, or even how to find their 'voice'.

FIX: Experimentation and exploration in art is never a waste and is necessary for growth and discovery. Like flipping through the page of your favorite cookbook, the only way to know if a recipe is any good is to whip it up. Sampling a few classes outside your comfort zone may ensure you're not missing out on uncovering one of your many hidden spices. Without taking it too personally, make note of comments from those looking at your 'stuff'. Ask a select precious few friends for the cold, hard truth. It's the best way of possibly finding out if you're just fooling yourself and wasting time on something you don't really have a taste for, which may be preventing you from selling yourself short and trying a new ingredient that ends up being the perfect banquet of skills in finding your strong suit, and adding the icing on your cupcake of success.

Focusing your abilities doesn't mean reproducing the exact same feast over, and over, and over, and over again, unless of course it's flying off the shelves like the latest low-gi, low-cal, low-carb, low-fat, low-flavour health bar. Although it's possible to always find something fresh and inspiring in our everyday surroundings, monotony has a 'use-by' date, and gets under everyone's skin after a while, leaving a bitter taste.

Find your bowl of forté, mix in some balance, stir up a bit of variety in the batter, and you're sure to cook up a winner.

1 - Its A GOAL!: 

 

"Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk." (J.C. Penney)

 

GLITCH: Planning - or lack of

Topping the GLITCH charts is an error that happens in all walks of life. It's unlikely that you'll manage to find your way out of the parking lot and onto new horizons without a good plan, even in art. All too often people begin sketching, painting, or snapping away without any established goal, even if only a mental one.

Winging it is a great exercise which works wonders if the intention is simply to get the creative juices going, similar to mental 'stretching' or 'warming up' before the big game or workout, but it's not good if flying by the seat of your pants is normal practice, and worse if it becomes a frequent-flyer habit.

FIX: Take a moment, grab a cuppa, pause, and make a plan. Is it actually your intention for the feet of your figure to be dangling off the page? Think about what you're trying to portray, and what you want the viewer to experience. Figure out your design and pack up all of its attributes - size, perspective, and proportions - then working from large to small, outline your main form first, after that the details will be smooth sailing into the sunset.