Swimming

This week's theme was a challenge to start with, as I'm not really keen on swimming. Too much feeling cold for my liking, and I did think about doing a tag based on that. Then I remembered watching some old films as a child, with Esther Williams. She did Busby Berkeley numbers in a swimming pool, always smiling and always with immaculate red lipstick. I so wanted to swim like that, and look that glamorous, rather than coughing and spluttering and not liking water up my nose!
So here's my tribute to Esther Williams!

I copied a photo I found on the internet and coloured it using my favourite watercolour pencils. To create an underwater effect I used to tone of blue pencil and blue and silver gel pens in a zig zag across the picture. I think it works well to create a shimmery swimming pool effect. I made sure I used a pen for her red lips! I added film sprockets down the edges - completely the wrong number of them but it gives an 'effect'! Final touches - a chiffon ribbon and a pink flower to complement the bright yellow bathing suit, and Esther Williams, Swimming Super Star in the bottom right hand corner.

Here's the photo I used. I found it on this website. http://jaws1975.blogspot.co.uk/2011_08_01_archive.html

There are loads more on this website. http://haremofpeacocks.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/film-inspiration-esther-williams-in.html I especially like this one because of the lipstick! I don't look that elegant on dry land, let alone underwater!