Priley Riley, Fuji's Health, March 2021

As Fuji is the inspiration behind my bearded dragon art, this update is about her.

At the weekend Fuji's health worsened. She had episodes of thrashing her head around uncontrollably as if having a seizure.

I sent our reptile vet a video of this behaviour which we then discussed at yesterday's vet appointment. He suggested this is another sign of Fuji's neurological condition. This condition is caused by inbreeding and there is no cure for the symptoms so I can only monitor her.

The vet suggested we could gauge Fuji's quality of life by any future loss of appetite that couldn't be attributed to something else (e.g. something treatable). While Fuji's interest in salad has always fluctuated, she never turns down her hand-fed locusts 💜

Priley Riley, Drawing, March 2021

 Drawing is an activity I look forward to on a day-to-day basis 🖉

Priley Riley, My New T-shirt, March 2021

My new t-shirt is here from Amazon 😊

Available below.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08PSSJG2L

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PYHSFV7

Priley Riley, Antoni Gaudi El Drac Mosaic, March 2021

On the subject of art and dragons, Park Guell in Barcelona contains Antoni Gaudi's mosaic salamander, popularly known as 'el drac' (the dragon). 

Though busy when we visited in 2019, it was well worth going to see this beautiful multi-coloured sculpture set on a hilltop overlooking the city.

Priley Riley, New Design, March 2021

This bearded dragon design for merchandise combines the colour head studies.

These drawings are set on a simple background of two white squares placed diagonally.

Available via the links below.

Redbubble: PrileyRileyArt.redbubble.com

Spring: https://teespring.com/en-GB/stores/priley-riley-art

Priley Riley, Happy Mother's Day, March 2021

To all in the UK and other parts of the world celebrating, happy Mother's Day!

Four years ago today I exhibited this pencil drawing of my late mum at Solent Showcase Gallery's Small Faces exhibition. 

With the exhibition running over Mother's Day, the drawing was a fitting tribute to a mother so beautiful inside and out.

The exhibition was a success, winning gold in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards.

Priley Riley, Computer for Digital Drawing, March 2021

My talented husband Ben recently built me my own computer. This means I can create digital drawings any time I like 😊💗

Priley Riley, Collections, March 2021

With Mother's Day around the corner, here's a reminder of the two collections ('Reptiles' and 'Mother and Child') currently available on my Redbubble store.

PrileyRileyArt.redbubble.com

Priley Riley, Current Workspace, March 2021

As our tenancy agreement can't be extended, my husband and I are looking for a new home to rent.

This is mixed news for us. On the one hand, we have really enjoyed living in this home together. However, our aim is to make this move work to our advantage. It's an opportunity to move to a different part of town (perhaps closer to the centre) for extra convenience. Every cloud has a silver lining!

The purpose of this post is to share my current lovely workspaces for art, and I look forward to sharing my new set-up in our future home.

The first photo shows my current computer space for creating digital drawings. The second photo shows the table space I use for creating other forms of art. The wooden chest beneath the window stores my art supplies allowing me to keep this space lovely and tidy.

Priley Riley, Fuji Update, March 2021

As Fuji is the inspiration behind my bearded dragon work, this update is about her.

Our vet and the RSPCA suggest my rescue beardie Fuji likely has a neurological condition caused by inbreeding/ a small gene pool. This affects her balance; her walking is wobbly.

I've noticed her condition gradually getting worse so called the RSPCA last week for advice. Firstly, they assured me the set-up and care we provide her is correct for bearded dragons.

We then discussed trying to tailor Fuji's care to her special needs. We agreed to exchange the newspaper substrate for Arcadia EarthMix Arid as it's a more cushiony surface, so better for stumbles and slips.

In addition, whilst other beardies can safely enjoy climbing, digging in the Arcadia EarthMix Arid provides Fuji a new and alternative activity that is safe for her.

On day 1 of the new substrate Fuji loved going round every part of her viv having a good dig. She's an inquisitive girl who, despite her unsteadiness, is enjoying being active and padding around on her new soft flooring.