Mira Alexander
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miraalexander.de
Mira Alexander
@miraalexander.de
96 followers 130 following 470 posts
Reader. Writer. Illustrator. SW-Developer. Polyglot.

E-book formatting. Print book typesetting. Cover designer.

(she/her)

https://www.miraalexander.de
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miraalexander.de
The brushes are from a Chinese set of travel brushes, consisting of a screw-together shaft (you can use it as one long brush or two shorter ones) and several (screw-on) brush heads.

3/3
Four different color palettes holding 14, 9, 6, and 4 colors repectively. With Chinese brushes.
April 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
miraalexander.de
To keep the pots in the tin cans, I cut and glued magnetic strips to the bottom.

As you can (hopefully) see, there are not only paints but also brushes (even in the tiniest tin).

The tiniest palette still holds three basic colors plus sepia (for more neutral colors).

2/3
A tiny palette with only 6 color pots and a tiny Chinese brush.
April 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
miraalexander.de
Because of the pleasant weather and blooming spring flowers, here is a selection of my palettes I collected over the years.

The smaller three are really some tin boxes and 1/2 pots.

1/3
Several palettes with changeable color pots, from big palettes to tiny ones with capacity for only 4 colors. There are some brushes in the picture, too.
April 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
miraalexander.de
Today I read about how to express in/equality in Chinese/Mandarin. I translated it into mathematical/programming language (Boolean algebra) to understand it better. Have fun!

See ALT-text for the text version (Markdown format). I had to shorten it a bit.

#langsky #Chinese #Mandarin
# Comparison in Chinese/Mandarin (https://www.miraalexander.de) What I learned in Chinese/Mandarin (and translated into the more understandable mathematical language; notation for computer scientists): * A,B: Objects * S: property, e.g. size * s: a characteristic of the property, e.g. large * **A跟B一样S。 => S(A) == S(B)** *(A and B are the same in their manifestation of S; e.g. A and B are large)* *(Right to Left: S is identical in B and A)* * **A不跟B一样S。 => S(A) < S(B)** *(The characteristic S of A is smaller than that of B; e.g. A is not as large as B)* *(R->L: S is identical in B and not in A)* * **A跟B不一样S。 => S(A) != S(B)** *(A and B are unequal in their manifestation of S; e.g. A and B are unequal in size)* *(R->L: S is identical neither in B nor in A)* * **A跟B一样不S。=> S(A) != s && S(B) != s** *(A and B their characteristic S is the opposite of the characteristic; e.g. A and B are not large => neither A nor B are large)* *(R->L: S opposite is identical in B and A)* For the sake of completeness, here is the formula for “A is more S than B”: * **A比BS。 => S(A) > S(B)** *(The expression of S of A is more/greater than that of B; e.g. A is greater than B)* Oh yes, and 不比 is not a negation of 比. Funny, because you can justify this with the reasoning from the Boolean algebra: What is the opposite of “more” in a comparison? Is it “less”? Or “the same”? Or a combination of several or all? Hence: * 比 : more * 跟 : like, equal to * 不跟 : smaller * 不比 : not comparable, something completely different (i.e. unequal in a sense) Funny, both Google Translator and DeepL have problems translating the sentences: * Google Translator: * A跟B不⼀样好。 A is not so good as B (the exact meaning is "A is not equally good as B") * DeepL: * A跟B不⼀样好。 A is not as good as B. (false, from this sentence we cannot detect if A or B is better than the other; only that they are not equal) * A跟B⼀样不好。 A is not as bad as B. (false, it should be: A is as bad as B)
March 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
miraalexander.de
I wrote a one-pager about correct connections between Cyrillic characters. This is *not* the way they teach it in Russia (they teach it character by character). I prefer the simpler/analytical way. I hope it helps.
This is a one-pager about the correct connections between Cyrillic characters. The image contains handwritten examples for some connections. Following is the content of non-handwritten text (contains cyrillic characters): How to write Cyrillic by hand A simple approach to connections between two Cyrillic characters. Full disclosure: This is *not* a linguistic approach. This is how I analyze and simplify things. There are two sides to a connection: a character that “initiates” a connection (from, character on the left), and a character that “accepts” a connection (to, character on the right). The characters on the left-hand side can be divided into four groups: * Characters whose connection starts at the bottom (а, г, д, е, ё, ж, з, и, й, к, л, м, н, п, р, с, т, у, х, ф, ц, ч, ш, щ, ы, я). * Those whose connection starts in the middle (ь, ъ) * Those whose connection starts at the top (в, о, ю) * And those with *attitude* (a very non-linguistic term :-) ), which have no connection at all (б, э) (at least not really; б can be connected while on the right side; э has no *good looking* connection options) Since most characters belong to the first group, the second group is actually a subgroup of the third, and the fourth group doesn't really connect, you only need to learn a few exceptions and two connection rules. The characters on the right-hand side can be divided into three groups: * Those that accept a connection at the bottom (л, м, я) * Those who accept a connection in the middle (е, ё) * And those who accept a connection at the top (the rest) Since the second group is again only a subgroup of the third group, you only need to memorize two rules. Here are the connections mentioned above: by @miraalexander.de , https://www.miraalexander.de
December 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM
miraalexander.de
Here is an example of how to connect the characters correctly. Pay attention to the connection between “о” and “л”. This type of connection is also important for “м” and “я”.
“л”, “м” and “я” are always connected from the bottom line.
An example of the correct combination of Cyrillic letters using the word “Glagoly” (Russian for verbs).
December 10, 2024 at 1:22 PM
miraalexander.de
Yesterday I was very disappointed by the accessibility of multilingual PDFs. Today I conducted tests with EPUB and various e-readers (Calibre, Chrome/EPUBReader, Kindle/Android, TTS/Android).

#accessibility #barrierefreiheit
A screenshot of the e-reader app Calibre with two sample pages of a multilingual text (Russian / English). It is an excerpt from an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne. Adaptation and translations from German by Mira Alexander, http://www.miraalexander.de . On the left-hand side, the Russian text is translated sentence by sentence, word by word, and then correctly translated into English. On the right-hand side, each Russian paragraph in the left-hand column is juxtaposed with its English translation in the right-hand column. The screenshot was taken as part of the accessibility test for multilingual PDF and EPUB readers. A screenshot of the e-reader app Chrome EPUBReader with two sample pages of a multilingual text (Russian / English). It is an excerpt from an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne. Adaptation and translations from German by Mira Alexander, http://www.miraalexander.de . On the left-hand side, the Russian text is translated sentence by sentence, word by word, and then correctly translated into English. On the right-hand side, each Russian paragraph in the left-hand column is juxtaposed with its English translation in the right-hand column. The screenshot was taken as part of the accessibility test for multilingual PDF and EPUB readers. A screenshot of the e-reader app Kindle/Android with two sample pages of a multilingual text (Russian / English). It is an excerpt from an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne. Adaptation and translations from German by Mira Alexander, http://www.miraalexander.de . On the left-hand side, the Russian text is translated sentence by sentence, word by word, and then correctly translated into English. On the right-hand side, each Russian paragraph in the left-hand column is juxtaposed with its English translation in the right-hand column. The screenshot was taken as part of the accessibility test for multilingual PDF and EPUB readers. A screenshot of the e-reader app TTS/Android with two sample pages of a multilingual text (Russian / English). It is an excerpt from an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne. Adaptation and translations from German by Mira Alexander, http://www.miraalexander.de . On the left-hand side, the Russian text is translated sentence by sentence, word by word, and then correctly translated into English. On the right-hand side, each Russian paragraph in the left-hand column is juxtaposed with its English translation in the right-hand column. The screenshot was taken as part of the accessibility test for multilingual PDF and EPUB readers.
November 28, 2024 at 5:53 PM
miraalexander.de
Sorry, there were so many typos and awkward phrases that I restructured and retyped the entire text from scratch because I don’t believe one has to learn a language the hard way. :-)

The text is quite long so here a Markdown version in a link: itty.bitty.site/Exercise-in-...
An exercise in Russian about a birthday gift with English translation. Read the complete exercise in Markdown under the link in the post above.
November 17, 2024 at 6:33 PM
miraalexander.de
My mom sewed a summer skirt for me and now Mary not only has a little lamb but also a new wrap dress ... and I also learned a special seam for hemming very fine fabrics such as viscose or silk.
A photo of a crocheted, dark-skinned doll with orange hair, a summer wrap dress, and a little white lamb; green leaves in the background
August 30, 2024 at 8:29 AM
miraalexander.de
Gestatten: weiße Ramblerrose.

Hier gibt es weiße Rosen, rote Rose, gelbe und aprikotfarbene Rosen, pinkene und rosane. Und sie alle duften.
Blühende weiße Rambler-Rose im Fokus mit roten Rosen im Vordergrund. Dazwischen viel sattes Grün.
May 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM
miraalexander.de
And because I wanted to test my newly created textures (for some reason I've never used them for my digital drawings before), I may have gone a teeny bit overboard :-)
By the way, I love my new Talens Sketch Book Art Creation notebook for coloring.

#MiraDraws #inking
Digitally colored ink drawing of a woman's head with flowers. http://www.miraalexander.de @miraalexander.bsky.social
May 23, 2024 at 8:08 AM
miraalexander.de
I received an extra fine Kuretake aiLiner Brush Pen and wanted to test it.
While I can make similarly fine strokes with the Brush Sign Pen Artist and the Pentel FL2F, it seems to be easier to get a consistently fine width with the aiLiner.

#MiraDraws #inking
A notebook with an ink drawing of a woman's head and flowers. Next to it are three brush pens: Kuretake aiLiner, Pentel Brush SignPen Artist and Pentel FL2F. The left side of the notebook contains examples of different strokes with the above-mentioned brushes. http://www.miraalexander.de @miraalexander.bsky.social
May 23, 2024 at 7:59 AM
miraalexander.de
Im Garten blühen Pfingstrosen. Daneben kämpft weiterhin eine letzte standhafte Magnolienblüte.
Ich fühlte mich inspiriert.

#MiraDraws #inking

(Referenz: unsplash.com/de/fotos/pho...)
Auf dem Foto ist eine Tusche-Zeichnung einer einzelnen Pfingstrosenblüte zu sehen. In Hintergrunde sind einzelne Magnolienblüten, ebenfalls in Tusche, gezeichnet. Daneben liegt ein Tuschepinselstift von Pentel.Es ist ein Stück anderer Blumenzeichnung zu sehen. Die Zeichnungen sind schwarzweiß gehalten. Quelle: Mira Alexander, http://www.miraalexander.de
April 30, 2024 at 11:02 AM
miraalexander.de
I tested Kuretake Fude Pen No. 55 and Pentel Stylo extra fine with EcoLine Brush Pen.
While I knew Kuretake wasn't waterproof, for some reason I assumed Pentel would be. But it wasn't.
I like that the Pentel can produce both "dry" and saturated strokes. I'll try (waterproof) Carbon Ink.
Test result for two drawing brushes. Both are not waterproof, so cannot be used with EcoLine or other water-soluble pens. Both have their plus points: Kuretake is two pens in one (one with a fine tip, the other with a broad one), Pentel can produce both "dry" and saturated strokes. There is also a pale yellow EcoLine Brush Pen No 226 in the picture.
March 28, 2024 at 4:20 PM
miraalexander.de
I tested Octopus Ink Extender with Octopus Write & Draw Merkat Gray. I was particularly interested in whether the ink would retain its waterproof property.
It did.
So I can use Ink Extender to thin w/p inks for layering values in my sketches.
🤩

#FountainPen #DrawWithInk
This picture contains test samples of Octopus Write & Draw Merkat Gray ink. I diluted it with Octopus Ink Extender. Dilutions up to 1:6 show a barely noticeable result. Despite the high dilution ratio, the ink remains waterproof, which is good for ink and watercolors. Tested by http://www.miraalexander.de
March 10, 2024 at 10:22 AM
miraalexander.de
I still have my fountain pen from school, name label, and ink remover (that's this little brush) and all :-)

I don't use it anymore because I prefer finer nibs or bent nibs, but it's still here.
An old red fountain pen from Lamy. It has a space to write your name on the cap, and a little brush with ink remover.
March 4, 2024 at 6:10 PM
miraalexander.de
I almost did something crazy today: I considered replacing Corn Poppy Red from Mont Blanc with Orchid from Octopus in my "red ink fountain pen".

In the end, I opted for Mont Blanc, even if it's only enough for 2–3 fillings.

#FountainPen
Image contains five objects: Bottle of Mont Blanc ink, Corn Poppy Red; Bottle of Octopus ink, Orchid; three fontain pens (blue, cerulian, and red)
February 29, 2024 at 2:02 PM
miraalexander.de
Hier meine Vorlage für das Bluesky-Profilbild, das die wichtigsten Komponenten immer zeigen sollte.

dunkelgrau: auf den meisten Geräten ausgeblendet
hellgrau: wird auf vielen Geräten angezeigt
weiß: wird auf den meisten Geräten angezeigt

Aussparung unten links wegen des Profilbildes
Hier meine Vorlage für das Bluesky-Profilbild, das die wichtigsten Komponenten immer zeigen sollte. dunkelgrau: auf den meisten Geräten ausgeblendet hellgrau: wird auf vielen Geräten angezeigt weiß: wird auf den meisten Geräten angezeigt Aussparung unten links wegen des Profilbildes Quelle: http://www.miraalexander.de
February 12, 2024 at 6:40 PM
miraalexander.de
After some trial and error, I finally have a template for Bluesky profile picture that should always show the most important components.

dark gray: hidden on most devices
light gray: displayed on many devices
white: displayed on most devices

Recess at the bottom left due to the profile picture
After some trial and error, I finally have a template for Bluesky profile picture that should always show the most important components. dark gray: hidden on most devices light gray: displayed on many devices white: displayed on most devices Recess at the bottom left due to the profile picture Source: http://www.miraalexander.de
February 12, 2024 at 6:38 PM
miraalexander.de
I got carried away 😀

It started with me wanting to create a color palette for my current project. 🎨
Then I had an idea for a new brush (Clip Studio Paint) ✏️
And in the end there was a chick 🐥

I know, it made no sense, but I had fun 🤷

#KidLitArt
Sketch with digital tests of a color palette (taupe) and brush tip in Clip Studio Paint. You can see some color spots, a ball, and a stylized chick. Source: http://www.miraalexander.de
February 1, 2024 at 3:43 PM
miraalexander.de
It's gray in gray outside, and Sammy snuggles up in his favorite hoodie.

#KidLitArt
Sketch of a little boy in a hoodie. Mixed medium: pencil + digital. Source: http://www.miraalexander.de
January 26, 2024 at 12:47 PM
miraalexander.de
Strawberries from my childhood garden. Strawberries half the size of my hand.
Picking strawberries out of the jam one by one.
Strawberries in ice cream. Strawberries in milkshakes. Strawberries in cake.
Happy memories
Illustration of a plant pot with a bush of strawberries. Source: http://www.miraalexander.de
January 25, 2024 at 4:23 PM
miraalexander.de
Ich weiß leider nicht, wie sie heißt oder auch, wo ich sie her habe (ist schon lange her).
Oben ist die chinesische Farbe.
Unten sind die beiden Japan-Sets, die ich habe: Shadow Black MEI (li) und Shadow Black (re).
Google kann das Bild übersetzen (Google Drive kann OCR), vllt. hilft es Dir weiter
Wasserfarben für die Tests auf dem Reispapier. Oben: chinesische Wasserfarben, Unten: japanische Farben, links Shadow Black MEI von Boku-Undo; rechts Shadow Black von Boku-Undo
January 20, 2024 at 12:18 PM
miraalexander.de
Der Fehler war, dass ich zum Aufziehen Gummi arabicum verwendet habe. Ich habe das Bild digital "ent-gilbt", weil ich das Verhalten der Farben auf dem Papier zeigen wollte.
Durch Gummi arabicum sieht es jetzt so aus (die rosa Flecken sind die Flecken durch Gummi arabicum).
Farbtests auf Reispapier mit Aquarellen von Winsor & Newton. Es war ein Fehler, das Bild mit Gummi arabicum aufzuziehen, da dadurch das Papier schnell vergilbt war. Abgebildet sind Bambus, Gras und Fisch. Quelle: http://www.miraalexander.de
January 20, 2024 at 11:57 AM
miraalexander.de
Mit wenig Wasser gemalt, kann man sogar eine ähnliche Wirkung wie auf normalen Aquarellpapier erzielen wie hier mit chin. Reibetusche und chin. Gouache auf Maulbeerpapier.
Farbtest auf dem Maulbeerpapier mit chin. Steintusche und chin. Gouache. Mit wenig Wasser gemalt ist die Wirkung auf diesem Papier fast wie auf dem Aquarellpapier. Abgebildet ist ein Fuchs. Quelle: http://www.miraalexander.de
January 20, 2024 at 11:52 AM