Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust - sold

'Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust'  sold

6" x 7" colored pencil on paper

Well I finally did it. I managed to capture a fairy just long enough to draw her portrait. :) She was pretty happy with it, happy enough to leave me with my own personal stash of pixie dust that should last until my retirement. Pretty sweet deal for a simple portrait don't you think? ;)

 

I believe in fairies. :))) *clap clap* Do you?

 

"Tink was not all bad: or rather, she was all bad just now, but, on the other hand, sometimes she was all good. Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time. They are, however, allowed to change, only it must be a complete change."  J.M. Barrie

 

Huzzah :)

Photo reference by the awesome Katlinn Lewis, thank you!

Grace

'Grace'

6.5" x 6" watercolor on paper

$100 plus $7 US shipping or $15 Int.

 

I can't decide if it's the wavy curls on the side of her face (that reminds me of old world beauty), or her slightly shy smile, or just the warmth and acceptance in her eyes. But there's something about this woman that makes me think she would be a great friend to have on your side.

 

With some paintings I find it much easier to express the feeling I'm after than others. I have no idea why this is. I really wanted to focus on this woman's eyes, and the feeling of grace and peace she seemed to give. I don't know, there is something kind of unexplainable with her that really struck me. Something I couldn't seem to put into words, so I tried (all week long while agonizing working on this one painting) to put it into paint and let you guys decide what it is you feel instead of me spelling it out for you.

 

Hopefully that worked. :)

 

But if not, onward to the next!

 

Reference photo by Lina Leans, thank you!

Of portrait drawings and pirates. . . savvy?

'Kat'

graphite portrait study

not available

 

Earlier this year I got to work with this beautiful model. I have lots and lots of paintings planned. :) So many that I kind of get overwhelmed at all the choices in front of me you know? But that's a good problem to have I think. Don't you?

 

I really enjoy drawing faces with glasses or earings because they act as sort of a built-in grid. And they're fun too.

 

In other news, did you know a very important holiday is coming up? That's right. It's one of my favorites. National Talk Like A Pirate Day. :) On Sunday Sept. 16. To help you land lubbers prepare for this important day I'm providing this very helpful tutorial on pirate speak:

 

 

If you have young kids you've probably heard it a time or two. :)

And Talk Like a Pirate Day just wouldn't be complete without some sort of a tribute to the best pirate ever. THE Captain Jack Sparrow:



Heh heh. Best Pirate ever. :))

See you next week everyone! Savvy love? ;)

Juicies

'Juicies'

4" x 6" watercolor on paper

$50 plus $7 US shipping or $15 Int.

 

Sometimes I just feel like painting a still life. Not very often, but sometimes. :)

 

My sons love these little Clementines that come into the stores around Christmas time. I think it's partly because they are yummy but also because they are little and cute. My now four year old boy insists on eating them because he can peel them himself. :)

 

And I just want to say thank you, so much, for all of you who visit this blog, whether you comment or not (but if you do take the time to comment here's an extra *hug* for you). Your support and kindness means so much to me. More than I can say. I try to reply to comments or questions but it may take me a while if I get behind (which, if I'm being honest, is pretty much all the time).

 

Just want you all to know how much I appreciate you. Every single one of you. :) Have a great day everyone!

Generations - sold

'Generations'

6.5" x 10" watercolor on paper

sold

A few weeks ago me and my mom took my three boys to a historical farm. There were people in authentic clothes, with authentic tools and wagons and animals all over the place. The kids rode ponies, tried old fashioned horehound candy (blegh!), rode a train and panned for gold (their favorite) It was so fun. :)

 

And I do have to add that if I am ever in a situation where panning for gold skills would come in handy I think I could make a killing. Not to brag or anything, but I was pret-ty awesome. ;)

 

My favorite part was, of course, the horses. There were these massive, beautiful draft horses, and this one brand new little foal. He was only a few days old and he was completely darling. I was tempted to carry him home.

 

My mom reached out a hand when he wobbled over to the fence to greet us, and he stood so still just waiting for her touch. He leaned in to her hand and flicked his little wispy tail, then slowly closed his long-lashed eyes. 

 

I loved the contrast of my sweet, and gentle, mother's older hand on this brand new babies velvet soft face. :)

 

How bout a Huzzah for that? Huzzah!

Savvy - sold

'Savvy' sold

5" x 5" watercolor on paper

I love painting children's faces. I love the sparkle in their eyes and their perceptive expressions. Something I never tire of. :)

And thank you so much for all the well wishes for my son, he is doing much better now and is back in school. :)

Photo reference by the awesome Steve Evans, thank you!

Sir Barrington - sold

'Sir Barrington' sold

61/2" x 8" watercolor

private commission

 

I absolutely fell in love with this big beautiful horse. He is so powerful, and just gorgeous! He is a beautiful example of a Gypsy horse stallion owned by Sue Niesen of Gypsy Lane Horses.

 

I'm working on incorporating more emotive (?? for lack of a better word) backgrounds in  my paintings that really complement the subject. I don't want to get into super detailed backgrounds at this point (or. . . ever if I'm being honest) but I want the background to contribute to the feeling I want to convey with each painting. At least, that's how I hope it's coming across!

 

In other news, I am at home with a sick boy today. There is much juice drinking and Lego building going on here. Only been in school a week and already he's sick! It's nothing serious, just a cold that then lead to an ear infection which always makes me paranoid since my son has unilateral hearing (he only has hearing in one of his ears, he was born with it).

 

So every time he gets sick I usually run him to the doctor, just to make sure all is well with his ears. And wouldn't you know it, when I took him in today the doctor said he had an ear infection! Just as I suspected. Mothers know all I tell ya. :)

 

While waiting for his prescription to be filled at the pharmacy we stopped at a local bakery and got these cute owl cookies. Because everyone knows when you're a kid and you're sick your mother should spoil you. Right? Right. ;)

 

 

 

Have a great week everyone! Huzzah!