Making Progress

work in progress 

5 x 7 inch colored pencil on Ampersand Pastelbord

Slow but steady wins the race right? That shirt took me for dang ever. And his face caused me much angst. I think because of the angle of his head, and his features are tiny. Super hard. But I love how it's looking so far. Also, Tigger has been the funnest thing to draw yet. So much color!

In other news, have you guys seen the new cover art for the Harry Potter books?! So much awesomeness. I loved the originals, but I love these too.

 

Must. Have. Them.

My husband will be so glad he just cleared out some of our bookcases, so I can replace those empty spaces with these new lovelies.  ;)

Guardian

'Guardian' 

5" x 7" oil on panel

$65 plus $7 US shipping, or $15 International shipping

 

I am not sure if my favorite kind of owl is the barn owl or the snowy owl. . . Probably the snowy owl because of Harry Potter. But I'm guessing you knew that right? ;) I mean I've only mentioned my deep and abiding love for all things Harry Potter about a million times. 

I really loved the way this owl was illuminated in the darkness. And all the colors in her feathers too. She was challenging for sure, but I'm very happy with how this painting turned out in the end. 

In other news, last night my son (the sculptor of the purple and black dragon a few posts back) received his Arrow of Light award in cub scouting. It's the highest award given to cub scouts. He's worked so hard. Now he's done with cub scouts and moving on to boy scouts. Growing up more and more all the time.   

Here he is pinning his Arrow of Light pin on my shirt last night:

I'm a very proud mamma. :)

Reference photo by Brad Hammonds, thank you! 

Hope you all have one fantastic weekend! See you guys on Monday.

Messenger sold

'Messenger' SOLD

5" x 5" watercolor on paper

 click here to bid

Yesterday I new I wanted to do a small animal painting, but I couldn't decide which one! So I posted it on my facebook page and let my followers decide it for me. Nearly everyone wanted me to paint an owl, with a cat coming in second, and no votes for the dog. So an owl it is!

Barn owls are my favorite owl. I love their creamy white fur scattered with gold, rust, and purple hues. I love their dark, intelligent eyes, and the way they seem to carry themselves with so much  of elegance and wisdom. 

And owls remind me of Harry. :)Me and the boys have been listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in the car when we go to and fro all the places we need to. It's their first time hearing this story of Harry's and it is SO much fun to share that with them.

Huzzah my peeps! See you Saturday for another sketchbook post. :)

Photo reference by Nick Jewell, thank you!

Of wizards, three year olds, and Halloween

Young Wizard in Training

10" x 14"

Three year olds make wonderful models.

They are more than willing to put on a variety of costumes and interact with all sorts of props (although edible ones, especially candy is preferred).

Three year olds don't think they're too "cool" to model for their artist mother nor do they break down into uncontrollable giggles when I inadvertently spell the word s-u-P-P-l-y out loud ("P P!! You said pee pee!! hahahahah!" This is what happens when you are the only FEMALE in your home. You miss the undeniable appeal of toilet humor.)

Their modeling fee is very, very reasonable. (see the candy note above)

Three year olds have the ability to turn everything around them into an adventure, and by so doing allow you to see adventure where you wouldn't have before. For example, this is not a boy in a wizard costume selecting candy for his Halloween bag. No, no. He is Merlin, or Harry Potter selecting the necessary ingredients for a powerful potion or magic spell.

And best of all, they are always around, being too young to go to Hogwarts just yet, always smiling, always happy. . . Except when you decline their request for candy bars before breakfast.

Then there is always the possibility that they might 'accidentally' turn you into a toad.

:)

I love Halloween.

"And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure." Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince