The Sky In Her Eyes

'The Sky In Her Eyes'  

6 x 9 inches

watercolor on paper

 

'The brightest light, the light of Italy, the purest sky of Scandinavia in the month of June is only a half-light when one compares it to the light of childhood.' Eugene Ionesco 

I have to confess that I am not very well read on world news and the politics of other countries. I don't know a lot about what life is like for the people that I paint who live so far away from me. I don't know statistics of their countries or interesting facts. I might even be unable to point out this girl's city on a globe, if I'm being completely honest.* 

But that has never been what this project has been about to me. I love children. I love their innocence and wonder. I love wondering who they will grow up to become. I love knowing that somewhere this little person, if they are lucky and I hope and pray that they really are, is loved by their mother just as much as my boys are loved by me. 

So even though I don't know the specifics of where these children are from I still feel like we're connected because I have loved a child with all my heart (more than one :) who is just like them in almost all respects save geographical location. 

This beautiful girl is from Southern India, reference photo generously provided by the amazing Steve Evans (babbasteve on Flickr).

*Because I know that many of these children that I paint live in less than ideal conditions you can click here to read about my way of giving back

New watercolor portrait work in progress

work in progress watercolor portrait 

It's been a very long time since I painted a watercolor portrait that wasn't a commission. I think it's been since January. Wow. I kind of can't believe that. I just went and looked it up and it HAS been since January. That's a long time for me. 

This painting is based on a photo by the amazing Steve Evans, of a beautiful young girl from South India. This section is just a close up, the full painting is all of her face and some of her arm too. I fell in love with her eyes. So sincere, so alive. I'm very excited to get back to painting it. 

And here's a peek at what's been going on during my 'dragon days.'

 A little horse bust I sculpted on my birthday last week. Just for fun. :) 

My latest sculpting project. A bigger, more detailed horse sculpture. Hopefully, if everything works out, this will be a full body gypsy horse when it's finished. That's the goal anyway. :)

I am feeling SO excited about this little side project right now. It is filling up my creative well in a big way. 

Anyone out there tried sculpting before? And, what's something you guys do to refuel your creative fire?  

 

 

Logan - private commission SOLD

'Logan'  SOLD - private commission

10 x 14 inches watercolor 

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to paint this beautiful little girl. Her mom sent me several photos and we both talked about which ones we thought would make the best portrait. We settled on this one of her in a lamb hat. :) She has the most beautiful eyes and lips and such a solemn and sweet expression. Commissions are easy when you have such beautiful subjects. ;) 

I am currently taking commissions, if you're interested click here for details.

In other news I got these babies all gussied up and ready for their prom date. (Er. . . that is, I gessoed some hard board panels that my wonderful husband cut for me so I can paint on them. :)

Huzzah for completed commissions, happy clients, and fresh surfaces to paint on!! And chocolate!! (Because chocolate is important right? ;)

Dodson - SOLD

'Dodson'  SOLD

10 x 14 inches watercolor on paper

private commission

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
― W.B. Yeats

This beautiful little boy was a commission that I recently completed. I love his cheeks, full lower lip, and wide brown eyes. :) 

I sometimes think that our senses were never so sharp as when we were brand new to this world and we were not immune to the beauty and wonder of our every day lives. Lately I've been looking through photos of my kids from 2010, when my youngest son was not quite 18 months old. There are so many photos of him caught looking at something that utterly captivates him. I was so taken with his expression that I photographed him a million times, mostly close up zooming in to his face, and now I wonder what it was he was looking at that filled him with so much wonder? Probably something as ordinary as a turquoise sippy cup with the light shining through it. Which to him was not ordinary at all.

Sweet Baby Xander

'Sweet Baby Xander' 

8" x 10" watercolor on paper

not for sale

Remember around Valentine's day when I had a contest where I was giving away an 8 x 10 painting to whoever submitted a 'smitten' photo that got the most votes? Well here is the finished painting of sweet baby Xander.

I love his little nose pressed against his binky and his chubby fist. Brings back so many memories to me (although my kids were never into pacifiers, not for lack of trying I tell you!). There is just nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby is there? 

Listening to: ZZ Ward 

Reading: Daughter of Smoke and Bone (for the second time)

Watching: Grimm

Snacking on: Salted caramel hot chocolate (it's chilly today!)  

Call It A Day

'Call It A Day' 

7 x 10 inches watercolor on paper

$150 plus $7 US shipping, or $15 International

Every Easter Sunday we go to my Mom and Dad's house and have a big egg hunt with me and my sister and our families. It is so much fun, my favorite part of the new year, and it never really feels like spring until we get to do that. 

My mom has lilac bushes surrounding her yard that are blooming, and there's always tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in every color imaginable all over. The cherry tree is full of fluffy white blossoms and there's always the sound of laughter and shrieking as the kids chase after butterflies, or the kids get chased by my husband. :) It sounds idyllic I know, but well, it kind of is. Just a perfect family day. My favorite kind of day. 

I started this painting last spring, but somehow lost interest in it after a while. Then the other day when I was looking for painting boards I found it again and decided to finish it. I had a lot of fun with that background and didn't want to cover it up too much (which I sometimes do then regret it later) so I just suggested the fence and grass here and there.

My favorite part is my sons colorful shoes. They are Lego shoes, and have little lego pieces on them. They were his first 'real' pair of shoes that he could actually walk in. He wore them until they were completely beat up he loved them so much. I still have them and will never part with them. :)

 

Sweet Baby Girl - sold

'Sweet Baby Girl' sold, private commission

8 x 10 inches watercolor on paper

And here's the finished painting. :) I fell in love with this little girl, she is so happy and smiley. There was such a variety of colors in her skin tones, reflecting from the little pool she's sitting in, which was very fun. And I've already heard from my client who is very happy with the painting. Which makes for a very happy artist. :))) 

I used three colors to paint her skin tones, permanent rose, cobalt blue, and hansa yellow light. That's all. You can do a lot with primary colors when painting skin. And my own personal opinion is that when you avoid using brown (like burnt umber) in skin tones the subject seems more alive. Even when I paint dark skin tones I never use brown. Although I do use burnt sienna, which is more of a rich orange and beautifully transparent, perfect for skin. I just didn't use it here.

Anyways. . . Babbled on enough I suppose. Thanks for taking a peek at my work and following along on the progress. :)

Huzzah for Monday being nearly over!!

Sweet Baby Girl Portrait Commission WIP

Sweet Baby Girl, work in progress

8 x 10 inches, watercolor 

 

This week I've been working on a new portrait commission of this absolutely darling little girl. I'm going to show a few pics of the painting in progress just in case you guys are curious. The above shot is where I'm at right now (that blank line to the left of her is water from a sprinkler, haven't started that yet).

My client said that she really loved my use of vivid color so I'm trying to keep that in mind as I layer the skin tones (no I haven't found a way around that layering yet. Argh). Painting a baby's skin is a very delicate process, you have to be quick and sure about what colors to use and where to use them. The less you layer on a baby the better. Her face is basically done at this point, we'll see if I need to add anything once I finish the background and her body. 

This has been one of the funnest commission's I've ever had. I mean just look at that smile? Don't you just love her? :)

Here are a few earlier pics in progress too: 

the preliminary drawing

A close up of her face, in progress 

It's been a while since I've posted a watercolor WIP so if you guys have any questions ask away and I'll try my best to answer them in the questions. :) 

Listening to: ZZ Ward, Put The Gun Down

Reading: Indigo Spell, by Rachelle Mead

Watching: you guessed it, Supernatural :)

Snacking on: apple slices and peanut butter

The Secret - SOLD

'The Secret'  SOLD

ACEO size (2.5 x 3.5 inches) 

watercolor on paper

I think this little Vietnamese girl looks like she's keeping a secret don't you? With her shining dark eyes and tucked in little mouth.

Not much to say today.  I just got back from taking my son to school and my fingers still have white knuckles from gripping the steering wheel so tight!! Ice packed roads are so scary to drive on, especially when you have idiotic drivers who go way too fast other people you have to look out for too. Scary, scary. I don't know what got my heart rate up more this morning, my workout or driving on icy roads.

Reference photo by Linh Ngan, thank you! 

This is painting 11/30 in the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

Frosty

'Frosty'

5" x 7" watercolor on paper

$100 plus $7 US shipping or $15 International

This painting is from a photo I took at that book launch I talked about in a previous post ("Wind Chill"), the one where I got pelted with marshmallows remember? I sure do. ;)

The light was so gorgeous that evening that I tried to take as many photos as possible, but everyone was moving around so much (to avoid death by marshmallow I presume) that I didn't get a whole lot. But I did get this one. And I love the light in this one, that rim around her hair? *le sigh* Makes me so happy!

The background, made up of those magical wet into wet washes (along with a little dry brushing) really caught the look of frost in the air I think. And I feel like I can't take credit for that because it was mostly the watercolor doing all the work for me. :) I was just a conductor, coaxing it ever so gently into the right place.

This is painting 2/30 for the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Onward to number 3! Huzzah!!

Her Soul is in Her Eyes SOLD

'Her Soul is in Her Eyes'

6" x 6" watercolor on paper SOLD

"Your eyes-- your soul is there, but the rest of you is still so undefined. That's the beauty of childhood. The eyes show everything you've seen so far, but the rest of you is still so open to possibility, to whatever you might become.”
― Bree Despain, The Dark Divine

There was something in this girl's eyes that instantly drew me to her. Something I can't quite put into words. But the quote I found, says a lot of it I think. :) This painting had a very long "ugly" stage. I really thought I'd have to trash it, but then at the end I was able to turn it around. Now this painting is one of my personal favorites. A good way to start the year right?

Photo reference by Tracie76Stock, thank you!

Last Sunday was my middle child's 8th birthday. :) I had my husband take this picture of us, and my heart melted when I saw this look on his face. The same one he had when he was a toddler tugging on my pants and asking me 'I wanna hold you' (how he used to ask me to pick him up and hold him).

My boys are out of school until Monday and we have been pretty much staying in our jammies, playing games, and eating treats all week long. It's been awesome. I'll be sad to see it end. :(

This painting is 1/30 for the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Onward to the next! Huzzah!!

And in case you missed my last post click here for details on how you could win a custom portrait painted by me.

Merry Christmas!

'Prince of Peace'

7" x 9"

not for sale

 

 

Wishing all of you, my dear friends, a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all are well and safe and that you have a happy holiday. Thank you very much to every single person who reads this blog, whether you're an old friend, or a new one, thank you for taking the time to let my art and words be a part of your life. Merry Christmas!

 

O holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night
Of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt His worth
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine when Christ was born

Of Wizards, Life, and Love

'Wizard in Training'

10" x 14" watercolor on paper

not for sale

 

I hope you all are having a fun holiday! It's one of my favorite days of the year, and not just because of all the sugar and treats. ;) Those of you who have been hit by the storm have been in my prayers, I hope you are well, safe, and whole.

 

And in honor of this holiday full of magic, and witches, and wizards (including my very own darling wizard above), I feel the need to pay tribute to Harry Potter. (Yes, again.)

 

“Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
"After all this time?"

"Always," said Snape.” 

 

 

Me too Alan, me too. :)

 

Me and the boys just finished reading the entire series and it was so fun to share that with them. And a little sad for it to be over. Reading this amazing series, my most favorite books ever, has convinced me that some of the best magic in this world is found with words, images, paper, and imagination. And that people, no matter how flawed, are good, and brave, and kind.

 

If you're a Harry Potter fan, through and through, then you must watch this video if you haven't seen it before. I got chills, and yes even shed a tear. There is good in this world. So much good, even amid trials and sorrows. Harry showed me that. :)

 

 

 

Have a Happy Halloween everyone! Hold your loved ones close and be thankful that you have them for one more day. :)

Under Cover - sold

'Under Cover'

6" x 9" watercolor on paper

sold

I was so struck by this sweet baby's sparkling eyes and full lips. I also love the little spot of sunshine on her forehead and shoulder peeking out of the shade.

 

I used to think that the eyes were the most difficult part of a portrait, and now they are my favorite part. Discerning the variety of colors and values in skin tones is much harder in my opinion, let alone trying to paint it!

 

And here are a couple of shots of the crafts me and little Cook have been up to this week.

 

Black Halloween cats made with his handprints (found this idea on Pinterest) :)

 

I've decided to do preschool at home with him this year instead of sending him to a preschool. I want to treasure every single minute with him before he starts kindergarten next fall. So we spend a good part of every day trying to find something involving learning and fun. Yesterday we went on a leaf hunt. :) He was so proud of all the different kinds of leaves he found. It's days like that that make me realize, yet again, how lucky I am to be a stay at home mom and experience things like this with my kids every day.  

 

Some of our Halloween decorations the boys and I have been setting up everywhere. Most have been made by them over the years. :)

 

 

The kiddos are out of school the rest of the week for fall break so things may be quiet here on my end for a little while. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying this gorgeous fall weather while it lasts. Huzzah!

 

Reference photo by Gustavo Jeronimo, thank you!

Solemn 2 - sold

'Solemn 2' - sold

7" x 10"  watercolor on paper

 

This was a special request for one of my good collectors. This version is a little larger, and slightly different, mostly because of the nature of watercolor and the semi-impossibility of recreating those spontaneous effects in the background. But also because I think I've grown as an artist in the year since I painted the first 'Solemn.'

 

My palette isn't quite the same and I think my observational skills have gotten better too. This painting was kind of a challenge, but in the end I was really happy with how she turned out, especially her eyes. :) And my collector was happy with her too so that makes everything worth it.

 

Meanwhile, on the homefront, me and littlest Cook are getting ready to make caramel apples and cute Halloween crafts involving handprints and black cats. I'll try and save you an apple but I'm not promising anything. :)

 

Reference photo by the awesome Steve Evans, thank you!

Without a Care - sold

'Without a Care' - sold

6" x 6" watercolor on paper

When we went to the farm a few months ago I saw this little girl and only managed to get one shot of her, and it was this one. I loved the light in her hair and her messy little braids. She was so darling. I remember watching her mother gently try to smooth her flyaway hair several times and the little girl leaned into her touch every time. It was very sweet.

Sometimes I daydream about what it was like to be small and taken care of by my mother. To not have to worry about anything, knowing that I was safe, and loved. To be completely carefree and just focused on the moment. Now I think I need to call my mom and tell her I love her. :)

Carefree and happy are what I wanted to express in this painting, as part of the Daily Paintworks challenge for this week to express emotion. And I wanted to try and do that without a direct look into the face. I think her far away expression helps a lot.

Now I must get to work on some commissions that need attention. Play time is over, back to work!

All Things New

'All Things New'

5" x 7" watercolor on Ampersand Aquabord

$100 plus $7 US shipping

 

I've spent a lot of time lately going through my stash of photos and organizing them (Ha! no really, I'm trying), looking for that one image that shouts at me to paint. I found some of my youngest son when he was a baby, and then some I had taken of him just a few months ago and I was shocked to see the change in him. He is so grown up now (that's not him in the painting above just in case you're wondering). Makes me a little sad. He's my baby, my last, and it's hard to see him grow up so much right before my eyes, although the new changes are fun too of course.

 

Then I found these photos I took of my darling nephew over the summer. He was about a year and a half old, and he had that look of wonder at everything he saw around him. And his beautiful brown eyes are what called me to paint him. I have a few other shots of him I will be painting too. He was such a great little model. :)

 

Now about this aquabord. I've been wanting to paint with my techniques in watercolor on a surface that won't need framing behind glass, and also bigger. I envision a certain wall in my home with three 24" x 24" portraits of my boys, on cradled aquabord with out glass or frames. So, here I am trying aquabord again.

 

And I liked it a lot better this time. I think I'm getting the hang of how this stuff works. And the best part is that the finished painting still feels like 'me'. Where as when I paint with acrylics or oils it feels like I'm trying somebody else's clothes on that don't fit quite right. I enjoy oils and acrylics for a change of pace, but they don't feel like me. At least, not yet. Maybe one day I'll feel differently.

 

One tip I found useful for using aquabord is to use a very wet brush with mostly water and not a lot of pigment, and gradually build up color that way. Which actually is how I paint with watercolor on paper too. :)

 

Until Thrusday! Huzzah!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inquisitive - sold

'Inquisitive' - sold

6" x 6" watercolor on paper

 

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitter steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree you still believe it to be a beautiful place." -Kurt Vonnegut

 

This statement is never more true than with children. No matter what their life is like they still believe the world to be a beautiful place.

 

Reference photo by Steve Evans, thank you!

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!

Miles

'Miles'

11" x 18" watercolor - sold

private commission

I started this painting thinking that it would be a complete breeze. First of all because the little boy is darling, and secondly because the lighting was right in the photo reference, his features were clear with a great sparkle in his eye. And, and, it was a only a close up of the little boy's face.

Easy peasy I told myself.

Well. . . I was wrong. It was not easy and I spent most of the week agonizing over the proper colors to glaze on top of each other and if I had the shape of his lips right. The mouth is always the hardest part for me.

But, now that it's over and I'm standing back looking at it, I really like. It turned out well, and most importantly my client already told me that she loves it.

What else can I ask for? A challenge to tackle, the feeling of success of pushing on and not quitting, and a happy client.

Not a thing, that's what.

Now I think I shall go have a cupcake to celebrate. No, no I better have two, I will eat one in your honor and pretend that you are here to celebrate with me. :)

Huzzah!!