A Pugs Life

"A Pugs Life" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

In an effort to get my groove back I've been working on this painting the past couple days. I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I was however, disappointed with the way that it scanned. This particular piece looks so much better in person. The overall softness has not been captured in this photo.

This painting is 5 by 7, and the painting surface is Ampersand Pastelbord. I used all pastel pencils for this piece.

I'm thinking about a landscape for my next painting.

Have a great weekend!

Purple Tulip Commission

"Purple Tulip" 5 by 7, Commissioned Watercolor Painting

I was so happy to paint this custom painting for one of my collectors. She has three other of my watercolor tulip paintings and wanted another, in a different color, to add to her collection. I'm very pleased with the way this painting turned out and I think she will be too.

I enjoy doing custom paintings so if you have something in mind, just let me know. :)

Remembrance

"Remembrance" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

Today we remember the tragic events that took place on this day 10 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with those lost and their families today. Whatever problems we think we have should feel so very small today.

I was a senior in high school, in advanced biology class, when the news broke. My teacher turned on the television and we spent the rest of the day just watching the news coverage. I've always felt deeply patriotic, but this really sparked something in me. Had 9-11 not happened, I'm not sure I would have joined the military shortly after graduating. I had a deep yearning to serve and I served a short time in the Air Force.

Thank you to those who continue to serve our country.

Thank you to Pat at Back Porch Musings for allowing me to use her photograph as a reference for this painting.

Thomas Kinkade Reproduction in Pastel

Thomas Kinkade Reproduction, 9 by 12, Pastel

Been wondering what the "challenging painting" I've been working on was? Well, here it is. I attempted the unthinkable, recreating a Thomas Kinkade in pastel. Thomas Kinkade is one of my very favorite artists. I have his calendar hanging in my kitchen and I kept admiring this particular painting. Then I got the crazy idea to give it a try in pastel. Obviously I wasn't able to do it justice, but I think it turned out fairly decently.

My intentions were to see if a Thomas Kinkade type of style was achievable in pastel. I have to say I think it would be a lot easier in oil, but with some practice and developed techniques I think it just might be possible with pastel.

This piece was so much fun, I just love all that detail. I was disappointed when I went to photograph the painting because the colors appeared so dull. I tried to fix it in photoshop and it helped a bit. The colors are so much prettier in person.

I hope you are having a great week!

A New England Lighthouse

"A New England Lighthouse" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I have to begin this post by thanking Sharon at A New England Life for allowing me to use her beautiful photograph as a reference for this painting. Thanks Sharon!

I decided to try a little something different today. I'd been admiring this photo for a long time but was too scared to even try it. For some reason I feel like I cannot paint foliage very well, but I haven't really tried. So, I decided to give it a shot today and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I was disappointed with the scan of the painting because it seemed to take something away from it. I think it looks much better in person and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

As always, this painting was completed with artist quality pastel pencils on pastelbord. The detail of the lighthouse was so much fun. I think I'm going to have to try more paintings like this.

Have a great afternoon!

Among Lily Pads

"Among Lily Pads" 8 by 10, Pastel Painting

Available Here

SOLD

It's finished! Like I mentioned in my previous post, I felt a bit rusty with this painting considering it has been a couple months since I used my pastels. But it's amazing how quickly it comes back. I also think it's good to take a break once in a while. I've come back from this time off with renewed creativity and fresh ideas.

This painting was completed on pastelbord and I used all CarbOthello pastel pencils. For now this painting is for sale on Etsy, but I might end up taking it to the gallery in a few weeks.

Have a lovely afternoon! :)

Multicolor Rose

"Multicolor Rose" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

I thought I would try something a little different today. I've never painted a flower like this, without some kind of background. I have to say I really like it. The simple white background adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the painting. And the flower just jumps out. I had a lot of fun mixing colors too.

This little watercolor will join a few others (Twin Roses and Cosmos) at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery. I've got about 4 new paintings to take and get hung there. Nothing like bright florals for Spring. :)

I hope you have a great day!

Cosmos

"Cosmos" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

I completed this little watercolor today. It took me much longer than normal as I wasn't able to use a blow dryer to speed things along. My Fiance has been working nights again this week and I didn't want to risk waking him with the dryer. It was certainly a different way of painting. But I'm happy with the way it turned out.

This little painting will join "Twin Roses" at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery soon.

Have a lovely evening!

Twin Roses

"Twin Roses" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

A new painting! It feels like it's been forever since I last painted. I'm quite pleased with the way this watercolor turned out. I used some new opaque paints and it was challenging, but I love the colors.

I've decided to reserve this painting for the gallery. In honor of Spring I thought it would be nice to bring in some new floral watercolors. And I think it would look beautiful in this gold frame that I have.

I'm also working on setting up a new yoga blog. I'll post the link once I get it up and running.

Have a great night!

New Watercolor Mini's

I have been working on a couple new watercolor mini paintings for the gallery.

"Full Bloom" "Sunny Rose"

These little paintings are a hit at the gallery and they look so much nicer in person so it's just easier to sell them there as opposed to my Etsy shop. Although I do have a few listed on Etsy. They're just so cute and completely affordable.

Watching Rain

"Watching Rain" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I couldn't resist painting another cat. I just loved this picture. The scan makes the painting look harsh, but it's much softer in person. It's just a sweet image.

I added my other two recent cat paintings to Etsy yesterday if anyone is interested.

I'm currently on a little break from school and unfortunately new classes begin Monday. I was hoping to get more painting done while I was on break, but I've taken some time for myself. I've been doing a lot of reading, yoga and just relaxing. It's been nice.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Tennessee Rose

"Tennessee Rose" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

I was in the mood for a watercolor today. I couldn't wait to paint those soft petals. The reference photo I used was from the WetCanvas reference library and the person lived in Tennessee, so that's where I got the title.

This painting was done on 140lb cold press watercolor paper with Winsor & Newton paints. I will have this painting listed on Etsy soon.

Please don't forget that until March 31st 100% of all Etsy sales will be donated to the Red Cross to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Just a few days left! If you were planning on giving anyway, this is a great way to do it. :)

Have a great weekend!

A Visitor

"A Visitor" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Another little kitty today. Actually it's the same cat as in my last painting. Once again, thank you to Nancy Rose for allowing me to use your great photo for this painting. This one was a lot of fun. It was nice to spend an equal amount of time on the background as on the cat.

I haven't listed this painting on Etsy yet, but I plan on doing so within the next week or so. I have some collectors of my little cat paintings and I'm waiting to list a few of them at the same time.

Also, if you're interested in a custom pet portrait, I am taking orders. I was thinking of what a great Mother's Day or Father's Day gift that would make! For more information on custom pet portraits, click here. I also have listings available for different sizes in my Etsy shop.

Have a wonderful day!

Closeup

"Closeup" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

"Closeup" is my latest pastel painting. It's been about 2 weeks since my last one and I felt a little rusty, but it felt great to be painting again. I finally completed my final projects and finals for school and I'm on a short break. What a relief to not have to think about school for a couple weeks! :)

"Closeup" is based on a reference photo by Nancy Rose. The painting was completed with pastel pencils on pastelbord. I'm not going to list it for sale just yet. But if you're interested, keep checking my Etsy page to see if I've listed it for sale.

I hope you have a nice afternoon!

Little Dahlia

"Little Dahlia" 2 1/2 by 3 1/2, Watercolor Painting

After about a week and a half without painting I just had to do this little painting today. I have 1 week left of classes and my professors have been piling on the work. This week is going to be the worst with final projects due and exams. But after that I will have a 2 week break.

This mini painting was done on 140lb watercolor paper with Winsor & Newton paints. These mini paintings really have to be seen in person to be appreciated. Scanning or photographing just does not do them justice. For that reason I think I might start selling them in the gallery instead of on Etsy. But I will still share them. They also make great studies for larger paintings.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Fuchsia

"Fuchsia" 2 1/2 by 3 1/2, Watercolor Painting

Available Here

I couldn't resist painting another mini today. I just love Fuchsia flowers and I don't know why it took me this long to finally paint one. It was fun and I think I'll try a bigger one next time.

This mini painting is available in my Etsy shop if you're interested.

Have a nice weekend!

Red Rose

"Red Rose" 2 1/2 by 3 1/2, Watercolor Painting

Available Here

Here is my first watercolor ACEO for Etsy. All the others I've done were delivered to the gallery this past weekend. Now I'm working on some for my website. I think it's important to have a range of pieces (and different prices) available for people to choose from.

This little paintings are highly collectible and affordable original pieces of art. "Red Rose" was completed on 140lb watercolor paper. This mini painting is listed for $20. I also have acid free white mat boards available for them. They're 8 by 10 with an opening of 2 1/2 by 3 1/2. These fit very easily in an 8 by 10 frame.

Have a lovely day!

Red & White Tulip

"Red & White Tulip" 2 1/2 by 3 1/2, Watercolor Painting

This little mini painting is part of a small series that I'm doing for the gallery. I plan to do 4 or 5 of these along with 4 or 5 larger pieces. I've actually never painted this small before so it was a bit of a challenge, but it was fun! I have some 8 x 10 mat boards cut to 2 1/2 by 3 1/2, so I thought doing some mini's and framing them would be a cute idea. Plus, painting smaller means having to charge less and I think it's important to have a range for people to choose from.

I have so many different projects that I need to start working on. I have these new pieces I need to work on for the gallery, we're having a "For The Birds" event at the gallery next month and I need to paint a few pieces for that, Randy Higbee is having another 6 x 6 inch show and I'd like to submit a few pieces, plus painting challenge pieces for the month. Yikes! I better get busy!

A little side note, Paula Ford posted an interview that she did with me on her blog yesterday. If you're interested, click here to read it. Thanks Paula! :)

Bird Watching

"Bird Watching" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I have to start out this post by thanking Nancy Rose again for allowing me to use one of her beautiful photographs as a reference. Thank you Nancy!

I've been going back and forth between pastels and watercolors and I'm really enjoying it. I definitely want to dedicate some more time to painting animals in pastel so I have a pile of photos ready.

This sweet little kitty was painted on pastelbord with pastel sticks and pencils. It's available in my Etsy shop if you're interested.

Don't forget about the "Painting a Day" event that Laura Trevey is hosting on her blog this month. It's almost over! Click here if you're interested in sharing your work.

Bleeding Hearts

"Bleeding Hearts" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

Available Here

Here is a piece that I have been working on the past few days. I'm beginning to get a better feel for these watercolors. This photograph drew me in because of the strong highlights on the flowers. I actually took this photograph along with the tulip photos that I've been painting lately, on the same day at a local park.

This painting was completed on 140lb cold press with Winsor & Newton watercolors and it's available in my Etsy shop.

Just a little side note, Laura Trevey featured me on her very popular Bright, Bold and Beautiful blog yesterday. Click here to view the post. Thank you Laura for your kind words! :)

Don't forget about the "Painting a Day" event that Laura Trevey is hosting on her blog this month. Just a few days left!