Author: Sheri Garvin

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Having the Right Tools Matters!

First painting on my new easel was of an Indigo Bunting photographed by my friend, Charlotte. You can find her beautiful birds on Instagram.

Sometimes, as an artist, you put up with doing things until you suddenly realize you don’t have to. I finally purchased this portable French easel and am loving it. I have a large H frame that I have used for oils, but it is so bulky for my smaller watercolors and while it is on wheels, too awkward and large for the upstairs areas. So, happy camper here, I can take it to the deck and the easel looks good even when left out in the sunroom. The tools you use can make all the difference to your pleasure in the task, whether cooking or arting.

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Mother’s Day Giveaway Grand Prize

The grand prize goes to the aunt of this little cutey! The fun of this giveaway was the absolute challenge each one has given me. In painting they teach you to get photos without a wide smile – teeth are hard! And baby faces are very hard. Then both had their faces scrunched as their joy was ready to explode. And Wellington was taken from a photo of a painting – something new! So this was tremendously fun and beneficial for me, and I also get the joy of giving gifts. This is what a giveaway should be about. Joy.

Some in-process glimpses:

If you would like to be considered in future giveaways, please join my email list. We have another one coming up in July and I would love to include you!

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Wellington in Ink

One of the winners of my Mother’s Day ink portrait giveaways chose an image of Wellington for his office. This was a lot of fun. I have never created a portrait of a historical figure before. He chose a famous painting for me to base my ink portrait off of by Thomas Lawrence.

Pet Commission – Rylee
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Pet Commission – Rylee

Chocolate lab dog portrait in watercolor

Rylee was commissioned from a lifelong collector of my work, so I did something fun and included a set of cards as a thank you gift. I got these from Canva.com, and highly recommend the quality! I am trying out all sorts of new things with my email list this year as I get a feel of costs, quality, and which new things work or don’t. Feel free to join me!

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Sign up to enter an ink portrait giveaway!

Since January, I’ve been immersed in a coaching program with other artists to grow my art business. It is very exciting to be with an international group of like minded professional who are committed to working through the year long program together. What is that term – do what sparks joy!

The heart of my art lies in sharing it, and I am so excited to connect with those who wish to join me on this journey.

While I am still on social media, my email list will provide extra behind the scenes content and exclusive opportunities not promoted on Facebook or Instagram!

I will be having regular giveaways throughout the year, but you can start by entering to win an inkwash giveaway right now.

Click the logo below to sign up on my website between now and the end of May 2024 and you will be entered to win an inkwash portrait of yourself, a beloved person, or a pet. See you there!

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Farm Life – Sketch 1

I am playing around with ideas for a more distanced portrait. Sometimes it is nice to get the person in their daily element. This is Stephen – a farmer and a craftsman by trade. This was a composition, colors, and values practice sketch. Expect a few more to be posted before I decide which one to go with for the larger version.