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.
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.
I forgot to load the last 5 images I did for Inktober. I opted to not complete the month – I had some bad allergy days, got behind, then chose to turn my energy to finishing Christmas ornaments. Here are the remaining 5. I do enjoy Inktober, but did not feel the push to finish it this year, which I found interesting. It was a fun challenge though.
21 – Chains (my childhood farm gate)
22 – Scratchy – barb wire and hairs from our cows
23 – Celestial
24 – Shallow – my cat’s dish
25 – Dangerous
Silly boi!
I put out a call to my Facebook friends for pets to practice my line work and inkwash on this year. I was planning to pull out of a hat, lottery style, but I could not do it. How can we reject any of these precious pets? Fortunately the submissions were manageable and I have been working on these Inktober submissions until all are done. Here is the final one and rounds out 2022 on a lovely note.
I chose to do more line and a large brush wash on her.
Sweet Lily appeared on an ornament commission a few years ago! It was fun to revisit her cute face in another medium.
These 2 cats were watercolor memorial gifts for a friend. Her dog was an Inktober image you may have seen months ago. It is always such a pleasure and an honor to do these.
I know my art has always been about gifting and bringing joy to another human being. Finding that special image that helps heal their heart and show some kindness and gentleness in the world. Pet portraits do just that, so it is no surprise that I gravitate to them as a choice of expression.
I am finally getting caught up on my Inktober pet portraits, interrupted by some final ornament orders. This is Fergus, joining Boo (who was completed in October) on their trip to the East Coast, compliments of the US Postal Service.
This little sweety is headed to Canada. This may be the floofiest white texture I have worked with in ink.
I am running way behind on posting to the blog! If you want to catch me in real time, I can also be found on Facebook or Instagram. Instagram has short process reels starting to appear also, as I am learning how to create them (and overcome my nerves!)
This year I am wanting to work more seriously on my portraiture. So I asked a coworker if I could draw his son, whom I met at a company BBQ, thus the company hat and keychain. He was such a delight to work on and my first Inktober piece. Nothing like warming up to the inks in the most intense way possible! When Jasper saw his picture he told his dad he wanted it on his wall. What a sweet compliment!
I did the entire piece with a pencil sketch, then this brush dipped in Higgins black waterproof ink (and a raccoon mug of water.) Again – Inktober was about working on the balance of tones and values with the ink. I saw myself progress as the month did. I doubt an artist every feels they have arrived, though, so I have learned to just accept where I am, knowing with each piece I am growing my skill.
Work and then a spate of travels pretty much sucked up the first part of my year. But I am getting back into the flow of completing commissions.
Flexing My Wings 
