watercolor

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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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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.

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Sassy

Sassy, a poodle/rat terrier mix (Ratty) was a great challenge on how to show a salt and pepper coat. I chose to go with a line and wash style, using Micron pens and then Daniel Smith watercolors over that.

I always start with eyes. If I can’t get those right, I start over because nothing will work right from that point forward. The owner was thrilled with the eyes, so we got a win! The Rat Terrier is strong in this girl, and she is smart as a whip.

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Shira

I am beginning to work on larger scale portraits. This is Shira. An adorable puppy training to be a therapy dog. I opted for no ink on this little floof of sweet cotton candy. Even on her eyes, which are big black buttons, yet with a sense of depth.

She is in constant motion and putting ink into the mix would stop that motion, in my mind. She has no hard, defined edges. Such a sweetheart. Her personality and temperament is perfect for a little girl who will be bringing smiles to people’s faces her whole life.

Mostly Daniel Smith and some Qor watercolors were applied with a size 10 and 12 brush.

She was a pleasure to paint.

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2 Kitties and their Pup

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.