New Art!!

Well, not really all that new, but still, new to this blog. I painted this portrait last month, about two weeks before the move. I actually really like it quite a bit, so for now I'm going to hold on to it instead of posting it in the shop. Like the last two bird paintings I did, this one is painted on beveled wood. I tried to get soft contrasts between the limey background and the more muted gray tones on the border. In addition, I wanted to be very bold with my skin color choices. I'm quite happy with the dramatic pinks and whites on her face. I think the woman in the portrait is quite chic, and you kind of want to get to know her more when you look at her.

Materials: 8x10x1 inch beveled wood, acrylic paints

Nude Study

My apartment may be a mess, and I may no longer have internet or TV, but I still have my colored pencils and sketch pads. Background: my apartment complex decided to switch cable providers this week. Meaning, my existing cable and internet services were cut off yesterday, and since I didn't sign up for the new services (because of the impending move), I am totally cut off from the rest of the world when I get home. My boredom yesterday led me to draw some more, and I think I'm going to leave my pencils and sketchpads unpacked for the time being so I will have something productive to do when I get home in the evenings.

In any case, the above image was drawn relatively quickly last night. I tried very hard not to dwell on any one area, and to not think very hard about any one color or shade. I'm fairly happy with the results. The image used is from my very favorite artist anatomy book, "Anatomy for the Artist" by Sarah Simblet. I used to check it out from the library all the time, but got it as a Christmas gift last year. Indispensable!

Materials: 9x12 inch pastel paper, colored pencils

Moving On Up

Well, I am moving in less than a month. Which means that I probably will not be posting any new art here in the meantime as many of my supplies will be packed up shortly in anticipation of the new abode. Check back in August, though. I'll be firmly ensconced in my new place by the end of the month!

In the meantime, please enjoy this photograph that I took back in March of 2006 at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I'm not entirely sure what kind of flower this is, but I think it might be some type of orchid. Maybe I'll post some of my old nature photos until I move, just to keep things interesting!

Wompoo Fruit Dove

During today's epic Wimbledon match between my soulmate Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, I painted this little number. The feathers took me forever and I kept going over and over what I had done before, trying to get it right. At first I wasn't sure if I liked the final result, but now that I've had a few hours apart from it, I think it looks nice. I am especially fond of the contrast between the bright green and hot pink.

Click here to buy or see more pictures.

Materials: Materials: 9 x 6.5 x 1 inch beveled wood, acrylic paint

Eastern Kingbird

Today I painted the above Eastern Kingbird, and while painting, I realized how much I enjoy it. Painting for me can be such an escape from a world of uncertainty. It gives me a level of control that I long for in my own life when things seem to be spinning into chaos. I'm glad for this little bird, because he let me forget things for just a little while.

Materials: 9 x 6.5 inch beveled wood, acrylic paint

Chocolatey Goodness

A flower that smells like chocolate?? Say it isn't so! According to one of my plant books, the Chocolate Cosmos flower smells of a "rich, dark chocolate." Since my favorite chocolate just happens to be dark chocolate (and since the flower itself is a beautiful, passionate red), I was inspired to sit down tonight and paint it. I imagined the aroma of chocolate wafting through my apartment as I painted. Not only did I end up feeling hungry, but I also ended up with a nice little painting for a cozy nook in my apartment. I used 3-dimensional embellishment paint to highlight the shadows and light on the petals and stem.

Materials: 6x6 wood, acrylic paint, 3-D paint.

Wand Flowers

Well, it's been Art-Central here in Deborahville the past few days. Inspired by a neat library book I checked out on plants, I decided to paint a flower from the genus Sparaxis. They are commonly called "Wand" flowers, and I think they are really something else. I decided to do a modern take on a traditional floral portrait, and I'm really happy with how well the colors meshed.

As always, you can buy this little gem in the shop. More pictures there as well! Update: I've decided to donate this painting to the upcoming Birmingham Hospitality Network silent auction. BHN keeps homeless families together and provides them with shelter and basic necessities. You can read about them here.

Materials: 9.5 inch x 9.5 inch wood, acrylic paints

Tree of Life

After taking advantage of some sale items at Michael's yesterday, I got out my papers and glues and paints and came up with this rather funky creation (on wood). I don't think I had intended on the final image being as stark as it is, but I think it works. The brown of the tree and the vivid blues and greens hand-painted with acrylics in the background really compliment each other.

(And of course, you can buy it in the shop if you're so inclined. More pictures there, too!)

Materials: 9.5 inch x 9.5 inch wood, card stock, Mod Podge, glue, acrylics

J. Crew Girl

One of my favorite clothing stores is J. Crew. I find it quite difficult to afford many of their items when they are regular priced, so I typically shop in the sales department. I get their catalog monthly and enjoy flipping through it and getting ideas for my own wardrobe. I thought the girl above was very pretty and chic in her summer outfit and decided to draw her. I'm quite happy with how she came out. The hands look pretty good, and I'm so pleased with her legs: especially that bended knee!

Please note that this drawing is available in the shop.

Materials: 11x14 Windpower Vellum Bristol, Prismacolor colored pencils

The Great Cate

I am rarely able to capture the essence of a person when I draw him or her, but I think that this time I pulled it off. The above drawing is of Cate Blanchett, who I think is one of the most beautiful women in the world. And the best part is, I think it actually sort of looks like her! A rare accomplishment, indeed!

Materials: 11x14 Strathmore Medum drawing paper, Prismacolor colored pencils and Art Stix.