I think I'm done.....

No new photos of the latest art project....Braveheart.  I do think I am finished....it is perched up on my window where I can occasionally look at it.  I will leave it there for awhile....I like to "live" with my art for awhile before I call it "finished".  Soon, though, very soon I will post a final photo.  I will be starting my sketch for the next squirrel in this series.  This one will have a young squirrel sitting on a tree limb.....eating a nut, I think!  I have also been reading this fabulous book......I'll promise to share the title and some more info on that next post.....gotta run....thanks for stopping by

BraveHeart Painting

Here is a photo of the leaves I collected to use in the painting of Braveheart.  I decided that I needed some good reference material and I am so glad I did.  Even though you think you know what a leaf looks like......I found, at least for me,.....that you can quickly forget some of the most important details.  Besides which, mother nature does a much more impressive job with colors, texture, and shadows, then my little artistic brain can do....LOL!

Here we are....Braveheart.  I have a ways to go, but I'm feeling pretty good about the painting as a whole.  The leaves are coming together, but I am concerned that they may overpower my sleeping Braveheart.  We shall see.  This is painted in acrylics on gesso board it is a wonderful surface for fine detail.  Also, I like to work in transparent layers and the board lends itself to that very well.  The color "sits on top" long enough to work with, but dries quick enough not to frustrate me.  I can, with a little scrubbing, lift color for highlights and other effects without damaging the board.  All in all.....gesso board is a great choice for me!

Braveheart Sketch

Here is my sketch of little Braveheart.  This is how I want to remember this little guy...safely nestled among the leaves....dreaming of....well, dreaming whatever happy little squirrels dream.  He was such a sweet little boy.  I did spend most of the day painting yesterday.  I have to say I really lost myself in painting and enjoyed watching this little fellow slowly coming to life.  The leaves are a struggle....leaves are a personal demon of mine.  I just seem to struggle so....but I'm trying to take deep breaths and when the struggle gets overwhelming I take a break and that does help.  Fresh eyes....ya know.  My goal is not to let the details of the leaves overpower little Braveheart.  I want some to be sharply in focus, but others to be more abstract in nature.  I will share some more photos next time....till then, enjoy the day

Fall is in the air.....

I just love this time of year.....the temps over Labor Day weekend were very fall-like.  That cool, crisp, snap in the air just seems to revive my very soul! I finished up a sewing project and I am anxious to start painting.  I have been "dreaming" my painting these last few nights and I think I'm ready now to put pencil to paper for the first sketches.

I will be starting my "BraveHeart" painting this week.  Here is a rough idea for the painting.  I think I will be doing 3 small paintings which may be hung together or separately.  The first will be of Braveheart curled up and asleep in the leaves.  The second will be of one of his sisters.....peaking out of a hole in the tree.  The third will be the second sister.....perched on a branch eating a nut.  As soon as I get the sketches finished, I will post them here for you to see.

I have also been thinking of making some marketing plans for my art.  I have been looking into imagekind.  Imagekind will make fine art prints from uploads of your work.  At first I didn't think I could get a high enough resolution to make that work, but I have been doing some research and I think I can.  I let you all know how that works out.  And.....any of you that have done this and have any tips....please let me hear from you.....

My Heart is Sad Today

Today I received an update on the three little squirrels we rescued a few days ago.  The little male, the one who had fallen from the nest, passed away yesterday.  The folks at the refuge did all they could, but they suspect he was probably injured internally in the fall and he just couldn't hang on.  At least I know he was well cared for and felt safe and warm and loved for the few days he had on this earth.  I also know he was one brave little guy; for if not for him leaving the nest, his sisters would have surly died.  The "girls" are doing very well and have even been started on some solid food this week.  As I mentioned, the refuge has ask that I do a painting for their auction in October.  I'm going to call the painting "Brave Heart" and it will be of that sweet little male squirrel.  I'm also going to include the "story of Brave Heart" in a packet on the back.  Brave Heart may have been small and frail, but this heart was brave.......and he will be remember forever......in the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.......

Playing with 'Blogger' and New Project

I am trying to re-design my blog.  Things may get ugly......but hang in.......and hopefully I will find something that works.  I have to admit I have not spent much time here in blog land and not much time on my art.  Life just keeps getting in the way of things.....I get determined to make a change and then "whoops!" procrastination.....that age old enemy of mine sets in and everything goes to......well......you know.  I have struggled with that enemy my entire life.  I'm not big on popping pills, but I'd sure sign up for one that would put an end to that nasty habit......."never do today, what you can put off til tomorrow"......I need a new mantra!

Ok, so what is on my artsy mind today.  I do have an upcoming project.  A few days ago, my husband and I manage to save 3 baby squirrels.  It seems mama squirrel was not coming back and the babies would soon starve.  We rescued them and put them in the competent hands of Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center.  I think all three babies have a good chance of survival.  The Wildlife Center asked me if I would be interested in donating a piece of art for their upcoming fundraiser auction.  I said yes.  A few years ago, I donated the painting you see below.

Red Tailed Hawk

I'm sure you have guessed what my subject will be......baby squirrels......as I just happened to have some very cute photos for reference.  The auction, I think, is in October.  I will post some photos as the work progresses.  I'm in that 'thinking' stage right now.  I have to visualize my ideas in my head......I especially like doing that right at bed time.....if I'm lucky I will actually 'dream' an idea for the painting.  Sounds weird, I know......but then I have been kinda weird my whole life.  Us 'creative types' we just approach life a bit differently than the rest of the world......and that is 'ok' by me....in fact, I kinda like it that way.......

Studio Space and Polar Bear

I am still working on the mural and I will share some more photos at a later date.  For now, I would like to share with you a bit about my studio and my latest painting.

This is my studio space.  As most of you know, I live full time in our fifth wheel and travel.  I have been trying for quite some time to crave out a little nook where I could paint and not have to 'break down' my studio everyday.  I think I have found it here.  I have a large window to my back which lets in lots of natural light.  The cabinet to my left holds my art supplies...it is on wheels so it is easily moved when necessary.  My easel is collapsible and tucks away into a nice carrying case.  But....now that I am tucked back into this little corner I can leave my 'studio' in tack while I work on projects....and I am out of the way and most importantly everyone is outta my way....LOL!

This is my latest work in progress.  This is done with my acrylics on canvas.  I'm doing this one for my Grandson.  He loves polar bears and especially liked that 'blue tongue' sticking out on this particular bear.  It has been great fun painting this guy.....and I am almost finished.  Comments are always welcome......