Painting

Birds in a Basket: Oil Pastel on Black Paper

This Arteza black paper works really well with oil pastels! I love the contrast of the dramatic black with the opaque color of the pastels. These little birds are sitting on the flower basket having an aviary conversation. :) ... View the Post

Painting

My Funny Duke with the “Hands” & VIDEO

Sometimes, we have to try new styles. :) I present you with my funny-looking duke with strange hands. I'm not sure what happened, but maybe there's a story here to be told! :) I drew him on watercolor paper and used the watercolors in a "line and wash" technique. VIDEO BELOW! The sales are on this week, so it may be a good time to stock up on supplies. ... View the Post

Painting

Fruit Painting with Arrtx Markers

I painted this fruit with Arrtx acrylic markers. I used the markers in a watercolor style by diluting them slightly once they were down on the watercolor paper. It's a great thing when art supplies can be used in multiple ways. Here are some Black Friday Week Deals: The price point for each marker is great (I wish Posca would follow suit), making these markers a great art supply choice. They can be used on many surfaces and the brush tip is great for details and ... View the Post

Painting

Flowers on the Pumpkins

Whenever I say the word "pumpkin", I always want to start quoting the poem by James Whitcomb Riley: When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock,And the clackin’ of the guineys, and the cluckin’ of the hens,And the rooster’s hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best,With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,As he leaves the house, ... View the Post

Painting

Children’s Storybook Illustration

I have published nearly fifty books so far! It's hard to believe, but I guess if you live long enough, things get done. :) I would like to add a children's book or two to that list. I have always loved quaint stories of animals living in little houses in the trees. Wind in the Willows has always been a favorite of mine, not only for the wholesome stories, but the cute little dwellings with tea things and rocking chairs. I have a lot of work ahead of me to hone those skills for adding the ... View the Post

Painting

Mixed Media Flowers in Vase (Soft Pastel & Watercolor)

These soft pastels were so much fun to use! I like how the squared-off edges give you the ability to get some finer details in the painting. The colors are beautiful! This handmade mixed media paper is very porous, so I added a watercolor underpainting for the pastels to "stick" to. You could also apply clear gesso as a foundation. Watercolor and soft pastels work well together. The textural element is definitely here! Here are some of the steps (sadly, no video) that I did to create ... View the Post