A new painting re-do

I really love how this piece turned out. I originally painted it, a different face,,, and it sat around for a while. I couldn't quite decide if I liked it or not. I decided to re-do the painting and now I feel it really works.

Here is the original painting. Never be afraid to go back over your old paintings and give them a fresh look. You'll be glad you did. Sometimes it takes letting them sit around for a while and seeing them with new eyes.

New wooden art dolls

Here's a peek at my new wooden art dolls. They are in my shop now. They are created using acrylics, and collage elements for texture.

I started by cutting shapes on a scroll saw (with the help of my friend Kim)

Here are the shapes all cut up and ready to use

We were able to cut and sand quite a few

In my studio waiting for their new homes

They are waiting for their forever homes, check them out in my shop! (click on sidebar on the left) xoxo

Artist journal, (again)

This journal is all made by hand, the covers, the binding, everything! I am working over an old journal and re-doing it. I love how some of the old elements show through. I have ripped, torn, and re-figured the pages, adding new work as I go along. I use acrylic paints and the backgrounds are watercolor washes.

"Waiting"

Waiting is a recurrent theme that I have in my life. I always seem to be waiting for something. I'm in tune to just enjoying the moment, but I always have a difficult time waiting. This piece is created on 8 x 10 140lb watercolor paper. Done in acrylic and graphite. Signed on the front.

Journal, artist journal, Sketchbook

I never seem to have the time to write a nice thoughtful blog posting. But I thought I would show you what I've been working on. This is my hand made journal. I have been slowly adding art to the pages and experimenting for a new idea that I have.

A new hand made original journal

I recently started a new journal. This one is completely made by hand. I made the covers and also did the binding. The covers are canvas board and I use polyester linen thread for the binding. It measures 8 x 10 and has lots of different size pages in it. More to come,,,,stay tuned... :)

Complete

She waited and waited for him, but he never returned. Her hair did grow longer, and she was grateful.

Rainy Day Painting on wood

I am excited about this new piece. It is created on wood with acrylics. I love the way the wood feels. The movement of the paint on the wood, and how the wood captures the paint. It has such a great feel to it. This measures 12 x 16.5 inches. I used artist grade acylics, graphite, and gesso. I was inspired by the weather here in Seattle. We are just starting our rainy season after such a long beautiful summer. This work will be in my etsy shop soon.

Haunt, Illustration Friday

What a great prompt for the week! Here is my idea for "Haunt". Happy Halloween week! xo

Postcards, Party Hat!

You could send these to a friend for their birthday, or if you just want to party!  These postcards were taken from my original artwork.  They measure 4.25 x 5.5 and are professionally printed on glossy cardstock.
I hope you luuuuuve them!

$10.00 + $2.00 shipping

New Postcards are in!

$10.00 + $2.00 shipping

My new postcards just arrived! They are professionally printed and measure 4.25 x 5.5. They are glossy with a blank back. I created these from my original image in my journal. My friend said she looks like she's doing the "Down Dog" position in Yoga. I think she is Looking for love. Either way, send these sweet postcards to your friends, they will love them!

I have been busy lately, I have added some new and some old pieces to my etsy shop. Check them out!

"Limbo"

From my journal....
Watercolor, graphite, pit pens

Flying

Flying over Georgia to say "Hi"

We are all passengers. Just passing through this "earth school"

Lovers

 Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They are in each other all along. by Rumi In my shop now.

Illustration Friday "Sky"

Today's illustration Friday theme is "Sky". I originally called this "Free at Last", but I think it appropriately works for sky! I created this work on 8 x 10 cold press watercolor paper with watercolor and graphite. I have sold it, but I wish it still were in my private collection. It's one of my favorites!

"I'll protect you"

I've been crazy busy working in my journal. I recently went to see my friend in California and I was able to work in my journal on the airplane and at her home. Being away from home allows me to have free time for art. Does that mean I need to be away, to find the time to create? I'll be posting some more soon. xo

Looking for true love

This is a page created in my artist journal. I wonder if we ever find true love, I think we are always looking for it.

Concerned

"Concerned" We can show compassion when we listen, listening is one of the greatest kindnesses we can show each other. 8 x 10, on gallery wrapped canvas. Collaged elements in the background. Acrylic and graphite. Will be in my etsy shop soon...

Making an art doll or,,,creating my work in 3D

I really enjoy making art dolls. Some of my dolls were published in the first "Stuffed" magazine a couple of years ago. This doll is the first one I have made in a long time. I created her in the likeness of my paintings.

I start by painting faces on muslin. I use acrylics and spray with a finishing spray after I have created them. Then I cut the shape from fabric, in this case it is a nice wool that I had left over from other projects.

Then the face is laid out on the fabric, and I create the design.

Then I begin sewing the pieces together. This is the fun part! I hope to make more soon. They will be listed in my etsy shop soon.

The conversation

A flower for you

painted in a small journal

from Shelby

I love the gift of flowers, real or painted,,, a small gesture that reaches through all time. Thank you.

What's in my head

"What's in my head" watercolor on paper,,,in a sketchbook.

Some new and....

I find that when I take breaks from making art, I come back a little stronger. My same style emerges but usually takes on a different twist or technique. The first two paintings are from last year, and the last one was made this week. I feel a little rusty, but it is what I need to do to get going again. I am not very happy with my new one, but I am working away on some new paintings. The new ones will have little elements of collage in them and will be created on gallery canvases. More to come....