Art by Crystal Cook

Of things with wheels, little dogs, and green slime

2012-02-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

'Keep Up'

6" x 9" watercolor

click here to bid

I sometimes think that I am more like the little dog in this painting than the woman. Trying my best to keep up with my ears flapping in the wind. Well. . . maybe not the ears flapping, but you get it right?

I've been sitting here staring at the computer for nearly an hour (in between packing lunches and kissing loved ones goodbye for the day) trying to come up with something clever, motivational, or funny to write about and I just. . . got nothing.

This could be because of all the angst I felt yesterday while painting. I kept going back and forth between loving the painting I was working on and hating it. I even hid it in the closet at one point.

Oh yes, I really did.

It made me think of the Wizard Howl, from Howl's Moving Castle, who has a complete meltdown and turns himself into green slime when Sophie rearranges his potion bottles in his bathroom causing him to accidentally change his hair color.

Green Slime. That's me when I feel like the painting I'm currently working on is not working.

Having spent all my life being an artist I have yet to figure out how to not be overcome with feelings of "I am the worst artist who has ever lived. Period. The End." (or as I shall call all such times henceforth: Green Slime) whenever I paint something that is less than what I think it should be.

Even though, now, in the light of day, I know that one bad painting does not a bad artist make.

But today is a new day, a new chance to paint something extraordinary, and slam the door on any and all Green Slime-like feelings.

Huzzah!!

Until Thursday friends. :)

Isabelle Lightwood

2012-02-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Isabelle Lightwood

character study from the book City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

graphite on Strathmore 400 11 x 14"

I'm working on having some giclee prints made up of this drawing. They should be available in my etsy shop by the end of next week. An 8 x 10" will be $30. Smaller sizes will be coming soon as well.

'Shadowhunters: Looking Better in Black Than the Widows of our Enemies Since 1234' - City of Bones

The other day I had the strongest urge to just draw something. I have been neglecting my sketchbook lately and if I do that for too long I start to feel very unhappy. So I started this drawing from a non-copyrighted photo I found of a young woman with a hefty dose of attitude while I was waiting in the car to pick my kids up from school.

After about fifteen minutes of drawing I realized that she reminded me of someone. A character (Isabelle Lightwood) from one of my favorite books, City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Once I realized that, the drawing started to take on a life of its own, and it was SO much fun.

No, wait fun's not the right word to describe it, it was just enjoyable and satisfying to put on paper an image I had held in my head since I had first read these books nearly four years ago.

Drawing characters from books is something that would not have occured to me if I had not found and became friends with Kim Kincaid. She is an amazing artist who draws character studies from books she loves (a fellow bookaholic just like me!). Click here to see some more of the characters she created from this same book.

Sometimes I really feel like drawing is as close to real live magic as I can possibly get. And it is awesome.

Have a great week everyone! See you on Tuesday. :)))

In Which I Paint a Landscape For the First Time

2012-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

'The Storm Breaks'

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid

This month's theme for the Cook-Waller challenge was winter. I chose the theme this time and can I just say how hard it was for me to finally pin down what I wanted to paint??

I had all these ideas from pink bottles of children's cough syrup and asthma medicine (a constant in my house in the winter for my youngest son) to kids building snowmen, and finally settled on this landscape (cloudscape?). I was driving my boys to school last week and watched these big dark clouds get broken apart by the sun rising over the mountains and it was SO pretty.

It had a very optimistic feeling too I think. The light was stronger than the dark and was smackin' it upside the head. Take that darkness!! Hi-yaaah!

Seriously though, I love images and themes that have to do with light overcoming dark. It makes me feel hope. Because I think that all of us, whether we're aware of it or not, are fighting our own internal battle of light vs. dark.

And here's Carrie's painting and take on the theme. So clever right? For as much of a sweetaholic as I am I have to admit that this never crossed my mind. And look at that contrast. Snap! I love it. :)

The Original Blizzard

6" x 8" watercolor by Carrie Waller

And I have pictures of another artist's work that I simply have to share. Here's a shot of the artist at work:

My middle child (who's seven) painting a project for his first grade class about Komodo Dragons. He worked so hard and was so proud of himself. He had the choice of how he wanted to represent his animal from dioramas to sculptures, and everything in between, and he chose painting.

Can you tell how proud I am? :)))

And here's the finished painting:

Komodo Dragon by MC (middle child) Cook

acrylic on canvas panel 11" x 14"

Hope you all had a great weekend! See you guys on Thursday. Huzzah! :)))

On Being True

2012-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

latest WIP - untitled

8" x 10" watercolor on aquabord

I've recently started working on aquabord, just to try something new. This is a very tricky surface to get used to. It is super absorbent so there's even less time to manipulate the paint than I usually have when I work on paper. I'm determined to master it though, no matter how long that takes me.

And during this last year I have found out that in order to keep artist's block at bay I need to constantly be challenging myself with new subjects, surfaces, mediums.

Maybe it's not so much to keep artist's block at bay as it is that I don't want to admit that I have a very short attention span. In honor of that short attention span I'm keeping my post short and sweet today. (I know you are *shocked* right?? ;)

There's been a lot going on in my mind lately about the life of being an artist. We live a life of extremes I think, we have passion for what we believe in, and what we do, in nearly excessive amounts, and because of that when we feel despair we feel it deeper and with more intensity.

But what else can we do? In order to be the artist we are meant to be we need to be who we really are, we need to be true. To the dictates of our own heart.

No matter what anyone else says.

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish." John Jakes

Happy weekend everyone. :) See you all on Monday for the reveal of the Cook-Waller monthly painting challenge. Huzzah!

Beneath the Surface SOLD

2012-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

'Beneath the Surface'

6" x 6" watercolor

SOLD

Something that always appeals to me (as far as what I want to paint next) is light. But, I think this is kind of a given for most artists. For me, specifically, the appeal is sunlight. And when I saw the sunlight shining through that top row of pomegranate seeds I thought. . . Huzzah!!! Must. Paint. Now.

My son loves fruit. He has since he was a tiny baby and I fed him mashed up bananas and squishy peaches. One night, when out looking for snacks with my husband, he decided he wanted a pomegranate. Thaaaat's right. My kid. Me. The son of the Queen of sugar and chocolate consumption chose a fruit as his snack.

Now it must be said that I do promote healthy eating and being active around here just so you know (I go to the gym every morning, see what a good example I am? And we do Tae Kwon Do as a family. And I'm constantly looking for healthy meal recipes. . . so I can indulge in chocolate of course. . . and because it's good for you), no need to be concerned for the welfare of my child.

When my son brought this treat home I was so excited, because of course, A) he was making good snack choices, and B) it sparked the fire in my artist's brain that's always on the look out for what I should paint next.

And it also forced me to google 'how to open a pomegranate' because apparently one does not just hack into one of these babies with a knife willy nilly.

Yep. I learned that the hard way. They're much, much prettier if you open them the correct way.

Until Thursday friends!

Huzzah!

Salvation

2012-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

'Salvation'

6" x 9" watercolor

$75 plus $6 shipping

Once upon a time there was a girl who loved horses. She loved them so much that every waking moment was spent reading about them, drawing them, and tracking them down wherever she could find them, just so she could be near them and twine her fingers through the tangles in their mane and hold her palm under their velvet soft lips to feel the blast of heat from their sweet scented breath.

Then one day the girl received a horse of her own and they grew up together. She taught him to follow at her side without a bridle or lead, and to stay in one spot, like the most obedient dog on the planet, until she called for him.

He learned the sound of her footsteps and the call of her voice and waited at the gate for her every day after school. He pressed his face close to the fence, leaving behind a trail of long white and red hairs from his forelock, waiting for her to come home.

She learned empathy, understanding, compassion, love, and finally how to deal with the grief of losing your best friend when he died.

They were each other's world, and salvation. He was my best friend, and I still miss him.

Where in this wide world can man find nobility without pride,
Friendship without envy,
Or beauty without vanity?
Here, where grace is served with muscle
And strength by gentleness confined
He serves without servility; he has fought without enmity.
There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent.
There is nothing so quick, nothing more patient.
-Ronald Duncan, "The Horse," 1954

In honor of Skye, my niece's horse in the painting above, who was rescued from slaughter by my sister and her family, ten percent from the sale of this painting will be donated to an equine rescue group.

Painting this piece stirred up a lot of emotions for me as I reflected back on the relationship I had with my horse growing up. The story is about me, the painting is of my niece and Skye, but it feels like it could have been me as well. :)

An Interview With The Artist: Taryn Day

2012-01-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

'Daydreaming at the Cafe' by Taryn Day
7" x 7" oil on panel

"For many years my habit was to spend two or even three months on one painting, trying to create an image without flaws. I've begun to realize that painting is not about the absence of flaws- painting is about being fully awake, and fully aware of a larger world outside yourself. At best it is an act of spiritual renewal." - Taryn Day

This is Taryn. She is awesome. :) I first discovered Taryn through browsing the Daily Paintworks site and instantly fell in love with her very thoughtful and poetic figure paintings and portraits. Her still life, landscape, and animal paintings all have this same quality too. Everything that she paints seems to tell a story about what it is to be human. Even if it's a portrait of a sheep. And to top it all of she is so nice and genuine. You'll love her. :) To see more of Taryn's work you can follow her blog Awake and Painting by clicking here. And visit her website by clicking here.

Welcome Taryn! I’m so excited to have you on my blog today. I’m a big fan of your work. I’d love to get to know you a little better. Could you tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today?

Thank you Crystal, I’m a fan of your work too! I’m pleased that you’ve chosen me for an interview, because I get to spend some time navel gazing, something I love to do. My path has been somewhat long, as I started painting in oils at the age of 16, thirty six years ago. I started out loose and painterly, feeling excited and inspired just about all the time. In my mid-twenties I started to slow way down, using tiny brushes and spending two or three months on a small painting. I was after the way light caressed surfaces, and usually painted interiors and the way light from a window would create beauty in an ordinary room. This worked well for a few years, but then for some reason my drive and excitement over painting turned slowly to dread. I would often begin a painting with enthusiasm, only to eventually paint the thing to death, losing my initial feeling.

Then I married and had two kids, and began to work a series of part time jobs and desperately tried to fit painting in when I could. Sometimes it would work out, but too often I would overwork a piece, probably out of a lack of confidence. A few years ago I began to be aware of the Daily Painting Movement, and thought that trying to paint small pieces in one day might help me to get out of my perfectionist bog. Many small and quick paintings later, I found that my work was improving, but most interestingly, was usually not as bad as I thought. I mean, I used to think that my work was not fit for anyone’s eyes but my own until I’d worked on them for a long, long time, but having to finish in one day and put it aside, then come back to see it the next day was a real eye-opener. It dawned on me that while my first impression of a subject was full of small inaccuracies as compared with a camera’s, it was often an interesting and valid statement.

I do find that my most current work has slowed down a bit, where I spend 2-4 days on a small piece. By painting so many one day pieces, I’ve learned a lot about getting the most important elements down quickly, and to focus on what I am most moved by.

'November' by Taryn Day

7" x 6.5" oil on panel

You post new work regularly to your blog, which I think is very impressive. It’s not easy to be consistent about your work. What inspires you to create your art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough?

I love blogging. It is so great to finish a piece and get feedback within a couple hours. As far as being inspired, usually an idea will smack me in the face, so to speak. When I try too hard to find the perfect subject I come up with nothing. When I relax and become more open to my environment, often I feel that a great subject just hands itself to me. Case in point, recently I went to the Philadelphia Mummers Parade to take pictures to use in paintings. For the first hour I felt frustrated and impatient that people were not getting into poses that I thought they should, but finally relaxed and sat down on a curb and just waited. That’s when things started to come together. Once I spent two hours trying to pose a half a watermelon, gave up and sliced it into many small wedges for my family to eat and put them in a bowl, then realized I had exactly the composition I wanted. So I think inspiration is kind of accidental.

The times that I feel I need a kick in the pants to get going on a painting is first thing in the morning, when I have a big cup of coffee at the computer and am sifting through my favorite websites, or sending emails. I’ll say to myself that I must start painting by a certain time, and then I’ll stick to it. It’s easier for me to work than to not work and have to call myself bad names. Lol. :)

If I paint a painting I’m not happy with, I do get a little down and am not the best company, (me too! Just ask my husband :) but that makes it especially great to be able to start something new the next day. I love that positive spin. No use crying over painting disasters.

'Leah at Sea' by Taryn Day

6" x 6" oil on panel

Some of my favorite pieces of yours are your figure paintings and portraits. I think you have a real strength for conveying emotion through gesture and expression, something that isn’t easy to do in my opinion. What is it about figures and portraits that inspire you to paint them so frequently? And what is it that draws you to paint a specific scene?

Thank you Crystal, that is just what I want to try and achieve- to say something about what goes on inside a person by their face or gesture. I’ve spent much of my painting life concentrating on still life, interiors and landscape, but I’ve always wanted to paint the kinds of scenes I’m painting now. I did spend seven years working exclusively on portrait commissions of children, but usually from photographs. I didn’t enjoy working from photos, and thought the end result was stiff and unpainterly. Just this past year I began to paint from my computer monitor, and although at first I hated it as compared with painting from life, I have started to absolutely love it. The subject matter possibilities have just expanded for me to an amazing degree. I can avoid the stilted, photographic look by standing ten feet back from my monitor, as a way to focus on the essentials, and I can turn the image upside down and sideways to get a fresh view. I can lighten the shadow areas if I need to see what’s going on with the structure, then darken the image again for a highlighted area. I’m really having fun.

I grew up in a family with seven children. There was a certain amount of necessary discipline just to keep the crowd under control, and my parents, being mid-Westerners, preferred understatement to letting it all hang out. There was lots of stimulating talk, and my brothers were quite witty, but I would feel a little cut off from real feelings. I developed a habit of studying people closely to try and figure out what they were really thinking and feeling.

As for how I choose a specific scene, I like introspection and even a certain healthy amount of melancholy in a person or scene. Simple happiness doesn’t do it for me. I like to show a person with more ambiguous feelings, or if they are happy, it should be a deep sort of peaceful happiness, as if they were contemplating something outside of time. At least that’s my goal- not sure I’m there yet. Well I certainly get that feeling from viewing your work. I'd call that a success. :)

'Patience' by Taryn Day

6" x 6" oil on panel

I also love the way you are able to simplify the detail in your paintings, to focus on the essence of the subject. You really make every expressive brushstroke count! What tips do you have for other artists who may find themselves getting ‘lost in the details’ and forsaking the big picture?

I’d say to paint one painting a day for a few months. Use only large brushes, at least ½ an inch across. Think of the subject in the simplest possible way. If you are painting something that is round, just keep thinking about the roundness. Squinting can be good, but even better, as you paint a brushstroke, look at the entire subject. Never focus on just one thing. How a detail fits into the whole is what matters, not that detail by itself. Love your subject and know why you love it, and aim to get that into the painting. If you can trick yourself into seeing the subject as something, anything, other than itself, it will help. In other words, always look for the abstract pattern. Try and forget you are painting a face, a flower, a tree. Just see shapes, and see big shapes. The little shapes can be added later, they’ll have a lot more power if the big shapes are correct.

You often quote poetry on your blog, which I love, is poetry something that inspires your paintings? And is there a favorite poem that you turn to again and again?

I’m not sure why I’ve added poems to my blog. It just seemed a natural thing to do. Painting is about the meaning behind surfaces, isn’t it? And poetry is about meaning hiding behind this daily life we live, isn’t it? I go through phases of reading poetry, usually first thing in the morning. Finding out about a good and exciting poet can be quite inspiring for me. I don’t have one poem that is a favorite, but I sure do like Galway Kinnell, Robert Lowell and Robert Frost. I’m no poetry expert, but I like a poem where emotion and meaning trumps beauty. I love poets with deep originality and a sense of humor, like Billy Collins and Kenneth Koch.

Life as an artist is pretty awesome. But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. What do you think is the best part of being an artist? And the worst part?

The best part for me is loving what I do, to think I have something to say and to be sometimes be able to say it. The worst part? I think I get a little too intense sometimes, too focused on this one thing I do. And of course money is always an issue.

'Protected' by Taryn Day

6" x 6" oil on panel

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far?

Having to work full time for a while and still consider myself a painter. That drove me mad. My biggest challenge as a painter? Getting rejected by many galleries over the years really shook up my self-confidence. Starting a blog was a way to have people see and then buy my work, and now finally some galleries are expressing interest. I’m happy to have the independence to sell online, so I’m not sure what will happen.

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

Oh, to remember a time when they felt the same way as a person I’ve painted, and to realize the ordinary can have something to say. Beautifully said. I love that. :)

Let’s talk about artistic influences. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? Dead or alive.

Oh, this is such a hard question. I tend to get personally inspired by female painters of my generation, but it would be too hard to choose one. I love Diana Horowitz’s work. She has a wonderful lofty way of seeing the world, with such great color and light, but there are so many others.

'Watermelon Bowl'

6" x 6" oil on panel

What do you like to do when you’re not painting?

I like all the normal things; I like to take long walks, read, watch movies, practice yoga. Of course I like spending time with friends and my large extended family. I like to travel, but money is usually too tight. I work part time at the library, where I enjoy staying in touch with people in my local community. I like to cook and I like being organized. I like to be organized too. . . I'm just not very good at it. Can you teach me? ;)

What are some of your goals for the future?

I’d like to continue in the direction I’m headed, meaning to gradually increase the size of my panels and paint more complex, involved subjects while keeping my brushwork loose. I’d love to eventually teach art more seriously. I’ve taught one or two classes at a time for years in small art centers, but it would be great to teach in a college.

Let’s say life as we know it is about to end and you’re in charge of creating an artistic time capsule for the aliens who recolonize Earth to find. What art - both classic and contemporary – would you insist on including?

Winslow Homer, Van Gogh, Vilhelm Hammershøi, Howard Hodgkins, Antonio López García, Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans, Robert Capa, Josef Sudek, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pieter Jansz. Saenredam, Giotto, Michelangelo, Titian, Catherine Murphy, Alice Neel, Edwin Dickinson, Paul Matthews, Diana Horowitz, - it’s hard to know where to stop. You might mean music and literature too, but I think I’ll stop here.

And finally what tips or words of advice do you have for beginning artists?

Don’t look to others for validation. If you feel you have something to say, work on saying it, and look at lots of good art. I absolutely love that. Words of wisdome for sure. :)))

SPEED ROUND!

(Off the top of my head, and sometimes I couldn’t just pick one)

Dawn or dusk? Dawn.

Sweet or salty? Salty.

Winter or Summer? Summer

Zombies or Unicorns? Why yes this is an important question. Answer please. :) Unicorns.

Dine in or eat out? Dine in.

All-time favorite book? Huckleberry Finn or Pride and Prejudice.

All-time favorite movie? On the Waterfront, The Verdict or The Year of Living Dangerously.

All-time favorite food? Popcorn. Oh my mom would love you! That's her favorite too. :) It would be mine but only if the popcorn was chocolate covered and in the shape of a cupcake.

All-time favorite song? “I was made for you” by Rivers Cuomo or Beethoven’s 32^nd piano sonata.

Thank you SO much Taryn! It was such a treat to have you on my blog today. I loved reading all of your answers and you've inspired me (and so many others I'm sure) so much. I wish you the best of luck with your art career and can't wait to see your next painting! Once again you can visit Taryn's blog Awake and Painting by clicking here.

And just in case you all were wondering what the score is for the Zombies vs. Unicorns in these artist interviews it is: Zombies: 2 and Unicorns: 3. Sparkly white horses FTW!

Trust

2012-01-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

'Trust'

5" x 7" gouache on aquabord

click here to bid

Synonyms for trust: confidence, hope, faith, belief, conviction, expectation, dependence, reliance.

Definition of trust: 1. assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something 2. one in which confidence is placed 3. hope for the future

Every time I lock eyes with my dog I see this trust there that I don't see with anyone else. Her trust is absolute, with a very childlike faith. She believes that I will always be there for her, that I will do my best by her. And when I see her watching me with those soulful eyes, or feel her soft muzzle rest on my feet while I paint, I think of how lucky I am to have someone who believes in me so much with a faith that is never failing.

Trust is a powerful thing.

It's something every artist must have. Not the trust of someone else in what you can do, or who you are, like my sweet dog, but trust in yourself. The belief that what you are doing, whatever you're doing, matters. That it will have an impact with someone. That it will bring you whatever it is you're looking for that made you want to become an artist in the first place.

That you can succeed. However it may be that you define that word for yourself.

That's where true confidence begins. Inside you, not from the approval, or acclaim of anyone else. It all begins with you.

Huzzah. :)

Until Tuesday my friends.

An Interview With The Artist: Brenda Thebeau (and blogoversary winner announced!)

2012-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to all of you for your sweet and thoughtful comments on my blogoversary post (and really ALL of your comments on each of my posts). You all are just plain awesome. I wish I could give each of you something. I have the winner (randomly chosen by my son) but I'm not going to announce it until the end of this blog post so you can focus on this amazing artist interview I have today. Seriously, I have been so excited to share her with you! Her paintings and posts leave me feeling inspired, empowered and motivated. And I know you will feel the same. You can visit her blog by clicking here. Let's begin. :)

This is Bren. She is a mixed media abstract artist and she is made of awesome. :)

Bren, you truly are an amazing artist. Your abstract pieces always evoke an emotional reaction when I see one, I can only imagine how it really feels to see one in real life! I’d love to get to know you a little better. Could you tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today?

You're too kind, but I appreciate knowing that my art communicates, it's a thrilling and humbling feeling. About three years ago, I began to toy with the idea of making my life practice of journaling more visual in nature. As I searched the internet for some inspiration I found a whole community of Art Journaling bloggers! I began to pick up on techniques and found that working with acrylics and ink in my journal was just my fit. After exploring all manner of ideas through my journal, I began to wonder if what I was doing on paper would translate onto canvas. It was liberating and before I knew it I was off and running into the world of abstractions and mixed-media. Liberating is a word that always comes to mind when I look at your art. :)

'Expanse'

3-panel 12 x 16" = 16 x 36"

acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Bren Thebeau

Maybe it's because I've only been at this for a couple of years, but I don't worry about trying to be consistent, I just follow my inner rhythm. Mind you life and health issues can really mess with my rhythm! I struggle with rather debilitating fibromyalgia so to set a goal of painting daily would just lead to defeat. Instead I've learned to hold loosely to plans and make the most of the moments and times I have. While I'm working on a piece, the process is working on me. It's a mystery to me but at the darkest of times the process of creating somehow holds and releases the things I have no words for, or way of understanding. Working on my art connects me to myself and my world in all its layers and that keeps me motivated. Well said Bren. I just love that. :)

Like I said before, you create some absolutely, stunning, jaw-dropping abstract pieces. What is it that draws you to paint abstractly? What is your thought process before you create each piece?

All too often there is little conscious though that goes into a piece to begin with, but as I work I begin to realize that something has been bubbling away on a subconscious level and out it comes. I have learned so much about myself, gained insight and I hope some wisdom as the process exposes and helps me explore in ways that other wise would have taken longer to see or realize. Rather than having a visual of what I want a piece to look like, I will have a desire to work with certain mediums, play with some new idea or colour palette. Exploratory! However, when working with the Gorilla Glue, I do take some time to consider a basic design, only because once you get that glue down it doesn't come back up again! As for choosing to paint abstractly, I love the wide open feeling I have when creating abstracts, I can play and explore without a worry of ruining what came before. Layer upon layer of explorations. And I confess, abstract choose me, because I have little talent when it comes to painting realistically! I leave that in the talented hands of people like yourself. You have loads of talent my friend! I could never create what you do. But you are too kind Bren. Thank you. :)

'Unbroken'

24 x 24" acrylic and mixed media on gallery wrap canvas

by Bren Thebeau

Life as an artist is pretty awesome. But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. What do you think is the best part of being an artist? And the worst part?

I'm not sure I've been at this long enough to qualify in answering these, give me a few years and maybe I'll have something worth saying! :)

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far?

Personally, it has been getting my art out there, taking the plunge and putting my art on display. That didn't and doesn't come easily. I'm not an outgoing person and frankly it's still a wonder to me that others have liked what I've created! It has been the biggest personal challenge and the most amazingly, positive one all at the same time!

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

Do you know, it is such a humbling experience to have someone view your work and to be moved by it. I hope they feel the power of the colours, sense the movement of the design and find some part of themselves being expressed there on the canvas.

'Joyous Struggle'

acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Bren Thebeau

Let’s talk about artistic influences. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? Dead or alive.

I love the ladies of 'Experimental Abstract' like Maxine Masterfield, Pat Dews, Virginia Cobb, Jan Sitts, Suzy Andron & Mary Todd Beam. Their work inspires me endlessly.

What do you like to do when you’re not painting?

I love being with my family. Hanging out with my Grand-daughters, maybe playing in paint, enjoying my adult children, talking up a storm with my sisters and Mum. And any time spent with my husband of 35 years, is a great day in my books. :)

What are some of your goals for the future?

I'm not a goal oriented person, although I've tried. I tend to work from a big picture perspective. I do keep my To Do List handy though, couldn't get along without it. There is a phrase that I have adapted, something I learned from working on one of my abstracts of a Joshua Tree. 'Bloom then branch.' According to the Wikipedia the Joshua tree usually doesn't branch until after it blooms. I knew right then, I was to just focus on letting my art fully bloom, and the branching would come naturally. I'm finding it to be so. If I can continue to grow as an artist, improving, expanding, exploring and remain mindful and open to opportunities to branch I figure I'm doing pretty well.

And finally what tips or words of advice do you have for beginning artists?

Begin! Let the process take you, on an inner journey that leads to a profoundly, powerful experience in artistic expression. Trust your own creative voice, you have one, never doubt it. Nothing will derail you quicker than substituting 'other' voices for your own. Be you, you are an original! Those are some wonderful and wise words. And so true!

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Bren Thebeau

SPEED ROUND!

Dawn or dusk? Dusk by nature

Sweet or salty? Mmm, salty.

Winter or Summer? Cool is better :-)

Zombies or Unicorns? Why yes this is an important question. Answer please :) Unicorns if you please. :))))

Dine in or eat out? Eat Out, cause then I don't have to cook! Huzzah! :)

All-time favorite book? One! Just not possible.

All-time favorite movie? Brave Heart, Dances With Wolves

All-time favorite food? Lays Potato chips Yum!

All-time favorite song? Again, only one! I'm afraid I like a random and varied music selection

Acrylic and mixed media on canvas by Bren Thebeau

Thank you so, SO much Bren! This has been such an inspiring interview, I now feel like rushing to my studio! And it's one I know I will be back to read over and over again. :) Once again you can visit Bren's blog esynergy to follow along with her on her art journey.

And now to announce the winner. . . Last night I wrote all your names on little slips of paper and put them in a hat (because we're high tech like that around here) and had my son draw one of them out. And this is who it is. . .

Sandra Busby you are the winner of my print!! I'll be sending you an email shortly with the details. Thanks again to everybody for entering, I wish I could give each one of you something. *hugs to all* and Huzzah!! This is not going to be the only giveaway for this year, I have a few more tricks up my sleeve so be on the lookout for them!

See you Thursday everybody! :)

Right Beside Me

2012-01-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Right Beside Me

5" x 7" watercolor

click here to bid

My two oldest boys are back at school and the house is unusually quiet today. It's just me and my little one and the unlit Christmas tree that still sits in the corner because I'm hesitant to pack it away and say goodbye to all the good times we had together this holiday season.

Maybe that's why I chose to paint this image. A mom and her baby, no matter the species, walking this life together.

It's something that's always on my mind, but especially lately. I'm feeling a little sad about how quickly my children are growing, I'm trying to enjoy every single stage of their life, and hoping that I'm teaching them everything they need to know to grow to be the men God intends them to be.

Becoming a mother has been the greatest joy in my life and I find it interesting that even when I paint subjects other than my own children this theme still pops up in my work. And I imagine that it always will.

I hope you all are having a great week. :) I'll see you Tuesday to announce the winner of my blogoversary print giveaway.

If you happened to miss my earlier post and you'd like a chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post.

Huzzah!!! (You knew I had to :)

A new year, a look back, and a blogoversary giveaway!

2012-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Two years ago this month I started this blog. And I had no idea it would be such a hugely positive way for me to connect with others about my all consuming passion for art. You guys have been a huge support for me, encouraging me when I doubt myself, praising me when I don't deserve it, and just being downright awesome in every way. This artist's life can be very lonely, but you guys make it less so. Much less so. :)

So there will be a giveaway, as my way of saying thank you. :) But first, a look back at last year.

I set a goal for 2011 to grow more with my painting skills and when I look back at the work I've done over the last year I think that I really have grown. I've tried new mediums, new subjects, new points of view. I've let go of (at least some of) my fear of failure when it's time to sit down and paint. I've painted from my heart, subjects and compositions that matter to me, things that I wanted to paint. I've been true to myself.

And I think that is the greatest thing an artist can do.

So, with that in mind, I've compiled a list of paintings that I feel were milestones, paintings that really helped me stretch, or see things in a new way. And there's even a painting here that I've never posted before.

Here we go!

Sparkle

7" x 9" watercolor

Obviously this painting is a portrait of my son, so there's nothing new there :) but the thing about this painting that helped me grow was making those lost and found edges in his clothes, and maintaining his sweet face and eyes as the focus point. It's easy for me to paint everything I see in focus and be very literal about sharp edges since I love detail so much, but I think not having everything sharp makes a stronger impact, at least with this piece it did.

Next!

Still Life Interruptus 2

10" x 14" watercolor

With this painting I really pushed color and light, much more than what was seen in my reference photo, and much more than I usually do. Let me just tell you, it took guts for me to splash so much cadmium red all over his skin tones. I was a nervous wreck every time I sat there and watched the wet paint drying, asking myself "what have you done!" But in the end it was worth it. I really like the glow.

Next! No soup for you! (sorry but it had to be said)

Solemn

7" x 9" watercolor

This painting helped me see what a big difference having a well thought out color scheme can make in your finished work. I like the color harmony here. I think that I only used about five tube colors to create this painting. Wierd since I'm a color junkie and usually use everything on my palette! And I really like the variety of edges here too.

Next!

Beauty Inside

6" x 6" watercolor

This was the first still life I ever painted. And painting this proved to me that you don't always need a face or figure to tell a story or have some drama. Go figure! ;)

And really I could talk about what I learned from every single painting I did last year, but that would be boring so here's one more. . .

Sleepy Baby

8" x 10" acrylic on masonite

This is the one I never posted, but painted back in June of last year. Working with acrylics is an interesting experience for me. I feel like I'm completely out of my comfort zone and I'm always interested to see that how I paint with acrylics is entirely different from how I paint with watercolors, or even colored pencils. It's like I have a different personality that only shows up when I paint with acrylics. I think I'll call her Genevive. (that's for you Brodie ;)

But I digress, the growth that comes from painting with acrylics shows up in my watercolors too I think. I feel more daring, more brave, less afraid to fail when I approach my next watercolor. It's very. . . liberating I guess you could say.

Now onto the giveaway. :)

As my way of saying thank you for being the rock stars that you are all you need to do is leave a comment on this post (or on the corresponding link to this blog post on my facebook page). In your comment you don't need to tell me how awesome you think I am (although that would be cool. Kidding. . . kinda :), you can tell me something awesome about you, like what your favorite cupcake flavor is, or your future plans for world domination (Mwa ha ha!!!).

I'm not requiring you guys to do anything extra for this giveaway, just comment and you're entered. But. . . if you want to share it with others through facebook, or your own blog, or some other way, then that would just be awesome and I would be your best friend forever (I'm sorry I just can NOT bring myself to write BFF), but you don't have to. :)

Then next Monday night I will randomly choose one person who will win a 5" x 7" print of my painting Timeless Remedy:

and on Tuesday I will post who that winner is. :)

Thanks everybody. It's been an amazing two years. Here's to a great new year! Huzzah for 2012!!!

The Golden Age SOLD

2011-12-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

The Golden Age SOLD

16" x 20" watercolor

Here's the Christmas commission I talked about in an earlier post but couldn't show you until now. I hope you all had a great holiday! We did. :) Although, I'm still trying to figure out how many miles I need to run in order to work off all the Christmas candy I ate. Probably more than I want to know.

Every time I worked on this painting, I couldn't help but think of those few, brief times in my own boys life where they seemed to be getting along perfectly. No arguments, no teasing, or fighting. That was truly a golden age. And one that was over far too quickly.

Because now, this is what I hear, all too often:

Kid A, Kid B, or sometimes even my littlest, three year old Kid C: "Mo-ooom (see how the syllables of my name have been drawn out in a supremely offended tone, this adds emphasis to the victim's case) he's looking at me."

Me: "Oh really? That's nice babe." (Sometimes if I'm very lucky, this indifferent response is enough to subdue the situation)

Kid A, B, or C: "But, Mo-ooom, he's LOOKING at me!" (clearly this is not one of those times)

Me: *sigh* "Well, have you asked him if he needs anything?" (After my first failed attempt at indifference I have now resorted to peaceful problem solving. Because surely he wouldn't be LOOKING at his brother without just cause now would he?)

Kid A, B, or C: "No!" (this is said with little arms folded over little boy chests with a huff. Hmph!!)

Me: *double sigh* "Well, maybe you could give that a try."

Kid A, B, or C: *shakes head emphatically* "Nope, Mom, I won't."

Me: "And why not?" (this is where my patience is starting to grow rather thin. I count to ten)

Kid A, B, or C: "Because he's still LOOKING at me!"

Me: *brief pause so I can count to 100* I press my fingers to the bridge of my nose and close my eyes, then I say, "Darling, unless he's looking at you with laser beams shooting out of his eyes I really don't see the problem."

Kid A, B, or C: Gives me a look that says a deep injustice has been wrought upon him and all his mother can say is that there's not a problem unless laser beams are involved! Then with blue eyes glinting, he asks me, "Mom, when does Dad get home?"

Because apparently Moms just don't understand the problems of brothers LOOKING at each other. Go figure.

*This painting helped me work on one of my unspoken goals I've had for this year: work on expressing emotion in my paintings without relying on facial expressions.

Since we couldn't see the faces of these two darlings I had to focus on other things in order to get a message across. Mainly, gesture, and movement. I personally, find paintings of people where we can't see the faces to be deeply moving, if the gesture of the figures is convincing. (Karin Jurick for instance is a MASTER of this. I could stare at her paintings of people studying paintings for hours. Literally.)

I'm hoping I was able to pull that off here. My new collector seemed very happy with it. :) I'm hoping his wife was too, since it was a gift for her.

See you next week everyone and Happy New Year!! :))) Huzzah!!

Prince of Peace

2011-12-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

Prince of Peace

6" x 9" watercolor

NFS

'And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.'

Luke 1:7

Here's part two of my Believe monthly painting challenge with Carrie.

I believe in Christ. I do.

This was an emotional painting for me, and I felt more compelled to paint this piece than I think I ever have with any other painting before.

And so, my wonderful bloggy family, I wish you the merriest Christmas ever, I hope you all have a very, very happy one. And if you don't celebrate Christmas, well, then I wish you a very happy rest of the week. :)

O holy night,

the stars are brightly shining

It is the night

of the dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

till he appear'd and the soul felt His worth

A thrill of hope,

the weary world rejoices,

for yonder breaks,

a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees,

oh hear the angel voices

Chains shall He break,

for the slave is our brother.

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy,

in grateful chorus raise we.

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord, let ever, ever praise Thee

Noël

Oh night divine.

Merry Christmas everyone. :)

And here's Carrie's painting, which I totally love. I want those cookies!!

The Night Before Christmas by Carrie Waller

9.75" x 9.75" watercolor

Christmas Magic

2011-12-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas Magic

6" x 6" watercolor

Christmas is magic. There's just no other way to describe it.

The way it makes people see the good in others when normally they might be shaking their fist and yelling obscenities at you when you *accidentally* cut them off in traffic.

How a corner of your home that receives the least amount of attention the other eleven months of the year becomes the BEST spot in the house, simply because that's where the Christmas tree stands.

How it compels you to make batch after batch of sweets and treats and force them into the unsuspecting hands of any neighbor or acquaintance you can find, calling "Merry Christmas!" in a loopy, sleep deprived voice while wiping flour off your chin, hands, glasses, shirt, hair, etc. etc.

The way it makes you think, for this ONE time a year only, when you hear Mariah Carey sing "All I Want For Christmas Is You," that maybe, maybe she's not all that bad after all. Maybe.

Christmas magic is seeing things, and feeling things, that the rest of the year you just don't. It's like being an artist with even more heightened senses. You become Super Artist. Master of Observation.

But most of all, Christmas magic happens when you see your child take in all of the lights, sounds, and smells of Christmas that you did when you were a child. It's seeing the magic written on their face, eyes wide and full of wonder, lips curved up in a permanent grin, with rosy cheeks and noses from waiting out in the cold for their turn to see Santa.

Christmas magic is hearing your child ask Santa for the smallest thing imagineable and being touched beyond belief when you ask him why he asked for that one small thing and hearing him say, "I don't need anything else Mom, but other kids might."

Christmas magic is seeing your youngest sit on Santa's lap. :) How cute is that?

sorry for the blurriness of this photo, just pretend you're running real fast past us :)

Christmas magic is being together with your loved ones and holding them close and feeling so thankful that you get to have them in your life.

Merry Christmas my dear, dear friends. I hope you're having a magical holiday season. :)

*this painting is part of my entry for Carrie Waller and my monthly painting challenge. She chose the topic for this month, "Believe" On Thursday I'll show you the other half of my entry. :)

Until them mis amigos, I'm off to spend the day at my son's school for all kind of Christmas festivus. :)

Huzzah!!!

Continuing Adventures With Pastelbord, colored pencil WIP

2011-12-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

more work on this colored pencil portrat

11" x 14" on pastelbord

Is it just me or does it feel like Christmas is approaching at warp speed? I'm not even done with my Christmas shopping yet! AND we don't have any snow on the ground. . . and I live in Utah! Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. And we are currently in a snow famine. Man, what a bummer.

But, it is still such a magical time isn't it? Every time I hear my boys talk about Santa, or watch them look at photos of past Christmases I get so excited. I LOVE Christmas time.

Of course I had planned all kinds of festive Christmas paintings, but haven't seemed to have the time to get to any of them, except the jingle bells. Which is fine by me, since I'd rather be decorating my Christmas tree and making treats with my family anyway. Chocolate covered salted caramels anyone? Oh, wait, they're all gone. Sorry! :)

I'm also working on a super secret commission that I don't dare post until after Christmas, since it's a gift. It's turning out nicely, I'm pretty happy with it. But constantly plagued by the fear that the next brushstroke I place will ruin it and I'll have to start over!

So, any extra positive vibes you may have, feel free to send em my way. :)

In between all of that I got this older colored pencil piece out and started working on it again. I always forget how much I enjoy working with colored pencils until I have one in my hand again. Very therapeutuic and meditative. And lots of fun.

So, I'm off my friends. Hope you're all having a wonderful Holiday season! And next time I make chocolate covered salted caramels I promise to save you one. . . Or at least take a picture of them. :)

Huzzah!

And if you're looking for a one of a kind Christmas gift I'm having a holiday sale on all the items in my Etsy shop until December 18. There's a variety of paintings and drawings, all originals. Just use this coupon code TTTEAM20 at checkout. :)

A Noble Face SOLD

2011-12-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

A Noble Face SOLD

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid

Every so often I paint a portrait, whether it's human or animal, that does exactly what I wanted it to. I've captured one small aspect of who this person (or horse as it seems to be in this case) is. It's something I really try to do, but not something that always happens. With this portrait of Troy I think I've captured something of what I felt about his personality.

There's something very noble, and gentle about this horse. I've seen a picture of him reaching his neck out so a child can stroke his face, and another picture of him standing in the sunshine with his head held high, looking exactly like royalty.

This was one of those paintings that flowed from the first moment I set brush to paper. I love it when that happens as flow is such a tempermental little beast. :) Here one minute and gone the next.

This last fact was proven to me again yesterday afternoon when I sat down to paint while my youngest son napped. Argh. The flow was just not happening.

And I was all out of cupcakes too. Double Argh.

Ah well. Today is a new day. :)

This beautiful boy's name is Westmoreland's Come Fly With Me, AKA Troy, and he is owned by Shannon Johnson. Thanks Shannon for the use of your reference photo!

Jingle Jingle Jingle SOLD

2011-11-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

'Sleigh Bells Ring' SOLD

5" x 7" watercolor

click here to bid

I remember sitting in the elementary school's library, when I was about seven years old, in this little circular seating area, and listening to the librarian read 'The Polar Express' by Chris Van Allsburg for the first time. I was captivated. I don't think I moved during that entire story time.

I LOVED that book. I loved the whole idea of being taken to the North Pole on Christmas Eve on the Polar Express, listening to the wolves howl outside the train, tasting the rich, hot chocolate on the ride up there, and of course the chance of being chosen by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas.

And the thing I think I wanted for Christmas the most that year was one sleigh bell. A real one from Santa's sleigh, preferrably from Dasher's own harness (who was my favorite reindeer).

On Christmas morning I was thrilled to see that one small present under the tree that I knew had to be a jingle bell from Santa's sleigh. When I opened it and saw the small silver bell inside, and held it to my ear to hear it's soft jingle, I knew that Santa had come through for me. Christmas was magic.

And now that I'm grown up and I get to see Christmas through my boys' eyes it still is. More so now than it ever was. :)

P.S. I think I am developing alarming magpie-like tendencies as I hunt down every shiny and reflective object I can find just so I can paint them. I feel like that dog from 'Up' who kept shouting 'Squirrel!' only instead of squirrel it's 'Shiny!' :)

See you later friends. Huzzah!!

This Artists Life

2011-11-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

watercolor work in progress

10" x 14"

With every portrait painting there is a certain point when everything starts to come together. I have the foundation in place, the shapes of the face are accurate, and the hard part is over.

But. . . this point is kind of a no return. I'm crossing the Rubicon. It's do or die from here on out. (okay I'm done with the cliches. . . I think) I need to tread carefully and take slow, methodical steps to finish the painting and push it to be everything I want it to be. If I rush it and don't think it through carefully I will make a mistake and it will be ruined.

That's where I am with this painting right now. I'm ready to see it finished but it's taking me a long time, more in planning than actual execution. But that's the way I paint. This is me. I can't paint any other way.

Sometimes there's some kind of Divine intervention that comes over me and my hands and eyes know exactly what to do, but most of the time my paintings require a good deal of thought and planning, as much as I might wish otherwise.

I think that sometimes we try to be what we think others want us to be. Spontaneous, loose, impressionistic. Those are all qualities that I admire in other artist's work. But it's not me. I can't force myself to paint or write in a way that isn't my own unique voice.

So I paint portraits, because I love faces and expression, and horses because they are beautiful, powerful, and kind, or stuffed animals, or sliced kiwis just because. And I write about cupcakes and chocolate, insecurities and fears, Coldplay songs and the Vampire Diaries, Hobbit jokes in novels and my life as a mother. I write about things that make me feel something. I paint things that make me feel something.

And it is my fervent hope that when you come here you feel something too. :)

So thank you friends, for reading my posts (which are sometimes longer than they should be), looking at my paintings (even the bad ones), encouraging me (when I'm feeling bad about myself) and making me laugh (with your witty comments and emails). I am an artist and I always will be, but the journey is made easier and more enjoyable when you know there's someone there to share it with.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. :)))

And my good friend Sandra featured me on her blog today! I'm so honored and touched. Thank you Sandra! Do go check it out right here. :)

Newly Smitten

2011-11-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Newly Smitten

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid

About a month ago, when I took my kids to the park one afternoon, I spotted this teenage couple. There was something so compelling about the way they had their bodies angled towards each other, knees and hands just slightly touching. And the light! Huzzah! It was gorgeous!

This is also my interpretation of "Something I'm Thankful For." A new painting challenge that me and Carrie Waller started together. It was my turn for the challenge idea and I set the rule that it couldn't be a portrait of a family member, and it couldn't be something (an object or something like that) we had painted before, because I wanted it to literally be a challenge.

Warning: the remainder of this post borders on epic amounts of sappiness.

So, here's why I picked this image as something I'm thankful for: because it reminds me of what it felt like to fall in love with my husband. And how thankful I am that he's in my life and that we're still in love. When I took the time to really think about something I was thankful for that I could paint my thoughts kept coming back to my husband. He is my life. I would not be who I am today without him. My life would be drastically different if we had not met. And I am so thankful that we did. :)

To see Carrie's entry clcik here

Have a great rest of the week everyone. See you on Tuesday. :)

An Interview With The Artist: Sandra Busby

2011-11-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Meet Sandra Busby. She's gorgeous right? And talented, kind, charming, witty, humble, funny, and truly one of the most genuine people it has ever been my good fortune to 'meet' through blogging. I honestly can't say enough good things about her. She's just awesome. She is skilled in several different mediums and is one of the few people that I have ever seen who can truly capture that wonder of being a child, that curiosity like you're seeing things for the first time, through her work, which is beautiful and sensitive. I hope you enjoy this interview with her, because I really did. And here's the link to her blog which you must go visit.

Now, Onward to the interview!

Once again, this is me. And this is Sandra. :)

This is the heading of your blog and I absolutely LOVE it. “We assume when we see a lovely piece of art hanging on a wall that it would have come easy to an Artist, but of course this is not always so. Most Artists will generally only show their best pieces of work. What we don’t often see are the private sketches of the Artist, the ‘failures’ and the sleepless nights that often go in to achieving a successful painting. So with that in mind, whilst I will share with you some of my better work, this blog is largely about what it takes for me to get there.” Sharing the good works with the bad takes a lot of courage. Can you tell us a little more about what brought you to this decision?

Having an ‘honest blog’ was important to me from the very beginning. I remember stumbling across a few art blogs long before I ever thought of having my own. I was in total awe of the work on display, and though I longed to be able to produce such a standard of work, as a fledgling Artist it all seemed so unreachable. Then one day I came across an art blog called ‘Laurelines’. It was full of simple, yet lively sketches. Her sketches did seem reachable to me and so that was a huge inspiration for me to keep trying. That said I quickly found that sketching is not as simple as it looks. In fact I still find sketching to be more of a challenge than anything else! Eventually I felt inspired to start my own blog, not just as a motivation to sketch more frequently, but I also hoped that by sharing both good and bad work, it might inspire others to have a go too. That is awesome, I just love that mindset! Remembering how intimidated I had felt by some of the amazing blogs out there, I felt that it was important to show people that every artist is a beginner at some point and that the ‘failures’ are nothing to fear, but rather a means to an end, another lesson learned and a step closer to becoming a better Artist.

Feeling Bubbly

acrylic by Sandra Busby

We all want to know how artists began their creative path. Can you tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today?

When I was little, my friend Kerry and I used to draw all the time! I’d draw people and animals, make posters, comic-strips etc... I suppose I drew a quite a bit until I was about twelve. But that’s probably the last time I picked up a pencil before discovering the world of being a teenage girl; fashion, make-up, boys, lol! I don’t think I ever picked up a pencil again until about four years ago. We had taken a holiday in Scotland a few months before and my friend Kerry and her husband had joined us too. Kerry carried her sketchbook around with her everywhere, but never once did she open it! I was longing for her to draw something but she was just never in the right frame of mind. She let me look through her sketchbook though and when I did, it sparked something inside and I just knew that I wanted to draw again. When we returned home, the first thing I did was to buy myself a sketchbook and pencil, but it was at least six months before I drew anything in it. I was just too frightened to spoil the pages! Anyway, finally one day I picked up my pencil and sketched the bird-table in the garden. It was at that moment that I knew I would never put my pencils down again.

Motivation for artists is a major focus of my blog, what is it that inspires you to create your art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

Sometimes it can be a simple object which catches my eye. The inspiration for the Baubles in a Cocktail Glass for example, came from simply un-loading the dishwasher! I had put some glasses on the side ready to put away and noticed their reflections on the shiny black surface of the hob. I really wanted to re-create that in paint. Generally anything either shiny, light reflecting, or of some sentiment, inspires me to want to paint it. Aside from my family who continuously encourage me, I also find other art blogs to be a constant source of inspiration, not just because of the huge variety of art on show, but because of the endless encouragement and support I get from those people who leave comments on my own blog. It’s those comments that keep me motivated when things aren’t going well in my art studio! I love that part about blogging too. :))

Ted's Bear

oil by Sandra Busby

I love all of your pieces, and I’m especially fond of your sketches and works featuring all kinds of different subject matter, from bubbles and glass work to teddy bears and portraits. What has been your favorite subject to paint so far and what is something you would really like to try in the future?

It is my Dad’s Bear that remains my favourite painting to date. That ole’ bear has inspired me to begin a whole series of bears, which I will be painting in a similar style :0) I did enjoy my portraits, but I think that I am only able to successfully draw the people I know on the inside as well as on the outside. I really don’t think I could paint a stranger and capture their personality successfully as you can. I didn’t enjoy painting for the course I was on because I never felt that the work I produced came from the real me. It is the paintings, which you speak of, that were not part of the course but rather the art that I chose to create from my own vision. I believe that’s what makes those pieces successful. The Bubbles, the Baubles in a Cocktail Glass, the Brandy Glass, the Marbles, all of them are what I consider to be paintings by the real me in my own style and not by the me that is trying to paint in someone else’s. I certainly intend to do far more paintings from my own heart in the future. Being a keen Scuba-Diver, I would like to paint some under-sea scenes one day. I’m really looking forward to experimenting with that subject. I would LOVE to see those! Especially one with a shark in it. :)

For My Dad

pencil portrait by Sandra Busby

Life as an artist is pretty awesome. But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. What do you think is the best part of being an artist? And the worst part?

For me, the best part of being an artist is when I paint something for someone and I am able to touch them in some way. It’s the silliest things, like when I sketched my Aunties cow ‘Blossom’, of course my Dads bear, which I gave him for Fathers Day and the portrait I did of my Daughter, Adele. These are the paintings which I know will be treasured and it’s a wonderful feeling being able to do that for someone. The worst part is the frustration I feel when a painting is unsuccessful, particularly when it has taken a long time to do. No, wait – even worse than that, it’s the part where I actually post those disasters on my blog for the world to see! Lol!! But I have never seen a disaster posted on your blog! Never. :)

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far?

I would say that in the first couple of years, about seven out of ten drawings I produced were disasters! I’m pleased to say that now that number has significantly reduced, Huzzah!! but it’s a real challenge to get past that first stage without giving up! The other thing I find challenging is to try to fit painting in around work commitments and family time. Luckily my family are all incredibly supportive and encouraging, but when we are all at home together, I tend to avoid painting unless they are busy themselves.

Pen and ink sketch by Sandra Busby

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

My painting of course, lol! ;0D :D Okay seriously, if they walk away from my painting having experienced any kind of warming emotional response, then I am happy :0)

Let’s talk about artistic influences. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? Dead or alive.

Ooh, now that’s a difficult one because I like so many! But if I had to choose, then my favourite Artist of all time has to be Rolf Harris! He is 81 years old and very much alive! He was a big part of my childhood as an overall entertainer, but his main talent has always been painting. I could listen to his lovely Australian voice all day long and watch him effortlessly paint whilst singing away, taking the occasional break to play the Wobble-Board or Didgeridoo… He always makes me feel like a little girl again :0) I hope that he will one day be remembered as an ‘Old Master’ of the 20th – 21st century because, entertainment factor aside, he is an incredibly talented Artist.

Baubles in a Cocktail Glass

acrylic by Sandra Busby

Well, it would be important to include some wonderful portraiture so they could see what we humans looked like – I can think of none better than a Crystal Cook painting to suit that purpose! Why you sweet thing you!! *beams* Thank you my dear!

Hmm, I would have to include two of my favourite paintings; Monet’s ‘Impression Sunrise’ and ‘Scarlett Sunset’ by J W Turner, if only to teach them that they can look at the landscape in such different ways other than what is merely in front of their eyes - or eye – depending on what type of aliens they are of course! :0)

Oh and I would include a whole selection of Rolf Harris paintings. He paints so many different subjects in so many different styles that those Aliens would have plenty to look at!

Any tips or words of advice for beginning artists?

Yes – never see an unsuccessful drawing as a failure, but rather as another lesson learned and a step closer to becoming a better artist. They say there are 2000 awful paintings in every artist – so best get them all out of the way as soon as possible!

What do you like to do when you’re not painting?

Well I’m never more at home than I am when I’m Scuba-Diving, preferably surrounded by sharks, which are beautiful and gentle creatures contrary to their reputation - but the UK is not the best place for Scuba-Diving unfortunately, so I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like. I also love to write (a kindred spirit!) and I once began writing a novel! Unfortunately I didn’t choose the best time to do it since my children where so young, but creative writing is something I have always enjoyed. Finally, aside from enjoying evenings out together with friends and family, I equally love a cosy evening in with my family in front of the log fire :0)

Mummy, I've Been!

watercolor by Sandra

SPEED ROUND!!

Dawn or dusk? Dusk

Sweet or salty? Sweet… Yum!

Winter or Summer? Autumn, lol! Oh, okay then – Summer.

Zombies or Unicorns? A Zombie riding a Unicorn? No? Oh, well, then I’ll have to say… Zombie :0)

Dine in or eat out? Eat out

All-time favorite book? Bridget Jones Diary (Oh, how I wish I could give you a more cultural answer without telling fibs!) That is an excellent choice!! :)

All-time favorite movie? I have two – Grease and Harry Potter!

All-time favorite food? My Nanny Molly’s Mousse, and Haagan Daz Pecan Nut and Caramel ice-cream. I have been known to eat an entire family size tub in one sitting – oo-er!

Housework or yardwork? Housework – I am useless at gardening!

Strong heart or strong mind? Strong Heart :0)

Thank you SO much Sandra! This interview was so fun and you are such an inspiration!! :))

Until Thursday everyone! Huzzah!

Windows SOLD

2011-11-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

Windows SOLD

7" x 5" watercolor

click here to bid

You all probably know that I've loved horses all my life and that they were a huge part of my growing up years. Now that I don't get to be around them as much as I did when I was a girl, I feel an even stronger pull towards them whenever I see them, like a gravitational pull, or tractor beams or something.

I saw this horse last winter in a field I was driving by when out looking for new painting material. I pulled my car over and walked over to the fence. There were a few horses in the field but this one headed in my direction right away, whether she was hungry for human attention or carrots I can't say. Although she did not seem to be too disappointed when my pockets turned up empty of any edible horsey treats.

Or maybe she recognized what I was feeling, that I needed to see her and rub my hand over her velvet nose and fluffy winter coat. The way she calmly gazed at me, so gentle, friendly, and curious ignited all those emotions I'd felt about horses for so many years as a girl.

Her eyes just got to me, they were so kind. It really is true what they say about the eyes. They are the windows to the soul.

P.S. My dear blogger friend (who I also had the good fortune to meet in real life!) Michelle Teacress spotlighted me on her blog the other day. I was honored, flattered, and extremely touched. Thank you so much Michelle. :) Michelle's blog is a great place. You must visit. She is "offering creative encouragement for fellow readers and writers through literature, music, and art."

P.P.S. November means NaNoWriMo (that's National Novel Writing Month in case you didn't know). It means writing an entire 50,000 word novel in thirty days. Thirty. Days. Thirty days and thirty nights of literary abandon. Or, as it seems to be in my case, thirty days and thirty nights of staring at a blinking cursor on my word processing screen and wondering what the heck my characters should do next!

This means that anything witty, funny, or uplifting that I have to say is being written in my novel and probably not here. Just ask my husband about the funny little Hobbit reference line I came up with for my novel that I am absurdly proud of. I've told him about it at least ten times. Which probably means it's not quite as funny as I think it is. But still. Maybe a little funny. I hope.

Until next week my friends! Off I go to add more words to the 13,109 I already have. Clackety-clack.

An Interview With The Artist: Prabal Mallick

2011-11-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

We're back with another fantastic artist interview! This time we have Prabal Mallick, from Bangalore, Karnataka, India. I first saw Prabal's work about a year and a half ago through his blog and was instantly struck with how fresh and spontaneous it is. He is a watercolor artist who paints mostly plein air landscapes but he also paints figures, portraits, still life, and animals. And all of it has the same freshness, vitality, and spontanaeity and it is beautiful! He is an awesome friend to have in this blog universe. See more of his work by visiting his blog here.

Once again I will be speaking in blue, like this. And Prabal will be answering like this.

Onward to the interview! :)

So, Prabal, you are an extremely talented watercolor artist. Can you tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today?

Crystal, first of all thank you. Those were really nice words. I guess my artistic inclination must have been spotted by my parents first as I used to keep drawing on floors and walls as a kid (Your poor mother! :). And I must have got my first painting set as a result of this. LOL. Anyway I think it was in high school that my teachers thought I had talent. I got a lot of guidance and encouragement from my art teachers and other teachers too. And there I was painting in oils. After school I went on to do my engineering and during this time I did not even touch my brushes. After engineering I started to paint again. Yes still in oils itself. But somehow the old relationship was not working anymore. The spark as they say was missing. It was by a random chance that I came across some beautiful watercolor works of some of the masters and the spark was ignited. I wanted to paint again. But it was going to be watercolors. It was a little more than 3 years back when I started painting in watercolors. And since then the passion has only been increasing and every day I am learning.

Short Spell @ Church Street

22" x 15" watercolor by Prabal Mallick

Actually I get inspiration to paint from all kinds of places. While taking a walk, listening to music, reading newspaper, travelling.. I mean it could be anything. But I think it is the act of painting, the act of watching colors flow on paper, the act of creating something out on a blank paper that inspires me most of all to paint. I just try to make the best of what I have, tough times or not and that kind of works most of the time. :) I love that, words of wisdom for all of us.

You paint some really gorgeous plein air pieces that I LOVE. The spontaneity and freshness is amazing. What is it that draws you to paint en plein air?

Thanks again. I really don’t know what it is about painting on location, but it is one of the most satisfying experiences. It is at the same time most exciting and most humbling. Being surrounded by what you are painting is a beautiful experience. Moreover a little memory gets created along with the painting.

Life as an artist is pretty awesome. But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. What do you think is the best part of being an artist? And the worst part?

The best part… Hmmm.. I guess it is the whole process of creating art. That is being able to see more beauty and meaning than what meets the eye in stuff, internalizing that beauty and feeling and creating that on paper. I think it is a kind of roller coaster ride of emotions that only an artist experiences. I think that is special. The worst part is not being able to really share this ride with anybody. Being an artist is a little bit like walking a lonely path I guess. There are others walking with you, but on parallel roads. That is. . . profound. I never quite thought of it like that before.

Food Court @ UB City

15" x 22" watercolor by Prabal Mallick

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist so far?

The best way to paint is to paint with the heart of a child and with the skills of an adult. Skills are external while the attitude is internal. External development can be achieved through hard work. But the internal purity, which enables one to paint without judgments and with innocence and awareness at the same time, has to be cultivated. And I guess this continues and will continue to remain the biggest challenge. Well said. Well said indeed. :)

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

I just want people to be touched by my painting in some way. Sometimes people have been touched in more ways than one by seeing my works. Things that even I had not thought of while making the painting. That is a great feeling always. It really is isn't it? Gives us something pretty grand to strive for.

Let’s talk about artistic influences. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? Dead or alive.

My first non-competitive award that I received was two art books. One of them had a section on Van-Gogh. Since then his works and his life has drawn me towards art. And of course there are so many other artists who have been inspirational. But for me my turning point in painting has come because of Mr. Milind Mullick whose paintings inspired me to start doing watercolors.

Afternoon At Puri

15" x 11" watercolor by Prabal Mallick

What do you like to do when you’re not painting?

Pretty much the normal things. Spending time with dear ones and friends, reading a good book, going for an outing sometimes. Nothing special really.

What are some of your goals for the future?

I really do not have any goals as such. The only goal is to keep painting, learning new things, honing my craft and finding peace and happiness while doing all this.

Let’s say life as we know it is about to end and you’re in charge of creating an artistic time capsule for the aliens who recolonize Earth to find. What art - both classic and contemporary – would you insist on including?

I think I’ll take at least one art work from every passionate artist in the world from all artistic fields. For the performing arts I’ll take records. Then I’ll compress it and put it in the capsule along with the DIY guide of uncompressing it. Let the Aliens know how it was. :)

Indian Ocean

21" x 14" watercolor by Prabal Mallick

And finally what tips or words of advice do you have for beginning artists?

I am a beginner myself. But for whatever little it is worth I think I would say ‘Practice’, ‘Reflect’ and most importantly ‘Enjoy’ and find ‘Peace’ through your creation.

Now, on to the SPEED ROUND!!

Dawn or dusk? – Dusk (Waking up early is really difficult)

Sweet or salty? - Sweet
Winter or Summer? – Winter
Zombies or Unicorns? - Unicorns
Dine in or eat out? – Eat out once in a while. But mostly dine in.
All-time favorite book? – ‘Jaya, an illustrated retelling of Mahabharat’, The entire Harry Potter series
All-time favorite movie? – ‘Leaving Home, life and times of Indian Ocean’, ‘Lord of the rings series’, ‘The Matrix’, ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’
All-time favorite food? – I am a foodie. I love so many things. It will be unfair to name a few. But some of the stuff that my mom and only my mom makes are just great.
All-time favorite song? – Almost everything by Indian Ocean, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, A R Rahman…… The list is never ending. :)

At Cannt Station (plein air)

14" x 10" watercolor by Prabal Mallick

Thanks so much Prabal! This was truly an inspiring interview! :)

P.S. And just to let you guys know, my blog (this is me Crystal, speaking again) has been featured at Artists.Blog.Critique and I was really honored to be included there. Hop on over and take a peek!

Solemn - For Mothers Everywhere SOLD

2011-11-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Solemn

7" x 9" watercolor

SOLD

all of the proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Every Mother Counts

photo reference by Steve Evans

Daily Paintworks is hosting a fundraising challenge called Every Mother Counts. I saw this challenge posted a few weeks ago and really wanted to donate a painting, then almost at the same time I found Steve Evans photography (babasteve on flickr) which I completely fell in love with.

I looked at the photos of these children he has from all over the world and was moved to tears by their innocent, unguarded expressions and very humble living conditions.

I thought of my life with my three children and how blessed we are with good health, and also how I may have taken that for granted at times.

The DPW auction site states, "Every 90 seconds a woman dies from childbirth. Fully 90% of those deaths are preventable. The aid organization Every Mother Counts is training midwives in Afghanistan, opening health clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo and shipping unused medical supplies to South Sudan. These are tangible, practical projects designed to combat maternal mortality and injuries worldwide."

I wanted to help. Every mother deserves to live, when death is preventable, through pregnancy and labor so she can hold and love her child.

Every child deserves to have their mother to protect, care for, and love them throughout their life.

I've had my share of emergencies and health problems with my pregnancies. With my last son I vividly remember sitting in the emergency room and waiting in fear for hours, when unknown problems developed, just so I could see my baby's rapid little heart beating in the ultrasound, assuring me that he was still alive and safe and that I was too. I had a doctor I could rely on and medical care was constantly available when needed.

And I am so thankful for that. Every mother deserves the same.

If you feel so inclined to share this post I would be so touched. :) It's not for me, but for mothers everywhere. Every little bit helps.

Sparkle 2 - A Sketchbook Tuesday study

2011-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sparkle 2

graphite sketch on unidentified paper currently in my sketchbook :)

Well friends, 'tis the day after Halloween and I'm feeling a wee bit sluggish. This may have something to do with the copious amounts of sugar I indulged in yesterday, (though I'll never admit to it) and as such this post will likely be a mix of all things random and nonsensical.

This sketch is a small study I did for an upcoming painting I'm going to be working on. I loved this little girl's big, sparkly eyes, and her pouty lips. But, the lighting on her face was very soft and diffused, which makes for beautiful soft cheeks, but also makes it more difficult to model form.

I usually don't do such detailed sketches like this before every painting. I typically have a very short attention span and don't do well with a lot of preliminary work, I lose interest and don't want to carry on with the painting. But the lighting was tricky here and I wanted to see if I could get it right in a sketch first.

I think it turned out pretty well. I just fell in love with her eyes. :) And I can't wait to paint her.

Now my friends I shall leave you with two photos of my two most favorite super heros, as well as a spooky looking phantom-type thing. (Which would be, my three boys)

The spooky looking phantom-type thing (oldest Cook boy) with the Green Lantern (middle Cook boy) hot on his heels.

Beware evil doers! Spiderman (littlest Cook boy) has joined up with the Green Lantern to bring you to justice! Huzzah!

Until Thursday! Huzzah!

photo reference used with permission by Steve Evans (babasteve on flickr)

An Interview with the Artist: Kim Rempel

2011-10-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

This is Kim. Lovely, awesome, kind, generous, talented (and did I say awesome?) Kim Rempel. :)

Welcome to another edition of Interview With The Artist! Today we have Kim Rempel, artiste extraordinaire. When I first started my blog I was cruising around checking other blogs out when I somehow managed to find Kim's. I instantly fell in love with her buttery brushstrokes, rich colors, and striking yet simple compositions. I found her paintings of sometimes quite ordinary objects absolutely gorgeous. And Kim is not only talented, but one of the warmest and most genuine people I know in the blogoverse.

To see more of Kim's work visit her website here

And her blog here

On to the interview! :)

(as a side note: this interview runs a little like a conversation, so I will be speaking in bold, blue letters like this. And Kim will be speaking like this.)

First of all, I love the name of your blog: “Eat, Drink, Paint.” How did you come up with that title?

When I decided to venture into daily painting I was a bit daunted by the "daily" part. It felt like a huge commitment. My thoughts went back to intense periods in school when you would eat, study (or paint), and sleep. It kind of felt like what I was about to venture into but I thought it needed a bit more of a pleasurable ring: hence Eat Drink Paint. Awesome. That's one of the best titles ever. :)

So, everyone wants to know how it all began. Can you tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today?

Sure. I graduated from Sheridan College's Illustration program with a major in book illustration and a minor in illustration for advertising. After that I basically worked as a freelance graphic designer. When my second child was born I decided I wanted to leave the computer for the paintbrush and I began taking courses. That was about ten years ago. I'm still taking courses. You gotta keep learning!

Indeed you do! Learning is key, isn't it?

'Holiday Table (a flower for Richard)'

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

I’m pretty impressed with your ability to consistently produce beautiful work. You post almost every single day to your blog! That takes nerves of steel my friend. I’m curious about your motivation. What inspires you to create your art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

I began the blog purely for personal development. You always tell your children they need to practice to get better and I thought I should do the same. I wanted to see if I'd be able to see a marked improvement over time - if it really would work ; ) I'd been told you just have to log in the time - paint miles of canvas - to see yourself get better. And I took it to heart. Having the blog keeps me motivated for producing regularly because you can't back-date your posts! It keeps you accountable ; )

Egg Stash

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

I’m a huge fan of all your work. And I think that your small still life paintings are some of the most

beautiful I’ve seen. What is it about still lifes that keeps you painting them? And what projects are you currently working on?

Oh, thank you Crystal! For years the bulk of my work was plein air but when I began "daily painting" I took up still life because I wanted the comfort of an indoor environment. Just lately I was beginning to feel that the smaller works were taking away from time I needed to develop larger pieces, so I've recently decided to post everything I've been working on - run it more as a daily art journal as opposed to a blog showing only finished small works. Currently I'm working on experimentation. And I've got a few ideas for a series tucked away...

24" x 24" acrylic by Kim Rempel

Life as an artist is pretty awesome. But it’s not all glitter and rainbows. What do you think is the best part of being an artist? And the worst part?

Best: the daily opportunity to create something intriguing, beautiful, arresting. How awesome is that? I mean, really! Excitement, hope!

Worst: waiting for my skills to catch-up with my vision. Word sista. :)

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

My immediate reaction was skill development. But after much thinking I would have to say my biggest challenge is not making a real income. The arts is a tough gig.

Cupcake Fever

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

I want them to be moved - to experience something in a new way.

Let’s talk about artistic influences. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? Dead or alive.

The Group of Seven.

Spelt Chocolate Biscotti

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

Let’s say life as we know it is about to end and you’re in charge of creating an artistic time capsule for the aliens who recolonize Earth to find. What art - both classic and contemporary – would you insist on including?

I love your questions! The pressure! Okay - this question could take pages so I'll just do a very quick, off-the-top-of-my-head answer.

1. Kathe Kollwitz - Widows and orphans

2. Klimt - Fulfilment

3. Tom Thomson - In Algonquin Park

4. Van gogh - The Artist's Room

5. Peter Doig - Ski Jacket

6. Louise Bourgeois - Maman

7. David Alexander - Japanese Rain no. 2

8. work from a 4-year old child.

Excellent choices! I love Kollwitz too. And the last one, the work of a 4 year old child is the BEST. But, I'm unfamiliar with some of these works. Off I go to google. . .

Any tips or words of advice for artists who are just getting started in their career?

Marry a marketer! I kid. . . Have support. Look at everything. Go to galleries. Check out art books. Take courses. Don't take short-cuts. Tackle what needs working on.

Fletcher Creek

acrylic by Kim Rempel

What do you like to do when you’re not painting?

Read, bake, play cards/speed scrabble etc. Hang out with my family ; )

Reading, sugar, time with family. . . you are a woman after my own heart!

How do you maintain a good balance between family time and creative time?

That one's easy. My children are in school full days so I get to work from 9-3.

Ribbit

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

And finally, where do you see yourself in ten years?

I'd like to be more established and to be doing a bit of teaching.

And now for a random bit of fun we have a. . .

SPEED ROUND!!

Dawn or dusk?

Dusk!

Sweet or salty?

Sweet.

Winter or Summer?

Can I say Fall?

I suppose. But only because you're awesome. And now as a penalty you must overnight me a cupcake. :) Kidding. . . kinda. :))

Zombies or Unicorns?

Zombies! Except kind of artsy ones that roam around looking cool, not the kind that would actually eat your brains. Well chosen, well chosen indeed. :)

Dine in or eat out?

In.

All-time favorite book?

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Oh, I love that book too!

All-time favorite movie?

"Sound of Music" but that sounds so darn sappy. My second fave is "Lars and the Real Girl".

Nothing wrong with a little bit of sap. :) Or a lot. :))

All-time favorite food?

Chocolate
Huzzah!!

Housework or yardwork?

Yardwork.

Strong heart or strong mind?

Strong heart.

The Extra Mile

6" x 6" oil on panel by Kim Rempel

Thank you so much Kim! You are the best! :)

Tricks and Treats

2011-10-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Tricks And Treats

7" x 9" watercolor

click here to buy now

Lately I have had a big fascination with shiny or reflective objects when it comes to painting. It all started with that dang glass of apple cider I did. I had SO much fun painting all the different colors and details. There's something kind of magical about really seeing what happens to shiny stuff (for lack of a better word) in the light.

I wanted to paint something Halloweenish (have I mentioned that Halloween is my favorite?) so I spent some time in the candy aisle looking at all the fun treats. And, lo and behold! I found these pretty little foil-covered chocolate bars. Which I then stacked up next to good old Jack here to find some kind of composition that caught my eye.

When I saw those little spots of reflected color on that silly looking pumpkin I almost did a villainous laugh. Seriously. I was pretty happy. The only problem with this painting? Painting the candy before the four menfolk (and one womanfolk, who has a serious sugar weakness) in the house ate up all my props/treats!

Now, onto some random Halloween fun. :)

Favorite Halloween movie: "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown", or "Igor" (which technically is not a Halloween movie, but, it has Igor's in it for goodness sake! 'Igor!!! Pull the switch!!!' :)

Favorite Halloween book: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (Edgar Allen Poe spookiness abounds!) or The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy (very, very creepy, in a good way)

Favorite Halloween treat: My mom's popcorn balls. She makes these to-die-for super soft and gooey, buttery caramel popcorn balls that are totally worth all the stickiness you WILL get on your face after you eat one.

Favorite Halloween song: Thriller by Michael Jackson of course. :)

Favorite Halloween costume I've worn: For the last two years I have been a pirate because at least one of my boys has been too and it was fun to be pirates together. Also, because then I can channel Captain Jack Sparrow who is the best. pirate. ever. Savvy love?

Feel free to share your favorite's with me in the comments or in your own blog post and I'll come check it out!

Have a great day everyone. :)

Hope

2011-10-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hope

7" x 9" watercolor

click here to bid

photo reference used with permission by Steve Evans (babasteve on flickr)

I belong to a small portrait group and this photo was our challenge for September. This is the first time I've painted dark skin tones and I really enjoyed it. There were some gorgeous, rich colors that I loved trying to figure out what color mixes I should use to paint them with.

I loved the model's wide, expressive eyes and the shape of her lips. (Which was unusual for me as I find lips one of the hardest parts of a portrait. What was that John Singer Sargent said. . . there's something a little bit wrong with the mouth? Yeah, lips are tricky.)

And I think fall has finally come to Utah! Huzzah!! The weather is perfect and the mountains are almost completely red from all the leaves turning on the trees. I drove near the mountains yesterday and had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road because all I wanted to do was stare at the gorgeous color all around me.

Pretty, yes?

In other words, I am feeling super inspired lately and can't wait to try out some new painting ideas I have. Huzzah!!

*sigh* Now I think I'll go have some apple cider. After my hour-long, torturous P 90X workout that is. Huzzah???

Have a great weekend everyone. :)))

Portrait Workshop Recap!

2011-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

This was my demo. :) Didn't get very far.

watercolor work in progress 10" x 14"

Well, the portrait class is over and it went very well! Thanks for all the good luck wishes and tips you guys gave me, it helped a lot!

I decided to paint a step by step and stop in between each step so that everyone could follow along on their own paintings. I had every one use the same photo reference because I thought this might be a more effective way to show my techniques in such a limited time period (it was only three hours) instead of everyone painting something different. I think it worked out pretty well.

me painting the demo

(thanks so much to Patricia Christensen for sending me these photos of the class! I brought my camera only to realize I had left the battery at home. D-oh!!)

I was so nervous for this class. I have never really taught painting before, I've given a few demonstrations, but never actually taught so I was worried that I would be very incoherent about how to actually use my techniques.

This is what I was afraid would happen:

Student: "So how exactly do you do that??"

Me: "You just, sort of , like, put paint on your brush and then kinda move it around the paper. . . "

Me again. :) And some lovely, wonderful, talented students. :))

Everyone was so great, really passionate about watercolor, with lots of talent, and willing to learn whatever I had to share with them. They were a very cool group. I mean, they even laughed at my lame jokes! :)

Here they are hard at work.

And more of the class! I was really excited because fellow Utah Daily Painter and blogger Patricia Christensen was there! (That's her in the blue shirt in the back) I instantly felt more at ease knowing I had a friend there. :)

And here's the whole class. Except for the two men who somehow managed to slip away when we announced 'Group Picture'. Next time Mike and David, next time!

It was a lot of fun and a great experience. Teaching this class really helped me understand why and how I paint the way I do, and also how to articulate that for others to understand (hopefully!). And it's been good practice for that how-to portrait book I've been thinking about doing.

I think the class had a good time too because they asked me to come back. Huzzah!

Until Thursday my friends. Have a great week! :)

P.S. I talk a lot on this blog about being true to yourself as an artist and painting what you love so I thought I'd direct your attention to two fantastic posts that I read in the last week about the very same thing.

Sandra wrote a beautiful post that you just must read. If you don't know Sandra hurry on over there because she is not only a truly talented artist, but one of the loveliest and kind hearted people in the world. Literally. :)

And the always inspiring Carol Marine wrote about how she feels about her most recent project. Inspiring stuff for sure.

K, bye for reals now. :)

An Interview With The Artist: Carrie Waller

2011-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today I'd like to feature an amazing and awesome artist on my blog: Carrie Waller. I first met Carrie through blogging early last year and I've been consistently impressed not only with her beautiful and sensitive work, but also with her dedication to her craft and her warm personality that is always looking for ways to help and uplift others. I'm honored to have her as a friend. :)

Carrie says, "I am a Mommy/Military Wife/Artist trying to keep her creative side intact in a world full of diapers, spit-up, and toddler conversations. I am an artist with a background in Interior Design on a mission to refine my skills and create beauty with my watercolors."

To see more of Carrie's work visit her blog here: carriewaller.blogspot.com
and her website here: carriewallerfineart.com

Now, on to the interview!

Anticipation by Carrie Waller

watercolor on paper 23.5" x 32"

Tell us a little about your path to becoming the artist you are today.

It all started in 3rd grade. My art teacher entered a collage I did in school into the Texas State Rodeo and I won 1st place. Before that I wasn’t really interested in art. Since then I’ve always enjoyed making things and the creative process. I got a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and briefly worked for an Architectural firm as a Designer, before getting married and moving to Germany with my military hubby.

In Germany I really had to create a job for myself. I couldn’t use my degree so I decided at that point if I was going to follow my husband around I would always have a creative job. I decided to start teaching art. I taught art to kids through the Boys and Girls Clubs, I became the art teacher for the home school group in the area and I began teaching adult watercolor classes. The funny thing is I had no formal training in watercolor, I just remembered enjoying watercolors in high school. So I picked up a How To book did a few paintings and started teaching. I ended up meeting a ton of great friends and teaching the entire 3 years we lived there. I’m still friends and in contact with several of these lovely people.

After that I did a brief stint painting murals—in Germany I had been commissioned to paint murals throughout the Child Youth Services bldg in Landstuhl—when we moved to Charleston, SC I started working with a lady doing faux finishing, and custom murals. I’ve also worked in a custom framing shop and had 2 little boys along the way.

About 2 years ago we moved to Alabama and I started to paint in watercolor again. I watched the movie “Julie and Julia” where Julie blogs about her journey cooking Julia Child recipes and I thought what I could write a blog about. So I started my blog January of 2010 with the idea that I would complete a painting a week. For the most part I have done that, I got my nerve up to enter some shows and won 1st place in my first exhibit, so I decided to keep on plugging away. Since then I’ve won several more awards, and started a website, and selling my art-online and in a few other venues.

Illuminated Pumpkins by Carrie Waller

watercolor on paper 20" x 24"

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?

Still life paintings are my favorites so far. I had a light bulb moment when I painted my first still life with glass in it; I fell in love with painting glass. I’ll admit when I saw paintings in the past with glass, chrome and other shiny stuff, I thought the artist was just showing off :). But after my first painting with glass in it I was hooked. For me it’s the challenge of it, the puzzle to making it look like glass, and there are so many abstract moments in glass and chrome that I just love it!

Which of your paintings was the most enjoyable to paint? Which was the most difficult?

I’ve found joy in almost each painting. I think they are all jumping off points for the next creation. I think the most fun for me has been the journey. I’m really enjoying the inspirations for the paintings and the prospect of where that will take me. I’m not sure that any one has been more difficult than another. A few I have wished I could finish faster, I get a little bored with receptive detail, such as the petals in hydrangea blooms. I’d say the paintings with the hydrangea blooms I was thrilled to complete.

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

I think those moments where I question my talent. You get a few rejection letters in the mail from exhibits and you start to wonder “Why am I doing this again”. But then you have some great things happen and it all balances out.

How do you maintain a good balance between family time and creative time?

I try to incorporate my boys in my painting time. I want them to love painting as much as I do. I also end up burning the midnight oil painting while my boys are sleeping. Fortunately that’s my most creative time of the day. My oldest son started school this year and that has put a whole new dynamic into my life so I’m still trying to balance it all out. My husband is also deploying to Afghanistan soon so that will be another challenge to get through. I try to roll with the punches and sit down as often as I can to paint. I will say that I have my painting area set up in the dining room. It is centrally located in my house I can see everyone and what they are doing, so this enables me to sit down and catch an hour of painting here and there.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I’m not sure that I have a biggest inspiration. I think I find inspiration everywhere with everything. I do marvel at the beauty of our World and I think that God is an amazing artist. I really think about that a lot especially when I see clouds and the ocean and so many beautiful colors everywhere. It is really amazing!

Carrie's creative space. Where she creates her amazing watercolors. :)

Do you ever get artist’s block? And what do you do to overcome it?

Of course, I think we all do. Sometimes I take a break and do something else. Do an art project or craft with my boys. Other times I force myself to show up and paint. Sometimes you just have to paint through it until you get your mojo going again.

Do you have any funny painting habits or quirks that we should know about?

I paint from right to left, not sure why. I also will completely finish one area of a painting before moving from that spot. I never really thought it was different than how anyone else painted until I was in a workshop with James Toogood and he pointed it out to me. He told me he knew another watercolor artist that painted that way, but I don’t remember who it was.

What is one thing you want viewers of your paintings to walk away with?

Beauty and maybe have it conjure up a happy memory for them. I’ve been painting objects from my childhood memories lately and I love when the resonate with someone else

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years?

This is a loaded question :) I did a goal sheet last year and I’m pretty sure I’ve reached all my goals this year but some were not the way I expected. I found that interesting.

I would love to be:

Teaching workshops

Accepted works in to AWS, TWSA, and NWS

Painting everyday

Really painting pieces that have deep meaning to me

Have a financially viable art career

Shabby Chic by Carrie Waller

6" x 6" watercolor on paper

What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?

I feel like I’m just getting started. But what I know so far is that you need to paint everyday or as often as possible, it’s easy to find reasons not to paint but you really have to show up and paint and paint and paint, it’s the only way to evolve and get better. Make your life easy and set up your painting area in a location that makes it easy to grab half an hour any time you can. Listening to Artists Helping Artists is one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. They have the best free information about marketing, it is invaluable!!

What five things can you NOT paint without?

My Daniel Smith Quinacridone paints

My kolinsky sable brushes

My Schmincke pans and the metal palettes they’re in

Artists’s Helping Artists blog radio show on my Ipod—seriously, not sure I’ve painted a painting without listening to Leslie and Dreama.

My digital camera and printer

And now just for the fun of randomness we have a SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? Sunny beach

Book or movie? Both

Romance or comedy? Romantic Comedy

Pirates or Ninjas? Probably Ninjas

Night owl or morning person? Definite night owl!

Cake or Cupcakes? Is there a wrong answer :) Cake in any form please!

Thank you Carrie! You are an inspiration and your work is stunning! :)))

Masquerade and Three Things That Have Made Me A Better Artist

2011-10-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

Masquerade

4" x 10" watercolor

Lately I've been thinking about what has helped me grow the most as an artist and I've narrowed it down to three simple things.

1. I have always kept a sketchbook. This is by far what has helped me the most. I remember when I first started getting serious about art again how frustrated I was with how ugly my first sketches and paintings were and then feeling amazed when I looked back and saw how much my skills grew simply by drawing a lot. Maintaining your artist's eye is exactly like exercise, if you don't use it you lose it.

2. I have a superhuman power to be able to face rejection and failure over and over again (followed by weeping and cupcake eating) and then pick myself up and try again with a FIERCE resolution to learn from my failures and overcome them.

This is crucial to any artist's success.

You have to believe in yourself and what you can do SO much that it won't matter to you what anyone else thinks about you or your work. Let them reject you from their show or make snide comments about your excessive use of pink but don't let them see it get to you. Learn from the criticism what you can, then smile and return to your easel with your head held high and a renewed determination to try again.

Let your failures turn into a driving force to improve and not be defeated.

3. I always have and ever will absolutely love to paint and create. It's who I am. Without this love, this passion (or obsession some might say) the first two simply don't matter. This is why we are artists.

Huzzah! :)))

(I feel like I'm repeating myself because I know I've said something along these lines lots of times before, but I've been thinking about the upcoming portrait class I'm teaching and what I want to tell the students and these three things came to my mind and would not leave. :)

(And yes. . . that's me in the mask)

Of wizards, three year olds, and Halloween

2011-10-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Young Wizard in Training

10" x 14"

Three year olds make wonderful models.

They are more than willing to put on a variety of costumes and interact with all sorts of props (although edible ones, especially candy is preferred).

Three year olds don't think they're too "cool" to model for their artist mother nor do they break down into uncontrollable giggles when I inadvertently spell the word s-u-P-P-l-y out loud ("P P!! You said pee pee!! hahahahah!" This is what happens when you are the only FEMALE in your home. You miss the undeniable appeal of toilet humor.)

Their modeling fee is very, very reasonable. (see the candy note above)

Three year olds have the ability to turn everything around them into an adventure, and by so doing allow you to see adventure where you wouldn't have before. For example, this is not a boy in a wizard costume selecting candy for his Halloween bag. No, no. He is Merlin, or Harry Potter selecting the necessary ingredients for a powerful potion or magic spell.

And best of all, they are always around, being too young to go to Hogwarts just yet, always smiling, always happy. . . Except when you decline their request for candy bars before breakfast.

Then there is always the possibility that they might 'accidentally' turn you into a toad.

I love Halloween.

"And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure." Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Art Books That Rock

2011-10-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love books. Add in some beautiful art and I am in heaven. Seriously. (Me + books = 4ever!) And lately I have found some awesome ones that deserve to be talked about.

'Small Works'

by Kim Rempel

'A colourful collection of some of the artist's favourite small paintings from 2009-20011. Enjoy!'

Kim is awesome. Her work is equally awesome. Her blog is one that I stalk daily because there is always something fun and happy that I find when I look at her paintings. This book just bursts with Kim's personality and vision. It's obvious that Kim loves what she does and her joy for painting is contagious. The thing I liked most about this book was that I was able to get a closer look at Kim's work. Brush strokes, texture and color are more visible. It felt almost like I was looking at the real thing. :)

Click here for ordering information for Kim's book.

'Varmints'

a picture book for children published in 2008

by Helen Ward

Illustrations by Marc Craste

Once, the only sounds to be heard were the buzzing of bees in the grass, the murmuring of moles in the earth, and the song of birds in the sky. These warmed the hearts of those who cared to listen —- until the others came to fill the sky with buildings and the air with a cacophony of noise. With dramatically lit artwork and a spare, intriguing text, Varmints tells of a pastoral world in need of protection and of the souls who love it enough to ensure its regeneration. blurb taken from Goodreads.com

While browsing the shelves of the book sale at my kids' school last week I spotted this amazingly gorgeous and epic picture book. I took one look at it (and the half off price tag, which, let's face it, sealed the deal right there!) snagged it off the shelves and had to restrain myself from petting it in front of the other parents. It is SO beautiful!

The illustrations in this book are more beautiful than any I've ever seen before. Seriously. It has an edgy, urban feel to it that I adore, and I love the huge scope of some of the page spreads; the huge skyscrapers and tiny creatures, great grassy fields and little bees. The characters are cute, without being overly so, and there's this whole conflict of dark versus light in the story and the illustrations so that there is this big, undeniable message of hope that is simply incredible.

If you don't collect picture books (like a squirrel hoarding nuts for the winter like I do) then see if you can find a copy of this at your library. You won't be disappointed I promise.

'Working South'

by Mary Whyte

In Working South, renowned watercolorist Mary Whyte captures in exquisite detail the essence of vanishing blue-collar professions from across ten states in the American South with sensitivity and reverence for her subjects.

"When a person works with little audience and few accolades, a truer portrait of character is revealed." Mary Whyte

For a watercolor portrait artist this book should be required reading. Page after page of gorgeous reproductions of Mary's paintings featured in her Working South exhibit along with pages out of her own journal that chronicles who these people are and why she felt so drawn to tell their story in paint.

This is my desert island art book. If I could only take one it would be this one, because it reminds me of why I want to paint portraits. To showcase what makes each of us human and remarkable no matter who we are, how much money we have, or what we look like.

Mary is a master. Her work deserves every bit of acclaim she's received and more. I dare you to look at this book and not feel inspired to run for your brushes. No, wait, I take that back. I double dare you. :)))

And if you are lucky enough to live in the area of one of Mary's exhibits you should run and see it. Like right now. Check out this link for more details about this exhibit.

So, tell me what art books are your faves? Any undiscovered finds you simply must share? ;)

Huzzah my friends!

P.S. I am working on a Halloween painting that is SO fun. I'll be back on Thursday with a post about it. See you then!

Bundled Up

2011-09-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Bundled Up

7" x 9" watercolor

Last year my local hospital bought my painting "Timeless Remedy" to become a part of their permanent collection. I still have very mixed feelings about this because it is one of my favorite paintings and I was very sad to see it go.

I often wonder about the people who might see it when they're walking through that hospital and what circumstances of their life brings them there. Are they there for a happy reason, like a birth, or for some other much sadder reason.

In any case, I hope that whoever sees it feels something when they look at it. I hope they are reminded of what it feels like to hold your new baby for the first time, or maybe they're anticipating what that might feel like one day, or maybe they're just looking at it and it makes them smile when they're passing through a very dark spot in their life.

Then the other day I received an email from someone I've never met before who had seen my painting. She said, "this week walking through one the halls of the McKay Dee Hospital, I saw one of your paintings that is called Timeless Remedy and I want you to know that I was moved to tears. It's so cute and it reminded me of my little boy when he was a baby."

I know that my work has value for my family and for myself. And if that's all that the world ever sees of it I'm completely okay with that. I want it to be a legacy left to my children, so that they will always know how much they were loved.

But hearing things like this from complete strangers reminds me that what I'm doing, living this artist's life, painting this body of work I feel so compelled to create, might have a greater reach than I think it does.

Thank you Vivian, so much, for the email.

Have a great week everyone. :)

Just in case you're wondering what painting I'm talking about, here it is:

Timeless Remedy

Choosing to See

2011-09-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sunlight

5" x 7" watercolor

click here to bid

This stallion's name is 'Golden Sunlight of Hermits' owned by Sandra Butterfield of Hermits Cobs. I saw a photo of him on Facebook and fell in love with him. He has such a kind eye and expression. And just look at his coloring, and gorgeous feathered feet! *sigh* I HAD to paint him. Sandra says he is as friendly and kind as he is gorgeous. :)

One of the great things about being an artist is that your eyes are opened to everything around you.

You see things that most people miss, like the intense purplish blue mixed in with all the sparkling green on a dragonfly's body, or the way a baby's soft cheek turns a rosy orange when he's sitting in the sun stacking towers of rainbow colored blocks with chubby hands.

Life as an artist is good.

And yet. . . Sometimes I find myself just going through the motions. Living my life, but not really seeing it.

So this morning I tried to change that. When I went running I breathed in deep when I passed a field of fresh cut alfalfa hay, I listened to the rushing sound of my breath burning in and out of my lungs, felt the tension of my muscles pushing for just a little more speed.

When I came home I watched my husband's face when he was getting ready for work, taking in every handsome curve and angle (for those of you that don't know, that's him in the banner above), that I know so well, like it was the first time I'd ever seen him.

I marveled at the relative silence in the car when I took my two older boys to school. No arguing, no teasing, just the sound of the audiobook "A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book The Ninth" playing in the background.

I opened the lid on my watercolor palette and watched the sun glint off of each color well, shining and sparkling and calling my name.

I heard my son, just three years old, tell me "you're my best friend Mom," saw the way his hair that's always just a little too long curled over his ears. The downward cast of soft lashes against soft cheeks.

And I knew then that seeing, really seeing, the way an artist sees is a gift.

But it's also a choice.

I choose to see, as often as I can.

Your turn. :) What unexpected beauty have you seen lately?

Passing Interest

2011-09-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Passing Interest

7" x 9" watercolor

Some of you will remember that last year around this time I had a contest where I gave away one watercolor portrait. And here is the finished painting. :)

The winner of the contest lives in Utah so we were able to get together so I could take the kind of reference photos I like to work from.

I took my model to a place that looked like a harmless office building with lots of grassy areas lit with gorgeous light from the sun that had just started to set. And no people or pets within sight, which is what I saw at every single park I looked at before I found this perfectly deserted spot.

I start taking pictures, giving very vague and not-too-helpful hints for my poor model to look "that way" while I point somewhere to the north-south-westish, "somewhat mysteriously", "like you're an international woman of intrigue", and repeatedly "stop laughing at me!" (I need some work on my model directing skills.)

When all of a sudden a security guard (complete with darkened sunglasses) walks out. Thus begins my tale of how I narrowly escaped Serious Trouble With The Government:

Security Guard: "DON'T take pictures of the building."

Me: *blinks* "Ooooh-kay."

Because obviously that's what I was doing. This woman posing for me was all a ruse so I could take pictures of this fantastically secret, but very well protected building. MWA HA HA!

Model: *barely contained laughter*

Me: *gives model a pleading look that says "Dude, do NOT mock the security guard!"*

Security Guard: *crosses arms over chest while giving me the evil eye*

Me: *smiling innocently* "I wasn't taking pictures of the building, just her," I say, pointing to the model who's trying to supress yet more laughter.

Security Guard: *more evil eye directed at me*

Me: *gives security guard feigned look of shock after looking down at my camera (I should totally be an actress)*

"And would you look at that! I got all the photos I needed so we'll, um, *swallow* just be going now," I say.

Me and Model: *start backing away from the security guard in a calm, non-guilty way for about five seconds before turning around and speed walking to my car*

Luckily we both escaped with our lives, our freedom, and my camera. :) The moral of this story? Don't take your model to a building, or area, that you think is just an office building but might be an undisclosed government location.

Unless you like getting hit with the evil eye by burly security guards. Or worse.

That's all I'm gonna say.

Hopefully government officials are not reading this blog. . .

*It should also be noted that this model is beautiful and she was a joy to work with. She took my direction to look "somewhat mysterious to the north-south-westish" very well. :))))

Upcoming Events: I will be teaching a one day watercolor portrait class on October 15 for the Syracuse Arts Guild in Syracuse, Utah. click here for details or email me with questions at crystal@crystalcookart.com

Daily Escape

2011-09-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

'Daily Escape'

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid

Almost two years ago I read a book that changed the way I thought about a lot of things. It was "Shiver" by Maggie Stiefvater (the book in my painting above). I fell in love with the story of Sam and Grace and couldn't stop thinking about it.

A few days later I was looking Maggie up online. I love to read about the lives of authors I admire, how they started writing, their inspiration and influences, their path towards publication, and it was then that I found out that Maggie and I are the same age.

This kind of stunned me for a couple of reasons: 1. Her writing was so beautiful and poetic it amazed me that someone so young (ahem, that's right, I said young, 28 is young right?) had written something so powerful. And 2. She had written a book that I LOVED and was published at MY age! If she could do it, maybe I could too.

After a little more online ~~stalkage~~ research I found out that Maggie also was a mother to two young children, and an amazing colored pencil artist to boot! This seemed strangely coincidental to me.

Now I'm not one who believes in 'signs' but I do believe that things happen for a reason, and that at certain times in our life God puts people or ideas there that we need at that exact time.

I started taking my writing more seriously after that, giving myself permission to believe that I could be a writer.

I've since written two novels and am now working on my third. I'm not published yet, but I believe that if I work hard enough one day I will be.

This painting was inspired by one Maggie had done (click here to see it). That's one of my own wolf sketches that I painted to look like a sketch, and that's apple cider in my mug instead of tea because I love cinnamon, apples, and sugar. :) Lots and lots of sugar.

Until next week my friends! Huzzah!

Ten Hard Earned Truths Every Artist Must Learn

2011-09-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Chica" chihuahua sketchbook study

portrait study after Craig Nelson

The Return of Sketchbook Tuesday and Motivational Monday. . . on a Tuesday. :)

There are some things I've learned on this path towards being an artist that have been on my mind a lot lately. Thought I'd share a few of them with you.

1. Not everyone will love your work. Not everyone will like your work either. In fact, you could say that there is a distinct possibility that somewhere out there someone really kind of. . . hates it. Some people might even be downright mean and hurtful about it. Let the haters hate. But don't you hate. Accept this and move on.

2. But. . . Some people (probably many people) will fall hopelessly, SA-woon, head-over-heels in love with your work. Your work will move them to tears, you work will change their life. Your work will bring beauty and light to others who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to see it or feel it. This is what being an artist is all about. Accept this and move on. But don't let it go to your head.

3. There will be days ahead when you will feel like every particle of talent you may have ever had has left you for good. Gone. Adios. Disapparated faster than Hermione Granger. Some days you will struggle, some paintings simply won't work out. That's okay. It's supposed to be like that. Without some kind of failure we wouldn't constantly be striving for that next great painting, novel, photograph, beaded earrings. Whatever. Accept this and move on.

4. But. . . There will be days ahead when you will create something so breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally moving you will not believe it came from your hand. But it did. Because you have been blessed with talent, dedication, and perseverance. Because you didn't give up when things got hard.

5. When you first start out you will suck. A lot. Accept this and move on.

6. But. . . This is not a bad thing. Suckage is only the evidence of growth. You are growing, learning, improving day by day. It will get better. You will get better.

7. Artistic success is not about money, or number of sales, or fans, or who you know. No matter what anyone else says. Accept this and move on.

8. Artistis success is about following your heart, creating what matters to you, not whatever is popular, or what others like. If you follow this trail, creating to please others, you will not be happy. Creating will become a chore, a must-do, not a passionate love affair.

9. Being an artist means a lot of time spent by yourself. A lot of time spent in the studio, alone, opening a vein and letting it bleed on the canvas (figuratively speaking of course). Accept this and move on.

10. But this does not mean that you are alone. You have your friends, spouse, kids, parents, siblings, dog, cheering you on and wishing for your success just as much as you do. It means you have friends and connections you've built with like minded souls spread throughout the world who've got your back when you need them. It means that you pray to your Heavenly Father knowing that He is just as concerned about the desires of your heart as you are. He will help you. You are not alone. Not ever. Don't ever forget that.

That is all. . . for now. :)

Come on, you know you want to, say it with me everyone! HUZZAH!! Go forth and conquer!

Ephemeral

2011-09-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Ephemeral

7" x 9" watercolor

A few weeks ago it was my baby's birthday. He turned three years old. On that day he and I stayed home, just the two of us (now that the older boys are in school all day), and played with all his new toys. And it was the sweetest day I've had in a long time.

We made a Play-doh lunch and had a Play-doh picnic with his stuffed animals in his new little indoor tent (which was a rather tight fit for me).

We played Spiderman vs. the Green Goblin and Iron Man vs. Dr. Doom (for some reason I was always the villain. He he he).

We played a real, live version of angry birds, stacking towers of blocks and pigs so we could launch little birds at them and knock 'em down.

We made birthday cupcakes and licked the beaters.

We had fun in small and simple things. :)

And later that night, before I tucked him into bed, I held him close and closed my eyes and remembered that three years ago at this exact time I was doing the same thing with a much smaller little boy.

Dragon vs. Heffalump

2011-09-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dragon vs. Heffalump

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid (bidding starts at $100)

I had to paint the Heffalump again*. He's starting to act a little diva-ish, demanding that I paint him. Even when I told him I was going to put him in a face off with this fierce dragon, he still wanted to pose.

I don't think he realized what he was in for. I mean look at that face! So clueless, so trusting. Poor little guy.

But I must admit that I underestimated this little Heffalump. In a classic case of the victorious underdog, he defeated the dragon. Killed him with kindness I guess you could say. Well not really killed since the dragon did live to see another day, but a defeat just the same!

They seemed to reach an agreement without having to exchange blows (phew! I did not want to explain to my son why his Heffalump was suddenly sporting a black eye. . . or worse). Heffalump said he would not give Dragon that cute look anymore as long as Dragon promised to end his evil-attempted-maiden-eating days and use his mighty powers for good instead.

Dragon agreed. . . somewhat reluctantly. :)

* A few side notes about this painting:

1. I am a sucker for dragons (expect to see a little more of this guy).

2. I am also a sucker for a good vs. evil story. Especially when the evil one decides to fight his dragonish (vampir-ish, Severus Snape-ish, zombie-ish, etc.) ways and chooses to be good.

3. I've been struggling with feelings of inadequacy with my paintings lately. It seems like everything I touch just doesn't measure up! *Sigh* Frustrating and demoralizing is what it is. I thought a fun little painting might help with that. :) I know this will pass, it always does. Nevah give up! Huzzah!

Have a great loooong weekend everyone. :D

To Catch A Heffalump

2011-08-30T05:47:00.000-07:00

To Catch A Heffalump

10" x 14" watercolor

#4 in my Still Life Interruptus series

What is a Heffalump you ask?

A Heffalump is a cute and cuddly elephant type creature that is often purple, pink, or blue and lives in the 100 acre wood, where it is mistakenly believed to generally wreck all kinds of havoc. But this could not be further from the truth!

Heffalumps are shy and gentle creatures who love to laugh and eat Rumpledoodles (Heffalump cookies).

They are not to be confused with Woozles, which are very sneaky, or Wockets, that are often kept in pockets.

Although this happy beast generally gets the blame for stealing Winnie The Pooh's honey it really is not guilty of such a crime.

Because you see, Heffalumps are not all that fond of honey at all.

In fact, if one were to try and capture a Heffalump, one might want to use orange slices.

There's a rumor going around that a certain purple Heffalump has a weakness for juicy orange slices. . .

And I may or may not have been witness to such a thing. :)

Safekeeping, Daily Paintworks Challenge

2011-08-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Safekeeping

5" x 7" watercolor

click here to bid

This week's challenge at Daily Paintworks was the Superstition challenge. Now I'm not really much for superstitions, but I really wanted to paint this black kitten so this was a pretty good reason. :)

It makes me sad that almost all black cat superstitions are negative ones, so I looked for some positive ones and here are some that I found:

Many people believe that anyone who finds the one perfect, pure white hair in an all-black cat and plucks it out without being scratched, will find great wealth and good luck in love. (Good luck with that one)

In Britain wives of fishermen believed that their menfolk will return safely if a black cat is kept in the house.

In the south of France, black cats are referred to as 'magician cats', they are said to bring good luck to owners who feed them well and treat them with the respect they deserve.

And my personal favorite is this one: "In Egypt, it was once believed that the life-giving rays of the sun were kept in a cat's eyes for safekeeping."

Admittedly I am more of a dog person than a cat person, but seriously? Kittens are too cute not to paint. It can not be helped. Must. Paint. Kitten.

And a very special thanks to Jenny Martinez Photography for the reference photo of this very cute kitten.

See you next week everyone!

Showstopper, and perceived failure

2011-08-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Showstopper

5" x 7" watercolor and gouache

click here to bid

This painting did not turn out the way I wanted it to. I painted the horse first, which I was pretty happy with, and then painted the background. This my friends, was not a very smart plan.

I often leave the background until the very end, especially when working on a portrait, because I don't want to risk dark colors flooding into the glowing skin tones I've worked so hard to achieve. But, alas, twas not a good idea in this case.

Because I didn't plan how I wanted the background to look. I just kinda thought I would splash some colors in there, make it all fresh and nice looking, and voila! Instant beautiful background!

Yeah. . . didn't work out like that. The wash I laid down was lackluster and just the WRONG color. It looked like a horse from Hades. Seriously, it did.

Which ticked me off because I was so happy with how I painted the horse.

So I thought about what, if anything, I could do to save the painting.

Then I remembered that I had seen watercolor artist Jean Pederson use gouache on some of her backgrounds to give them a chunky oil-type look (which, ahem, she does intentionally, not as a rescue effort).

So I thought to myself, what do I have to lose?

It was a scary thing to put down that opaque gouache and totally obliterate the transparent watercolor background, even as ugly as it was. But I told myself to be brave and just go for it.

And. . . Huzzah! I LOVED the results. The horse is purely watercolor, but the background is mostly gouache that I tinted with some watercolors. I think I'm going to be using this technique again, intentionally this time.

So, even though originally I thought I had failed, really I didn't. I just had to change the way I was looking at it. And that made all the difference. Sometimes when we think we fail, it's really us just not seeing the new opportunity that's opened up. A new chance to push ourselves in a way we wouldn't have otherwise.

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. " ~ Flavia Weedn

Anybody want to share a failure turned success story? I'd love to hear it. :)

*Special thanks to Sarah Inskip of Dantona Stud, fellow horse enthusiast, artist, and awesome photographer, for letting me use her photo of this gorgeous horse. Thanks Sarah!

Pastelbord is a beautiful thing, new colored pencil work in progress

2011-08-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Untitiled colored pencil on pastelbord work in progress (detail)

Way back earlier this year when my computer got sick and had to be rushed to an electronic medic I took some time to experiment with my colored pencils.

I'd been hearing good things about using colored pencils on pastelbord (which is basically a sanded surface mounted on hard board), mainly that:

1. it's faster because of the sanded surface there is no need to layer color super lightly (which takes hours)

2. colors appear brighter and more intense on pastelbord than on traditional paper

3. there is a possibility of framing a piece painted* on pastelbord without glass.

Which meant of course that I had to rush to my local art supply store (Ogden Blue FTW!) and stock up.

I came home SO excited I could hardly stand it! And as soon as I had some free time I laid out all my lovely pencils and got to work.

And here's what I found: Numbers 1-2 were dead on.

It was faster! Because the tooth of the sanded paper is able to hold much more color, much more quickly there is no need for laborious layer upon layer of colored pencil! Of course there is still some layering involved, but not nearly as much because the tooth of the surface fills up pretty quickly. Which means that you must be decisive and accurate about what colors you will layer early on.

So, basically I'm in love with colored pencil work on pastelbord. It is a beautiful thing. :)

Huzzah! See you next week everyone!

*colored pencil work, when done in a way that the entire surface is covered with pencil is often called 'painting' even though there is no paint or brushes involved.

P.S. I don't think I've taken the time lately to let all you guys know how much it means to me that you read my posts, look at my work, tell others about it, and say some very nice things to me and about me. Thank you, my friends, so much for your support and kindness, you rock in an all out glorious way. :))))

Beauty Inside SOLD

2011-08-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Beauty Inside SOLD

6" x 6" watercolor

click here to bid

Kiwi's are ugly little beasts aren't they? Well, at least on the outside. I wonder what in the world possessed the first person to slice that hairy brown *thing* up and take a peek?

Hunger induced madness? Pending zombie apocalypse? Or just plain old curiosity?

I don't know, but I would have loved to have seen the look on their face when they saw the beauty trapped inside. Because they are beautiful once you slice them open.

Jewel bright and shining with all those lovely unorganized, yet sort of organized black seeds. And that gorgeous semi-transparency that lets sunlight flood in and just sparkle and glow.

*sigh*

Yessss, precioussss. The inside of a kiwi is very pretty indeed.

This is technically my first official still life*. And I rather like it. It was a lot of fun to do and I can see the value in painting subjects that I don't paint very often. It forced me to do some experimenting with color mixing and value.

And probably most important, it gave me a chance to really push myself and see how much drama and interest I could come up with when painting something other than a human face.

So, keep an eye out for future still lifes from me. I'm already thinking of what I should paint next. Ideas anyone? ;)

* I credit two artists for inspiring me with a desire to paint a still life. The first, Kim Rempel, for her lovely brushwork, exciting color combinations, simple-yet-striking composition, and her ability to turn something very ordinary into a thing of beauty. And the second, Carol Marine, for much of the same things that I admire about Kim's work. This painting was created in Carol's honor for her birthday at the Daily Paintworks Challenge.

Pointed Conversation

2011-08-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Pointed Conversation

5" x 7" watercolor

click here to bid

A few years ago I saw this massive Clydesdale at a horse show and just stopped and stared at her for a while. She was dozing while her owner and another person talked and gestured around her. I even saw a toddler in a trike zooming around her feet (!!!). She didn't move a muscle. Truly a gentle giant.

The horse person in me was drawn to her beauty, power, and kind disposition.

The artist in me was drawn to that fantastic sunlight and dramatic light and shadows. Huzzah!

I've had this photo hanging around for about six years, just waiting for me to paint it. It's from an ancient film camera too. Sometimes I'd pull it out and look at it and want to paint it so much. But I was scared.

It wasn't a really clear shot, and it was kind of dark. And I wanted to paint it BIG so that ginormous horse would have lots of presence and drama, but wasn't quite sure I'd be able to pull it off.

Then last week I decided to give it a try as a small piece. I intended to just paint a study of the horse and leave the background white. But then I thought the figures made a nice story and added interest.

After the horse was painted I felt a flash of bravery (or possibly recklessness, depending on the outcome), so I splashed some bright colors around to make some background shapes for the barn and shadows. And really liked the result. :)

Now that I've done this small painting I think I have the courage to paint this baby BIG! Isn't it funny how sometimes fears that we have, usually of failure, have such a powerful effect on what we do or do not do?

Be gone fear!

Be brave! Huzzah!

Devotion, Katie's story

2011-08-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

'Devotion'

6" x 6" watercolor

$100

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

- Unknown

Since this seems to be the year of Trying Something New for me I've been searching for new subjects that inspire me as much (well, maybe not AS much, but close) as my children. And I've come to realize that something that will always inspire me is faces, whether they be, people, animal, or possibly reptilian (more on that later).

I found Katie, the English Setter above, at an animal adoption at our local Petsmart. Now, first of all I try to avoid these adoptions because I know I will see some sweet face that I will want to take home but won't be able to. And that will hurt my heart. Two Giant Schnauzers leave little room or time for any other pets. Also, my husband would not be happy with me if I brought home another furry family member. Not. Happy. At. All.

But, I needed dog food so off I went, with my camera slung across my shoulder, hoping to find a little boa constrictor face to paint (that's right I said boa constrictor. What? I think they have kind of cute faces, they look nothing like Voldemort I swear).

The boa was hidden and not at all willing to model as my muse so I headed over to the dogs, steeling myself against all adorable canine wiles. Or so I thought.

That's when I saw Katie.

She was so calm, mellow, and sweet. I instantly fell in love with her. And she looked so sad, like her heart was broken. I don't know what circumstances brought her to the shelter, but I could not imagine how anyone could willingly let this sweet girl go. I watched her for a while, and saw the dogs next to her get taken out by new families. But none came for Katie.

Eventually she did find a home, hopefully this time for the rest of her life. She deserves it, because a sweeter dog I have never met. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this painting will be donated back to Katie's shelter, The Utah Animal Adoption Center, a no kill shelter for dogs, cats, and horses.

I think I'm going to be painting more puppy faces, because Katie was a joy to paint. And I'm still looking for that elusive boa constrictor. . . :)

Have a great week everyone!

Huzzah!!! (It's been a while since I said that, so I just had to.)

Without Guile, Daily Paintworks Challenge

2011-07-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

'Without Guile'

watercolor 5" x 7"

I talked a little about this before in my post Sunshine, so I won't elaborate too much (or try not to anyway, I'm rather long winded have you noticed? ;)

Last week the challenge for the Daily Paintworks was The Color of Music. I'd been thinking for a while about one of my favorite songs by the Black Keys, 'Everlasting Light', and how it reminded me of my third son. This song could apply to all of my children really, but I associate this song with my youngest.

After he was born I fell into a deep depression. Which seemed so unfair since my heart was full of love for this baby, and all I could think of was that every little thing about him, his soft downy hair, his snuffling sounds against my cheek, his sweet smell that I still can't define filled me with nothing but joy. But still, there was this incredible sadness that I felt weighing me down.

It was the thought of his smiling face waiting for me that got me out of bed every morning. So I let household chores go and sat and rocked him and felt him heal my heart. He's my everlasting light.

Let me be your everlasting light

Sun when there is none

I'm a Shepard for you

And I'll guide you through

I'll hold and never scold

In me you can confide

When no one's by your side

Loneliness is over

Dark days are through

They're through

A train going away from pain

Love is the coal

That makes this train roll

Let me be your everlasting light

by the Black Keys

The Seven Links Project

2011-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

My good friend Sandra (who is an amazingly talented artist and an amazingly sweet and funny person) tagged me in the 7 Links Project, which is "To unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again."

So, here are my top 7 links in these categories:

Your most beautiful post
Your most popular post
Your most controversial post
Your most helpful post
A post whose success surprised you
A post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved
The post you are most proud of

Then I tag other bloggers and it goes on and on. I think this is a great idea because there are some gems hidden in most bloggers archives so this is a great way to dust them off and let them be seen again.

Here we go!

My most beautiful post - 'Painting With Feeling' This is one of my favorite paintings because of the memories it brings back to me, and I think that there are few things more beautiful than a newborn baby's tiny hand wrapped around your own.

'Timeless Remedy'

10" x 14" watercolor

My most popular post - 'Motivational Monday - Why Do You Paint?' This one surprises me with how popular it is, it continues to get more hits than any other post of mine every day I guess because it's a universal question among artists, we're all trying to understand why we feel so compelled to spend time and make sacrifices so we can create. At least I know I am.

'Blue Eyed Innocence'

5" x 7" watercolor

My Most Controversial Post - 'Adventures with Claybord' This was a tough one to pick, I don't write a whole lot of controversial posts, but it was filed under 'ranting and raving' and I sure felt controversial while painting it so there you go.

'Emerge'

24" x 24" acrylic on the dread claybord

My most helpful post - Perplexed - a step by step watercolor portrait I think this is the most complete step by step post I have on my blog and I think I was able to get my working process down a little more coherently this time. :) But I also think that any of my posts filed under Motivational Mondays might be helpful when you find yourself ready to strangle your artistic muse, if they'd just show up that is. ;)

'Perplexed'

10" x 10" watercolor

The post whose success surprised me the most - Ten Things I've Learned From Painting a Self Portrait Lots of comments on this one, which made my day because I was INSANELY nervous to post it. Maybe because we're all a little self conscious, especially when it comes to painting ourselves, or looking at ourselves for extended periiods of time which you kind of have to do when painting yourself. Sheesh!

'A-Punk'

8" x 10" watercolor

The Post you feel didn't get the attention it deserved - Valentine This was one of my first successful paintings and I just really like it. And I wrote about my husband, who is awesome and my best friend. :)

'Fascination'

10" x 14" watercolor

The Post You Are Most Proud Of - Like No One Is Watching I felt like with this post I was able to write exactly how I felt and that people who read it 'got it', you know? And the painting was a success for me because I was able to put things I'd been studying about edges into practice. Also it's my boy, which I guess is self explanatory. :)

'My Light'

10" x 14" watercolor

This was a lot of fun to look back at my posts and paintings. Now I pass the torch and hereby tag these fellow bloggers. Huzzah!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Diminutive, and the benefits of working in more than one medium

2011-07-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Diminutive

8" x 8" acrylic on canvas panel

click here to bid

When I was little my parents got me a pony that I just loved. But she, on the other hand, was not too fond of me when we first met. She was very shy and wouldn't let me get too close to her. So I did what any rational ten year old girl would do: I stuffed my pockets full of apple slices and headed out to the pasture to make friends with her.

It took a few days of patiently following after her, and watching her prance away from me, but eventually she let me get closer and closer to her, and soon she was eating the apples out of my hand and following me around.

This painting is not of my childhood pony. The pony in 'Diminutive' belongs to my Facebook friend, Alpha Farm Horses, and when I saw the photo I based this painting on it reminded me so much of my own pony that I had to ask my friend if I could paint her. I can almost feel her warm breath in my palm and the sticky sweet apple slices in my pocket again. Good times. :)

This painting was actually my second attempt. The first painting was a smaller size and MUCH brighter in color. So much in fact that when I finished painting it I stepped back, tilted my head and said to myself:

"Dude. I just painted a My Little Pony."

Pony in Technicolor was not the look I was after. But, being annoyingly persistent, I painted it again, a larger size this time, and really liked the results.

This year I've kind of felt like several different artists crammed into one person. I paint in watercolor, then switch to colored pencil, then back to watercolor, then switch to acrylics, then back to watercolor. . . You get the picture.

Even though sometimes this has made me feel a little, um. . . crazy, it has been really great for me as an artist. Because it requires me to think differently with every medium. Color mixing with acrylics is so much more direct, I can mix brighter colors right off the bat (remember Pony in Technicolor?), and it satisfies that part of me that wants to paint looser and more impressionistic-like.

So, when I go back to painting with watercolors I bring everything that I've learned with acrylics and try to apply it in some way. Which results in more growth, and an appreciation for the familiarity I've gained with watercolors after years and years of work.

And, switching back and forth, always trying something new, is GREAT for keeping artist's block at bay. At least it has been for me, so far. I'll try not to jinx it. :)

How about you guys? Anyone else seen the benefits of working with more than one medium?

Until next week my friends! Huzzah!

"Perplexed" A Step By Step Watercolor Portrait

2011-07-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

'Perplexed' 10" x 10"

watercolor by Crystal Cook

Sometimes I just get an itch to paint a simple portrait. I am endlessly fascinated with expression, especially the eyes. I took this photo on a cloudy day, when me and my three boys were at the park a few years ago. While the two oldest boys ran around the playground, my youngest and I sat under a pavillion where that soft, diffused light bounced off the cement on the ground and back onto his face.

He was about six months old, and by this point was pretty used to me taking pictures of him a million times a day. But still, he gave me this confused sort of look. Like, why in the world are we sitting in this pavillion taking yet more pictures when we could be out sliding and swinging? Hmmmm?

Suzanne Berry asked me what moves me to paint a specific subject and I guess it's almost always those two things: lighting and expression. Lighting is something I absolutely will not compromise, it has to be inspiring to me or else I will hate the painting process and then the painting will be. . . eh, *shrug*, so-so. Which is really not what I'm going for. ;)

Suzanne also asked me what my feelings are prior to the first instant I put brush to paper. I would say, excited. Because that's when I still have a perfect image in my head of what I want this painting to be, I'm still having all those giddy feelings that prompted me to start the painting in the first place. I can't wait to get started and put all those images, thoughts, and feelings into this piece.

Step One: This is the most important step. I start out by painting the lightest values in the darkest areas. In other words, I start by painting the shadows that give the face shape and contour, but I use a very light value to do it. Here I've used burnt sienna because it has a long range of values that's easy to adjust to just about any skin tone. This is where I flesh out my line drawing and start to develop a likeness.

I go over the burnt sienna with a neutral grey color that I mix out of either burnt sienna, cobalt blue, and permanent red, or brown madder, raw sienna, and french ultramarine. So basically all I'm using to make this grey are three primary colors in varying strengths and intensities. I want this to be a neutral grey, neither warm nor cool, so that later, near the end, I can push the shadows one way or the other.

Then I block in the basic shapes of the lips, eyes, and hair, paying attention to color temperature shifts.

The two main things I'm thinking about right now are: color temperature and facial structure shapes. If I get those two things right then I've already got a head start on the two most difficult aspects of painting a portrait (at least for me).

Step Two: Once I have step one done I tend to relax and play a little bit more. This is probably my favorite part, strengthening the color and picking out areas that I want to exagerate, like the blue on the sides of his nose and between his eyes. Every color that I lay down now will show through in the end (at least to some degree) so this process is a little bit like chess, thinking ahead to my next move and how that will affect the next move and on, and on to the end.

The colors I've used for the skin tones are permanent rose, raw sienna, rose madder, pthalo red, and cobalt blue.

I like to get the eyes finished right away so that I know I've got them right. It motivates me to finish it and to pay attention so I don't mess it up!

Step Three: This is pretty much the same as step two, just taken even further. I'm darkening the values and refining the shapes. I'm being extra careful to just get in and get out when I lay my brush down. So far this has been painted wet on dry paper, softening the edges with clear water just slightly after I lay the color down.

Step Four: The finish! This part takes the most time because there are all those little things that need finishing. And because I set the painting up and step back and look at it about a hundred times to see what else it needs.

I finished the hair with some lifting (I use a stiff oil painting brush that I've cut the ends off of so that it's kind of a little stub) and then some pastel for a few highlights. The colors in the hair are brown madder, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, raw sienna, and sepia.

Something that I'm thinking is important lately is to paint quickly, confidently, and then to not go back in and fuss around. Ok, ok this is something that I've always thought is important, but working with acrylics has helped me understand this even better, and has given me the practice I need to really be able to do it.

So, while there are some things I would have liked to have turned out better I restrained myself from going back in and touching it up because I knew it would lose that sparkle and freshness and I knew that I wouldn't make it any better, possibly worse.

And I like it like this anyway. That's my baby, looking perplexed at something his strange mother is doing. :) I hope you guys aren't getting tired of seeing his portrait, because I'm not going to be stopping anytime soon.

That's my portrait painting process in a nutshell. Hope you liked it. :)

Huzzah!!

Rising Dust, and. . . what's with all the huzzah's?

2011-07-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

'Rising Dust'

8" x 8" acrylic on canvas panel

click here to bid

So, yeah. I say Huzzah. Kind of a lot. Which got me thinking that I should probably let you guys in on why I say it so much. But first, here are a couple of definitions I found.

Huzzah

huz·zah also huz·za (h-zä)

interj. n.

Used to express joy, encouragement, or triumph.

1. A shout of "huzzah."

2. A cheer.

Huzzah *
Origin: Pirate
Meaning: A term used by pirates meaning "Oh yeah," "Hooray," or "WORD DAWG."
Side Note: Pirates preferred to be called American buccaneers.

*This one is my personal favorite, because I can just picture ye olde American buccaneers shouting "WORD DAWG" while sloshing around their rum. Tee hee. :)

I say huzzah because it makes me happy, just by saying it. It makes me feel like a kid again and as this is the year I turned 30 I need all the help I can get in that area. This word makes me more aware of small victories in my life, when large victories seem hard to find sometimes.

So, when I set down my brush after finishing this painting the other day and saw that it pretty much looked like the painting I was envisioning I whispered a little "huzzah" to myself, even though no one else could hear me.

Until next week my good friends! Huzzah!

Up Next Week: I'm working on a step by step watercolor portrait post for next week, that will talk a little bit more about my process. If anyone has any questions or things they'd like me to talk about in more detail feel free to email them to me (crystal@crystalcookart.com) or leave them in the comments. :D