Elephant in Pen and Ink

"Elephant"
Pen and Ink, Pencil, Charcoal

I wanted to try something different without using color. That's how "Elephant" came into being. I could have put every single wrinkle on the beast but ran out of steam. The legs, too, are just vague shapes. I've read that leaving out details allows the viewer to fill in what they want to. I was going to add sepia and other tones with colored pencils but decided to leave well enough alone. Perhaps another sketch will allow for that. Still, there's something about drawing that allows for expression different from painting.

I've been stretching my creative boundaries by choosing new subjects to paint and/or draw! And they have to mean something to me. Oh and throw in some fun too....

"Cat Heart"

"Cat Heart"
Digital Photo

I was wondering around the outskirts of Peoria a few weeks ago and happened upon a Christmas Tree farm where there are reindeer lounging in a barn area and a neat shop with unique gifts. I noticed this little kitty wandering around outside. Luckily, I had my camera and started taking photo after photo. Soon she began chasing her tail and this "heart" shape emerged. I remember Elena taking photos of "heart" images and immediately thought of her.

Open up all your senses and the world sends you love. Thank you kitty! An early Valentine gift!

I'm painting a SunHawk!

"Hawk"
Watercolor

I really like hawks, falcons and eagles. I feel it's important to paint what I can emotionally connect to. That's where I'm at lately when I'm picking subjects to interpret on my art papers.
I also know that these birds love to fly really high into the sky, to the sun almost. To me there's a spiritual connotation symbolized with the higher levels of life too.

Of course, it may have something to do with the fact that my alter eg0 name is SunHawk!!

Peace!

Racoon

"Raccoon"
Watercolor

Just painted this critter yesterday. I've never created a raccoon before and a lady whose bought some of my work in the past mentioned she might like one for her walls. So, with that motivation, Raccoon came to life. Being the colorist that I am, it was a challenge to hold back on using every paint color that I have. I couldn't resist adding a bit of pink and yellow though, just for funsies. Hard to break the habit, gotta go slow.

Maybe its eyes are too dark? Right now I'll live with it!