Butterfly Lace

"Butterfly Lace"
Watercolor

I thought I'd fly back here and post something new I just created. Yes, butterflies are always endearing to me and I couldn't resist painting one the other day. I guess I've got Spring Fever. My grand niece wandered into my little studio after I had finished painting this and said "Did you use stencils on this?" I said "no, I just danced with paper and paint. I love comments on my art process, it really helps me grow and makes me look at my art with new eyes.

Actually, Marge Boyd, a fine artist/friend of mine, has a wonderful way of leaving the small whites of the paper showing through and I have admired her talent for this. It's no small feat, in my eyes. Now, it seems I have been able to do the technique myself and I am grateful. Just had to shut off the monkey mind and let the paint dance of its own accord. It seems to give a magical, airy feel to the piece shown here.

Have a wonderful day! Fly high!

I growled while painting Snow Leopard

"Snow Leopard"
Watercolor

This was a test of perseverance. In spite of, or maybe because of the external noise of
people (especially little) all around my environment, I was able to complete this piece in one sitting. Many times as I was creating, the little ones would peek into my room and
comment on what I was doing. I'd lose my focus and then pick up the paintbrush
and get my artistic center back on course.

I feel my affinity for Native American cultures was coming through as I painted "war paint"
under the creature's eyes. Yes, it was a battle of sorts and my warrior woman self won out in the end.

I was growling throughout much of this creation, but by the end that changed to
purring. Yes, I do believe in the art process.

Swan Celebration

"Swan Celebration"
Watercolor

I was originally going to paint the swan in delicate pastel shades of color and leave lots of
white on the swan. But something else seemed to control my hands and brush and hey, why fight it. Accidental drips were incorporated into the image as were specks of paint flicked on. It was a big image so I had to scan it in in pieces. Then with some photoshop paint tools I filled in the blanks in the background.

An image celebrating the energy and passion of creativity. No peaceful swan floating for me.

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!