Monday, March 30, 2009

Auction Project 2009 Done and Out the Door!

Our inspiration piece by Aaron Christensen.

Fantastic birds created by Mrs. DeBra's 2nd graders.




Laying out the piece.



Border done and first coat of tree blocked in.



Laying out birds and wording on the final piece.




Finished!














Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Auction Progress . .


Working on the tree . . . and adding leaves. Just need to put the birds back, tack them down and paint them in. Almost ready to start on the BIG canvas. YAY! ")

Monday, March 9, 2009

Auction Time Again!





Work in Progress - ALy's 2nd grade Auction Project - Small Study (the actual will be 30"x48" This is still being worked on . . will have all the class sign it on the edges as a Teacher gift, when finished. Nice to start small to work out all the kinks. ")

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

My Daughter the Animal Activist




Aly was in tears when she heard about the issues concerning the sea lions being killed at Boneville Dam, to save the salmon runs. It prompted a great dinner table debate, her father being an avid fisherman. She decided since dad wouldn't fix it, she would go over his head and write to President Obama. This is her letter that she will post tomorrow. I am so proud of her standing up for what she believes! Go Aly, future animal rights lobbyist! ")

Bird Series

"Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her.
Still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings."

Hello Dragon!




So excited!
Just moved into my new studio space. AKA my daughter's old room. She and her older sister decided to share a room - we will see how long it lasts. ") So far so good!
(Any wisdom as to how to keep a feisty 2 1/2 yr old in bed would be welcome!)
Low and behold, after the move we had an extra room! My husband kindly offered it up, not to me, but to my art supplies. He is too kind. I am guessing he is getting tired of looking at my creative "hiccups" all over the house and wants to coral the hubbub.
I don't mind a bit!
In the "art room" I put a kid sized table for the girls to create at. We love doodling together.
I can also use it for spreading out cards as they are glittered and drying. The sun room carpet was getting pretty sparkly . . .
I will miss the amazing views of my garden from my old space. It is now a family room, so I guess we can now all enjoy it together.
Perfect. ")

Monday, February 23, 2009

Bird on Blue


Chickn' Egg and a Cat Question . . .




My Mom and Dad recently adopted a very outgoing cat. He now runs the house. This cat follows them everywhere and even plays fetch! My dad thinks this new cat is the greatest. It has gotten to the point where he takes the cat out for drives - quick errands etc.
The cat came with us when my Dad drove us home yesterday and my girls thought it was too cool. The cat LOVES the car. Is this normal? Discuss . . .

Thursday, February 5, 2009

What Is Cooking in the Studio . . .

I guess I can't really say, "Studio" . . I drew most of these on the couch watching/listening to re-runs of The West Wing. Fantastic show. I'm working on designs to compliment a doll line and go on accompanying product. I have been having a blast creating these little guys and gals. The faces will be a bit different, but the general idea of the characters are there. Happy Thursday! ")

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Irish Dancer - Playing with GIMP Brushes

After I colored this it seemed too flat. I wanted to represent the amount of wow and sparkle that these amazing dresses showcase in person. The Galaxy brush worked great to get the texture of the socks. I then used the Confetti brush to bake the dots I had put on the dress sparkle.
I am starting to have fun with this computer thing. ")
(Double click on the image to see detail.)

Monday, January 19, 2009

Aly's Irish Dancer

Aly was off school today so we got to play! She first drew her design in pencil and traced it with a black marker. Next we scanned it and Aly got to try her hand at using the GIMP software to color it in. She was a pro! This was designed to go on a set of cards for her Irish dancing teacher.

Vines, Tulips & Birthday Cakes