I entered this competition back in 2016ish and didn’t get in. I was completely devastated, but understood. The following time it came around I couldn’t come up with a good idea for the theme. I didn’t really even try. So I have been waiting for the next one to come up. They aren’t every year. I think it’s like every 3 years? I don’t know. But it’s here and I’m totally going to go for it! I’m going to use as much as I have learned from all of you guys and really out thought into the process. Probably do the tried and true Lee White method. Ha! If you know anyone who belongs to this church, spread the word! I would love to see as many of the SVSers submit as possible.

Not a member of this church? Check to see what competitions are out there for your denomination, or that fall in line with what you believe. I’m sure there are lots out there. Being able to illustrate thing you hold dear can be really beautiful. I would love to see anyone’s work related to this.

Here is the email I just got:

@BichonBistro you can do it! Especially dogs. Draw 100 dogs and it won’t be scary anymore. But the other commissions are still scary! Ha!

40 orders. I got 40 orders today. Well, 9 of that were preorders. And some of that is people ordering multiple paintings. I’m floored and humbled people chose to shop small and shop local. You know those moments in your journey where you feel like you’ve made it? This was kinda one of those days. It’s not a major licensing deal, but it was a ton of business for this girl! I’m still floored. I used to hate commissions. I’m still not sure I like them. Ha! But the joy from all the people when I showed them their pups. All but one. I did one more try making one dog thinner compared to the other. Then they were super happy! Connecting with people that want what you create. Just an amazing feeling.

Happy creating guys! Best on luck to you all on your journey!

For good or bad, there seems to be consistency. I love that class on watercolors. I’ve completely changed my color palette and love the way the colors dry. Super fun!

@Chip-Valecek I like this guy. The texture and molding look nice. I like the direction you’re going. Keep it up!

@SFischer awe. Thanks so much!

@Braden-Hallett they looked like a lively crew in the pictures. Obviously, they weren’t posed together that way. Illustrators bring the impossible to life. You just do it fancier than I do!

I started trying to figure out my style of drawing dogs this week. By the end of the week I’m taking commissions and have a guest spot in a store on “shop local” Saturday. November 30. Y’all, this is just crazy. I was trying to draw my brother’s dog for Christmas. That’s all I had planned for November. Inktober was intense!

I draw about 30 dogs. I looked at how other artists stylized dogs. I was ashamed I didn’t recognize Anita Jarem’s style. She wrote “guess how much I love you.” Honestly, it was so helpful to draw other drawings of dogs. Trying to do a stylized dog from a photo is much harder without practice. So... there analogy is right. Musicians don’t just start painting from their heart. They learn scales and learn from others.
My style isn’t perfect. But it will do for now!

You sneaky snook!

@Judy-Elizabeth-Wilson I still stand by the fact you need to make patterns with your foliage. I want to see entire fabric collections from you. And the fairies, oh my gosh, they couldn’t be cuter!