She who always has a song in her heart will always dance.
Music inspires my little one and she inspires me. If there is a melody anywhere around her little body is moving. I had a neat experience as I painted this one. I decided I would listen to her music as I painted. When one particular song came on, "A Million Dreams", and I stopped painting Avery, I started to make her dance. I've painted her, now how do I make her dance?
Who doesn't love a cupcake? But what if they are even better than expected? What if, there was a hidden surprise of yummy unexpected goodness?!?!?!? An ingredient that you never knew would taste so magical in a cupcake. Or a birthday sprinkle confetti surprise. What about finding out the type of little bundle that you will be bringing into the world? Cupcakes can hold such sweet little treasures. After all, they are a cake that fits in a cup.
There are many of you guys that are so stinking amazing! I want you guys to create books, stories and comics that I can read to my children. Even ones that they can fall in love with on their own. I have been wrestling for the past year of wanting to have more time to create my work, to get better, and really give this art thing a "go." Learning more about the business side and all the other information found here make that dream more real than ever. It being more real makes it harder to feel trapped in my current position in life.
Please don't take this post as winning. Or one of those "oh, I wish I had that problem." This is just what I am slowly realizing with my work and myself as an artist. Think of "national women's day." This is my choice as a woman and don't go all feminist on me please.
I am a stay at home mom. I have 4 kids from ages 11-4. None of them took a bottle. That meant sleepless nights for mostly me. My husband works hard. Extremely hard. (as many of you all do). With his high demand job our home rolls aren't exactly 50/50. He swoops in for playtime after all the homework and after school things are done. and I wake up and get them all ready in the morning. Dr apps, allergy shots, carpool, practices, that's all me. He provides a good living for our family. I don't "need" to work and earn extra for our family to be comfortable and enjoy a few of the extra fun things. I will not put my husband's job and our families financial security for my personal self fulfillment.
Then there is a beast inside that needs to make things. As an artist that wants to work, have validation it is SO hard to not be jealous of those that have nothing but time to prefect and poor into their work and promote. I felt so bitter for a while that I had to give up something I wanted so badly all my life and that my artistic growth was stunted because I had no creative energy when I was pregnant and nursing babies and chasing toddlers.
Then my heart began to soften. Stupid time-hops on Facebook with my work and trying to dig up something on pinterest and finding work from 5 years ago. The straw that broke the camel's heart was a visit to my brother's house. One that recently moved back to a drivable distance. I saw the work spanning two decades. Work that I had forgotten I even made. Good work. Work that I was proud of. I never stopped making work. I have always created things for the people I love. That candle of creativity has always burned bright. No, not much money has exchanged hands over the past 15 years. But a lot of love has. Work that I tried my best on. That gave my full heart in creating.
So, if your paycheck hasn't come in yet. PEASE DON'T STOP MAKING WORK YOU ENJOY DOING! Don't stop sharing it with your friends and family. Hopefully, if you need to feed your family, the right people will see your work. I know there are so many of you I am dying to get in my library. I mean that with the most sincere part of my heart. You guys are brilliant. I "real" people in your life love your work (not just the hearts and likes and up-votes), even if you create it as much as you wish.
As one of the original painting tutorial man use to say, "Happy Painting."
“I can't think of anything more rewarding than being able to express yourself to others through painting. Exercising the imagination, experimenting with talents, being creative; these things, to me, are truly the windows to your soul.”
This month’s challenge I’m going to make a pattern collection. I envision it being for a wedding or a bridal shower. Just trying to make a “lovely” collection. Maybe I’ll even mock up plates and cocktail napkins. I know for sure it will be turned into a note card set for Mother’s Day. So- here is the start.
Same sweet sand dweller. Seriously, she is always in the sand at the beach. Somethings just don't change!
Top one is from july of 2016, the bottom from August of 2018.
The earlier one I transferred directly from the photo using tracing paper then to the watercolor paper. The face isn't pleasing (not my daughter's fault, it was mine)
the new one I drew free hand. I finally feel more comfortable relying on my own drawing than a direct transfer from the photo. This hasn't been the case in a very long time. So yay for straightening that muscle. I added the pencil outline, or ink depending on the picture, to my style. I feel like it strengthens it. Maybe I will loose it once my watercolor is stronger, but for now I like it.
I did a bunch of Christmas cookies. I liked the snowman and the snowflakes the best.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Stay safe tonight and have fun! Here’s to 2019!
I don’t know if the pictures will
Post to the thread.
I finally combined a few spot illustrations to make prints! And then made the prints. I turned it from a project to a product! Hurray!
Next step is a table at an big event this weekend. It’s a fundraiser. Which isn’t nearly as much pressure. The money will go to a friend of mine and her family. It’s still scary since I have never ran my own table with my artwork. And for commissions I’m painting people’s favorite ice cream flavor, or food. We will see how it goes. Fingers crossed!
Okay, I did really want to do some artwork for my powder room. I still will. Too many funny things in my head that i need to paint.
I resisted this theme for a bit, then had another idea that didn't pan out.
Then one of my little muses did what she always does, dance. Whenever music is on she is dancing. And when there is no music she makes Alexa play something. I took a million pictures of her dancing. Then made her change into her leotard. Then there was that one shot. The "oh, that's the one!" I drew it this afternoon and painted it after they went to bed tonight.
It was pretty cool. I usually do a time-lapse with my work. No-one has 30 minutes to watch me. I'm not @Lee-White ! Ha But I put on the music that I could see her dancing to. Ones that would have her doing this little arabesque. I think that is what it is called. That was fun. But when I put on "A million dreams" from The Greatest Showman it was like the painting took on a different life. I was simply painting Avery before, but listening to the music I was able to make her dance. Creating movement within the painting.
So, thanks for the theme. No, my painting isn't exactly perfect. It's just a spot illustration. No background or story. Not exactly a portfolio piece (unless you count all my buddies wanting me to paint their kids now, so maybe it will help with business in the future)... But I really love this painting because it tells my little girl how much I love her, how beautiful her mom thinks she is, and how I love her passion for dance. It will hang in my house forever. So thanks SVS for inspiring me to paint my little inspiration. Ha!
ANY TIPS ON GETTING A GOOD SCAN OR PHOTO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! I'm horrible at getting my soft watercolors on the computer or copied.
I had this adorable idea to send a package of all my inktober cards to the SVS office and to Lee in Nashville. I still may do it. It involves stickers and rating different aspects of the final project. (Anyone feel free to comment and critique.) Who doesn't like stickers? So be on the lookout for it eventually.
I posted all my sets on Facebook and instagram and told my friends they are available for purchase. I figured my mom and sister-in-law would grab a set. Lots of people "like" my work, but purchasing is an entirely different story. Don't forget, these are also notecards. Not everyone uses them. To my surprise, I have 14 orders of various sets including all of inktober. Merry Christmas to me! Although, I'm printing these at home. I got a quote from a printer and it was super out of my range. I didn't really want to send them all to kinkos either. So here we go! @Jake-Parker @Will-Terry @Lee-White , your care package will come at some point after I fill these orders.
I took a break from social media during inktober for 10 days (day 7-17). It was very liberating. I didn't rush to finish my work, I let the day prompt inspire me for whichever day I wanted to do. I took my time on the pieces and completed the images for the final product not the thrill of the post. I don't think everyone needs to take a break during this challenge, but at some point for an extended time. It really helps to connect with real people vs the fake universe.
The break was a little saddening in one way. I missed the community of drawing all together on one prompt. It's like we were all connected I'm like, "where are the little people with the gray background @Chip-Valecek !" Along with so many others. I really enjoyed watching everyone's themes evolve.
I can't believe I have a project that worked out! I'm happy with my images and feel like they are a cohesive set. Some I like as a stand alone notecard set. Even semi professional... I will probably take some of these to some shops around town. However, it may be next Christmas. What if they want a big order. YIKES! And I may have missed the boat on Christmas. That's okay. I need slowvember to complete my christmas presents. Thanks for prodding us along @Jake-Parker , you started something good here!
I am kinda torn as an artist. I love SVS and the forum. I want to learn backgrounds and character design but slowly I’m realizing that just isn’t the artist I want to be. I feel pretty inadequate at the skills necessary to become a good story teller. However, it’s not just that... when I have free time to paint or unwind I always end up doing patterns. I get way more excited about an adorable set of cards or napkins then I do about a great children’s book. Only slightly. I know you guys say to compare yourself to what’s out there and see how your work stacks up. Honestly, I think my work does have the potential to be on fabrics and note cards. At least I don’t feel light years behind in skill level. I need refining for sure and growth in the technical aspects of design.
If it’s okay, can I still hang out with you guys? I do love the work that you guys do! Please, any feedback on this collection would be helpful. This is going to be a set of notecards for my sister in law. Her son is going to New Zealand to serve a mission for two years. I’m going to do some other stationary with it as well. The New Zealand people call themselves “Kiwis” although I do know it’s actually a bird. I’ll probably paint one of those for the collection too. At some point I would like to make a few of these fabric patterns on spoonflower. I would love a silk scarf or a tie using the kiwi patterns. Thanks for your love and comments in advance!
Please keep us updated on your textile design work @Lee-White !!! And any tips of what that type of portfolio should look like!
Cactus stationary commission. It was kinda foreign for this southern girl to paint. Give me a seashell any day! But it was super fun! -licensing 2021. Y’all know that hashtag #beachbody2020 , that was popular when 2020 seemed super far away and you were posting pictures of doughnuts. So here’s to licensing in 2021!
One more.
The goal is to have 8-12 patterns that are related. A few are show stoppers. Then there is a mid range of contrast and involvement. Then there are “blender” pieces. Also there will be a range of values in the set. Some of these are elements that will be further manipulated in photoshop.
Is there anything more charming than the "old" tradition of the Kentucky Derby? It's a magical place where you can dream about the time that ladies get all dolled up to go out and gentlemen are just as dapper. Where does the "new" come in? Well, in welcoming new comers and being sweet as honey as you explain that wearing the hat brings good luck. And of course wearing the same hat and dress as the year before just won't do. Every lady loves to shop for her "new" attire that will just let her shine. The hat parade makes the derby "The two greatest minutes in sports."
Sometimes hearing the explanations of people's work was the best part of a critique in school. This is a pattern design for spoonflower's "off to the races" challenge. Figured I would share. It fits in the theme? Right?
Great episode! Certainly comforting to know that there are a few advantages of starting the process with a few years under your belt. I'm 38 and kind of mid process in the first year in some regards and second in other areas.
I think the time I had from college to now has filled my story bank account with adorable stories of kids. And man, I know the decorative market. At least from a buyer's perspective. I have quite a network of friends that are the consumers. I know what I like in a children's book and have an insane amount of friends to talk to about that. Something I didn't have coming out of college. It's great to talk to classmates, but I have four tiny people in my house that are a big target market for "children's books." And I have a house. That means I decorate it. And know what prints I want in fabrics, etc.
Plus, this art spark hasn't gone away. I still want to make art and learn and grow as an artist. Thanks again for the tough love about time constraints... I do have more time I can use for my art. I have made sacrifices already. I don't watch TV during the school day. No more watching the shows during the day that the husband doesn't like. Like... So You Think You Can Dan and Project Runway.
I like the idea for the phase 1 and phase 2 of getting started.. I feel like different parts of my art are in both phases. Characters are in phase one, floral patterns and food art are for sure in phase 2. But dedicating time to improving is certainly liberating. Its hard to accept that some areas need more time before finished projects are ready to tackle. Thanks for the pod cast. Good stuff.
“Edible mushrooms.” There aren’t any fairies or smurfs in my painting, but I did ask my “village” of friends what mushrooms they loved to my munch on. It’s always fun to get the Facebook world involved in my work. This is something i will add to my portfolio of food illustrations and will be able to sell at my craft fair next weekend! So thanks for the prompt about a subject I wouldn’t have explored otherwise. (For the record, I did sushi for the octopus prompt, but never posted it.)
I would love help to finish this piece. It is a commission and I really want to make sure that I am giving the best that I can do. Your eyes may see things that I just can't. Once you're so close to a piece its all a blur! I do plan on darkening the pencil outlines. Kinda like I did in the one of my ballerina daughter.
It's watercolors, so please remember editing can only go darker. Basically, does it pop enough? I don't want to deliver a "weak watercolor." On the other had I do like fresh clean watercolors as well. I don't mind hearing "future feedback." Or things I can do better next time. But be a little gentle with those because I am still using this one and charging her for it. She's a big follower of my work, so I do feel like she knows me well enough to know what she is getting. That being said, I want to make sure I deliver!
Thanks for your help guys!
bad lighting for the photo...
here is the final image. Fingers crossed she likes it. Delivering it tomorrow.
Here is the final painting. I am kinda happy with how it turned out. 
The four I’ve done so far.
Birthday surprise
Cheery cherry
Peanut butter goodness
Gender reveal.
