87 Days (2014)

My daughter and I are putting the finishing touches on a great craft project that is completely handmade, functional and would make a fun gift for any girl with lots of earrings.  I'm hoping we'll have it finished and pictures uploaded tomorrow.  It would be a fabulous handmade Christmas gift. Hopefully, I'll have more tomorrow!


87 Days.....

96 Days (2014)

We finished yesterday's fun project of making our fun to-do list. We don't want to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays that we miss out on the things we enjoy the most.

But all this preparation doesn't mean that we've forgotten about getting ready for fall. Yesterday we started decorating our mantel and the rest of our home. Today we made a yummy apple pie. Don't forget to enjoy each day as you plan for the future.

Dutch Bantam

There's commission work, pieces for shows, pieces that practically scream to be painted and there are pieces like these. I hadn't planned to paint a rooster, but jumped in to try this Dutch Bantam. For some reason, looking at animals like roosters always makes me think of  Luke 12:27 which is the reminder that God makes the simple lilies beautiful and takes care of them, so why should we worry about what He will do for us? When I see how colorful the simple rooster is, I always think of that verse.

 I used Liquitex Basic acrylics for this painting.

After sketching out my rooster, I began painting my background, with my sky first.

Basic layers for the grass next.  I try to be careful of my brush strokes, especially with acrylics.  I want to show movement, direction and texture.

Now, the fun, colorful work begins.  I began working on the basic color composition of the rooster.

I've established mid-tones, so it's time to work on lights and darks.

Not it's time for detail work on the feathers, adding in the eye, making the legs and feet more distinctive.

Continuing to add details to the feathers, blades of grass and around the eye of the rooster.

Time to sign the finished product!

Sometimes you have to paint something bright and cheery just for fun. Today was one of those days.

Painted Back Door

This summer has been a fun, busy one.  I will share art camp pictures, commission work pictures, art show pictures and more very soon. 


Today I wanted to share a project that is a special one for our house. For months I've wanted to do something to our back door to liven it up a bit.  It's been bothering me in its' blandness for some reason.  At the beginning of the summer I came up with the idea of painting the panels in the back door with some sort of blessing or thought that folks could see as they left our house.  However, time was not my friend this summer, and my "beginning of summer" project became my "get it done before school starts" project.


I found the Bible verse from Numbers 6:24 to be perfect for this door, "The Lord bless you and keep you".  The rest of the blessing in Numbers is beautiful too, but I thought this verse was perfect for our family and friends to see and know that they are loved and prayed for.  What a great reminder!


I have a few touch ups to do, but you'll get the general idea.  This project didn't take long, added much needed color and blessings to our home.

More updates, crafty ideas and more coming soon!  Go to my facebook page to find information on my latest giveaway!


https://www.facebook.com/131910410161018/photos/a.148033835215342.22782.131910410161018/796234993728553/?type=1&theater

Magnolias

My obsession with magnolias doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Their beauty, charm and graceful look have fascinated me for a long time. Here's my latest attempt to paint them: