Ivy Allover

Faces n' Fashion...

2011-03-03T20:48:00.003-05:00

Face # 14

11x14 mixed media

Face # 15

11x14 mixed media

Face # 16

11x14 mixed media

Face # 17

11x14 mixed media

Face # 18

11x14 mixed media

Hi there! I have neglected my space for a bit, life just gets in the way sometimes and so does sleep - ha. Ahhh! I have fallen behind, so 30 Faces in 30 Days has officially turned into 30 Faces Anytime *wink,wink. Man, it's difficult to keep up with them especially when you tend to be a perfectionist - grhh. But I am determined to complete my 30 faces regardless of how long it may take. I have some plans to create something fun with all the faces... stay tuned!

For these faces I wanted to have fun with fashion, textures and color while keeping a looseness to the drawings. I had so much fun with these and decided I will create more (after my 30 faces) and start playing with postures, poses and fashion. I'm a sucker for fashion but never really worked on fashion illustration before - yes, another thing to add to my to do list *sigh*.

Another reason to drop the "30 days" is that I've also been working on painting faces but having access to a model all day isn't so easy, so I've been dependent on the models schedule and working a bit here and there on certain days. I look forward to completing my paintings and sharing them - eventually.

This process has been great for me - there are so many ways you can go with faces. I must say I've enjoyed the whimsical side and still think I can push myself further in so many areas so, more to come for sure!

Thank you so much for visiting

and for taking the time to leave your comments.

I truly appreciate your words, they mean so much to me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

♥

More Faces...

2011-02-17T15:14:00.008-05:00

Face #8

Waterbuck Girl

7x10 mixed media

Face #9

Valentine

7x10 mixed media

Face #10

Party Girl

7x10 mixed media

Face #11

Cat Girl

7x10 mixed media

Face #12

Rose

7x10 mixed media

Face #13

Bunny Girl

7x10 mixed media

Ha - these were so much fun! I could have gone on and on with these little drawings but I stopped myself and moved on to other things. I decided to be whimsy with these faces and stayed with one style this time around, as last week I felt I was a bit all over the place. Did I mention how difficult 30 Faces In 30 Days is? whoa! I guess one of my challenges is focus, I realized I prefer a more cohesive look so sticking with one style this time around really helped me focus. This was also great practice for my character faces, making sure there was a consistency to the drawings. Although my mind tends to wonder off to other things as I work, this series really had my full attention. These were just lots of fun. Oh, and Face #9 – My Valentine, can also be spotted over at the Inspiration Studio.

These girls have also provided me with a cute little series which was unexpected but such a nice surprise. I tried to come up with a name for this series but nothing really hit me yet...

Any thoughts on what I should title this series?

I welcome any and all ideas if you would be so kind to share.

Really, anything that pops in your head when you look at these?

I'd greatly appreciate it!

♥

The Valentine Sweater(s)

2011-02-14T19:48:00.003-05:00

The Valentine Sweater(s)

mixed media

Duke doesn't like sweaters - period. A sweater with hearts on it? Now that's pushing it, not this boy. My submission for IF "Sweater". Also, if you have a moment I'm also at The Inspiration Studio today – pop on over!

Did you sport that Valentines Day sweater today?

uhhummm...

Happy Love Day

♥

30 Faces/30 Days continues...

2011-02-08T17:18:00.003-05:00

Face #2

pencil-mixed media

Face #3

mixed media

Face #4

{shot at an angle attached to drawing board}

charcoal on white paper

Face #5

{shot at an angle on easel}

a quick study, oil on board

Face #6

mixed media

Face #7

pencil-mixed media

30 Face in 30 Days

I have to say, this has been an interesting exercise. I've learned many things so far, like...

________

It's been difficult to keep up with faces everyday especially on the weekends!

•

I haven't been good at timing myself,

I just get too involved in the faces. One of the reasons for timing myself is to loosen me up,

so I'll keep at it and keep the alarm next to me.

•

I need variety, mixing it up with different styles,

mediums or techniques has been far more interesting for me.

•

I will not love each piece and I don't need to prefect each one,

some can be left as they are.

{This is difficult for a perfectionist like me *sigh*}

•

This past week alone has given me so many ideas for future pieces!

________

Wow, if all this inspiration happened in just 1 week of daily faces I can't wait to see what other things will unveil for me on this journey. Well, I'm off to go sketch the next face - wish me luck this week!

♥

"Surrender"

2011-02-02T22:44:00.000-05:00

Doggy Play Dead. mixed media

[suh-ren-der] to yield (something) to the possession or power of another; deliver up possession of on demand. Ahh the power of treats. I really believe without them there would be no doggy tricks. At least not from my dog! This weeks topic at IF "Surrender".

♥

30 Faces in 30 Days

2011-02-01T23:09:00.001-05:00

Face #1 Close up

Are we really in February already? Jeez, can't life just slow down for a bit, not for long just like uhm a month? That would through off many things wouldn't it? Eh worth thinking about for a minute. Anyway, I've decided to do something this month to keep me on track. Will it work? Keep me on track that is... hmmm, dunno but I am willing to find out. In order to keep me drawing daily I have decided to create 30 Faces for the month of February. Why? Why faces? Why a month?...

Face #1

charcoal on tinted paper

Faces are difficult to draw and I am so ready for the challenge.

The only way to improve as an artist is to practice, practice and practice some more.

It's a good warm up and will help me loosen up for the rest of the day.

Sticking to faces will challenge me to play with different perspectives, compositions and explore different techniques.

This will push me to try different styles too.

Depending on time, I hope to even use different mediums like; charcoal, paint, digital montage, paper collage, markers, watercolor etc.

Creating a face for 30 days will provide me with loads of ideas for future pieces.

More importantly, this will be fun!

Did I mention I will try to have a time limit to drawing daily? I will attempt setting a timer although I have NEVER been good with time. I just get into it and sometimes can't stop myself. eek am I nuts? Yes. I've learned working from home is all about time management so in order to move on to many other pending things I will time myself or at least try (1-2hrs max).

I may not post my drawings everyday, to keep it open for other posts but I will post all 30 for sure.

I'd love to hear if you have done a similar challenge and what you thought of it?

Fun? Stressful?

Did you learn a lot?

Wish me luck my friends!

♥

Dusty Duke

2011-01-25T12:26:00.071-05:00

Dusty Duke

mixed media

Digging holes = dusty dog. My little contribution to IF's "dusty". A small drawing I took from my sketch book...

One of my goals this year is to sketch, sketch and sketch some more. I hope to sketch daily, I realize it's great practice that takes lots of discipline and... I like that. Now let's see how it goes, I'll be sure to share some with you.

Have you sketched your pet lately?

Isn't it fun?

♥

Dog-Chicken...

2011-01-24T07:00:00.006-05:00

Hi there! Hope you had a great weekend. I did, cold but good. So why Dog-Chicken? Well, I first thought of chicken for last weeks IF's topic chicken and then combined it with some illustrations inspired from Carla Sonheim's, The Art of Silliness 3 class. Carla Sonheim is also know for her popular book Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artist which I will be running out to get this week. Anyway back to Dog-Chicken, I enjoyed creating these illustrations on their own but then... I cut, I stapled, I mixed, I matched and –– voilá. I got...

Dog-Chicken

Chicken-Dog

Girl-Chicken

Owl-Girl

Fish-Owl

There were so many funny variations these are just a few of my favorite. This was way fun and a great exercise for ideas! A fun project to do with children too. I know I could have cut these up digitally but it was more fun physically cutting them, I'm very much a tactile person. This could make a great little book or perhaps these will become future characters? Hmmm...

Do you have a favorite?

Have you done this before?

I'd love to hear.

♥

Dogs In Color

2011-01-11T10:37:00.003-05:00

Hi there! Hope you are doing well. I've been busy plugging away at some work and oh so happy to be back at it. I have many plans I'd like to share one of them is to bring back my Dog Day Tuesdays and hoping to stick with it!

Ahhh... Patterns. I have a love for beautiful patterns, the rhythm, layers, repeated shapes, story telling and colors are what inspire me. There are so many beautiful patterns out there I can't help but want to create some of my own. Here are a set of dogs I created for my pattern design. I decided to show them separately because I really like them individually, they each have a pattern within them, which I thought was fun too! The Dog's In Color pattern is the very last image...

Dogs In Color

I really enjoyed creating this pattern and will continue to share new ones as I design them. Ideas for patterns are endless and I really look forward to seeing where this will take me. I hope you pop by and join me on my journey!

p.s. It just occurred to me that this can be my submission to IF's "Deja-vu" topic which has stumped me all weekend. I just now realized this is a playful take on it. What do you think?

Thank you for visiting,

I sincerely do appreciate your comments.

♥

The Count Down

2011-01-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

Eight (8) more days and counting...

The Sketch Book Project deadline – Jan 15th.

A Day In The Life... of dogs. A quick peek into my sketch book before I add color. Did I mention I am having a blast? Maybe procrastinating wasn't so bad after all – this project has taken me on a very good path of sketching daily. Funny enough, a goal of mine for 2011.

How is your sketching going?

I hope you too are facing your goals head-on and perhaps like me,

without even knowing it!

♥

Facing "The Sketch Book Project"

2011-01-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

What do you feel when you stare at a blank sheet of paper? I sit, I stare and I freeze up. That's what happened when I opened the sketch book I received in the mail back in the summer. Getting started is always the most daunting part of any project for me, whether its on paper or on canvas. It is human nature to put off doing things that make us feel uncomfortable or something that we perceive as difficult. But I love creating, drawing, painting, designing so where is this fear coming from? I suppose its the perfectionist in me ugh, the fear that the result will not be what I imagine paralyzes me.

Well... here I am about a week left to begin sketching for the Sketch Book Project I signed up for early last year. * sigh * This is terrible...no really! I am not sure what happened... last I looked at the sketchbook I was disappointed in the very thin paper so I put it aside - as if the paper would magically replace itself. Then a friend posted "Sketch Book Catchup" on her blog Studio Mailbox and suddenly I didn't feel alone. I finally decided to face these blank sheets of paper and well, I uh... ripped them out! Oh yes I did! With the help and motivation from my friend I replaced all my sheets with wonderful watercolor paper which was the easy part...

I began to think of my goal for 2011 of Letting Go & Being in the Now, I decided to do just that. Let go – no more guilt, no more fear, no more procrastination! So I faced my new blank paper, took a deep breath and began sketching. I will be sketching every moment I can to meet this deadline of Jan 15th and will be sharing my progress with you here. Oh and my theme is "A Day In The Life" and of course, I will be sketching A Day In The Life... of dogs.

Wish me luck!

Anyone else behind in The Sketch Book Project?

What have been your struggles?

♥

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T20:49:00.007-05:00

Dear friends, I have been away for some time but I am back! Yippie! And... I'd like to wish you a Happy 2011, may this New Year bring you opportunities, happiness, inspiration, creativity and much success!

R-E-S-O-L-U-T-I-O-N-S you ask? ...hmm, I don't really make resolutions anymore but here is my little black & white sketch for this weeks topic IF "Resolutions". I just grew tired of setting myself up for failure – making and breaking resolutions has it limits. I do however, understand the significance of a New Year. A time of reflection, of making choices to help ourselves become better people and I like the concept of "a new beginning". But as far as resolutions? eh, I prefer to refine my goals instead. (Wait, are resolutions and goals the same thing? I wonder.) I do however, always have a long list of goals that follow me all year long, if not longer, but this year I'd like to try something new. Instead of filling my head with so much, I'd like to let go and relax. Stop trying so hard, stop manipulating things, struggling to do so much and instead have an experience of just being for a while. Letting go and just being in the now has always been a struggle for me, shutting off my mind is difficult but I think the book I'm reading, Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain will help me, its a great book! All in all, my goal is to find inner peace and continue doing what I love, while sharing it here with you.

Thank you so much for all your support, your comments and friendships, they mean so much to me. These friendships are a treasured source of inspiration to me, I am truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful online community and I look forward to what lies ahead in 2011!

What are your resolutions,

your intentions, your goals for 2011?

♥

IF "Prehistoric"

2010-12-07T18:34:00.001-05:00

Prehistoric Transportation

Hi there! Oh boy, I have neglected my blog these last few weeks. Life has a way of throwing you a curve ball now and then *sigh*. My posts will be random during this holiday season but I do hope you continue to pop by and visit my work – there will be many changes to come for 2011 and I can't wait to share them so please stay tuned! And for now I share with you my illo for IF "Prehistoric".

Turtles are so prehistoric looking - aren't they?

I've always thought of them as sweet little creatures, gentle enough to ride.

♥

Mushrooms n' Marshmallows

2010-11-16T19:44:00.003-05:00

Mushrooms n' Marshmallows

mixed media

Hi there! How are you? Oh dear.... I've been away for sometime. I have some 'splaining to do (coming in another post) but for now this is my piece for IF "Burning". There's an art to roasting marshmallows without burning them... a small, controlled fire – wouldn't you say?

Have you ever tried roasting marshmallows from a candle?

I've always wanted to...

♥

A Bushel of Apples

2010-11-04T12:09:00.002-04:00

A Bushel of Apples

mixed media

I am a bit late but here is a quick sketch. It took me a while to come up with an idea for IF Spent and then I thought about our most recent adventure. We were spent on apples after a day of apple picking – or – rather apple eatin'.

♥

Artful Blogging

2010-11-03T08:00:00.038-04:00

Hi there! Hope you are doing well. I am doing great except for my lack of posting lately. I hope to change this soon and can't wait to take you to my new website... as soon as it's completed. For now I'd like to share my artwork featured in the Winter issue of Artful Blogging!

The piece Star Gazing was included in an article about The Inspiration Studio a wonderful blog I've recently been asked to contribute to. It's a lovely group created by Kim Klassen a very creative, driven and inspiring woman. In her own words Kim describes The Inspiration Studio as a place that is...

• all about inspiring others to live a juicy creative life.
• it's about spreading kindness & encouragement.
• it's about showcasing the inspired work of amazing talents all over the blogosphere.

You can read more about the studio in the Artful Blogging magazine or better yet come visit! Other wonderful contributors included in the article are Elk, Lori Portka, Hilde Wegner, Marcie Scudder, Kelly Letky, Sandra Grimm and of course Kim Klassen. I am thrilled and so humbled to be a part of this inspiring group. My new post will go up later this afternoon, I would love to see you pop over for a visit!

♥

Dog Eatin' Apples

2010-11-02T19:44:00.000-04:00

Simple & Sweet

Dog Day Tuesdays!

Been on any new adventure with your pup lately?

How about apple picking?

I'd love to hear.

♥

A Race To The Last Nut

2010-10-28T09:08:00.009-04:00

The Last Nut

8x8 mixed media

Hello there! Late to post this weeks topic "Race" over at IF but here is my little contribution. Inspired by my walks with Dukie where we've bumped into many squirrels racing up trees to grab The Last Nut for the winter. Funny how it's easy to overlook squirrels, never paying much attention to them. So now I take notice of these little guys a bit more as they run around, jumping from tree to tree, racing in circles teasing Dukie while he watches carefully hoping for that chase.

♥

Dogs, Lines & Bubbles

2010-10-20T18:51:00.001-04:00

Hello! How are you today? Ok I missed my Dog Day Tuesdays things got a bit crazy here, as I am in the middle of building a new website – coming very soon! I have to add, all the other work hasn't stopped me from my pups. I normally juggle a few projects, it keeps things interesting for me and on my toes. So today I share my collection of Dogs, Lines & Bubbles...

I kept these digital dog portraits as simple line drawings and stayed within my muted color palette. I just love these colors, they're quiet and unobtrusive. I tend to use muted colors in most of my work these days. How about the circles or as I call them bubbles? I wanted to add a graphic element, something subtle and playful, something worth adding to the all ready simple composition.

Oh and here are some of the original sketches...

♥

Doggie Pattern

2010-10-12T21:57:00.002-04:00

Hi there! I am a bit late today with my Dog Day Tuesdays but I am excited to share this little digital piece inspired by Dukie. I did a few sketches today and decided to take it further digitally, playing with colors and the idea of creating a sweet pattern.

Here I decided to add a decorative border, something playful and meaningful. Every night Duke looks forward to his chase with the rabbits in the back yard. He rarely catches up to them but even when he does he freezes up not knowing what to do. Its all about the chase...

and here is my pattern. I decided to create Dukie in a simple portrait setting - perhaps my next design will be him on a chase - oh that could be a fun one! Hope you like this little piece and hope to see you here next Tuesday for another Dog Day Tuesdays!

♥

Making Your Mark

2010-10-11T10:44:00.008-04:00

The Doggie Bag

mixed media

Hi there! Hope you had a happy weekend. Today I'm sharing my piece for IF's Transportation Inspired by fashion and the pampering of pets. I don't have a puppy purse Dukie (my beagle) is not small enough to fit into one but I must admit the bags are the cutest things. So The Doggie Bag, transportation for your dog, a stylish accessory, "Making Your Mark" with fashion.. pooch making his mark? not good.

Do you carry a Doggie Bag?

It's a dogs life.

♥

Beneath the balloons!

2010-10-04T14:42:00.009-04:00

Beneath the balloons!

mixed media

Hi there! Hope you had a great weekend. brrrh.. cold and rainy weather we're having the last few days–yuk. Today this piece is inspired by IF's topic "Beneath". So many ways to interpret this word I decided to keep it light and sweet. This also falls under my Dog Day Tuesdays! Every year it seems we are surprised by beautiful hot air balloons passing our home. So random is this sighting that neighbors come out in the street, people pull over their cars to take photos and me well, I'm usually scrambling to find my camera. I suppose I could look up this event if indeed it is an event or perhaps its a large (20+) family scheduled for their rides – either way, it would be neat to watch them all out in an open field bobbing up and down.. maybe next year.

♥

The Dog Roll

2010-09-28T21:32:00.001-04:00

Kinsey

12x24 oil on board

Hello! Today's Dog Day Tuesdays post is a little late, its been a quite busy around here all good though. I wanted to change it up today and share Kinsey a commission I finished a few days ago and will be delivering this week.

She is the cutest pup, her owner Danielle describes Kinsey as a 6 year old yellow mutt who loves to play with other dogs and loves rolling around in the grass. She enjoys long walks with her Daddy and gets along real well with her 2 feline sisters.

Danielle gave me 5 photos to choose from I then supplied her with some rough (very rough) sketches of different compositions and color combination's for her to look at and approve. Danielle loves it when Kinsey "rolls" ha I think its the cutest thing when Dukie rolls but boy he's always so stinky after! Anyway, I wanted to share the sketches with you...

What do you think?

Do you have a favorite color? A favorite composition?

I'd love to hear...

I may just use these for a future design or maybe use parts of them. That's the best part of having sketches - you can always refer back to them for new work.

♥

IF "Old Fashioned"

2010-09-27T19:43:00.015-04:00

"You do not own a dog, the dog owns you."– Unknown

8x10 mixed media

Hello! Hope you had a good weekend. Mine was great just too fast. Well, today I wanted to share my illo for IF's topic Old-Fashioned I thought about over the weekend. Fashion came to mind, then the 1950's and then... I Love Lucy. Lucille Ball is one of my favorite comedians I still watch I Love Lucy whenever I can. It's always been a special show I watched with my grandmother who doesn't speak English and yet understood every part always cracking up with me. At times I wished I lived in those Rock and Roll days. This illo was inspired from those times and the full flared princess cut dresses - of course I preferred to add the poodle in the scene and not on the skirt :)

Do you like the '50's?

What do you like from the '50's?

I'd love to hear...

Oh and I wanted to share with you my original sketch before color was added. I usually sketch in red pencil and finesse my line work using an HB or 2B pencil - I like the soft tones of a pencil.

♥

Duke Days

2010-09-23T11:21:00.008-04:00

Duke Days. Our walk in the park.

Hi there! Wanted to share some photos with you today and title this Duke Days. These were taken the other day using my Canon 50D SLR a beautiful camera I will be experimenting with and sharing my results here with you.

Every day Duke(ie) has his schedule - he'll look out the back door window then look at me, as if to tell me let's get outta here. Funny, sometimes if I'm not paying attention he'll pull on my pant leg. It's hysterical and I usually give-in, who can resist that? Too cute. And so our daily walks vary but I usually walk Dukie in the park down the road which ironically is called Duke Island Park - I think that's his favorite park :) He loves this part of the day it's our time to bond, it's also a good time for me to get outside and clear my head. It's a beautiful quiet park, the air is fresh and crisp on this last day of summer. We walk along side of the Raritan river where we usually bump into many fishermen. Today it was pretty quiet. Above you can see the sun is setting casting beautiful fall colors on the trees.

There's a trail we usually follow where I take Dukie off-leash something you're not supposed to do especially with a beagle. They're known for taking off following a scent or chasing an animal. So far we've been lucky with him. He's so happy when he's off-leash so I let him go I always make sure I have his treats so he'll listen when I call him back and I make sure its the part of the trail that is secluded without distractions. Here he's coming back to me as I call him holding a treat - good boy.

Back on the leash, Dukie had his eyes on a squirrel that zipped up a tree. I remember the first time he discovered squirrels and how we had to point up the tree so he understood where they went because one minute they were there the next they were gone.

So that's Duke in the water another rare thing for a beagle. Beagle's are not known to play in water but since he was a pup we always made sure he was around water. He learned to fetch for rocks thrown into water from a Lab at a park and its owner who kept playing this rock fetching game. It was pretty cool how Dukie played along and picked it up. So we continue this game today but we now get Dukie into deeper water throwing his treats instead! Ha, so now he loves to jump into water – as long as he can still touch the bottom. He doesn't do swimming unless he has his life vest on but that's another story I'll share another time...

Do you have a dog?

What's your favorite thing to do with him/her?

I'd love to hear.

♥

Pretty In Pink

2010-09-21T11:52:00.004-04:00

Pretty In Pink | Dog Day Tuesdays!

Hi there! Today for Dog Day Tuesdays I have Pretty In Pink - Maltese. I wanted Pretty In Pink to be well, pretty but not so perfect because we all know dogs are always up to something. So the more I worked on it the more the story evolved, I just love this part of the creative process. So here we have a not so innocent Pretty In Pink little pooch – bad girl!

This design is a continuation of my theme on dogs in their chairs. The idea behind this is how much dogs really become a part of your life, your environment, your home. Dogs become our families and to some the only family. I began to think about their favorite spot in the home a chair or couch and how really, your dog is an extension of you and your home. You know they shed and yet you let them take that chair because you love them because they love you, because it's their home too.

Home is where the dog is.

♥

IF "Acrobat"

2010-09-20T16:48:00.007-04:00

Acrobats

Mixed Media 8.5x11

Hi there how was your weekend? Mine was good we had some great weather here in New Jersey - autumn is in the air and I'm loving it! This weekend I was inspired by IF's word "Acrobat". I immediately had this vision of doing things I can't physically do such as floating in air, like in so many of my dreams. Acrobats, maybe easy to some, impossible to many - like me. Below I share with you my original sketch before adding color digitally.

Have a great Monday oh and be sure to stop by tomorrow for Dog Day Tuesdays. I'll have another pooch design to share with you hope you'll like it!

♥

Dog Day Tuesdays!

2010-09-14T11:38:00.009-04:00

Hi there! Ready for Fall? Its one of my favorite seasons... the change of colors on the trees, the weather crisp, fresh and cool, new Fall fashion, Thanksgiving and that Fall smell - yummy. I can go on and on but instead, as a fresh start to a new season, I'd like to introduce to you my...

Dog Day Tuesdays!

My thoughts for Dog Day Tuesdays is to share with you my latest dog art. I'll probably change it up so the art will vary from illustration, painting, drawing, photography etc. My goal is to share my work, experiment with colors, post regularly and have some fun. I will be sharing my color palette with each piece of art along with other fun stuff like stories, my inspiration or my process etc.

I am currently working on a collection of vintage-style dog illustrations. This collection is inspired by my love of dogs (of course) but also my love of creating unique pieces in a style that is contemporary with an added vintage touch. I hope you visit regularly to see what's new on Dog Day Tuesdays and of course your thoughts are welcome!

♥

IF Dessert

2010-09-07T19:41:00.001-04:00

Hi there! Keeping with illustration these days I decided to create this little guy for IF "dessert" and for all those dog lovers who spoil their pups with birthday cakes - or even those who don't. Wait.. is this his cake or not? hmmmm.

♥

Savvy Illustration

2010-09-06T00:10:00.007-04:00

Hello! It has been some time since I have posted, I have been a busy bee juggling projects and commission work that I promise to share with you as I finish them. For now I'd like to share an illustration job I recently completed for this great photography site called The Savvy Photographer

This was a fun project, the client Marsha Mifsud who was wonderful to work with, she wanted a new design for her site so I worked with Timi a very talented web designer at Cinnamon Girl Studio. The clients sweet color palette of pink and green were incorporated along with her request of adding French furniture and savvy-ish illustrations of Marsha and her business partner, sister Anne Siller.

Both Marsha and her sister Anne are fabulous photographers with a successful business of over 500,000 readers. Their business is full of inspiration, workshops and all things they love. They also have a fab shop where they sell many beautiful items you'll love. Did I mention on top of all this success Marsha is also a mother of 3 and lives in Japan? Jeez how does she do it all? If you get a moment please visit her at The Savvy Photographer I'm sure she'd be happy to hear from you.

♥

IF "Atmosphere"

2010-08-26T17:01:00.005-04:00

Untitled

Mixed Media

Suddenly the "Atmosphere" changed. My submission to IF and a sketch I worked on for a painting I hope to jump on soon. I haven't decided on a title yet - just hasn't hit me. I am, however, open to any suggestions if you'd like to share any ideas :)

♥

Thank You

2010-08-23T20:23:00.000-04:00

Hi there, I am sorry I have neglected my blog for a few days now. I have been very busy working on new art – I can't wait to share them with you! For now I'd like to share with you a new gallery I have become a part of out in Texas. I was very excited when Lori Sanders asked me to be a part of her new gallery. I don't now how she does it all, she's a fabulous photographer who lives in the country with her husband, 5 horses and her dog but that's not all. She owns a small grocery store, runs a childrens art club and now just opened her new gallery! Wow what an exciting time for her and I am so thankful to be a part of The Sanderwood Fine Arts Gallery. We have a lot in common our love for art, photography and our love for dogs :) Today I am the featured artist on Lori's blog – please stop, and learn more about this amazing woman. Thank you Lori you are an inspiration.

♥

Star Gazing

2010-08-17T20:56:00.001-04:00

Star Gazing

mixed media

I don't know about you but the only way for me to get my beagle to do what I say is with treats. Homemade pumpkin star cookies from The Hungry Hound – never fails. Is your dog a stargazer too? This is a sketch for a future painting and my submission for IF's topic Star Gazing.

♥

Another place, another time

2010-08-11T13:24:00.006-04:00

Caged

12x12 digital photomontage

Well well...back to digital. I can't seem to make up my mind between my paints and my wacom. This piece was inspired by so much - my dreams, my life, my thoughts etc. but the title was inspired by IF and this weeks topic Caged. I hope you enjoy this and that it takes you to another place, another time like it did me.

♥

A gift and a guest!

2010-08-04T19:47:00.002-04:00

Follow Your Dreams

5x7 digital photomontage

Hello! I am so happy to share that I have been asked to be a guest on Kim Klassen's wonderful Stay-cation blog. I feel so honoured and humbled to be a part of her exciting guest list! I have been following Kim's blog for some time, she is i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e! I love her gorgeous textures and have purchased many of them for parts of my own work. Please come on over! Visit her blog and download my art Follow Your Dreams as a gift from me to you. Check out her post about me and my creative process, I'd love to hear from you and I'm sure Kim would love to hear from you too!

Thank you Kim for thinking of me and and for this great opportunity to share how I work and who I am. It was a lot of fun.

♥

little paintings

2010-07-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Lean On Me

6x6 oil on masonite

I don't know about you but I have a thing for Pugs. I just love their little wrinkle faces and round bodies. This pair are visitors of Dog Days Daycare a favorite place of Dukie's. Lean On Me is inspired from a photo of the pair just lounging around, probably after a few hours of playtime.

Jake

6x6 oil on canvas

This is Jake another one of my daily paintings series. Jake's also another playmate of Dukes. This little German Schnauzer is just so handsome I love his salt and pepper gray colors.

fun fact: The word schnauzer is German for "whiskered snout"which they sure have.

It's not the best photo of either painting for some reason I couldn't find the right spot to shoot these without a glare. I feel a bit rusty but these were fun quick little studies. It sure does feel good to be back into my paints.

♥

Cooling Off

2010-07-26T20:35:00.001-04:00

Cooling Off
6x6 oil on masonite

I miss my paints - oh and I miss my dogs too, so I decided to get back into painting today. This is Logan a friends dog who was Cooling Off and just couldn't get enough of the water in Montana! What a beautiful part of the country out there. Everyday we went fly fishing and hiking with some friends – it was amazing. This painting was inspired from a photo I took after a hike up to beautiful Lake Agnes. "Ohh sweet Agnes" as my husband says. Montana I miss you too, we couldn't make the trip this year and our friends are saying the fishing is great ...hmmm I think I see another painting coming up :)

Work/Life Balance

2010-07-22T09:15:00.001-04:00

Anini Beach, Kauai

ALOHA! So did you figure out where I was? Thank you for your last comments - it was fun to hear from everyone and your thoughts on where I was. Good guesses! My friend Tonya Bates guessed it right - Hawaii. Ahh yes the beautiful Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Maui. Below are some more images I took and wanted to share but before you take a peek there's a few things I learned while I was away...

Do you need balance? Get away for a few days or take a vacation. Our vacation was much needed and just...wonderful. You see like many, I've fallen into the trap of working all day up to the wee hours, often so motivated I'd skip meals just to move ahead with my projects. I am very lucky, I have a wonderful husband and I love what I do, so much so I didn't realize what I was missing... like taking a quiet moment alone and shutting down my thoughts, eating a healthy meal with reasonable bites and not wolfing it down, taking a nice relaxed long walk instead of a quick stressed walk or even going to the gym and reading up on current events... to name a few. With the day to day you're bound to get wrapped up with work and deadlines often missing quality time with yourself and/or your significant other. This vacation was a perfect time for us to reconnect and just have fun together an opportunity to leave work behind even for a moment. Who would have thought I'd eat better and get back into my workout routine while on vacation? Ha...it has taken a vacation for me to realize what is important. Now that I'm back I'm ready to work hard but I'll sure try to keep this Work/Life Balance in check. A difficult task but one I am willing to work hard at – for sure. Are you?

Waterfall On The Road To Hana, Maui.

Taro Fields in Kauai.

Snorkelers in Honalu Bay, Maui

Playful dolphins on boat ride to the Napali Coast, Kauai.

Black Sand Beach, Maui.


My first full rainbow. View outside our balcony.

Mahalo

♥

A little ways from home

2010-07-06T17:59:00.002-04:00

Just popping in for a quick hello while on vacation. Ahh yes vacation, we left on Saturday and will be gone for 2wks. Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July, we had some great fireworks here. So far we are lucky with great weather - I hope everyone back home, (in the northeast) is hanging in there with that heat wave - WOW. I am still confused by the 6hr time difference so I am not sure of the day or time this will post.

Anyway, here are a few photos I took... can you guess where we are?

Until soon!

♥

A Moment Of Reflection

2010-06-29T18:11:00.002-04:00

Fireflies
photomontage/digital

Hi there! I have been gone for a few days, lost in my own world. Today I decided to come up for air and share "Fireflies" a digital collage I have been working on for several days. Yes, I know it's a bit dark but it just evolved as I worked. I also think this piece fits pretty well with IF "Satellite". Fireflies came to me one night while I was outside surrounded by flickering little lights. I watched them quietly for hours, like when I was a child, amazed by how often these little bugs would light up and surprised at where my thoughts took me. Thoughts of childhood and life came to mind. The purity and innocence of childhood. The continuous change and often scary challenges of life. I thank these beautiful floating lights for giving me a moment of reflection.

♥

IF "Paisley" revealed

2010-06-25T11:31:00.004-04:00

Wedding Dress (close up)

photomontage/mixed media

Ok, as promised this is a close-up of "Paisley" for IF (*see previous post). Many of you had some great guesses of where I placed the paisley on this piece. Some guessed on the butterflies, top of the dress, bottom of the dress and others guessed it right – on the chair. Obvious but not obvious ;-) Thank you everyone for leaving incredible comments on this special piece.

♥

IF "Paisley"

2010-06-22T21:11:00.008-04:00

Wedding Dress

photomontage/mixed media

Well, I guess I am still in anniversary mode. This is Wedding Dress. I have spent several hours/days obsessing on this piece (as I normally do with my work) I am pretty sure it's because I got the crazy idea of recreating my wedding dress. Yes, crazy! I won't share more on this piece being that, I like my work to tell its own story to the viewer, but I do hope you like it. I decided to add "Paisley" in this montage for IF. So where's the "Paisley" you ask? Hmmm... might be difficult to see it's small, sorry but I promise it's there. Look around, can you find it or can you guess? Perhaps I will show a close-up before Friday :)

♥

Happy Father's Day ♥

2010-06-20T14:14:00.004-04:00

A photo I took at the beach of a father and son in Cape May, New Jersey. Texture by Kim Klassen.

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

•

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle’s flight,

•

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

•

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it … Dad

~ Author Unknown

♥

A Special Day ♥

2010-06-17T15:13:00.010-04:00

Flower Girl
mixed media/photomontage

Hi there! It's been a few days since I've posted. I have been hiding out, working very hard on a new body of work, so excited for it! This is Flower Girl I thought she would be appropriate for today's post. Today is my 4 year wedding anniversary! I am happily married to a wonderful man who is so supportive of everything I do, including my art. I love you Gordo.

"I announce and declare my intention to give you my deepest friendship and love... not only when your moments are high...but when they are low... not only when you remember clearly Who you Are... but when you forget... not only when you are acting with love... but when you are not...". "It is my intention to stay with you forever.."

Part of our vows from the book Conversations with God.

♥

IF "Ripple"

2010-06-14T16:21:00.012-04:00

The Innocent Ones

photomontage

This is my creative for IF "Ripple". My heart continues to ache for what is happening in the Gulf. I am so sorry for what is happening to you.. to The Innocent Ones.

p.s. please check out Kelly's blog in response to the tragic disaster on the Gulf. You will see my contribution (#196 sold) from a previous post. Visit her site for more art for sale or to contribute.

♥

Looking Out

2010-06-11T18:02:00.011-04:00

Looking Out

6x6 oil on masonite

As I painted this piece today I realized it made me think of the oil spill again {sigh}. It's as if these friends are looking out waiting to see what will become of our waters. Ugh.. twice as big, twice as bad – really?! Will we ever look at our waters the same way? What will come of this nightmare will it ever be right again? God... the environment, all the marine life, all the fragile species please make this nightmare stop. We need to stop this disaster, I have hope we will – that's all I have. Prayers and Hope.

Let's help!

Calling all artists please contribute, take a look at Kelly Light's blog

or consider donating directly to

The Institute For Marine Mammal Studies

and/or

The international Research Center

♥

Girl Talk

2010-06-10T13:19:00.004-04:00

Girl Talk

5x7 oil on board

Here's a little painting I went back and revamped. This was from a shot I took in NYC, the ladies were so into their conversation I just liked how the little girl was looking up at them as if she were in the conversation as well. I had fun taking some liberties with the background adding a little pop of green :)

♥

Puppy Eyes

2010-06-09T17:30:00.014-04:00

Duke(ie)

Do you ever feel like you have eyes on you but you ignore them and keep working. You work so hard and get so into it you forget to come up for air? Jeez...its like you forget those around you...that is until a loved one nudges you back into reality. For me that nudge was from Dukie. He'll come up to me around the end of the day and pull on my shirt or my pants (while working on my laptop) as if to say "ok, it's time for a break". I have been so consumed with my work, my art/business, organizing, planning etc.. that sometimes it takes that little nudge to snap me out of it – and so today I look down on those puppy eyes... and decided for this moment, I will take a little break. A little break to share this photo I took over a weekend at the shore - oh those puppy eyes make me melt! How can I work looking at those? Do you have little eyes watching you – waiting for you to take that little break too?

♥

IF "Trail"

2010-06-08T13:04:00.011-04:00

Black Trail In The Gulf

digital mixed media

Ahhh yes the TRAIL of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. It was the first thing I thought about when the word trail came up. I have to admit I've been avoiding the headlines about this oil spill as to not let this disaster get to me. I don't mean to be ignorant I just can't deal with it emotionally. However, this weeks word lead me to finally take the time and read about this mess. {sigh} and so... as I knew I would be, I am heartbroken thinking about the helpless and innocent wildlife. This is my work, my vision of this nightmare...the Black Trail In The Gulf.

p.s. This image has been SOLD over on Kellys blog, her blog is in response to the tragic disaster on the Gulf. This is my contribution - please visit her site for more art for sale.

♥

Mug Shot

2010-06-03T20:54:00.003-04:00

Stella

6x6 oil on canvas

Today it was time to paint a dog, its been a while since I painted a pooch so here I introduce to you Stella a beautiful Vizsla and another regular at Dog Days Daycare. She just stared right at the camera with some attitude - funny I almost titled this painting Mug Shot but I only title a dog portrait if I don't have the name of the dog, so Stella it is.

♥

Lunch Break

2010-06-02T14:41:00.002-04:00

Lunch Break

5x7 oil on panel board

Here is another painting from my workshop in NYC with Karin Jurick. Oh... Karin how I love thee! Karin is an incredible artist and what a beautiful person she is! This was from an image I took as I was crossing Central Park to my class. It was a beautiful bright day and I thought she was perfect sitting there in the sun doing her own thing. A fun little painting :)

♥

IF Slither

2010-06-01T19:20:00.006-04:00

Stone Cold

mixed media

Slithering snakes of hair. We all know in Greek mythology Medusa was the beautiful monster who turned onlookers into stone. I find her perfect for the topic SLITHER and I always wanted to paint her so this will be my sketch for a future painting :)

♥

After Hours

2010-05-30T11:34:00.004-04:00

After Hours

6x6 oil on panel board

This is a painting from my workshop with Karin Jurick last week. Throughout the week I learned many things. In this painting I learned not to fuss over the details, learned the freedom and the courage to "edit" what I saw in the photo to make it my own. After all, I am painting a "painting" not a photo.

It was great taking photos in the city, there are so many subtle moments I captured and when the lighting is right wow what a difference a painting can take! I captured this on my way back to my girlfriends apartment on the Upper West side, she ironically lives on the same street of my very first apartment when I lived in the city (sigh) oh how I miss my city but happy I visit regularly.

♥

Yoga Body

2010-05-26T19:05:00.004-04:00

Yoga in Central Park

Hello hello! I have been without internet connection for the last few days! ahh - it's like everything stops when there's no online connection. I am in NYC taking a week-long painting workshop at the National Academy Of Design with the incredible Karin Jurick. If you don't know her or her work you MUST check her out she is AMAZING!

Its incredible what I have learned FREEDOM! I am using all crazy colors including black! Yes people b-l-a-c-k and the heck with a limited palette! Karin has opened this whole new world of painting for me and I am thrilled. I have never had so many colors on my palette and its just wonderful... I will be sharing my work once I get internet access - back home.

Till soon... ♥

IF Equipment...

2010-05-18T19:54:00.024-04:00

Seductive Eyes

mixed media

Here the male peacock (Indian Peafowl) displays his EQUIPMENT.

The peacock's tail feathers are fanned out to use as part of courtship. I'm sure his Seductive Eyes help too
or maybe not.

♥

A Walk In The Park...

2010-05-13T22:19:00.004-04:00

A Walk In The Park

digital

I've been working on this piece for some time now, there was lots of scanning, photo taking, manipulating, color enhancing etc. and I decided its finished for now. For months I noticed I've been neglecting a big part of me, a big part of my life.... and that's my relationship with Photoshop. You see, we had a serious relationship for many years, a relationship where all I did was lived and breathed for Photoshop personally and throughout my graphic design career. Yes, it was a beautiful relationship... up until I no longer had to use it and others used it for me. Well, I miss my Photoshop, my love and I am happy to say we are back together and happy... oh so happy! I'll be sure to share our adventures together...

♥

IF Fearless

2010-05-10T15:59:00.017-04:00

The Sacrificial Bee

graphite/digital sketch

The bee symbolizes many things in many cultures dating back to ancient times. The death of a bee after it stings represents sacrificing your self for something special and dear. So to me, in this sketch (a sketch for a future painting) The Sacrificial Bee is FEARLESS

♥

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T13:22:00.019-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

to all the beautiful mother's in the universe.

Today I am celebrating being Dukie's mommy, a day full of many hugs and licks. To my mom, friends and family you are wonderful mother's – thank you for your inspiration and aspirations to one day be as wonderful a mother as you all. Bless you all for what you do every day.

♥

Happy Friday...

2010-05-07T15:43:00.008-04:00

Kirby Lounging

6x6 oil on panel board

This is Kirby, a boxer who made himself comfortable in the lounge chair at Doggy Daycare. Gotta love him! I have a little left to do on this painting but I wanted to share Kirby anyway, he just seemed so ready for the weekend.

Why is it that dogs love laying in the sun? It is the cutest thing. I love it when I see Dukie laying on a small section of the floor where a little patch of sunlight hits him. Ahhh yesss... life is good.

Happy Friday ♥

IF "Cocoon"

2010-05-06T14:19:00.021-04:00

"Cocooned In A Bed Of Flowers"

pen, ink and watercolor

My first IF sketch. I couldn't resist this little guy in my sketch book, originally he had his eyes open but I like him sleeping, cocooned in his bed and dreaming of butterflies

♥

Plein Air...

2010-05-03T23:35:00.010-04:00

We lucked out with the weather and had some absolutely beautiful days. The Plein Air workshop in Cape May, NJ was great. Painting outside was a wonderful experience I formed a different relationship with the outdoors and I am thrilled I did it! Here are some of my pieces on location...

Our first day on location at a beach.

Atlantic City in the distance.

The Cape May Lighthouse.

Me at our last location — the doggy beach!

Uhmm... our last stop, the doggy beach was a bit of a distraction for me, I just wanted to watch the pups play and snap their pictures. After taking a few shots I went back and focused...

I learned a lot working en plein air, its pretty incredible — you pick up on the sensitivity of things outside; the sun, the wind, the birds, colors, the subtle sounds, the temperature all things that really connected me with the outdoors. It gave me a greater appreciation for the outdoors and for enjoying that moment – enjoying the present.

We worked on small size canvas's and worked only a few hours on a painting because of how the scene changed once the sun moved. At first, I was overwhelmed by all that I could see but as I worked I realized working smaller and with limited time helped me sort out what to paint and avoid the little details. The sun was also an issue when setting up - we had to make sure the sun did not hit our canvas or palette directly because it would make it difficult to judge values. Since time was limited we worked with a limited palette (less to carry) and worked wet on wet which was also great – I enjoy working this way so I was comfortable with this technique.

I took many photos and learned a lot about Cape May, it's really beautiful. I never knew about the Cape May Diamonds at Sunset Beach or about the Atlantus that was really neat to see.

I may go back to these studies one day to finish them using the photos as reference. I'll be sure to share them if I decide to do that!

♥

Away for a few days...

2010-04-28T09:28:00.007-04:00

Old Master Landscape for 21st Century Artists

Plein Air Workshop for Oil/Pastel with Charlie Churchill

I am so excited to be going to this workshop for the next 4 days. My favorite teacher and private instructor Charlie Churchill will be teaching it - so I know I'll be in good hands. This workshop will be held in historic Cape May, NJ and designed to help artists achieve Old Master-like effects with contemporary materials and techniques.

I haven't painted in plein air (french expression for "in the open air") so this will be a fun challenge, working on site. I never really thought about painting outside before, I guess because I like the convenience of my indoor set-up; my laptop, painting to music and my coffee pot plugged in – but the thought of setting up in remote area, surrounded by natural lighting and fresh air sounds pretty amazing. The weather here has been a bit cold and rainy so I will be praying to the Sun God for some sunshine and good weather.

And so... I pack my french easel, my paints, my camera and my umbrella in hopes of coming back with some good work to share ♥

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2010-04-27T16:12:00.026-04:00

"A little madness in the Spring / Is wholesome even for the King."

Emily Dickinson

"Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil."

Bishop Reginald Heber

"Spring comes: the flowers learn their colored shapes."

Maria Konopnicka

"When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it,

it's your world for the moment."

Georgia O'keefe

April is National Poetry Month

♥

What I'm reading...

2010-04-24T12:15:00.012-04:00

Gotta love the weekends! Ahh yes reading...its such a solitary endeavor. It requires you to shut out your surroundings like family, friends, dog etc – uhm very hard to do. I forget how wonderful it is to escape and read a good book, or in my case, a few good books.

I sometimes read for entertainment, to pass the time, to escape and visit other worlds but lately I've been reading to challenge myself and grow. Here are a some books I'm loving these days. I know its' often tough to find the time to read but I've been making a big effort to do so, it's good for the soul and the mind.

These books, aside from just gorgeous are very inspiring and yet very different from each other. I hope to share more about my books...but for now I am cuddled up with my coffee engrossed in my reading.

What are you reading these days? Have a great weekend.... and happy reading!

"The Stare Down"

2010-04-22T17:37:00.033-04:00

Bailey S. "The Stare Down"

6x6 oil on panel board

Say hello to Bailey S. This little handsome puggle is another Dog Days Daycare regular. I just couldn't resist his look – too cute not to paint.

a little fact: A Puggle is a cross breed between a female Beagle and a male Pug.

Funny, I seem to gravitate toward these little guys (puggles/pugs) without my realizing Purple Pug, Happy Monday they're just too cute with all their wrinkles and creases.

♥

The Hungry Hound...

2010-04-17T19:31:00.007-04:00

My work at The Hungry Hound

I was at The Hungry Hound today and realized I've been meaning to write about this place! I've had the great opportunity to display my work at The Hungry Hound for some time now. It's a lovely doggy boutique out here in Somerville, NJ. The minute you walk into this sweet shop your mouth waters from the delicious smell of homemade doggy biscuits and food. The place smells like a bakery every time you walk in! YUM.

Penny (the owner) makes everything all-natural and from scratch. She bakes extra special cookies on holidays and even makes Birthday cakes. Too cute.

Oh and apparently its safe for humans to eat too! Penny told me a story about a crew being in her shop (for some shoot they were doing), the guys were there longer than expected, were starving so she fed them the doggy cookies and they liked them! haha

Aside from the yummy smells you can easily get lost in all the fun and unique items displayed everywhere. Items from colorful collars, home decor, durable toys to healthy all-natural food items.

I've gotten to know Penny for some time now and I can say she is a wonderful woman who genuinely cares about the health and well-being of our furry animals. It's the only place I shop, for my Dukie. If you have a chance to visit her shop you will fall in love... oh and you can take a look at some of my work too!

Check her out! http://www.thehungryhound.com/ and she's also on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Somerville-NJ/The-Hungry-Hound/87789907948

Thank you Penny for all your support. See you in a few days for more fresh homemade food for my Dukie ;-)

♥

Otis

2010-04-14T11:33:00.014-04:00

Otis

5x5 oil on panel board

original photo of Otis

This little guy (well, not so little) is a 10 year old Golden Retriever and a recent commission. He'll be delivered this weekend for my customers sister-in-laws birthday on April 18th. I hope she likes it. I really enjoyed painting him. Happy Birthday to Otis's mommy!

♥

New York Marathon

2010-04-12T23:45:00.017-04:00

Helloo-o-o, I am sorry I have neglected my blog for a few days. I have been a busy little bee. The truth is I have been in a New York Marathon this past weekend!

OK, well, a Drawing/Painting Marathon that is. Eh my marathon days are over - I got to do a 1/2 marathon once but that was as far as I got. I've put my running gear away for the time being.

But boy, did this marathon exceed my expectations and make me sweat for sure! What an amazing class and by far one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken! A true eye-opener and exactly what I needed. I always jump at the chance to take art classes. I have a huge appetite to learn and consider myself always evolving as an artist. I was searching for a class to help me practice my skills in figurative drawing and to help "loosen up" my style – what intrigued me about the class was the description...

This intense course is a form of boot camp for visual artists where we break through points of artistic resistance. Through a series of (virtually non-stop) drawing exercises - working from imagination and observation - students will loosen up their approach and attitude to art-making, and be inspired to work in new directions. The course emphasizes a highly disciplined, energetic way of working - quickly and intensely - to make the most of the limited length of the workshop; it requires setting aside preconceived, habitual ways and methods of working, and embracing spontaneity. Multiple models and props will be used for observational exercises.

Now how can you resist not signing up for a class like this? I must admit I was pretty unsure what to expect and very unsure about my skills, especially drawing the figure - not to mention working on a larger scale (36" wide and 30" tall). We worked on large rolls of newsprint and rolls of good paper like Strathmore. We started out with large brushes and India ink. I had trouble working in such a large scale, fast and accurately. It took some time for me to loosen up my arm and just "let myself go".

Friday– First Day

Theme: Life & Death

Here are some quick paintings after we did pages of 10, 20 second quick sketches... eek! What made Peter's class so different? Well... I have never done a figure drawing class with props like skeletal mask. Did I mention he had 5 very different models - they would go up 1 at a time and when all 5 posed together he'd have each move their position every 20 seconds one at a time. ugh tough.

Saturday– Second Day

Theme: Animals/Birds

Here (above) is a combination of some quick sketches done on Saturday. The top left is one of my favorite models in this class. She was just so large and wonderful to paint! I loved drawing her curves. Yes, she is wearing a cow head mask and that is a cow bell hanging down her neck. These are all painted on large newsprint, I started to use some color in these sketches but very little because I wanted to focus on the drawing. (somewhat). I find the quick sketches to be far more interesting, they just "feel" differently to me and I like that feeling.

Below are some 2-5 minute drawings from my 9x12 sketch book which I alternated using while working on larger work. I found that I felt most comfortable in my sketch book simply because I felt I had more control but I do think working larger helped loosen me up when it was time for me to hit the smaller size paper.

The Animal/Bird Theme continued...

This owls is my favorite again because I just love this big mama and her curves! Peter gave me a great tip on loosening up - he suggested I use a long stick and said it'll help me use my shoulder vs. my wrist. I used a bamboo stick and taped my brush to it... the following drawing is created using the stick method.

Sunday– Last Day

Theme: Adam & Eve and Oriental Scenes

In this drawing the models where together to represent an apple tree their arms moved every 10 seconds.

I can't explain how this class has changed me. I finally got a taste of expressing my work through abstraction, spontaneity and more importantly I learned to let go and just paint what I feel. I hope I was able to show how exciting this class was and if you get a chance look Peter up – he's fabulous...

http://www.peterhristoff.com/

http://www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/ceCourseFinder/app?sCourse=FDC-3973-B

♥

Summer Portrait

2010-04-06T11:29:00.008-04:00

Summer

5x7 Graphite

Here is a commission I recently did of Summer a beautiful 5 year old Golden Retriever. The challenge for this piece was deciding which photo to use as a reference! I took so many gorgeous shots of her, it was difficult for us to decide on which to use. Summer is incredibly beautiful, mommy had her hair brushed and oh boy she was so soft and elegant. Her hair was the softest hair I have ever touched on a dog. I just wanted to curl up with her and hide in her fluff-ness. She has such a puppy face and still has a puppy character - so cute. As with all my dog portraits, I really enjoyed getting to know Summer through my work, there's a bond that forms that will stay with me forever. Summer's mommy is a doll, very much in love with Summer and a very nice woman to work with. I just love owners who simply adore their pets - there's an instant connection.

Thank you Summer for being a part of my life ;-)

♥

Happy Monday

2010-04-05T21:35:00.006-04:00

Today's study...

Pit Stop

11.5x7 oil on canvas – alla prima

I always have a camera on me wherever I go just to capture those special moments. I couldn't resist painting this little guy. This is the first study of a special series I am working on of "Doggy Moments". I am playing with the composition on this one...more options to come!

♥

Chihuahueno...

2010-03-31T14:44:00.015-04:00

Chihuahueño

8x8 oil on gallery wrap canvas

Is it Chiwawa - or - Chihuahua? This little guy is from a photo I took at a local town fair, I didn't get his name so I titled this Chihuahueño - the Spanish version (I like the little tilde). He was a nervous little guy, his body shaking with fear as he was surrounded by giants gushing over him. I watched him closely amazed by his small size and noticed he was much happier in his mommy's arms - and that's when I snapped the photo. Of course, with mommy's permission and not without petting and loving this little guy to pieces!

a little fact: the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog, the oldest breed on the American continent and is named after the state of Chihuahu in Mexico.

Interesting, I must look up where Chihuahu is in Mexico - wonder if its a town full of these little cutie-pies. How wonderful would that be? A town taken over by Chihuahu's... that could be a fun painting, hmmm.....

♥

Coke Bottles

2010-03-29T21:36:00.010-04:00

Today's study...

Coke Bottles - alla prima

9x12 oil on canvas

I love those old Coke bottles... but I gotta say I struggled with this study today, for several reasons. Grrhhh. Painting glass is difficult and to get that translucency is just – not easy. Getting the shape of the bottle is tough too not to mention working on this in one sitting while the paint is wet. It was difficult but a very good exercise.

A little interesting fact: Coke was invented in the 19th Century by John Pemberton and came out in bottles for the first time in 1894. The prototype was made originally as a coca wine, an alcoholic beverage that combined wine and cocaine. The shape of the bottle known as "contour bottle" or "hobble skirt" came from bottle designer Earl R. Dean who wanted to base the design on one of the two ingredients, coca leaf or the kola nut. The final design came from a gourd-shaped cocoa pod.

♥

"Spring Fourth"

2010-03-28T22:25:00.009-04:00

Ok so I am a bit late with my Spring post, I just couldn't have another day go by without sharing some photos from our garden and a few thoughts. Spring makes me well – happy. The whole idea of springtime is yummy... the warm weather, longer days, the smell of spring flowers, the smell of rain showers, all the colors in bloom, birds chirping, the extra spring in my step, walks in the parks, dogs in the parks....ahhh Spring time!

Spring...

a time of growth, of renewal, of new life being born...

I like to think of Spring as a start of better times... and with that, I will spring fourth and do some spring cleaning. Its ok, I actually like it. Yeah, yeah call me crazy. Happy Spring to everyone!

♥

Sketches...

2010-03-22T20:42:00.004-04:00

I've been busy in my sketch book lately and loving every minute of it! I wanted to share two of my many dog sketches I will be working on for what I am calling my whimsical min-series...

I decided to work on this series because well, ... I love my dog to pieces and I think a lot about a dogs life and their quirkiness. I also wanted to keep this series on a small panel because I just think they are cute - I'm very excited for this new collection - the paintings will be modern and clean with simple use of colors. Paintings to come.... ;-)

♥

A sporting dog...

2010-03-21T12:02:00.004-04:00

A Watchful Eye

5x7 oil on panel board

♥

Little Peppers

2010-03-20T00:50:00.005-04:00

Another little study...

Little Peppers - alla prima

8x8 oil on canvas paper

♥

Purple Pug

2010-03-18T09:12:00.020-04:00

...won the Honorable Mention Award at the Monmouth Museum & Monmouth County Arts Council - 31st Annual Juried Art Exhibition – January 17 through February 21, 2010.

"With 363 pieces submitted, sincere congratulations are expressed
to all 78 artists selected by MOMA juror Maura Lynch".

Purple Pug

12x12 mixed media (oil and acrylic) on gallery wrap canvas

It was a great show with very unique and contemporary pieces. I made some new friends and was very happy to have been a part of it, I look forward to submitting more work next year.

I usually like to take photos of the steps I go through when I paint a piece. Its a good way to document my progress and process especially as I explore new techniques and colors. For this painting I captured these earlier stages – there were many more steps involved, of course ;-)...

EARLY STAGE MID STAGE

I like using mixed media, I like the effect I get from using both oil and acrylics. In this painting I started with a purple canvas and dark purple under painting. It was a challenge to paint over such a dark background but it was also fun - each stroke had an element of surprise I just loved. It was great to see the painting start to illuminate against the purple.

Purple Pug was fun to paint, its amazing how many colors there are in a dogs coat– how cool would it be if there were really purple Pugs around?

♥

A study

2010-03-17T10:06:00.005-04:00

Today's painting...

A study of carnations and strawberries - alla prima

9x12 oil on canvas paper

♥

Sugarloaf Craft Festival

2010-03-16T02:04:00.013-04:00

This weekend was full of rain, overflowing rivers and flooded streets but I managed to have a fun weekend anyway. I was not stuck home considering the bad weather, I was at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival on Saturday http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/ it was my first time attending this annual event and I am glad I went! It was indoors and had about 275 vendors. I went because it was not far from our house, I wanted to see what type of art there was and to see if having my own booth is something I'd want to do in the future. There was the occasional booths you kind of – eh, just walk by and lots and lots of jewelry but I did manage to fall in love with a few beautiful pieces and well—I had to have 'em and post about them!

The artist Bill Finks was so unique and very very cool to talk to. He and his wife Marcia Finks have been in business since 1990 in metal sculptures. Their work has been featured in Bergdoff Goodman, House Beautiful, Home, Country Living, Country Home, Elle Décor, Newsweek magazine to name a few. I fell in LOVE with his sculptures and overwhelmed on which to pick - because I knew I was was not going to leave without one ;-)

So here is the one my husband actually picked out!

UHM....LOVE it!

His sculptures are made from antique German doll heads, antique tins, found objects and vintage embellishments. I chose my doll sculpture for several reasons; my husband liked it, I love the black tin, a candy container from England that reads Black Magic. I think Black Magic is perfect, it adds to the dark, creepiness of the doll.

I like the cracks in the head, this was one of the older German doll heads hanging in the collection. It has glass eyes and an open mouth showing teeth which is pretty rare for dolls. It looks pretty freaky up close. Doesn't it?

My other favorite part is the toy fridge! The door opens and the trays spin showing 3 antique porcelain heads inside. The collar is the base of an antique lamp, the bowls on her head are milk & cream silver cups. The skirt is made of some kind of hard metal mesh and the legs are one of those antique thread spindles. I am very impressed on how well crafted this piece is he drills a metal rod in the center to hold every piece together - it is very solid and sturdy.

He handed me a piece of cardboard as a business card (maybe its a protest) but I managed to find a gallery link that shows more of their beautiful and inspiring work since their website has not been updated with this collection. http://www.philipmortongallery.com/Finks.html. Their contact information is 810.240.9418 and email: mfinks@nyc.rr.com, their website shows their older collection doesn't do much for me http://www.primitivetwig.com/about.cfm

I just love this piece...now I must figure out where to hang it...

Bogey In Red

2010-03-11T23:19:00.009-05:00

Today I want to introduce you to...

Bogey In Red

Mixed Media – acrylic & oil

12x24 1/2"deep panel board

original photo

Bogey In Red is one of my favorite paintings because this was the first painting I decided to do something different with and not so traditional. Oh and Bogey is an adorable Beagle – of course, painting him has NOTHING to do with the fact that I adore Beagles ;-) (uhm Dukie) but more so because I love painting dogs. Dogs have such personality, they are beautiful, comical, smart and never have an ego, they just... love unconditionally. I can't get enough of them! To me art and dogs fit perfectly.

In this painting I wanted to combine design, composition, bold colors and texture. I also wanted to approach a more contemporary style that I feel my work is moving towards. I really enjoyed the creative process I went through when painting Bogey. Painting is limitless...I mean to be able to challenge oneself to create something new, to be able to take your work a step further and to go beyond what a photo provides is so much fun and for me, its part of growing – evolving as an artist.

~ Thank you Bogey!

♥

Still Life = Learning To See

2010-03-10T10:33:00.006-05:00

There is nothing like painting from life, you "learn to see" and it improves your skills of observation. I am not a big fan of painting flowers or still life's but I know they are good practice. Although, I prefer painting from photos I know there is a flatness to every photo I am challenged with. When you think about it a photo can never capture the "reality" of something. I've been to some incredible places and snapped some incredible pictures but the photos still didn't capture what I saw exactly. I mean I love taking photos and admire the beauty in good photography but the result is still 2D. The challenge as a painter is how to represent a three dimensional reality on a flat surface. To me a painter (representational painters) chooses to distort in a way that gives the feeling, impression or illusion of three dimensions in ways that a photo may not capture. All in all, what we see in 3D helps us to draw and paint in 3D.

So I practice...practice...practice...

Today's loose study of flowers - alla prima

12x13 oil on canvas paper

This was painted in one sitting, a way for me to observe, practice, loosen up and not fuss over the details.

♥

Bathroom Wonderland...

2010-03-09T02:42:00.015-05:00

Yeah...ok so it doesn't sound right, a title about a bathroom but BOY... is this the most incredible bathroom I have ever been in! I occasionally take classes at the Visual Arts Center in NJ http://www.artcenternj.org/ its a great facility that offers wonderful art classes and where my good friends/fellow teachers have their classes Andrea Gianchiglia http://www.agillustration.com/ and Anne Kullaf http://www.kullaf.com/ both excellent teachers ;-)

I wanted to share my experience in this

"Bathroom Wonderland"

Words can't explain the beauty and I am not even sure pictures can do it justice but take a look...

MOSAIC...MOSAIC...MOSAIC!

This is a close up of the door - its painted.

I love this tree and the little brown owl hiding...

There's detail on the base of the toilet and the floor are photographic grass tiles

Ok so I can't get over the 3 dimensional sections...

3D shutters and tin roof...

3D clock and columns

Close up of painter

Detail shot of 3D roses, dragon fly and coins etc...

Message is behind me, to be read through the bathroom mirror

Detail of water and duck - love the duck feet

3D Deer close-up

Painter and do I see a doggy?

These are only few pictures I took...I spent hours in this bathroom! What made this even cooler is that once the lights were off there were some pieces that glow in the dark which I could not capture on my camera. I felt like a kid again in this room – in awe.

Well, I hope this Bathroom Wonderland has inspired you as it did me—and with all these beautiful pieces I am off to go see what I can get my hands on to make a mosaic of my own...maybe my bathroom? hmmm...

Suki in moonlight

2010-03-06T10:23:00.006-05:00

Here's a dog portrait I am working on of Suki..

"Suki in Moonlight"

14x17 oil on deep galley canvas

To get the mood and feel I wanted I used cerulean blue as my under tone color.

I work from photos and here is the original shot of Suki.

Suki is a cute little dog, a regular at http://www.dogdaysdaycare.org/ a wonderful cage-less doggy daycare facility and where Dukie goes to play with Suki and friends. This painting will be hanging at Dog Days Daycare Center along side other pooch members I have hanging, I'll post more paintings soon!

This place is awesome! Duke comes home exhausted from a day there, Robin the owner and her staff are wonderful. They really care about every dog, they have games they play, couches they can lounge on or a yard they can run around in. They have two buildings the "Dog House" for the smaller doggy's (this is where Duke hangs) and they have the "Ruff House" a larger building where the big boys hang. Robin also opens up the Ruff House for Sunday Socials for those bad weather days when your stuck indoors and cabin fever sets in - her facility is open for dogs to play as owners watch. What a great idea, she thinks of everything! I am thrilled to have found Robin because I know Duke is in good hands. Robin even sleeps with the dogs, never leaving the facility unattended while boarding. Now that is an animal lover!

Duke is on his way there now... he's at the front door wagging! Until later...

♥

Tim Burton on the mind...

2010-03-03T13:31:00.016-05:00

I am a HUGE fan of his dark and quirky style. Can not wait to see Alice In Wonderland this Friday! I'm in it for the brilliant animation, costumes, colors and delicious macabre - of course a good storyline wouldn't be bad either. Oh-h- how exciting... I cannot be late for this very important date!

What's next for Tim Burton? Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith, a story that puts a vampiric spin on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Pretty crazy hu? Check out the book trailer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X58RPS665V0

Tim Burton's exhibit at the MOMA http://www.moma.org/ is amazing and oh - so-o-o inspiring. It's a wonderful showcase of several personal works - many never published. His exhibit has been up since November 22, 2009 and will be up 'till April 26, 2010. I highly recommend going! I missed his book signing back in November but thrilled to have gone to his exhibit. Twice, in fact, and I will going again for sure. I just can't get enough - when you walk in it's like another world and you just get lost in it!

No cameras aloud in the exhibit but here's is a sneak peak of my favorites...

Untitled (Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories)
c.1982-84. Ink, marker, and colored paper, 10x9" (25.4x22.9cm). Private collection.

Untitled (Clown Series) 1993. Oil on canvas, 12x9"(30.5x22.9 cm). Private collection.

Untitled (Alice in Wonderland)
2009. Ink and colored pencil on paper, 5x8" (12.7x20.3cm). Private collection.

Blue Girl with Wine

c. 1997. Oil on canvas, 28x22" (71.1x55.9cm). Private collection.

Untitled (Cartoons Series)

c.1980-86. Pencil on paper, 13x16" (33x40.6 cm). Private collection

Untitled (Ramone)

c. 1980-90. Ink, marker, and colored pencil on paper,
11x19" (27.9x22.9cm). Private collection.

I can go on and on... these are just a few that are in the MOMA book I purchased. But... there's also his new book - The Art of Tim Burton which is not sold in bookstores or on Amazon.

Only available directly from SteelesPublishing.com. They are limited and there are two editions that contain over 1000 illustrations and 430 pages plus foldouts. I gotta have this!

Still Life

2010-03-01T22:52:00.004-05:00

Today's painting -alla prima

A study of fruit and tea pot

oil on 9x12 canvas

♥

Then there was ONE...

2010-02-28T20:04:00.001-05:00

ONE of my earlier paintings...

Dukie In Sun

11x14 oil on gallery wrap canvas

This painting was my first painting of Duke. In painting it I noticed every sweet detail on him, as I do when I paint all my dog portraits. I noticed his beautiful colors, his nails - some clear and some black, the spots on his paws, his pink pads and those puppy eyes. Can I ever love another dog as much?

Well...Tanner came over and he was cute, he was fun, active, curious and very alpha male. Duke was not sure what to think..."who's this tough guy in my territory"? They were hysterical running through the snow in our yard but indoors was another story...

Duke would not let Tanner be the only dog on daddy's lap, wasn't sure about sharing his toys and certainly did not let Tanner take all the attention. No way, not Duke he was right up and center - showing off his voice, his speed and his tricks - all this as he glanced over at Tanner as if to say, "why are you here"?

So needless to say, Tanner is a great little dog but Dukie just didn't seem to approve. I don't think he's ready to have a brother around and so we said our goodbye's...

and for now... there is ONE. ;-)

♥

Is TWO better than ONE?

2010-02-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here are two commissions I am working on for this lovely lady who is the owner of two beautiful Labs. She will be surprising her husband with these on his birthday...

CHAMP

6x6 oil on panel board

HOPE

6x6 oils on panel board

But back to my question Is TWO better than ONE?

DOGS that is...

my husband, Pat and I are struggling to make a decision. We absolutely love our Duke (Dukie) he's wonderful, he's smart, he doesn't bay or dig wholes in our yard like everyone was telling us he would because "that's what beagles do". Nope not Dukie he only pulls my sleeve when I spend too much time on my computer and it just cracks me up! So the question is...do we get a second dog?

There's a rescue (beagle, of course) who needs a home. This all started several months ago when we said it – jokingly, so I though. Well, it didn't take long for Pat to sign up to SOS (SAVE OUR SNOOPIES) Beagle Rescue - love the name - here is the link www.sosbeagles.org

So here we are...within a week or two from getting an email and some pictures of Tanner, we are scheduled to meet him today! Duke will be at this meeting, he will have final say of course but are we crazy!? What are we doing? Double the food, double the baths, double the hair, double the toys....and not to mention a baby in May - oops did I say that? More on that some other time. So yeah 2 dogs and a baby - funny sounds like a movie title.

And so, before I go off to meet little 16month old - not potty trained (yet) Tanner...I will leave you with what my client said to me. I thought it perfect to ask her, her opinion about life with two dogs (these two beautiful Labs) and she gladly shared her thoughts. She loves having two dogs. And she says"....it is eight paws instead of four, four eyes staring at you and twice as much fun and twice as much love."

More fun....more love? hmmm how can anyone say no to that!

It's white. It's cold. It's beautiful...

2010-02-26T17:44:00.001-05:00

S-N-O-W! Winter is holding on tight. Another snow storm and I say...

let it snow - it's beautiful!

Here are some photos I took today...

Our pretty bench that never gets used...

It sounds like spring. Birds chirpping in the snow -

something doesn't fit.

I know, I know little birdie I want Spring too!

Sing little bird sing-g-g...

A bud holding on...

A sign of Spring?

Or wait, is this one of those hardcore winter plants

hmmm...

He's crazy for snow

Now out to shovel! I am excited to see what tomorrow brings...till then.

♥

Hello world!

2010-02-25T17:55:00.001-05:00

My name is Ivy and this is my beagle Duke - our baby. He is my inspiration as an animal portrait artist. I am a artist who can't help but want to do it all... everything creative, and so the name "Ivyallover" emerged. I have been a designer/art director for several years focusing now on my own work. Using my hands is everything to me – I enjoy many creative disciplines; I paint, design, illustrate, write, knit and take photos to name a few. Being creative is absolutely vital and nourishing for me, its what makes my heart sing. I decided to start this personal blog in order to keep my skills evolving as an artist and to share a little piece of art everyday. Observing the beauty in things that otherwise would have gone unnoticed is a big part of my approach as an artist and so— I look, I see, I observe, I create and now... I share. :)

♥