Wednesday

Cute Duck Art And Graphic Design Fun!



For anyone who does graphic design, you'll understand my excitement when I purchased and figured out how to install a new type font to my design program! I have a REALLY old program...so old it's not even available to purchase any longer, but its the program I originally learned computer graphics on and it was free, so I limp along with it happily. I've always wanted to have a type face that looks as if its hand wrought cursive. I was surprised and delighted that I could not only find the font, but purchase and install it as well! Miss Mary Waddlesmith now debuts on several art gifts including the above tote bag. She looks awfully cute on a baby bib and kitchen apron as well!!

Here is Miss Mary Waddlesmith as...

Duckling Tote Bag
Duckling Bib
Duckling Apron


Enjoy!!


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Monday

First Steps For Miniature Art, Rabbit In Lace Collar



Today I worked out the basics for my latest miniature art, ACEO. I love the texture and feel of pure white lace, and thought our lovely Mrs. Rabbit could wear the collar well.

Enjoy!!


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Sunday

Where In The World Is Little Bit?



This is the fourth in my summer series (and guessing game) of graphically altered images; "Where In the World Is Little Bit?". I often am at a loss for words when I try to describe time with my beloved horse Little Bit. The above image represents yesterday's time with my equine pal. In you comments, try to guess what my experience was like from the picture, I'll send out a free print of your choice, add your comment here, and link to your blog!

From Pencilportraits:

"I know, I know, Little Bit has started work at the Forestry Commission in England with myself and Willow. Little Bit is very brave and enters dark dark woods where no one else wanders but forges ahead valiently to lead the team to safety!!!!"

~Karie-Ann Cooper



From Kathleen Coy of Life Earth Sky

"Aw, you and Little Bit are in a wood so quiet that all you can hear are the raindrops. The smells of wet leather, horse, damp earth and leaves mix together to create the most beautiful perfume imaginable... *sigh*"

~Kathleen Coy



Here are a few other wonderful bits of writing from my loyal readers from this episode of "Where In The World Is Little Bit?":

From my dear friend and fellow artist Wyanne Chase

"Its a lazy Sunday afternoon, mid-afternoon. Melody and Little Bit wandered aimlessly through the rolling open meadows without a worry in the world.

Little Bit nipped at the tall grasses while Melody held out both hands, waist high, palms down, letting the soft grasses tickle her skin as they wandered.

They stopped to listen - a gentle breeze whispered, chick-a-dees chattered with each other. Laying down in tall grasses side by side, they stared up at the endless blue sky, defining shapes in the high puffy clouds, daydreaming, wishing summer would never come to an end.

Just a couple of best friends, enjoying each other's company on a lazy Sunday afternoon mid-summer."
~Wyanne Chase


From fellow artist extraordinaire Kathleen Coy

"Mel, I see you and Little Bit under a gorgeous blue summer sky, surrounded by the lush green of the season, and feeling like everything is wide open and goes on forever..."
~Kathleen Coy


From Deb of ArtShtick
"Bit is in Teletubby land! There are rolling green hills and cottontails bounding through the landscape. The sun shines bright every day, and the nicest little purple, yellow, red and lime colored people come to play! "
~Deb


Watch for more of "Where In the World Is Little Bit?" as our summer unfolds.
Enjoy!!


Digg!

Thursday

New Miniature Painting ACEO Begins Bunny In Lace Collar



I got a good start on my latest miniature painting ACEO today. This is my rough sketch where I decide if the composition, etc. will work.

Enjoy!!


Digg!

Tuesday

Miss Duckling ACEO Miniature Painting Finished!




"Miss Mary Waddlesmith"
Thank you all so much for helping me choose her name!
My friend Anni of Painted Garden's name was voted favorite of all the suggestions.

ACEO (2.5 " by 3.5"), India Ink, Watercolor, Colored Pencil, and a touch of White Acrylic.
Benefits Animal Dreams Feline Rescue (in memory of Leslie Smallridge).




$79.99 (Reduced price here for three days)


Below is the miniature painting in my hand to give you a size reference.



You can see a full slide show WIP (Work In Progress) here.

Enjoy!

Monday

Nearly Done With Duckling Mini Art ACEO

Added layers of colored pencil...


...refined a little more....


...and a few mores layers...


I'll let her rest tonight, then tomorrow she will have a name and be complete!

Enjoy!!


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Little Further On Miss Duckling ACEO Mini Art



On this gorgeous sunny morning I am beginning to add a luscious yellow to Miss Duckling's feathers. I worked in some light watercolor detail in her eyelet bonnet and will now start layering on colored pencil to her soft little body. This young miss still needs a name though. There is a poll (above left) where the top three names you have suggested need a vote!

Enjoy!!


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Saturday

Another Step On New Miniature Painting ACEO



I've added the ink wash background to my latest miniature painting. Now I'll start to layer on colored pencil.




I am pleased with the start of the young Miss Duckling. I haven't chosen a name for her yet though. Here are some of the suggestions so far:


"Miss Henrietta"
"Duckling Delilah"
"Little Miss Quackalina"


And a few more:

"Miss Marry Waddlesmith"
"Miss Darling Duck"


Any more ideas? You can vote on a name (upper left)
Enjoy!!


Digg!

New Miniature Painting Needs A Name! Ideas?



This morning I have inked in the basic framework for my newest miniature painting ACEO . This young lady needs a name though! Here are some suggestions from my followers on Twitter:

"Miss Henrietta"
"Duckling Delilah"
"Little Miss Quackalina"

I love them all. Any more ideas?
Enjoy!!


Digg!

Friday

New Miniature Painting ACEO Begins




This morning I got a start on my latest miniature painting. Meet Miss Duckling, (although she really needs a better name)...ideas?

Have a great weekend and enjoy!!


Digg!

Thursday

Beloved Little Bit



I often am at a loss for words when I try to describe time with my beloved horse Little Bit. The above image represents today's time with my equine pal. In your comments, try to guess what my experience was like from the picture, I'll send out a free print of your choice, add your comment here, and link to your blog!


My sweet horse "Little Bit" in the fall (above)


Above, my riding buddy and I out on the trail, (Little Bit was trying HARD to steal some corn!)


My horse and I in the fall (above)

Enjoy!!


Digg!

Wednesday

And the Winner Is.....




The winner of my summer series (and guessing game) of graphically altered images; "Where In the World Is Little Bit?" .

Winning comments:
From my dear friend and fellow artist Wyanne Chase

"Its a lazy Sunday afternoon, mid-afternoon. Melody and Little Bit wandered aimlessly through the rolling open meadows without a worry in the world.

Little Bit nipped at the tall grasses while Melody held out both hands, waist high, palms down, letting the soft grasses tickle her skin as they wandered.

They stopped to listen - a gentle breeze whispered, chick-a-dees chattered with each other. Laying down in tall grasses side by side, they stared up at the endless blue sky, defining shapes in the high puffy clouds, daydreaming, wishing summer would never come to an end.

Just a couple of best friends, enjoying each other's company on a lazy Sunday afternoon mid-summer."
~Wyanne Chase


From fellow artist extraordinaire Kathleen Coy

"Mel, I see you and Little Bit under a gorgeous blue summer sky, surrounded by the lush green of the season, and feeling like everything is wide open and goes on forever..."
~Kathleen Coy


From Deb of ArtShtick
"Bit is in Teletubby land! There are rolling green hills and cottontails bounding through the landscape. The sun shines bright every day, and the nicest little purple, yellow, red and lime colored people come to play! "
~Deb


You ALL won an OE Archival ACEO print. Thanks for playing along!
Watch for more of "Where In the World Is Little Bit?" as our summer unfolds.

Enjoy!!

Please Help These Two Dogs!



On July 1, two little Chihuahua mix dogs were dumped in mom's Bakersfield California backyard. My sister was there caring for mom that week, and did her very best to find their owners. Now, weeks later its clear they were in fact abandoned! It seems to be a mom and baby, super sweet, cute as can be, and in desperate need of a home! My mom is quite elderly and bedridden. My siblings and I take turns caring for mom which means we are flying in and out from all over the country, so keeping these two at mom's house in Bakersfield is not possible. We have arranged for them to be spayed and have their shots with the help of the local Humane Society. My sister has even offered to fly them across country if the right adopter steps forward. Can you help?

7-16 Update: They dogs have both found homes!! Yeah.

Monday

"Seamus MacSquirrel" New Miniature Painting ACEO Done!



"Seamus MacSquirrel"
ACEO (2.5 " by 3.5"), India Ink, Watercolor, Colored Pencil, and a touch of White Acrylic.
Benefits Animal Dreams Feline Rescue (in memory of Leslie Smallridge).




$79.99 (Reduced price here for three days)


Below is the miniature painting in my hand to give you a size reference.



You can see a full slide show WIP (Work In Progress) here.

Enjoy!

Close To Finishing Newest Miniature Painting



My family headed to the beach today leaving the house incredibly quite with just me and the critters. Liquid-golden sunshine pouring in, dry crisp breeze blowing..



...inspires me to plunge forward...



...and come to the finish line on my latest miniature painting ACEO "Seamus MacSquirrel"!

Enjoy!!

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