Climbing Roses

Here are two of the darling little faeries who frequent my garden.  They especially love to climb on the roses in the early morning.  The tall red rose bush by the wrought iron fence is their favorite!

Have a lovely day, everyone--may the sweetest of faeries visit you in your garden!

Rainbow Angel -Guest Heart Thursday

This is an ACEO--a tiny piece of art the size of a baseball card.  I created this doodle while watercoloring with my tiny niece.  Everyone should have the opportunity to see the world from the eyes of a six-year old.  Of course there are hearts to be found.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday. 

SKETCH BOOK UPDATE: I was so heart broken when I lost my sketchbook and thought I had lost it forever. I looked everywhere, made phone calls, put it out on the internet...then Monday morning I was cleaning the house for housesitters, when I picked up a dark blue cloth bag. Beneath it, half under the carpet, between the wall and our dining room table--was my sketchbook. I have NO idea how it could have slipped beneath the carpeting--but someone suggested it must be Toez the Polydactyl cat. Hmmmmm....scary thought. (grin) I can't tell you how overjoyed I feel to have my sketchbook back!!!!!

Painting Roses -Guest Heart Thursday

I've always dreamed the flowers in my garden are colorful because God's littlest angels, the fairies painted them.  When I was a little girl I dreamed of winging from blossom to blossom with my pocket's full of paints.  What fun that would be!  I am so grateful to have had a sister with whom to share those fantastic stories.  My sister.  And today is her birthday!

Happy Birthday, SissyClytie, and Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.

 

Missing Sketchbook--My Heart is Broken

Wednesday evening some friends we hadn't see in years took us to an early dinner at Red Lobster in Salem, Oregon.  I brought my sketchbook along.  I don't know how I could have been so forgetful, but I left my sketchbook in the booth where we were sitting--we left at 5 p.m., just before the evening rush.

By the time I realized I had left it behind, it was too late.  When we called Red Lobster, no one had turned it in and my sketchbook was gone.  My name wasn't in the book.  I'm praying my "logo," BLN, which is included in each drawing, will give enough of a clue that the person who found my sketchbook will be able to find me.

This sketchbook is filled with notes on life and drawings of people I love--including a brave young lady, who has been very ill.  I have also been working on a cartoon of my cat.  I had scanned in every one of those drawings, except, somehow I missed the most important one--a drawing of the brave girl I wrote of at the beginning of this paragraph.  How I missed scanning it in, I don't know.  The finished piece was to be a gift.

If you are the person who picked up my sketchbook, perhaps you are trying to find me--please write to me at beth @ niquette. net.  The reward for the return of my sketchbook is an original drawing to express my gratefulness.  The art would be of anything you like.

I would be eternally and ever grateful to you--would likely hug you to bits should you return my sketchbook.  I can't tell you how much this would mean to me.

My offer is a long shot, I know.  Like a finding needle in a haystack.  I don't know if I ever will hear from the person who took my sketchbook.  If this person contacts me, it would be a miracle. 

Toez in a Roze is one of the sketches in my sketchbook, as is the dear brave girl above.  I'm praying for a miracle.

Gift of the Frog Prince -Guest Heart Thursday

When I was small, I loved the story of the frog prince.  This is an ACEO (2.5x3.5) I drew of that funny fellow.  I love his water drop jewel.  I'm sure any true princess would love such a beautiful gift. Since this Frog Prince has hearts on his back--I thought him perfect for Guest Heart Thursday.

I also felt it would be fun to tell a story on myself which will make you laugh (or gag).

When I was around eight years old, my family decided to spend an afternoon at the Molalla River by Knight's Bridge.  It was a warm sunny day and the river was just right.  To my joy, I found a frog.  It was HUGE and a lovely yellowish green.  I had never seen a frog that big before.  Steeped in fairytale lore, I thought to myself, "It's the frog prince."

The only problem was, the frog was dead.  But I was convinced a kiss from my lips would revive the poor thing. I was sure a prince would appear.  To the horror of my cousins and siblings, I kissed him.  Sadly, that enormous frog lay cold and inert.  No magic there.

So, I wrapped him in a towel and that fat yellow frog went home cuddled in my arms.

During the night he disappeared.  I was SURE he'd come to life and would be back to say thank you.  But alas, I never saw him again.  I was teased about kissing that frog for EONS!  (grin)

Years later, I found out Mom had buried him in the garden. You can see--I've always had a GREAT imagination! (haha)

By the way, I have a chance to win a small original painting of my own dear Polydactyl Cat by one of my all-time favorite artists.  If you'd like to vote for Toez, visit Sandrine's Gallery.  Have a lovely day and happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Kitty and Me -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another doodle from the past couple of days.  I have always been known deep down, that cats have hidden wings.  This was even before the famous children's books about kitten wings.  Here you see a faery and her best buddy.  I wonder what mischief they are up to?  Of course there is a hidden heart in this graphite drawing.  

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Golden Girl -Guest Heart Thursday

Monday's heartbreaking events put a sad blue pall over this week.  I was prompted to share this Golden Girl--a bit of sunshine, breaking through the clouds.

You may recognize one of the faces I love to draw.  This girl is as beautiful and sunny in real life, as she is in this drawing--she is one of my adopted daughters.

Yes, there are hidden hearts in this piece.  May your day be filled with unexpected hope.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Monday's Angel

I was out taking pictures of the amazing storm clouds this afternoon, when I caught sight of an angel in the sky.  After today's tragic terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon, I was deeply touched to see her floating there.

Above you see the angel as I first saw her.

We have many friends in that fair city.  Our prayers are with them.  I thank God for His protection of those who survived the bombing.  May He give healing to those who were injured and comfort to the families who have lost their dear ones.  I can't even begin to imagine how they must feel... 

Butterfly Buddy -Guest Heart Thursday

A dear friend of mine took a wonderful photo of her collie dog.  I've always loved collies--ever since I watched Lassie as a little girl.  I could not resist drawing a picture of my friend's dog--with, of course, a bit of whimsey.  (grin)  And yes, there are hearts to be found!

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Face in the Clouds

This is a cloud painting I did in January 2012--little realizing what heartache the coming year held in its grasp.  This painting reminded me of one of the Psalms of King David.

God, You are my God;

I shall seek You earnestly;

My soul thirsts for You,

I yearn for You in a dry and weary land

Where there is no water.

Thus I have beheld You in the sanctuary

To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your loving kindness is better than life,

My lips will praise You,

So I will bless You as long as I live.

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

...For You have been my help

And in the shadow of Your wings

My soul clings to You;

Your right hand upholds me.

~ Psalm 63:1-5, 7 

A Psalm of David

When there is nothing left to hang onto...

God is there.

I have felt melancholy at times...a little lost.  I am sure it has a lot to do with Dad's death.  I was my Daddy's girl always.  Tears seem close to the surface especially in the evenings.  How grateful I am to God--He holds me safe beneath the soft shadow of His wings.  His Shadow overshadows life's shadows.

I wanted to share the original cloud picture from which I created the painting above.  You can see it below.

 As you can see--I didn't have to do much enhancement of what was already there.

I'm putting this up for Guest Heart Thursday--as there are several hearts to be found.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Let's Get THIS One!

I know this drawing has a Christmas theme, but I could not resist putting it up.  It is a commission I've been working on for some time, and it is finally done!  As soon as I am finished matting and framing the picture, it will be on its way to its new home.

The story behind it, is really cute.  Brother and sister have been sent to choose a Christmas tree and bring it back home on the sled.  Little sister is trying to talk big brother into getting the really BIG tree!   And, since this happens each and every Christmas, her brother is laughing.  This is a treasured memory they both share and enjoy very much.

The lady and her brother are in their 80's now.  I was able to capture their likenesses using pictures of the two of them when they were young.  I did a lot of face studies in order to recreate that special moment.  I'm so excited to send it to them! 

Have a lovely day! 

Look Up -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a doodle from earlier this year.  Of course, you can see this is the dear girl who's face I love to draw.  There is a heart hidden in this drawing.  Can you find it?

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Angel in my Garden -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a pen and ink I drew in early 2002.  She is the angel in my garden--one can find her guarding an ivy covered corner near the old tree house.  Of course, there are hearts hidden throughout this drawing.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

The Egg is Mine -Guest Heart Thursday

This is Toez the Polydactyl Cat.  She lives in my house and invades every part of my life--including the pages of my sketchbook.

Often as I draw, she insinuates herself onto my lap--whereupon she places her furry little chin on the table to purr with great gusto.  With an occasional attempt to capture my pen, she delights to "watch" my progress.

As you might imagine, her antics keep us thoroughly entertained.

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Angel Blanket

I was talking with Mom this morning--she told me she believes I should be doing more cloud paintings.  She says she was given a special word about it.  It has been a LONG time since I've posted one of my sky art pieces.  Since Dad had his stroke last October and left us for heaven in November, I haven't spent much time cloud painting--I kind of lost heart.  In honor of my lovely Mumsie and Dad, I shall begin to paint clouds again.

I took the above photo over the back fence--truly, as you can see, I didn't need to add much to this lovely angel.

Have a lovely day today, sweet Friends.

Mommy's Laughing -Guest Heart Thursday

There is nothing so lovely as the laughter shared between Mom and child.  That early bond is so very precious and they grow up quickly.  Enjoy every moment you can.  Of course, there are hearts hidden in this drawing!  Have a fabulous day!

Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.
 

Pink Spring -Guest Heart Thursday

This is a little watercolor I painted when my niece was here for a visit.  Watercolor is so much fun with a six-year old!  Of course, I have hidden a few hearts in this tiny piece of art.  It is only 2.5x3.5 inches big!
 
For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday.