Snow Snuggle

There is something so illusive about birds. They can look so fat and soft--one wants to hold them in hand. But in real life such things do not happen except by chance.

Like the day I was summoned by two shrieking parents to rescue their fledgling from the cats. Or the day I found a tiny bird trembling under the dining room table after he'd escaped his foe. He didn't seem to mind when I crawled under the table to gently lift him from the floor. He seemed comforted.

In the open air, he sat for a moment. Looked up at me. And flew away--up and out of my fingers.

Hitchin' A Ride

I first drew this young man of the sea, seated on a dolphin. But he didn't look tough enough! So here he is--with his friend and faithful companion--the fierce and marvelous sword fish shark.

Graceful

Going back through my photos I came across this lovely angel. She was floating gracefully over the back yard, between the trees. Is she Springtime? Or perhaps an angel sent to sprinkle hope over the dreary landscape. I know I felt a lifting of my spirits.

Above you see her, as I first beheld her.

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NOTE: If you want to see some truly interesting artwork check out my darling Sissy's new blog! I am so proud of her! Her perspective is truly unique. Here's the link: http://clytie-randomtrash.blogspot.com/

Exquisite

I love the pinks and purples of sunset. Over the past few months there have been some spectacularly colorful sunsets! Above you see this exquisite young woman I found floating in the skies. I have not given her a name yet--any suggestions?

Above you see the untouched photo as I first saw her in the clouds.

Lioness

This lovely Lioness has taken charge of two small kittens. She seems to love them as her own. I am sure there is a story in here somewhere--perhaps she lost her own and rescued these little ones to raise as her own. To see her best, click for the larger view.

Above is the lioness as I first saw her. More detail can be seen in the larger view.

Feathers

I did a series of swan drawings, this is the second of three. I love the idea of a feathered mask. Although these feathers seem to be actually growing from the girl's skin. I think they must be very soft. This picture, to me, has a luminous magical quality about it.

Plumage

She is a princess who is doomed to become a swan by day, holding her human form by night. The man the Princess loves is also beloved by a beautiful, but wicked witch who has wreaked her rage and jealosy upon her unfortunate rival.

Only the kiss of true love upon the beak of a swan will break the spell -- but who could fall in love with a swan? And who would kiss a swan upon its beak? Hmmmmm . . . .

It is fortunate that nearly every fairytale I've ever read ends with the words, "and they lived happily ever after."

Autumn

Watching the green leaves of Summer turn to the gorgeous colorings of Fall is nature's way of dashing a bit of colorful seasoning onto the leaves before stripping them away to lie in colored clutter upon the earth in winter.

Here is the sense of Autumn.

Woodland Waters

One of the great blessings of my life was a childhood spent roaming free through canyon and woods. I have a great heart for the forest--perhaps my love for woodland whimsy comes from those wonderful days spent roaming through the wild lands.

King of the Sand

Imagine my surprise when I caught this wooden lion staring sternly from the side of a huge piece of driftood. He seems to be saying, "Stand back, I say! I'm the King of the Sand, hear me roar!"

Above you see the scowl I clicked, when he first caught my eye.

Cloud Bombshell

If I've ever seen a flirtatious cloud, this is she! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this lovely Bombshell of a cloud glancing back at me over her shoulder. It seemed obvious she wanted me to take her picture.

Above you see her flirtatious stance, as I watched her winking at me over the tree tops in the back yard.

Wizard

This Cloud Painting is best seen in the bigger view. It seemed to me the friendly yet powerful Gandolf from Lord of the Rings had floated by with his kindly smile and long flowing white beard. It's not everyday one waves a big hello to a wizard in the sky!

Above you see the wizard before I enhanced his features. If you click for the larger view you will see I didn't have to do much!

Faithful and True

There is nothing so graceful as the wild stride of the stallion. I love the movement of hoof, muscle and mane. Unexpected it was to see such an wondrous creature in the clouds.

Above you see the untouched photo I clicked, as he paused to exchange glances with me before galloping away across the skies.

Beaver Rock

I was walking the magical pathway along the Blue Lagoon. Just past the wild cherry tree I spotted a beaver sitting very still in the waters! Upon closer examination I realized he was actually a rock.

In my imagination I wondered why this beautiful rather curious animal would have been turned to stone. It is a story perhaps I will write one day.

Above is the untouched picture of the beaver as I first saw him.

Angel Messenger

It looks like she's examining something in her hand. I like to think what this Angel Messenger holds is a precious gift from God, which she's about to bestow upon someone He loves.

Above you can view her as I first saw her floating across the skies. Yes, the skies were really that blue--ah, I have to admit--I miss those blue, blue skies of Spring, Summer and early Fall.

Fat Cat

Here is another whimsical portrait of our lovable old Main Coon Elvis. I miss him so much. That huge good natured cat would lounge in the living room--sleeping on his back as you see here. I couldn't resist making him into an angel. And if animals join us in heaven--I am sure Elvis is waiting for us there.

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The original drawing is 12 x 14, framed in a velveteen mat I contrived from some plush curtain material I had laying around. The rose patterning was inspired by the pillow on a wicker love seat in my office.

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I used my beloved Prismacolor pencils to add vivid color to the intricate lines of the original lineart piece.

Fledgling

I was so happy to see this little fellow watching me from the skies! Isn't he a cutie? A small Fledgling who floated by so quickly I almost missed him!

Above you see this darling Fledgling as I first saw him.