Springtime Winds - Guest Heart Thursday

I know winter has just begun, but the girl inside my heart longs for the breath of Springtime Winds.  Here in Oregon we have had, even for us web-footers, more than our share of rain so far.  In the event of a soggy winter without much hope for snow, I find myself already longing for spring with its fragrant flowers and green leaves.

Hence, I finished drawing this bit of Springtime just this morning.  With this bit of spring--my heart is happy again!  If you look closely you will find some hidden hearts--how many can YOU find?  Happy New Year everyone!

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #16

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  

This wonderful white on black drawing is by Jim Bumgarner, a new artist I've just recently discovered.  What amazing work he does. I felt so inspired by this drawing of John Lennon.  I think I'm going to have to give this technique a try! This drawing is a part of The Sketchbook Project.  I had never heard of this particular project, but it sounds like an interesting idea!

Jim writes, "I found "The Sketchbook Project" online and my vanity got the best of me. The project is one where participants enter their sketchbooks into the Brooklyn Library where they will be barcoded, scanned and entered into their permanent collection." 

To see more of this wonderful artist's work visit Sketches & Stuff.

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Chloe is the artist who made these beautiful colorful beads.  They are made of felt!  I was so fascinated with the idea of felt beads--this is something I must look into now.  This multi-talented artist has a wonderful blog featuring all the things she creates--including drawing and sewing!  What a creative lady she is!  I have thoroughly enjoyed this dear lady's blog.

Chloe writes, "I've been really keen on working with felt of late, and have been intrigued by the idea of creating 3D structures with it. I started off by experimenting with some felt beads today, not sure what I'll do with these, they'll either end up as jewelery or in a piece of work. They were great fun to do!"

To peruse this lovely art site visit Slightly Triangle.

Recently my talented and creative Sister Clytie created a set of ACEO cards depicting the 12 days of Christmas.  

The drawing above is my favorite of Clytie's eclectic and marvelous set of cards.  I love the dancing lady trees--they are so ethereal and lovely to my eyes.  My sweet Sister is one of my greatest inspirations.  She is one of the most beautiful, creative people I know.  Clytie is not only my sister (oh, lucky me!) but she is one of my very very best friends.  

Sissy writes, "Each work I show here is made from GENUINE graffiti, trash, recycled wallpaper, and found treasures...I have never felt like an artist before - until now."

To see more of Clytie's intriguing artwork, visit Random He'Art'work. 

I fell in love with Geninne's artwork and adore her relationship with her sewing machine.  I can relate!  This multi-media artist is well worth watching!  Her whimsical pieces are inspiring and make me smile.

Geninne writes, "Lola is my beautiful new Singer sewing machine…  I named her Lola because it's what I would've named a daughter if I had one ;)  My other machine died (R.I.P.) from a fall a few months ago…The machine cover I had made for it didn't fit Lola so I had to make her a new one :)  I dyed a yard of natural canvas into a military green color that I love mixing olive green, black & a little bit of brown store bought fabric dye.  I cut patchwork birds our of 100% wool felt and attached them using blanket stitch with my favorite stash of vintage crewel wool…"

To see more of this lovely artist's work, visit  Geninne's Art Blog.

Hazel is another artist new to me.  As you can see from the piece pictured above, she uses stamps and ordinary items to create beautiful things.  I felt so inspired visiting her web page!  Isn't this altered flower and book cute?!

Hazel writes, "The book was a bit fiddly to make, but worth it to me. The ends of the pages are cut from my book and sized to fit inside the matchbox cover. They were gilded so that they would blend in with the front of the book, which is solid with 'pretend' pages. There was a gap between the two stacks of end pages which was big enough to take the peg doll. Then I made a book cover as I would for a real book. It even opens!"

To see more wonderfully creative artwork by Hazel, visit But Is It Art?

 If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, 

these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

Merry Christmas!

This is my rendition of the Ghost of Christmas Present, a profound character found in the story of Scrooge.  He is such a jolly fellow.  I adore the story and I have a copy of just about every movie made featuring Scrooge--with the exception of Mr. Magoo.

This drawing has no pen and ink lines--it was done entirely with Prismacolor pencils.  Of course, my Beloved posed for this piece--and every time I look into those clear blue eyes?  (sigh)  Well, my heart starts beating faster!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Christmas Holly Fairy - Guest Heart Thursday

This is one of those drawings I started not knowing what would end up on the page.  I laughed at the idea of a lovely lady surrounded by prickly holly--but then I realized since she's the Christmas Holly Fairy--they wouldn't prick her!  There are lots of hearts hidden in this drawing.  Can you find them? 

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

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #15

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) Artist Spotlight, to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight, these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

 (You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.)

Brenda Mousseau's artwork is charming and inspiring.  I love her watercolors--they're so whimsical and full of life.  I only recently became acquainted with this wonderful artist!

After she stopped painting for a time, she writes about her return as an artist, "...I stopped painting for a long time. I've decided to finish it. Mostly because I feel compelled to start painting again, because not painting makes me miserable"  I have been through this myself.  I deeply admire this precious woman's courage.  I am SO glad she began painting again.  

To see more of B. Mousseau lovely world of paintings visit Moussart!

Niki is also new to me.  Her latest project is a hand-made calendar.  Each picture is original and designed so it can be removed to frame!  Her work is whimsical and makes me smile. What a creative lady!  She has this calender up for SALE!

She writes of her fascinating blog, "Join me as I share the ups and downs of the creative life. I'll share my paintings, ideas, experiences as a full time artist and peeks into my other creative hobbies."

To see more of Niki's artwork visit The Vintage Artist.

Here is another artist--Lorrie Bennett from Fort Myers, Florida--who's artwork just boggles my mind.  This is an ACEO card--only 3.5x2.5 inches big--yet the detail is exquisite. I am a great admirer of hers.  This piece was especially inspiring. 

She writes, "I can't stop! I can't! It's crazy! I am officially an ACEO addict. I have really loved this form of art for quite a while now because it allows me to create just about anywhere! A few small supplies in my purse and when the moment allows...off to the world of creating..."

To see more of Lorrie's incredible artwork visit D.Zine After Hours.

Brenda's "Dollings" are SO adorable!  They have such a darlingness about them--I want to hug each and every one of these whimsical creations.  I especially loved the one pictured above.

She writes, "Little Dollings were born in the fall of 2006, at my kitchen table, overlooking my backyard garden. Three years and many dollings later, they now originate from "The Artsy Room", a space created especially for them."

To see more of Brenda's lovely dolls, visit Little Dollings.

I first became aware of James' amazing photography through my sister Clytie.  James hosts Weekend Reflections every week, along with some incredible photos, such as the one above.  This wonderful photographer is an inspiration to me and to photographers across the world.

James writes, "I'm an avid self taught photographer with a Canon T1i and a few lenses. I love learning and discovering through trial and error."

To see more of this talented photographer's work visit Newtown Area Photos.

Leaf Me Alone, Revisited

In honor of the last few leaves clinging to the branches of the black walnut tree outside my office window, I am re-posting this leaf draped faery girl--who, as you can see, doesn't want to be seen.

There are so many kinds of leaves! Several varieties last clear through winter. Some are spiked like the snippy fir. Others, such as cedar trees, spread their fronds like fragrant fingers into the air. There is an evergreen tree in our back yard, who's dark green leaves are flat, hard and shiny. They clack together in winter storms.

I like the bumps budding leaves make beneath the skin of Winter bare branches just before they unfurl in the warmth of springtime sunshine. I enjoy the tender spring green leaves of the aromatic honey trees growing along the river. I sing with the soft swishing music leaves make in summertime breezes. The colors of Fall always take my breath away, whether I am looking at them collectively covering the hillsides with gorgeous color, or closely admiring a single astonishingly colored leaf in my fingers.

Leaves are wonderful.

Forgive me, but I must say it. (grin) I can hardly "leaf" them alone....

FAT Tuesday Artist Spotlight #14

I created Featured Art Tuesday (FAT Tuesday) to showcase inspiring Artists and to provide a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another--this includes all types of art mediums, photography and crafts, including writing and poetry.  If you would like to take part in FAT Tuesday, these are the guidelines:

* Upload what you want to share onto your blog.

*  Don't forget to leave a link to your art on Linky tools.

*  Be sure to visit other artists who have left their link.

* Leave a comment when you visit each artist's page.

(We artists need to encourage each other!)

* Be sure to leave a link to FAT Tuesday on your blog page.

 (You can copy the button at the bottom of the page if you'd like.)

I only recently became acquainted this amazing artist through Dancing Mango.  Monica's artwork has a certain magic about it, which inspires me.  This graceful woman is a teacher, musician and artist, who at age 19 became Miss New Mexico!  This talented lady even has a music video!

She writes, "Because of the unique way I molded my self, I am always experimenting with new ways of creating and putting things together.  The magic of creativity fascinates me."  

To see more wonderful artistry in many different mediums, visit Monica Zuniga's Artwork!

I have been a big fan of Henny's wonderful photography and artwork for a long time now.  She sees the world in a way which inspires me.   Her recent set of intriguing photos capturing the movements of this small hawk fulled me with wonder.  You will also love her stunning photos of frozen dewdrops.

She writes, "I draw and make pictures about sense and seemingly non-sense. About beauty around, yet in hurrylife and all important else, forget to look and see. About God's glimpse shining through."

To see more of Henny's incredible artwork and photography visit iWings.

Once again I am featuring the profoundly lovely Photings.  There are often days I have needed the wisdom found in a Photing.  The words used by this artist are perfectly suited to the marvelous photography.  Magic Eye has a unique way of seeing the world which fascinates and inspires me. 

To see more of these beautifully crafted sayings, visit Photings.

Because of the unique quality of her artwork, I am featuring Megan a second time.  She is a Collage Artist!  To create her incredibly intricate works of art, she cuts tiny pieces of various colors from magazines and newspapers--then puts them together to create wonderful pieces such as the The Flamingo Dancers.

Now she has something new on the back burner.  Megan writes, "Recently I started watching quite a few animation video tutorials. I'm itching to get started on an animated collage. However, you can't always do everything at once, so I'll have to be patient and wait until I have some more free time to devote to a new project. For now, I'm off to work on a commission and a couple of illustrations."

To see more of Megan's fascinating artwork visit Megan at Megan Coyle - Collage Artist.

Milly is new to me.  I recently ran across her wonderful drawings and was promptly charmed--not only by her great giftedness in capturing nature--but by her wonderful stories and sense of humor.  Milly's exquisite drawings remind me of the art described by Gene Stratton Porter in her colorful books.  As you might imagine, the narrative behind this set of Milly's sketches is darling!  Be sure to visit her blog to hear the rest of the story!

She writes, "...Hope you like our pet house mouse. He is actually a Long Tailed Field mouse or Woodmouse. He is very cute, I might knit him a jumper for Christmas." 

For a smile and a giggle, and a look at Milly's sketchbook visit Drawings From Nature.

I'm All Ears - Guest Heart Thursday

I will be continuing FAT Tuesday next week.  I apologize for missing this week's featured artists--I had a medical crisis--but all is well now.  Thanks for your patience!

Can you find the two hearts in this drawing?  Inspired by great artists from the past, here is a surreal drawing of Elvis the Main Coon cat. He filled our house with his magnificent girth and gigantic personality.
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We will always and ever miss his sonorous song and funny kitty cat wit. He could say a million things with his eyes and a flip of his long whiskers. Here he is saying, "I love you. Got food?"

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