Flower Doodles -Paint Party Friday

This is another of the doodles I drew whilst down with the flu.  It was such a hard time--so much to do at the end of the year, and all I could do was draw and watch old movies on the television.

I am much better now, only a few residual sniffles.  I hope your weekend goes well--there were actually snow showers here one night, and I awoke to the tiny daffodils wearing hats of white sparkles!

Thank you so much for dropping by.  Blessings, love and joy to each of you!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Beauty in Nature -Paint Party Friday

This is one of my favorite drawings.  I finally was able to ink it last week.  I love cattails.  They are so graceful and lovely.  I also adore detail--as you can see by the background.  All those tiny flowers.  They took a long time.

It has been a difficult week.  I am so grateful to God for the gift of drawing.  That wonderful gift is a comfort and an outlet for my heart and soul.

Above you see my reference photo.  This is my lovely model Rena.  She is such a joy to draw!  

Have a lovely week, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday.  May God bless you with comfort and unexpected joy.  Have a beautiful weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((hugs))

Finding Balance -Paint Party Friday

This is a pen and ink I just finished this morning.  It is called Finding Balance, because that is a big part of my life right now.  It isn't easy to find balance in life without the love of one's life.  Other widows tell me soon I will find a "new normal."  I think it might be awhile for me.  I thank the Lord for His Presence in my life.  He is here with me, walking with me.  When I stumble, He holds my hand. 

As I learn to balance this new life--I can express my heart and feelings through my drawings and I have the wonderful opportunity to share them here with you. 

Happy Paint Party Friday, dear Friends.  May God bless you!  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.  ((hugs))

Best Friends -Paint Party Friday

I am indeed blessed by friendship.  I don't know what I would have done without the prayers, help and encouragement of my Friends during this time in my life.  This lineart drawing is a celebration of Friends--Best Friends. 

 

Above you see my wonderful reference picture.  I adore these two young ladies.  They are my beautiful models, Rena and Heather.  I treasure their friendship.  This lineart piece turned out better than I'd ever hoped.  When I add color, the girls will each get a print.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you lovely artists and beautiful people. May God bless you, dear ones, with His joy and peace.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Grapevine Princess -Paint Party Friday

I was inspired by an Art Nouveau border I found online.  I've made it my own, but I can't claim full credit.  I have done a lot of doodling in my sketchbook lately, and this is one of my most recent graphite drawings. I like the look on this lovely girl's face.  I caught something beautifully appealing here--but with such a lovely model, I am not surprised.

Above you see my wonderful model Rena.  I love the way the camera sees her.  Her beauty is that of the old Greek statues.  How blessed I am by her friendship!  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you lovely artists and beautiful people. Thank you for dropping by.

Springtime Beauty -Paint Party Friday

One of my favorite artists is Alphonse Mucha.  He has been an inspiration since the day I saw his incredible artwork.  

Inspired by Mucha, this is my Spring Beauty.  She has been tiptoeing through the Pacific Northwest all this week.  The fruit trees are in full bloom--they've peeking out since before mid-January.  I can't recall an earlier Spring.  Glorious pink flowerings against a slate grey Oregon sky makes a perfectly lovely combination!  Here my Springtime girl is wrapped in grape vines.

Above you see my beautiful model, Rena.  She is not only a dear friend, but the camera loves everything she does.  

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you lovely people. Thank you for dropping by.

Stars in the Desert -Paint Party Friday

Here is a recent graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  I have started drawing again in earnest.  My fingers are not near as stiff as they were--I believe my inability to draw had much to do with mourning the loss of my Beloved.   I was frozen for awhile.

Sometimes the road I travel is rocky and full of tears.  But then I remember to look up at the stars and to Him Who made the Heavens.   He is the Creator Who loves me and walks with me. 

For the twinkles in the skies, I used the Star of David.  I love the way the star looks--so perfectly balanced and beautiful.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful people. Thank you for dropping by.

Her Green Eyes -Paint Party Friday

I love to draw my young friend Melissa.  This is a colored pencil drawing I did a few years ago.  It is one of my favorites.  I am very blessed to have such a lovely model.  I have posted this piece before, but since this is one of my all-time favorites, I thought I'd post her again.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook, as I drew her for the first time. 

I am also very honored to be this week's featured artist for AlteredPages Artsociates.  What a lovely privilege!  When you get the chance, check out this great website.  I was inspired by all the ideas they share.

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Queen of Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  I borrowed the actual border from an old Art Nouveau border I found online.  It seemed so perfect for this drawing, I used it.

Above is the the photo which was my inspiration for this sketch.  I am so grateful to my models for their participation.  This is Rena, and she is wonderful!

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

Hearts and Tulips -Weekly Word Sketch

This week's word is "Hearts."  I love to hide hearts in my artwork--so this was a LOT of fun.  Here is my sketch for this week.

We are expecting thunderstorms, they say--though it is clear and beautiful, without a hint of clouds, rain or thunder.  Have a lovely week everyone!

If you would like to join us for weekly Word Sketch, click on the picture below to visit Oak Moon Studios for the details.

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.
 

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.
 

Queen of Hearts -Guest Heart Thursday

I have had a high fever for nearly five days.  So, since I'm down with the flu, I've been doodling--this one I drew especially for my Sissy and for Guest Heart Thursday.  I find that when I am in pain, or not feeling well, when I doodle I'm nearly totally distracted from how bad I feel.  I've been doing a LOT of doodling lately.  

Happy Guest Heart Thursday and have a lovely day, everyone!

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

Baby Evi's Night Out -Guest Heart Thursday

This is Baby Evi's first night out.  She and her lovely faery Mother are out for a stroll in the midnight woodlands.  It is a crisp winter night and the stars sparkle overhead like jewels.  Yet in this magical place tiny glowing snowflakes flit through the air to land softly on all who would walk this magical path.

Of course I have hidden several hearts in 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!
 

Rapunzel

This is a lineart drawing from around 2003. The border was inspired by an old Art Nouveau rose design I found years ago.

I love the way this piece turned out.  There's such an endearing beauty and grace about the girl in this piece. 

Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Hubby Update:  The surgeon believes he was able to get all the cancer.  Tests results this week should confirm that fact.  My dear husband has been home since Friday and turned a corner last night--He's doing MUCH better this morning!  I'm so grateful for your lovely thoughts and powerful prayers.  (hugs)

Tranquility

Sweet Fae sleeping in soft crimson rose petals.  She slumbers until the sun rises then is about her duties taking care of the wee caterpillars until they grow fat and cheeky.

The butterflies are faery friends--she is new to taking care of the little ones--when she has spent a summer watching over them, the butterflies will give her wings and she will fly.

I know...I have a GREAT imagination.

Dance of Hearts - Guest Heart Thursday

I was thinking about my sweet Sis Clytie last night, realized it was nearly Thursday and doodled this little Dance of Hearts.  I am fascinated with Art Nouveau--as you can see some of that style is incorporated here.

Of course I have hidden hearts all throughout the drawing!  How many can you find?

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

Dancing Free - Sunday Scans

I LOVE watercolour.  I like the way the brush feels in my fingers--I love the way the colors spread across the paper.  There is something magical about the feel of a color-plumped brush about to spill brightness into a black and white world. This is one of my very first watercolor paintings ever.

Above you see the pen and ink version.  I love inking designs onto the paper--as you can see, detail is something I really enjoy.

Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week.  I have so enjoyed this meme!  Sunday Scans is a place for all things scanned.  So pick up your artwork, old photo albums, ephemera, postcards, ANYTHING which can be scanned and join in the fun!

Dancer

Over the past few years, I have filled notebook after notebook with letters as you see above.  I am fascinated by the graceful twirl of line I find in the alphabet--I didn't know why, until I discovered Art Nouveau.  There is an echo of that style in these letters I love to draw.

 

Since I discovered Art Nouveau, I have endeavored to learn the style.  The graphite drawing above was inspired by the exquisite work of Alphonse Mucha.  I will eventually add line and color to this drawing.  I'll post it when I'm done.  Most likely this piece will be up for sale on Etsy in a few weeks!