Sisters Three -Paint Party Friday

I have a busy weekend ahead and last week I was just swamped.  So I am re-posting this older pen and ink piece, which was inspired by a vintage lithograph.  This drawing portrays the wonderful relationship between sisters of all ages.

Here are my dear friends Melissa, Casandra and Lyric when they were very young.

Thank you for dropping by, your comments give me much joy.  May blessing and hope be yours, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday.

Bright Eyes -Paint Party Friday

This is another drawing I did awhile back.   I love the grace and artistry of the Art Nouveau style.  Alphonse Mucha is one of my favorite artists of all time.  You can often see his influence in my artwork.

Above you see my lovely reference model Lyric.  I've had the blessing of knowing her since she was born.  What a dear person she is.

Thank you for dropping by, even though I'm a bit late in getting this out.  Your comments always are a bright spot in my day!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Grapevines in Spring -Paint Party Friday

Here she is, my Lady of the Grapevines.  I had so much fun putting the detail into this drawing.  One day she will be in my coloring book featuring these beautiful creatures--it will be out sometime next Summer, entitled Fairies, Fine and Fair.

Above you see my lovely models Emily and Melissa.  They are so sweet to pose for me--Melissa on the right, is the young lady featured in this drawing.

It is so beautiful outside today--Spring has finally arrived almost overnight--here in the Willamette Valley.

Have a beautiful weekend!  Happy Paint Party Friday. 

A Walk in the Forest -Paint Party Friday

Here is one of my friends from the Forest.  She is a good friend of my old buddy Leonard the Bluejay.  They often visit my garden.  Especially around the Fourth of July.

Above you see my lovely model Emily.  She is as lovely inside as she is on the outside.

Have a lovely day, dear Friends, and Happy Paint Party Friday!  Thank you so much for dropping by. 

Ocean Robes -Paint Party Friday

Here is a lovely lady of the sea, draped in marvelous heart bubble ocean robes.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could actually wear the waves?  I imagine the colors of teal and sunshine would be gorgeous.  Though I originally drew the graphite version long ago--I only inked it in a few days ago, in preparation for a coloring book, to be available hopefully soon on Amazon! 

Above you see my photograph of Emily.  She is such a delightful young lady--a blessing to my heart.

Keep me in your thoughts dear Friends.  This weekend I am hosting my very first Lady's Retreat.  It is called Making Friends with the Rain."  I know my Beloved would be proud of what I am doing...

Thank you for dropping by, dear Friends.  ((Hugs))  Have a lovely weekend and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Her Little Friend -Paint Party Friday

This was a gift for my sweet young friend Emily, Christmas 2013.  It was one of the best Christmas celebrations ever--we had SO much fun.  I remember we gathered with Emily and family and laughed more than I had in years.  It was perfect--I will always treasure those memories.  It was the last time Alan and I were together at Christmas. I am SO grateful for that last wonderful holiday together.

Here is my model for this drawing.  Isn't she lovely?  I am so blessed to have this dear girl as my friend.  I've known Emily and her family since she was just a babe in arms.

Happy Paint Party Friday.  Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends and thank you for dropping by.  ((Hugs))

Sky Dreamer -Paint Party Friday

This dreamer in the sky was made especially for a young friend of mine named Emily. She has a bit of the dreamer in her eyes.

Above you see the sky dreamer as I first caught her floating along the cloud's edges.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

A Day in the Country -Paint Party Friday

Here is an vintage saw I painted with acrylics in early 2001.  It was a Christmas gift for our Papa and Daka.  As you can see--I've always painted faces into my artwork.

Here is a bit more detail.  As you can see there are faces hidden in the sky.

A face in the mountains...

Trees, sky and mountain--with their hidden treasures.

And still more faces to find...

Here is another glimpse into my sketchbook.  I call this graphite drawing, Ocean Robes.

My reference photo is above--this is our lovely Emily in a photo I took last January.

Thank you so much for dropping by!  Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Soccer Practice -Paint Party Friday

I have posted this acrylic painting before, but it was quite awhile ago and it was so colorful and cheery I couldn't resist sharing it with you again. The players are all on their backs, passing the soccer ball to one another in the air.  The combination of colorful socks, action and that soccer ball, make for a fun view.  It is also interesting to figure out which legs belong together.  This painting is the size of a small window--at least four feet across. 

My inspiration is a wonderful photograph taken years ago, by my younger brother Mark, who is a photojournalist from The Dalles, located in Oregon's scenic Columbia Gorge.

I've watched him taking pictures at a crowded event.  My brother seems to blend in, moving like a soft footed lion, quietly speaking with the folks he photographs.  He's a gentle giant. I'm very proud of him--his photos are pure magic.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook.  Another likeness of my sweet Friend Melissa.  She is such a dear.  I especially liked how the border came out.  I love drawing borders -- to figure out what would look best is so much fun.  For me, adding a border is like frosting on the cake.

Above you can see my reference photo.  This is Emily and Melissa -- two wonderful young ladies whom I am pleased and honored to call friends. 

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

Sisters -Guest Heart Thursday

Here is another graphite drawing from my sketchbook.  Of course, there are hearts around the neckline of one of these sisters.  I thought this to be perfect for today's Guest Heart Thursday.

Above you see my lovely models--and yes, they are sisters! 

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.

Fairy Landscape -Paint Party Friday

I am delighted to post this Fairy Forest Landscape as a part of Paint Party Friday.  I love painting my friends as a part of the forest, since I often see such faces in nature.  This watercolor painting is of my sweet young friend Heather. 

This week has been so hectic, I wasn't able to do much of anything except doodling and a bit of sketching, as you see above.

I call this graphite drawing The Huntress.  The story behind this drawing is that this girl is a keeper of the Forest, on a planet far from here.  In that place, the trees are so large, people often use them for homes.  But there are those who would misuse this great gift.  Certain ones have been called out to keep the forest pristine.  This huntress is of one of that clan.

Next week I'll paint something completely new and different to share.  Have a lovely day, everyone!

Maiden in the Woods -Guest Heart Thursday

Recently I did a photoshoot with some dear friends.  This doodle is of one of those amazing photos.  I love the leather belt Emily wore, the sword in her hand, the horn hanging at her side.  This picture was a pleasure to draw.  Later I will ink it in, then add color with either watercolor or colored pencil.

Above you see my reference photo.  Here are Emily and Melissa.  I love these two young ladies--the camera loves them!  They are SO sweet to pose for me.  

Of course, there are hearts hidden throughout the drawing.  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.

Laughter and Light

I did a photoshoot last week with three of my favorite people.  They are so amazing.  Not only lovely to look at, but beautiful inside.  I adore this photo--and couldn't resist playing with it in photoshop.

Have a gorgeous day--don't forget to spread laughter and joy to everyone you meet!

Forest Dreaming - Sunday Scans

I often draw faces with forests and mountains surrounding them.  Each face brings a different scenario to my mind.  In my photography I often see faces in clouds, trees and traced along the folds of hill and mighty mountain.  Sometimes my imagination translates from reality into fantasy.
 
Here you see one of these whimsical drawings, which reflects my great love for Nature.

 I am so grateful to our Creator for His amazing Creation.


Al's Photography Blog, by our good friend Al, hosts "Sunday Scans" each week.  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!  

Springtime Awakening

Springtime in the forests of our childhood is beautiful.  There is a slow awakening, almost like the wintering forest has been sleeping and is stretching as it awakens -- springtime flowers, tender green leaves stealing over the sleepy forest.