She Knows -Paint Party Friday

I absolutely love how this one came out.  This drawing captures my feisty friend Heather to a tee!   I referenced an old Art Nouveau card in my collection for the designs behind her.

Below is my reference photo of my lovely friend Heather.  She's so sweet and kind--but as you can see, she can be quite saucy!

Summer is finally arriving here--it is to be 100 Sunday and Monday!  I surely do hope to stay cool.  Time to get the air conditioner running. 

Happy Paint Party Friday.  Stay safe out there.

Lavender Flower Fairy -Paint Party Friday

I have these flowers in my garden.  They bloom in late Fall and have the most beautiful lavender flowers.  Of course there's a little fairy who comes to paint them just for me.

Have a good weekend, dear ones and Happy Paint Party Friday.

 

Pretty Pansy Fairy -Paint Party Friday

Here is another of my little fairy drawings.  This one is in honor of my sweet Grandfather, who taught me everything I know about drawing.   He also had an incredible imagination.  He saw pansy faces--like colorful little lions.  He taught me how to see people and animals in both clouds and trees...  I miss him so much.

Happy Paint Party Friday, sweet Friends.

Nutmeg the Elf Boy -Paint Party Friday

I've been drawing a lot of little fairies lately.  I suppose these hard times turn my heart toward the whimsical.  This little fellow reminds me a lot of Timmy--the little fairy Mom told us about in her stories.  I call him Nutmeg.  What a cutie!

Happy Paint Party Friday, sweet Friends.

Morning Glory Fairy and the Tiny Flying Cat -Paint Party Friday

This is one of my favorites of the graphite drawings I've done lately.  I love the idea of morning glories, fairies and tiny flying cats!

I hope you have a lovely weekend.  Thank you for dropping by!

Hello Little Flower Fae -Paint Party Friday

I was spending the weekend with my sweet Mumsie--she came to keep me company in the new year.

She's the one who taught my brothers and sisters and me about fairies.  We lived on the edge of a vast forest and explored its mysterious places.  We knew there were real fairies!

Here is a picture of one I remember from my mind's eye as a child.


I hope you have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  Thank you for dropping by--it is always a joy to read your comments. 

Startled Woodland Fae -Paint Party Friday

I have been on quite a trip.  Thursday I left for Kamiah, Idaho.  A few days later, I drove to Spokane, Washington, then it was off to The Dalles, Oregon.  I arrived home in the mid-Willamette Valley late the following Thursday afternoon, just in time to dash out for an important meeting in Salem.

The next day I spent time with my precious little Buddy--who had chemo for the first time last Monday.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers, she's doing extremely well!

Then Friday afternoon it was off to a special Historical Preservation Commission Meeting concerning historic signage.  It was a fun meeting--though a few fireworks went off!

This drawing was one I fashioned whilst on the road.  I spent time drawing this piece at the Kamiah Victorian Spring Fling Crafter's Fair where I offered my coloring books and prints for sale.  Though not many attended, I did make a few sales.

Best of all, I made some new wonderfully talented friends.  I had a delightful time interacting with them--and though bartering, I acquired some beautiful items for my home--with sweet memories attached to each item.

Thank you for dropping by--your comments are so encouraging and you  always make my day!  Blessings and joy to you dear ones--and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Hospital Fairy -Paint Party Friday

Hello!  I had the privilege of being the designated driver for my sweet Friend Theresa as she faced surgery on Monday.  She asked me to draw a pretty picture while I was waiting, so I sketched this little fairy.  Her wings are from a picture I took of some leaves--and the rest of her is from my imagination.  She's hugging a flower, and when I get the chance I'll add the lovely design of the curtains in the hospital room.

My dear Little Buddy begins cancer treatments next Monday.  There's a year of such difficult things ahead of her.  She is brave and wonderful. I would appreciate your prayers for this precious gifted woman.

Theresa is not only my dear Friend, but she's often modeled for me as you can see when you click on her name in the list below.

Thank you for dropping by--you always, always make my day!  Blessings and peace to you--and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Itty Bitty Fairy on Birch Bark -Paint Party Friday

One of the things I LOVE to do is to try different kinds of paper, some straight from nature, such as that which the paper wasp makes.  This time I used bark from a paper bark birch tree.  At certain times of the year, one can peel this beautiful paper-thin bark from the tree's trunk.

Once it is peeled from the tree, one must put it between dry paper, with weights upon it to straighten the bark.  There is a thin layer of whitish powder on the bark, so once it is straightened, I use a soft cloth to gently remove it.  Once that is done I am free to draw upon it. 

In this case, I loved the clutter of curls on the side, so I didn't try to straighten, or flatten the bark.  This is a lineart drawing of my sweet little friend Madrona.

I am feeling much better today.  I finally went to the doctor, who prescribed various medications--it is SO nice to have slept last night!

I hope you are having a blessed Saturday!  Thank you for dropping by.  I love hearing from you--you dear ones inspire me and keep me going!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Hello Bunny -Paint Party Friday

I did a lot of artwork just after the first of the year.  My computer was out for seven days, so I couldn't do my normal activities.  This gave me a great excuse to do something I love--Art!

It is difficult when I can't find time to draw.  Art is like breathing to me--if I don't draw, something begins to suffocate inside.  I have talked about this to other artists, and most feel much the same as I do.  I think creative people tend to feel this way in whatever they are inspired to do--it is something they must do to maintain sanity! Heehee...

I can't find my reference photo, but when I do I will add it to this post.  My sweet friend Heather posed for me--she's such a wonderful young woman. 

Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  It is always an exciting thing for me when you drop by and comment.  You inspire me.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Sweet Butterfly Fae -Paint Party Friday

Here she is!  The tiny springtime faery who often comes to visit the flowers in my garden.  She is very happy the sun has been shining this week--you can tell by the sparkle in her eye.  I am SO glad the warmer weather and sunshine has finally made its appearance. 

I often draw my niece in my artwork.  Sometimes she leaps unbidden from my pencil all on her own, other times I am inspired by a reference photo.  This time she appeared as I was doodling one late night.  She is such a lovely young lady.  I am VERY proud of her.

Thank you so much for dropping. You are an encouragement and an inspiration.  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Flower Gather -Paint Party Friday

Hello sweet Friends!  Once it is all inked in--I think this drawing is good enough to go into one of my coloring books.  It is another midnight doodle inspired by a vintage postcard from the early 1900's.  I love that period of time--a lot of my artwork is in that style.

Spring is here--the sun is shining and I am feeling better than well.  There's something about Spring and awakening to sunshine streaming through the windows that is so hopeful.

Thank you so much for dropping by dear ones.  I am so grateful for your visit!  Have a lovely weekend, sweet Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Brownie Fae and the Swallow -Paint Party Friday

Here is one of the wee folk who love to hang out in my garden in the Springtime. He reminds me of my son when he was young.

Here in the Pacific Northwest it has been unseasonably warm all winter--and though I have missed the snow, I have enjoyed the spring-like weather.  However, I believe this little Brownie fae is going to need a tiny feather coat for the cold weather that's coming next week.

Starting Monday, arctic air will chill the spring flowers which have begun their blossoming.  The weather guys are even predicting snow to the valley floor.  My Grandfather used to call this type of weather event a "false Spring." 

Grandpa was born April 1st and would have been 120 years old this Spring.  I miss him--and am grateful for the friendship we shared.  He taught me folk wisdom--imaginative ideas and old fashioned gardening know-how and other such things I still use to this day.  He is a part of me and always will be. 

Thank you for dropping by today!  May God bless you with sparkles of joy and laughter today.

Fairy Princess -Paint Party Friday

I had the flu for over two weeks.  During that time all I could do was lay on the sofa and draw, or watch television.  Long ago, when I was near death in the hospital, I learned that sketching and drawing somehow took way the pain. 

Art has always been my passion--it is something I MUST do.  It is like breathing for me.  :D

This lovely fairy princess is one of the sketches I drew while I was sick.  I had to laugh at the hummingbird.  He's much bigger than he's supposed to be, but he reminds me of Mr. Soots, a black-throated hummingbird who's been coming to my back yard for two years now. 

Blessings and joy to each of you who took time to drop by today.  Thank you, and Happy Paint Party Friday.

Tiny Dreamer -Paint Party Friday

Here she is, Spring's tiny dreamer.  January has been so warm, and today I smelled Spring.

I can hardly wait for the unfurling of the flowers, soon to be upon us!  I am sure the littlest faeries nap upon the open blooms found in my garden. How soft and comfortable it would be to snuggle into the petals of a wee blossom.

God bless you, dear ones and happy Paint Party Friday!

On Butterfly Wings -Paint Party Friday

I have always had a daydream of riding on the back of a butterfly to places unknown.  Perhaps it is the child in my heart who still wishes it were possible.  My reference was a vintage postcard from the early 1900's.  I am a big fan of that era in America's history. 

Yesterday in the United  States, we celebrated Thanksgiving.  Indeed, there is so much for which to be thankful.  As I looked around the room where my family gathered, there was music, instruments,  singing and laughter...we ate the good food, joked and laughed some more.  I felt the presence of my dear husband--I know he was smiling as he saw the laughter and love of our family.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a wonderful one.  Happy Paint Party Friday, and have a GREAT weekend all you wonderful people!

Maple Tree Fairy -Paint Party Friday

I adore maple trees.  They are everywhere in our little town--flooding the skies with their broad green leaves and covering the ground with refreshing shade on hot summer days.  A few weeks ago, seated beneath those gently bowing giants, I was inspired to draw this lovely maple tree fairy.

The truth is, she and her friends adore twirling down on the helicopter seedlings in the Fall.  However, she's on her best behavior here--all ready for a fancy fairy ball.

Above you see my wonderful reference model, Rena, who is one of my dearest friends and inspirations.

Have a great weekend, dear friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Stones and Roses -Paint Party Friday

When hard moments persist, one of my greatest comforts is to let my fingers draw what is in my heart.  This drawing was done in a difficult moment after the Fourth of July, when I was missing my Beloved.

Today is my parent's anniversary--they would have been married for 60 years today.  Daddy flew to heaven in 2012.  It is also my brother's birthday.  Cancer took him in 2001.  So many precious friends and family have gone on.  I am happy for them--but they are missed.

Grief is like the ocean...rising to crash into the shoreline--then sliding back to a subtle life rhythm.  It will always be a part of my life.  The storms still rise now and again, but not as many as before.

This little tear-filled faery leans upon the rocks to weep.  But in a moment she will smile through her tears to flit into the warmth of the sun and the fragrance of the roses.

Have a lovely weekend, dear Friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Bluebell Fae -Paint Party Friday

I love bluebells in Spring.  This year they came too early and the frost got to them.  However, they did spring back into life a little later, though a bit less blue than normal.

Here is my little bluebell fae.  She visited us twice this year! 

Have a lovely weekend, dear friends.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Abby's Little Fairy Friend -Paint Party Friday

 I am going to see Abby on her birthday.  I am working on her birthday present--and it is half done.  All that's left to do is to add some color!!!  Isn't my sweet Niecey beautiful?  I hope she likes the idea of a wee whimsical fairy sitting in her hair.

Above is my reference picture of dear Abby.  I adore how she's done her hair.  :D  The camera loves this precious young lady.

Have a beautiful weekend!  Happy Paint Party Friday.