Lily Walker -Paint Party Friday

I love making strange borders for my drawings.  This one will be fun once I get it into pen and ink!  These flowers, by the way, are babies breath which grow in Eastern Oregon.  I love them.  Even when they dry out they stay elegant.

Happy Paint Party Friday, Thank you SO much for coming by. Have you procured a mask yet?  So many people I know are making them--I might give that a try.

My Friend the Fox -Paint Party Friday

When I was a little girl there was a beautiful meadow across the road from us.  In the early morning, the foxes would come out.  You could see them leaping above the grass to pounce upon the field mice.  Such a charming thing to see!

Things are looking worse on the world front.  Please stay safe, dear Friends and Happy Paint Party Friday.

Watch Out for the Baby Shrooms -Paint Party Friday

This drawing was done in stages. First came the lovely maiden, then a week or so later, the frame...  I noticed a couple days later, that she was looking at something on the ground.

I realized she was being so careful, it had to be baby mushrooms.  Heehe...

Here is my original reference photo. This is a lovely young woman by the name of Paige.

I hope you have a fun weekend despite the virus scare going on.  Stay safe out there and Happy Paint Party Friday.

Saying Goodbye -Paint Party Friday

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, my heart feels melancholy.  Even now, four years later, it is hard to comprehend I am alone.  Sometimes I feel the presence of my Beloved, but as time passes I feel his presence less and less.  Still, there is a nostalgic magic in the air...

I sense I am saying goodbye to what once was and greeting the possibility of what will be.  Often when a person looses their spouse of many years, there is a reorganization of one's identity.  It isn't that I lost who I am, it is that I am embracing the woman I have become.  I am strong (most of the time), creative, active, loving and hopeful.

A few weeks before my Beloved flew to heaven, he told me if anything ever happened to him, he wanted me to fall in love, get married and be happy.  At the time I laughed, not knowing of course, that in a few weeks he would be gone and my life would change forever.

I am finally saying goodbye--my heart finally realizing he is truly gone.  I have melancholy moments, but this morning every nerve is tuned to the realization something is coming.  My heart, my life, my whole being looks forward to what God has in mind for me.  I feel a mixture of fear and joy as I face this great unknown.  But Life is like that. 

Above you see my reference photo of the beautiful Rena, who is as lovely inside as she is outside.  I am so grateful to this lovely young woman for her willingness to model for me.  She is another of my beloved adopted daughters.

Happy Paint Party Friday and thank you for dropping by.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Your comments and art are a constant encouragement to me.  May blessing and hope be yours, sweet Friends!  

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!

Bird Watch -Paint Party Friday

This lovely girl loves birds.  She often walks through the woodlands to visit her sweet feathered friends.  When I was young we roamed miles of woodlands, complete with creek and moss covered trees.  It was a wonderland for kids.  We built forts, caught crawdads, played with the fish which were spawned in that small stream.  I love the forest--the animals living there were special friends.

Above you see my exquisite reference model, Heather.  She is the dearest, sweetest young woman.  I am blessed by her friendship.

Thank you for your encouraging comments.  Your visits make my day!  Blessings and peace to you dear ones.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Springtime Apple Blossoms -Paint Party Friday

Here is yet another midnight sketch which somehow turned into a full drawing.  I will one day include her in a coloring book featuring Spring and flowers.

Above you see my beautiful reference model Rena.  Her grace and beauty translate well into this springtime maiden.  

Spring has arrived here in the Pacific Northwest.  The Mid-Willamette Valley is filled with flowers and blossoming fruit trees.  The apple blooms are just now beginning to bud.

It is raining hard, the fire is merrily lit, and we are expecting a wind storm tomorrow morning.  I am such a kid.  I LOVE storms, as long as no one is hurt and property damage is minimal.  I hope the power goes out!

Thank you so much for dropping by--your visits bring my heart a sparkle of happiness!  Have a lovely weekend, dear ones.  Happy Paint Party Friday!

 

Noble Unicorn -Paint Party Friday

I love unicorns.  They have a certain mystique and beauty about them.  Here the gentle animal bows to the touch of a lovely young maiden.

Above you see my beautiful model Rena, who's graceful poses are endlessly inspiring.

The lady's retreat last weekend was amazing.  I know I was not the only one blessed.  One of the things I love to do is to bring in talented people who do not have a place to showcase their gifts.  This is something which will always be a hallmark of what I hope to be a yearly event.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers.  I know my darling Alan would be SO happy and proud!  ((hugs))

Above you see a little doodle I did this week.  I was using a new kind of colored markers.  I loved the way the lines blended to give it a smooth look.

Thank you so much for dropping by.  Have a lovely weekend and Happy Paint Party Friday!

Maiden Walking -Paint Party Friday

Last Fall, whilst visiting my brother and his family, I drew this picture of my niece, Flora.  She is a lovely girl, imaginative and a lover of the forest and all things fairytale.  This is what I imagine she will look like once she is all grown up. 

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

Maiden Walking -Guest Heart Thursday

 This is my niece's favorite doodle in my new sketchbook.  I'm so honored.  She is an amazing artist herself--and she doesn't know it.  Psst psst--don't tell anyone....she's getting a finished copy for Christmas!  (grin)  

Yes, of course, I've hidden lots of hearts in this little doodle o' mine!  Have a great day!

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

Love at First Sight -Guest Heart Thursday

This saucy unicorn started life on the counter--I saw him in the wood grain, grabbed a pencil and walah!

A moment later I noticed my sketchbook was open and that unicorn was OBVIOUSLY making eyes at this lovely maiden--hence, he joined her on the page...I know,  I know, I have a GREAT imagination!

And of course, there are hearts hidden throughout. Have a lovely day!

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

Fern Maiden

Last year, though we did not get as much snow as surrounding areas, it was actually cold enough to stick to the ground. I love winter when it snows! There is something so magical about a world shrouded in snow.

I could not resist going outside. I was walking along the snow smudged sidewalk toward the Independence Bridge. The world was a wonderland of intricate white-laced branches.

That is why this lovely maiden, modestly draped in licorice fern, stood out so beautifully against the snow-laden trees. Most days you can find her gently dreaming, hidden amongst her sisters.

I think she might have been a little startled when I stopped to take her picture!

It is interesting to note, that when I notice something unexpected, unusual, or beautiful, my eyes tickle. The way I describe that feeling, is that what I'm seeing "fills my eyes." It could be a vivid color, one of my siblings' amazing photos, or the grace of a ballet dancer. That snowy day, the Fern Maiden "filled my eyes."

Above you see the lovely Fern Maiden as I first noticed her against the snow-laden trees.

Cherry Tree Maiden

Walking the campus of Corban College in Salem, Ore., I happened upon this lovely maiden gazing over the steep pathway below. I am sure she wishes she could join the crowds of students passing by--instead, she is fated to watch from her perch on the hill. If you enlarge the picture, you can see a tiny smile upon her face. Perhaps her wistful joy comes from the laughter of the young people she observes.

I am certain she is a small flowering cherry tree. As spring approaches and new leaves unfurl, I shall be back to record her spring colors. I would love to see her with a crown of cherry blossoms.

Be sure to click on the pic for the larger version--I think that is how she is best discovered.