Plumage -Paint Party Friday

Here she is, my lovely Melissa.  She is as kind and sweet inside as she is beautiful to look upon.  She's one of my adopted girls and I love her dearly.

Here is my reference photo.  Isn't she lovely?  I'm so blessed by this wonderful young woman's friendship.

As you can see, I am posting an older drawing again.  I am still struggling with this illness and am having a hard time completing all the things I need to do before I leave for Idaho next month.

April is a difficult one for me.  It is my Beloved's birthday next Wednesday.  He would have been 75 years old.  This May we would have been married 36 years.  I have been missing him a lot lately.

Still, there is joy to be seen in the sunshine, friendship and family.   God has put so many good things into my life--I have only praise and thanks that God has walked this heartbreaking journey with me every step of the way.

And there is His promise, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they WILL be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

Thank you for dropping by and thank you for your good thoughts and prayers.  I am sorry I took so long to post this week's artwork.  Dear ones, you are always a big encouragement--I look forward to your visits here! May the joy of Springtime be yours. 

 

Swans -Paint Party Friday

I am re-posting this piece.  I am still not feeling well.  I go back to the doctor this afternoon.  Thank you for your patience!  I will have some original artwork for you next week--hopefully!

I adore fairy tales.  Over the years I have read many stories about swan sisters, brothers--such imaginative, wondrous flights of fancy! 

In this piece, there are two swans, one of which smiles at the viewer, while the other flirts outrageously with the first. Both are the lovely eyes of the swan maiden.

Above you see my beautiful model Melissa.  She has been an inspiration from the very day we met--which was just after she was born! Her Mom and I are best buds and I am grateful to this lovely young woman for her kindness and sweet heart.  She is my good friend.

Thank you for dropping by.  Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers.  I'm still under the weather a bit.  I hope to be back to normal soon.  Dear Friends, you are always a big encouragement--I look forward to your visits here!  Love, joy and peace to you, dear ones!

 

Happy New Year! -Paint Party Friday

Happy New Year, dear Friends!  Though this is a whimsical drawing from years ago, it seemed just perfect for today.   As you can see, these swans are a bit different.  lol  As I drew them, their tail feathers became fireworks.  Each of these cuties has a personality all their own--I just want to hug 'em!  

I can hardly believe an entire year has passed by. A whole year without my Beloved.  A year of tears and growth.  It has been an adventure.  I still don't know where life will lead me.  I am grateful that God directs my path.  I am leaning upon Him for each day.

Happy New Year, and Paint Party Friday, all you lovely artists and truly wonderful people.  May God bless you, dear Friends--have a lovely weekend and thank you for stopping by.  ((hugs))

Swan in Wood

I love to peruse the mountains of driftwood tossed along our beaches in winter storms. I came upon this amazing Swan in Wood on one of those wandering forays. Isn't she lovely? As you can see I didn't have to enhance much--though adding in all those feathers took some time.

Above you see the swan as I first found her.

Feathers

I did a series of swan drawings, this is the second of three. I love the idea of a feathered mask. Although these feathers seem to be actually growing from the girl's skin. I think they must be very soft. This picture, to me, has a luminous magical quality about it.

Plumage

She is a princess who is doomed to become a swan by day, holding her human form by night. The man the Princess loves is also beloved by a beautiful, but wicked witch who has wreaked her rage and jealosy upon her unfortunate rival.

Only the kiss of true love upon the beak of a swan will break the spell -- but who could fall in love with a swan? And who would kiss a swan upon its beak? Hmmmmm . . . .

It is fortunate that nearly every fairytale I've ever read ends with the words, "and they lived happily ever after."