Last Minute Paintings—School is Beginning!

Some last minute illustrations between meetings and school prep this week.

You can request (custom) these illustrations at my etsy shop until they officially become available (probably not the fish), but more than likely the "story time" piece on the left.

All Caught Up — A Cat & His Toy

This was a fun piece to do—although I didn't really do it all at once.  It was one of those projects that I work on a little, then leave and work on something else, then come back and work a little, then... well, you get the idea!

Anyway, I'm becoming more of a cat person as an increasing number of my friends have become cat owners—I think cats are hilarious in their devious ways!  They just make me laugh, though we will likely never have one due to Superman's allergies.  So all you cat haters are safe to visit me :)

"All Caught Up"
Kitten tangled in yarn

My favorite "cat persona" is when they are caught doing something and just look at you as if to say "who... me?"  And that is what I tried to capture here.

This print is available in my etsy shop, and the original is still up for grabs (6x9in)

Watercolor... & More Birds

I finally think I have figured this watercolor thing out!!

Maybe... I'll let you be the judge :)
But I've been struggling with the "freedom" of the watercolor media.  Like, really struggled.  I'm just not programed to be as loosey-goosey (as my professor used to say) as watercolor demands... But last night I decided to watch my husband (a fabulous painter) while he worked his magic.  I strove to mimic his techniques and then I added the ink outline that I use for my vintage style work.  The result:

Little Wren

And... I love it!  I'm really enjoying it anyway, and I think this may be the style that I will incorporate for my children's book (okay, I've said that a hundred times, but this time I mean it!).  It has the realism that I require from myself, the freedom to add some character into the subjects and the softness of a standard Children's book.

Here are some more that I did while I was on a roll, haha—I'm afraid that my steak will end and I'll be a clutz with the brush again!

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

Sparrow

Check This Out: The Quiet Place

Hello Everyone

I can't believe that I haven't done this yet, but I wanted to give a little shout-out to some great women and the work that they are doing.  A few months ago some great girls got together and started working on a devotional blog to encourage women to find rest in God.  Their blog is called "The Quiet Place"

Since then, they have grown in popularity, helped to strengthen the faith of so many young women and are really making a difference for Christ.  Some of their blogging interactions include:

• "Devotional Mondays", where one of them writes each week—sometimes on a per-determined theme, sometimes not.  This month's theme is Self Worth
• "Guest Posts" where other blogging women can share and encourage readers from a different perspective (and I had the pleasure of guest-posting last month on beauty, so be sure to check that out as well)
• "Link-ups" with other blogs, where common goals are shared along with passions

Not to mention other posts throughout the week!

I am so blessed to know these girls and to call them friends—be sure to check out their Blog and Facebook to get some encouragement today!

Etsy Shop—OPEN!

My Etsy shop is officially open for business!  Head on over to check out the prints and note cards that I have available for sale!  If there is anything that you don't see that you want, feel free to send me a message or comment here and we will work something out.

Well, what are you waiting for?!  Check out MY SHOP!