Wednesday, December 31, 2014

My Photograph of a Mother Hippopotamus and Her Baby Hippo at the L.A. Zoo...



I took this photograph of a mother hippopotamus and her baby hippo at the Los Angeles Zoo a couple of weeks ago.  I thought they were so cute...  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!  I've never painted a hippo before, but maybe I'll paint this picture at some point...

If you're not too tired of Christmas songs, the hippos brought to mind one of my favorite silly Christmas songs...


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

My Big Eye Blonde Angel Fairy Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "Tender Heart" Original 5.5"x6" Framed Painting here
5"x7" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "Tender Heart," a framed original big eye angel fairy painting that was recently shown at the Whittier Gallery.  She has big gray eyes and strawberry blonde hair.  Framed she measures approximately 5.5"x6" with the art measuring approximately 4"x4.5".  I don't usually offer framed paintings, but as this was painted specifically for this frame for the show, the frame is included with the painting...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday with some of my angel fairies...  

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Big Eye Elf Fairy Angel Fantasy Sketch Art + Nesting Fawn Website Update...



Here is a sketch of a big eye elf fairy angel friend.  I watched The Hobbit movie yesterday, and I find myself with elves on my mind...  I'm not sure if I'll do anything more with her, but I enjoyed sketching her.


I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:



"Nesting Fawn" Original Painting Sold
Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

"Nesting Fawn" is a painting that I did as a gift for the amazing Al-Rubaie Art.  It is of a sweet small fawn with big light blue eyes waking from a nap in the forest.  The style of this wildlife art is a soft realist with impressionistic qualities.  The original is not for sale, but I do have it available as prints and ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Playing with Acrylic Mediums + Abstract Angel Website Update...



This week has been more devoted to family and friends than to painting, but I am in the process of doing a little test.  Usually I like to shade wet into wet or glaze just with some water, but Alex is always going on about glazing with mediums.  I decided to buy a few mediums to test them out, however I didn't want to do so directly on my Athena painting as I'm not sure which will work best, so I've done some test patches.  The top one is Golden Matte Medium, the second one is Golden Polymer Medium (Gloss) and the bottom one is Golden Glazing Liquid (Gloss).  At this point I'm leaning towards the Golden Glazing Liquid (Gloss), the top one seems too brushy to me and the second one a bit too glossy; however, I looked at one of my shelves of art supplies, I noticed I have a couple more mediums to test, I'll let you know which one I feel works the best after I've tested them and asked Alex's opinion...  


I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:


"Claudia" Original Painting NFS
Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

"Claudia" is an abstract angel fairy who is part of a series inspired by Ted DeGrazia.  She is composed mainly of soft blues and purples.  The original is not for sale, but I do have her available as prints and ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Happy Holiday Greetings From Me to You...



I was Christmas shopping at the Americana when I saw this sweet happy elf princess and her gingerbread man friend, they were kind enough to pose for me.  I hope that you have a wonderful holiday season... 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

My Purple Rose Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "Purple Rose" Original 8"x10" Painting here
8"x10" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "Purple Rose," an original purple rose painting that I painted quite some time ago.  The original is usually not for sale, but for the duration of this auction, it will be.  It's part of a series that I did of purple flowers, some naturally occurring and some magical gothic garden variations...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday with some of my violet fleurs...

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Miniatures and Small Works Show at the Whittier Gallery...

I am participating in the Miniatures & Small Works show at the Whittier Gallery.  It closes Saturday December 27th, here are some of my photographs of some of my favorite pieces from the opening.  I loved the way they set up the art!  In this case, most of the pieces I've photographed are actually much smaller than they appear here...  It was a challenge and inspiring to work so small!  The gallery is located at 8035 Painter Ave in Whittier, California and is open from 1pm-6pm Wednesday through Sunday (although I think it's most likely they will be closed on Christmas, but if you have any questions, their number is (562) 698-8710).  For more details on the gallery, please visit here.


I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday
http://www.create-with-joy.com/

Me, artist Lisa Isabella Russo, with my little angel fairy painting Tender Heart in the far right corner.

My little angel fairy painting Tender Heart in the far right corner with some lovely pieces, I love the way they grouped the art!

Tree of Life by Marie Brock

Another of my favorite groups.

Keys to... by Laura Cardwell

This is the winner of the juried 2d show:  Sunrise by Donna Larson

Irish Grazing by John Williams

I loved this one titled Little Diva by Kelly Bracamontes

This one by Holly Overin titled Moth grabbed me at first sight.


Gary's Sheep by Linda Hall

Church Dome by Linda Della Zoppa

And for the last one, I've saved my favorite of them all...  A portrait of Marilyn Monroe titled Some Like It by Mark Frederickson

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Big Eye Cyborg Friend Fantasy Sketch Art + White Snow Bunny Rabbit Website Update...



Here is a sketch of a big eye cyborg friend.  She has enhancements to her eyes.  I'm not sure if I'll do anything more with her, but I enjoyed sketching her...


I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:
http://bluechairdiary.blogspot.com/



"Snowy Bunny" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

I love rabbits and this winter snow bunny is no exception.  I love the brown tips of his ears!  The style is a soft realism combined with impressionism.  This piece available as an original, as prints, and Limited Edition ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Work in Progress Original Big Eye Athena Minerva with Owl Painting Art WIP + Blue Angel Website Update...



Here is a work in progress view of my original big eye Greek goddess Athena (also know to the Romans as Minerva) with her owl 16"x20" painting.  This goddess is looking a bit intense at this point I think.  Her face is blocked in, but I think I need a bit more lights and darks before I consider the skin tones of her face done...  


I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:



"Winter Belle" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

"Winter Belle" is of a big eye blue angel fairy with her eyes serenely closed.  It has a surreal lowbrow fantasy feel...  This piece available as an original, as prints, and Limited Edition ACEOs! 

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week! 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

My Photograph of Two Pale Yellow Water Lilies at Descanso Gardens...




I took this photograph of two pale yellow water lilies in one of the ponds at Descanso Gardens.  I think it's possible that the blur is from a dragonfly or two going too quickly by to be captured by my camera...  Ah beauty of a water lily and the speed of a dragonfly...  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

My Gothic Mermaid with Closed Eyes Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "Song of the Siren" Original 5"x7" Painting here
5"x7" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "Song of the Siren," an original gothic big eye mermaid.  Her eyes are closed as she prepares to sing her song.  This one has a surreal lowbrow fantasy feel...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday with some of my mermaids...  

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.


After the auction, "Song of the Siren" will be available on my website here

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Big Eye Fairy Fantasy Sketch Art + Cardinal Bird Website Update...



Here is a sketch of a fairy angel.  She has twirly curly hair.  I'm not sure if I'll do anything more with her, but I enjoyed sketching her...


I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:
http://bluechairdiary.blogspot.com/


"Cardinal Direction" Original Painting SOLD
Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

I love birds, mainly I think because my mother loves birds and my grandfather loved birds.  When my mom saw this red male cardinal, her face lit up and I knew I would not be selling the piece.  I have it listed as sold so that it's clear that it's not longer available, but I actually gave it to her as a gift.  The piece has a soft realist feel.  Although I no longer have the original, I do have this piece available as prints and ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week! 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

"The Joy of Christmas" Red Poinsettia Flower Art Now Up on My Website...



"The Joy of Christmas" Original Painting SOLD
Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

Our poinsettia plant has been turning green to red, when it's ready I will try to post a photograph.  It is the first one we planted that has made it through last Christmas to now.  I love how beautiful it is and I painted "The Joy of Christmas" because of the beauty of poinsettia flowers.  I sold the original, but I do have this piece available as prints and ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week! 

Friday, December 12, 2014

Work in Progress Original Big Eye Athena Minerva with Owl Painting Art WIP...




Here is a work in progress view of an original big eye Greek goddess Athena (also know to the Romans as Minerva) with her owl painting.  I've started on her neck in this WIP, there's a bit of a glare under her chin as I took the photo when it was still wet.  Her skin tone is an olive, I think I may need some more lights and darks, but I'm going to work on her face for a bit and then decide...


I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:
http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Photograph of a Hummingbird Blending In...



I took this photograph of a hummingbird at my previous home.  I like how she was blending in with her surroundings.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

I'm not sure why my blog is acting like I have word verification on in the comments, I do not.  If you just ignore it, I think it will post okay.  I checked and made sure it said it was off and it is off, but for some reason it's misbehaving and I can't figure out how to fix it...

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

My White Winter Bunny Rabbit Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "Snowy Bunny" Original 8"x10" Painting here
8"x10" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "Snowy Bunny," an original white winter bunny rabbit with brown tipped ears.  I love bunnies, I think they are one of the sweetest animals and their noses are just the cutest.  This one has a soft realist impressionistic feel...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday; including additional bunnies, horses, and one fawn...  Oh the unbearable cuteness!

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Big Eye Angel Fairy Fantasy Sketch Art...




Here is a sketch of an angel fairy.  I've sketched her before, this is a more refined version of her.  I've tried to pay more attention to the forms of her hair and the shapes of her eyes.  I think I'm pretty close to having this sketch ready to move to the next stage...


I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:
http://bluechairdiary.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 5, 2014

A Photograph of a Black Art Cat...



I took this photograph of B when visiting the amazing Art by Christopharo.  She and her story were my inspiration for my painting "All Creatures Great and Small."  She is definitely an art cat, as you can see by her location under the easel; and loves to spend her time as close to Christopharo as possible!  I hope you will enjoy this photo.  

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Original Big Eye Angel Fairy "Tender Heart" Painting Complete




This is my completed original big eye angel fairy painting titled "Tender Heart."  

The painting itself measures approximately 4.5x4 inches and is a bit larger framed.  She is for a Miniatures & Small Works show at the Whittier Art Gallery.  The show opens Wednesday December 3rd and closes Saturday December 27th.  There's an artists reception on this Saturday that I will be attending at around 4 with the information here...

The original framed painting is $85 and is available at the Whittier Art Gallery until December 27th.  I haven't had the chance yet to compose the prints and LE ACEO prints for this piece yet, but I will let you know when I do.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

My Blue Big Eye Angel Fairy with Christmas Snowflakes Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "Winter Belle" Original 8"x10" Painting here
8"x10" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "Winter Belle," an original big eye gothic angel fairy composed almost entirely with hues of blue.  She has a lowbrow surreal feel, with winter and Christmas snowflakes and serenely closed eyes...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday; including angels, mermaids, and fairies.  They all have hues of blue in their skin, sometimes I want to paint the whole world blue...

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Cyber Monday Sale & Original Big Eye Angel Fairy Work in Progress WIP...



From today until Wednesday December 3rd at Midnight PST in honor of Cyber Monday, buy any four LE ACEO prints off of my website at http://www.lisarusso.com at 20% off of the group.  Just email me at originalslrdesigns@yahoo.com with Cyber Monday Sale in the title and the titles of the four ACEO giclee prints you'd like in the body of the email and I'll email you a paypal invoice from my manager's bearicorn@yahoo.com account at the reduced rate of $32 instead of $40!  Free U.S. shipping and $1.10 International shipping on ACEOs, so please take a look and see if there are some you'd like to take home...

I am being inspired by Cyber Monday to host this sale...

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday
http://www.create-with-joy.com/



This is a work in progress view of my angel fairy.  This WIP is almost complete, at this point all that's needed is her hair and some touch ups.  I plan to post an image of the final framed original painting on Wednesday. 

She measures approximately 4.5"x4" and is for a Miniatures & Small Works show at the Whittier Art Gallery.  The show opens Wednesday December 3rd and closes Saturday December 27th.  There's an artists reception on this Saturday that I will be attending with the information here...

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Marigold Flowers Sketch Art + Dragon Website Update...



Here is a sketch of some marigolds on canvas.  I started sketching for this in October and then put it aside for a while.  At this point I only have the sketch on canvas.  I've also painted the edges, I tend to do that before I start painting on the canvas as I don't want to risk getting the edge paint on to the painting itself.  As you can see, I tend to get paint over the edges, but I can fix that when I paint the background...


I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:


"Dragonsrock" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

"Dragonsrock" is of a big eyed blue and purple dragon protecting his favorite rock and think happily of treasures safely hidden away.  It has a surreal lowbrow fantasy feel...  This piece available as an original, as prints, and Limited Edition ACEOs! 

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week! 

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Waiting for You, Brown & Tan Kitty Cat Website Update...



Waiting for You Original Painting SOLD
Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here


"Waiting for You" is of a patient kitty.  The cat has a soft realist impressionist quality and has long brown and tan fur...  I sold the original, but I do have this available as prints and LE ACEOs!

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week!

Friday, November 28, 2014

Work in Progress Original Big Eye Angel Fairy Painting Art WIP...



Here is a work in progress view of an original big eye angel fairy painting that I am working on.  I've painted her eyes, neck, and dress; but I think I need to lighten her dress a bit.  At around 4x4.5 inches, this WIP is smaller than I usually work.  I hope to share another WIP on Monday and the finished piece as framed on Wednesday.  She's for a show at the Whittier Art Gallery.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving if you celebrate it!

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:
http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

A Close Up Photograph of a Purple Artichoke Flower Plant at Descanso Gardens...



Here is a close up photograph that I took at Descanso Gardens in the section where they grow edibles.  I believe it is an artichoke plant, the flowers are very similar to those of the lovely thistle plant too though...  I love the combination of the soft purple beauty of the flower with the more spiky part of the plant.  I hope you will enjoy this photo.

I also hope that if you celebrate Thanksgiving, you have a wonderful one!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

My Big Eye Angel with her Black Cat Original Painting! Art Prints & ACEOs!



This Week "All Creatures Great and Small" Original 11"x14" Painting here
8"x10" print here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 here

I am listing "All Creatures Great and Small," an original big eye gothic angel with long black hair with green streaks holding her black kitty cat.  She has a lowbrow surreal feel...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday; including a poinsettia flower, a red cardinal bird, various cats, and a dog cuddled up...

Most of my art is also available on my website at http://www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to offer some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions...  I have started at updating and adding payment buttons to my website.  It's a very slow project, but one I am working on.


After the auction, "All Creatures Great and Small" will be available on my website here.

Monday, November 24, 2014

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni at the Norton Simon Museum of Art + Big Eye Angel Fairy WIP...

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni 

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni is one of my favorite pieces at the Norton Simon Museum of Art.  She is the patron saint of musicians and was said to hear the singing of angels.  She is here with a violin, she was reputed to be able to play all instruments.  I love this painting so much! 

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni Close Up I

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni Close Up II

St. Cecilia by Guido Reni Close Up III

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday
http://www.create-with-joy.com/



This is a work in progress view of my angel fairy.  I've worked on the wings a bit.  This is actually a very small piece,  it measures approximately 4.5"x4" for a specific endeavor, but we'll see if I finish it on time...

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Big Eye Angel Fairy Sketch Art + Mermaid Website Update...



Here is a sketch of a big eye angel fairy face.  I planned to paint her for winter Christmas this year, but she probably won't be done on time.  I think I'd have to have her already done, but I think I might still work on her when I'm closer to being done with the tiny little angel painting.  She has the first priority though as I have a specific deadline for her...

I am also participating in Sunday Sketches.  To view more Sunday Sketches, please visit:



Underwater Prayer Original 11"x14" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition Giclee 2.5"x3.5" ACEO Prints Here


Here is "Underwater Prayer," an original gothic big eye mermaid by an undersea sunken cathedral. She has big blue eyes and streaks of light purple lilac in her almost black short deep purple hair. This is one of my rare images with short hair...  This piece is available as an original, as prints, and Limited Edition ACEOs on my website!  

Every week on Tuesday, I try to list a small original, some giclee art prints, and giclee LE ACEO prints at promotional prices. Visit here to see what I have available this week!