My Photograph of a Hummingbird at Huntington Gardens + May Sketch Art, Day 30 + 31 Sketches, Mermaid + Angel Fairy...

I took this photograph of this hummingbird at Huntington Gardens.  Perched high above in a very tall tree, he would rest there and then fly to the flowers and back again.  I hope that you will enjoy these photos! 

I love to paint animals, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  I would like her to be a companion to a flapjack octopus for a mini painting I'm working on, but I still feel the sketch isn't right yet.  I'm going to make at least one more attempt, but I may switch her out with a more cooperative maiden...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a goddess or a fairy angel.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 30.

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She is wearing a tiara and she has a peek a boo look with her hair flowing down over one eye.  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 31.

This is a rough sketch. 

Original Big Eye Latina Angel Fairy Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Okuda San Miguel Art at the Corey Helford Gallery...

"Dulzura" Original 8"x10" Painting here

This week my featured painting is "Dulzura".  This Latina angel fairy has large brown eyes and her name means sweetness in Spanish.  I think it embodies her essence.  The art has a lowbrow surreal feel.  The original big eye angel fairy painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month my theme is mermaids and includes a selection of some of my big eye fantasy sirens; you may see them here.  As a bonus, I am throwing in a sale print and a LE ACEO print of Dulzura.

BONUS Featured Image "Dulzura"

8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here

ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

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The Corey Helford Gallery has three sections, there is the main gallery and then two additional galleries.  I went to see The Art Collector Starter Kit IV Group Exhibition, which I hope to share some of the art from on a different day, as a couple of my favorite artists had work in the show and I was introduced to Okuda San Miguel's work.  The works are bold and very different from what I am usually drawn to, I think the works have a pop surrealism urban street art feel.  The Mayan Renaissance exhibit is CLOSED, but the gallery may have some of his works available.

PUNK HORSE by Okuda San Miguel, Synthetic enamel on fiberglass, 27” x 24” x 14”

REFUGEE'S MIRAGE by Okuda San Miguel, Synthetic enamel on wood panel , 47” x 47”

RETROMIRAGE by Okuda San Miguel, Synthetic enamel on fiberglass, 31” x 25” x 15"

NO MASK FOR THE WICKED by Okuda San Miguel, Synthetic enamel on wood panel , 47” x 47”

MICKEY'S SCALP by Okuda San Miguel, Synthetic enamel on fiberglass, 51” x 31” x 12”

LOST WOLVES by Okuda San Miguel, Wool on canvas, 31" x 31"

Mural on the Wall Outside of the Corey Helford Gallery by Okuda San Miguel

Whilst I have continued to sketch daily, I spent my time getting this ready and haven't had a chance to prep my sketches yet.  I'll try to get caught up on posting my daily sketches tomorrow.

My Photograph of the War Memorial Flagpole in Pasadena + May Sketches Art, Day 29 Sketch, Flapjack Octopus...

I am sharing these photographs of the war memorial flagpole in Pasadena in honor of Memorial Day.  It's on the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove next to the Norton Simon Museum.  I am very grateful to those that choose to serve.  I hope that you will enjoy these photos! 

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Here is a sketch of a flapjack octopus.  He is the one I've selected to be a mini solo painting, I feel he still needs a bit more reworking at this point, but he is getting closer.  Trying to get the sketches just right can sometimes take me a while, but I end up being much happier with the finished pieces if the sketches are as good as they can be...


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 29.

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Sketch of a Few Fancy Betta Fish Variations, Art Sketches Daily, May 27 + 28...

Here is a sketch of a couple of fancy betta fish.  They are the ones I've selected to be a mini solo painting and the other betta will be a friend to a goddess maiden mini painting...  I feel they still need a bit more reworking at this point, but they are getting closer.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 27.  

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.  

Here is another sketch version of the fancy betta fish that will be a friend to a goddess maiden in a mini painting.  I've reworked it and I think it's getting closer to where I would like it to be; although there may still be some modifications though.  I'm also still working on getting the betta's maiden right...

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 28.

This is a rough sketch.

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

WIP Magician's Lionhead Bunny Rabbit Art Original Painting Work in Progress + May Sketches, Sketch 26 & 26, Flapjack Octopus & Mermaid...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting I've been working on the magic hat...  I didn't get a chance to do a lot of painting this week.  I am very close to finishing my Snow White painting though.  This rabbit's name is Maximillion and the reference is courtesy of his person David Reeves Payne.  I know I've painted a quite a few bunny paintings, but I love rabbits so, I think there's always room to add another member to my fluffle...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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Here is a sketch of a couple of flapjack octopi.  I selected these two to refine and draw again from the four I sketched last week for some mini paintings I hope to start on soon.  One will be solo and the other octopus will be a friend to a mermaid maiden...

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 25.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her long hair is flowing down around her shoulders.  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a goddess or a fairy angel.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 26.

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of the Coach Barn at L.A. Arboretum + May Sketch Art, Day 23 + 24 Sketches, Goddess + Mermaid...

I took this photograph of the coach barn at the L.A. Arboretum.  I used to play here when I was a child, I used to imagine that there were still horses there.  I love how the light is shining through the windows.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo! 

I love to paint horses, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet short hair cut and a serious expression.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 23.

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has long hair in fun pigtails with accents, this is my second version of her.  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a goddess or a fairy angel.  I'm hoping to do a tiny painting of her and a tiny flapjack octopus, but I'm still working on getting her and her friend right.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 24.

This is a rough sketch.  

Original Sunflowers Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh at the Norton Simon Museum of Art...

"Summer Sun" Original 9"x12" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Summer Sun". The original sunflowers painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The original has a little texture.  Usually blues, purples, and blacks are my favorite colors, but I find flowers of every hue lovely.  In the summer, I love catching sight of their beauty.  It was painted with oil paints.  The art has a soft realist impressionist feel.  I think Vincent van Gogh's art inspires me when it comes to sunflowers, I have featured one of his paintings of "The Bedroom" today.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month, my theme is mermaids and includes a selection of some of my big eye fantasy sirens; you may see them here.

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

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The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh at the Norton Simon Museum (Closed Show)

"The Bedroom" by Vincent van Gogh was on display at the Norton Simon Museum of art.  It was on loan from the Art Institute of Chicago and the exhibit is now CLOSED.

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh 

I've long had a fondness for Vincent van Gogh and his art.  This piece was painted at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence.  It is one of three paintings he did of a room he stayed in in happier times.  The Yellow House is what he called the home he rented.  The first was damaged and he requested that his brother repair it so he could do some additional versions.  This is the second version.  In an image below,  I've shown a photo of the three different versions.  Each one unique and beautiful.

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh Variations

Although he was only with the world for 37 years, he contributed so much beauty to the world.  In two months time, encouraged by his doctor Paul-Ferdinand Gachet, he completed over eighty pieces.  His work, with the wonderful energy and passion in it, continues to move and inspire...  

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh closer view

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh Close Up Detail View

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh Close Up Detail View

The Bedroom by Vincent van Gogh Close Up Detail View

Whilst I have continued to sketch daily, I spent my time getting this ready and haven't had a chance to prep my sketches yet.  I'll try to get caught up on posting my daily sketches tomorrow.

WIP Big Eye Snow White Waterlily Art Original Painting Work in Progress + May Sketches, Sketch 22, Snapdragon Flower...

In this original work in progress WIP big eye maiden painting I've completed her flowers.  All that remains is the highlights in her eyes and she will be complete.  This fairytale angel fairy with water lilies in her hair is inspired by Snow White.

This big eyed beauty is on an 8"x10" canvas in acrylics.  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of snapdragon flowers.  Snapdragons were one of my favorite flowers when I was a child, they are such a charming flower both in name and in beauty.  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 22.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Sketch of a Few Fancy Betta Fish, Art Sketches Daily, May 21...

Here is a sketch of a few betta fish.  I love betta fish, these are based on some of the fancy betta fish varieties.  Yesterday's were pet store bettas as mine was.  Betta fish are also known as Siamese fighting fish and male betta fish fight each other to the death; so in real life they must be kept apart, but in my sketches they are much more mellow...  I might do a mini painting of one of them and possibly also have one betta fish be a friend to a tiny goddess, but I may need to do some more sketches...


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 21.

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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

Sketch of a Betta Fish, Art Sketches Daily, May 20...

Here is a sketch of a couple of betta fish.  I love betta fish, I had a blue pet store betta and he was very sweet.  I might do a mini painting of one of them and possibly also have one betta fish be a friend to a tiny goddess, but I still need to do some more sketches...


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 20.

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

WIP Magician's Lionhead Bunny Rabbit Art Original Painting Work in Progress + May Sketches, Sketch 18 & 19, Flapjack Octopus & Fairy Angel...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting I've been working on the bunny's fur and I've started blocking in the hat, I still have quite a ways to go though... The rabbit's name is Maximillion and the reference is courtesy of his person David Reeves Payne.  I know I've painted a quite a few bunny paintings, but I love rabbits so, I think there's always room to add another member to my fluffle...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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Here is a sketch of four flapjack octopi.  Scientists are considering naming them adorablis and I can definitely see why.  I'd like to do a mini painting of one of them and possibly also have one octopus be a friend to a tiny mermaid...

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 18.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet smile and has put flowers in the brim of her hat.  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 19.

This is a rough sketch.

My Photograph of a Zinnia Flower Bud at Huntington Gardens + May Sketches Art, Day 17 Sketch, Big Eye Angel Fairy...

I took this photograph of this zinnia flower bud at Huntington Gardens.  Even before the flowers bloom, I think they are quite lovely.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo! 

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a sweet upwards glance and full, lovely hair.  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 17.

This is a rough sketch.

Original Big Eye Gothic Blue Purple Fairy Angel Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! May Sketches...

"Sylph of Violet" Original 8"x10" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Sylph of Violet". Composed almost entirely of shades of blue and purple, this original big eye gothic fairy angel painting also has a bit of sass.  The art has a lowbrow surreal feel.  She is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!   

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month, my theme is mermaids and includes a selection of some of my big eye fantasy sirens; you may see them here.

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

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Here is a sketch of an octopus.  They are such fascinating animals and truly masters of disguise.  I'd like to someday paint one with a mermaid, but I think I'd best start with some sketches and then possibly some studies...  I'm unsure if I'll paint him or not, but I did enjoy sketching him.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 16.  

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Big Eye Snow White Waterlily Art Original Painting Work in Progress + May Sketches, Sketch 15, Fawn Deer...

In this original work in progress WIP big eye maiden painting I've been working on her flowers.  I am very close to being done, but for some reason I have shaded the flowers opposite of her face, so it's back to the drawing board or rather painting board in this case...  Worry not, I have not forgotten the highlights in her eyes, this time I am leaving them for last.  This fairytale angel fairy with water lilies in her hair is inspired by Snow White.

This big eyed beauty is on an 8"x10" canvas in acrylics.  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of a young deer.  The fawn's horns have just begun to grow.  I'm unsure if I'll paint him or not, but I did enjoy sketching him.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 15.  

This is a rough sketch.

Happy Mother's Day & a Sketch of a Coneflower Flower, May 14, Art Sketches Daily...

Happy Mother's Day Wishes from this nesting dragon and from me at lisarusso.com!

The original painting is sold, but Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints are available Here

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Here is a sketch of a flower.  I believe it is a coneflower, but I'm not entirely sure, I just thought it had a sweetness to it that made it perfect for Mother's Day.  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 14.  

This is a rough sketch.

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

Art Sketch of a Big Eye Angel Fairy & a Koi Fish, May 12 & 13 Daily Sketches...

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a serene peacefulness in her countenance.  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 12.

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of a koi fish.  I liked the way he was turning, koi fish are so fluid in the water.  I'm unsure if I'll paint him or not, but I did enjoy sketching him.


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 13.

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Magician's Lionhead Bunny Rabbit Art Original Painting Work in Progress + May Sketches, Sketch 11, Big Eye Fairy Angel...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting I've started work on the bunny's fur, it still needs more attention before I move on to the hat.  Ah fluffity fluff fluff fluff... The rabbit's name is Maximillion and the reference is courtesy of his person David Reeves Payne.  There is also the magic hat, but that will come later.  I know I've painted a quite a few bunny paintings, but I love rabbits so, I think there's always room to add another member to my fluffle...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

I won't have the opportunity to post on Friday, so I'm posting my work in progress a bit earlier than usual.

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have a gentle pout as she thinks of something yet to be resolved.  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 11.

This is a rough sketch.  

My Photograph of a Magnolia Flower + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy, a Camellia, & a Bunny Rabbit/ Art Sketches Daily/ May 8, 9, & 10

I took this photograph of this magnolia flower at Alex's old place.  Before they trimmed them, the boughs dipped very low and I was able to get close shots of some of these gorgeous flowers.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo! 

I love to paint flowers, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  Her hair is long and lovely and she has some accent streaks running through it.  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a goddess or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 8.

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a camellia.  Some camellia flowers are more elaborate than others.  This time I selected one that I felt had a simple elegance to sketch.  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 9.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a bunny rabbit.  He has paused amidst some flowers.  Bunnies hold a special place in my heart.  I'm unsure if I'll paint him or not, but I did enjoy sketching him.


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is day 10.

This is a rough sketch.