Happy New Year Wishes from a Garden Guardian Angel Fairy! December Sketches...

I hope this coming year brings you much joy and beauty.  This garden guardian angel fairy and I send Happy New Year wishes from lisarusso.com.

This painting is the last one I will have completed this year, she actually looks a bit different now that I've varnished her, I'll share the final version of her another day; but I liked this version of her with this gold leafing look to usher in the new year!   

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Moonrise" have been accepted by the Ontario Museum of History & Art "Diversity and Inclusion:  The Influence of African American Art in Southern California Exhibit."  I've yet to frame them, but they are both complete!

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Here is a sketch of a bearded iris.  These flowers are amongst my favorites...  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 December.  This is from day 29.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a hibiscus.  I see a lot of these flowers and they are wonderful to behold...  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 December.  This is from day 30.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  I love hats and I think she does too...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This is day 31.

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Kitty Cat Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy & Calla Lily Flower/ December 27 & 28 / Art Sketches Daily...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a cat I've completed the background.  I started with the base color that I shared last week and then combined two colors on top, wet into wet.  After that I spritzed the colors with water so they combined even more.  Then I let it dry completely.  Most of the areas really worked, but on those that didn't I repeated the process.  Next I'll move on to the kitty underpainting...  The panel that I'm painting on is 8"x10"

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 a little early, but I'm going to try to join 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 has a sweet mischevous quality and a dashing hat...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 27. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a calla lily.  These flowers seem bold yet delicate at once to me...  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 December.  This is day 28.  

This is a rough sketch.

Original Winter Bunny Rabbit Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! December Sketches...

"Snowy Bunny" Original 8"x10" Painting on Canvas here

This week my featured painting is "Snowy Bunny," an original white winter hare painting.  I love bunnies and rabbits so much!  This is one of my favoritie paintings, it is perfect for winter even if you never see snow or actually anytime of year...  This original rabbit painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has a realist impressionist feel... 

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 mermaid friends, 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 a tulip.  I also have spring on the mind...  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 December.  This is from day 25.  

This is a rough sketch.

 Here is a sketch of another tulip.  They're such charming flowers...  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 December.  This is day 26. 

This is a rough sketch.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas if you Celebrate it! Sketch of a Big Eye Angel & Mermaid/ December 23 & 24 / Art Sketches Daily...

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas if you Celebrate it!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate it.  This big eyed angel and I and I send Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas wishes from lisarusso.com.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has twirls to her hair...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This from day 23. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a hint of a pout...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  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 December. This is day 24. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Kitty Cat Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketch of a Poinsettia, Icelandic Poppy Flower & Big Eye Goddess/ December 20, 21, & 22 Sketches Daily...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a cat I've blocked in the underpainting for the background.  There will be some more layering in the background before I move on to the kitty underpainting...  The panel that I'm painting on is 8"x10"

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 poinsettia.  I love watching their leaves turn from green to red this time of year...  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 December.  This is from day 20.  

This is still a very rough sketch, I just felt like a bit of color so I used colored pencils.

Here is a sketch of an icelandic poppy.  I think poppies are one of my favorite flowers, they are so delicate...  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 December.  This is from day 21.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have a wary expression...  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  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 December. This is day 22. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Original Big Eye Gothic Angel Fairy Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! December Sketches...

"Orchid" Original 4"x4" Painting on Panel Here

This week my featured painting is "Orchid". She has huge brown eyes, red streaked hair, and her wings are inspired by hummingbird wings.  It is one of my smallest paintings.  The painting has a lowbrow surreal fantasy feel.  This original big eye gothic 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 mermaid friends, 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 a nasturtium.  It is a front facing view of this flower...  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 December.  This is from day 18.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of wisdom...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This day 19. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Orchid Angel Fairy Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches, December 16 & 17/ Big Eye Goddess & Nasturtium Flower Daily Sketch...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye orchid angel fairy, I've continued to work on her orchid.  I've done some more shading and paint the flower's core, it is now complete.  Next I will proceed to wispies and eye details.  There is some gold leaf in the background and there will be a little gold leaf in her eyes.  She is part of my garden guardian series.  She is titled "Orchid Intrigue."

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Moonrise" have been accepted by the Ontario Museum of History & Art "Diversity and Inclusion:  The Influence of African American Art in Southern California Exhibit."  They accepted them as works in progress, so I'm a busy bee trying to get them finished hopefully well before the deadline...

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 big eyed maiden.  She seems deep in contemplation...  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 16. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a nasturtium.  It is a side view of this flower...  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 December.  This is from day 17.  

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Big Eye Self Portrait Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches, December 13, 14, & 15/ Big Eye Fairy, Daffodil, & Angel Daily Sketch...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of an idealized big eye version of myself, I've glazed some darks over the underpainting and worked in some subtle hightlights.  I intend to revisit shading in the face now that I've established the hair.  I've also enlarged the irises so I also have more work to do there.  I think this is the mermaid version of me...  I'm saving the highlights in the eyes until last.

This idealized big eyed self portrait is on a 16"x20" 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.

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 like she may be basking in the moonlight...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 13. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a daffodil.  I love the sweet nature of these flowers...  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 December.  This is from day 14.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have a sweet curiousity...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This day 15.

This is a rough sketch.

Original Purple Clematis Flower Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! December Sketches...

"Clematis" Original 5"x7" Painting on Panel Here

This week my featured painting is "Clematis".  This purple flower was inspired by a photo by Shawn Parker Photography.  The art has a realist impressionist feel.  The original floral painting has some texture in the background and 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 mermaid friends, 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 a kitty cat.  It's closer to how I intend it to be, but still needs some more work.  I'm intending to paint this kitty, but I want to see if I can get the sketch right first...

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

This is a rough sketch.  

WIP Big Eye Orchid Angel Fairy Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches December 10 & 11/ Cat & Orchid Daily Sketch...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye orchid angel fairy, I've continued to work on her orchid.  I still need to do some more shading and paint the flower's core.  After which I will proceed to wispies and eye details.  There is some gold leaf in the background.  She is part of my garden guardian series.  She is titled "Orchid Intrigue."

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Moonrise" have been accepted by the Ontario Museum of History & Art "Diversity and Inclusion:  The Influence of African American Art in Southern California Exhibit."  They accepted them as works in progress, so I'm a busy bee trying to get them finished hopefully well before the deadline...

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 kitty cat.  I'm intending to paint this one, but it definitely needs a great deal of refining first.  This is for someone very special, I hope I will finish it in time...

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

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of part of a group of orchids.  Orchids are such elegant flowers...  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 December.  This is day 11.  

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Self Portrait Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches, December 7, 8, & 9/ Big Eye Fairy, Angel, & Mermaid Daily Sketch #dailysketch 100th face...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of an idealized big eye version of myself, I've blocked in the underpainting of the hair.  My next step is to glaze some darks over it and work on some subtle hightlights.  I also intend to revisit shading in the face once I've established the hair.  I think this is the mermaid version of me...  I'm saving the highlights in the eyes until last.

This idealized big eyed self portrait is on a 16"x20" 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.

==============================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks perchance a little vexed...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 7. 

It is part of my effort to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 98. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has an intently focused expression...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This from day 8. 

It is part of my effort to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 99. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a hint of a smile and her hair is flowing wildly around her...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  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 December. This is day 9. 

I have reached my goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 100.  I think I should continue with this challenge, but whilst I will continue to sketch daily, I have not yet decided if I'll have a more eclectic mix for a while.  I believe this is actually my 677th day of consecutive daily sketches, I started on February 1st of 2016.

This is a rough sketch. 

My Photograph of Flowers from a Tree at Huntington Gardens + Sketch of a Big Eye Mermaid, Fairy, & Angel/ December 4, 5, & 6 Art Sketches Daily...

I took photographs of a flowering tree at Huntington Gardens in the fall.  I thought this tree was gorgeous and luminous...  Here is a close up of the tree's flowers.  I'm not sure what the tree is called, in addition to being in bloom, it had thorns running up the body of the trunk.  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 maiden.  She seems to have an inquisitive nature...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 4. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 95. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has accented her face with tiger stripes...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This is from day 5. 

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 96. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has sweetly curling hair...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  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 December. This day 6.

I would like to try to reach a goal of 100 faces sketched on consecutive days, I started this effort on September 1st, 2017...  This is face 97.

This is a rough sketch.

Original Big Eye Gothic Mermaid with Angelfish Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! 'Interlude' Exhibit by Audrey Kawasaki at the Thinkspace Gallery (Closed Show) Part I...

"Teacher's Pets" Original 16"x20" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Teacher's Pets," an original painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends. She has huge sweet grey eyes and long flowing mermaid hair. The piece has a surreal lowbrow fantasy feel. I love mermaids so...  The original 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 mermaid friends, you may see them here.

Featured Image "Teacher's Pets"

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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'Interlude' Exhibit by Audrey Kawasaki at the Thinkspace Gallery (Closed Show) Part I

Audrey Kawasaki is one of my favorite artists, her faces and hands are exquisite.  She works predominately in oils on wood.  These pieces are from her solo show 'Interlude' at the Thinkspace Gallery.  There's some very tasteful artistic nudity in some of her pieces, for my post I've chosen to crop those paintings to feature her faces.  The show is closed, she has another one up for a little while longer at KP Projects that I'm hoping to go see before it closes, but if I do manage it, it will be near the very end and I will also be sharing it eventually as a closed show as well... 

Edit:  Part II is here.

Me (Lisa Isabella Russo) with She's with Me by Audrey Kawasaki, photo by Alex Ledante

Nocturne by Audrey Kawasaki

Nocturne Close Up by Audrey Kawasaki

As I Fall by Audrey Kawasaki

As I Fall Close Up by Audrey Kawasaki

She's with Me by Audrey Kawasaki

Enchantress Close Up by Audrey Kawasaki

Rhapsody Close Up by Audrey Kawasaki

With or Without Close Up by Audrey Kawasaki

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.