Wrapping Up 3 Years of Posting Daily Sketches Big Eye Angels Fairies Mermaids Goddesses, Flowers, Animals, & More...

January 24-31 Sketches, Conclusion of Posting Daily Sketches

I did the 29 faces challenge five times before I decided to embark on a longer challenge.  On February 1st of 2016 I decided to start sketching daily.  Each subsequent month I renewed that challenge to myself.  Today, January 31st of 2019 marks the three year mark of sketching daily and sharing a sketch for every day.  They have been primarily rough sketches.  I plan to continue to sketch daily, but I've decided that from this point forward, I will share only a selection of the sketches. 

I may change my mind on this if I find myself faltering in my resolve to sketch daily without the challenge of sharing them, but at this point, I feel like the time spent scanning and resizing each and every sketch could be better spent.  I hope you have enjoyed my daily sketches and will continue to enjoy my featured sketches moving onward.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of an daffodil.  This flower seems cheerful to me...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate intensity...  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 January. This is from day 25. 

This is a rough sketch

Here is a sketch of a petunia.  I love the flow of their lines...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentle sweetness...  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 January. This is from day 27. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of an amaryllis.  These flowers have such elegance...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an inquisitive quality...  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 January.  This is from day 29.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a poppy.  This flower is of the icelandic variation...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a cautious 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 January. This is day 31.

This is a rough sketch.

You Are Invited To The Exhibition Celebrating the New Lunar Year of the Earth Pig/Boar at The Realm/Ministry of Culture Art Salon Chinatown

My little pig painting "Fortune Smiles" has been accepted in the Realm/Ministry of Culture Zodiac: Year of the Boar Exhibit at the Art Salon Chinatown.

The opening reception is Saturday February 2nd, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Alex and I will be there at some point, but I'm not sure exactly when, please contact us if you'd like to coordinate.  As you enter, it is the building pictured on the right hand side.

The exhibit runs Saturday February 2nd through Sunday March 17th 2019.

Happy New Year of The Pig!

"Art Salon Chinatown is pleased to invite you to an exhibition celebrating the New Lunar Year of the Earth Pig/Boar. Over 20 artists have created celebratory interpretations of the Boar or Pig in various mediums. Join us as we welcome the start of this year, filled with the promise of harmony, success, peace, and prosperity!"

Opening Reception: Saturday February 2, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Exhibition Dates: Saturday, February 2 through Sunday, March 17, 2019

moc (@) theministryofculture.com

Realm is located in Los Angeles Chinatown’s historic Central Plaza

425 Gin Ling Way, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Open Wednesday through Monday 12-6:00 PM, Closed Tuesday

Edit 2/2/19:  Due to car troubles, I'm going to postpone my visit to the show until a later date. I will try to take photos to share when I am able to go.

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WIP Work in Progress View of "Fortune Smiles"

In this original wip work in progress acrylic painting of a piglet, I have finished the underpainting.  This is not the completed version, but one of the steps along the way, the original completed painting is available at the Realm/Ministry of Culture Zodiac: Year of the Boar Exhibit at the Art Salon Chinatown until March 17th...  The panel that I'm painted on is 7"x5" and I intend to release the prints and an image of the framed original next week.  Please contact me if you'd like a preview of the finished piece, my little piggy gets more pink and nuanced in the pig's state of completion.

This is a work in progress, but I also post finished pieces here as well 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/

I've still been sketching daily, but I haven't had the opportunity yet to have a scanning party, so I'll try to share them when I next post...

WIP Piglet Pig Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches of Big Eye Fantasy Maidens, Flowers, & Lovebirds / January 10-23 / Art Sketch Daily...

In this original wip work in progress acrylic painting of a piglet, I have laid in the background.  I am painting this pig in honor of Chinese New Year, this year it is Year of the Boar...  The panel that I'm painting on is 7"x5"

This is a work in progress, but I also post finished pieces here as well 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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January 10-23 Sketches

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. They are all rough sketches.  I'm quite a bit behind in sharing my daily sketches, so I've grouped the images in groups so it isn't quite so overwhelming.  You may see them individually on facebook here.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Day 10:  Here is a sketch of an orchid.  There are so many lovely variations of this flower...

Day 11:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  I think she has seen much of the world...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  

Day 12:  Here is a sketch of a geranium.  They are so vibrant and lovely... 

Day 13:  Here is a sketch of an anthurium.  They are a joy to sketch... 

Day 14:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a moodiness to her demeanor...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess. 

Day 15:  Here is a sketch of a calla lily.  There is a purity and grace to these flowers... 

Day 16:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of wonder.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  

Day 17:  Here is a sketch of a tulip.  I love tulips... 

Day 18:  Here is a sketch of gloxinia flower.  I'm not sure if I've seen one of these in person... 

Day 19:  Here is a sketch of a hibiscus.  I love the flower's joyful quality...  

Day 20:  Here is a sketch of a daisy.  Daisies are such sweet flowers...  

Day 21:  Here is a sketch of a lovebird.  This is lovebird one of three potential lovebirds that I will decide amongst to paint.  Here I am exploring standard proportions, but I may redraw them to explore a more chibi look.  

Day 22:  Here is a sketch of a lovebird.  This is lovebird one of three potential lovebirds that I will decide amongst to paint.  Here I am exploring standard proportions, but I may redraw them to explore a more chibi look.  

Day 23:  Here is a sketch of a lovebird.  This is lovebird one of three potential lovebirds that I will decide amongst to paint.  Here I am exploring standard proportions, but I may redraw them to explore a more chibi look.  

Original Big Eye Gothic Latina Mermaid & Flapjack Octopus Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Artist Spotlight...

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

This week my featured painting is "Octina."  This big eye gothic Latina mermaid has a little reddish orange flapjack octopus friend. I am so smitten with my little cephalopod umbrella octopus friend that he shows up solo in another piece, I've linked them in the link above...  They are some of my smallest paintings.  The art has a lowbrow fantasy surrealism feel to the style.  The original mermaid and octopus 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 angels, you may see them here.

Bonus Featured Image "Octina"

5"x7" Open Edition print on Sale here

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

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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Artist Spotlight

Jasmine Becket-Griffith

As an artist, I find the works of other artists inspiring.  There's a lot going on in the art world, some of it online and some of it out in the world.  I love art so much and I hope you will enjoy reading features on some of the artists that I love...

Jasmine Becket-Griffith is one of my favorite artists and I was fortunate to win this 78 Tarot deck on twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/jasminebecketgriffith.  She'll be painting live again on Sunday January 20th 2019.  This Mythical Tarot of the Legendary was written by Trish Sullivan and Illustrated by 81 artists.  It is part of a global art collaboration.  Jasmine's card was the Moon and she drew in part on Alphonse Mucha for inspiration.  It is a gorgeous card and she very kindly signed the card and the case.

I've been bouncing from deadline to deadline so I've been sharing less works in progress than I usually do, but I have been inspired by Jasmine Becket Griffith and Annie Stegg Gerard (who I'll include in a future Artist Spotlight) to include underpaintings as part of my process.  I feel it has had a positive impact on my art.  I also feel as though being able to watch as Jasmine creates her incredible works of art is a gift in and of itself, but she also holds raffles throughout her broadcasts as well...  If you miss the live broadcast, you may watch them archived on her twitch page.  The older ones are also uploaded to youtube.

Here as some additional links for Jasmine Becket-Griffith

https://strangeling.com

https://www.patreon.com/jasminebecketgriffith/posts

https://www.facebook.com/strangeling/

I've still been sketching daily, but I haven't had the opportunity yet to have a scanning party, so I'll try to share them when I next post...

Original Pink Peach Flapjack Umbrella Octopus Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! January Sketches...

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

This week my featured painting is "Adorablis."  This little flapjack octopus has pink, peach, and orange hues. I am so smitten with my little cephalopod umbrella octopus friend that he's also featured in another painting that I plan to share next week, but if you can't wait to see him with his mermaid friend, I've linked them in the link above...  They are some of my smallest paintings.  The art has a lowbrow fantasy surrealism feel to the style.  The original octopus 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 angels, you may see them here.

Bonus Featured Image "Adorablis"

5"x7" Open Edition print on Sale here

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

Edit 1/11: I've ran out of time to do a separate post for PPF today, so I am sharing this completed painting.

Happy Paint Party Friday!  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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

January 5-9 Sketches

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January. They will be primarily rough sketches. You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has quality of curiousity...  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 January.  This is from day 5.  

This is a rough sketch.

 Here is a sketch of marigolds.  They are based on one of the simpler variations of this flower...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it.


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January.  This is from day 6.

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intensity to her...  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 January. This is from day 7. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of an iris.  I love the flower's long elegant lines...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch.  

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of compassion.  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 January. This is day 9. 

This is a rough sketch. 

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

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

I hope the new year is treating you well!  I've been working on some new additions to my website, I hope to be able to start sharing them next week...

This week my featured painting is "Lotus."  She has huge blue eyes, pink 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 angels, you may see them here.

Featured Image "Lotus"

5"x7" Open Edition print on Sale here

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

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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

December 19-January 4 Sketches

I decided to do a sketch a day in December and have decided to continue this challenge through January. They are all rough sketches.  I'm quite a bit behind in sharing my daily sketches, so I've grouped the images in groups so it isn't quite so overwhelming.  You may see December's individually on facebook here and January's here.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Day 19:  Here is a sketch of a pansy.  The are such sweet flowers...

Day 20:  Here is a sketch of a pansy.  It is sketched at a different angle than the day before's...

Day 21:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has her goggles atop her head and is ready to take flight...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  

Day 22:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her eyes are serenely closed...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 23:  Here is a sketch of petunia blossoms.  They are a charming flower... 

Day 24:  Here is a sketch of a naturtium.  These flowers have a wonderful energy...

Day 25:  Here is a sketch of a poinsettia.  I was feeling a bit in the Christmas spirit...  

Day 26:  Here is a sketch of a bearded iris.  They are such elegant flowers...

Day 27:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate sweetness...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 28:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has sultry quality...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess. 

Day 29:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a wary expression...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 30:  Here is a sketch of a hibiscus.  They are such cheerful flowers... 

Day 31:  Here is a sketch of an anthurium.  They are a wonderful flower to sketch...

Day 1:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an aura of gentle concern...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 2:  Here is a sketch of a pig.  I haven't interacted much with pigs, but I've heard they're clever...  This is pig one of three potential piglets that I will decide amongst to paint.

Day 3:  Here is a sketch of a pig.  I haven't interacted much with pigs, but I've heard they're clever...  This is pig two of three potential piglets that I will decide amongst to paint.

Day 4:  Here is a sketch of a pig.  I haven't interacted much with pigs, but I've heard they're clever...  This is pig three of three potential piglets that I will decide amongst to paint.