Original Angelfish Angel Fish Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! May 19-23 Sketches...

"School's Out" Original 5"x7" Acrylic Painting on a Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "School's Out," an original angelfish painting.  This angel fish is currently away from his school but will rejoin them for a larger mermaid painting this is a preliminary piece for.  The original has some interference violet shimmer seen in some angles that I've tried to capture in the image above.  The art has a lowbrow realist 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 #mermay month, my theme is mermaids and mermaid friends, you may see them here.

Featured Image "School's Out"

5"x7" 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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May 19-23 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She a look of gentle concern...  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 May. This is from day 19. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of some snowmound spirea flowers.  This is only a small group of a larger cluster...  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 May.  This is from day 20.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is based on the same model as day 19...  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 May. This is from day 21. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of an anthurium flower.  These tropical beauties are amongst my favorites...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this 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 22.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of quiet 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 May. This is day 23. 

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.

Original Blue Mermaid with Fish Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! March Sketches...

"Twirls and Curls" Original 11"x14" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Twirls and Curls," an original painting of a big eye blue haired mermaid with two tiny angelfish friends. She has huge inquisitive blue eyes. The piece has a surreal lowbrow fantasy feel. I love mermaids so and this one has a whimsical deco nouveau quality as well...  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 a selection of my flowers, you may see them here.

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

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

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Edit:  Andrew recognized these as crocosmia / coppertip flowers, thank you Andrew!

Here is a sketch of some flowers.  This is another branch or stem from the same flower I've sketched before, but I don't know the name of them...  I think they may likely be for the hair of a maiden, I still need to sketch a few more though to determine which ones best suit her...

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

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Mermaid & AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + March Sketches, Sketch 10, Tulip

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've added some shading to the fishies.  I've also painted in the start of the fins, I have one more fish to go before I glaze over them.  The strokes of the fins require a very steady hand, so I've needed to do them over more than one day...  

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  I've been mainly focused on smaller works, this is my first large painting in quite some time.  

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 tulip.  Tulips bloom for such a short season, I love the transient beauty 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 March.  This is day 10.  

This is a rough sketch.  

WIP Mermaid & AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + February 27 Sketches, Sketch 28, Fairy Angel

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've painted the base colors of the fishies.  Next I'll add some shading to the fish and then I'll begin work on their fins...  

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  I've been mainly focused on smaller works, this is my first large painting in quite some time.  I have so many ideas for pieces, so in addition to smaller works, I hope to paint some additional larger works this year.

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 gothic maiden.  She has a wary expression as she contemplates the mortal realm.  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 February.  This is day 27.  

This is a rough sketch.  I am also participating in the February 29 Faces Challenge, this is face 28. 

WIP Mermaid & AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + February Sketches, Sketch 17, Fairy Angel...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've almost finished her hair.  She may get an additional wispy when the fish are complete.  I've started on the fishies, they are fun little sea animals.  Right now I've started blocking them in, then they'll get a bit of shading.  After which will come the fins, ah fins, glorious fins...

This big eyed beauty 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/

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her glance holds volumes and her hair is adorned with water lilies.  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 February.  This is day 17.

This is a rough sketch.  I am also participating in the February 29 Faces Challenge, this is face 17.

WIP Mermaid & AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + February Sketches, Sketch 10, Fairy Angel...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've started on her hair.  I still need to do some shading though...  Next come the fishies, I expect I'll be painting them for quite some time, but I am looking forward to them.

This big eyed beauty 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/

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a hint of smile, as if she sees something potentially wonderful...  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 February.  This is day 10.  

This is a rough sketch.  I am also participating in the February 29 Faces Challenge, this is face 10.

WIP Mermaid & AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + February Sketches, Sketch 6, Fairy Angel

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I have been working on her features.  I've made some progress on her eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips; but I may do a bit more with her eyelashes and lips before I move on to her hair or I may go on to hair and revisit her features later... 

This big eyed beauty 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.

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Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She is wearing a mask, but is perhaps a bit concerned that her disguise isn't good enough...  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 February.  This is day 6.  

This is a rough sketch.  I am also participating in the February 29 Faces Challenge, this is face 6.

WIP Mermaid + AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + January Sketches, Sketch 27, Camellia Flower

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I have been working on her skin tones.  I think I'm happy with the skin tones in her face at this point, I've also painted in some more skin below her neck, I think I almost gave her a little too much hair...  I need to paint in her eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips; then I'll be on to her hair. 

This big eyed beauty 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/

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

Here is a sketch of a camellia.  This flower has a range of forms, this one has lovely full petals...  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 January.  This is day 22.  

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Mermaid + AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + January Sketches, Sketch 9, Chipping Sparrow

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've added the highlights to her eyes and have been working on her skin tones.  At this point I'm a couple of layers in and she is roughly blocked in, I think she needs a couple more layers of skin tones before I move on to her hair... 

This big eyed beauty 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.

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Here is a sketch of a chipping sparrow.  He is set against some lovely flowers.  It is very tempting to me to add this sweet round bird to my list of paintings I'd like to do...  I finally have my rooster sketch as I'd like him and I think I will begin painting him today...  

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

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Mermaid + AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + January Sketches, Sketch 2, Petunia Flowers

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've been working on her eyes.  She still needs the highlights, but I'm getting closer.  Sometimes it takes me more than one session to get the eyes right, they're so important to me...  There's a minor change I might also want to make to the background before I move forward as well, but I haven't decided for certain about that. 

This big eyed beauty 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 petunia flowers.  I like that some of the petals almost look heart shaped.  I'm unsure if I'll paint them or not, but I did enjoy sketching them.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in January.  This is day 2.  

This is a rough sketch.  

WIP Mermaid + AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + December Sketches, Sketch 19, Tulip Flower...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a mermaid with her angelfish friends, I've started on the background, as usual I'm not quite happy with it, but this time I'm close...  It has taken a while for me to get from concept to starting the actual painting, but there were a lot of elements I wanted to balance.  I'd never painted an angelfish, so I did a preliminary piece of a solo angelfish titled "School's Out."  I think it will help me to paint the angelfish with a bit more confidence when I get there, but that's quite a way away...

This big eyed beauty 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 tulip.  I think the stems and leaves of these flowers are also beautiful.  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 16.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Original Angelfish Angel Fish Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! November Sketches...

"School's Out" Original 5"x7" Acrylic Painting on a Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "School's Out," an original angelfish painting.  This angel fish is currently away from his school but will rejoin them for a larger mermaid painting this is a preliminary piece for.  The original has some interference violet shimmer seen in some angles that I've tried to capture in the bonus image shown in the website link above.  The art has a lowbrow realist 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 flowers; you may see them here.

As a bonus, I'm adding this new release at the sale print rate as I just completed this piece...

Featured Image "School's Out"

5"x7" 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/

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

Here is a sketch of a rosebud.  I love roses, they are one of my favorite flowers.  I love how it looks in blue.  It is in my tiny sketchbook that measures 3.5x5.5 inches.   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 November.  This is day 29.

This is a sketch in colored pencils.  I'm not really a colored pencil artist but I am exploring something new for the sketchbook.  I will be juxtaposing my usual rough sketches with the colored pencil sketches at varying intervals.  I tend to sketch very lightly, so these and my usual pencil ones are darkened a bit in photoshop for online viewing.

My Photograph of a Bird on a Cactus at Huntington Gardens + November Sketches Art, Day 16 Sketch, Big Eye Mermaid...

This photograph of this bird on a cactus was taken at at Huntington Gardens.  He loved the tuna on the cactus.  While I was there, three birds vied for this position, it must have been a very tasty tuna...  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

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 mermaid with angelfish.  This sneak peek is the basis for a larger painting I am working on.  It is in my tiny sketchbook that measures 3.5x5.5 inches.  

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

This is a sketch in colored pencils.  I'm not really a colored pencil artist but I am exploring something new for the sketchbook.  I will be juxtaposing my usual rough sketches with the colored pencil sketches at varying intervals.  I tend to sketch very lightly, so these and my usual pencil ones are darkened a bit in photoshop for online viewing. 

WIP AngelFish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + November Sketches, Sketch 9, 10, 11, Hibiscus Flower + Big Eye Maidens...

Edit: The Day of the dead meets Halloween 2016 Closing  https://www.facebook.com/events/1476496125697843/

Sunday 6-9 at the Neutra Gallery & Museum, more details above...

***I am pleased to report that my left hand is healing.  I'm still trying to take it slow for a while longer.  Hand permitting, I will most likely post again on Sunday.***

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of an angelfish, I've made a little bit of progress.  I've paid a bit more attention to the background and started on the fish himself.  Usually we don't think about it much, but our non dominant hand does quite a lot.  Mine is healing, slowly, but it is healing...  This is a preliminary painting for a larger piece that I am doing that will involve this fish as well as additional fishie friends for a big eye mermaid...

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/

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

Here is a sketch of a hibiscus 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 November.  This is from day 9.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  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 November.  This is from day 10.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  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 November.  This is day 11.  

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Angelfish Fish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + October Sketches, Sketch 27 & Sketch 28, Fairy & Lisianthus Flower...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of an angelfish, I've loosely blocked in the colors of the background.  This fish looks a bit goofy at present because some parts of his fins are translucent, so I needed to paint the background colors in there so that it can shine through later...  This is a preliminary painting for a larger piece that I am doing that will involve this fish as well as additional fishie friends for a big eye mermaid...

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/

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She is looking over her shoulder and is adorned with symbols of chaos...  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 October.  This was from day 27, I didn't get a chance to post yesterday.  I'm going out of town in early November, I won't be able to post as frequently as I usually do, but I will try to keep up with sketching daily and post retroactively...  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of two lisianthus flowers.  I'm working from a photograph I took at Huntington Gardens, I love these flowers.  I'm planning on doing a very small painting of these...  

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

This is a rough sketch.

Two Original Paintings! A Mermaid with Clownfish & a Clown Fish! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! May Sketches...

This Week "Three Friends" Original 11"x14" Painting here

8"x10" Open Edition print here

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

This week I am listing "Three Friends" my original fantasy black gothic mermaid with clownfish friends painting.  The art has a surreal lowbrow feel...  I had so much fun painting the clown fish, I painted one solo.  I'll post the image and links to him on Thursday.  I've finished "Pandora," but I'm holding her for someone at the present time...

I also have additional giclee art and ACEO prints here this week from Tuesday to Tuesday with a theme of mermaids and sea animal friends.  This is the last time for a while that I will be doing auctions in this way, in the future I plan to run some fixed price print and LE ACEO print auctions with a theme on the 1st Tuesday of the month.  Originals will be available on my website, so if you've had your eye on either of the two originals I have up this week, now is the time to get them at the promo start rate!


Most of my art is also available on my website at www.lisarusso.com; however, I like to put some art on ebay at a lower promotional start rate for the duration of the auctions... I have been updating my website. It's an ongoing project, but there is now an excellent selection of art available!

After the auction, "Three Friends" will be available on my website here if unsold.

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

Here is a sketch of a couple more angel fish for one of my mermaid's hair.  You may be thinking, how many fish does one mermaid need...  I probably won't use all of them, but I like having more than I need.  I'm considering painting one solo, but I haven't decided yet, or which one if I do.  I'm now ready to put some of them together in photoshop with my mermaid sketch.

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

This is a rough sketch.