"Xochitl Study" for the Dia de los Muertos/ Day of the Dead Mujeres Valientes Show

 

This is my "Xochitl Study" that I did for the Dia de los Muertos/ Day of the Dead Mujeres Valientes Exhibit at the Ontario Museum of History & Art in 2021.  It was a year when I didn't feel I'd be able to finish the full sized painting that I started for them so I submitted this colored pencil drawing on toned paper.  I bring it up this year because my schedule was too complicated to even ask them to consider me this year for their show, but I'm hoping to complete this year the painting that this drawing was a study for that I started for them so many years ago...

I'll try to post a wip work in progress image of my Xochitl painting in the not too distant future.  Please look forward to it.

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Big Eye Fantasy Pirate Lass Sketch...

 

Ahoy scallywags, in honor o' International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I 'ave been workin' on this sketch 'o' a pirate lass.  I'm sorry 'tis been such a long while.

I hope ye 'ave an excellent Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Big Eye Fantasy Pirate Lass Toned Drawing...

 

Ahoy scallywags, in honor o' International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I 'ave been workin' on this toned drawin' o' a pirate lass.  I hope t' be paintin' this pirate lass at some future point.

I hope ye 'ave an excellent Talk Like a Pirate Day!

May the Fourth Be With You! Do Not Eat Me! Rough Sketches of Star Wars Inspired Porg Birds...

 

May the 4th Be With You!

Please do not eat me!  I was inspired by the adorable porg birds of Star Wars for these rough sketches.  Perhaps for next year I'll paint one of them...

Rough Tiger Sketch Refined a Bit... Chinese Lunar New Year Animal Art

 

I'm pretty behind this year on my Chinese Lunar New Year Animal for the upcoming year.  Here is my rough sketch of the tiger refined a bit.  The paws have grown a bit since you have seen him last...

Next comes transferring to the panel and working on the background.

Happy Halloween! Big Eye Fantasy Scarecrow Toned Drawing...

 

This big eye scarecrow and I would like to wish you a happy Halloween!

She's a toned drawing that I am working on.  I'd also like to make her into a painting, but I ran out of time for this year.  Although I do love Halloween all year long...

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Big Eye Fantasy Pirate Lass Toned Drawing...

 

Ahoy scallywags, in honor o' International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I 'ave been workin' on this toned drawin' o' a pirate lass.  It took me some time t' return t' this drawin' o' this lovely pirate lass, but now I reckon I 'ave her set t' rights.  Initially I'd planned a series o' pirate paintings, but I be nah sure if I be takin' this any further...

I hope ye 'ave an excellent Talk Like a Pirate Day!

May the Fourth 4th be with You! A New Hope Original Painting of Grogu Baby Yoda... Happy Star Wars Day!

 

"A New Hope" Original 5"x7" Painting SOLD, Prints & LE ACEO Prints

coming soon to lisabellarusso.com

This is my most recent completed painting, it was inspired by Grogu aka Baby Yoda of the Mandalorian.  In "A New Hope," it looks like he is cocking his ear listening to his name.  This is a 5"x7" original painting, but while the original has sold, I do have open edition prints and LE ACEO prints available.

May the Fourth be with you!  Happy Star Wars Day!

Finishing Touches on A New Hope Study, toned drawing of Grogu Baby Yoda

 

"A New Hope Study" Original 5"x7" Drawing on Toned Paper

coming soon to lisabellarusso.com

I've put the finishing touches on "A New Hope," my toned drawing of Grogu Baby Yoda.  This is a 5"x7" study on toned 9"x12" drawing paper.  I've also finished my full color acrylic painting, but I will endeavor to share that tomorrow.

I am very excited for May the Fourth!

Year of the Muskox Chinese New Year Musk Ox WIP Work in Progress Rough Sketch / Art Sketch Daily #dailysketch #draweveryday...

 

Every year, I try to paint the Zodiac animal of the year for Chinese New Year...  February 12th will be the start of year of the ox.  Right now I've started with a rough sketch of a muskox.  It is a work in progress at this point. I love to paint fluffy fur and this musk ox has plenty of that!  I am looking forward to taking this further.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 some of my Chinese New inspired animal art (I hope to finish this piece by next month and share some additional Zodiac animals on the 1st Tuesday of February) and others; you may see them here.

Big Eye Eyed Fantasy Scarecrow Halloween WIP Work in Progress Toned Drawing / Art Sketch Daily #dailysketch #draweveryday...

 

This is a project I have on the drawing board, in a manner of speaking.  This big eyed scarecrow might not be very scary...  Right now I'm working on a toned drawing of her.  It is a work in progress at this point.  I am still debating on how to handle her hair and I've yet to lay in any highlights...  I've also transferred her to a panel and I'm looking forward to putting some paint down on her in the not too distant future.

I was inspired by Camilla d'Errico's #Drawloween prompt list last year; although I didn't get very far, I'm hoping to get farther this year with this piece...

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 some of my Halloween and Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead art; you may see them here.

Rough Sketches of Monarch Butterflies Butterfly for Big Eye Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead Maiden/ Art Sketches Daily #dailysketch #draweveryday...

 

This is one page of three pages of rough sketches that I did of monarch butterflies.  The theme this year for the Ontario Museum of Art show is Journey of the Butterflies.  I may have gone a little overboard with the butterfly sketches, but I really love butterflies... 

It has been a while since you've heard from me as I have been almost entirely focused on meeting the deadline for the show.  There will be two paintings, one maiden will have a crown of skulls with monarch butterflies hovering around the skulls and a smaller piece with just a skull and a butterfly.  I look forward to sharing with you some of my progress pictures of the pieces as well as the pieces submitted to the show when it opens.  Due to COVID, it will be an online show.  Alex Ledante also has some splendid pieces in the show and I look forward to you seeing them as well.  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 zodiac animals art plus more; you may see them here.

Rough Sketch of a Big Eye Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead Maiden/ Art Sketches Daily...

 

It probably seems a bit early for Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead; however, I am participating in the Ontario Museum of Art show and for me the deadline seems looming.  I'm a bit slow, so aways we go...  

The theme this year is Journey of the Butterflies.  This is a rough sketch of one of the paintings that I will be doing.  My maiden will have a crown of skulls with monarch butterflies atop the skulls.  I will also be doing a smaller piece with just a skull and a butterfly or two.  I have not yet decided if she will have the traditional makeup or not or if the tiny skulls atop her head will be adorned or not and this sketch of her needs improvement as well, so, oh so many decisions ahead before I start the paintings themselves...  Here is my starting point for this one though.  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 mermaid art plus some more; you may see them here.

May the Fourth (4th) be With You! Big Eye Toned Drawing of Baby Yoda...

I hope you have a wonderful Star Wars Day from me and from baby Yoda at lisabellarusso.com!  May the Fourth (4th) be with You...

Usually I do a toned drawing as a precursor to doing a painting, but this time I have not yet decided if I'll take this any further.  We recently subscribed to Disney+ streaming and I was able to watch The Mandalorian.  Of course I was smitten with baby Yoda, not that he's technically actually baby Yoda, but smitten I was...

I've mentioned wanting do some more toned drawings this year and add them to the studies section of my website, but I haven't had much follow through yet.  Hopefully this little 5"x7" drawing on 9"x12" toned paper will be there in the not too distant future depending on if I decide to go further and do a painting of him or not.  If I do decide to paint him, I'll wait until the painting is also complete and add them to the website at the same time. 

Rough Sketch of a Big Eye Bunny Girl Maiden/ Art Sketches Daily #dailysketch #draweveryday...

Here is my big eye bunny girl maiden rough sketch.  She is actually a merging of two sketches in photoshop.  I did her face first then sketched some ears.  I played with their size and angles a bit to get them just so.  I do continue to sketch daily, I find a bit of art routine is very important to my day.  I'm hoping to do a drawing of this one as well as a painting.  Although it seems unlikely I will complete her for Easter, I love bunnies any time of the year!


Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 mermaid art plus some more; you may see them here.

Share Your Ears #shareyourears

Happy Winter Solstice! Big Eye Blue Snowflake Angel Original Painting & Rough Sketches of Rats...

Happy Winter Solstice wishes from me and from this angel at lisabellarusso.com...

"Winter Belle" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition LE Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here

"Winter Belle" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition LE Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here:

http://www.lisarusso.com/fantasyart/winterbelle.htm

I live in a land without snow, but when I think of winter, I think of snowflakes.  This angel's eyes are gently closed as she ushers in the new season.  I hope you have a wonderful first day of winter and that the season is a beautiful one for you.

I'm a little early in posting this as the first day of winter also falls on my birthday so I'll be away from the computer more than usual on the 21st, but I did want to wish you a joyeux day.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 wintry Christmas; you may see them here.

Featured Image "Winter Belle"

8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here

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

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

Year of the Rat Sketches

Rats!

Yes, really, rats...  I don't often sketch rats, in fact this is my first time doing so.  However every year I like to do a Chinese New Year piece inspired by the animal of the year.  Although I knew in advance which rat I wanted to focus on, I decided to sketch a number of them to get the feel for them.  These are rough sketches.  The one I will be developing further is the last one.  The paws and feet need a bit more work before I move forward.

Rough Sketch, Rat 1

Rough Sketch, Rat 2

Rough Sketch, Rat 3

Rough Sketch, Rat 4 The Chosen Rat

Original Big Eye Mermaid with Starfish Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Big Eye Fantasy Mermaid WIP Work in Progress Toned Drawing...

"Looking In" Original Painting on 11"x11" Porthole Frame Here

This week my featured painting is "Looking In," an original painting of a big eye brunette mermaid with a starfish friend. She has huge inquisitive brown eyes.  She is painted directly on a porthole frame and there is some texture to the starfish.  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 lisabellarusso.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, you may see them here.

Featured Image "Looking In"

8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here

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

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

Big Eye Fantasy Mermaid WIP Work in Progress Toned Drawing...

This is a project I have on the drawing board, in a manner of speaking.  This big eyed mermaid has a seashell crown.  Right now I'm working on a toned drawing of her.  It is very much a work in progress at this point.  I am still laying in the base tones, then I'll add some lights, then some more darks, and then the brightest lights...  I've also transferred her to a canvas and I'm looking forward to putting some paint down on her in the not too distant future.

Happy Halloween! Big Eye Eyed Fairy Goddess Pumpkin Jack o' Lantern Original Painting / Big Eye Eyed Fantasy Scarecrow Lass / Art Sketch Daily

Happy Halloween Wishes from this big eye fairy lass and from me at lisabellarusso.com!

"Hallofaerie" Original 11"x14" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

This is "Hallofaerie," an original big eye fantasy painting of a fairy angel dressed up as a Greek or Roman goddess for Halloween.  She is standing next to her favorite fall jack o'lantern pumpkin.    She has big brown eyes and long brown hair.  The art has a lowbrow surreal feel...

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 mixed with fall, Día de los Muertos, and Halloween art; you may see them here.

Featured Image "Hallofaerie"

8"x10" Open Edition print on SOLD, but available on my website at the link above

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

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

Big Eye Eyed Fantasy Scarecrow Lass / Art Sketch Daily

So, whilst I've continued to sketch daily, I haven't been posting each and every sketch, but this is a fun project that I'm working on.  I've decided to paint a big eye scarecrow lass.  I've sketched two potential scarecrows and decided to develop this one.  I was inspired by Camilla d'Errico's Drawloween prompt list, although I've yet to get past the rough sketch stage...

I am looking forward to taking the first rough sketch and doing a toned drawing of her!

Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Big Eye Fantasy Pirate Lass WIP Work in Progress Toned Drawing...

Ahoy scallywags, in honor o' International Talk Like a Pirate Day, I 'ave been workin' on this toned drawin' o' a pirate lass.  I've laid her gently in, but I still needs t' add some lights 'n do additional shadin'.  I be plannin' on doin' a series o' pirate paintin's, this will be th' first one.  Sometimes fer a paintin' I like t' do a toned drawin' first as in this case.

I hope ye 'ave an excellent Talk Like a Pirate Day!


Most o' me art be also available on me website at lisabellarusso.com; however, on th' first Tuesday o' th' month, I like t' put some art prints 'n LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate fer th' duration o' th' auctions...  This month, me theme be cats 'n dogs; ye may see them here.

Original Lisianthus Flowers Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Rough Sketches of Some Orchids...

"Lisianthus Beauties" Original 4"x3.5" Painting on Acid Free Vellum Paper in a 5.25"x4.75" Frame Here

This week my featured painting is "Lisianthus Beauties."  These light lilac flowers captured my imagination when I photographed them at Huntington Gardens.  The art has a soft realist impressionist feel.  The original lisianthus floral acrylic painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

If you'd like to see some of my process for this painting, I've shared my shared some of the steps from sketch to final version here.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 cats and dogs; you may see them here.

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

Rough Sketches of Some Orchid Flowers / Art Sketch Daily

So, whilst I've continued to sketch daily, I haven't been posting each and every sketch, but here are some of my sketches of an assortment of these lovely flowers.  I think my next flower painting may be an orchid, there are so many lovely variations!  Orchids are one of my favorite flowers...

These are rough sketches, but you may see some of my completed floral paintings here if you'd like.