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!

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!

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

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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

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

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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.

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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.

Rough Sketches of Some Bicorn Hats & Big Eye Pirate Lasses / Art Sketch Daily...

So, whilst I've continued to sketch daily, I haven't been posting each and every sketch, but I thought this would be a fun project to share.  I'm working on a pirate painting, although at this point I'm only at the rough sketches stage.  I've sketched three potential pirate lasses and some bicorn hat options.  I plan to pick one lovely lass and find the best hat for her and develop her further.  I tend to doubt that I'll finish her in time for International Talk Like a Pirate Day, but I'm going to try anyway...

I've been wanting to paint a pirate for quite some time and she's finally on the drawing board!  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

Bicorn Hats, Rough Sketches by Lisabella Russo

Pirate Lass, Rough Sketch by Lisabella Russo

Pirate Lass, Rough Sketch by Lisabella Russo

Pirate Lass, Rough Sketch by Lisabella Russo

Original Closed Big Eye Gothic Mermaid Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Plus a MerMay Rough Sketch...

"Song of the Siren" Original 7"x5" Painting on Canvas Panel Here

This week my featured painting is "Song of the Siren," an original painting of a big eye gothic mermaid with closed eyes. It's unusual for me to paint big eyed maidens with their eyes closed, but it just felt right for this piece as she prepared to sing her song. 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 for the 10 day auctions is mermaids for MerMay, you may see them here.

Featured Image "Song of the Siren"
7"x5" Open Edition print on Sale here
ACEO 3.5"x2.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here

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

Rough Sketches of 2019

Here is the rough sketch for the face of a mermaid I am working on.  She will have a beautiful seashell crown and be painted on an oval canvas.  I also plan to do a drawing of her.  I've started her in honor of MerMay, but while I will be working on her this month, I probably won't get her completed this month.  Mermaids are a favorite theme of mine though and there are many to see at my website if you'd like...

I love to sketch and draw. I've been sketching daily for years and it's one of my favorite ways to make sure art is in my life daily. Some of them are destined to become paintings or drawings, some remain sketches. Here is one of my daily rough sketches... 

May the Fourth be With You! Big Eye Rough sketch of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia

Although I've continued to sketch daily, it has been a while since I've shared any of my rough sketches.  This one is inspired by Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.  I've long loved her big soulful eyes.

I hope you have a wonderful Star Wars Day!  May the Fourth (4th) be with You...



I love to sketch and draw. I've been sketching daily for years and it's one of my favorite ways to make sure art is in my life daily. Some of them are destined to become paintings or drawings, some remain sketches. Here is one of my daily rough sketches...  You may see some of my completed works at lisabellarusso.com.

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.

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.