Original Big Eye Black Ghost Fantasy Lowbrow Surreal Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints!

"Moonrise" Original 16"x20" Painting on Canvas here

This week my featured painting is "Moonrise," an original big eye black ghost painting.  I painted it for Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California at the Ontario Museum of Art Exhibit.  She was inspired by a folktale.  I loved painting her fluffy hair.  This original painting is available as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has a painterly lowbrow surreal feel... 

When I started painting people, I made them mostly blue or purple.  Alex Ledante, an artist I respect very much, encouraged me to try natural skin tones.  There is so much beauty in the range of our skins.  I think all skin tones are lovely and no one should be treated differently based on what theirs is.  

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 sunflowers, but there are more than solely flowers to see.  If you would like to take a look; you may see them here.

Black Lives Matter.  Resources available at blacklivesmatter.com

Original Big Eye Black Ghost Painting! Black History Month Art Prints & ACEO Prints! HELLO KITTY 45th Anniversary Group Show (Closed Show) II

"Moonrise" Original 16"x20" Painting on Canvas here

This week my featured painting is "Moonrise," an original big eye black ghost painting.  I painted it for Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California at the Ontario Museum of Art Exhibit.  She was inspired by a folktale.  I loved painting her fluffy hair.  This original painting is available as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has a painterly 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 some of my lovely dark skinned maidens in honor of Black History Month.  If you would like to take a look; you may see them here.

Featured Image "Moonrise"

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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HELLO KITTY 45th Anniversary Group Show (Closed Show) II

Corey Helford Gallery  

JUNE 29 - AUGUST 3, 2019 

I love Hello Kitty and I love art, so this show was a perfect storm of love for me!  Some of my favorite artists had works in the show and I was introduced to some new artists as well.  I photographed most of the show, so it will be a while until I've rezised and shared my pictures, but I hope you will enjoy them as they come along.

In some cases I have photos of me with the art as part of my #withtheart series of photographs.  For this show, my wonderful and talented mother made me a solo Hello Kitty crochet doll as well as a hat with multiple figures!  I hope you will enjoy them as well. 

Lisabella Russo (me) with PEEKABOO KITTY by Olivia De Berardinis #withtheart

This was my first time getting to see an original Olivia De Berardinis painting, I was so thrilled!  Alex introduced me to her art books years ago...

PEEKABOO KITTY by Olivia De Berardinis

THE CAT & THE GIRL by Pogo

A SUPER DAY IN CALIFORNIA! by Kozyndan

CLOUD NINE by Nicole Gordon

HELLO AGAIN, KITTY by Kelogsloops

HELLO AGAIN, KITTY by Kelogsloops Close Up

MY MELODY STAR STORM by Lori Nelson

HELLO LILY KITTY by Sarah Folkman

GOOD MORNING KITTY by Bennett Slater

To see more paintings from the show, please visit here.

Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California at the Ontario Museum of Art Show + Original Big Eye Gothic Angel Fairy Iris Garden Guardian Painting...

Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California at the Ontario Museum of Art Exhibit

Lisa Isabella Russo with her (my) art

Orchid Intrigue by Lisa Isabella Russo

photo by Alex Ledante

Here are my two framed pieces "Orchid Intrigue" and "Moonrise" from the Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California Exhibit at the Ontario Museum of Art as well as some of my favorites from the show.  These are only a small sampling of the art that was there, there were many rooms filled to the brim with some impressive and inspiring art.  The show will run until Sunday February 25th 2018.

Location: 225 S Euclid Ave  

                Ontario, CA 91762

Phone: (909) 395-2510

Hours:  Noon to 4 pm  Thursday through Sunday

http://www.ontarioca.gov/museum

Orchid Intrigue by Lisa Isabella Russo

Moonrise by Lisa Isabella Russo

Lives Matter by Virginia Vilchis

Ballerina by Katherine Taylor

Fruits of Hispaniola by Sarah Stone

Harriet Tubman Glow by Vanessa Cobarrubias

Will Work for Free by Cat Chiu Phillips

Buffalo Soldier by Cynthia Wierschen

Manaka Thoughts by Pache Pace

Queen Califia by Allyson Allen

Generations by Riea Owens

Fight the Power by Alex Ledante

Alex Ledante with his art

Fight the Power by Alex Ledante

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 on Thursday.

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"Iris Dream" Original 16"x20" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Iris Dream."  She and "Orchid Intrigue" are part of the same series.  The original big eye gothic angel fairy garden guardian painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  "Orchid Intrigue" and "Moonrise" will join her on my website at some point after I get them back from the museum.


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 hearts; you may see them here.

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

Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California at the Ontario Museum of Art Framed Big Eye Fantasy Angel Ghost Pieces + January Sketches...

Here are my two framed pieces "Orchid Intrigue" and "Moonrise" for the Diversity and Inclusion: The Influence of African-American Art in Southern California Exhibit at the Ontario Museum of Art, I finished them in the nick of time.  The show will run from Thursday January 25th to Sunday February 25th.

The exhibit reception will be on Saturday January 27th from 2 pm to 4 pm.  Alex Ledante also has a show in the piece and we will try to be there. We'll most likely be there at some point near the end, but please contact us to coordinate if you'd like to meet us there.  I"ll try to get some photographs to share from the show when we go.

Location: 225 S Euclid Ave  

                Ontario, CA 91762

Phone: (909) 395-2510

Hours:  Noon to 4 pm  Thursday through Sunday

http://www.ontarioca.gov/museum

I didn't get a chance to finish up the kitty this week, but hopefully for next Friday...
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 has an enigmatic expression...  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 18.

This is a rough sketch.  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 a sweet yet gently sad quality...  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 day 19. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketch of a Big Eye Angel & Fairy/ December 2 & 3 / Art Sketches Daily

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost, I've been working on her hair.  I've finessed the edges and then added some drips from her hair.  I still need to add some gentle highlights to her hair, finesse her eyes a bit, and add highlights; but I am close to finishing this painting.  "Moonrise" is inspired by an African American folktale "I Know Moonrise" as retold by S.E. Schlosser.  She drowned in the marsh and longs for her family. 

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Orchid Intrigue" 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 has a look of gentle concern...  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 2. 

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 93. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a little bit of a question in her eyes...  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 3. 

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 94. 

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketches, November 25, 26, & 27/ Big Eye Mermaid, Goddess, & Fairy Daily Sketch

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost, I've been working on her hair.  I've been adding layers of a darker glaze; next will come the edges and then some drips from her hair.  "Moonrise" is inspired by an African American folktale "I Know Moonrise" as retold by S.E. Schlosser.  She drowned in the marsh and longs for her family. 

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Orchid Intrigue" 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.

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

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

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 86. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to be purveying her realm...  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 November. This is from day 26. 

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 87. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of gentle concern and a crown upon her head...  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 November. This is day 27. 

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 88. 

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + Sketch of a Big Eye Fairy & Goddess, November 18 & 19 Daily Sketches...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost, I've started on her hair.  After having done some tests for technique, I feel a bit more confident.  I've put in a couple of layers of her underpainting and will next proceed to glazing her hair a darker color.  "Moonrise" is inspired by an African American folktale "I Know Moonrise" as retold by S.E. Schlosser.  She drowned in the marsh and longs for her family. 

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" canvas in acrylics.  This piece and "Orchid Intrigue" 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.

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

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a determined expression and captivating hair...  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 November. This is from day 18. 

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 79. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed gothic maiden.  She has a feeling of cautious observation...  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 November. This is day 19. 

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 80. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Test Canvas for WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + November Sketches, Sketch 11 & 12, Goddess & Fairy Bunny...

This is a test for the hair of my original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost.  I actually have a number of tests on this canvas; the braid for Wednesday Addams, the hair/skin for my orchid guardian, the fins for "Teacher's Pets," and more.  When I'm trying something I've never painted before or that I think will be tricky, I sometimes like to try things out on my test canvas.  For "Moonrise" I've tried using layers, brushes, and differently sized sponges.  Having done these tests I've concluded the method which I think will work the best, it will actually be a combination of layering and different tools.  It looks like my test canvas is pretty full again, I think it's time to gesso over this one or start a new one...  

This is a test for 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 has an otherwordly quality...  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 November. This is from day 11. 

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 72. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is part bunny, I just had bunnies on the mind...  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 November. This is day 12. 

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 73. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + November Sketches, Sketch 9 & 10, Angel & Fairy...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost.  I've adjusted her lips a little, added in some drips with her eye makeup, and pulled in her hair a bit with the background color, so that some of the background behind the less thick areas of hair will shine through.  Soon I'll do some experiments on my test canvas for her hair.  "Moonrise" is inspired by an African American folktale "I Know Moonrise" as retold by S.E. Schlosser.  She drowned in the marsh and longs for her family. 

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.  She has an alert innocence...  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 November. This from day 9. 

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 70. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  This shy fae is in disguise in a black mask...  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 November. This is day 10. 

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 71. 

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Ghost Art Original Painting Work in Progress + October Sketches, Sketch 25, 26, & 27/ Big Eye Mermaid, Goddess, & Fairy...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye ghost.  I've worked on her chemise, her shading, fixed her nose, and painted her features...  I'd like to add in some drips with her eye makeup soon and I'm excited to do some experiments on my test canvas for her hair.  "Moonrise" is inspired by an African American folktale "I Know Moonrise" as retold by S.E. Schlosser.  She drowned in the marsh and longs for her family. 

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.  Her hair flows wildly around her and she seems to have a quizzical expression...  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 October. This is from day 25. 

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 55. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a very knowing gaze...  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 October. This is from day 26. 

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 56. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a whimsical look.  This isn't one of my favorites, but some days are just better (or worse) than others.  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 October. This is day 27. 

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 57. 

This is a rough sketch.