Gently Cleaning a WIP (work in progress) Mermaid Painting

I pulled out a work-in-progress mermaid painting I had tucked away, ready to dive back in, but lo and behold, it had acquired a layer of dirt!

While acrylics are sturdy enough for a soft cloth and water, this was my first time facing grime on a water-soluble oil painting. Normally, I'd know what to do, but for this, I turned to Gemini for advice.

Gemini suggested Picture CleanGel. I applied the product by spraying it onto cotton balls and gently rubbing the surface. Then, I followed up by softly wiping the painting with distilled water on fresh cotton balls.

Voila! The painting is clean and prepped for its next stage! It's such a relief to have it ready.

A Framing Option for my Original Big Eye Mermaid Painting...

 

When I started Gaze of the Deep, I thought I was going to provide the frame pictured as an option.  Alex doesn't like it though.  I'm trying to decide.  What do you think?

Do you think the frame would be good for this painting as is (although it does have some vintage charm chips)?  Would it be better if Alex painted it solid black or solid gold?  Does it not work for this painting but possibly might for another painting?  Or did I make a mistake in this purchase and should I just donate it to someone who might use it?

I can't make up my mind about it.  The painting is on canvas, so it doesn't need a frame, I can just wire it, but sometimes I like to provide a framing option...  What do you think?

Completed! Original Big Eye Mermaid with a Seashell Crown Fantasy Painting...

 

Gaze of the Deep, my original big eye mermaid with a seashell crown painting is now completed!  She has an ethereal and captivating beauty.

The original painting is mixed media on an oval gallery wrapped canvas and measures 16"x20"

If you are interested in the original or prints and aren't in a huge hurry, they are available if you'd like.  Please let me know.

WIP Work in Progress! Original Big Eye Mermaid with a Seashell Crown Fantasy Painting...

 

I've blocked in her eyes and lips and worked on the skin tones of my WIP Work in Progress big eye mermaid with a seashell crown painting.  She still needs quite a lot attended to, but I feel like I've made solid progress.  

The original painting is mixed media on an oval gallery wrapped canvas and measures 16"x20"

WIP Work in Progress! Original Big Eye Mermaid with a Seashell Crown Fantasy Painting...

 

I have pretty much finished the underpainting of my WIP Work in Progress big eye mermaid with a seashell crown painting.  I think I'll work on her skin tones next.  

The original painting is mixed media on an oval gallery wrapped canvas and measures 16"x20"

WIP Work in Progress! Original Big Eye Mermaid with a Seashell Crown Fantasy Painting...

 

I am working on the underpainting of my WIP Work in Progress big eye mermaid with a seashell crown painting.  I have a bit more to go on her face and then I'll start working on her hair.  

The original painting is mixed media on an oval gallery wrapped canvas and measures 16"x20"

#29facesFebruary2015 #29faces 

WIP Work in Progress! Original Big Eye Latina Mermaid Painting...

 

This is layer two of the underpainting of this big eye Latina mermaid...  The original painting is 16"x20" duo oils on wood.  At this point in the wip work in progress, I've worked on the rocks as well.  I think I will give her at least one more underpainting layer before I proceed with the next layers... 

Mermay! Original WIP Work in Progress Mermaid Painting...

 

May has slipped away from me or perhaps skudded past me, it's been a busy month.  Unfortunately I haven't finished my mermay painting, but I will continue to work on her...  The original painting is 16"x20" duo oils on wood.  At this point in the wip work in progress, I've been working on the background.  My next step is to try texturing the rocks with a fun sponge that I have, I'm looking forward to it... 

Mermay! Original Rough Sketches of Mermaids...

 

These sketches are very rough, I haven't refined them much at all.  They're the glimmer of ideas...  I'm thinking about doing a new mermaid painting for Mermay, I think the one in the lower left corner with the larger face above will be the seed of that.  I wanted to share the idea phase of this project...

A Bit of Cheer! Happy Black History Month from this Mermaid with Clownfish Friends Painting...

 

It is dark and stormy and cold, at least for us, and colder still across the land.  To contrast with the weather, I've decided to share one of my brighter, cheerier original paintings.  This mermaid has three clownfish friends.  She and her fish friends aren't historical, but they do wish you a happy Black History Month...

MerMay Comes to a Close, Here's a Kiss from a Big Eye Gothic Mermaid... Original Painting

 

I love mermaids.  As MerMay comes to a close, here's a kiss from Midnight Kiss, one of my original mermaid paintings.  

Big Brown Eye Eyed Mermaid! Original Fantasy Painting on Porthole Frame...

 

"Looking In" Original 11"x11" #Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

In honor of the end of #mermay I am sharing another mermaid painting.  Although to be fair almost every month is mermay for me, I'm usually working on one mermaid painting or another.  These sirens of the deep fascinate me.  This sweet mermaid had big brown eyes and a starfish in her hair and is painted directly into a porthole frame.  The original painting is available, as are art prints and LE ACEO prints.

Happy National World Turtle Day! Blue Purple Mermaid with Sea Turtle & Fish Original Fantasy Painting...

 Happy National World Turtle Day!

"The Gift" Original 5"x7" #Painting NFS, Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

It was quite some time ago, but I still remember it vividly.  I was visiting a marine aquarium and this large sea turtle came right up to the glass.  I took a photo or two, but mainly I was in awe.  That turtle is part of this fantasy mermaid painting.

Blue Purple Mermaid Basking in the Light for #Mermay & #throwbackthursday... Original Fantasy Painting

 

"Soft Light" Original 16"x20" Acrylic Painting NFS, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

In honor of #mermay and #throwbackthursday I am sharing what I think is my oldest mermaid painting that I have up on my website.  She is titled "Soft Light" and is caressed by defused light drifting through to where she basks.  In addition to her tail, she also has wings, giving her dominion over the sea and air.  I'm not sure where the original painting is hiding, but prints and LE ACEO prints are available.

Original Big Eye Black Gothic Mermaid with Clownfish Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! ART COLLECTOR STARTER KIT VI (Closed Show) at the Corey Helford Gallery...

 

"Three Friends" Original 11"x14" Painting on Canvas Here 

This week my featured painting is "Three Friends," an original big eye painting of a black gothic mermaid with her clownfish friends. She has huge brown eyes and the clown fish seem to be very fond of her. 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!

I am working on my Dia de los Muertos pieces, I'm still in the sketch phase though; so many monarch butterflies and tiny skulls...  

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 plus more; you may see them here.

Featured Image "Three Friends"

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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ART COLLECTOR STARTER KIT VI (Closed Show)

Corey Helford Gallery  

Group Show 

DECEMBER 14 - JANUARY 18, 2020

The Corey Helford ART COLLECTOR STARTER KIT VI (Closed Show) features art by their artists generally sized at 12"x12" and priced to entice new collectors into taking the plunge.  Oh how I wish I could!  I went to see HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN by Jasmine Becket-Griffith and I'd so love to be able purchase her and take her home, but alas no, I could only look at and photograph the art.  Which was a privilege in and of itself...  Here are some that I very much enjoyed!  I will definitely be sharing more from this show as time progresses.

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

Lisabella Russo (me) with ABODE by Jon Ching #withtheart 

I so love hedgehogs and this one has something in common with my mermaid; clownfish love him!

ABODE by Jon Ching

UNFROZEN HEART by aica

I HATE MYSELF FOR LOVING YOU by Marc Scheff

THAT’S NO MOON by The London Police

STORM WARNING by Josie Morway

PENNY PRAYERS by Matt Dangler

THE NEIGHBOR'S WINDOW by Jang Koal

THE INVASION OF US by Caia Koopman

WIP Mermaid with a Seashell Crown Art Original Painting Work in Progress...

I finished the toned drawing study I shared a while back and have begun the painting of this mermaid with a seashell crown.  I'll share the finished version of the drawing when I am also finished with this piece.  In this original wip work in progress acrylic painting I've been working on the background, the lineart for her face and details are difficult to see, but they have been transferred over.  I have a smidge more to do on the background and then I'll begin with the coral part of her crown.  It isn't blocked in as I plan on doing it with drips over the dark background...

This big eyed beauty is on a 16"x20" oval canvas.


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 lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

Happy Fairytale Day Wishes from the Little Mermaid! WIP Little Red Ridinghood Work in Progress...

Happy Fairytale Day Wishes from this big eye redheaded mermaid and from me at lisabellarusso.com!

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

I love fairytales!  Here is one of my paintings inspired by the Little Mermaid (I also love mermaids).  She has two seahorse friends and is part of my ongoing fairy tale series.

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WIP Little Red Ridinghood Work in Progress

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye little red riding hood I've mostly finished her underpainting.  Fairytales hold a strong allure for me.  In this piece, I'm focused on her face.  I've completed her hair and have started work on the overpainting of her hood and ribbon.  Next will come some final shading and highlights for her eyes. 

This big eyed beauty is on an 8"x10" panel in acrylics... 



This is a work in progress, but you also may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

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

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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.

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

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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... 

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...