Happy National Dog Day!

 

This fluffy red Chow Chow puppy is here to celebrate National Dog Day with you!

Dogs give us so much, and this original painting, titled "Hóngsè de gǒu," was donated to help pets in need. My love for animals is why they are a regular subject in my art, and it feels extra special to celebrate them today.

Mab's Drawlloween Club: Let the Spooky Season Begin!

 

It might be early, but I'm absolutely mad for Halloween! I'm thrilled that Mab Graves has released her annual Drawlloween prompt list in advance. Since my traditional art process is very slow, I truly appreciate the heads-up.

While I won't be able to tackle every single prompt, I'm excited to create and share as much art as I can throughout the challenge. I've included the prompt list in this post in case you'd like to draw along!

CatCon 2025: My Favorite Artists & Highlights!

 

I absolutely love CatCon! It's the perfect place for amazing artists and a sea of adorable kitty cosplayers.

My first stop is always the booth of one of my all-time favorite artists, Jasmine Becket-Griffith. I make a beeline there every time (as direct as my directionally-challenged self can manage!). She had a ton of gorgeous items this year, including some darling event-exclusive pins. I got a photo of her charming helpers, Jenn and Logan, but somehow missed getting one with Jasmine herself. I can't recommend a Jasmine signing enough—she's incredibly kind and shares personal insights into her art with every meeting. It's also a great delight to connect with some of her fellow fans there.

I so love visiting Kurtis Rykovich's booth, which is always filled with beautifully framed prints that shine with elegance. Additionally, he's so sweet and charming.

And no CatCon is complete without stopping by the Emily the Strange booth! It’s a unique experience with a fun mix of art and merchandise.

Seeing these artists and how their work shines in person is what makes CatCon one of my favorite events of the year!

Original Oil Painting: "Gaze of Majesty"

 

Behold the power of "Gaze of Majesty"! This original oil painting captures the intense, direct stare of a magnificent tiger, resting serenely on its paws. Initially inspired by the Year of the Tiger, it made a special appearance for International Tiger Day.

Painted with rich oils on a cradled wood panel, this 10"x8" piece offers incredible depth. It's truly a unique addition for any collector passionate about wildlife art or seeking a captivating statement piece.

Ready to bring this powerful presence into your collection? Contact me for details!

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.

Presenting Athena: A Completed German Shepherd Original Painting!

 

I'm delighted to unveil the completed view of Athena, a truly beautiful German Shepherd. Bringing this traditional pet portrait to life was an absolute joy!

While this original painting is already spoken for, I still wanted to share her finished form with you. She's painted using duo oils on an 8"x10" panel.

Meet Athena: German Shepherd Underpainting WIP Work in Progress

 

I'm happy to share this work-in-progress view of Athena, a beautiful German Shepherd. This is the underpainting stage of my traditional pet portrait.

Although this original is already spoken for, I wanted to share a glimpse into the process. The painting is created using duo oils on an 8"x10" panel.

Huntington Gardens Adventure: A Focus on Nature's Beauty

 I recently visited the Huntington Gardens, and the beauty I found there truly moved me. I initially aimed to share my top ten favorite nature photographs from that trip, but as I compiled them, I felt compelled to share eleven!

Art is a powerful force that continuously drives me to seek beauty, and sometimes, the raw power and intricate detail of nature becomes my inspiration. In this collection of garden-centric photographs, I wanted to capture and share that very spark. I hope you feel it too!

Original Art: "Corazón Onírico" Big Eye Girl with a Unicorn Toned Drawing

 ✨ EDIT: SOLD, Thanks so much! ✨

I'm so excited to share this original traditional toned drawing, "Corazón Onírico" (Dreamy Heart). Created with colored pencils on beautiful toned paper, this one-of-a-kind piece captures a magical moment between a sweet, big-eyed Latina girl and her unicorn. She holds him close, a silent protector of a little bit of magic.

This original fine art piece measures 8"x10" and is a unique addition to any collection. I'm also planning to develop this concept into a future painting!

If you're interested in owning this piece of original art, please contact me, I'm happy to answer any questions you have about the piece!

✨ Honoring Freedom & Legacy this Juneteenth! ✨

 

This Juneteenth, I'm honored to share "Guiding Star," my original "big eye" painting of Harriet Tubman.

After varnishing this piece, I took a moment to truly see her, unconstrained by a frame. It felt fitting to share this image today as we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of profound significance for freedom and reflection.

This original painting is crafted with duo oils on a wood panel and measures approximately 8"x10".