Guardian of Thistles: My Familiar Painting is Completed and Framed!

 

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 I'm sharing a bit of whimsy and magic with you today.

This piece was inspired by Mab Graves's #Drawlloween prompt: #yourfamiliar. Meet my familiar, Bluebell, the "Guardian of Thistles." She's a charming bunny with long ram horns and a wonderfully quizzical expression!

This original traditional oil painting on paper is a beautifully small collectible! The art measures approximately 6" x 4" (the full framed size is approximately 7.5" x 5.5"). It comes ready to display in an ornate vintage tabletop frame.

The original painting is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

The Emerald Stare: My Big Eye Witch Painting is Completed and Framed!

 

EDIT: SOLD, Thanks so much!

"What a world, what a world, what a world..."

The timing is perfect! As Wicked: For Good releases in theaters today, I'm thrilled to reveal the finished painting of my big-eye version of the wicked witch of the West, Elphaba!

Titled "The Emerald Stare," this piece was sparked by Mab Graves's #Drawlloween #witch prompt. She captures Elphaba's intense gaze, complete with her characteristic pointed hat and signature green hue.

Miniature Magic: This original traditional oil painting on paper is petite! The art measures only approximately 2.75" x 3.5" (the full framed size is approximately 4" x 6"). It's a perfect pocket-sized piece of Oz!

The original framed painting is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

The Emerald Stare: My Big Eye Witch WIP Painting!

 

That #witch prompt for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge inspired me so much I had to bring her to life in paint!

Here is the underpainting for "The Emerald Stare"—my big-eye version of the wicked witch of the West, Elphaba, inspired by the movie Wicked! The base is laid, and the details are starting to emerge.

I am working hard to finish and frame her in time to share the completed piece on Friday, November 21st, the same day Wicked: For Good hits theaters!

Stay tuned for the reveal!

Feliz Día de Muertos & La Sonrisa: My Big Eye Day of the Dead Painting!

 

Today, on Día de Muertos, I'm sharing one of my favorite pieces from the archive!

Titled "La Sonrisa" (The Smile), this painted face, purple hair streaked beauty with big brown eyes welcomes lost loved ones with an open heart. Her smile embodies the spirit of the day.

This is an 8"x10" original acrylic painting on panel, framed and ready to hang. I added some subtle texture to the background to enhance the piece.

Availability Note: The original framed painting is available for purchase! Since this beauty is currently in storage, please note it may take a little time to retrieve. While it comes framed, it's a standard size, so you're welcome to choose your own frame to match your decor!

Please contact me directly if you're interested in details about this painting.

Happy Halloween & Full of Woe: My Big Eye Wednesday Addams Painting for Drawlloween!

 

What a joy this spooky season has been! As my first time participating in Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge draws to a close, it's fitting that the final day lands on one of my favorite holidays: Halloween!

Today's prompt is #RIP. Of all my paintings, I felt this one best suited the theme: my big-eye Wednesday Addams, up to nefarious scheming in a spooky cemetery!

Titled "Full of Woe," this is an 11"x14" framed original acrylic painting on canvas. I added some texture to the tombstones, and it comes ready to hang in an ornate silver frame.

The original framed painting is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this incredible challenge!

Abduction of Abductors: My Big Eye Clown with UFO Balloons Concept Art for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #ufo.

My idea for this concept art is simple: Capture me? I capture you! It features a big-eye clown who turns the tables, abducting the UFO balloon ships that were trying to abduct her. While I didn't get a chance to refine the rough idea into a finished piece, I wanted to share the fun starting point!

This piece is currently Concept Art, combining traditional rough sketches that were combined digitally. The plan is to develop this further: first into a toned drawing, and then, someday, translate the entire concept into a painting!

The current concept art is not for sale, but the future refined drawing and final painting will most likely be available.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Witchcraft in Waiting: My Daydreaming Toad Original Oil Painting for Drawlloween!

 

It's finished! Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge, connecting several prompts, including today's: #swarm!

Meet this toad, titled "Witchcraft in Waiting," who has "borrowed" Elphaba's hat and is utterly lost in a daydream about a swarm of "chonkers" flies. He should be reading his spellbook, but his amphibian ambition has been waylaid by a toadally wicked thought!

I first sketched this out as a drawing for #toad and realized the painted version worked perfectly for #spellbook and now #swarm. I happily hopped out of my comfort pond to bring you this original, framed piece.

This 4"x6" traditional oil painting on paper is presented in an oval frame.

The original painting is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

The Innsmouth Gaze: My Big Eye Deep One Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #finfolk.

This prompt sparked so many ideas, but I settled on drawing my first-ever Lovecraft-inspired Deep One! Titled "The Innsmouth Gaze," she is a deep-sea denizen adorned with an array of tentacles. She's accompanied by two adorable, bumpy Tubby Snailfish (Careproctus colliculi chonkers) friends who couldn't resist her allure!

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a mixed media study on 9"x12" toned tan paper. I already hope to translate this piece into a painting someday!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Witchcraft in Waiting: My Daydreaming Toad & Spellbook Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #toad.

This ambitious amphibian, with a powerful book of magic at his call, has "borrowed" Elphaba's hat and is clearly scheming away in a delightful daydream!

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a mixed media study on 9"x12" toned tan paper. I'm already making great progress on the painting inspired by this drawing, but I decided not to rush the final piece. For now, I'm thrilled to share the original drawing with you!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Witchcraft in Waiting: My Daydreaming Toad & Spellbook WIP for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #spellbook.

Meet this ambitious amphibian who has "borrowed" Elphaba's hat and is clearly daydreaming instead of reading his book of spells! Some toads should definitely be studying...

This piece started as a toned drawing for the #toad prompt, but I loved the concept so much I decided to turn it into a painting! It was a perfect fit for today's prompt, too. I'm currently working on the underpainting of the hat and the toad, but the spellbook looks ready, so I wanted to share this Work in Progress today.

This 4"x6" traditional oil painting on paper will be shared framed when completed.

The original painting will be available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Eyes of the Covenant: My Big Eye Vampire Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #vampire.

I was inspired by Monica Bellucci's sultry portrayal as Dracula's Bride in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Titled "Eyes of the Covenant," this big-eye version focuses on the ocular, complete with a tiny, perfect drip of blood. Her beauty was the driving force behind the piece.

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a mixed media study on 9"x12" toned gray paper.

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Onryō: My Big Eye Sadako Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #yokai.

I was inspired by the terrifying spirit Sadako from The Ring for this piece. Titled "Onryō," my big-eye version has a haunting and chilling feel that I think captures the traditional Japanese vengeful spirit.

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a mixed media study on 9"x12" toned black paper. I used a minimalistic approach to the lighting, which really enhances the elegance and spooky atmosphere of the art.

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

The Gourdmother: My Big Eye Fae with a Pumpkin Hat Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #pumpkin.

I had so much fun drawing this big-eye fae, who is crowned with a whimsical jack-o'-lantern! Titled "The Gourdmother," her eyes truly shine, capturing the spooky season's glow.

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a mixed media study on 9"x12" toned black paper. I felt a little hesitant about starting this piece, but once I did, it became an absolute joy!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Innocence and Instinct: My Big Eye Werewolf and Wolf Pup Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #werewolf.

I chose to draw this charming pair: a big-eye wolf girl accompanied by her sweet, howling wolf pup friend. Titled "Innocence and Instinct," they capture a truly charming and gentle take on the werewolf theme.

This 8"x10" traditional drawing is a toned mixed media study on 9"x12" tan paper. I absolutely loved creating this piece!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

Sylvan Reverie: My Big Eye Forest Sprite Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #forestsprite, and I'm sharing this big-eye dryad with elegant deer antlers and moths flittering around her.

Titled "Sylvan Reverie," this 5"x10" traditional drawing is a toned mixed media study on 9"x12" tan paper. I found a real sense of peacefulness creating her, and I hope to translate this piece into a painting someday!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks so much to @MabGraves for hosting this fun challenge!

The Emerald Stare: My Big Eye Witch for Drawlloween!

 

"What a world, what a world!" Kicking off today's Mab Graves's #Drawlloween prompt: #witch!

I chose to draw a big-eye version of the so-called wicked witch of the West, inspired by Elphaba from Wicked. Titled "The Emerald Stare," she's complete with her characteristic hat and signature green hue.

This is an 8"x10" traditional drawing—a toned colored pencil study on 9"x12" tan paper. Drawing her was an absolute delight, and I hope to translate this piece into a painting someday!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks @MabGraves for hosting!

Guardian of Thistles: My Familiar Original Drawing for Drawlloween!

 

Here's my latest piece for the Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! The prompt for today is #yourfamiliar, and the moment I saw it, I knew exactly what I had to draw. Meet my familiar, the "Guardian of Thistles," a bunny with long ram horns and a truly quizzical expression.

This is an 8"x10" traditional drawing—a toned colored pencil study on 9"x12" grey paper. I absolutely loved creating my familiar and hope to translate this piece into a painting someday!

The original drawing is available for purchase! Please contact me directly for details if you're interested.

Thanks @MabGraves for hosting!

October is here! Original big eye spooky gothic femme painting for Drawlloween...

 

The spooky season has officially begun, and I'm kicking off my first piece for Mab Graves's #Drawlloween challenge! Today's prompt is #spooky, and my original painting, "Tear Stained Gaze," felt like the perfect fit.

This 8"x10" acrylic on canvas is a traditional big-eye gothic femme piece. I had so much fun creating her, and I think she captures the spooky theme perfectly!

The original painting is available for purchase! Please contact me directly if you're interested in details.

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".

Amigurumi Crochet Totoro Doll Made by my Mother for Me!

 

My mother is an artist, but she creates with yarn instead of paints.  She knows I love Totoro and made this amazing doll for me.  I am so moved by her sweet and beautiful gift.  I wanted to share this with you...

Edit: This doll is Not for Sale. Sorry and thanks for the interest.