Monday, August 25, 2025

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!



Friday, August 15, 2025

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!


Tuesday, July 29, 2025

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!


Friday, July 25, 2025

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.


Friday, July 18, 2025

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.


Friday, July 11, 2025

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.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

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!














Sunday, June 29, 2025

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!



Friday, June 20, 2025

✨ 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".


Sunday, June 8, 2025

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.


Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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?


Saturday, May 31, 2025

Monsterpalooza! Focus on Artists Jasmine Becket Griffith and David Van Gough and Kurtis Rykovich

 

I had the wonderful honor of seeing some incredible artists at Monsterpalooza.


Jasmine Becket Griffith and David Van Gough shared a booth and some truly fantastic art.  They were incredibly sweet and signed not only what I purchased but a whole backpack of items I brought from home.  They were amazing and Jenn as always was a delight.


As a side note, I've been sorting my horded art prints and I have some multiples that they were oh so very kind enough to sign for me, so there will be some giveaways pending on the Jasmine Boards!


I also had the privilege of meeting the artist Kurtis Rykovich for the first time, I love his art and in person he is absolutely charming.


There was so much more to see, the cosplaying alone was incredible, but I was so wiped from the heat of the entry line that I didn't see much.  I was able to see the artists I wanted to see the most though and they were so kind.


Monsterpalooza will be running until Sunday at the Pasadena Convention Center.  I could only go the one day, but if you have the opportunity, I encourage you to go!












Sunday, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother's Day! Original Crimson Topaz Hummingbird Painting...

 


I hope your Mother's Day is filled with goodness!  This is "Jewel of Scarlet," my crimson topaz hummingbird bird painting inspired by #birbfest2025.  My mother and I both love hummingbirds.  I just completed this exotic beauty and felt he would be a fitting tribute to this day.


The original painting is duo oils on a panel and measures 5"x7"


If you are interested in the original or a print and aren't in a huge hurry, please contact me.


Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Happy Earth Day! Photograph of a Bee Hanging on...

 


I took this photo of a bee on a purple flower at Huntington Gardens.  The bee seems to be just hanging on.  I love to photograph the beauty of nature, flowers and animals inform my art and fill my soul with hope.  I hope that this Earth Day, there is some time to contemplate the delicate balance of our world.


Sunday, April 20, 2025

Happy Easter Wishes! Original Big Eye Painting of a Spring Dryad with Daffodils in Her Hair...

 


I hope you are having a wonderful Easter!  Here is "Dryad of the Golden Bloom" to wish you well.  Capturing the essence of springtime, this dryad has luminous big eyes, a blushing countenance, and verdant lush green hair that is adorned with daffodils.  


The original painting is duo oils on panel and measures 8"x10"


If you are interested in the original or a print and aren't in a huge hurry, please contact me.


Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Happy World Art Day! WIP Work in Progress Painting of a Spring Dryad with Daffodils in her Hair!

 


Happy World Art Day!


In this WIP work in progress view, I am working on the skin tones and lips of my spring dryad with hair adorned with daffodils painting.  To celebrate World Art Day, I hope to work on her some more today.  To be fair, painting is how I pretty much like to celebrate any holiday or day...


The original painting is duo oils on panel and measures 8"x10"


Thursday, April 3, 2025

WIP Work in Progress Underpainting of a Spring Dryad with Daffodils in her Hair!

 


Here is a WIP work in progress view of the underpainting of my spring dryad with hair adorned with daffodils painting.


The original painting is duo oils on panel and measures 8"x10"


Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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.


Saturday, March 22, 2025

Line Art Drawing of a Spring Dryad with Daffodils in her Hair!

 


This line art is the start of my spring dryad painting.  Her hair is adorned with daffodils.


The transferred sketch is on a panel and measures 8"x10"


Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Prints of Original Big Eye Rococo Maiden with Lovebirds Fantasy Painting!

 


Here are artist proof prints derived from Feathered Refuge, my chibi lovebirds perched in the wig of a big eye Rococo maiden painting.  The middle one is 11"x17" and the surrounding ones are 8"x10" however, I could also make 5"x7" images.  If you're not in a huge rush, open edition prints can be ordered upon request.  Please contact me if interested.


Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Athena, Original German Shepherd Dog Sketch Art!

 


This rough sketch art is of Athena, a German Shepherd dog.  It's a pet portrait for someone very dear to me.  This is the base image for the traditional painting.


Friday, March 7, 2025

WIP Work in Progress! Original Crimson Topaz Hummingbird Bird Painting Inspired by Birbfest 2025!

 


I've painted the background for my crimson topaz hummingbird WIP Work in Progress bird painting inspired by #birbfest2025.  At this point only the bird's lineart is showing, but I hope to begin painting its brilliant plumage in the not too distant future.


The original painting is duo oils on a panel and measures 5"x7"


Tuesday, March 4, 2025

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"