Mermaids and Sirens

Siren's Call

Since I was a child I have always been fascinated by mermaids.  I loved when the National Geographic special came out titled "Mermaids the body found" and was glued to the TV.  I have to admit, I bought it, hook, line and sinker :) and was really disappointed to learn it was not based on real evidence.  Whether they really exist or not, it is a wonderful myth and mysteries always intrigue us.   For centuries there have been stories and legends and since we know so little of our seas and what creatures really exist, it is easy to believe (especially for those of us that have over active imaginations).  I started this canvas as an abstract work and left a layer to dry.  I was teaching a Zentangle class at the time and decided it would be interesting to combine a woman's face with  Zentangle inspired hair using colors you see in the sea.    I left her skin pale because I imagined that  she has spent her life under the water.   What I love about this work is the mixture of techniques and styles.    

Blue Elephant

Blue Elephant

The third in what I hope will be a series of zoo animal prints for kids.  Fun.

Lady of the Forest

Eyes of the Forest

Love the deep color and mystery of this piece.  It was done in watercolor and was happy with the intensity of the color.

Sheer Blue

Sheer Blue

Was after a sheer feel to a fabric and loved the effect of being able to somewhat see through the material.  This was done with watercolor and ink and I had to be careful not to overdo the watercolor washes at the bottom of the skirt.  Liked the light feel to this piece.

Circus Parade

Circus Elephant

Flamingo Circus

Circus Parade

Flamingo Circus Mixed Media

Flamingo Circus Postcard

Baby Shower Invitation

Just completed the second in what I hope to be a series or circus parade prints.  Each print has an element that shows up in the next print making it ideal to hang together as a set.  I only have two completed at this point and the next will have the elephant's trunk incorporated into it.   I have also include additional works I have created from my original watercolor of Flamingo Circus (a mixed media work a postcard and party invitations) to illustrate that once you complete a work it is not necessarily done!

and baby makes three

and baby makes three...

Zane's Quilt

My daughter is expecting a baby soon and being a bit unconventional she decided she wanted aliens as a theme.  I found these cute iron on figures and designed a quilt and art work around them.  I used lots of vibrant colors and quilted in a random pattern.  The art work was done with acrylics and I took the circle background design from the border and back of the quilt.  I hope they both (mom and baby) like it.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake

Love Art Nouveau and have recently found a few other artists that had a similar style.  This piece is my nod to Louis Rhead.  It was fun to do, mostly pen and ink and then fill in with marker.  I do have a small bit of watercolor on the swan itself.   Every time I see a swan I think of my sister, don't really know why, but have since I was a girl.  So here's to you Rhema!

Bird Flight

Bird Flight

Inspired by the warm spring weather here in Texas and all the birds busy at work on their nests. A new mixed media work using printed scrapbook paper, stamps, pen, ink and colored pencil.  Fun to do and did not take too much time. The point is, there are no rules in this type of work and you can add as you go.

Lady in Pink

Lady in Pink

I have always loved the pale pinks of ballet dresses and the look of that with olive green.  She is adjusting the straps of her dress as she disappears behind the theatrical curtain.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

I've heard this saying my whole life and have come to see it is very true.  You see this in fashion, landscaping, your choice of a mate, your favorite vacation spots and even art.  Each month I work one weekend day at Woodland Art League and love watching people as they walk through the gallery.  Rarely does anyone pause in the same spot.  What appeals to one may not the next and it all boils down to personal taste and what each of us considers beautiful.  These thoughts led to this fun creation.  Hope it brings a smile.  

The American Chicken and the French Chicken

The American Chicken

My husband Brian has always loved chicken paintings.  He really is not sure why but thinks they are great.  This is surprizing if you know Brian, who almost always wears blue jeans and black t-shirts with work boots.  His favorite color is gray and I never see him wear anything that is not black, brown or gray.  So when he told me he liked chicken paintings I was a bit shocked, all those bright colors just didn't seem to fit.  He did not grow up on a farm, was not around chickens as far as I know so who knows.  It just goes to show that there is a bit of flashy color that appeals to us all.

The French Chicken

Both originals are available on my Studio Quest Etsy Site.

Peacock Lady

Peacock Lady

Loved working with Pen and Ink and decided to use two of my favorite colors; blue and green.  Again, I find myself putting blue (and green) hair on my lady.  I started with a pencil sketch and went over the main design with ink.  Much of the background work was freehand.  While this can be tedious it is relaxing and fun to do.  The original is available on my Studio Quest Etsy Site.

Angel's Voices

Angels Voices

Found these wonderful song sheets in a cute little shop.  Thought they would be great for my mixed media projects.  I had intended to use bits and pieces but loved the title of this particular song and decided to draw directly on the music.  Again, I found myself drawn to blues and greens and the celebration of women.  I used watercolor, pen and ink, paper ephemera and colored pencils.  The sheet measures 9 1/2 x 12" and the original is available on my Studio Quest Etsy site.

Mermaid Dreams

Mermaid Dreams

Blues and Greens.....I seem to be drawn to these colors.  Perhaps it is my love for the sea and all things near the ocean.  I see these colors pop up time and again in my work and love them together.  My latest collage is made with vintage photo ephemera, acrylic paint, stamps, paper, ink and watercolors.  It is adhered to a stiff canvas board.  The quote reads:  she lived in the deep under the sea where the seahorses swim and the seaweed flows...... Makes me think of my times snorkling in the deep.

Mermaid Felt Purse Project

Mermaid Purse Felt Project

Once again, I find myself drawn to the colors of the sea.  I have never really worked with felt before but it looked like fun so thought I would give it a go.  I found the change purse at Michael's Craft Store and they had all these packets of felt pieces you could buy in every color under the rainbow.  I decided that they reminded me of ocean waves, seaweed and mermaids.  I simply laid the pieces on the felt and used thread to hold it in place.  My stitching is a bit on the rough side but then again, this one is for me so that's ok.   Was a relaxing little project and makes me smile.