Another Commission Complete

I had a total blast with this painting! Sometimes you feel like nothing is working when you are drawing or painting and sometimes things just flow nicely and the process is effortless. This painting just flowed for me. As I learn and grow as an artist, I am realizing that letting go is the key. Don't try and be a perfectionist or afraid to try new things. There is nothing that can't be fixed or changed in mixed media. That is why I love this medium so much. It is so freeing!!!!

For those of you who are artists and are struggling with perfectionism in your work. There are two quotes that I would like to share with you today...

"I am still learning that there are no mistakes, only discoveries..." - Fernando Araujo

and my personal favorite...

"There is no must in art because art is free..." - Wassily Kandinsky

Commissions

I received commissions for 4 paintings last week. Here are two that I am mailing out today. My customer wanted a recreation of two paintings I have in my Etsy shop. But she wanted them bigger and the girlies to have blond hair and blue eyes. I really enjoyed the process of recreating something I had already done, but in a different way. Of course I had to change it up a little bit. I added glitter coming down from their wands.

Here are the originals on 6X6 canvas (still available in my shop).

Here are the new girlies on 12X12 canvas and with a little more sparkle.

SHOP UPDATE!!!!

I just updated my shop with originals and more prints!!!! Come by and check it out here.

I was also tagged by the sweet and talented Krissy of Krissy's Art Blog. The tag was to list 6 random things about myself. Check a few posts back for this information (I had a hard time thinking of 6 things, so I won't attempt to try and think of 6 more). But do check out Krissy's blog; she is a wonderful and extremely colorful artist.

Thanks Krissy!!!

"We Love"

I have been so inspired by the beautiful artists that have been journaling this month based on prompts by Misty Mawn. Each day there has been a different color theme. One was white. I have never worked with white so I thought I would give it a shot. Well it was easier said than done; I ended up working with creams, browns and little bit of red. I am pleased with how it came out.

The quote in the painting is by author CS Lewis. You are probably familiar with his book series "The Chronicles of Narnia." You may not know that this man had an amazing love story. There was even a movie done in 1994 based on his story. The movie is called "Shadowlands" and stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. I have always loved this movie and highly recommend it; beware though...you will need tissue.

How I Make a Shadowbox

Over Christmas, I experimented with making shadowboxes and found that they were a lot of fun. I have had some people ask me how I make them so I thought I would put together a quick tutorial.

I usually use unfinished wood shadowboxes from Michael's, but they were having a sale on the nicer ones in the framing section, so I will be using that in this example.

First, I added scrapbook paper to the sides and the inside back part of the box using gel medium. You will just have to measure to cover whatever size box you get. In this case, I cut the paper on the sides a little small, so you could see some of the black from the box. You could also sand, gesso and paint the box instead of using paper.

I also added some left over fake fur I had and lined the bottom with a heavy white glue.

Next, I took the elements I made for the box (a girl and tree I painted on heavy watercolor paper) and attached a heavy strip of paper (I used the same heavy watercolor paper) to the back of them with strong white glue. Before you glue, You will want to bend both ends of the paper to the length you want your element to stick out of the box. I just kind of keep folding the paper and place my element on the back until I like how far it sticks out. In this case, I wanted the girl to stand out more than the tree, so I cut the paper for the tree shorter.

After I attached the back piece to the inside of the box, I embellished the outside.

I added some flowers and a heart pick to the top with hot glue.


This is a sticker I have had in my stash for years (It feels so nice to use old embellishments).

I added some cute wooden hearts to either side of the box.

I also wrapped ribbon around the bottom.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. If you decide to make one, Let me know; I would love to see it.

The Sweetness of Life is Now in my Etsy Shop!!!

Here is my first painting of the year. It took me awhile to do and it is on canvas board. I haven't worked with canvas in awhile, so it was kind of refreshing. I think I prefer wood though. She is a little French girl and the saying translates to "The Sweetness of Life."

I just started an art journal so I am hoping that will get the creative juices flowing...

Peace,
Shonna

Inspiration, Clarification and Taggification....

Does anyone else out there feel uninspired in the new year? I think I burnt myself out doing so much at Christmas and now I don't know what to do...
Are you feeling creative in the new year or do you feel like you are in need of some inspiration? Tell me I'm not alone...


I have to clarify something, the picture in my last post is of my daughter and son. My step daughter Reeana is 15 and my son Jordan is 3. I was cracking up when some of you thought that was me. I wish I looked that young... I am 37 (by the way). I guess I should post a picture of me huh?

So here is a picture of me with my son...

I have also been tagged by Kristin of My Creative Journey. I have to list 6 random things about myself:


1. I am an only Child.


2. My Dad's birthday is Oct. 11, my Mom's birthday is Dec 11, and my birthday is Feb 11 (all 2 months apart but of course different years).


3. My favorite/lucky number is 11 (see random fact #2.)


4. I met my husband on a blind date.


5. I absolutely hate orange candy of any kind (although I do like oranges).


6. My worst fear is drowning (I had to walk out of the movie "White Squall" because there was a boat with people trapped and it was sinking. I made myself stay when I saw Titanic though).



So there it is, not very exciting...