More Christmas Art

I have been busy!

Cyber Monday Sale and a Large Painting!!

SALE TODAY!!! 25% EVERYTHING IN MY SHOP. UPON CHECKING OUT, ENTER THE COUPON CODE "cybermonday" Just click here.

Also, I just finished the biggest painting I have ever done!! It is a 26X30. I had a great time with it and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to paint that big.

Hope you all had a great Turkey Day!!!
Shonna

Etsy Update!!

I listed all of the Christmas Ornaments in my shop. Come and take a gander!

Night Circus & The Holidays

I belong to a book club and for October we read "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. It was such a magical book and I highly recommend it. It inspired the following journal page.

I have also been hit with the Holiday bug and have been painting up a storm. Here is what I have been up to.

Klimt Challenge and Prints!!

I was inspired by the talented Jane DeRosier to make a painting based on the style of Gustav Klimt. I have always loved his work and so I had to give this a shot. Here is my version...

I have also added some new prints to my shop. Check them out here.

Are you working on any challenges?? I would love to see what you are working on right now!!

Shonna

New Art Journal Cover

I put together a 9X12 Art Journal which is made with 140 lb. watercolor paper bound with the copic stitch. All of my Art Journals are pretty small, so I am excited to work in this size. Here is the cover...

What size Art Journal do you like to work in?

Feeling Refreshed!

Since my last post, I have gotten excited again to create. I think I just really needed a long break. I have been working in my Weight Loss Art journal and a commission for my cousin. I haven't taken pictures of my newest journal page, but I will post pictures soon. Here is the painting for my cousin. It is a re-creation of an older painting I had done back in 2009

New painting....

Original 2009 painting...

I also got something that I never thought I would...a tattoo! First I was going to get a feather on top of my foot. But then I decided to get a bird. I originally drew the bird myself, but decided to give the tattoo artist creative freedom to create his own drawing. Being an artist, I knew that his best work would come out with something he drew and felt passionate about.

The bird has big meaning for me and the reason is actually tied into the above painting. I am an only child and grew up with a single mother who worked nights and slept during the day. This meant that I often had to keep myself entertained. One of my favorite things to do (besides drawing) was to go outside in my backyard and whistle to the birds. I would pretend that I could speak to them and they would talk to me back. Kind of sad in a way I guess, but it is a special memory of mine. I have always loved birds and have had a few as pets in recent years. I originally painted this 2009 piece based on this memory. The blond girl is me and the birds are my friends. This original painting is available for purchase in my Etsy shop at a crazy low price (for anyone who may be interested). Because of the special meaning it holds for me, I have been holding on to it since 2009. I just listed it in my shop this month.

Here is a picture of my tattoo. I am very happy with how it turned out and my tattoo guy was so happy that I let him draw the piece. It is one of a kind and he will never draw it again the same way. The 3 hearts next to the bird symbolizes my husband, daughter and son.

Thank you for sticking around and waiting for me to come back! The fact that you read this blog is extremely rewarding to me.
Mucho Love,
Shonna

When Art Becomes Work

All of a sudden I have been receiving requests for custom artwork. It's funny how you will go months without any interest in your work and then all of a sudden...BAM! I'm kind of up in the air about custom work. I love making art for people, but sometimes I just want to work in my journal and make art for me. When you are asked to make something specific for someone, it becomes more like a job rather than from the heart. Does that make any sense? Do any of you ever feel that way with your art?

I was also asked to donate a piece to help raise money for my local Children's Museum. I did this last year and was honored that they asked me to donate again this year. I really had fun with this painting. It is pretty large (16X20) and I added a lot of 3D embellishments and texture. I hope they are able to raise a lot of money for the piece and that it goes to a good home. I dropped her off at the museum a week ago and I miss her already! :(

I'm Back!!!

Sorry I have been gone for awhile, but I have been busy making some serious changes in my life. In October I started a very strict Dr. supervised diet. Starting this diet before the holiday's took a lot of focus on my part, causing my artwork to take the back seat. I also have been working out 4 times a week and ran my first 5k a few weeks ago. As a result of this lifestyle change, I have lost a total of 55 lbs. I can't tell you how much healthier I feel (physically and mentally). I was so ashamed of the way I looked that I was very depressed and was getting to the point of not wanting to leave my house. I knew a change had to be made and I'm so glad that I finally took the first step to a healthier life. I still have some more weight to lose, but I feel I now have the tools to make it happen.

As far as art goes, I just got back from Artfest in Seattle and I feel re-charged. I had a great time and am so inspired by all of the classes I took as well as all of the artwork I saw. The challenge for me is to find balance in my life. To make time for my health, art and the other daily responsibilities in my life. I'm sure you all know what I mean.



Art from Lynn Perella's Class

My piece from Andrea Saujani's Class (she was an awesome inspiration).

Stay tuned for more Artfest pictures...