Lady Bug Parade

I finished the "Lady Bug Parade" Ink drawing from the other day and figured you would like to see how it finally turned out ....

The original (5.5" x 6.75") is in an auction listing on eBay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/121338239171?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

And I do have ACEO (2.5" x 3.5") Open Edition Prints for $1.00 each in my Etsy Shop:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/189092201/aceo-open-edition-art-print-lady-bug

Great times camping result in latest drawing!

This latest drawing is titled "Rosa's Flounder". We were down at the Pacific Coast in a campsite on Whalen Island the past few days and had great weather and a wonderful time. On Monday morning the camp host, Rosa, came by and showed me her catch of the day, a beautiful flounder, which inspired this drawing. The best part, however, was when she offered to filet the fish and give it to us for dinner! Cooked up in butter with pepper, season salt and garlic powder it proved to be the best tasting fish I have ever eaten! I remarked that it tasted a bit like delicate shrimp and Rosa said it was probably because flounder feed on sand shrimp. Guess I'll have to get a fishing license for my next trip to Whalen Island!

"Rosa's Flounder" 

 We spent time in the Trask River Campground in Tillamook County on Friday and Saturday and actually caught three crawdads!  We gave them back to the river the next day because three wasn't enough to cook up, boy were they happy to get back into the river!  Here are a few photos from the Trask River Campsite ....

After two days at Trask River we headed on over to Whalen Island, another Tillamook County Campground, where I set up my portable art studio and began work on "Rosa's Flounder".  Here are some of those photos ...

Another great discovery was an easy way to get hot water for washing dishes!  I took along an old roaster, filled it with water and dish soap, heated it up on the campstove and had hot water for washing!  Yes!  An added benefit is the lid keeps out bugs and pine needles.  Then I use a 5 gallon water dispenser to rinse the dishes, really makes cleaning up a breeze!

And, if you ever want the BEST camp stove that heats up water in a jiffy ... get yourself a Stansport!  It is almost as good as my domesticated restaurant gas stove at home!

We have found another Tillamook County camp ground we want to check out, it is called Kilchis River Campground.  If the weather holds up, maybe we can get over there sometime in early September, who knows, maybe we'll catch some crawdads over there???
Would be nice to catch enough for a small spiced crawdad feast with melted garlic butter!

Happy camping!
Karen Anne

Some new One Dollar ACEO's.....

"Kickin' Back At White River"

 

"Zentangle On Blue" 

 

"Undersea Panel Number Three" 

"No Name Zentangle Design"

I haven't done any art work in the past two weeks and really felt the need to create a new piece. I didn't have any particular subject in mind but I realized I had to create something. What better to fill that creative urgency than to sit down and mellow out with a zentangle design! I have titled this piece "No Name Zentangle" because I wasn't thinking of anything in particular but it made me feel good and regenerated my "Inspiration GPS".

This piece is now available in 8.5" x 11" and in the ACEO format size of 2.5"x3.5" in my Etsy Shop.

"No Name Zentangle"

 

Wishing you a day filled with creativity and inspiration!

"Zentangle Tiles"

In the past several months I have completed many drawings using Zentangle Techniques.  It didn't hit me until this weekend that I have not completed one true Zentangle Tile ... that being a picture that is pure design and patterns, there is no up or down, it has no subject matter that is discernible and is created purely to please the creator and the viewer.  A Zentangle Tile has a universal size of 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches. 

I had hit an artistic block this past week and my "Inspiration GPS" just wasn't working ... I think I needed to charge its batteries.  That being the case I decided why not try some of these Zentangle Tiles?!  I proceeded to cut myself up a small stack of 3.5x3.5 squares and settled back, relaxed and enjoyed creating the following four Zentangle Tiles.  These will be listed in my Etsy Shop shortly, but I wanted to share them with you first.

Since Zentangle Tiles do not have a subject matter I was having trouble with giving the pieces titles ... I finally decided to just give them numbers as I progress.  So here they are:

Zentangle Tile #1

 

Zentangle Tile #2

Zentangle Tile #3

Zentangle Tile #4

Best of all, after finishing these 4 little drawings, I found I had recharged my "Inspiration GPS"!   I now have several new ideas I can't wait to get started on tomorrow!

Moral of this little story:  If you are having trouble recharging your "Inspiration GPS" ... try recharging with a few Zentangle Tiles!

Happy Day!
Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

I Could Use a Little Help ...

Hi!  I just completed a new zentangle type illustration that I'd like to list in My Etsy Shop but I am having a bit of a problem with the title.  You see this picture seems to have two sets of feelings, one is on the negative side and the other is positive.  I figure I'll present this problem to you and see what the majority feel and go with that title.  The following are the two titles .....

Negative title:  "Nearly Invisible" You know that feeling you get when no one seems to respond to you or even notice that you are there; like when you are in a store and the clerk(s) notice all the other customers but don't seem to see that you are standing right in front of their face.  I'm sure most of us have experienced a form of feeling "Nearly Invisible" at one time or another in their life; not a fun feeling.

Positive title:  "Absorbing Inspiration"  An overwhelming feeling that can strike at the most unexpected time and suddenly creative ideas just seem to be popping in and out, then one idea leads to another and that one leads to another and on and on and on.  I hope everyone experiences times like these, they are intensely exciting and inspiring!

Perhaps, however, you are seeing something entirely different?  If that is so, please feel free to share your feelings and the title you feel best describes this drawing.

Here's a thought, maybe I should list it twice, one listing using "Nearly Invisible" and the other using "Absorbing Inspiration"?  I do look forward to your input and help.

May you always have

Love to Share,

Health to Spare,

And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady


PS  With the aid of all my dear friends I finally came up with a title that reflects the theme of this illustration - "The Art of Becoming One's Being".  Thank you all for your generous input!

Two more Zentangle Valentine's!

As Valentine Day rapidly approaches people search out a special card for that someone special. With an ACEO Valentine you can give a card that is also an art piece which can be framed and viewed with loving remembrance of that special day on which it was given. These Valentines are titled "Me + You = Us!" and "You + Me = We!". After all, Valentine's Day is really a celebration of a couples' love for each other. 

Happy Valentine Day to all the couples out there!

Karen Anne

A terrific new way to mount your favorite ACEO!

I was very excited about the creation of my first ACEO Mount Mat / Mounting Matte (http://www.etsy.com/listing/66053940/new-idea-for-aceo-mount-mat-or-mounting) and decided to create another one. These mount mats are a wonderful way in which to showcase your favorite ACEO's!

I also included some additional examples to show how versatile this ACEO zentangle design for mounting ACEO's actually is. 

So, what do you think?  Isn't this a grand way to show off an ACEO!

Karen Anne

"Zentangle Design for mounting a favorite ACEO"

I am always trying to find a unique and unusual way to showcase an ACEO.  When I began this latest design I thought it would be interesting to try my hand at a border and see where that would take me.  Over the days that I worked on this piece I became intrigued with the idea that it might serve to make a nice background on which to mount a favorite ACEO.  So, as the work progressed, that overall idea became my theme.

Once I had completed my objective, I scanned the art piece to my computer and printed out a copy to see how it would work.  It was printed on an 8.5"x11" sheet of acid free paper and the printed area measures 8"x10.25".  I took one of my "The Letter B" ACEO's (with white background), placed a piece of double-sided tape on the back of the ACEO centered it on the blank center of the print and affixed it to the top of the print.  I then trimmed off the edges of the print to fit an 8"x10" frame and the result is what you see in the example I photographed and included here as a sample.

I also included some additional examples to show how versatile this ACEO zentangle design for mounting ACEO's actually is.

I think it turned out rather well and plan to list it in My Etsy Shop.  I would really like to hear what you think about this idea.

"Zentangle Design for mounting a favorite ACEO"

"Framed example with ACEO affixed to the center"

"Another example with Basket Full Of Posies"

"Example with Buffalo Skull ACEO"

"Example with Fantasy Mushrooms ACEO"

I am not sure what I should call this, do you have an idea or thought?  A mounting design for an ACEO?

Thanks!

Karen Anne

"A Zentangle Sunset"

After I had completed "A Zentangle Sunrise" my hubby asked that I illustrate a tree with more personality and friendly mushrooms. Of course I was simply delighted to fulfill his request, especially since his birthday is just around the corner! The finished result is titled "A Zentangle Sunset" which I am happy to share with you as well.



The original drawing was executed on a size 9"x12" sheet of art paper and took about 4 days to complete.  I have listed it in My Etsy Shop as an authorized art print (printed on 8.5"x11" sheet of acid free paper) and in the reduced ACEO format size (2.5"x3.5").  


I really like how this piece turned out and hope you like it as well.

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

A Zentangle Sunrise

Happy New Year!

I have been so busy during the holidays that I had very little time for art work or even getting on the internet to see what is happening in the lives of family and friends.   After the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities I finally made time to pick up my pen and see where it would take me.

In this illustration I had nothing in particular in mind and just began putting pen to paper, the finished result is an amusing little piece I call "A Zentangle Sunrise".  I will be posting it later in My Etsy Shop as an authorized art print (8"x10") and reduced ACEO format size of 2.5"x3.5".

Happy New Year All!

Karen Anne

Eureka! "The Letters E & U" ....

EUreka!  With the completion of "The Letter E" and "The Letter U" I have finished "The Alphabet Series"!

I began my quest to complete a zentangle alphabet series on 9/18/2010 and finished this project on 11/21/2010.  One letter takes approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.  Many a day I would wake around 6AM and be so drawn to the letter I was illustrating that I would work on it until 5 or 6PM that evening.  Each letter has been lovingly drawn using India Ink on plain white paper, then carefully cut out.  After which I painted a water color background and applied the completed letter to the dried water color.  

I have listed the letters "E" and "U" in My Etsy Shop available with color backgrounds and plain white backgrounds as authorized art prints (8"x10") and Open Edition ACEO's (2.5"x3.5").  

So, with no further ado, I happily share with you ....

          

"The Letter E"

"The Letter U"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter K"

OK! - I'm on my way to the finish of my alphabet series with completion of "The Letter K"!  This is the 24th letter, leaving only two more to illustrate!  I have already listed "K" in My Etsy Shop as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Sandie of Arizona, one of my Etsy Shop's loyal patrons, was the first to guess that I was working on "K" and I am now working on another letter for her.  Out of the two remaining letters, which do you think I am working on right now???


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the only letter remaining but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter K"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter V"

I feeling victory coming on with the completion of "The Letter V"! This is the 23rd letter in my alphabet series, only 3 left!  E, U, and K.  I have listed this in My Etsy Store as an authorized art print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").  In addition to that, I am now making all the letters available with a white background as well!  


Chris, Paint1Chris, was the first guesser of "The Letter V" and she has kindly chosen from the vast amount of remaining initials, the letter of her choice.  What letter do you think Chris chose?  


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter V"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter F"

It is just fabulous to finally finish and feature "The Letter F"! With the completion of this letter I am left with only four letters to illustrate ... E, K, U, and V.  I have recently listed this in My Etsy Shop as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") as well as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Stacy, MagicLoveCrow, has once again been the first guesser (I am beginning to think Stacy is psychic!) and has very kindly selected the twenty-third letter for me to illustrate.  Please venture a guess as to which letter Stacy has chosen!


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter F"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter I"

I invite you to inspect "The Letter I", the latest addition in my alphabet series! "I" is the twenty-first letter to be illustrated, leaving only five initials to be completed!   I have listed this in My Etsy Shop and it is available to you as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") or as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Sandie of Arizona, one of my Etsy Shop's fantastic customers, was the first guesser of this initial and she has favored us with her choice of a new letter to be illustrated.   There are now only five letters left to choose from, they are E, F, K, U, and V.  Which one of you will be first to guess which letter Sandie favored us with?


If you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter I"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter P"

Proudly presenting "The Letter P"!  This is the twentieth letter in the alphabet series, leaving only six letters to complete - E, I, U, F, K, and V.  I have listed "The Letter P" in My Etsy Shop today as an authorized art print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").

Stacy, MagicLoveCrow, was first guesser of this letter and has chosen her next letter and stated she wanted to keep everything interesting.  Stacy has done a fine job of keeping things interesting!  Can you guess which letter Stacy chose?

If you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter P"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter G"

This is a good day to present to you "The Letter G"! We are drawing near to the completion of the "Alphabet Series" with only seven letters to yet be illustrated; those being "E", "I", "U", "F", "K", "P", and "V".   It seems amazing that I have come this far and the distance to the finish is now not that far away.

Sandie, of Arizona (one of My Etsy Shop's wonderful patrons), guessed that I was working on "The Letter G" and has graciously chosen the next letter for me to illustrate.  Which letter do You think Sandie chose?

If you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter G"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne