Monday, February 28, 2011

"Before and After"

I finally finished adjusting the Celtic Mount Mat #1 that was too large to fit into a 8"x10" opening correctly.  In PhotoShop I learned how to cut out one part, reduce another part, and touch up using PS tools with the aid of a Wacom Tablet.

So, with no further ado's, here are the before and after prints .....
BEFORE


 

                                                           AFTER
                   

What do you think?
Karen Anne

Friday, February 25, 2011

"Wacom Pad To The Rescue!"

Remember that first Celtic Knot Mount Mat that I made, which was to large to fit in an 8x10 frame?  Well, a reader (Lise Winne, Hi Lise and thanks!) of my blog, told me how to reduce it without reducing the center square in PhotoShop!  I tried it out and was 75% successful, the other 25% I innovated on, but it is working!  I then decided I wanted to try and spiffy it up in PhotoShop and began trying my hand at using the erasure and pencils tools.  Working with the mouse proved to be quite tedious and cumbersome, when I remembered I had a Wacom Pad with a pencil that I could use?

I had purchased it about 4 years and was learning to use it when we acquired "Danny Boy" (our little miniature pinscher) to the family; during his puppy teething stage he chewed up about 6 inches of the Wacom pad cord, which was NOT removable!  With the cord chewed up and wire exposed, it no longer worked.  So I stuck it away, meaning to get it fixed at Wacom (in Vancouver, WA) and then completely forgot about it until today.  I was thinking this would be so much easier with a pencil, then I looked up and saw the Wacom pencil peacefully sitting on top of my computer cabinet, so I pulled out the Wacom pad and checked the wire, it didn't look that great, yet it didn't look that bad.  I wondered if perhaps a little electrician's tape might be a cure for what ailed it and decided to try.  Wrapped it tight, plugged it in, said a prayer to "God" and tried it out ... it works!  I popped back into PhotoShop and tried it out and WOW! was I delighted!  Magnifying the image up to 300% and using the Wacom pencil works wonders!  So much easier than the sloppy work I was getting from my mouse!  Now I am going to complete the entire project until I become proficient in using it (Wacom) to clean up various pieces of artwork.  I think it will definitely prove to be a life saver. 

I am slowly beginning to appreciate PhotoShop and learning how to use the various tools.  Sometimes I get stuck and the program locks up, but I figure if I keep on trying I'll eventually get it somewhat mastered.

Will share the finished results of this project once it is completed and then you can compare it to the original and let me know what you think.


Or ... maybe I'll be sharing the frustration of this project with you?  Hope not!

Thanks a bunch for listening and happy day to all!
Karen Anne

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

"A Wee Bit O' Irish Cheer!"

St. Paddy's Day is just around the corner, may you be starting off right with a wee bit o' "Irish Cheer" in the charming company o' this spirited little leprechaun! 








May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

"Five New ACEO's!"

I just love ACEO's!  When you have a little bit of time you can create a little piece of art.  An ACEO creation can be created just about anywhere, snuggling up on the couch, sitting in a car, camping, in the middle of the night when you can't get back to sleep, filling in time at a local art show .... they have to be an artist's best friend when one has only a bit of time and not enough energy to work on something larger.

That said, I have been squeezing in little ACEO's here and there for the past week and finally got them photographed and ready to list in my Etsy Shop later on this week.  In the meantime, I thought I'd take out a bit of time to share them with my friends.

"A Floral Knot"
"A Knot of Shamrocks"
"Three Tortoises" (already listed in my Etsy Shop)
"Mushroom"
"Mushrooms and Fern"

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and letting me share my artwork with you.
Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady




Monday, February 21, 2011

"Back In The Groove"

Hi everybody!

Well, it has been busy the past week or so.  Last week I was driving my sister back & forth for chemo treatments for a blood & bone marrow malady she is struggling through and I learned my friend in B.C. is being treated for her cancer weekly with her chemo treatments.  Our passports are in the works and should arrive sooner than later so we should be heading up north sometime in March!

In between taking my sis to her treatments I jumped into my own survival therapy ... art work!  First I designed what I thought would be a great mount mat for ACEO's in a celtic knot pattern.  I wanted it to fit into an 8"x10" frame so I measured carefully and laid out my pattern and began.  I finished it last Friday morning (2/18) and printed off my first copy and I was delighted with it!

Went to put it into an 8"x10" frame and, horror of horrors, it was a bit too large!  I had drawn it to exactly 8"x10" measurements, which when put into a frame obscures the outer edges because there is about an 1/8" ridge on a 8"x10" frame .... but I still like it, so here it is:
But, because I wasn't happy with the overall effect and I couldn't reduce because then the area where the ACEO is to be mounted reduces as well and then it doesn't look right.  So, not to be discouraged, I began a new plan of attack on a similar design with my drawing measurements being smaller, around 7"x9".  I just finished the new design today (2/21), putting in about 8 hours a day for the past 4 days, and I am really HAPPY with the results!  And it fits!  Yes!

Here, for your viewing enjoyment, is my "new and improved" B & W Celtic Knot Design Mount Mat for ACEO's......
Would love to hear how you like both versions and what you think of these pieces.  I will be posting the second version in My Etsy Shop later on this week.  First I have to take a few photographs of how it looks framed.
Hugs!
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"I Am Numb"

I met my bestest of friends in the entire world back in the early 1980's, up on the Queen Charlotte Islands (now known as Haida Gwaii).  She is a one in a million friend and we and our families have grown up with each other.  Who would have known that meeting someone in another country could bring so much joy, amusement, laughter and adventures to ones existence ... I sure didn't!  But it happened and I am so delighted and grateful that it did.

My dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago.  She had the mastectomy, chemo, radiation and everything looked good!  HooRay!  Well, things were going good until a few weeks back.  Then she went in for an exam, learned "It" was back.  In her liver and probably in her bones .... no!

I found out today, from a mutual close friend, that her liver is basically destroyed and the cancer has most probably moved into her bones.  She had tried to tell me in a round about way, but I couldn't accept it, I realize now that I was in denial.  She told me her doctor's said that "it's quality of life vs. quantity of life" and asked me to come to her soon, in fact sooner than soon because she wants to enjoy our company while she is still "normal" and  before she is no longer able.

If she lived in the US it would be sooooo easy ... but she lives in British Columbia.   Our passports expired nearly 5 years ago ... we have the renewal process begun but what I want to ask now .... please, "Pray that the process for Jim & Karen works quickly!".... and please pray for quality of life and enjoyment for her.

When her husband died of cancer, we made about 9-10 trips up there to support them in their worst of times.  Please offer your prayers so that our passport renewals will take less than the 4-6 week process time so that we can go up to BC to support her.

Your prayers do count and work ...
Take care & God bless,
Karen Anne  

"Two More Flapper Cloche Hats"

Since St. Patrick's Day is approaching, I thought I first list the cloches in greens in My Etsy Shop.

The first one is pale green with a white carnation ....

and the second is mixed green yarns with a green carnation...


Happy St. Patrick's Day all!
Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

"Celtic Knot Shamrock"

St. Patrick's Day is on its way and I thought now would be a good time to try my hand at some Celtic Knot designs. My first attempt at this beautiful style of art is a piece I have titled "Celtic Knot Shamrock".   I have the original ACEO as well as Open Edition ACEO art prints now available in My Etsy Shop.



I am going to try my hand at some more celtic knot designs and hope to be sharing them with you in the near future.  Wish me luck (of the Irish?) in my latest endeavors!

Your friend,
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

"Obsession? or knot?"

I found this adorable crochet pattern for a flapper cloche hat and made up a few dozen to give away to friends and family at Christmas time. I loved the webbed design in this hat and decided it needed a little something extra so I added a darling crocheted carnation (with a safety pin for easy removal) to the side. 

Since then I seem to have become obsessed with crocheting this particular hat with flower and in the evenings, when I am sitting back watching television, my hands just seem to have to be crocheting one after another. I now have more than enough for this coming Christmas and am still making more!

Finally, my husband pointed out that I have more hats than I need, especially if I keep on making them. Both he and my daughter (who loves her many hats) suggested I list them in My Etsy Shop and share them with others. So that is what I am now doing. 

No two hats are exactly alike since I do like variation (except for the pattern).








Happy Day!
Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

Thursday, February 3, 2011

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

An ACEO Zentangle Valentine "One True Love"

Valentine is quickly approaching and I decided to try my hand at an ACEO Valentine. It seems we meet many people in our live but there is only one who is really extra special in your life, so out of all the loves in one's life I present the "One True Love".

I was lucky enough to meet my "One True Love" and marry him 43 years this coming February 17th. We would have gotten married on Valentine's Day, but it fell on a Wednesday that week, in 1968, so we opted for Saturday the 17th ... figured people would show up for the wedding that way!

Please keep in mind that, because the drawing has been scanned to the computer, the image is considerably larger than the actual art piece. Therefore, you can not realize the delicacy of the line work and fine detail of the image as a result.



"One True Love"

A happy Valentine Day to one and all!
Love,
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

Sunday, January 30, 2011

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

Some new ACEO's ....

My husband thought it might be nice if I created some ACEO illustrations to compliment my "My Chinese Mudmen" art piece. So here we have two new ACEO's  titled "Bonsai!" and "Chinese Garden Lantern".  The originals are available in My Etsy Shop along with Open Edition ACEO copies of each.




Please keep in mind that, because the drawing has been scanned to the computer, the image is considerably larger than the actual art piece. Therefore, you can not realize the delicacy of the line work and fine detail of the image as a result.






"Bonsai!"

"Chinese Garden Lantern"

Happy day all!
Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

Saturday, January 29, 2011

"Tory The Tortoise"

I liked the tortoise in my last illustration ("My Chinese Mudmen") so well that I decided to put him on an ACEO (2.5"x3.5") and named him "Tory The Tortoise". He is quite a cute and charming little character and dearly loves long leisure walks and meeting old and new friends along his journey.

Please keep in mind that, because the drawing has been scanned to the computer, the image is considerably larger than the actual art piece. Therefore, you can not realize the delicacy of the line work and fine detail of the image as a result.

This ACEO original measures 2-1/2" X 3-1/2", has been created on water color acid free paper and has been sealed with protective laminate. The back is dated with the date the illustration was completed, the title of the piece and my signature.  I also have open edition ACEO prints of this drawing for $1.00 each.  




Happy Day to All!
Karen Anne

Friday, January 28, 2011

"My Chinese Mudmen" - day #5 - Finished!

Hi!  Well, I completed the illustration of "My Chinese Mudmen" and now have it listed for sale in My Etsy Shop as an 8"x10" art print as well as an ACEO open edition art print (2.5"x3.5").

After I had finished working on it yesterday, I spent a relaxing evening and watched a good movie after which I snuggled into bed for a good night's rest.  At 4 AM I woke up, made a photo-copy of the original and tried out an idea that had come to me during the night and woke me up!  All day I had been stewing around about the sky, had tried out a few ideas (again on a photo-copy) and wasn't really pleased with any of them.  But now I had a grand idea and just had to try it out - make the entire sky black!  So, from 4 AM to 5 AM I spent time on the front room couch with Danny Boy (my miniature pinscher) by my side and filled in the sky with a black permanent ink pen.  When finished, I liked what I saw ... but, I wasn't sure, so I sat it up on a small easel and fell promptly back to sleep.

I woke this morning and asked my husband what he thought about the black sky, he loved it!  So today I blacked out the sky on the original and finished up with small details here and there.  I am especially pleased with the way my little turtle turned out.  Not too sure about the frog, he looks more like a lizard ... I guess he can be whatever the viewer wants him to be!

I am very proud to present to you now,  "My Chinese Mudmen" .....

Take care and God bless!
Karen Anne aka Ireland Brady

Thursday, January 27, 2011

"My Chinese Mudmen" - day #4

I got quite of bit of work done on "My Chinese Mudmen" today, but am still not finished.  There is probably at least another hour and a half to be completed and I am too tired to finish it today.  So for the rest of the evening I'll just sit back (with a nice cold beer) and study Chang, Chung, Ching and Chong's new surroundings and see what else I can add to make it extra cozy for them.

One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the zentangle designs and techniques  I have developed over the past several months, have definitely come into play in this illustration.  I feel that these newly acquired skills have greatly added to the overall dimension of the piece.

So, I am happy to share with you, "My Chinese Mudmen" and the end for today ....

(OK, boys' - strut your stuff!)

Happy day to one and all!
Take care and God bless,
Karen Anne

"My Chinese Mudmen" - day #3

I was able to get a bit more done than expected on "My Chinese Mudmen".  I have the border nearly completed and now Chang (the little guy) and Chong are in full color ....

At the suggestion of my husband, I made a photo copy of the above illustration and began trying out, with pencil, some ideas I have in mind for the background and foreground.  We'll see how close I stay to these ideas by the end of today.  Looking forward to a fun time .... here are my pencil sketch ideas ...
Hopefully, Chang (the little guy), Chung, Ching and Chong will be pleased with their new garden environment!


Take care and God bless,
Karen Anne

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

"My Chinese Mudmen" - days #1 and #2

I discovered my first "Mudman" back in 1968.  Jim and I were married in February of that year and one day I was going through some of his "stuff" and I came across this curious yet charming little figurine, removed him from the box and placed him on the window sill in my kitchen.  I later learned that Jim had received Chang (I had to give him a name and Chang seemed to suit him well) from his beloved Aunt Bess.  Chang used to sit on Aunt Bess's piano and when she passed away, Jim inherited Chang.  I learned from Jim that Chang is actually a Chinese Mudman and was probably created sometime in the 1940's.

I have had Chang in my garden plants, in a bonsai (that I killed), in a fish bowl, but he always seems to end up back in my kitchen window.  I have grown very attached to Chang over the years and I think he has become attached to my kitchen window.  A few weeks ago we had gone treasure hunting (my term for rummaging through second hand stores) and lo and behold I came across three Chinese Mudmen!  Of course I had to purchase them, Chang needed some friends to hang out with in my kitchen garden window.

As I would pass them, they would bring a smile to my heart and I finally named Chang's three new found friends ~ Chung, Ching and Chong.   As I was looking for inspiration for my next art piece I kept stopping at where Chang, Chung, Ching and Chong were congregating in front of a piece of amethyst crystals and finally thought "I'll do my Chinese Mudmen!".

I had done a rough pencil sketch and then inked over them, erased the pencil marks and began coloring Chung with Prismacolor Verithin colored pencils when my husband came over and suggested I scan the work in progress at the end of each day and share it with my friends on my blog.  Thus began the latest post of my blog.

Allow me to introduce Chung, Ching, Chong and Chang (he is the little guy in the middle) to you...


From left to right, Chung, Chang (little guy in the front middle), Ching and Chong.

I began my drawing on Monday, January 24th, and this is where I stopped that evening:
On Tuesday, January 25th, I colored in Ching and began defining my border....
Today is Wednesday, January 26th, and before I begin working on my illustration I decided to take out some time and get my post started ... will share with you tomorrow how productive I've been today!

Til then,
Take care and God bless,
Karen Anne


Saturday, January 15, 2011

"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!

Friday, January 7, 2011

"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