A Wonderful Surprise from Australia!

Today in the mail I received a wonderful surprise from my Etsy friend in Australia, SunshineShelle.  Awhile back I had won an ACEO at SunshineShelle's Blog (be sure to check out her blog, it's great!) and I sent her a photo of our little miniature pinscher, Danny Boy, and asked if she could do him.  Well, today, her beautiful ACEO Original of Danny Boy arrived!  Shelle did a beautiful job on capturing his expression and I just have to share it will all of you ....

This is the photo I sent to Shelle of Danny Boy

 

And THIS is what she did!  Beautiful!

 

Thank you so very much Shelle!  

I just love it!

Graduation Announcement Illustration

Hi friends!  My eldest granddaughter, Darien, will be graduating from high school this June.  For her graduation party announcement invitations she asked me to draw her in her softball uniform in front of the school logo. 

I had done a pencil sketch back in 2008 for her older brother's announcement invitations and she wanted the same for her invites.  I have learned a lot since 2008 so her illustration has been done in watercolor and colored inks.  She was delighted with the final art piece and I am very happy with it as well.  So, I thought I'd share with my friends .... here it is:

 

May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady
 

"Home of One Dollar Open Edition ACEO Art Prints" Plus Free Shipping in the USA for the month of May!

I was going through my shop the past few days and realized I needed to restock.  I also checked to see what other artists are selling their ACEO Prints for and soon realized I was one of the very few who offers $1 Open Edition ACEO Art Prints.  So, I thought I'd dub my shop "The Home Of The One Dollar ACEO's" .... kinda catchy, don't you think?

Anyway, in looking over the number of One Dollar ACEO's I have available I realized I have over 100 One Dollar ACEO's in stock!
You can find over 90 different ones in the One Dollar ACEO Prints Section
and over 30 in the One Dollar ACEO Alphabet Section.

In addition to a great supply of ACEO's on hand, I am also offering free domestic shipping for the month of May!  To apply the discount enter the code FREESHIPPINGUSA on your order form in the coupon box as you are checking out!

One dollar ACEO's and free shipping - Wow!  You can't get much better than that!


May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

The Times Of Danny Boy

Good Day!  I have four new ACEO's to share with you.  These little drawings are all based around the character and antics of our little min pin, Danny Boy.  Danny Boy loves to be outside when it is warm and the sun is shinning.  But occasionally he does get

"Caught By April Showers"

At other times he will be outside, enjoying a warm breeze and soaking up the sun when out of no where he will be surprised by 

"Danny Boy's Nemesis"

Most of all Danny Boy loves going on long walks in the early evening hours with his "Dad".  Danny Boy especially enjoys the springtime and is constantly stopping along the way and 

"Taking Time To Smell The Flowers"

Once he and "Dad" get home from their evening walk, Danny Boy proudly bounds into the house to let "Mom" know he has done his job and exercised "Dad"!  For this outstanding job he earns a reward of some kind, in this case it was one of his favorite treats - A Chew!  Unfortunately, this presents the poor little fellow with 

"A Dog Gone Dilemna"

And he is confronted with the challenge of finding the ultimate safe hiding place for his treasured treat!

May you always have

Love to Share,

Health to Spare,

And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne

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!

Are rain drops individually unique?

I finished a new ACEO this morning, it has a zentangle theme going on ... I call it "April Showers, Up Close and Personal".... I was wondering if each rain drop was different from the other like snowflakes are said to be; if so, perhaps this is how they might look?

May you always have

Love to Share,

Health to Spare,

And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne

A New ACEO

Hi all!  It's been a bit since I have made an original ACEO so I decided to take on this month's ACEO Challenge with its theme of "April Showers".  I have additionally taken on a challenge from my hubby to draw a picture of our little miniature pinscher, "Danny Boy".  Drawing animals is, in itself, a very big challenge to me so I have really made a concerted effort to study Danny Boy and finally came up a small illustration that I will actually share.  Bear in mind that Danny Boy loves flowers (he is always burying his little nose into any flowers he finds on his travels) but its "I'm out of here" when it comes to showers!  That said, it took a real act of courage by him to pose for this illustration, he hopes you appreciate his efforts.

This little ACEO is titled "April Showers Bring Sweet Flowers"

May you always have

Love to Share,

Health to Spare,

And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Two New Fantasy Illustrations!"

I must have been in the mood for a bit of fantasy when I illustrated these two little numbers which I have titled "My Inner Elfs" and  "A World Of Our Own".  These are black and white illustrations complete with elves, mushrooms, plus much more.   I have just listed them for sale as authorized art prints in My Etsy Shop.


In addition to being black and white compositions, they also makes dandy coloring pages! Children of all ages (we all have an inner child in us somewhere) will find delight in coloring them in using colored pencils and fine line color marking pens. When completed, if one decides to add their own color, one can add to the bottom of the page "Colored by ________________".  Thereby adding their own creativity to the piece!  

"MY INNER ELFS"

"A WORLD OF OUR OWN"

May you always have

Love to Share,

Health to Spare,

And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Would You Like To Be Included?"

Hi!  The other day I was wondering how I could better connect with people when I complete a new art piece.  I currently post them on my blog and list them in My Etsy Shop; the only additional places I promote my work are on My Twitter,  My FaceBook Fan Page, sometimes in Etsy Team Forums, plus The Acetsy Team Blog and VAST Team Blog.

What I really want is to connect more personally with those who have expressed in interest in my pieces.  So I sat down and thought why not make up a group email list of those people?  That way, when I complete a piece of work or have a special promotion I can let them know before the general public.

In these group mailings I will send all participants only "Bcc" copies so that your email address will NOT be shared with others.  I don't work fast enough to be overwhelming your inbox with a lot of excess mail so, if you would like to be included, you can let me know by sending an email request to me at     IrelandsMusings@mail.com     (an address I set up just for responses to this post).


May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
An Friends who Care!


Karen Anne Brady aka IrelandBrady

"Store Discount Coupon for the month of April"

I am also offering a store discount coupon in My Etsy Shop for the month of April of 25%.  This discount will apply to all items in my shop.  To use this coupon enter the code EASTER25 on your order when you are checking out.  The discount will be automatically applied at check out.  This discount will not apply to shipping and handling.

Good health and good luck!
Karen Anne

"Discount Coupon for Blog Followers"

As a small thank you to all of my blog followers, for the entire month of April I am offering a discount of 30% on all items in My Etsy Shop.  If you would like to make use of this discount, use the code MYBLOG30 on your order form when you are checking out.  The discount will be automatically applied to your purchase.  The discount will not apply to shipping and handling.

May you celebrate a joyous Easter Season!

Karen Anne

"DayDay turns 21 today!"

I can't believe it, our oldest grandson, Dayton "DayDay" turned 21 today!  My oh my, how time does fly!
It seems like just yesterday when he was this sweet little angel ...

and then he graduated from high school ...

And now he is a young man working and attending college ...

Life passes by so quickly ....

My birthday wish for DayDay is good health, good luck, good love 

and happiness and joy in the life he has been given.

Happy Birthday my dear DayDay!

Gramma Karen Anne

"Eirinn Go Brach!"

After I completed "Irish Eyes Are Smiling" I decided I liked the character so well that I would illustrate a larger version with more detail.  Today I finished "Eirinn Go Brach!" and I must say, I am really pleased with the results.

I haven't had a chance to list him yet in My Etsy Shop but I thought I give my blog friends a preview...

"Eirinn Go Brach"

Hope you like him as much as I do!

Happy Day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Two New ACEO's"

I have been busy working on celtic knotwork design exercises and finally decided it was time to do some ACEO's.  This first one is a variation on a design I learned through exercises in Sheila Sturrock's book, "Celtic Knotwork Designs" ......

"Celtic Knot in Purples and Blues"

In this next ACEO I have combined my love of drawing people with my love for celtic designs and come up with my version of "Irish Eyes Are Smiling". The inspiration for this came from a picture of a mountain man my husband was using for one of his projects. When I saw the picture I saw an Irishman in his kilt and holding his shillelagh (prounounced shih-LAY-lee), a far cry from a gruffy looking mountain man wouldn't you say! Anyway, that is the image I saw in my mind and drew.

"Irish Eyes Are Smiling"

I have listed both ACEO's in My Etsy Shop today.  If you get a chance, stop by and visit!

Happy Day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Celtic Knotwork Designs" by Sheila Sturrock-Exercises #58 to #63"

Today I was able to work in six exercises from Chapter 6 of Sheila's Sturrock's book "Celtic Knotwork Designs".  With each design I find my confidence building and the ribbons are becoming more consistent in their widths.  By coloring them in I am adding my own personal touch to each design.

Today my husband asked, "Just how many exercises are there in that book?", so I took a look ... there are at least 222 exercises!  As I am now only up to 63 that leaves 159 exercises to complete, hmmm .... I may not be posting all the exercise designs in my blog after all.  I'd probably end up boring you all to tears!

I will keep my goal of completing the book, however .... I think I am going to have to pace myself and get some art pieces for My Etsy Shop completed and posted; otherwise people may think I have fallen off the planet because I am not adding to my shop's inventory.  Don't want that to happen!  I think I'll try to incorporate some of what I have already learned into my next art work.

"Exercises 58 through 63"

Take care all and God Bless,

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Chapter 6 - Exercises #52 through #57"

I was back to the drawing pad with some celtic knot designs today, not as many as yesterday but I did manage to get in a couple.  I have now entered into Chapter 6 of Sheila Sturrock's "Celtic Knotwork Design" and am relaxing enough to have a bit of fun by coloring them in.

Today I completed designs number 52 through 57.  Would have completed more but regular life imposed upon me (doing dishes, cleaning up messes, paying bills, preparing food ... you know the mundane stuff that keeps one's life comfortable), oh to have a house keeper!  That is my fantasy dream!

With no further ado, here is what I completed today:

"Exercises #52 through #57"

If you should ever decide you want to try your hand at celtic knotwork, get Sheila's book;  she has brilliantly laid out and simplified the art of celtic knotwork!  

Take care and happy day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"Celtic Knot Design Exercises #23 through #51"

I have been a busy person today!  I was so excited about learning more celtic knot designs that I started in at 6:30AM today and finally pried my fingers off my pen tonight at 5:30PM.  I think I over did it, my fingers were locked in position!  And "Danny Boy" (my miniature pinscher) was not too happy with me today ... I guess he felt ignored, poor baby!

I did mange to complete two pages of celtic knot exercises from Chapter 5 of Sheila Sturrock's book "Celtic Knotwork Designs" and am pleased with how much I have learned.  I also received, in today's mail, "Celtic Knotwork Handbook" by Sheila Sturrock, which is a smaller condensed version of "Celtic Knotwork Designs".  It is small and compact and I'll be able to take it along on trips, etc. and practice designs whenever I find the opportunity.  Yes!

So... here are the two pages of exercises I completed today .....

"Exercises #23 to #38"

"Exercises #39 to #51"

As you can see, the designs are beginning to get more detailed and complex.  This is so much fun and exciting to be learning something I thought was beyond my comprehension!  I am now beginning to understand the plotting and how one can alter a design to give it a different perspective.  

My eldest grandson requested that I create a celtic design for him to have made into a tattoo awhile back and I told him I didn't think I was capable of doing one.  By the time I have finished this book I think I will have the confidence to create a special design just for him.  Won't that be grand!

Take care all and may your day be filled with blessings and love!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

  

"Learning The In's & Out's of Celtic Knots"

I really want to know more about the art of Celtic Knot Designs so I purchased several books by various authors.  The one book that really "clicked" with the way my mind works is Celtic Knotwork Designs by Sheila Sturrock.  I received the publication, with others, yesterday and immediately started myself on a regime of trying out each of the designs she has patiently laid out, beginning with design #1.

I hope to become versatile in Celtic Knot Designs so that eventually I can incorporate these wonderful designs into my art work in ways that will enhance what I am creating.

I thought those of you who are following along might enjoy watching my progress of the various exercises through the chapters in her book.  I have just completed Chapter 3 and am attaching the exercises I have so far completed.

Exercises #1 through #13

Exercises #14 through #22

If any of you are interested in learning the art of celtic knot designs you can purchase reasonably priced books through http://www.abebooks.com/.  If you are interested in books by Sheila Sturrock here is a direct link to her books through ABEBooks.com.

As I said earlier, I have been through several books and her books really connect with the way my mind works and I am clearly understanding each lesson I learn.  Many thanks to Sheila Sturrock!

Take care and happy day!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady

"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

"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